Chapter 22

[simtopi]

[ ch 18 ] [ ch 19 ] [ ch 20 ] [ ch 21 ] « previous chapters || [ All ]

22: To Die For

 

Warnings: Coarse language, violence, blood, sparkles
 

It was the end of another night, another shift. The last of the late night patrons were paying their bills, leaving their tips, smiling and laughing as they prepared to head out, sustained on cheap diner fare and alcohol.

Mr. Ricci looked up from prepping next day's fixings and glanced at the last of the customers. They had come in fairly late, sat themselves down at the counter and only had drinks and finger foods for the next hour or so. They weren't being loud, or rambunctious. In fact, they had managed to call the least attention to themselves out of everyone else in the diner that night.


Mr. Ricci: Why don't you go on ahead, Wesley. I appreciate you stayin' late and all, but I'll finish up here.
Wesley: You've been here all day, Mr. Ricci. I can close up, it's not a problem.


Mr. Ricci: You sure about that? I'll be honest, I'm dead tired, I ain't gonna say no.
Wesley: It's alright. I said I'd close tonight. Neither of us expected it to get busy this late.


Mr. Ricci: Heh. After theatre crowd. Don't get me wrong, I love the business, but I hate 'em at the same time. Seriously, kid, you've done good around here.
Wesley: It's all part of the job.
Mr. Ricci grinned at the young man before he went back to his prep work. Wesley quietly did the rest of the dishes, trying not to think of the time.


Mr. Ricci: Alright, boys, we're way past closing time. Settle up and get going. Some of us gotta sleep ya know.


They looked at one another furtively, but they didn't say a word as they left their fare on the counter and uneventfully walked out.
Mr. Ricci: Youths these days. No one has any idea what they're doin' with their lives. Wander around from place to place at all hours, just lookin' for trouble.


Wesley: They didn't seem bad.
Mr. Ricci: They probably weren't. But you never know. Kids need direction. You ain't like them, you know Wes. You're putting yourself through college. On your own. And you probably got a load of homework waitin' for you at home. I gotta admire that.


Mr. Ricci: As much as I'd hate to ever lose you I can't see you hanging out here for the rest of your life bussing tables. You've got a higher calling, Wesley. A purpose. I know that about you.
Wesley: I don't know what to say... I guess I'm glad you see all that in me. Hope I don't let you down.


Mr. Ricci: You don't have to worry about letting me down, Wes. Just don't let yourself down. Thanks again for staying. I'll see you on your next shift. And just do this old sim a favour...
Wesley: Anything, Mr. Ricci.
Mr. Ricci: Watch yourself tonight. Alright?


It was a strange good bye but Wesley didn't think of it too much. Truth of the matter was that he was exhausted that night. He had tried not to betray the fact that he was tired and that he still had an assignment he needed to finish for the following day. It wasn't Mr. Ricci's fault that the diner had run later than it should have, but all the same, Wesley did wish he were home and asleep.


Once he had everything cleaned up and put away, he put on another shirt and cardigan and shut the lights.


He doublechecked everything one last time before he made sure both the back entrance and the front were locked up tight. Mr. Ricci had entrusted him with the keys weeks ago and Wesley wanted to make sure he was able to live up to the responsibility.


The night air was warm and refreshing. Though it seemed to have been busy earlier, the streets had become silent again. The gas lamps flickered dimly above him, lighting his way. He began his walk home.






He had taken this short cut every night coming home from work since he'd discovered it months ago. He didn't even need to think where he was walking, which was fine since he was too exhausted to pay any real attention. Just watch yourself, tonight.


If Wesley was in danger, he wouldn't know it.




He heard the soft footfalls behind him. It was almost a stark sound against the silence he was used to. He hesitated.


The footsteps stopped. They knew that he was suddenly aware of them.


Wesley followed his first gut instinct. He started to run.




A third man suddenly turned the corner at the end of the alley, blocking his path. Wesley's sense of dread overcame him fiercely.


He recognized them. They were the men from the diner...


He stammered as he asked them what they wanted. They laughed and shoved him around for a bit to intimidate him further. Wesley was afraid. He had never been in a fight and he didn't know what to do.


"Just the keys, kid." They're apparent leader told him. Wesley shook his head, dumbly. He was frozen with fear, his mind numb. All he could think of at this moment for some inexplicable reason was that he just couldn't hand them Mr. Ricci's keys...


