Chapter 52

Nov. 17th, 2012 01:33 am
simtopi: (Willow)
[personal profile] simtopi
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Chapter 52: Outcast
chapter 52






chapter 52
Cecilia knew that she was tired and falling asleep. It didn't motivate her to move some place a little more comfortable. The attic of the Tri-Var mansion was warm enough, but it still wasn't her comfortable bed and well decorated room.

No one else knew that she was up there, but she'd have it no other way.


chapter 52
Her sorority sisters had been more and more aloof towards her. They were polite at least, but there wasn't the same kind of camraderie there with her. If there wasn't outright awkward silence, someone would find an excuse to leave the other's presence.

It was clear to Cecilia who was being avoided; more so when she walked into the dining room and saw the other girls there, talking and laughing with eachother.


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Apparently they had forgotten to tell her about the planning meeting for the upcoming party. Or that there was an upcoming party at all.


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She wasn't an idiot, she knew what that was about. For whatever reason, she had been nudged out of the in-crowd. On a level it bothered her a lot. She wasn't used to being an outcast.

What did really hurt was Jasmine leaving her alone. She hadn't spoken to her sister since that morning of the accident, despite Jasmine trying to call. At first she was just mad.

Now, she just needed a break from everything. Maybe she just needed to back off from being so dependent on others and be by herself. So that's what she did. She spent the rest of the day moping around the house, trying to find anywhere to be to avoid hearing the other girls' chatting and laughing. She finally reached the big closet which led to the attic door.


chapter 52
She thought she had enough of attics and 'third floors'. And yet she found herself climbing up that ladder anyway.

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The attic didn't seem as spooky as it was when she was here with Willow. That seemed so long ago.


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It smelled musty up here and everything she touched seemed to explode in a cloud of dust. But she found herself a seat and slouched into it, ignoring the cobwebs. At least there was finally silence.

In a weird way, she found herself missing Brittany Upsnott right now. The night when Brittany possessed her, Cecilia was unwillingly subjected to all of Brittany's emotions... all of her anger it seemed. A lot of it stemmed from a certain kind of pain that Cecilia understood.


chapter 52
It was the hurt of being left out. Just like Brittany, Cecilia's insecurities made her unable to cope well with being rejected.

It must have been horrible wandering these hallways all these years alone, with no one to talk to and holding on to that untempered rage. Cecilia understood now why Brittany was so sad.


chapter 52
She went back to her room to retrieve her books and her laptop so she could work on her assignments. She struggled to stay focused though and at a point she just succumbed to sleep.

She realized at a point what a bad idea that was when she woke up shivering and sore. It was dark up there, and there was no way to tell if it was the middle of the night or early morning.

chapter 52
"Oh you poor soul. Not such a comfortable place to lay one's head, I would imagine."

The voice sent a sharp shive down her spine, spreading chill right through her fingers.


chapter 52
Cecilia let out a small shriek as she saw the apparition sitting in the armchair in front of her. It was dressed differently, but Cecilia could still recognize it...


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... The ghost from Malcolm's mansion.

chapter 52
"This is my old sorority house you know. So many of us used to hide up here, for reasons not unlike your own. My, do I miss it. It's not one of my usual haunts these days."


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"So you are the young lady that is courting my grandson."

Cecilia was stunned.

Cecilia: No! I mean... yes. I mean, I'm not sure.
"I'm sorry if I might have frightened you when you came for a visit the other day, but you have to understand, no living being has been able to see or hear me in quite some time."

Cecilia: No... no, that's okay. I wasn't scared...Who are you again??!


chapter 52
"Who am I? Oh dear, what has become of our legacy. Half this campus is named for me, but it seems that's been conveniently forgotten these days."

The ghost rose from the chair and drifted towards Cecilia, holding out it's hand.

"I was a Landgraab. Marion Landgraab.  Would you care to join me for tea?"





chapter 52
Willow could feel darkness pulling her in. She tried to smile, to respond to her nephew who was now calling out her name, but nothing came out. She just felt so heavy. So sleepy...

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... it was all she needed... Just to rest. For a small while... The dark felt so comfortable...

