I'm back everyone! Yes, I am late but I did warn this is going to be a hard season for me so you have a little patience. Same thing with the reviews answers that will arrive even if a bit late. This is my first post of 2006! Isn't this cool or what? I lived another year! Hope you all had great holidays.
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Reyavie: Kerri? What do you think I put in the disclaimer of this chapter?
Da KeR MysTeRr: I think you should put in how beautiful and awesome I am, and then add something bout you not owning anything…or something to that effect
Reyavie: (gives dry look) I'm supposed to WHAT?
Da KeR MysTeRr: hello? - knocks on your head- You're not turning into that guy that reviews my story, are you? You're supposed to say that I, Kerri, am utterly Beautiful and Awesome, and then something bout you not owning anything . Quite simple I think.
Reyavie: You do know that now I am going to write that don't you? And don't insult me. I am not that dense
Da KeR MysTeRr: Nope, course your not, only two people I know are that dense...but I'm glad we've established that I'm beautiful and you own pretty much nothing.
Reyavie: (pats your head) Indeed we have. So I'm supposed to help your ego a bit. Sure.
Da KeR MysTeRr: Oh and don't forget to send them subliminal messages to review your story too!
Reyavie: I could put a naked Squall with a bloody sign on his hands saying REVIEW PLEASE that I could bet people would fail to do so
Da KeR MysTeRr: Or, you could put Sephy with him in his Holiday undies... -snickers-
Sephy: WHAT!
Reyavie: The pink ones?
Da KeR MysTeRr: Those are the ones!
Sephy: I am not standing in my undies with a NAKED Squall.. people will think... things... -shudders-
Reyavie: (winces) You're sick! As in really sick! I don't need to know your fantasies you sick perv!
Da KeR MysTeRr: SEPHY! WHAT THE EFF! You're supposed to make the people review not put dirty ideas in their head, you imbecile!
Sephy: Whatever... I'm not staying around here with you two crazy women...
Reyavie: If you say so (pushes him off deep, very deep, extremely deep cliff)
Sephy: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHhhhhhh...-eventually sound dies off-
Da KeR MysTeRr: -blinks- well…that was interesting, we should do that to people who don't REVIEW
Reyavie: Indeed. That or force them to try those undies...(shudders)
Squall: Can I get dressed now?
Da KeR MysTeRr: -Chuck ice at his head- Not until the people REVIEW
Squall: Oh great! PLEASE! (begs)
Reyavie: Well, that was pathetic
Sephy: -from somewhere far far far away- Ha, Squall you'll never get dressed again
Da KeR MysTeRr: Shut Up, Seph! -Chucks boobah off cliff after him-
Reyavie: (loud screams are heard) Alright, if you haven't all run now do go on reading. Hope you like it and all of that...can someone shut that idiot? He's giving me a headache
Da KeR MysTeRr: Uhm, Sure, I'll get someone, but I think all others who wish to live should vacate this area and do something like oh read this story. -hides friends- Sonya!
Sonya: What!
Da KeR MysTeRr: Uhm, go kill Sephy or something, he's pissing me off
Reyavie: And thank you ker (grins)
Da KeR MysTeRr: anytime, Joana! -smirks-
Reyavie: Say bye to this week's guest (All crew claps loudly...Bellona sniffs)
Da KeR MysTeRr: See ya guys! I'm off to go help a crazed Angel torment the Top SOLDIER -grins and spread demoness wings- Tooodles!
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Welcome to the forthieth-ninth chapter of Second Life. (just one more to the 50TH (cheers))
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- "You should get some sleep" – Ariadne raised her head from the table and smiled weakly at Sasha. She knew her friend was just as concerned with the mission as herself. Why would she be in her office so late in the night?
– "I know I should" – Aria answered pulling her hair away in a tired movement – "My mind knows it, my body begs it… but I just can't." – Sasha gave her a self-mocking smile before sitting in the chair in front of her friend as if she owned the place. There was no such thing as protocol between them.
– "It seems almost surreal doesn't it?" – She asked, silver eyes looking vaguely at the papers that still transformed Aria's desk in everything but an organized work place.
– "Fighting among our own people, in our own home…" - Another one of those smiles – "It all seems like a bad dream that we can't wake up from."
Her friend placed an elbow on the table and rested her head on one hand, sea green eyes giving all the attention she could. Ariadne knew how hard that was. She had already been through it…Irvine had been through it.