"Just hand them over and no one gets hurt..."


Wesley's eyes were glued to the knife. He stumbled, finding his back against the cold brick wall. His hands moved to his pocket, but he hesitated.
"Fuck this, I don't got all night..."


Wesley was pushed back violently against the wall. He instinctively tried to push back, trying to grab the man's arm. But something slipped. His attacker lurched forward clumsily...


No other thought crossed Wesley's mind in that one moment. There was a moment of disbelief as the other held the knife in his body for a second. Wesley tried to look at his killer but couldn't bring himself to do that one last thing. There was another moment of blinding pain as the knife was pulled roughly out of his torso.


" What did you do??? "
"Oh man oh man you fucking killed him!"
"We gotta get out of here. Get his keys let's go."


Looking back, he wished he could have thought of anything significant. Maybe his life could have at least flashed before his eyes. Maybe he could have thought of his family. Mr. Ricci. Anything. Dying should have been a significant moment.


But Wesley could think of nothing.

---

Present day


If Wesley were to die tonight, there would have been a lot of things he would think about. Above them all, just one person would come to his mind:
Willow.


Willow looked at Wesley plaintively, trying to search his face for any kind of answer. He looked away saying nothing.
Willow: You? You killed Miss Cordial?


She knew it to be true. She knew her mentor didn't just kill herself like the police had said. That wasn't the Kimberly Cordial she had known and grown up with. But she couldn't reconcile knowing that with even the idea that another childhood friend of hers, someone that had once almost existed purely as some kind of idealistic fantasy, was directly responsible for her death.
Samantha: I don't understand the surprise. He's a vampire, this is what they do. And don't be shocked that he's killed before.


It struck Willow hard. She had never in her life had to deal with being face to face with a murderer, especially one who had once been her friend. Say something! she silently pleaded.
Wesley: I didn't know... that you knew her.
Willow: What? Would that have mattered?
Wesley: I don't know.


Samantha: You don't know?


The second magical attack wasn't countered by Willow this time. Wesley darted back swiftly as the spell struck empty air in front of him.


Samantha: Would it have mattered more to you that she was her aquaintance? Her mentor and teacher?


Samantha: That someone must have cared for her before you chose to take her life?
The magical fire burned brightly. He could feel the heat against his skin. He searched for Willow, instinctively feeling protective of her, hoping she was safe and unaffected by the spell.


She stood in a daze watching the white fire burn like a sun. But she couldn't watch anymore. She couldn't look at him even as he called out after her. Slowly, she began to turn away.




Samantha: You never thought she could have possibly been someone that someone else loved? A sister and a friend? Or that you'd ever have to answer for what you did?


Her eyes were cold and her expression was frozen and empty as she began to cast the next spell. There was no hesitation in her movements.


This time Wesley didn't move as spell struck him completely.

---

Linden: I can't eat this.
Rowan: What the hell is wrong with it? It's a freaking salad.


Linden: It's got bacon all over it, that's what's wrong with it.
Rowan: Correction. It's what's right about it. Come on, bacon's a vegetable.


Linden: You can make fun of me all you want, you know I'm not eating this.
Rowan: Well pick it out or something.
Linden: No, not gonna do that either. Go ahead and enjoy your dead corpse.
Rowan: I certainly will. With barbecue sauce too. Wanna try?
Linden: Thanks. I'll pass.


Rowan: Are you gonna eat anything at all or are you just gonna sit there and pout?
Linden: It's okay, I'll just have a water. There's nothing really vegetarian on the menu.
Rowan: Come on. At least have fries. Don't watch me eat, it's kinda creepy.


Linden: What, I'm creeping you out?
Rowan: Yeah you are. Bad enough you're stalking me.
Linden: For the last time, I was not stalking you. I came over to your place last night and someone over there told me you'd be at your bar. When I checked it out, you'd just been hauled off and they were just cleaning up after you. It was late, I'd figure I'd come see you in the morning. Guess who ended up paying your bar tab by the way.


Rowan: I knew it.
Linden: Knew what?
Rowan: You're a fucking wuss. You couldn't stay away.
Linden: I'm only back for a little while and it's not because of your endearing charm. Don't try changing the subject.


