Different Shades of Grey [The End]

[TrueRoyalty]

Ahh! AHHH!!! AACCKKKK!!!! What are you DOING to me?! I just found this today and I've already gone through the whole thing. Addicting? Pfsh- YEAH. Please get the next chapter up!! I'm camping out with the rest of the obsessed. I like s'mores... pass 'em over... :P

Always,
Emma

[Aularia]

Gahhhhhhh, cliffhangers!! I'm dying here, I gotta know what's gonna happen Ghanima! Is Jason going to get his life back? Will he and Faye finally get their happy ending or does she get a permanent human statue? Ooh I hope you update soon, I'm so loving this story.

By the way, where did you get that awesome book-stand? I saw it in a Simusic video and I can't find it anywhere.

[Ghanima Atreides]

The bookstand is from this site (somewhere lol) http://sims2ellis.h15.ru/new_objects.html

I'll update soon :)

[AnyPika]

..for a dead guy Jason looks pretty good :bump: :p ...
Did I miss anything? No updates yet :weep: ? You're torturing us :lonely:

[xXharp_babyXx]

Quote:
Originally Posted by gazania
Lunarsea's comments remind me of an old book back in the 80's ... 101 Uses for a Dead Cat. (What can I say ... people were sickos in the 80's?)

If Ghanima hasn't a way to revive Jason, we may have to think of 101 uses for a stiff wraith.



*cough* well yes I suppose so, but that'll have to wait for the SS2 forum to open j/k

Hahahahahahaha :jig: :laugh: :heyhey: :rofl: :beer: :lol: :dumbfunny :spin: :dunce: :agree: (Hmmm, that last one fits well ;))

I Can't wait for the next update!! :D

[SpacemanHPSpiff]

Ghanima, I love how you have so much back story and character history planned out! And I hate how this doesn't update with a new chapter every few hours! :P

[Ghanima Atreides]

Sorry guys :( but an update takes me more than half a day to put together. But I *will* get the next installment up by the end of the week. :)

Thanks for bearing with me and my ideas :jest:

[SpacemanHPSpiff]

Oh no, Ghanima, we're not trying to rush you (at least, I'm not! :P)! Take as much time as you need to get it to be as good as you want it to be. :)

We don't bear you - we merely tolerate you. Joking! We worship the ground you walk on. :D

[K'larra]

Ghanima beautifully done story, I absolutely love it. Very anxious for more. *pitching tent* And I have brownies and will share if anyone is interested. *grins* Ihope no one minds me camping with the rest of you.

P.S. I really believe you should author a book, you would be wonderful at it!

[Julieth]

With a bit of expansion, this story could end up being a book. I can't believe it's almost over!

[TwilightSilver]

I haven't read to many Sims story, but I'm sure this one is one of the best. :D I loved it. So please update..I'm DYING. Poor Jason!!! :disagree:

[XsnowdropX]

ahh must read next part!!! gonna go insane....

*runs around house laughing insanly*

[xXharp_babyXx]

I can't wait for the next update :)
*sits imaptiently*

[Ghanima Atreides]

The pictures are finally taken and edited, which leaves the actual writing :P But I'm tired today and know I won't do a good job of it if I begin so I'll leave it till tomorrow.

[Lollipop_Girl]

:) Well take your time and dont rush, wait till you think you can write better. I'll look forewad to seeing your next update when you do post it :)

[cyn_fite]

I just had to join this forum to be able to write in about this wonderful story.
I started reading this story on Sunday, July 20th at about 4:30pm and finished reading it (or at least what has been written so far) around 11pm. This I dare say has been the most intriguing story with such humble beginnings of a little girl and her single parent home. In my opinion you have showed the me and possibly the world how a girl with such hardship beginnings can find support, friendship, love and hope in everyday people. With the case of Jason and her best friend (which shamefully her name has escaped my memory), you have shown me and others that friends come from places where one would not necessarily expect.

Not only have you written a well thought out illustrated novella, but you have at least opened my eyes to the way I treat people who are different from me.

I applaud you and are very excited to read your upcoming update.

**BTW, I'm bringing in a camper filled with lots of yummy food for anyone and everyone who is willing to join a newbie. Hats off and cheers to a well spent evening of reading and losing myself in the life of young Faye and all of her dear friends and some not so dear enemies.

Thank you again and again.

[richdude_SC]

Hey cyn fite, I'll bring a stereo to ghanima's campground and we can all have a party!:D Great story so far, BTW!!

[Aularia]

Oh, no no... don't rush! We can be patient... it's a wonderful story, we're just very drawn up into it (that's always a good thing, isn't it? hehe :bow2: ) and can't wait to find out what happens with poor Jason now that he's back. I'm doing some serious rooting for Faye on this. :clap:

[DarkPhoenix]

I've got fruit, chocolate, and ice cream, if anyone wants any. *hauls huge packages of food out of the Phoenixmobile* I've got enough supplies to last all of us until the next update. *sets out an inflatable chair and eats some strawberries, eagerly waiting to find out what the deal is with Jason*

[Aularia]

Sweet! Sugar-induced coma, here I come...

[Lunarsea]

Ah wonderful! :D :D

[Ghanima Atreides]

cyn fite - thank you for a comprehensive review.

With the case of Jason and her best friend (which shamefully her name has escaped my memory), you have shown me and others that friends come from places where one would not necessarily expect.

Precisely, the very title of this story boils down to the same thing: just because society expects people to act in a certain way due to well rooted missconceptions and prejudice, it doesn't mean that human spirit can't do otherwise. Like Faye, the shy girl brought up by her single mother, who followed her dream to have her own rock band, and then, in an allegoric way, to bring back her love from beyond the grave, and Valentina, the girl who had it all: beauty, lots of friends, popularity, but she had a father who cheated on her mother and the only friendship that lasted for her in the end was with the most unlikely punk girl she met a long long time in school.

And Jason, who was shunned in school and considered a freak and possibly dangerous, whose mother is a fetish model, was in fact one of the sweetest and most loyals guys ever.

*raids the campside for food and drinks* mmm, brownies! <3 *drinks some coffee as well as she sits down to start writing.*

[Vinhou]

Gulps down an obscene amount of coffee and brownies, fruits, chocolate, icecream... and joins Aularia in the sugar induced coma while wating for another update. :P

[xXharp_babyXx]

yup yup, take your time writing :)
I'm looking forwards to it heaps, and I'm sure it'll be great!!

[XsnowdropX]

grr i hate cliffhangers........*explodes*

waiting "patiently" for the next update. *hums uneasily*

[Ghanima Atreides]

Chapter Eighteen - A ghost From the Past

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“You are both fools", Marishka Zamora concluded, following a curt yet tumultuous debate concerning their first move. She stole a glance at Jason’s figure whom they had wrapped in one of Danior’s old ceremonial robes stored inside the hut ; her eyes glittered with annoyance and fascination alike, for there stood the embodiment of her people’s oldest and darkest whispers and legends. No Gypsy from their tribe had lain eyes on a wraith, not since the forgotten times of their forefathers of old.

“If you do not help us", Faye began, her voice but a mere whisper ; her smudged cheeks bore the bitter markings of tears, and she looked utterly spent and sorrowful. “All we have done will have been in vain. I…I do not think I can go on, knowing him like this."