– "I know it hurts" – Aria said gently – "But sometimes we really don't have other option but to walk forward. Even if the path is hard and dangerous…or painful. It's just the choice we made."
– "That's not what bothers me the most Aria" – Sasha frowned slightly – "It's everything that's going to be caught in between. We are warriors, trained to deal with all of this but them…"
- "You think I haven't thought of that?" – Ariadne sighed – "Everyone is on the line here but those people are in much more danger than we are. They can't defend themselves like us, fight like us." – The two warriors fell into silence before…
- "You do know that we sound like sixty year olds with a strong pessimistic streak don't you?" – Aria inquired with amusement.
– "No" – Interrupted Minotaur – "You sound like two idiots that should be sleeping" – Sacred muttered something lowly about moronic brothers and their inability to remain silent while Sasha rolled her eyes.
– "Gil is telling me that we are two annoyances that should grow up and stop trying to carry everyone's burden" – She informed. Aria stilled and began chuckling as her friend looked at her as if she was absolutely mad.
– "Care to share?" – The sea green eyed girl just smiled
– "Let just say that putting Minotaur and Gilgamesh in the same mind would be a bad thing for whoever had that bad luck"
– "What's that supposed to mean?" – Inquired Taur
– "Indeed" – Drawled Sacred with that mark of sarcasm Aria could swear he didn't have when she had first met them – "Whatever could she mean?"
– "Gil says he wouldn't share a mind with the brothers for everything in this galaxy" – Transmitted Sasha.
– "What's that supposed to mean?" – Came the dual question
– "Oh yes" – Ariadne thought mirroring Sacred's previous comment – "Whatever could he mean?"
– "Aria?" – Called Sacred calmly
– "Bro thinks that now would be a good idea for you to stop being a smartass" – Completed Minotaur. – "And tell her Gil is a moron" – The two Seeds looked at each other and in each other's eyes found the answer for their predicament. Ignore their guardians.
– "They just found a way for us to stop the self-commiserating, didn't they?" – Commented Sasha
– "That and to make sure we won't live sane much longer" – Added Ariadne dryly – "They're doing a great job on both fronts. But putting that aside I have ask you something" – Silver eyes flashed for a moment, seriousness overtaking Sasha's normally relaxed features
– "You only have to say" – Aria shook her head
– "No" – She stated – "This is a question not an order. I won't force you to do this. I'm giving you a choice. I already have a task for Stef to fulfil and as much as she will try to go against it I won't be able to request this of her." – A small pause as Ariadne took a sheet of paper of a drawer, notes and scribbles on her handwriting filling it from top to bottom.
– "Read it" – Sasha frowned slightly before doing what her friend had said. Slowly, very slowly, a smile tugged her lips upwards. If it was anyone else Aria would have called her crazy for that reaction alone.
– "You're planning to do this?" – The lieutenant nodded seriously. Sasha shrugged.
– "I'm in" – She stated simply – "Hang a second 'cause Gil is yelling something"
– "Don't I know that feeling" – Ariadne thought feeling an urge to roll her eyes.
– "And why would that be?" – Sacred shot back easily
– "Don't know" – A small mental smirk – "But don't you think that question is being made too many times 'Red?"
– "Ok, he stopped" – Interrupted Sasha handing the paper back – "Who's coming with us inside?" – Aria frowned slightly.
– "Not too sure"
– "Which only means that either you haven't asked them yet or don't want to bring anyone else in" – Finished her friend. It was in those moments Ariadne knew just how well her friends knew her.
– "Well, time to go get some sleep" – Sasha said standing up – "Come on before Gil manages to give me an even greater headache." – Aria smiled faintly but shook her head
– "I'll stay a bit longer" – The other girl looked at her for a moment, silver eyes hard and piercing
– "You doubt yourself too much" – Sasha finally declared – "We didn't make a mistake when we choose you for this Aria. We knew what we were doing and why we were doing it. Trust what you can do and, for Hyne's sake, stop hearing that Bryant guy before he drives you nuts." – She seemed thoughtful for a moment
– "That or I'll just kill him before he even gets a chance to. Seems the best option to me." – The strange thing was that Ariadne knew her friend wasn't joking in the least. Scary thought.
– "When do we move on?" – That was the question everyone was dreading to make her but that everyone wanted to ask. Sasha was merely the bluntest of the lot, the one that hated beating around the bush. And she knew it. Emerald eyes looked up and determination shone like a beacon.