Rowan: I'll pay you back for the damned bar tab. You happy?
Linden: Were you buying everyone drinks last night? Don't tell me that was all you. How are you even alive?
Rowan: Sheer force of will some days.


Rowan: So how about you? How's seeing the world, finding yourself or whatever it is you're doing down in Sunset Valley? How's that all working out for you?


Linden: It's pretty fucking awesome. Scenery is nice, the sims are mostly friendly. It never rains or snows. You should come down with me. At least for a visit some time.
Rowan: And what? Leave all this behind?


Linden: I don't know. I still miss this place a lot. Sometimes new isn't necessarily the best. I mean, I'm still having a great time, but there's something about being home...
Rowan: ... it's still home for you.
Linden leaned back and smiled warmly.
Linden: You know, you can get pretty poetic sometimes if you want to be.
Rowan: Shut the fuck up. How's that for poetry.


Jasmine: Good god, Rowan, how is it possible that you keep looking worse and worse everytime I see you.
Rowan: I'm telling you it's an effort. I know you like 'em skanky so I'm doing it all for you.
Linden: Is that Jasmine I hear?


Jasmine: Well isn't this all a happy coincidence. It's like a Marlen twins convention in here.
Wren: I'm not convinced we're related.
Jasmine: I'm sure the feeling's mutual.


Linden: You gotta tell us why you're hanging out with those two.
Jasmine: You gotta tell me what you've been up to. I thought you moved away.
Linden: I'm visiting. This makes it all convenient.


Raven: Too convenient.
Wren: Yeah, weird that all of a sudden you just decided to show up, Linden. Isn't Sunset Valley a hotbed of paranormal activity and stuff?
Linden: What would any of that have to do with me being back here?


Rowan: They're fucking losers, that's what. Now how about you freaks sit down and let the grownups talk for a bit.
Raven: Freaks? Look who's talking.
Jasmine: Guys. Knock it off. You two, sit down and order whatever.


Rowan: I love it when you get all assertive.
Jasmine: I'm totally ignoring you right now.


Linden: So what's the story with those guys?
Jasmine: I had to babysit them. I found them wreaking havoc on some shop down in Bluewater Village.
Linden: Seriously, how do those two get around?
Jasmine: Yeah they're kinda everywhere. But you're back, you gotta tell me all about it. Does Willow even know you're here?


Linden: No, I figured I'd come down and surprise her later. Hey, here's a plan, why don't we all go together. I kinda miss campus.


Jasmine: It actually doesn't sound like a bad idea. I gotta drop these dorks off at home first.


Linden: Great. You can meet us back here. You can trade in one set of Marlen twins for the better pair.
Jasmine: I'll be honest, Willow's been pretty busy with exams lately, so I have no idea what she's doing tonight. I'm sure she'd love to see you guys though.

---

The spell Samantha cast was painful. It felt as if cold iron bars had skewered him and lifted him up above the ground. But he didn't die.


Samantha: Tell me why you killed her?


The initial pain shocked him. He struggled to speak but his voice felt frozen.


Willow could feel the strength of the magic behind her. She knew that Wesley was in pain. Knowing that he killed Kimberly Cordial... that he killed anyone at all terrified her. But she still didn't want to see him hurt.


Samantha: I could end this now. Easily. But I need to know why you did it. Of all the "prey" you could have chosen in this city she certainly must not have been the easiest.


He struggled to speak against the spell that felt like frozen spears in his limbs.
Wesley: She had the Book... I ... was... oathbound...


Willow: The Book? Oathbound???
She turned around quickly.


Willow: I know what that means. I read about that. He's forced to do someone's bidding because he made a pact to do so.
Samantha: Very good, you can read.
Willow: But that means he may not have been responsible...


Samantha's voice softened.
Samantha: I know that, Willow. But he still killed her. I need to know who did this and why.


Willow approached him carefully, knowing Samantha was still behind her holding him with her spell. He looked so small and helpless now, floating there at the whim of the magic. She could see the pain on his face, the tears in his eyes. How could he have done this?


She was just a little girl, but somehow she had managed to travel by herself, far away from home. She wasn't sure where she was but it had begun to rain. She found herself a bus shelter and as she had always done when she woke from sleepwalking, she sat down and began to cry.


He would stay close to her home and check up on her once in a while just to make sure she wasn't sleepwalking again. Locking the doors didn't help. She always managed to find her way out. The ones who wanted her were persistent.


