Hey ya all! Another chapter is here and…(Rea turns behind and glares at Bellona and Ghost that had been partying. Silence falls.) Sorry everyone…we're commemorating the 100th review mark that Second Life reached this week. My neighbours also joined us with their screaming from upstairs, downstairs and also from the side. They are so nice. (Thanatos comes into the room and rolls eyes before walking away with a piece of cake.) Anyways to my infinite sorrow I DON'T OWN ANYTHING IN THIS STORY! I could swear I had said this before (Rea shrugs). Nevertheless Ariadne and all the other OCs I have introduced into the plot are mine and you can't have them.

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Answers to my dear reviewers to whom I wish lots and lost of luck, thank really, really many times for reading and reviewing and offer loads and loads of cash….forget the last one. I have Ghost haunting my wallet. That should say enough. So take loads of chocolate chip cookies instead (Rea throws mentioned cookies before going back to writing)

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SLy – (Rea reads review pondering on consequences of dropping a nuke near Sly's home). Oh, I am so happy for you…and you better see the sarcasm dripping in that sentence. No, just joking. I am happy for you and feeling sorry for myself that have to deal with all that you don't right now. Lucky devil. Welcome once again! Thank you so much for your review but I think you should see what happens when I repeat what you said. Just read. (Rea turns to companions). She says I don't seem that crazy when I have coffee. (Thanatos chokes on cake and begins coughing, Bellona begins snikering while putting ugly piece of furniture on fire while Ghost smacks forehead muttering something about delusional people. Rea smirks) See?

Anyways yep, I brought Josh back and back he will stay 'cause I have PLANS. (Ghost hides in wallet). And shhhh…don't guess (Reyavie smirks again). I have the very bad habit of turning everything upside down. You'll have your answer soon enough. About the extra chapter it will probably be written when I have a bit of free time or when I finally end SL. I'm still missing quite a bit before that. But that will be something I'll try to work on before starting the sequel. Thanks again for the suggestion and review ;) Cheers!

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Rae Anderson – (Rea throws herself against the floor as fridge wizzes by hitting burning furniture.) Huh…Hi? (Sends another look at place where devices seem to be pilling). Sorry for that. Really! But if I didn't put them the chapters would have to be cut short where they can't soooo….sorry again. (Reyavie grins). Thanks for your review though and here's what I cooked up for this week. Read on ;)

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Hibeki – Hey again Lisa. There was no problem about any delay. I have been having those all too many times the last weeks. Hope you're enjoying your time with your parents and thanks for leaving me a comment. Here's my new chapter so keep reading.

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Meepills – Heya! You know, your reviews can be really fun to read, weird and scary, but fun (Rea grins before bowing). Thanks for the appreciation on new word in the Reyavish language. I'll supply a dictionary some time. I'll pass the opportunity to say that out loud as I'm already perceived as nuts and don't need more help but I will do as you say and grab my thickest textbook. Organic chem. tome with 1255 pages sounds good? (Thanatos's eyes widen and he begins to edge away before bolting very quickly. Bellona helps herself to the cake).

Yes, hit that girl that sounds like a moron. Pity about your game though (Rea shrugs). I'm sure you will all kick ass on the next one. And yes what will happen? (Reyavie whistles innocently) Don't worry that I won't let you go to the mental institution. I'll just send Bellona to help if anyone tries to do that. But don't you even dare to threaten me with Thanatos or else I'm going to use my demon one's to turn you into a ghost before forcing you to haunt a subway bathroom for the rest of eternity (Rea laughs evilly before coughing as reads above).

Shoot…I wasn't supposed to confess that. Damn. Huh…anyways gotta run. Bye, see ya soon and that jazz and God, your nicknames never end do they?

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Serene Angel Wing – Heya Sen! Congrats for being the 100th reviewer (Loud cheers echo in room coming from out of nowhere. Rea grins). So I offer you a whole ton of my gummy bears stash 'cause I know you like them. So thanks for all the encouragement you have given me since who-knows-when.