Marishka veered her appraising gaze towards Faye, and her hardened glare seemed to soften as she spoke:

“Do you love him, that much, that you would sink further into the darkness from where none of us may ever return? Yes, I can see it in your face, girl, you know what I speak of: the fell power of the spell, the terror of it, the sickness, and the void you feel inside. It’s affected you most of all."

“She hasn’t our training, Marishka" her brother countered.

“Precisely the reason you should never have given her this burden to bear! This is a wound that will never heal, and she will never be entirely free of the evil snares of this day. Furthermore, she hasn’t the skill to perform the ritual, for all her resilience. Stand aside.."

Silently, Faye and Danior watched as Marishka turned her attention to the book; a sudden gust of wind rose into the canopy above their heads, where leaves rustled fearfully, almost; the sun was partially obscured by a passing cloud and a chill fell down upon them. Meticulously, Marishka’s long-nailed fingers turned a few pages until she found what she was looking for: the incantation which could free Jason’s spirit from the wraith world, for the better or the worse.

“It is up to him now", she said. “By his strength alone he may come forth into a living body or return to the shadows of death."


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It was as if the whole world was being drowned in a sea of ice, and darkness swallowed up the day; a tempest swell forth into the clearing, whipping their faces mercillesly, whining and moaning in their ears; dust and leaves were blown high into the air and the forest quivered restlessly, bending low under the cataclysmic forces unleashed by Marishka’s lips. Danior reached out for Faye, who was swaying on her feet again, wrapping her thin, cold hands into his own. She felt a shred of light and warmth return to her and was able to keep conscious until the Gypsy’s thunderous voice, amplified to a monumental pitch, subsided.

Jason moved behind them. His glazed eyes regained focus, his frozen limbs stirred and a wide grin spread across his face. Then, unexpectedly, throwing back his head, he broke out in fitful, unrestrained laughter. Jumping up and down he pawed at his face, his arms, his body, a glint of madness blazing in those blue eyes as the vigor of life filled him once more.

“Jason?"

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The sound of Faye’s voice made him halt suddenly. Teary, the young woman was about to run and embrace him when the look of utter contempt spreading on Jason’s face stopped her. Delight turned to horror, he gaped at the shape of his hands, felt every inch of his face feverishly, then passed quivering fingers through his hair.

“What’s wrong? Jason?! Jason it’s me, Faye! Are you…"

He didn’t reply. Instead he bolted towards the hut, stumbling over the stairs and barely avoiding collapsing; the others followed breathlessly. Even before they reached the door, a mad shriek pierced the silence, followed by the sound of glass shattering. Her heart pounding painfully inside her chest, Faye pushed the door ajar.

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Jason wheeled on his heel; a horrible scowl scrunched up his lean features, a look of pure loathing smouldered in his eyes, reducing them to narrow, hateful slits. Behind them was a small square mirror, now missing a corner.

“Are you Jason?" asked Marishka Zamora, the only one able to regain enough calm to speak.

“What do you think?" he rasped, barely containing a stream of curses. Faye’s knees went numb; she knew that voice.

“Who are you, evil spirit? Speak! You are not allowed to possess this body! I cast you out!"

Mirthless laughter rolled off his lips, pacing the floor without haste, and a perverse grin spread on his lips:

“You cast me out? I would rip out that thing you call a tongue, you f****** slut, if the situation wasn’t entirely out of your hands!"

“No!" Marishka cried, but her voice quivered with fear. “You cannot remain in this body, demon!"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/Ghanima/Sims/Stories/Shades%20of%20Grey/grey213.jpg

The stroke fell with unexpected swiftness, splitting Marishka’s lip; she yelped and struggled to steady herself, but he hit again, harder, not stopping until the woman was unconscious on the floor. Danior, who had attempted to help his sister sported a bruised jaw.

“Shut the f*** up! You’ve done enough for one day! Can it or I’ll rip your head off!"

Spitting at her feet, he turned to face the bewildered faces of Danior and Faye. He was beginning to enjoy himself. While Danior gaped in amazement, Faye’s horror-filled eyes told quite a different story: she recognized the persona behind the face. He, too, recognized her.

“Well, well, just the girl I wanted to see. My darling daughter."

The words fell ominously; Horrified, Danior searched Faye’s gaze but she looked forward at the beloved face, marred by the vile presence of a ghost from a past she had wished to forget.

“Father."

“Yes, it is me. You’ve proved annoyingly difficult to kill, Faye. For a while my little parlor tricks had me entertained – it was priceless seeing your face when you noticed my swarm of flies in your bedroom. Yes, all good clean fun…okay, maybe not so clean. I’ve enjoyed screwing with your mind, Faye…for a while. It was time to deliver my final blow, and I would've succeeded had it not been for that friend of yours who interrupted me! Just as I was savouring my sweet revenge! After that this…this…witch b***h gave you that charm which you still wear about your neck to protect you from me! I had almost thought you were out of my reach until today…how ironic, don’t you think, that the very power which saved your miserable life would now bring your death?"

He laughed again, a cold, cruel laughter, filled with perverse pleasure. He was positively gloating. Faye closed her eyes; the sight of Gabriel Renard in Jason’s body wrenched her heart.

“Look at me!" he said and shook her violently. “I am not a spirit anymore! Hah! I am alive one again! A bit…changed one might say, but that’s a small price to pay for a second chance at life. And I plan to enjoy every minute of it! Don’t worry about your boyfriend, he’s right back with the dead, where he belongs! I was the one to send him there, remember?"

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In a burst of rage, Faye threw herself at him, filled with a mad desire to rip the flesh from his bone and slack the unbearable pain that welled inside of her. A horrid creature he was in her eyes, an obscene mockery of Jason’s memory, as one might’ve seen through a mind-numbing drug-induced delirium. And she no longer cared what happened to her. When the strong arm coiled around her throat, pressing tighter and tighter, squeezing the life out of her, Faye found herself welcoming death. Perhaps she would finally be with Jason then…and would not have to bear the burden of having unleashed such an evil into the world, evil bearing his beloved face.

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But death did not come; the iron grip loosened, without releasing her though.

“Too simple" Renard concluded. “Your death should have more…finesse, if you know what I mean. You! Back away, slowly, toward that door over there and climb the stairs. Quickly now, or I’ll wring her neck like a twig!"

Danior rose to his feet and complied, supporting Marishka as he went. What choice did he have? With a final sneer, Gabriel Renard shut the door to the mansard behind him; a heavy thud of an unseen weight told them it was now blocked as well as locked. The room had no windows, except two tiny openings near the slanted roof, two square of light in the darkness of the attic. The stale smell of places devoid of sunlight and fresh air was about them, and the floor was littered with dusty old furniture, broken and useless.

“The Goddess is punishing us for meddling in the forbidden Arts!" Marishka lamented. Her anger spent, Faye broke down in sobs, and nothing Danior said could be a comfort to her. She felt desperate enough to try and take her own life if she had the means, stricken by grief and guilt alike. She was at the end of her endurance; any future they might’ve had was a black hole before her, the culmination of their broken fate which nothing they did could ever mend again.