"I found you." he said. He always did.


"I was sleepwalking again, Mr. Wesley? I didn't mean to be out so late."


"I know, Willow." he told her. "You don't have to worry. I won't let anything happen to you. I'll keep you safe, I promise."


"Now let's get you home."


That little girl trusted him, almost unconditionally. To her, he could do no wrong. He couldn't hurt anyone. He was her guardian angel.


Wesley deserved better than this. Even if he had done horrible things, he deserved more from her. At least a chance.
Willow: You can't do this. I'm not going to let you hurt him anymore.


Samantha: Willow, he's a vampire. He kills to sustain himself. He doesn't deserve your protection.
Willow: But this isn't justice. I don't know what you're doing now but it's not right.
Samantha: It doesn't matter, there's nothing you can do to stop me.


Willow: Maybe not, but I can try to slow you down.


Samantha had not expected Willow to act so quickly. Before she can even brandish her wand, Willow had already cast the spell.


It exploded in front of her powerfully knocking her back.


Samantha: Don't do this Willow.


The break in concentration was enough to release Wesley from Samantha's spell. Willow held her wand high ready to cast again if she moved.


He was hurt, but he was still able to move. He managed to hoarsely call out Willow's name.
Willow: Wesley, go.


Willow: I mean it, just run!
His head was spinning, but he managed to transform to attempt to escape.


Before Willow even knew it, the same spell she used against Samantha was fired back at her.




Samantha had run past her and before Willow could do anything to stop her, she had cast her spell. Willow let out a small cry as she realized how dangerous the spell was. It was more potent than the light spell that she had used against Wesley before. This one could kill him.


The bat shrieked as the spell struck. It flapped it's wings desperately as it tried to move swiftly away from the witch.


But he wasn't sure where he was going, or what other danger he was headed for.
Jasmine: What the hell is that???


Jasmine: Oh no fucking way...


Jasmine: ... not this shit again...


Jasmine spun the wheel hard, swearing as she did, as Wesley managed to leap out of the path of the truck. Lying against the concrete, the pain of the spell finally overcame him and all went black.


Willow: Miss Cordial, wait!


Samantha heard the girl call out to her, her heart leaping in her chest. She stopped and turned around.
Samantha: Why did you call me that?


Willow: It's who you are, aren't you? You're her sister. I didn't even know she had one.
Samantha: There's a lot about her that you don't know, Willow.
Willow: There's a lot about Wesley you don't know.


Samantha: And how is that going to change the fact that he killed her?
Willow: Miss Cordial, you don't want to hurt him. I think I know that about you.
Samantha: How can you possibly know?
Willow: Maybe because you're aligned to the light. Like you said. I think I know what that means too. There's no way you could do this.
Samantha: And like I said before, how are you going to stop me?


Willow: I don't know. But I'll try.
Something happened inside Willow. She had no idea what started it but she suddenly began to feel energy tingle inside of her, as if it was swiftly filling her veins trying to find it's way out. She felt confident. Almost powerful.


Samantha: You're shining Willow. I don't want to hurt you, but I've been doing this a lot longer than you.


Willow: Probably. I don't know though. I think I might be lucky.
Samantha: Lucky? What do you mean by that?
Willow couldn't help but glance over, at a point past Samantha's shoulder.


Rowan: I think she means me.


Samantha was actually startled by his voice. She turned around quickly to face him and that distraction gave Willow the opportunity to cast her spell. She wasn't even sure how but she knew exactly what she needed to do.


It struck Samantha completely. She wasn't able to resist it.




Rowan: What the fuck is with all the sparkling? And is that a dead witch?
Willow: No, she's not dead. It was a sleep spell. It's knocked her out.
Rowan: Great. Now tell me what's going on here.


Willow: Is that Jasmine's truck?


Linden: This doesn't look good. He's not breathing. He doesn't have a pulse.
Jasmine: That doesn't necessarily mean he's dead. He could be faking it.


Linden: What? How could you be that callous?
Jasmine: Sorry, but I've had bad experiences with undead dudes jumping in front of my truck lately so don't mind me if I'm a bit skeptical.
Linden: What are you talking about?


Willow ran over to where her brother was kneeling over Wesley. She couldn't even acknowledge Linden being there right now. She wasn't even sure whether Wesley was alive or dead.