"Wiwwo...?!"

chapter 52
"Willow."

chapter 52
She just wanted to close her eyes for a little bit longer. Why was everyone trying to wake her up? Why did she need to wake up... wait... why was she thinking this way? She can't sleep forever...

chapter 52
Willow fought against sleep and woke up with a start. She looked around in a mild state of panic. Recognition of her surroundings stepped in bit by bit until she finally began to remember where she was.

chapter 52
Gabriel: You know the lecture is dull when you're knocked out even before you get there.
Willow: I don't know what you're talking about. Where am I?


chapter 52
Gabriel: Dreamland it looked like.
Willow: Gabe...
Gabriel: We're in the Student Union. You were kinda just napping here when I came along. It's only ten in the morning.



chapter 52
Gabriel: Don't tell me you're starting to sleepwalk now.
Willow: No, I didn't sleepwalk. I guess I'm just a little disoriented.



chapter 52
Gabriel: It's okay. I've had my share of waking up in stranger places. Usually after a night at the Warehouse...
Willow: I wasn't drinking.
Gabriel: I didn't say you were. Just sharing an anecdote.


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Gabriel: But seriously. Are you okay?


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She sighed in reply, a little embarassed now.
Willow: Yes I'm fine. I just didn't sleep well last night.

She stood up quickly, but suddenly the room began to spin and her vision began to blur considerably.

Willow: I just needed... a nap...


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Willow didn't realize she had begun to sway. She had begun to fall over when Gabriel reached out to steady her.


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She struggled slightly before things came back into focus.

Gabriel: Hey, take it easy.


chapter 52
Gabriel: You don't get to spend a night in the hospital and pretend that everything's peachy.
Willow: That was a few nights ago. It was just overexhaustion and I only spent a few hours there.
Gabriel: Right. Overexhaustion.


chapter 52
Gabriel: You're just killing yourself with stress, lack of sleep, crap nutrition, and you know, all that channeling of phenomenal cosmic powers. No big deal.
Willow: I'm okay. It's under control and you don't have to worry about me.


chapter 52
Gabriel: You can convince yourself that everything's fine, Willow, but you're not going to tell me that I can't care.


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Willow: I'm doing just that. I don't need you to tell me what's bad for me.
Gabriel: No you don't. You're a big girl, you should be able to figure that out for yourself. And I'd be more convinced of that if you didn't manage to get yourself hospitalized.

Gabriel frowned, knowing Willow wasn't listening to him. He could have left it at that, but he had to continue whether she wanted to hear it or not.



chapter 52
Gabriel: Look, I don't know if you know any of this already or if you'll even find it important. The Landgraab Mansion that the secret society uses used to be owned by SSU until about two decades ago. Malcolm Landgraab bought it back outright. Shortly after Brittany Upsnott died in it. You know, the ghost that we were looking for that night?

The night their dorm was set on fire killing three students. The night Willow found the Mirror.



chapter 52
Gabriel: Landgraab also holds title to a block of properties that students can rent out. One of those is an old cottage in the woods that probably should have been demolished a long time ago. It's in the general vicinity of the dive you're staying in now.
Willow: You're saying that Malcolm Landgraab owns my house.
Gabriel: I would have hoped that you'd know who your landlord was?

chapter 52
Willow: Maybe it was just an informal arrangement.
Gabriel: How informal? Of all the places you could have lived in, why there? What would someone like him get out of you?
Willow: I don't know and I don't really care. I told you it's nothing for you to worry about and I'd really appreciate it if you could stop poking around in my life. I really don't need this right now.

Didn't he know how dangerous this was?


chapter 52
Gabriel: I'm sorry, I really am. I thought maybe that this guy was manipulating you somehow. All this craziness seemed to start up at the Secret Society mansion and I didn't like the information I found.
Willow: Just drop it, Gabriel. I'm not being manipulated and I'm safer than I've ever been. You're the last person I need coming to my rescue. It's not your problem, or your business.


chapter 52
Samantha: Actually, at this point, it's probably everybody's business.

Willow stared at Samantha Cordial, her eyes narrowing. Every instinct in her fired off, telling her to either fight or run.

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Willow: Why are you here?
Samantha: I'm hoping to finally be able to talk to you.


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Gabriel: Yeah, I called her. Sorry.
Willow: I can't believe this. I can't ever get a break, can I?


