I am back! Welcome to yet another chapter everyone! Sorry for keeping you all waiting but I still have a lot to do. Hey, if I think on the bright side I see that I only have three weeks before I finish my exams…if I think on the opposite side I'll have to say that I still have three weeks before I finish (Rea sighs heavily). Let's just put this show on the road. For the already-lost-count-th time I DON'T OWN ANYTHING IN THIS STORY! Sheesh! You lawyers should really stop harassing poor innocent fanfic writers. (Tanathos appears out of nowhere and coughs loudly. Rea hits him with a dishwasher.) Don't ask me where that came from either. Aria and her friends and family (meaning the OCs) are all mine.
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A.N – Still waiting for you to give me your names for Aria's amulet. At this point AoA's suggestion is still winning but keep voting…
Here are the three already submitted. Please vote for your favourite or submit your own.
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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
Benu – It means "to rise in brilliance" and it is a way to refer to the phoenix. It's Egyptian – Submitted by Crystalparadise
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Vote please…?
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Answers to my reviewers:
Grasshopper2 – Hello to you and welcome to my story! I am really glad that you consider this a good story even though you have dislike for OCs. Sometimes I do too when people make them just too perfect or too…I don't really know how to explain. Maybe it's just that they are too far away from the other characters that sometimes they seem not to fit in. I hope that isn't happening with Aria. Now I really love knowing you are reading this but no passing out ok? And yes I like that chapter a lot too. One of the few I knew nearly from the start that had to make an appearance. Well I think I'm done for now. Hope you like it.
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Angel Of Apocolypse – Hey AoA! Yes, people have voted for your name. Yes, they think is a good one. Yes, I know it's a good one. And no, you can't vote more than once, especially not a hundred times. About your family and friend's comments I can only say that they are right…You have a severe case of Selphie-syndrome. But worry not. You'll live.
I think they know what's best…maybe? Nah. Ignore them and live the way you want to. Is there anything better than being able to do that? Anyways thanks for comments about the chappie and I'm sorry but Aria's amulet's name will only appear in about…don't know for sure but not less than four or five chapters. Think you can hold on till then?
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DarthStriker – HI! You came back! Evil? Who? I'm so not evil (Thanatos raises dishwasher slowly and mumbles an "of course not". The dishwasher falls again). And nails are good for you. They are…huh…nutritive? Ok, forgetting that thanks a lot for your review. I absolutely loved it.
About the romance problem…well the thing is that…let's look at the characters. Squall (come on, everyone that's reading this should already know that the guy was involved in the romance part eons ago), is emotionally repressed. There's no other way to say it. You would have fewer problems making a wall confessing undying love for the floor or something (don't know where that came from either. Weird.) And Aria is stubborn as a mule. Make the math.
And as much as I want to give you the "in the face" romance you asked I really don't want to rush things. If I do, I would probably get them out of character in an irreversible way. Have a bit of patience. I guarantee you'll like it when it comes.
Nevertheless I'm happy you like Aria, as well as Red and Taur's interventions and you can bet that the whole "world" problem is really going to show in the next chapters.
And…( Rea gapes at screen) this is your favourite FFVIII story right now? Holy "#$&! Thank you so much. Here's my update then. You can stop eating your nails now.
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Crystalparadise – You reviewed again! Alright! Welcome once again to this place I call…I'll get you back on that one. Anyways (Rea blushes heavily) professional? I'm happy you think so but I'm working to get to a really different area right now. This is more like my hobby. Thank you nonetheless.
Anyone getting away with making Aria sad and/or angry? Not going to happen (Evil crackle behind Rea. Looks around and frowns). Sadistic ghosts…they seem to be attracted to my place. I really don't why (A "yeah right" comes from under the dishwasher). No nails? Do what do and say goodbye to your pens. It will keep the suspense from doing permanent damage. For the romance part please read the review above. I explain everything there. They'll just need to suffer a bit more.