Rowan: Don't tell me he's a friend of yours?
Willow: He's really hurt. I have to find help for him.
Linden: Okay well we'll just call an ambulance...


Willow: No! I mean... I don't think a hospital can help him.
Jasmine: Okay so I guess this means you have a clue to what will?
Willow: I'm... not sure. I have to bring him somewhere.
She knew immediately what she had to do and where she needed to go.


She thought about Wesley and a place he had brought her once to keep her safe. She had cast this spell before but never with two people. She didn't know if she was that strong. But somehow, she managed to gather the energy around her, from where she wasn't sure. She was almost confident she could do it.






Rowan: Uuuuuuggggghhh...
Jasmine: Uh wow. What just happened..?
Willow gasped when the spell was completed. She looked around her incredulously. She'd made it. But she hadn't intended to bring everyone... how was that even possible?


Willow: Wesley! You're alive!
He didn't say anything. His eyes barely opened but his hand moved up towards hers.


Rowan: Holy shit. Not you...


Jasmine: Is anyone going to tell me what's going on?
Sibyll: Fair question. I'd like to know the same thing. What have you done with my Wesley?

---

Death: He's not your anything, you know.
Sibyll: Well not yet. He's certainly lovely. Such a waste of good blood...


Death: Well do you plan on standing there smiling stupidly for much longer or are you going to make a decision, because there are other places I could be.
Sibyll: Oh don't be so impatient. I know for a fact you have all the time in the world.
Death: I suppose it is rather impolite to rush a lady, yes?. It's nice to see you've dressed for the occasion.


Sibyll: I can't help it. I get nostalgiac for the old days sometimes. But it feels appropriate.
Death: Indeed. Can you indulge me this once and hurry it up, then? Or would you rather he come with me, I don't really mind either way.


Sibyll: I think I've made up my mind, dear.
Death: Very well then. I'll write up the necessary forms. I do hope you've made the right decision.
Sibyll: Do you believe there is a reason why any of us are here and why we make the choices we do?


Death: You know I can't answer that. Good night, Countess. I'll see you soon. Give my regards to young Mr. Vaughn.


next » [ chapter 23: unwelcome ]

------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

* this chapter was planned in bits and pieces for a while now. It was fun to write and eventually pose but it did feel sort of deux ex machina . I did need everyone to get together at some point. I originally had planned for Rowan and Jasmine to have seperate confrontations with Willow and Wesley but it would have unnecessarily drawn everything out longer.

* the chapter title comes from a song this time: To Die For, by The Birthday Massacre, one of my favourite bands. Wesley was very much inspired by that song.

* hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for following with me. :)

Comments

[wittyunsilenced.livejournal.com]

HOLY CRAP!!!! That's all that can really be said. This chapter was so intense! Wesley has got to be one of my favorite characters, it was nice to have another glimpse into his past... Interesting with those guys and Sybill came into his life THAT early.

And of course, the "battle" between Willow/Wesley and Samantha was intense... I wonder what else there is about Kimberly that we have yet to know. ;)

Great chapter! Really enjoyed this one, and Rowan is awesome.

[simtopi]

Thanks, Nicole. This chapter was pretty fun to write. I just hope it all made sense, lol. Willow does have to learn a lot more about Kimberly but that's all for another chapter. :)

[niki1988.livejournal.com]

Brilliant chapter! I can't wait for more.

What will happen with Willow and Wesley now? Is Willow going to tell everyone about her secret? And what'll happen with Sybyll and Willow's friends?

[simtopi]

Thank you. We'll definitely see what happens with Wesley, Willow and friends in the next chapter. I'm not sure if everyone will know Willow's secret, but some important people eventually will. :)

[teckno102.livejournal.com]

I can't tell you how fantastic this is. It's amazing! I love how you go back and forth between the present and the past, and it just meshes perfectly! I can't wait to read more, it's getting so good. :D

[simtopi]

Hi there. I don't think you've commented here before if I recall, so greetings! :D

I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Jumping around from scene to scene has always been challenging for me, among other things so I'm glad it worked for you. :)

[teckno102.livejournal.com]

Yes, first time commenter. :)

I'd read good things in other peoples journals I lurk and then I saw your update and so I read chapter 22. I'll admit that was a bit unorthodox, however once I finished it, I went back and read all the previous chapters and I'm totally hooked. This is by far one of the best stories using the Sims 2 I've read, the characters/photography/plot is just so good. I can't wait for more. XD;

[simtopi]

*blush*. Well, I'm happy you're reading it. Hopefully I'll be able to keep on this pace. :)

[spyroeldragon.livejournal.com]

um, wow.

i-i'm not sure what to say, really. xD
good thing that there are plenty of other people who do!
i love this chapter, and wesley, too. it's really awesome seeing
how everything ties together, and i can't wait to see more!