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She turned sharply and walked away in a rush before anyone could say another word.


chapter 52

chapter 52
It's not like she even used magic in two days. She saw poor Sage lying still in that crib and she desperately wanted to help him. All it took was a touch and something happened. It was as if everything that was keeping Willow together suddenly reversed course, flowing right out of her and into Sage, finally waking him.

It wasn't something that she exactly wanted to happen. She woke up in a hospital bed a few hours later. She still wasn't sure what happened to her or Sage.


chapter 52
Samantha: You look like you're recovering well.

chapter 52
Samantha: Believe me, I've been close to where you were... taking too much for our bodies to handle.
Willow: How would you know what happened to me?
Samantha: It wasn't hard to find out that your nephew was in the hospital. And soon after you arrived, he suddenly got better and you paid the price.


chapter 52
Willow: You're keeping track of me, aren't you. Like just about everyone else.
Samantha: I try. You should be one of the most predictable subjects we've ever had to monitor, but you've managed to stay quite elusive.
Willow: There's a good reason for that.
Samantha: I know.

Samantha bent down by the pond, almost in reverence. It seemed like so long ago since Willow was here. It was the night when that younger witch was killed. The Coven was trying to protect her from him. And she let him die and tried to forget about him ever since.


chapter 52
It was as if Samantha read her thoughts.

Samantha: His name was Nigel.
Willow: The witch who died here...?
Samantha: Murdered. But you knew that, didn't you?


chapter 52
Samantha: A more seasoned witch maybe wouldn't have been so careless and thrown both himself and you in danger. But it's not like the Circle has a great pool of resources to choose from anymore.
Willow: He was one of you? Part of the Circle?

chapter 52
Willow: His death wasn't your fault, Willow. Though I don't get the impression that you feel very badly about it.

chapter 52
Willow: That isn't true.

But Samantha was right. Willow felt more guilty about not feeling guilty enough.


chapter 52
Samantha: Bad things tend to happen to people around you. Do you think you can tell me why that is?


chapter 52
Willow: It isn't my fault. I'm not sure at all why this is happening. And I am sorry about Miss Cordial... about your sister.
Samantha: Are you now?



chapter 52
Samantha: You could have simply given me Wesley that night. You could have come to me or Wanda to tell us what you know. Instead, three young people were killed and we were tasked with the unfortunate job of covering up how and why they died. And when we tried to approach you, one of ours was brutally murdered. And still, you didn't come to us when you had every opportunity to.

chapter 52
Samantha: I would say that you were complicit in all of this if I really believed it.
Willow: I didn't know what to do. I wasn't sure what was going on and I didn't want you to take Wesley away. It wasn't his fault.

chapter 52
Samantha: Maybe. Maybe not. Wesley chose, of his own free will, to enter a spell pact that turned him into a dangerous weapon. In a way, he is still responsible for my sister's murder. Though I concede that dying to break the oath may not have been in his best interest.


chapter 52
Willow: That oath is broken now. He won't hurt anyone else and I'm not going to let you take him.
Samantha: You seem pretty sure of that.


chapter 52
Samantha: It's not about Wesley anymore. It's not about my sister. It's about why she died, Willow. I believe there is more at stake here than I had originally thought. And it all comes back to you and why the Coven is so interested in you.


chapter 52
Willow: I don't understand what makes me so special. I still don't know why Miss Cordial had to die. I never wanted those kids at the dorm to die and I certainly didn't want Nigel to die, even if I thought he was a danger to me. The last thing I want is for anyone else to be hurt.
Samantha: Especially those close to you? Like Gabriel, or Jasmine? Rowan or Sage?
Willow: You leave them all out of it.
Samantha: They're all already involved, whether you like it or not. But it's my job to keep them just as safe as I'd like to keep you. Let us help you.
Willow: Why do I need your help? The Coven offered me safety and protection. Maybe more, but I don't know why. Why should I trust any of you?


chapter 52
Samantha: Willow, do you know what the difference is between the Coven and the Circle? It's not just about aligning yourself to light magic or dark. It's not being on the good or evil side.

chapter 52
Samantha took a few steps towards a willow tree, still winter bare. She summoned her wand.