“The door is jammed", Danior confirmed after several futile attempts at breaking it down. “Something heavy’s in the way, I can’t move it."

“If only we had some potion left…" Marishka mused bitterly.

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“We do. I saved a flask before the ritual. Its in my pocket."

Reaching into the folds of his robe, Danior produced a tiny round bottle, filled to the brim with pearly white liquid. Abandoning her despair, Marishka gazed at it in wonder, her lips moving soundlessly as if in deep thought.

“No…it will never work. Too risky, too risky!"

“What did you have in mind?"

The crying has ceased. Faye faced her, her large almond-shaped eyes aglitter with tears.

“Speak none of it! We have done enough harm! We cannot try this again, not now, not ever! Forget what I said!"

But Faye was resilient. She circled Marishka, understanding the Gypsy woman’s initial thought from which she recoiled now.

“Are you saying there is a chance one of us could go back and look for Jason?"

“No!…Yes, it is possible, perhaps, but I will not risk another abomination! Or, either of our lives!"

“I want to do it." Faye said, impervious to Marishka’s words of warning. “Listen to me! We are already dead if we do nothing, he will return and have his way with us, here in this forsaken place where nobody can disturb him, and Jason’s body will remain possessed by this filthy presence that, I admit with great shame, is my father. It is my choice. I want to be the one to take the potion."

The siblings saw the steely determination in her eyes and great wonder washed over them. Stately and beautiful she seemed to them, quickened by an inner strength neither of them had thought possible for such a frail young thing to hold within.

“So be it. Bear in mind, the attempt has a fifty fifty percent chance of succeeding; the sun shines above, and the darkness which this ritual needs has passed. My mind tells me it’s folly, but we will try, if that is truly your wish. Good luck to you."

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An old, broken mattress was propped against one of the walls; the siblings laid Faye on it, to keep her from collapsing once the potion was taken.

“Remember, you must return to the gateway within two hours or you will not be able to return at all. The gateway will look like a door of blinding light in the grim folds of the Umbra. Find him, and bring him back if you can, but don’t tarry there longer than two hours! Remember the amulet I gave you; it is highly susceptible to your mind’s workings, and the way it reacts to spirit encounters. It has shielded you from your father’s malice and may now help you find the one you seek. Just hurry, please!"

Marishka prepared herself to utter the foul incantation, from its foundations to the roof, the small building was shaken by a violent tremor; Faye, however, no longer heard felt or heard anything. It was like drowning, the potion spread swiftly like pure ice, numbing both mind and body; so cold, so terribly cold! It cut like like a knife, weighing on her vital organs, slowing them down. For that is the way its power worked: it slowed down the flow of life, making it possible for a living being to descend into the world of the dead, while the ritual opened the metaphysical gateway between the worlds, the Gauntlet, and held it open for two hours.

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The race against the clock was on.

[nckw]

yay an update
ı love this story great job ghanima atreadis
ı hope faye can manage

[Lunarsea]

Faye, I don't think you're in Strangetown anymore... :D Woah, very cool update Ghanima! Can't wait to see what happens! I also look forward to see how you will interpret the world of the dead - I would find it difficult. I knew I couldn't be Jason the minute he started moving, didn't add up. But Faye's father? Ooh the little scamp! :lol:

What's the plan then? Faye is going to go and find Jason in the world of the dead and bring him back so he can force Raynard (if that's his name I forgot :doh::() out of Jason's body? :umm: Spiffing! :)

Off Topic: Whoo-Hoo! I got my Strangetown back, I can resume writting! Although I've lost my charcters, I can remake them! But I have decided instead of doing my serious one, to do a silly, hopefully amusing one at the moment. Mainly because the pics will be easier! :P

On topic: Once again excellent update Ghanima. :)

[Ghanima Atreides]

Faye, I don't think you're in Strangetown anymore... :D Woah, very cool update Ghanima! Can't wait to see what happens! I also look forward to see how you will interpret the world of the dead - I would find it difficult. I knew I couldn't be Jason the minute he started moving, didn't add up. But Faye's father? Ooh the little scamp! :lol:

Yeah. If you remember Marishka's first warnings, they said that the ritual was dangerous in many ways, and that once they opened the "gateway" into the other world, others could also come through. In this case, Gabriel Renard. I know some people suspected him of being the malevolent spirit haunting Faye - and they were correct. ;)


What's the plan then? Faye is going to go and find Jason in the world of the dead and bring him back so he can force Raynard (if that's his name I forgot :doh::() out of Jason's body? :umm: Spiffing! :)

This has a lot to do with restoring the balance of things in the universe. Gabe managed to slip back into this world in Jason's body, much like a parasite or a spirit posessing another body, but it is not *his own*, so if Faye found Jason and managed to bring him through, his spirit would regain its rightful place and Gabriel would return where he came from and should've remained. Of course, the ritual itself goes against the concept of "the natural flow of life and death" and the like, which is why so much can (and already has) gone wrong. :D

As for the world of the dead, I already built the location :P Hopefully it will look good.

Again, thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Lunarsea, looking forward to reading your story! :D

[indalu10_SC]

GREAT CHAPTER!
i have a sneaking suspicion that jason is going to come back in Renard's body...

[Kalorii]

I totally :valentine this story. Here's hoping the next chapter comes out soon! I really am eager to find out if Jason and Faye are finally reunited. I'd love to see them be together again but that's because I'm a huge softie and I love the two of them. :D

[Jasmin_SC]

Wow, what twists, this story is Amazing with a capital A

[Lollipop_Girl]

Wow, that was unexpected! Faye's dad came back instead! You often manage to suprise me with each new chapter :) great update!

[Fullmoon Lupin]

I love this update~!

[BetteBob]

oh man, oh man did you have to stop there?? I want more.
And the part where Marishka was chanting. Wow. wonderful descriptors there that was a fantastic paragraph, well the whole thing was fantastic but that was my favorite part.

[joanne1977]

what can i say?!!!!!!! WOW!

[Vinhou]

Argh, you are just amazing Ghanima! The story is brilliant! Gah! I want an update nooooow. (Impatient is my middle name.) :lol:

[DarkPhoenix]

Wow. Very impressive. I really can't wait for the next update!

*Goes through the crowd with a cart, and passes out snacks, sleeping bags, and other supplies to all the people camping out*

[Ghanima Atreides]

:lol: it seems that I manage to end each of my updates with a cliffhanger. I swear it's not (always) intentional, but short of telling the whole thing in one big update, I stop when it makes sense for me, so they look like nicely round up chapters. :P

Glad you liked this one! I sometimes fear that it's turning out too complicated and unrealistic. I want it to have supernatural in it, yes, but believable.


And the part where Marishka was chanting. Wow. wonderful descriptors there that was a fantastic paragraph, well the whole thing was fantastic but that was my favorite part.

Thanks for mentioning that, both in this chapter and the previous one I've tried to illustrate the fact that those are more than just a bunch of magic words she's saying; and that the book, as well as the ritual are inherently evil, something that is felt by Faye most of all, or else Danior and Marishka have better practice at dealing with the effects. :)

[Julieth]

OOH! I am so excited! This is going to be so great, I was kind of hoping Faye would go into the world of the dead, cuz I wanted to see what you'd do with it, Ghanima. I'm going back to camping!