:DDD

[simtopi]

Thank you. :) I'm just glad you enjoyed it. And there's a lot more tying together I still need to do so yeah, I'm looking forward to it too. ;)

[robertcarney.livejournal.com]

favoritechaptereversofaruntilanewonecomesout! xD
this was fantastic, and it had teh sparklies!

seriously anxious for the next update (:

[simtopi]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks! :D

[pennysims.livejournal.com]

Wow, this chapter was so intense! Loved every minute of it. Your dialogue writing skills are amazing and as you already know, your pictures are perfectly done. Can't wait for the next chapter :)

[simtopi]

Thank you Penny. The pics in this chapter were actually pretty challenging for me this time but I'm happy you liked them. Hopefully I'll have another chapter out in a timely manner. ;)

[dgjamie.livejournal.com]

This was such a pleasure to wake up to! And such a great chapter. I loved getting to see how Wesley got Vamped. His character, when he was human, sort of reminds me of Spike from Buffy. But maybe that's just the blonde hair and love of poetry.

And EEEEE! At the growing number of people finding out about Willow. I can't wait to see Linden's reaction to finding out his little sister is a witch.

Great chapter :)

[simtopi]

Thanks! I actually do take some influences away from Buffy, and yes I guess I can see the Spike/Wesley connection, except for the fact that Wesley was never really a bad guy. And a few more key people will definitely learn about Willow before the end. :D

[simtopi]

Willow is finding more of her magic, and yes Samantha will be finding it interesting too I imagine. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter... it was pretty challenging to write and pose, but I'm glad it came together.

[selenaq13.livejournal.com]

My Gosh! I was so scared for Wesley. He had been a good sim before being turned and it makes me sympathetic towards his plight. I screaming for Willow to save him. Phew, thank goodness. You are a master story teller, I love, love your writing.

[simtopi]

Thank you! I'm flattered you think that way about my story telling. I don't know if I'm a master storyteller yet but I'm trying. I'm just happy you're enjoying it

[simsinthecity.livejournal.com]

There's something about Samantha that's making me think she's not good even though she's "good." Her anger is justified but I'm not sure about her course of actions. That's sort of what Willow was picking up on, isn't it? Hmmm ...

This is a beautiful picture :3

I feel so sorry for Wesley, now.

[simtopi]

You're probably right. I don't quite believe in black & white/good & evil characters so yes, Samantha does have a bit of a dark side.

I'm happy with how that pic turned out. It was a little tricky trying to find the right expression I wanted.

[prettypalisades.livejournal.com]

Wow, what a great chapter!

I have to say, you do a great job with the flashbacks. Plus it's very clear which timeframe you're in.

I love the last bit!

Sibyll: Do you believe there is a reason why any of us are here and why we make the choices we do?
Death: You know I can't answer that. Good night, Countess. I'll see you soon. Give my regards to young Mr. Vaughn.

How is it that I am getting serious chills from a Sims 2 story? What a superb ending to the chapter! I can't wait for more.

[simtopi]

Thank you so much. Like I've said before (and over and over again I'm sure), I find pacing and organizing the scenes a challenge for me. But I'm enjoying telling the story with the flashbacks.

As for that last bit, I think that was me adding a slightly lame tribute to the sim-god and her evil machinations (i.e. me, lol). I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[harlowstories.livejournal.com]

Major applause!

I think this chapter was excellently done. I'm itching for more and you've built up a lot of anticipation for the next chapter. I'm excited to see the reactions of everyone. Linden's reaction to her being a witch and Rowan and Jasmine's reactions to how much power she has. I also hope there will be interaction between those characters and Wesley.