Samantha: When the cold comes every winter, this tree will destroy much of itself just so it can survive.

chapter 52
Samantha: The Coven practices magic that harnesses destructive energy and elements of decay. But as you know, Willow, nothing is ever truly destroyed. The state is transformed, energy dispersed. Decay exists so life can begin again for other things.


chapter 52
Willow gasped as warmth suddenly rose from the earth into the air, magical energy tingling all around her. It was nothing like anything Willow ever felt before.

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It was beautiful.

chapter 52
Samantha: The same energy that can destroy also triggers life, and that life influences other life.


chapter 52
Samantha stepped back. Willow watched amazed as the tree began to bloom before their eyes.


chapter 52

chapter 52
Samantha: The Circle uses that life energy for our magic. All sims have potential for it. We take it for granted at times, but it's very powerful.

chapter 52
Samantha: I know that you are important to the Coven, but if my sister's notes about you were accurate, your magic manifested in you from a desire to survive and to protect someone that you loved, not from a desire for power, and not from hate or destruction. No matter where you end up, you'll realise that your strongest spells will draw from that life energy. You ask me how you can trust any of us and the answer is that you can't. But you can trust yourself and the magic where your true power will always lie.
Willow: But it's all screwed up. I can barely heal myself anymore. It's all I can do to even just see clearly some days.


chapter 52
Samantha: If your true magic is being suppressed, then it's something you need to worry about. And despite what you may think now, we can help you.
Willow: Can you really keep all of my friends safe?
Samantha: If we knew what it is that we're fighting, we can try.

chapter 52
Samantha looked across the park, knowing that they were being watched. The old woman stood there, her eyes digging into the younger witch's skull. She had been shadowing Willow for days, easily hidden from others and always vigilant.

chapter 52
The air shifted and chilled. Samantha knew if she stayed much longer, she'd be in danger.

Samantha: I'm afraid I'll have to go. But we're not finished here, Willow.





chapter 52
In some way Gabriel was curious about what Samantha and Willow were talking about. But he knew whatever it was was way beyond him and it was better just to leave it at that. He knew Willow wouldn't appreciate what he did, but he didn't feel like he had any other choice.

chapter 52
His thoughts were interrupted as someone called out his name.

Tashia: Hey! Glad I bumped into you!
Gabriel: Uh... hi, Tashia.


chapter 52
Tashia: Did you get a chance to talk to Cecilia today?
Gabriel: Cecilia? Actually, I hadn't seen her in a while. Don't you live with her?

Tashia giggled loudly in response.

chapter 52
Tashia: Of course silly. I was just wondering if she talked to you about the party yet!
Gabriel: Party? Nope, it's the first I heard.

And this would probably be the first time any sorority girl other than Cecilia had personally asked him to come to any kind of social event.


chapter 52
Tashia: Oh, okay! Well there's a party, right?
Gabriel: So you mentioned.
Tashia: We'd love it if you could make it. Honestly, I'm appalled Cecilia didn't ask you right away.
Gabriel: It's okay, I'm sure we'll get over it.


chapter 52
Tashia: Cool. So you'll make it right?
Gabriel: Is Jasmine going to be there?
Tashia: Who? Oh, right. Jasmine. Yeah I guess, whatever.

Tashia reached up unexpectedly and hugged him.


chapter 52
She skipped off, leaving Gabriel to eye the invitation a little supsiciously. Tashia had never bothered to invite him personally before.

She couldn't have seriously been flirting with him, could she?


chapter 52
He walked away, still looking down at the card. He had to have a chat with Cecilia.





East Simtopi

chapter 52


chapter 52
The day was bright and cool. All Sage wanted to do was go outside. Eventually Meadow bundled him up and brought him out, but she wouldn't let him out of her sight.

Neither did Rowan.

chapter 52
Rowan had come by every day since they left the hospital. There was nothing much for him and Meadow to talk about. She couldn't bring up the subject of what to do next. Rowan was uncharacteristically quiet for the most part.


chapter 52
In a way, Meadow was just happy to have him there. But there were obvious complications.


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It was the first time Willow had seen them since the hospital.


chapter 52


chapter 52
Meadow: Come on, you little monkey. It's nap time.
Sage: Wiwwo?!

chapter 52
Meadow: Maybe some other time, sweetie.