– "Nine days. It's all or nothing." – A smile curved Sasha's lips once more as she extended her hand forward
– "We take all" – Her voice held no doubt. Aria smirked as she covered the offered hand with her own.
– "People would think we have a death wish, you know that don't you?" – Sasha shrugged
– "It only makes life more fun"
The loud groans from the three guardians flowed with exasperation. The girls just laughed, one filled with fear, anxiety…but resolve.
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My POV
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I really don't know what I would do without my friends sometimes. There are moments when I seem to lose my way…but one of them is always there to put me back on track. It's a good feeling.
To be guided instead of guiding.
They could only put me back into place and not bash me into said place. Maybe I was relying too much on the old man's opinion. He is a great strategist, that's true but he thinks too coldly, almost like a computer, when he does this kind of work.
It's not like he doesn't care. I know he does. But he really needs to stop for a while, breathe and then let go of all that dosage of pessimism that seems to follow him around.
So I think I'll take a few moments to drive everyone nuts, rest my nerves and then I can worry about our suicide mission. This sounded even more bizarre than usual. One thing is for sure.
They won't be waiting for this.
Just perfect. There are few things better than surprise someone. And if that means that you can annoy them at the same time…well, it's an added bonus. I forgot something with all this concern.
The waiting is the worst part of a war.
We can't do anything but looking at the wall or reviewing again plans. This isn't chess and we aren't wood pieces. We are people and this is real life. So I'm going to stop feeling sorry for myself and fear this battle. All or nothing was what Sasha said.
That was always our motto. We won everything or we would fall together, fighting while we drew breath. I don't plan on falling. I promised that to Squall and I don't break promises.
In nine days we take all. And no one will stop us.
Now to get some of those chocolate cookies…What can I say? Rhiannon must put heroin in those things. There's no one in this Garden that isn't addicted to them. Hyne, my randomness is back. Would you look at that? I'm still me. Is that good?
Yeah, definitively.
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3rd Person POV
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- "Is everyone inside?" – Alexander nodded to Ariadne and took a seat in the only vacant chair. The room was could barely hold anyone else with the six persons that were occupying it.
By Alex's side were both Sasha and Eliza while next to Ariadne were two other members of the Galbadian Garden. She had known them from classes. What seemed to her an eternity before but her knowledge was barely beyond acquaintance, at least at a personal level.
The light skinned woman by her side was slightly younger than herself but already respected within the Garden. Gina Merivel had been one of the last Seeds to pass the practical test but Stephanie had told her the girl was extremely cautious and meticulous with her work, if somewhat introvert.
Dark brown eyes were closed at the moment and Aria could see her erratic breathing as if she was trying to calm herself. Curled black hair was pulled into a tight braid, the same both her and Eliza we sporting. Ariadne didn't have doubts that the new addition to the team could get the job done just as well as any of them. Only experience was missing.
Sitting by her side could be seen her assigned partner Derek Laros, also a newly graduated Seed. Alexander had vouched for him as soon as he understood she had been forming teams for the mission. The blond haired, blue eyed man seemed as calm as anyone could be in his situation.
Not much.
His hands were gripping the handle of the large gun on his lap, the silencer already positioned and ready to be used. They were team A, or as Eliza had called them, shades. That was their work.
Emerald eyes turned to the streets outside. The city of Zaed could barely be compared Deling, either in size or architecture. Smaller than the capital and only a couple of buildings could really give it the name of city.
The rest was more a country village than anything else with its vegetable cultures and fields for the cattle. It also seemed poorer, something that was pretty much obvious in the repairs that were waiting for money to be made or the kids already working by their parents side.
Alex had been born in Zaed but sent to the Garden as soon as his mother managed to get him a place. Every vacation he went there to help, every time with his friends behind him. But this time none of them was there to work on the fields behind his mother's house.
A far more important mission had to be done. All of the occupants of the room were dressed casually but inconspicuously as Ariadne had ordered. None of them could afford to draw attention. The silence was almost deafening but the former Earthling barely noticed it.
If there was something Bryant had drilled quite well into her mind was that silence was precious in her line of work. It didn't bother her anymore if it even had any day.
None of them moved much as if they felt the same. Aria knew differently but wouldn't comment on that. The cover of the night had brought them to the city on the previous day and now they would have to do the same to get out.