I really love Willow and Wesley's dynamic. I was hoping she would see the good in him despite it all and I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. As much as I love the relationship between Willow and Gabriel, I strongly believe that romance is exciting in a story only if it's progressing. It seems like the two are at a bit of a standstill right now where everything is too peaceful, so I'd love to see Wesley mix that up. Adrian seemed like he had the ability to do that, but Willow never gave him the chance.

As for Sibyll, I'm not really feeling her as a character. I like that Wesley has a backstory, but Sibyll seems very vague to me. When she jumps in, I just think "go away, you're spoiling the moment" instead of getting excited about what twist she'll create.

I hope you enjoy my ridiculously long and critical comments ^_^

[simtopi]

I'm glad you liked this chapter. Much of it has been plotted out since I first started writing this story, but it was pretty neat to actually realize it all.

I agree with you about Willow and Gabriel and I'm sure it's apparent at this point to most people that they are safely happy. Everything is still in motion though so I won't talk about it too much, I just hope it won't disappoint.

Sibyll I am leaving deliberately vague at this point. I have plans for her (and everyone really) for later. And you know I never mind the critical comments. I like the way you make me think about how my characters develop. I really do appreciate it. :) Adding you to my f-list by the way! :D

[dicaprioangel.livejournal.com]

Such an intense chapter! AMAZING! I can't wait for more!

[simtopi]

:D Thank you!

[artivity.livejournal.com]

An amazing chapter!
Must be alot for Linden and the others to take in!
What with all the supernatural stuff and what not.

[simtopi]

It is definitely a lot to deal with. We'll see what everyone thinks of everything soon. Thank you for commenting :)

[smjoshsims.livejournal.com]

Hey, long time lurker here, just stopping by to say that your story is amazing, the characters are wonderful, and that I'm hooked. Excellent chapter! Do you mind if I add you to keep up?

[simtopi]

Hi there... it makes me happy to know you've been reading so thanks for delurking and commenting. :D I totally don't mind you adding me. I'd like to add you, I've actually been reading Every Perfect Life since you advertised your latest update and I've been really enjoying it. :)

[smjoshsims.livejournal.com]

Omg, thank you! It's nice to know that people are reading my story. :)

[liviumdec.livejournal.com]

Hi, another shy lurker surfaces :) I'd just like to say that I've really been enjoying following your story and would like to add you in order to make following more convenient. Your scene setting and characterization- absolute pleasures!

Question: Is Mr. Ricci "played by" Patrizio Monty? Just an inkling, he looks familiar.

[simtopi]

Hi there! Thanks for commenting, I'll add you back.

For Mr. Ricci, I actually did think of using one of the Veronaville sims for that character, to be honest. It's funny that you mentioned that! But I was too lazy to bother extracting so I made my own sim for him. :)

I'm really glad that you're enjoying the story so far, thank you! :)

[collidingwithme.livejournal.com]

Omg, I love this chapter!!! First off, I need to say that Sibyll just scored 10/10 on my cool scale. She walks out to a crowd on her graveyard and still acts like she's in charge, not the slightest bit affected. And then, she can talk to grim affectionately like they're old friends, and even grim was being polite to her! XD

Hmm, so Sibyll wasn't the one who took Wesley's life afterall. I had thought so during earlier chapters and wondered about their relationship.

And Willow is so brave! Especially the part where she went against Samantha. I'm really surprised that Samantha attacked her back though, I thought the circle is supposed to protect the heir. :( I think Samantha is a good person, so I hope she doesn't get kicked out or something just because of this personal feud with Wesley and end up harming Willow as well.

By the way, I LOLed when Linden said they should call an ambulance. XD Oh golly! I can only imagine the shock he'll have to go through after being teleported by his own baby sister!

[simtopi]

LOL I'm glad you like Sibyll. She's still growing on me, personally, but yes she does need to be here. She definitely has a special relationship with old Grimmy, her being a centuries old vampire and all.

Willow is brave, and a little too idealistic for her own good, I think. Samantha wouldn't have tried to hurt Willow if Willow hadn't gotten in her way. It's the Coven that views Willow as the heir, at this point the Circle (I guess I don't mind saying they're on opposite sides) are unaware of Willow's status as of yet.