No worries about the delay. Loved your review and who isn't addicted to that FF too? A pity I don't have enough time to play it again. But you kick Kuja to seven feet under for me okay? And as per your suggestion I will not ask about the end of luggage trip. But anything to get away from pesky cousins…(Rea winces). And your councillor tried to ban chocolate too? She's completely crazy I tell you. Evil woman. (Rea begins muttering under breath while glaring at a vase. Vase explodes…)

Wow. That had never happened before. Glad you liked the chappie and found it amusing. I have a good sense of humour? (Rea raises eyebrow) I thought mine was just sadistic and sarcastic. (shrugs). Thanks anyway;)

Your mom let you alive after that? My parents would maim, torture, drown, revive and then kill me again. Just how did you manage to lose a laptop? It's one of the you-won't-ask-not-even-on-death-bed right? (Rea smirks). Thank you again and I'll try to continue to deserve all of the compliments I have received from all. Until later.

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And welcome all to the thirtieth-five chapter of Second Life. I'll be attacking the chocolate pudding.

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There were two ways for a spy to act. Two Ariadne had been taught ever since the first day she had been classified as a potential spy. She could still remember when her teacher had explained the things that were expected from someone like her and the good she could do in that position.

Aria had thrown herself into her work, partly to forget what happened to her but a larger part found an objective in that role. And she had grown to love it, to be alive while doing it.

Besides it was really handy sometimes.

One way was the covert operation. Being a ghost to all, not be seen, heard, felt. The other was a little stranger. Be seen yet not, move quickly and quietly between people but knowing exactly when to disappear.

Aria had, at least, some reasons to be proud of her skills. Passing unnoticed the way she while wearing a lab coat over a hospital pyjamas was no easy feat.

– "But I really have to study this Garden's layout more carefully" – She reflected calmly as she hid from a couple of students that were walking in the opposite direction. – "Maybe this was the reason I was placed in this infirmary and not the medical wing on Galbadia Garden."

– "Probably" – Added Sacred – "They did learn after the first ten times you disappeared from there."

– "Smart people. But it took thirty-seven not ten." – Corrected Minotaur – "Why are you stopping?" – Ariadne had indeed. She didn't know exactly why but something was nagging at her senses. Not in a really bad way but annoying all the same.

– "Not so sure" – She shook her head before starting to walk once more, now with all her instincts in high alert. Her steps became even more cautious as she crossed the hallways evading the students and yet she could not shake the feeling that something was wrong.

- "Maybe I am just being paranoid" – A slight sound of metal reached her ears and eyes narrowed immediately, emerald showing past the sea green.

– "Or maybe not." – One of her hands searched for her blades only to find empty space. Ariadne growled mentally in frustration even struggling not to let it escape her lips.

– "Three, four, five steps behind me" – She counted calmly before turning in one of the hallways. One column was enough to hide her crouched form as she waited.

– "One, two, three, four and five" – A figure appeared slowly with what she would have consider a silent way if, and only if, she wasn't a spy and he wasn't carrying that Hyne-forsaken belt around his waist.

– "You know Commander" – Aria said rising from her hideout before supporting herself on the column, arms crossed – "Quite frankly, as a spy…you suck" – She read slight twitch of irritation in his eyes before they became expressionless once more as he finally looked at her…well, stared really. Her eyebrow twitched faintly in distinct annoyance.

– "Any problem?" – She asked with a threatening undertone. He was still staring. Aria rolled her eyes and turned to walk towards her room while muttering something under her breath that would give a reason for Christine to rant at her again. A gloved hand grasped her arm halting her in the process.

– "You shouldn't be here. Especially alone." – Squall's voice was stern, sounding too much like a father's to her tastes.

– "Good for me. My arm…" - Ariadne pulled it forcefully before continuing to walk – "Thank you." – Barely a second later an arm wrapped itself around her waist and she was bodily hauled down the hall.

Her mouth opened for her to speak but a hand stopped her from doing so. Aria did the only thing she could do in her situation.