– "What do you know?" – She finally asked, voice calm and soft, but nevertheless startling the two youngest members of the group.
– "You were right" – Alex's tone was the same as ever.
She had never seen him in any other way except for when the Galbadian army had invaded Zaed for the first time. They had had to physically stop him from doing something extremely stupid that would land him in prison.
– "All the provisions are being taken from here and Brine" – He continued calmly – "Without the strength to back away their power all the troops retired to Deling and minimum security is being exerted in all the…colonies" – If anyone had failed to notice the acridness undertone on that last word Ariadne would have to consider that someone as awfully dense.
– "How is the escort?" – He didn't bat an eyelash with the question.
– "One by truck. Four." – Alex informed simply.
Sasha's silver eyes told her, as soon as they met hers, the same thing she was thinking. Deling was in big trouble. And they were in deep shit when they reached there. But that was later. A problem to when they got the first ones out of the way.
– "Any information on the drivers?" – Their companions seemed as of they were watching a tennis game as they kept looking from Aria to Alex and back again.
– "All from here" – Was the answer – "All trustable"
– "How can you know that?" – Interrupted Derek somewhat rudely. Gina's eyes widened as her head turned to him, mouth opened to probably snap at him but Aria's calm voice did it before her
– "He knows because it is his job to know" – She said sternly with an undertone of coldness – "We are a team here. We trust each other with our lives and expect nothing else in return. If you have anything against it I have no problem in leaving you tied in here. Otherwise keep silent."
Ariadne knew she was probably scaring the guy out of his mind but she would not allow anyone to say anything against her friends' capabilities. And maybe someone would think it were her emerald eyes telling she didn't have patience for whining that made him shut up but the lieutenant knew that Gina's look was the most probable cause.
All her stance said grow-up and the way her hands were gripping the handle of her long sword was not peaceful. A small smirk curved Aria's lips before she placed her hand on the girl's shoulder. Brown eyes met hers and Gina relaxed slightly.
– "So how much time to we have until we get out?" – Asked Eliza in a tone that seemed all too strange for her. In missions she was almost too serious.
– "Six hours" – Aria nodded at both before standing and getting away from the window, hands grasping the sheaths holding her blades as she did so.
– "Get some sleep if you can" – She instructed simply – "I'm going to see how the rest are doing. Alex, you're in charge." – No one tried to stop her as she left the room and walked down the stairs.
The house was poor, simple as it had always been ever since she had been there for the first time but it had something Sasha's house had never had in the day she had visited. Warmth.
– "Aria?" – The girl turned towards the voice calling her name with a smile.
– "Mrs Stone" – The woman in front of her had the same grey eyes has her son, the same straight hair only dark brown and reaching her shin. Her heavily tanned skin showed just how much time she spent outdoors.
– "It's Talia dear." – She answered gently – "You know that. Now, would you like a cup of tea?" – Ariadne nodded watching as the woman left her to her thoughts. A weary map was taken from her pocket and carefully straightened on the single table the living room possessed.
– "Can't you stop looking at that thing?" – Grumbled Minotaur out-of-the-blue
– "No, I can't" – Aria answered taking her communicator from her pack
– "And stop whining Taur. You're sounding like Hyne." – Silence for a moment
– "That was a really low blow" – He stated
– "A good one" – Completed Sacred – And an argument broke out yet again. Ariadne shook her head as she pressed the comm. to her ear and waited for the signal.
– "Yeah oh-annoying-one" – Came an even more annoyed voice
– "Stuff the bad humour Stef" – Aria said back absently – "It's not like I'm blackmailing you…oh, wait" – A pause – "I am"
– "Hyne, I could just hit you" – Stephanie muttered back. Someone behind her coughed something that sounded suspiciously like "as if"
– "Shut up Mark" – Stef hissed loud enough for Aria to hear – "Seifer, keep that idiot quiet. Aria" – She could almost hear her friend's teeth grinding – "I am going to kill you for this."
– "Sure. Whatever." – It had taken Ariadne two hours to convince Stephanie to go with the B group. Apparently she had a small…or very large problem with one of the members. Unfortunately for her the Seed in question was perfect for their part.
– "Are you guys on the right place?" – She asked ignoring Stef's rotten mood. It's was not like she had put her working with the people she despised the most…a smirk curved Ariadne's lips.