And Linden is probably in for a surprise all right. :D Thanks for commenting, Ning! <3

[(Anonymous)]

I'm sorry I read this a while ago I can't remember if I've commented or not yet! Ah well... I loved this chapter! It is one of the few chapters that I've read more than once now it's so good. I'm sooo glad Linden is finally in the story. It was kind of weird not seeing him at all and I really like how you've made him a semi hippy minus the crazy clothes and not showering and stuff. I guess he's more of just a modern dude who loves nature and wears awesome clothes! I know you said earlier that he wasn't going to be a big charecter but he is now officially my favorite charecter. :). Can't wait for the next chapter!

Re:

[mimiwiggles.livejournal.com]

sorry i didn't mean to post anonymously. That was me who commented! I'm just so out of it today!

[simtopi]

LOL, I'm happy you like Linden. I've always liked him, which is sort of why I "transferred" him to TS3. His traits are good, bookworm, vegetarian, hates outdoors and virtuoso BTW. So yes, he's a probably an urban liberal treehugging vegetarian but he's not much of a hippy. ;)

[amochan8878.livejournal.com]

Ok, I've just spent the last couple days reading this and it's flipping BRILLIANT XD!!!
I'm so completely in love with all the characters, though I'll admit Wesley is my favorite. He's a bit like a Louis isn't he? Less whiny though :D
I'm so glad I found this. I've only ever just read "normal" legacies and haven't really read many sim stories but this one has captured my attention completely.

[simtopi]

Hi there... I added you back earlier. It's cool that you enjoy the story that much, I hope I'll be able to keep entertaining. I imagine Wesley to be somewhat like Louis (if you're talking about Anne Rice's Louis, that is). Just sort of quiet and emo but hopefully not that broody, lol. :)

If you're starting to like what you see here, you can check out the reading list on my sidebar for more nifty sim fiction. There's a lot of good stuff out there. :D

[amochan8878.livejournal.com]

Yes, I mean Anne Rice's Louis. He just screams Louis to me :D.
And I've already started reading some of the simfics on your list and I'm half in love with the ones I've started reading XD.

[starling-1.livejournal.com]

Ok. I love the way you started with Wesley and Mr Ricci, showed where and why. I love the way you mix up time and go right for it - the reminder about Willow and Wesley. Then switch back again. It's hard to make that work but you do make it work.

I am very very glad you retain Wesley's basic character and personality. He's neither a hero nor a villain, not some broody neurotic case with fangs but someone who has gone through a transformation, dealt with it, made mistakes, but he is still who he is.

Willow remains my favorite character. Her relationship with Gabriel may not go anywhere (is it going anywhere?). She's young. She's emotional. And she's loyal.

I liked the ending although I'm not quite sure what it means. But it was a quiet and strange space, like stepping out of time completely.

Have to add that the way you've chosen to write, dialog like a script, is wonderful! Think I said that before but I'm saying it again.

[simtopi]

Thank you so much for your comment! I'm glad you liked it. Chapters like these are sort of fun but at the same time annoying to shoot and write. I'm mostly glad all the transitions seemed to have worked for most people. Trying to get all that in is always tricky for me.

It's neat how you see Wesley as neither a hero or villain. To be honest, I never thought of it myself. I didn't want to portray him as too much of an emo basketcase but at the same time, he does have issues and he knows it.

And yes, I definitely have plans for Willow and Gabriel.

I was thinking about this the other day while I was getting all emo-tastic about my writing, how I don't know if I could have done this if I hadn't used a script style of narrating. Getting the pics done is more important to me, but I'd get absolutely lost if I had to use a lot of exposition.

[nonikk63.livejournal.com]

Actually I was going to refrain from commenting until I was up to date with this story. It could easily get a little tedious otherwise with me squealing over every other chapter. But I feel I have to anyway. This is like watching a movie. There's a flow in the pictures that make these sims into real people. The pictures in themselves are _amazing_. All the staging, the detailed settings, the expressive use of angles (the feet from the men as they start following Wesley for example). This story is getting better and better for each chapter. The story is in itself is a masterpiece of a well thought out plot that slowly unfolds with interesting and complex characters that develop through the story. The more you get to know about them, the more they surprise you. Yet everything about them is fully credible. Like I said - like real people. There is just one expression one can use for this: Bloody Brilliant! :D

[simtopi]

I think you might have commented on one of my personal favourite chapters. Thank you, for all your kind words, I'm still smiling! I've had a lot of fun working on the story, so I just hope that shows. Thank you again!