She glanced at Willow quickly. Willow looked back at them, puzzled.


chapter 52
With an uncomfortable smile, she quickly excused herself and hurried into the apartment. It left Rowan defending the entranceway.

Willow: Hello? What's going on?


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Rowan: You're supposed to be in class.
Willow: I'm not twelve, Rowan.


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She felt herself kicking something as she moved forward. It was the stuffed toy. Didn't this used to be hers...?


chapter 52
Rowan: Mom found that somewhere. I don't know, she thought the kid might like it.
Willow: That's okay. I'd have given it to him myself. What's going on, Rowan? Why isn't Meadow talking to me?


chapter 52
Rowan: Willow...
Willow: Something really is going on? Did I do something wrong?

He didn't answer her right away. He shifted on the step uncomfortably.


chapter 52
Willow: Rowan!
Rowan: She doesn't know.
Willow: Doesn't know what?
Rowan: About anything that you do. Meadow doesn't know what it's all about, how you're able to do it and most importantly she doesn't know if it's safe.
Willow: Safe?

She was incredulous.


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Willow: Safe?! I only saved Sage's life.
Rowan: I know. But it's how Sage got sick to begin with.
Willow: I had nothing to do with that.


chapter 52
Rowan: That's the whole thing. She doesn't know. She doesn't know if all this magic you've been doing has been affecting Sage, the same way you nearly knocked me and Linden out at that goddam vampire's graveyard.
Willow: How would she know any of that? How would she even make that kind of connection? 


chapter 52
He looked away.

Willow sucked in a deep breath in realization.

Willow: Because you told her. God, Rowan...
Rowan: Yeah I told her. I only brought it up once, but Meadow ran with it... I had to because no one knows what happened to Sage.


chapter 52
But it was what Rowan wasn't saying that hurt Willow the most. She finally said it for him.

Willow: And after all this, you still don't trust me.



chapter 52
Meadow watched as Rowan and Willow talked. After a few moments, Willow walked away. Meadow didn't know how to feel, but guilt formed a pit in her stomach nonetheless.

All she knew was that she had to keep Sage safe.

"Hi Meadow."


chapter 52
She froze and turned around slowly to look at Ben.

Ben: We should really talk now.
Meadow: I'll come get you when Rowan leaves. Is that okay?





chapter 52
Willow couldn't sleep that night. She couldn't get Rowan or Meadow out of her mind. All she saw was Rowan looking down at her, distrustfully, accusingly. She also couldn't help but think about Gabriel and everything he tried to tell her.


chapter 52
She had known what Gabriel was trying to say. She was never sure herself, but after talking to Malcolm Landgraab the other night, it now seemed clear that he and his Coven were trying to direct her to something.


chapter 52
She sat up. She argued with herself for a moment before finally giving up.


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Quickly, she walked down to the cellar.


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A small whispered spell lit all the candles in the room.


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Her reflection showed up clearly in the dark Mirror. She hadn't looked into it since she returned to the house in the woods. Knowing a little more about it's magic and why she had it made her much more wary of it.

But now she just couldn't help herself.


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Before she could even formulate a thought, the mist in the mirror glowed brightly and materialized into an image. Willow breathed deeply in surprise, seeing Meadow and a man that was clearly not Rowan. He was holding her intimately and she wasn't resisting.


chapter 52
Willow: I guess it just wasn't about me, was it, Meadow?

She muttered it bitterly, scowling at the image of Meadow. How could she? Rowan was the one who went to visit Sage and Meadow as soon as he heard. Rowan was the one who just about risked himself to find help for him. Rowan was Sage's father. What was Meadow doing with this person? Was this why she wanted to shut Rowan and his family out?


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"Is that all you could think about? Your brother lovelorn while the mother of his child is unfaithful? "

The image was quickly replaced by Willow's reflection. But it wasn't quite her reflection. It looked like her, and it moved like her. It was clear in the glass, but it wasn't Willow.


chapter 52
Helene: Is all this insignificant drama this important to you?
Willow: No, it's not important. But Meadow...
Helene: I know, child. She doesn't trust you or your magic. Neither does your kin. 
Willow: But he's my brother. And he knew about what I could do for years.
Helene: For years there has always been doubt. You know this, child.


chapter 52
Helene: There are very few people that you know and trust completely. And those few will not be so ready to return that faith when you will need it. Where have they been when you needed help? Where are they now?


chapter 52
Helene: Will they be at your side should you call? Will they shed their own blood for you?
Willow: I don't need anyone to shed their own blood for me. I know they would though.
Helene: Like they did when you were imprisoned by that traitorous witch. Think again, child. Are they truly loyal to you? Or will they try to intervene and bring others like that White Witch to keep you from your path.