She bit it.

Hard.

A muffled curse found its way to her ear as she and her captor stumbled through a door.

– "Fuck" – Squall growled as he let her go – "What in Hyne's name was that for Aria?" – The Galbadian glared at him, watching with smug satisfaction the way he was closing his hand in pain.

– "A pity he wears gloves" – She thought absently before answering

– "I can say the same thing Commander. What the hell is your problem?" – Or not. Answering a question with a question couldn't really be considered so.

– "What are you doing out of the infirmary?" – Squall demanded coldly ignoring her inquiry with the same flippancy she had used. Ariadne remained still for a moment in perfect silence.

– "You're an idiot" – She stated blandly after a while – "Now can you get out of my way so I can take my shower and get some clothes? Cause I would really prefer not to walk around in this any more time than it's necessary" – Squall just stayed there, dark blue eyes cold and dangerous, a scowl in his features, looking at her again as if he didn't know what to answer.

– "Oh for heaven's sake!" – Aria said loudly – "This is bloody pathetic. Fuck you alright? I have no patience to deal with this right now." – She walked by him literally fuming only to stop with his …she was going to kill him… patronizing voice.

– "Your room is locked" – The Commander informed coolly – "I believe your Aunt was expecting something like this to happen anytime soon." – Ariadne smacked her forehead

– "I am cursed" – She grumbled – "And now I have a headache." – Emerald eyes narrowed in frustration as she turned to the other Seed.

– "You could just have fucking told me that in the first place." – Ariadne hissed – "Anyways got to go. I have a room to break into."

– "You won't need to" – Ariadne raised an eyebrow as she waited for him to continue. Squall passed by her calmly, impassive as always.

– "This is my room" – He informed walking towards the door without looking at her – "You can take a shower here. I'll get you a uniform" – And with that he left, no further comments added.

– "Ok, any of you understood anything of what happened here?" – She inquired with the undertone of anger that the episode had left in her – "Cause I really don't have a fucking clue"

– "That's because you are oblivious" – Answered Minotaur – "Move now. Unless you wish to wait for company" – Aria crossed her arms and glared unfocusedly at the wall as if she could see him in front of her

– "Taur?"

– "Yes?"

– "Do keep those comments to yourself" – She requested with a audible obey-me tone – "I really don't need them"

– "He is getting worse by the day is he not? – Asked Sacred calmly as if his brother's sanity was something already without a remedy.

The younger guardian seemed to feel that he had crossed the line with his charge and soon enough Ariadne felt his apologetic emotions through their bond.

– "It's okay Taur" – She murmured back – "And you're right. I think I could break the dirt on my skin."

– "Lovely mental image there Aria" – Drawled the guardian – "Thank you so very much for entrusting us both with it." – She smirked. As if she was going to ever let his guardian without a comeback. Besides it was almost like a game between the three of them.

Her eyes rolled around the room, finally analyzing the place where she had been dragged into.

A small room as her own was on Balamb Garden and as most of the graduated Seeds used. Everything, however, was precisely stacked in their right places, the bed made and the clothes hanged.

– "Tell me why this doesn't surprise me" – Aria thought amusedly – The guy is a neatness freak." – Her expression sobered quickly as she approached the window. In the other side of the glass shone her home. Galbadia Garden. Her fingers touched the glass gently as if she was trying to reach the building.

– "I'm here" – She whispered softly – "I have chosen. Took me long enough huh?" – A small bitter chuckle left her lips before she walked silently to the bathroom closing the door behind her.

Ariadne never noticed that the main door had been opened as well and that she had earned herself an audience. She would probably never know. The door was opened completely to allow the intruder's entrance and the deposition of a small bundle of clothes.

Then, just as silently, he left as well.

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- "Not listening. Hey Julie" – A red haired, blue eyed girl threw herself at the older girl with an almost blinding grin. She was still young, no more than ten, maybe twelve, but Aria had seen her in classes when she had been in detention and forced to take care of the younger ones. Probably the only detention she loved doing.