[Vinhou]

I feel the same way as Julieth. I can't wait to see how you'll portrait the world of the dead. *can't wait* :P

[cyn_fite]

Well I tell ya this story just keeps getting better and better. I told my husband about it last night and he wants to read it tonight. I truly think a publisher should read this story and offer to print it out. If I had a good enough printer I would for myself to read over and over again.

Ghanima you are truly truly gifted.

I can't wait until the next update, but take your time....


*Pulls out canopy on my camper*
Anybody have any chocolate left????Brownies?????

[DarkPhoenix]

*Passes cyn_fite some homemade brownies* Would you like anything to drink with that? This could be a long wait.

[SpacemanHPSpiff]

Oh my goodness! What an update! Grr, do there have to be so many conflicts! Faye just keeps running into problem after problem..! And wow, that's quite a twist! I can't believe that Gaberiel is in Jason's body (boy does that sound weird :blink:)! And another cliff? Ghanima, you say it's unitentional, but I still think you're secretly plotting to kill us all with anxiety. :P

Like BetteBob said, the descriptions in this were fantastic! They really brought everything to life in my mind's eye... Not that your fabolous pictures didn't as well. :P Ay, that last scene with Marishka telling Faye and Danior about that last possible cance they have of saving Jason and Faye being so determined to is so touching, powerful and well written, and really gives the sense of thelimited time they have to save him! Ay, please, let it end happily! Don't kill Faye! Or let Jason stay dead! Oooh, if you killed Faye, then would it be Valentina's story? I can only imagine how that would be!

I can't to see the death world and to see what you do next with these poor characters! Don't keep us waiting long... *bambie eyes*

This is really fantastic, Ghanima! And now for some more camping...

[ChloroformxCandy]

Ooh. Can't wait for the next chapter!

[.~*Iris*~.]

grrrr suspence kills me!!

this is the best story i have ever read really. It's very long and yet there's something new and exiting in every single chapter!

how do you do it??

[cyn_fite]

I want to write a story using my sims.....I have made "photo diaries" for my personal use but I have been so intrigued by this story that I would love to write my own.

The advice I need is how do I go about posting the actual story and pictures. I'm sure there is a tutorial somewhere, but this site is so big and there is so much information.

I know that my inferior story will not hold a match, much less a candle to the great writers of the stories here, but I will never know until I try.

So any advice would be greatly appreciated or at least send me in the direction that I need to go.



*BTW, thanks for the brownies and yes if you have a Dr. Pepper or Mr. Pib, I could probably use one about now. :)

[DarkPhoenix]

Isn't there a sticky in the story area explaining that? I'm not sure, but there might be...

*Pulls a cooler out of the Phoenixmobile and tosses cyn_fite a Mr. Pibb*

[Ghanima Atreides]

cyn, really, you flatter me, writing is one of my hobbies but I don't think it can feasibly become more than that, I've never thought about publishing my work, I don't know, I enjoy it without any strings attached, plus I don't think I'm *that* good. :P I've written some other blurbs in the past lol, as well as actively role-playing, so I've had some practice so to say...I strive to get better, especially in English since it's not my first language an a lot about it escapes me still.

By the way, this topic will tell you pretty much all you need to know about storytelling here:

http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?t=11792

The wording can be harsh, but it makes some good points.

*joins in the camping with the rest and has a can of beer* :beer:

[cyn_fite]

Thanks DarkPhoenix, I needed that Pibb. :)
Is the story area on the main MTS2 site or here. I'm very new to all this. I have been a member to MTS2 for a while, but I have only downloaded stuff from the talented artists.
BTW, I'm from Arkansas and I noticed that you are from Louisiana. I'm close to the ArkLaTex border.

[xXharp_babyXx]

That was a fantasic update Ghanima, I just wish I could keep reading it ;)
I hope that in the end, Jason comes back all normal and healthy and in his own body, and him and Faye live happily ever after :D And that Faye is okay after going into the Relam of The Dead :P
:laugh: that is so unlike how I normally want things to end. :rofl:

GREAT CHAPTER!
i have a sneaking suspicion that jason is going to come back in Renard's body...
So do I :) :question *shifty eyes*

[cyn_fite]

You know indalu10 and xXharp babyXx, I hadn't thought about Jason coming in Renard's body but that is a thought.

I have trully amazed myself, actually all the glory goes to Ghanima, that I have kept this intrigued by a story because I'm not one to read too many stories.

I actually found this story accidentally yesterday. I was looking at unique sim women to download for my game and I stumbled on an artist uploads of "Eurasian" women and found that Ghanima had asked permission to put one or more of their masterpieces into the story. That is when I was interested in the story and followed the link to the story and boy I am sure glad I did!!!!!

Anyway enough of me blathering on. I like to talk especially when I am waiting and anticipating on what tomorrow and the next day may hold.

[mrcheeks]

Brilliant update Ghanima. Wouldn't that be just like Faye's b@$terd father!?

[Hana_Chann]

wow amazing chapter! Your storytelling is brilliant!

[Captain THPS4]

Great new chapter! Even though it ends with a cliffhanger, it's not as bad as some of the previous ones in this story. *lets go of cliff and "falls" one meter* Looking forward to the next update! :moose:

[Lunarsea]

I know that my inferior story will not hold a match, much less a candle to the great writers of the stories here, but I will never know until I try.


Don't worry about matching other writers - I don't. :D I think when writing a story, the only thing that really matters is that, you, the writer, are enjoying it. :)

I know for a fact that my story telling skills are rather bad, to put things lightly. I've never had much practice, but only through doing will one get better. ;)

So good luck and I look forward to reading your story in the future. :D

[JayBleu02]

I had a feeling it would be that son of a--oh please update soon!
:)

[Frenchie]

I hope Faye returns with the real Jason... if she doesn't, she'll be with him forever, but it'd be a shame if Renard won... I knew he'd come back somehow...

Great update Ghanima, I want more ! :p

[cory_g]

Oh, my! :blink: I really hope she's gonna get back in time, with Jason! :D

[yoaiamica]

Update Update Update :bump:

[cyn_fite]

I'm wondering, if Faye is successful with bring Jason back, if Jason will realize Faye's love for him or if he will continue to swoon over Vale. But if that happens, perhaps Faye and Danior will become close. He seems a bit infatuated with Faye. I don't know just wondering.

Ghanima, great update. Take your time on the next one, I'm here for the long haul anyway.

[Ghanima Atreides]

Thanks a lot for the comments :D It's cool seeing how many people are still rooting over Jason and Faye being together considering they were never an item (except that one night stand they had). And now, with Valentina expecting a baby and engaged to the posh guy she met at the party...

Danior, it's hard to tell what's going on inside his head; infatuated with Faye, or just acting out of an impulse to repay what he sees as his debt to the world for having been brought back from the dead by his sister? :D He's got quite a complicate mind.

[Julieth]

I'd like to see your story when you get it up, Cyn fite.
And...what do you suppose Renard is doing while Faye is going into the world of the dead? Wreaking havok, anyone? Irritating Mrs. Crumplebottom? :)
I brought more sodas, by the way. Camping is thirsty work!