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Helene: If you no longer offer what they want from you, will they still care? Or will they forget and move on.


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Helene: They know nothing about you, child. They know nothing of what you can bring to the world. You know very little of it yourself, how could anyone else understand.


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Willow: They're my friends. They would help me if they understood and knew what was going on.


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Helene: The White Witches are not your friend. They have always believed that magic should remain locked in the earth, never to be used by intelligent creatures. They would sooner suppress your power and return you to the path of mundane normalcy. You know this to be true, Willow. Your friends have sided with this. They will not help you.
Willow: Stop it!


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She yelled at the glass and turned away from the mirror, covering her face.


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Helene: Willow. There is so much at stake. Our kind is dying and with us, the world. You cannot turn away from your path now. You must be willing to help us; mind, body and soul. We are so close.
Willow: I don't know what you expect me to do. Can't you choose someone else?


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Willow uncovered her face and looked up cautiously. For a moment, there was nothing there.


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She was alone.


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Cautiously, she walked back to the mirror, watching her reflection carefully.

Willow: If the world really is dying, tell me what you need me to do?


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The glass flickered again and once again the reflection altered.

Helene: You must do what you were born to do, Willow Marlen. You will save all of witch-kind. You will save the world.


chapter 52
Helene: But first, you must return me to life.


Next » [ Chapter 53 ]


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Date: 2012-11-17 10:38 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] clarejosephine.livejournal.com
Woo!

Man I love all of these sims ;_;

Date: 2012-11-17 10:58 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cookiemashing.livejournal.com
Brilliant Chapter as always!Everything's starting to get me all hyped now!Hope the next chapter comes out soon!

Date: 2012-11-17 01:13 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] nonikk63.livejournal.com
Worth waiting for! :D No wonder Willow feels confused about the right path, I'm not sure who's to trust either. You are playing the cards pretty close to your chest. ;) How will this end?

As always I marvel about how you make your game seem like it's a open hood, with hood deco and neighbouring lots giving depth to the pictues and the sims moving between the lots as if they were just a step away. I think to me that's your signum. IMO no one does it as good as you. It's a film with a moving camera instead of cuts.
(deleted comment)

Date: 2012-11-17 04:35 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] scribal-goddess.livejournal.com
Marion. That's amazing, actually (and then her picture is in the SSU - perfect!) because I get the feeling that Cecelia's going to need a spiritual guide for all of this crazy medium stuff. Plus, she can warn Cecelia off of that crazy man her grandson Malcolm, or help her spy. Poor Cee, though - the sorority girls keep pushing her away right when she needs somebody.

Speaking of pushing, god damn is Willow stubborn. Gabe's just trying to help with the research, and, like he said, he can't help caring. It's not like Willow not taking care of herself won't affect anybody else...

Samantha, I hereby authorize you to dope-slap Willow back into her senses. Even though it's kind of hard for Willow and the audience to hear, Samantha is speaking some good sense there. People will be in danger whether Willow tries to "leave them out of it" or not.

... And there's a coven creeper. Of course.

Yes Gabe, you have been flirted with.

Dangit, Willow, you wouldn't be unwelcome if you'd told them anything about what was going on! Especially Rowan, given that he's your brother and fought zombies and all... Of course he told her, the magic that's going on was a threat to his kid!

Also, Willow, that is A) none of your business, given how long Meadow and Rowan have been not dating and that letting Rowan get to know his kid does not constitute getting back together and b) kind of hypocritical of you, really, given the amount of guys you've had some interest in, reciprocated or no, for the past little while.

I never noticed until recently how much Helene looks like Willow. She's pretty much got the same face shape with a different color pallette. A very creepy, regeneration-obsessed Willow, who is actively trying to keep Willow separate from the people who care.