– "It's good to have you back Aria" – The Seed ruffled her hair a bit, her familiar smirk firmly in its place.

– "It's good to be back kid" – She said ignoring the glaring presence of Sasha behind her – "Chosen your weapon yet?" – Julie nodded with such strength that she almost resembled a doll before showing her a simple chain whip.

– "Instructor Ballesta is teaching us" – She informed before lowering her voice – "She doesn't work well in here" – A small hand touched her head. Ariadne frowned slightly.

– "I think I should say something about respect but unfortunately I agree with you. The woman is quite nuts" – Sasha smiled, her silver eyes sparkling softly in the strong morning sun.

It seemed all too common. Something that they, and the rest of the group, had done countless times ever since they had come to the Garden. She watched her friend with critic eyes.

Ariadne was dressed once more in her Seed uniform. The same uniform any Seed from Galbadia used after graduation with the dark blue replacing the bright gold from Balamb or the grey from Trabia.

It wasn't the student one she had used months before in the battle fought in the very place where they were standing. Sasha wasn't quite sure were Aria had acquired that particular attire.

Her caramel brown hair was caught in a simple braid that now nearly reached her waist, cleaned and groomed. Sea green eyes seemed to laugh as she spoke to the younger student, the small genuine smile a comfort that Sasha had learned to miss ever since Aria had left to her Hyne-forsaken mission.

It was Ariadne…their Aria. She had made it back. But not unscathed or unchanged.

Her skin had palled due to the sickness that she had been overtaken with, her hands were marred permanently by the scars that her injuries had left, her manner, even as cheerful as she appeared to be, was slightly weary to those who knew her well enough to see the signs and her eyes, still the same shifting colour that Sasha had been used to see, were now vaguely sterner showing that she had been through much in her life.

But that didn't mean that she was going to be let off easy.

– "Doc is going to kill me" – Sasha thought despairingly as she saw Aria being attacked and quite literally squeezed the life out of her by the girl's friends. – "That or put me on a six month coma due to too much sleeping pills. I'm dead."

– "Did you expect anything else from her?" – Asked a slightly sarcastic voice in her mind. She scowled mentally to her guardian.

– "Gil?" – She replied sweetly. – "You do know that your comments are something I could pass without sometimes?"

–"Or so you have told me about a million times" – 'Gil' answered calmly – "Want me to contact her two insane guardians?"

– "Would they even listen?" – Sasha asked back as she observed Ariadne attempting to answer all the questions that were being shot at her.

– "Sacred might" – Informed her guardian – "Minotaur would probably have the same reaction as a wall or just tell me to meddle in other's affairs. As protective as he is, he is too much like her to not understand her emotions."

– "What do you mean?" – 'Gil' sighed softly.

– "Don't you see dear one?" – Hearing his voice without the undertone of sarcasm that she was so used to was strange. She always had the strange feeling Aria would love her guardian.

– "She wants to help. She's a kind of person that tries always to do her best. Whether she can or cannot doesn't. It's her way of life." – Sasha smiled as she saw Aria's actions under her guardian's light.

He was right. It was in her friend's every movement, every word and action.

– "But doesn't mean Christine isn't going to drug you and her till the next millennia" – Continued 'Gil' now with distinct amusement – "I would advise you to do something…hide probably would be best" – It was official. She had most unorthodox guardian in existence.

– "Hey Sasha" – Called Ariadne taking her from her thoughts – "Are you going to stay there all day? I have tons of things to do" – Sasha would have yelled in frustration if she hadn't been in the entrance hall of her own Garden.

– "Tons of things to do?" – She had an urge to strangle her friend as Aria smirked slowly, mischief overtaking her sea green eyes.

– "Well it has been quite a while since I've been here without a threat hanging over my head" – Ariadne answered calmly as if everything she was saying was obvious. – "I have people to visit, things to get, files to see and so on. Oh and get my weapons too. Hyne, I hate being unarmed" – For incalculable time Sasha cursed Ariadne's stubbornness.