[Lunarsea]

cyn fite: Actually that's an interesting point. Danior does seem to rather like Faye, but that might be in friendship. Trying to enter the world of the dead is no mean feat and going through something like that, I expect it's nice to have someone there who understands. :)

Ghanima: We know that Faye and Jason were never an item but it was difficult to see how deep the feelings between them went.

I mean, they were very fond of each other before the one night stand, but the thing is I don't think Jason slept with Faye just because he was on the rebound from Valentina, I think he really did have those feelings for her already, he was just drunk enough to notice! :D

Then when he had sobered up again, the doubt came over whether it had been the right thing to do, that doesn't mean that he didn't have strong feelings for Faye.

I'm just hoping that when Jason sees that Faye has come to find him in the world of the dead, risking her own life in the process, and all the things shes been though, and the other risks she took, that he will realise just how much Faye loves him, how much he means to her....

that and if/when her sees Vale, and finds out about the boyfriend and the baby, problem over who to choose gone! :lol: Though I know it was more to Jason's indecision than that, I'm just not sure how deep the feelings for Valentina run either! :dolt:

[cyn_fite]

Well I know it's been a while since I replied but I was wondering if anyone was still on this thread?

Ghanima: I just want you to know that I am still enjoying your story. I will be gone next week but I will be checking periodically to see if there is a new update.

Take your time and have fun writing.

[Ghanima Atreides]

Sorry guys, I'm a tad busy at the moment. Since there are 2 chapters left, I think I'm going to take a short break until I finish my other projects. But dont worry, an update will be written soon enough. :)

[blupest]

Ghanima:
My mother and I love your story and have been reading it last night and this afternoon. It is part of the reason I joined the site today! I think you're really very talented and seriously should think about publishing some stuff. Again, great work!

Gallowsraven

[xXharp_babyXx]

Thanks a lot for the comments :D It's cool seeing how many people are still rooting over Jason and Faye being together considering they were never an item (except that one night stand they had). And now, with Valentina expecting a baby and engaged to the posh guy she met at the party...

Danior, it's hard to tell what's going on inside his head; infatuated with Faye, or just acting out of an impulse to repay what he sees as his debt to the world for having been brought back from the dead by his sister? :D He's got quite a complicate mind.

I wonder how Jason will react to Vale having a completely new life now, if he can be brought back. Would he still be in love with her? :confused: *wonders*

Danior's a cutie ;) I like him... this story is full to the brim with goregous sims lol :D

[julchen]

Love the update !! Argh it's so exciting O_O I want to know what happens next...

[Ghanima Atreides]

You won't have to wait too long now :D The piccies are taken and this time I'll give you guys a bonus ;) *that's all she's going to say about that*...

[SpacemanHPSpiff]

Gracious! Only two chapters left? How in the world can you wrap it all up with only that much more? :P

What's a bonus? What do you mean? Ahrghhh!

Oh yah, I totally forgot about Jason having previous feelings for Vale... Maybe I've been concentrating too much on whether Faye and him will come back at all! :lol:

[xXharp_babyXx]

Lol, I'd completely forgotten about it, I'd only remembered it halfway through typing that post ;)

[Gallowsraven]

Ghanima:
Last time I left a comment, I posted with my mother's account, so I just wanted to tell you how much I liked your story with the right account. *Smile*. I joined this site mostly so I could thak you and other talented writers out there for creating interesting stories! So thanks for the wonderful story and I look forward to the next update.
P.S. Doed anyone mind if I set up a tent? :)

[Ghanima Atreides]

Yay, come right in! *hands out M&Ms and drinks to all campers* I'm very happy you liked it, I have the next update in the works. :) It's about twice the length of my usual ones, which is why it takes a bit to write lol.

[Gallowsraven]

Oh goodie! Can't wait for update.......*eagerly waits with huge eyes*
Oh and thanks for those M&Ms....yummy! :)

[Lunarsea]

Oooh, long update! :) I'll get the popcorn in. :D

[LouLou]

i've been lurking for some time now, but i just had to drop in and say that i love this story! you are an excellent writer and you also take great photos! i can't wait for the next update!

[Party_girl_146]

I only started reading it today and i red it all and i loved it!It's a pity it's almost at the end of it.:(.Maybe you could work on a sequeal?I'm sure we would all love it.

[CrisStratus]

I've been reading your story before I could post anything (thank you very much, AOL -kicks it-) and may I say that it is just marvelous! I absolutely love how the pictures and the text flow together in all most a cinematic way, a movie playing without any true video to show for it! And it calls for attention, making me giddy until the next chapter is read.
Your characters are also so well conceived and beyond doubt are they life-like, if only written! You can imagine them in day to day life, strolling about beneath the warm sunshine of Strangetown, or even poor, unfortunate Faye, curled up within the sanctuary of her bedsheets, wretched with despair and mourning.
You deserve to give yourself a pat on the back, and if you can't reach it, I'm sure many others will step up to do it for you!

By the way, can the late newcomer set up camp too? I brought my guitar! ^.^ What? o.o

[PennyTheCorgi]

Oooh, we can camp here, cool! *sets up tent* Ghanima I can't wait for the next update, this story is amazing!

[Party_girl_146]

Oh,i didnt know we could camp here*sets up tent and gets the marshemellows*

[Ghanima Atreides]

Okay guys, here we are at the end of Different Shades of Grey...*sniff* It's been a great experience for me, writing it and you guys, my readers, a constant support and motivation.

So, thank you! You've made this so much more worthwhile. This is my little "bonus": the last two chapters and the ending. It just looks better all compiled in one. I hope you'll like the conclusion, even though this update is HUGE lmao.


<3 Ghani
---------------------------------
Chapters 19+20 - Darkness and Light -The End!

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Darkness.

When Faye awoke, darkness surrounded her from all sides, pressing close around her, impenetrable and complete, like the void of space. She drew in a deep breath, but her lungs pumped in and out hopelessly: there was no air. Arms flailing wildly in panic, she staggered to her feet, gaping wildly around her but seeing darkness, only darkness…save for a doorway etched with light looming close behind.

And then, memory washed over her. This must have been the place she sought…the Umbra, world of the dead, limbo… and there was no need to breathe. The realization was staggering. She was clinically dead.

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How would she find anything in this pitch blackness? Straying aimlessly into its depths, Faye’s fingers clutched Marishka’s amulet which hung still around her neck –or so her mind told her, for it felt oddly different to the touch. The amulet, her clothes, her entire body had somehow lost much of their solidity, and although she held the round jewel in her palm, it barely had any weight at all. Sensations reached her peripherally, as if an invisible barrier dulled them; the entire experience having the metaphysical dimension of a dream.

Focusing on Jason, Faye had no choice but to move on, half dreading with each step she took that she would unexpectedly plunge into the opening of a gargantuan chasm, or else wander forever in the darkness and never come out again. Daring a backward glance, she could no longer discern the door through which she had come in and where she needed to stand once more within two hours.

“Jason, are you there..?" Faye called out, almost surprised to hear the sound of her own voice. The world around her had become considerably lighter, ash-grey, shapeless and forlorn, mist whirling around and above her relentlessly. She gazed up at what she expected to be a sky, but there was none: only mist, clinging to what appeared to be the pinnacles of jagged mountains of unguessable heights.