/comment as read

Hooray for new chapters!
Edited Date: 2012-11-17 04:36 pm (UTC)

Date: 2012-11-18 12:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] scribal-goddess.livejournal.com
I figure that Marion has a lot of wisdom that Cecelia (and other people) might need right now. There is, of course, the question of whether or not she approves of Malcolm's doings or knows much about them to begin with (being a ghost could either help or hurt that because of the context she witnesses things in... ) and there is, of course, the question of whether she would necessarily try to do anything about it if she did disapprove.

With so many people taking different stances about her powers, it's no wonder Willow's getting a bit defensive of them. I can't wait to see what happens next, since it seems like a lot of buildup (Gabe's research, the attack on Sage, Willow alienating all and sundry,) has come to a head with Helene's request.

Date: 2012-11-17 06:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eveningsupper.livejournal.com
Never, ever stop writing.<3

Date: 2012-11-17 07:47 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] pippan (from livejournal.com)
Yay! Simtopy update!

It's great that you are back and I hope that things are going well for you!

I really enjoyed the update! Gabriel was really sweet in this chapter. No wonder that I got him on the test that you had published a few months back :)
Poor Cecilia. She is growing up to be very different from the girl who threw a water balloon at Willow in one of the first few chapters.
OMG Helene is manipulative! We saw some of this while Clara was holding Willow a prisoner, but now it is very clear that the Coven and Helene are using whatever they can to manipulate Willow.

As always I enjoyed your update a lot!

Edited Date: 2012-11-17 07:49 pm (UTC)

Date: 2012-11-17 08:41 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sophie10.livejournal.com
Update! Awesome chapter as always. Helene is really creepy, I hope Willow has the sense to see through her manipulation. Why do I get the feeling that Helene coming back to life involves her stealing Willow's body and magic?

Date: 2012-11-19 02:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] starling-1.livejournal.com
Some of this is difficult to read, but you really do smack the reader in the face with it. It's not only guilt (which even if nothing is Willow's fault, she will believe it is). It's the loss of friendship.

Cecilia's journey up to the attic to meet a ghost who invites her to tea...this is one of the best things you've done.

I love the details you included. The invitation received to a party which may or may not have anything to do with the lady in the painting.

The whole piece is beautifully written and beautifully illustrated and it all says loss. If I didn't get it right, I loved every sentence anyway.

Date: 2012-11-20 02:10 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] starling-1.livejournal.com
Oh no, I didn't mean literally difficult to read. Your style is very clear and easy to follow. The characters are so sympathetic, it's hard not to feel their pain.

Date: 2012-11-19 10:52 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bees-universe.livejournal.com
Love this! So suspenseful!

And can I have Gabe? Pretty pleasssee?

Date: 2012-11-20 04:01 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] skellington7d.livejournal.com
Yay! It's great to see another update. You pictures are so pretty. The colors and lighting are so rich and lovely, and your style is very distinct I think.

The opening with Cecelia in the attic was great and I can't wait to see what comes of that!

I'm worried about Willlow. She seems so isolated...

Date: 2012-11-23 08:45 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] caladrey.livejournal.com
I really didn't see time passing by when suddenly, it was already the end of the chapter :)

You do a really good job I can't wait for the next chapter !

Thank you for your work ;)
Edited Date: 2012-11-23 08:46 pm (UTC)

Date: 2012-11-24 11:30 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] annek2.livejournal.com
This was such an amazing chapter, again! I was extremely happy when I saw you posted it and read it straight away. I'm going through a tough time at the moment, and your chapter was exactly the kind of distraction I needed, so thank you for that <3

Those last to pictures of Helene scared the living daylights out of me :P I really hope Willow won't resurrect her because I feel no good can come from that, but I'm afraid she will do exactly that, since Willow's judgement seems to be... well, not very good at the moment.

And Gabriel <3 I really adore him :) Willow should stop pushing him away...

This was a really exciting chapter, and I can't wait to see how it all turns out. But I saw your other post in which you said you were dating again, so take your time and enjoy life :D

Date: 2012-11-25 07:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] keoni-chan.livejournal.com
Eep, I thought I commented already! Let my fix that grave error right now.

First of, I loved the chapter. You write so well, it's easy to forget it's "just" sims. I love how you set up the shots for the magic from the eath bit. that was quite awesome.