And going to Egypt is bad news! Well to me maybe 'cause I really like your reviews and all but don't worry. I'll wait patiently until you can review again. I still have nails after all. Don't be worried about aeroplanes. They are the safest transport you can use and after the first ten minutes in which you keep thinking "pleasedon'tfallpleasedon'tfallpleasedon'tfall" you'll see that you'll be fine. Avoid the greenish-black thing in the meat though. I still don't know what it is and I really don't think it's a good idea to find out.
Thanks for the warning. Next time the Vader part reviews I won't be so freaked out. Nopee, you're not saying goodbye. You'll be back, safe and sound, soon enough with an added tan that will take months to wear out. Pack lots of sun protector and don't forget lots of water. See? I can give good advice. Have a good trip and wonderful holidays. Hope to read from you soon.
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And welcome to the twenty-forth chapter of Second Life. Be back in a bit…
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3rd Person POV
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No member of the group was able to get more than silence from Ariadne as soon as she and Zell came back with the two companions they had been sent to search. Not a single word had left her lips unless for cool suggestions every now and then before the discussion turned into battle once more.
She was by a side against a wall, away from the core of the discussion, cold emerald eyes surveying unflinchingly as she watched the large group, a hand absently playing with the blood red katana.
Fuming would be the word Stephanie would use if she could see her.
And only few would be able to recognize her very bad mood. Her normal ones were explosive, anger and annoyance making her blow up as a consequence of a very short fuse. The one she was on the moment was worse. One she could barely remember having ever since her thirteen years old.
She just felt…empty. And cold.
– "Why don't you stop them Aria?" – Sacred knew better than to speak of the things she didn't want to speak about. Even as he and his brother felt the anger and sadness permeating each touch of their bond.
– "I'm not the leader Red" – She answered curtly, hand moving the long blade slowly – "And right now I don't think I would be able to keep my mouth shut if anyone says a wrong word." – A feeling came through the bond. One she could only deduce as a raised eyebrow as strange as that sounded. She sighed mentally.
– "I'm sorry guys. You have no fault at all for my problems." – A dismissive sound came from Minotaur.
– "Screw that. They are morons. Do what you will" – If she wasn't so angry her jaw would have met the ground.
– "See the result of your cursing?" – Asked Sacred despairingly – "Now I will have to deal with this for eternity. However he is right. They will not surpass this easily and you are loosing time." – She snorted softly.
– "And what do you want me to do Red? Scream at them?" – Whatever answer she was expecting it wasn't the one she got.
– "Yes" – A single word spoken quietly and with the same certainty she was used to hear on the GF's voice.
– "You are on the outside Aria." – He continued calmly – "You can see the situation better than them. They hold their memories as a shield from the truth they should see. You don't."
– "Good one Bro" – Commented Taur with what she was sure to be a mental equivalent of a rolling of eyes – "That was so confusing that almost seemed a compliment." – She could almost feel her fey mood vanish slowly.
They always had that effect on her.
However a single look towards the still arguing group made all the good that their presence had done null.
– "It was a compliment" – Sacred's voice was so calm. Like a parent should be. Like hers had been. – "Just try not to kill anyone" – And the last part had carried resignation.
Ariadne didn't do anything immediately. Her eyes just flickered from one member of the group to another, a small frown marring her previously emotionless features.
Quistis was being her normal self. A cool head in the middle of two very hot-headed guys.
Zell and Irvine.
Selphie wasn't speaking. Her usually cheerful eyes were pained and confused as she looked at the man that had ordered the attack on her home.
Rinoa? Aria wouldn't be the one to claim to know what she was thinking. As Selphie she seemed only to watch as the drama played in front of her.
And Squall…? She was having a hard time just to look at his face without the urge to hit him.
– "Why don't you just kill me and get it over with?" – Seifer said loudly breaking her thoughts apart. She groaned in frustration as she saw Zell preparing to act in that invitation.
– "Enough!" – Her voice cut the noise sharply as she took herself away from the wall.
– "Almasy" – She hissed – "If you can't say something worth the breath it takes, keep that hole you call a mouth shut" – Her free hand grasped the wrestler's shoulder and pulled him next to Irvine.
– "He moves from this place and I'll knock him out. Don't tempt me" – If she had taken any attention to their reactions she would have burst laughing with the shell-shocked expressions. But she didn't as she turned once more to Seifer.