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If this was the world of the dead, Faye found it eerily quiet and empty; she could neither see nor hear anybody else; was this the place they all went to, one day? … The thought of eternity spent there frightened her. Or perhaps she had strayed into some different dimension from where she had no hopes of returning…no, no, she could not think like that! But it was difficult not to, difficult to restrain the fear creeping its way into her heart and mind.

How much time had passed? Difficult to tell; mere minutes or hours, even time passed differently there.

Gradually and painfully slow, a shape came into view; it looked like someone’s back! Quickened by the discovery, Faye pressed on, thinking she recognized it. Yes, she certainly did recognize it, and for the moment she put all else out of her mind.

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Was it possible…? Faye almost did not dare to hope it was.

“Jason?" she murmured, clutching the amulet tighter than ever. Marishka had said it would help her find Jason. She needed to believe it could, or all was in vain.

Soundlessly, the figure began to turn around…

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“Faye…?"

Faye could find nothing to say; and neither could Jason. Eyes shimmering with wonder and questioning, they beheld eachother for the first time in six years, caught between happiness and fear it was just another trick of that shadowy place.

But Faye was beyond herself with joy, which made her forget where she was, or the minutes which slipped by, and she threw her arms around Jason, squeezing him tightly. They held eachother in silence, awed and speechless, for several moments, until Faye reluctantly let go. There would be time for it later; they were far from safety yet.

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Jason’s smile faded however; he looked at Faye sorrowfully and squeezed her hand. She bit her lip, realizing how she hardly felt the touch, but said nothing.

“Are you stuck in this place then too?" he asked ruefully, assuming Faye had died and become trapped in the Umbra alongside other souls which found no peace in death. “When I first woke up here, I thought it wasn’t possible for this to be afterlife…I’d imagined either a heaven, or a he11, or …something other than this immensity of mist and shadows…and yet here I remained."

“Are there others?"

“Oh yes. Sometimes I see them…mere glimpses, immaterial, faded…and then, they’re gone, never to return. I’ve come to realize most of them do not remain here, like me. They are removed to some other place"- he sighed – “hopefully better than this."

“But there was one whom I’ve seen more often. A dark presence, very angry, anger practically emanated from him. He saw me, too, and although we never spoke, it was weird: his voice rang in my mind and I recognized him: your father. He gloated, and told me he found a way back into the world of the living and that he would have his revenge. I assumed he meant you, which is why I tried to reach you, warn you…but the more I tried to envision it, the more the glimpses of the living slipped away. I could not take material form no matter how hard I tried. And now, it seems I have failed, for you are here and…"

Faye shook her head lightly, and a smile touched her lips.

“I am not dead, Jason. I am here for you, and I’m going to get you out!"

Quickly and in as few words as she could, Faye told him the whole story which had begun more than half a year before: the supernatural manifestations, the search for the Necronomicon, hers and Danior’s preparations for the forbidden ritual, being committed into Charlotte Clervel’s asylum and, ultimately, the failed attempt to revive him.

“…and so, that b*****d is now in your body, and he has us trapped in the cabin in the woods…he plans to savor his revenge, if you get my meaning."

Jason’s eyes widened with both dread and the sudden understanding of an event which had him baffled:

“So that’s what happened! One day –if you can speak of days and nights in here – but yes, one day I felt myself being pulled away as if by some unseen string –faster and faster it became until images were a blur before my eyes – I thought my time had come at last to leave this limbo, and then: nothing. I couldn’t see, hear or feel anything anymore, it was like falling into a dreamless sleep. I don’t know how long I’ve been there, wherever that was, but when I regained consciousness I was back here."

“The wraith world", Faye muttered. “You weren’t in for long, just an hour or two. But…you know, I couldn’t help but wonder, how is it that you look grown, as if nothing had happened? I expected you to return the same way you were when you died."

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Jason emitted a chuckle, and took a step back; Faye gazed at his youthful face, nay, ageless face; it looked both young and old at the same time, ages mingling together in his features; he was but a boy for a split second and, if she blinked, the wrinkled face of an old man would be smiling back at her.

“Six years of loneliness made me think a lot, Faye. Of all the things I’ve done, all the people I’ve known…I would have liked to grow old and die naturally, believe me…and don’t forget, the physical shape you see now is just what our minds want it to be; in here flesh doesn’t exit. Yours is still back in that shack you told me of, as for mine…well mine is long gone I suppose, because whatever Renard is using now is not me."

“Jason, you can’t give up now! You need to come back with me!"

“There is no hope for me now…and you should never have come here, the Umbra has a way of holding on to those who go in."

[Ghanima Atreides]

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If she could cry, Faye would have burst in tears. Instead, she gathered Jason in her arms again and kissed him hotly, runing her palms across the familiar slopes of his backside.

“I would have gone into the deepest pit of he11 if I had to!" she rasped coarsely. “And you’re coming with me! You have a body to return to out there, not to mention…people who love you!"

In her rush of happiness, Faye had forgotten the one Jason had sacrificed himself in the first place, his feelings for Valentina and all of a sudden, the thought of remaining there together felt infinitely easier to bear than seeing him with her. She stared at the matte ground.

“You still love her, don’t you?"

Jason cupped her chin in his hand and gently rose it to meet her eyes.

“I did. Or, I thought I did. She was a dream, Faye, the girl I’d crushed over ever since I hit puberty. What guy in our school didn’t want Valentina Esposito? She never looked at me, which is what irked my manly pride, I suppose, and challenged me to go on. But I couldn’t let that a**hole kill her, it was…an impulse. I barely thought about what I was doing, and before I realized it, there was a blinding flash of light and pain exploding in my head and then I woke up here. There is just one regret I’ve had all this time."

“What’s that?"

“That I never got to tell you that what happened between us that night…was not rebound."

Faye managed a smile; after having envisioned all the meaningful things she would say to hm if they ever met again, she found herself at a loss. She would have told him there had been no other such night for her but suddenly and with frightening urgency she remembered the time limit.

“We have to go, we have to go now!" she urged him, and Jason nodded albeit a bit reluctantly.

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Hand in hand, dragging one another through the gloom in a desperate attempt to reach the opening in the Gauntlet in time, Jason and Faye blundered about for many precious minutes; everything looked alike in that world of shifting shadows and heavy grey mists. Clutching her amulet, Faye closed her eyes, trying to envision the path she had taken before and retrace her steps. Left…right…right…then straight forward.

“Look! There’s a speck of light there!" Jason cried out in amazement. Recognizing the door, Faye sprinted towards it, but something was dragging them back, an invisible force pulling them away from it. The closer they tried to get, the stronger and more burdensome it became until Jason could move no more.

“I can’t, I can’t!" he panted. “Faye, you go, the Umbra is pulling me back, and it’s too strong, you have to leave without me!…"

“The he11 I do!" Faye groaned categorically and tightened her grip around his wrists, pulling with all her might. “We’re both getting out, or else neither of us does! Come on, Jason! Just a few steps more! Please, try, please!"