– "If you are speaking of middle of nowhere surrounded by trees yes" – Stephanie grumbled – "Trees on the left, trees on the right. Oh my Hyne, there are trees in front of me. What a surprise"
– "I've been in nowhere Stef. It's cold, full of dust and with a sorceress that had something weird to smoke" – Aria said easily – "It's much worse believe me. Besides I could have told you to wait in the sewers. I'm sure you would dislike it more. Now listen carefully. We have five targets in about six hours. You guys be ready. Tell Seifer to not dare to even try to shoot a bullet or I'll make sure to get his head before the army"
– "Thank you for that incentive lieutenant" – Ariadne could almost see the blond man smirk
– "You're welcome. Until then." – And she shut down the device while looking again at the map.
– "It will work" – The girl smiled a bit when she listened to Sacred's words. He was afraid for her, she could feel it through the bond, but he trusted her. He trusted she could make it. That they could make it. And Taur? More dangerous the plan, more he liked it.
– "Sure hope so. We have no other choice" – She whispered back tracing the road connecting Zaed to Deling city – "I'm not too keen on visiting that blasted prison again"
– "I'm not too keen in seeing you saying goodbye to your heartbeat" – Commented Minotaur – Aria had the feeling Sacred was fighting himself not to snap
– "One day" – He stated calmly – "I will understand just how your mind works. You are supposed to help!"
– "I doubt it" – Interrupted the Seed – "You would be crazy before that and…"
- "Aria?" – Sea green eyes turned to Talia that was waiting with a cup of tea on each hand.
– "I'm sorry for disturbing you" – She continued – "You seemed quite lost in your thoughts." – Ariadne smiled while taking the offered cup
– "I was." – She sat on the table, map already folded and guarded safely, as Talia sat in front of her.
– "How are you feeling dear?" – The older woman inquired – "You seem quite worried. It's not usual for you." – Aria cursed loudly in her mind. Telling exactly what was happening to Alexander's mother didn't seem the smartest thing to be done. Or it didn't seem smart at all. End of story.
– "I am not stupid Ariadne" – Why did moms always changed to full names when they wanted to know something, convince one of something or just plainly say don't-you-think-you'll-get-away? Aria closed her eyes for a moment but when she opened them Talia was still staring at her, grey eyes stern and very, very mother-like.
– "If you even try to say I'm doomed I'll hurt you" – She muttered mentally
– "How would you do that?" – Minotaur's voice dripped with smugness. A loud hit was heard.
– "Thanks Red" – Now the smugness came from the older brother.
– "What is happening?" – Talia inquired while slowly stirring her tea.
– "Alex…"
- "Won't tell me anything" – The woman chuckled vaguely amused – "He seems to have forgotten that I have already lived through a lot. I was here when the army was sent for the first time to take the city, when we tried to fight back only to lose a quarter of our people, when we almost begged for the food that was being taken from our children's mouths. I lost my husband and nearly all my family Aria. I am no child to be cuddled."
Ariadne drank a bit of the scalding tea, no words coming to her mind at the time. What could she say? Talia was right. She was no child and needed no protection from the facts.
– "We're going to Deling – Aria finally said, rising sea green eyes to the worried woman – "The system that has replaced Ultimecia's is the worst that could have ever happen. We have to get some help and then hope everything goes for the best." – Talia nodded gently, a sad frown on her features
– "I won't let him be hurt" – Stated the girl. A chuckle was her answer followed by an amused look.
– "Come on Aria" – Talia murmured – "Alexander is a big boy now. He can take care of himself. Whatever happens, happens."
– "I like her" – Commented Minotaur not unexpectedly. Talia stood up, a calming smile on her lips as she rested a hand on Ariadne's shoulder.
– "You do your best" – She requested – "Fight with all you have. Give your all. And know that we will never blame for anything. This is something that must be done or else we will never be more than slaves to them." – A kind kiss was placed on Aria's forehead.
– "Don't doubt yourself" – And with that she just left humming, slightly to herself, as she went up the stairs. Ariadne just looked at her, one of the people she wanted so much to help, one that had helped her so much before and had done it once more.
– "No doubts" – She thought to herself – "No regrets. And in this fight we'll take all."
And the part of her that had been responsible for her choosing as bearer burned in determination.
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Ok, this is all for this week. I won't drag myself anymore because it's late and I'm trying to finish for a while. As always comments and suggestions are welcome so please Review alright?
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Next chapter: Undercover operation comes into action…
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See ya all soon
Reyavie