– "Let's make some things clear" – She started icily – "I don't like you. I quite frankly know that you are a bloody bastard not to mention your whole holier-than-you attitude that annoys the hell out of me. Meaning I would be very pleased in being allowed to kick your ass. But I won't" – She made a pause drawing a quivering breath in order to calm herself. No one spoke a word.
– "Get yourself at Galbadia Garden. The three of you." – She continued looking at Fujin and Raijin faithfully by his side – "President Laguna should accompany you or else you will probably get lynched on the spot. Ask to speak with Alexander Stone and Stephanie McAllister. They are the most level-headed from my group."
"This is the one chance that I'll try to give you Almasy. If I get back to find anyone hurt or you screwing things up…" - Aria let the threat trail before she smirked coldly. – "I'll be the first one in line to kill you" – She turned around to her friends silently.
– "To all of you I have two words. Grow up. We are doing something far more important than your petty squabbles. In case you have forgotten we have a sorceress's powers to neutralize, a trip to the future to make and another sorceress to take care of. You are Seeds. Act like it."
– "Ever heard of the word overkill Aria?" – Grumbled Minotaur.
– "That would be far more credible if you weren't laughing brother" – Sighed Sacred.
– "Rinoa" – Called Ariadne forcing herself to calm down from her temper display – "You had something to control a sorceress's powers. Where is it?" – The girl jumped when she realized the Galbadian was talking to her eliciting a snort from somewhere behind Aria.
She chose to ignore it as Rinoa looked frantically in her pack before throwing something at her. Ariadne caught it easily, eyes analyzing the small trinket. It was beautiful. A large dark blue jewel nestled on a pure silver bracelet covered in…her eyes narrowed slightly.
– "I could swear this is Latin" – She thought as she watched the carved letters
– "Something wrong Aria?" - Quistis smiled when sea green eyes met hers in a way that conveyed her slight amusement at the situation. The girl blinked, somewhat confused, before shaking her head.
– "I really hope this works on Adel. Better than killing someone in cold blood." – She threw it at Squall not stopping to see his reaction.
– "You three come with me" – She ordered to the former Balamb students as she began walking to the door, katanas already on her hands slowly twisting in an automatic movement – "I have a letter to write. And somehow I don't think I have enough bullshit to make it convincing." – She stopped and gave Quistis a pleading look.
– "Help?" – The instructor rolled her eyes before approaching her sister and, placing an arm around her shoulders began steering her to the door.
– "I do believe you are hopeless Aria" – She commented lightly as they left the others behind. No one moved on the room as they disappeared until…
- "Almasy!" – Came Ariadne's pissed off voice – "Get your ass out here or I swear by Hyne that I'll send you to get slaughtered" – Seifer was about to open his mouth to yell back but Fujin stopped him by grabbing his arm and pulling him along with Raijin trailing not far behind saying something that sounded suspiciously like "whipped, ya know?".
Laguna looked from the door to the remaining members of the group and raised an eyebrow.
– "Is she always like this?" – Selphie grinned
– "You have seen nothing yet sir Laguna. You should see her on a round with…" - Irvine placed a hand on her mouth and gave the president an apologetic look.
– "That was rather rude" – Commented Rinoa looking at the door – "She could have told that as if she wasn't about to bite our heads off." – Irvine rolled his eyes.
– "And we would have listened? And this is Aria were talking about. She was probably controlling herself not to do worse."
- "Are you two finished?" – Interrupted Squall, talking for the first time ever since Ariadne had intervened. He gave them no time to answer.
– "Selphie, escort the president to the Ragnarok and return as soon as possible with the others." – He looked at the small bracelet on his hand – "We'll take care of Adel" – Cold blue eyes turned to his companions and he nodded.
– "Let's go" – Laguna watched the group leave with only a small brunette as a company.
– "Is he always like this?" – Selphie laughed.
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- "That's the biggest load of crap I've ever read Beckerman. I hate to say this but you are good" – Ariadne's eyebrow rose slowly as she took the letter she had finished writing from Seifer's hand.