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Meanwhile, on the dancefloor of a Strangetown club…

Gabriel Renard couldn’t believe his luck. Sure, the suit he had swiped out of the nearest dry cleaner’s as soon as he had a chance wasn’t exactly his style, but at least it fit decently and was a good replacement for that idiotic robe they had wrapped him in. God, he needed a drink…better still, several. And a woman, definitely a woman…six years without any action was more than a man like him was willing to bear.

Slurping down two glasses of scotch and smacking his lips with gusto, savoring the long lost taste, Renard spotted her at last…so young, so pretty, so…uninteresting. Just another painted porcelain doll just waiting to “play". Perfect, he mused, hoping that the odd shading of his skin wouldn’t scare her off. Another reason to make that gypsy b***h squirm. But by the looks of some of the residents of that godforsaken town, they were used to oddities.

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The girl didn’t seem to be scared, on the contrary, she was responding to Gabriel’s advances even better than expected…personal spaces were invaded, hands ran rampant, exploring the proffered body, scantily clad as it was...

“I live nearby" she whispered seductively in his ear. Gabriel grinned; why not? He would’ve settled with the wall in the back alley, but now that she mentioned it, why not make his “revival celebration" even better?

But something was not quite right; as they were making their way towards the exit, a smothering sensation overtook Gabriel, like a hand clasping his nose and mouth shut, Cursing and spitting, he reached for his throat.

“Baby, are you okay?" asked the woman on a rather worried tone.

“I can’t breathe you stupid whore, do I look okay to you?! Call..an..argh!!"

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Soon, his speech faded, replaced by nondescript gurgling noises and he collapsed to the floor. His “companion"’s shrill screams pierced the air, rising above the general murmur and music of the club. Concerned bystanders rushed to the scene, urging eachother to find a phone.

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“She’s gone!"

Valentina stared at the empty couch they had left Faye sleeping on in dismay; after a quick but thorough search of the house, Serene, Martha and Earth confirmed that she was, indeed gone.

“You don’t suppose …that woman has anything to do with this, do you?!"

“No, no, I don’t think so. We were sleeping in the next room, we would’ve heard anything that went on in here. The only explanation I can find is that Faye left out of her own free will, but where and why is beyond me."

“In her condition!" Vale whispered, slumping into a nearby chair. “D’you think those drugs they had her on…?"

“Now just relax! She is most likely okay. Maybe she needed some time to clear her head or something. Let’s not jump to conclusions yet and wait a few hours, kay?"

But even Earth’s sensible advice did little to lighten the mood. Deep inside, each of them was quite angry at Faye for leaving in the dead of the night like that, while at the same time fearing that something might’ve happened to her.

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During this time, Marishka and Danior Zamora were counting the minutes since Faye had slipped into the trance.

“It’s been at least an hour and a half. How is she?"

“Cold as ice. Her life is waning."

It was true. With each passing minute, Faye grew paler, and colder, as her heartbeats decreased. If it kept up, she would go into cardiac arrest, and the two Gypsies had no means of helping her then.

“Can’t you help her Marishka? At all?"

“You know I can’t. Only she can return, noone can do it for her."

“If she dies, I will never forgive myself."

“Don’t forget this was her choice. She knew the risks. I think she deserved her try, as for the outcome, we have to keep thinking positively. She has some good few minutes left."

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Out of the pitch darkness, there came a stream of blurry light and Faye opened her eyes with difficulty. She could perceive two faded, featureless shapes looming above her; her mind felt numb, her body positively exhausted, the strained muscles protesting painfully. Slowly, the contours became clearer, sharper, until she could recognize them at last: two faces to be exact, awaiting in stunned silence.

[Ghanima Atreides]

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“Well?!"

“What happened?"

What happened…Faye bit her lip and ignored the tight knot forming inside her throat.

“I…don’t know, to be honest." she said at last. “The last thing I remember was trying to drag Jason along but something was pulling him away, something strong, very strong…and after that, nothing."

Danior and Marishka were more relieved to see her alive, but their joy was short-lived, Faye looked mournful, on the verge of tears which had she been alone, would have streamed unbidden down her smudged cheeks, and there was still no way to escape that dilapidated hovel. The uncertainty was most difficult of all to bear.

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The next hours, the longest five hours of their lives dragged by slowly, distressingly slow. Light was decreasing in intensity as the sun moved towards the horizon, and a chill descended over the woods. The prisoners spoke little, their spirits dropping lowly as hope of being rescued seemed more and more unlikely. If Jason had removed that parasite from his body, wouldn’t he have been there already? And if not, wouldn’t Renard have returned to relish his long-awaited vengeance? The three companions mutually agreed that if the latter became true, they would make one last stand against him and either escape or die trying, but a glimmer of hope still flickered in their hearts.

Then, almost beyond expectancy, harsh rasping noises broke out nearby, followed by several thuds as the heavy cupboard propped against the door was being hastily dragged away. Someone had returned, and was unlocking their prison. Leaping to their feet, tense and prepared for the worse, the three awaited in silence.

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A familiar figure emerged from the shadows which clung around him, obscuring all but his face. Faye held her breath. Ignoring Marishka’s hissed warning to steer clear of him, she left their defense line and approached, searching for a glimmer of recognition in those eyes. She would know then, if she had failed or not.

There was no need for words; a sudden understanding and kinship passed between them, a gaze laden with shared memories and love and gratitude: it was the gaze of a friend, the gaze of a lover but above all, a gaze from a past when Faye had known happiness. She would have recognized those eyes anywhere.

At last, when she could hold it in no more, she buried her face in his chest and together they cried silently for a long while, Marishka and Danior watching in respectful silence, for respect they felt towards these two people who had been through purgatory and back in order to find eachother.

***

Her friends’ astonishment knew no bounds when Faye returned to Strangetown hand in hand with Jason, followed closely by the Zamoras. For weeks to come they kept pressing them for details, a general gasp ensuing each time they mentioned the Umbra even though they had memorized the story by then.

“If I hadn’t been at his funeral myself, I would never have believed this." Valentina used to say.

“And I would say stranger things have happened, but in this case, it’s difficult to get any stranger."

All in all, life was returning to normal, at least for some. Since Valentina, now engaged to Theodore Melville, moved out to live with him, Faye and Jason had the old place to their own. At times, they wouldn’t be seen for days, and whether they stayed in or roamed the countryside as they liked doing, it was difficult to tell for sure, but the truth remained, their astonishing experiences had changed them. They had grown more quiet, wiser, and more introspective than before, pondering the mystery of eachother; the memory of their ordeals was still heavy and oppressing, not easily forgotten. Marishka had said one time: “to return from the dead never comes without a price”, another of the many reasons her people shunned the ritual. Even those that came back were never the same again. Only Faye knew her secret, and the reason her brother Danior was among the living.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/Ghanima/Sims/Stories/Shades%20of%20Grey/grey236.gif

Three months later, Valentina and Theodore Melville took the long awaited step and got married. They opted for a private ceremony and only a few close friends were invited; too much had happened for them to desire a large wedding and during the past year Valentina had come to appreciate the worth of a true friend, instead of many shallow aquaintances.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/Ghanima/Sims/Stories/Shades%20of%20Grey/grey237.jpg

“Hullo, Vale."