– "Can't you do all of that after you recover?" – She asked irritably.

Aria didn't answer for a moment, eyes turning hard momentarily for some reason that Sasha couldn't grasp making her irritation vanish in seconds.

– "Aria?" – Sasha called gently. The other girl seemed to wake from the trance she had fallen in, just in time to give her a reassuring smile.

– "No, I can't" – Aria slung an arm around Sasha'a shoulders, a small grin breaking out in her expression – "Life is a gift Sasha" – She said seriously – "And I intend to use it to the fullest. And by Hyne, do I sound old. Now come on. I'm hungry and there's a bunch of hot-dogs yelling my name."

– "But…" - A hand covered her mouth gently as sea green eyes shone softly in the morning sun.

– "I'm not alright Sasha. I won't lie to you like that" – Ariadne stated kindly – "But I will be. I swear I will…with time. Allow me this choice." – Both stared at one another before Sasha smiled, lacing her arm through her friend's.

– "Then I get to choose desert. Ice-cream?" – And Aria laughed, heartily…in a way that made the other girl understand that she had spoken the truth.

Ariadne was not alright. But she was on the road to healing.

Just the one she had chosen.

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Ariadne sighed as she pressed a small button on her keyboard only to be presented with yet another report. The Seed cursed all the work that seemed to have pilled in her absence.

– "I should have stayed a couple more days on the infirmary" – Aria thought absently as she read quickly over the one of the most boring things that had ever disgraced her view.

– "Before or after you drove your aunt out of her mind?" – Asked Minotaur dryly. – "Face it Aria. You wouldn't be able to be there one single minute more." – She smiled reclining on the chair she was occupying. Her guardian was right.

Besides that had been the whole point of her hiding in her room advancing her work. Aria doubted anyone would come looking for her in the most obvious place.

Yes, she loved her friends. All of them. They were her family. But an overprotective bunch as few and completely overbearing sometimes. She was not china and being constantly watched over was something she was finding to be extremely irritating.

Her eyes fell on the package Lugh had given to her before leaving. His farewell gift remained as unopened as in the day she had left. Aria sighed feeling that she was becoming the weirdest creature in existence.

– "Considering you are reviewing weaponry reports instead of seeing your brother's present I would have to agree" – Commented Sacred – "You have courage enough to face a sorceress but fear a metal box?" – Ariadne scowled slightly at his tone but recognized the truth in the statement.

She was afraid of a box. Pathetic and simple. Her hands grabbed the object and slowly placed it on her lap.

– "See?" – Said Minotaur with distinct amusement – "It didn't bite."

– "Piss off Taur" – He just chuckled as her trembling hands opened the lid. A brown eyebrow rose as a pack of envelopes met her eyes.

All of them had her name written on them with the careful handwriting of her mother. Her fingers grasped them carefully placing them on the table uncovering a whole set of photos.

A small smile curved her lips as she watched her younger self with an also younger Lugh. They were both wearing bathing suits and being embraced by the towering figure of Kenneth Beckerman. The dark green eyes that apparently had been inherited by his son and granddaughter shone with contentment while the two siblings laughed happily.

Aria moved it aside only to find her parents' wedding, Josh and Anna's, little Medea, herself…Lugh had given pieces of her past, of her family's past. She placed all of them on her desk, not noticing the tears that were sliding down her face, and her eyes found the two last objects in the box. Her lips twisted in wry amusement.

It was an amulet.

Two silver threads merged together to form the necklace that held an equally silver Celtic knot. A protection symbol. She smiled as her fingers touched it reverently.

Aria could almost hear her mother explaining how the knot symbolized each man and women's endless path to the divine, how there was no beginning or end, only rebirth. The entwined knots that symbolized the life's pattern, a journey of love and friendship melded together.

A symbol of rebirth to replace another. Ironically fitting.

Next to it was a small note in Lugh's fluent handwriting. He obviously had taken a bit of care to make it legible.

"I am sure that you, by now, must be completely sick and tired of amulets Ari, but this one is special. I had bought it a month before you left, planning on give it to you on your birthday.