Poor Willow, I hope she finds a way out of her darkness soon, but I think that will be part of your end game ;) I don't think bringing Helena (was that her name, my memory is failing me) is a good idea, but it does sound exciting.

According to simsecret this makes me narcissistic, but screw them, I squealed when I saw you were using my laptop recolor for Cecilia XD

Date: 2012-11-29 02:59 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] darkestdawn73.livejournal.com
eep! I've been so wrapped up in trying to re-download everything for my game that I didn't even know you had a new chapter! Shameful!

Beautiful images, as always. I'm always in awe at how you can set the story ^.^

As someone that always roots for the villains, I hope Helene and Willow do morph and become Wicked Willow! I really can't wait to see how you play that out. It will be exciting to read and to see how or if Willow can come back from it. I love the two last images of Helene. It's like she's saying will you just get on with it and accept me (or whatever Willow has to do) so I can come back to life and kick ass?

And, sorry, but if I was Meadow I wouldn't let Willow near my kid either... no matter that she saved him or not.

And gratz on RL getting better! See, I told you ;)

I'll stop rambling now...

Date: 2012-12-24 02:35 pm (UTC)
ext_242897: (Default)
From: [identity profile] collidingwithme.livejournal.com
I don't believe for a second that Meadow is interested in Ben!!! O_O Her heart is with Rowan! It's sad that she had to avoid Willow for Sage's sake though. :( I mean, I can understand how any mother will choose her child over someone else, but it still sucks. :\

Marion Landgraab sounds like a pretty cool ghost to hang out with, by the way. XD And I love how Cecilia was totally shaking in her skin and still saying that she's not afraid! Go girl! :D

I have a feeling the mirror is not actually showing what Willow wants to see, but simply something Helene uses to manipulate her. And with that face, who would dare to revive her? O_O Gosh, Willow, please don't! (I have a feeling she will, though. Eep!)

Date: 2013-04-08 10:31 am (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
Hey,when will you update again.I can“t wait to read the next chapter.

Date: 2013-04-12 01:23 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cindrasims.livejournal.com
I haven't commented in a while, was busy with real life ;_;

Glad to see my favourite story is still up :D

I really love the last picture, Helene's expression is just perfect.

Date: 2013-05-22 08:47 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] simlili.livejournal.com
Haha, Helene is Dark!Willow ! XD
The original Willow is not so nice herself, I mean I will normally always stand on the side of a sister, but Willow, you're treating Gabe like shit, and actually, Mela, you too :p The guy really doesn't deserve it, come on.

Also, and it costs me to admit it, just before Cece said it, I was just thinking that I kind of missed Brittany Upsnott around Tri-Var (in Simtopi, of course, not in my game, ew!). But Cece (who is one of my favourite characters at this point) thinks Brittany suffered from loneliness up there in her attic, and that's where we disagree. I think Britt-Britt was perfectly fine doing nothing and seeing no one, true to her boring nature.

Anyway, compliments on the beautiful pictures, and not only those like the mirror ones where you show off your photoshop skillz^^. Willow dancing with the butterflies (and, gasp, actually SMILING!)!

Rowan, you prick, you don't steal people's childhood toys, no matter how old they are. That's the result of Elf's hippy parenting, I'm teeling you, Willow and Ro are awfully selfish and ill-mannered :D

Hope to see you around soon (or not, if you're enjoying life away from the internet^^), take care :)

Hello again!

Date: 2013-05-27 08:47 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
Hello again! I've actually been reading your story for quite some time now but I gave up the Sims 2 during my sophomore and junior years of high school because it was too much of a distraction from academics (super nerd over here). This is the first summer in a while where I'll be home the whole summer and I also just had a surgery which has caused be to be on COMPLETE vocal rest for a week and then semi-vocal rest for two months (that means no talking... AHHH) so I thought, why don't i redownlaod sims??? To my dismay, my new mac doesn't support the sims 2. I'm trying to found a way around this but the outlook looks grim :(. ANYWAY, i started reading your story again and I've missed this! I used to have a livejournal account, i think with the name "mimi" in the username but I can't find it... I think it may have been deleted!! Anyway just thought I'd say hi and let you know that you still have this reader!!