– "A compliment Almasy? I'm touched" – She stood from the chair she had been sitting on after signing the paper – "Mr. President" – A small smile crossed her lips as the older man seemed to blush slightly in embarrassment.
– "You should go first to talk to them" – Aria suggested before a smirk appeared – "Knowing Sasha she would probably place Almasy unarmed on the Training Grounds." – Quistis looked from her sister to the annoyed warrior.
– "Pity" – The sarcasm on that single word told Ariadne that Quistis had been spending way too much time with her.
– "I'm impressed" – Started Seifer – "My favorite instructor actually got…"
- "I would advise you to think" – Interrupted Quistis's cold voice – "Before you insult me. I'm not nearly as open to the idea of forgiveness as Aria." – Maybe if she had put the whip down someone would have thought she was joking.
– "Down boy" – Seifer turned to glare at Ariadne that didn't seem the least impressed – "I just stopped six persons from killing you. I think you should try to stop giving them more reasons to finish the job." – She made a small gesture with her head to Selphie by her side with her weapon on her hands ready to use and to her own blades at a moment's distance.
– "We don't need a lot more" – Added the Trabian.
– "STOP" – Everyone turned to Fujin that was glaring at Seifer. She seemed to have reached the brink of patience with the blond man.
– "QUIET. RESPECT THEM. HELPING." – Rajin coughed slightly to hide the chuckles he couldn't control
– "Good to see things back to normal, ya know?" – Selphie gave them a strange glance.
– "You're weird. But shouldn't we be going or something? Squall will probably get furious if we don't move" – Ariadne's eyes flashed with sudden annoyance but she conceded to the point nevertheless.
– "Whatever" – She almost groaned when she realized the word that had left her lips. – "Let's get going." – A small nod was enough for Quistis to take charge before she ended burying herself even more in the deep metaphorical hole she was already in.
– "Ellone and President Laguna should come with us so we can put the plan in action." – Her blue eyes locked unto Aria making said girl wince – "And you and I will have a long conversation after this." – She chose to ignore the "yes mom" that followed the statement but the small narrowing of her eyes made Ariadne understand that that was one talk she would not like.
– "Let's move then." – The rest of the party nodded before they began leaving but Aria didn't. Not immediately. She looked at the three friends and her expression carried a veiled plea.
– "If something happens to me…" - Her voice broke for a moment and she shook her head – "Warn the guys from Galbadia for me. Tell them that I'll miss them" – Fujin smiled unexpectedly placing a small hand on her shoulder
– "ARIADNE. FINE. THANK YOU." – It took sometime for the Galbadian to translate the message but when she did she found herself smiling in return.
– "Yeah, I'll be. Take care." – She took a blade as she left only to stop when a voice called her. It was Seifer.
– "Thank you Beckerman." – Curt, sharp, to the point…real. Aria found herself smilling a bit less forced.
– "We did the right thing. And that's all." – And in the back of her mind she could feel the soft pride of her guardians.
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- "Anyone wants to explain how did that happen?" – Ariadne was looking at the remains of Adel that had been killed barely moments before. Rinoa was standing up from next to her, eyes blank and unexpressive.
– "Adel broke away from the control of the amulet soon enough. Ultimecia might have helped. Then she absorbed Rinoa, for the lack of a better word. We had no other choice but to kill her" – Squall's voice was as cold as ever. – "Ultimecia seemed to have passed over to Rinoa now" – The only reason why Ariadne didn't comment was because of Quistis's hand on her arm in an unspoken warning.
– "Ellone" – Laguna appeared behind the brown haired girl guiding her to them – "Go" – Seconds were all that took for Rinoa to pass out in front of them in a flash of light – "Now bring her back Ellone" – Instructed Laguna.
– "What's with all the light show?" – Muttered Minotaur not so unexpectedly.