I trust you know exactly what the knot represents as I was not the only one to have to listen to mom's lectures. But listen to my own point of view sis.

Ariadne in Greek mythology guided others with the help of a ball of thread and yet she found her own way alone. You also did that. But at least let the memories of your family guide and protect you as well.

I love you Ari. Never forget that. For me, for mom and dad, you are one of the most important people in our lifes. We will miss you forever.

With all the love in the world, your caring and very overprotective (yes, I am well aware of that) brother,

Lugh Kreon Beckerman."

Ariadne read it and read it and read it again…so many times that she could almost spell every word. She read it until her heart hurt with bittersweet joy, until her eyes were blinded by tears, until she was sure she could not utter a single word even if she had tried.

– "Aria?" – Soothing words in calling echoed in her mind.

– "It will be alright" – Whispered Sacred – "It will fade with time." – The Seed smiled again not even bothering in cleaning her face choosing instead to place her brother's gift on her neck. Its silvery surface shone catching the sun that was entering through her open window.

– "I really hope you haven't messed up with this, Hyne" – Ariadne said out loud dismissing the feeling of stupidity that filled her as she spoke to thin air.

– "From the bit we have seen I wouldn't put it past her" – Commented Minotaur – "Aren't you going to see what's in the envelopes?" – Aria cleaned her tears hastily as she struggled to get some piece of control.

– "Not yet" – Aria murmured – "I'm not ready yet. Later." – With care she placed all the gifts inside the box once more before guarding it in a drawer.

Ariadne took a deep breath before turning her eyes once more to her beloved computer and the not so beloved report. She would have to find Martine soon and ask why did he ever thought that she would be the right person to deal with the number of creatures that had to be brought to the Training Grounds.

– "Maybe to make you understand what has to be made every time you go into frustration mode?" – Asked Minotaur innocently

– "Shut up" – Was her answer.

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My POV

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It took me two days to open the envelopes my mom wrote for me.

They were letters.

Dozens of letters, all of them different, one for each month ever since I disappeared. All of them telling me how much she missed me, how much she loved me…even little things she remembered from my childhood that even I can't remember.

Though that can be derived also from my continuous use of GFs. Forgetting that cause it gets me even more depressed than I already am I just…

Do you know that kinda of sadness that mixes with happiness until you don't know really what you feel?

That's the jumble that I'm trying to deal with. Hyne, I need a shrink. She does too. But at least I made peace with my past. That's gotta be worth something right?

I really have to stop this. I'm getting way to depressive…and boring. Anyways I can't still believe how well the Garden is going. Missions just keep coming in, from Dollet, Esthar, Balamb, heck even Shumi village has something to say.

And the best thing is that everything is running smoother than even when we where in Galbadia. The council, as Sasha said they call themselves, is doing one hell of a job.

We even got new recruits…some of them are orphans though. We will try to give them a new life here. That's the only thing we can do. I really asked myself what would be the point of continuing the existence of Seed without sorceresses when I came back but when I saw all of this…

Let's just say that, unfortunately, there will always exist power-hungry fanatics…there will always exist people we can help, people that will need a guiding hand sometimes.

We are still the Seeds of a better future. At least that's what I hope for us to be perceived by. Although I am pretty sure that Stef, Sasha, 'Liza and I would probably be perceived as completely crazy.

There's no way we'll be able to get away undetected with our usual stunts. Those were fun.

Damn.

Well…I can always use some of the skills that have been drilled into my brain. Does anyone actually think that I only act as a spy in missions?

If so, think again.

Soooooo...another chapter has ended. Take into account that this isn't a cliffhanger and pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaasssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee REVIEW! (Rea reads last words and winces) Well…this sounds pathetic. Anyways please do leave a comment or something in those terms and don't forget to point any error or mistake you might have found on the way.

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Next chapter: A discovery that will not leave Aria very happy and a conversation with a returning character.

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I'll see ya all next week

Reyavie