– "The same thing that you find necessary to do each time that I summon you guys Taur" – Ariadne answered dryly – "Now I don't know what will happen when this begin so both of you should take the rest state and wait until I call you. No buts" – She added when a feeling of uneasiness came through the bond
– "I don't wanna lose you and I can handle myself for a while" – They didn't seem convinced – "Please" – She heard a small sigh as Rinoa stood
– "Be careful" – Whispered Sacred – "We're right here Aria" – And as Minotaur's voice faded into the background of her mind she turned her attention to the president that was helping Ellone to keep standing.
– "This is it" – She turned his voice out as she looked to her sister and gave her a confident smile. Confidence that she wasn't feeling at the least. Quistis smiled in answer but a sad one before she grabbed her hand.
– "We are in deep shit, aren't we?" – Murmured Ariadne as she watched the room around them begin to shift.
– "This time I agree" – It was the last thing she heard before the world around them literally melted.
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My POV
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Ever felt like there is nothing around you?
That you are left in the middle of nowhere and alone where no one can reach you?
Ever seen the world fading until you cannot distinguish the up from down, left from right…?
Ever have the urge to pinch yourself to make sure that you still exist, that you are more than molecules and atoms and ions and whatever matter…that you are still alive?
Pray that you never will.
This is a feeling I'll carry for all existence in my nightmares. The feeling of emptiness and oblivion. The cold of nothingness…it is the most horrifying thing I have ever felt in my life.
Am I stupid or what? Next time I want to play hero I really have to give myself a nice long holiday in someplace where my brain is allowed to actually work.
But I would never leave them alone through this. As much as I'm scared out of my wits…as much as I want to buy a one way ticket home and lock myself in my room for the next millennia or so.
After this I'm retiring and moving to Shumi village. Finding stones sounds heavenly in this moment.
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3rd Person POV
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Ariadne forced her eyes to remain open as they fell on the endless string of what could only be considered as a merge of all and nothing. Countless times and dimensions that she couldn't even begin to grasp.
It was much worse than everything she had been through. Much worse than anything she could have ever thought of. The only hold on reality was Quistis's hand grasping hers as strongly as she could and the presence of the rest of them by their side. She forced her eyes to open and her stomach to settle
– "I really hate heights" – Even her voice was almost inaudible. The hand in hers held harder. Quistis had heard her.
– "Where are we going?" – Selphie's voice carried the distinct feeling that she was enjoying the trip as much as Aria. Zero to nil.
– "Edea's house" – Came Squall's answer. Ariadne's eyes widened as she felt something intangible tug in her mind. The sentence "it feels like someone walked on my grave" came easily.
– "I'll probably disappear" – Quistis's hold was so strong that it almost hurt as she heard Rinoa's sentence. Thankfulness and caring filled Ariadne's heart only to be replaced by sorrow as Squall's voice was heard once more.
– "Stay by my side. We won't let you disappear" – Aria closed her eyes briefly as her stomach gave another twist.
– "Thanks a lot for remembering me you bastard" – Dark blue eyes turned to her as if their owner had listened to her unspoken words. When Aria saw them widen suddenly she understood something was deeply wrong.
– "Aria!" – Alarm shot through her as Quistis's voice reached her ears. Ariadne turned her eyes then to see something that she should have already been waiting for. Her hand was vanishing.
– "Shit!" – The word left her mouth before Aria could stop herself as she felt Quistis desperately trying to keep hold. Ariadne looked at all of them for a moment and forced a small smile into her features.
– "I'll be waiting at the finish line. Be sure to be there" – She winked slightly at her sister, swallowing the fear that was filling her stomach, before she let go of her hand in a sudden movement. Voices calling her name followed her as she sank into her own memories.
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Oops. I wasn't supposed to end there now was I? But here's where it will stay for this week. So what do I need to ask of you right now hmmm? Need any help to remember? Yes! REVIEWS! Please say what you are thinking of the story or warn me about mistakes or errors that you might have found. Random comments or some small pieces of insanity are also accepted and welcomed (yes, my life is that boring right now). So REVIEW everyone! (Rea's mom comes for her dishwasher and drags Tanathos away while muttering something about "crazy kids" and "genes gone defective"). I have no idea what she's talking about.
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Next chapter: Memories, sorceresses, bearers, promises and a past overview…
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See ya all Thursday
Reyavie