“Jason…"

“Congratulations, Mrs. Melville, hehe! You look great!”

“Thank you. I’m glad you could come today. It really means a lot to me."

Valentina smiled; for an instant she had glimpsed back at the shy boy who used to stare longingly after her across the schoolyard. Jason, too, realized this was the first time he actually pondered his feelings related to Valentina ever since the events in the woods. She looked positively radiant, resplendent in her silk and lace wedding gown of purest white, beautiful and glowing with a bride’s happiness. His heart fluttered momentarily; there she was, the woman he had died for, even lovelier now in adulthood than she had been as a teenager. His eyes wavered, noticing her belly, swelling beneath the folds of her dress, with the child that grew within…another man’s child…

Then, the sound of laughter dispersed his musings; high, clear crystalline laughter, devoid of any restraints or shadows. Faye was chatting to her bandmates; he smiled and warmth filled him at the sight of her relaxed, joyful face. It was the first time she had truly laughed in all those months, and somehow it made him love her more than before. If Valentina was his teenage infatuation, Faye was his soulmate, if he could ever have one, a woman both loyal and brave who had descended in the very limbo to rescue him, him, Jason Darcy, who once hurt and disappointed her…at last, he had no more doubts.

“Are you guys staying here?" Valentina asked. “The house is yours if you want it, Theo’s place is large enough for the two of us…well, soon three.” she added and patted her belly.

“Thanks, Vale..but I think Faye and I would like to travel a bit. You know, visit other countries…change the scenery…we also need some time to come to terms with all that’s happened and such…but thank you for the offer. Without you we would’ve had to rent a place and it has saved us money."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/Ghanima/Sims/Stories/Shades%20of%20Grey/grey238.jpg

Tears glittering in her eyes, Valentina wrapped her arms around him.

“You’re a really sweet guy, Jason" she said earnestly. “And somehow I never took the time to notice it before. I truly do hope you two can find some peace at last, and we’ll miss you terribly. I would’ve liked you two to be the godparents of my child, but I understand why you need to go away for a while. I just hope you’ll return one day, maybe…?"

“ Of course we will return." Faye intervened suddenly, causing Jason to flinch slightly. “You guys are our friends. And besides, haven’t you heard, Jason is joining the Spatula Minions! We’re planning a comeback album when we return."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/Ghanima/Sims/Stories/Shades%20of%20Grey/grey239.jpg

A year later…

“Do you think they will ever come back..?"

Theodore looked at his wife pensively; he had no answer to that question. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, smiling down at the chubby little face of their daughter, Rose, sleeping peacefully close to Valentina’s chest. He adored them both and cherished the time spent with his family, but also knew that his wife missed her best friend.

“I am sure they will, when they are ready. Don’t forget they’ve been through a lot…more than others in an entire lifetime."

“I just hope they’re happy, wherever they are…"

“Oh don’t doubt it, honey. I’ve never known anybody more he11 bent on being happy than those two; having defied death itself to do it does say a lot."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/Ghanima/Sims/Stories/Shades%20of%20Grey/grey240.jpg

Paris, France

“Where to next?"

“I don’t know…I’ve heard Austria is lovely this time of the year."

“Have you thought about what’s going to happen when we run out of money?" Jason chuckled.

Faye’s finger rested on his lips, shushing him, and a most mischievous grin curled the corner of her mouth, as she leaned in closer…


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/Ghanima/Sims/Stories/Shades%20of%20Grey/grey241.jpg

[BetteBob]

omg omg omg omg omg omg that was beyond fantastic!!! I don't know what else to say! Every chapter was better than the previous one then this one comes along and BOOM blows the rest of them out of the water. I'm sad that's its the end but man oh man what an ending! that was wonderful, I could go on and on and on but eventually I'd just start repeating myself. Congratulations Ghanima, this was by far the best story I've ever read at S2C and I can guarantee you I'll be reading it again. Good work :D

[.~*Iris*~.]

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!





*stares at the screen, eyes wide open*


THAT WAS THE BEST STORY EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

excellent work Ghanima i really don't know what else to say!!! you are an amazing writter and story teller, and the ending was the best ever!

thank god Jason is back!! Really amazing!!! everything! I, ukh I don't know what else to say i'm just gonna give up....



BRAVO!!

[TrueRoyalty]

*SQUEEEEEELL!!!* OOoohhh!! Oooh! *sigh* That was so so so so SO great! *another sigh* Wow. Thank you for that ending- a happy! yay! FanTAStic, Ghanima. Pure literary genius. Awesome.
Wow.
Always,
Emma

[Lollipop_Girl]

Wow! That was truely amazing! You ended it so well! It was very moving. And I'll miss reading this story, I hope you'll consider writing another one day :). Your pictures were fantastic too. I wish I was so talented!

Well done for creating such a great story!

[Vinhou]

Aaaaaaaaaaaw. :valentine

I absolutely LOVED it! Weeeeeee! :P :P :P :P

Actually, when I saw that you'd updated I made myself some popcorn, opened up a can of beer, and turned off the TV, to be able to enjoy it the most. Although I haven't even had a single sip of my beer, I have been hurling down popcorn while I read it. :lol:

You rule, Ghanima! Best. Story. Ever. :D

[Ghanima Atreides]

But Lolli, if I do, then you'll have to post another too :P You know I'm a fan of your stories as well.

Guys - thanks so much!! I've been writing this one all day and wanted to make it as good as possible. And yeah, I'm a sucker for happy endings, I thought Faye and Jason deserved one. I also tried not to make it too Disney/fairytale-like :P

I will take a break from writing for a while, though. As much as it's been great fun, it's also very time consuming. :)

*starts big farewell party and gives Vinnie plenty of beer* XDD

[mrcheeks]

best. story. ever.

[Corbins Raven_SC]

I really dreaded reading the ending thinking that after that there would be no more, but it was just too brilliant for words as was the whole story! also the pictures!.... the pictures are just fantastic. I'm glad i read it although i'm sad that it's all over, but the brilliance of it makes up for the fact theres no more. (i'm hoping that makes sense, it seems to make sense to me but it doesn't sound right *shrugs*)

[Jacki_SC]

yayy! yayayayayayayayay what an awesome ending YAYAYAYAY!! Im so happy I love happy endings! :D:D:D:D

Terrific story Ghanima, I really enjoyed reading it! I actually wish I didn't have to delete it from my favourites list... :( But hey, you'll make another story right?

Please say you will! hehehe :P

[.~*Iris*~.]

I'm so happy it was happy!! If it hadn't been, i would have been so frustrated!

[Party_girl_146]

It was the most wonderfull ending ever!I cried when i was reading!So,when you end your break,do you have any idea of what your going to write?

[Vinhou]

*starts big farewell party and gives Vinnie plenty of beer* XDD
*joins party and gets incredibly drunk, hitting on everyone :lol:*

[Lollipop_Girl]

But Lolli, if I do, then you'll have to post another too :P You know I'm a fan of your stories as well.

Guys - thanks so much!! I've been writing this one all day and wanted to make it as good as possible. And yeah, I'm a sucker for happy endings, I thought Faye and Jason deserved one. I also tried not to make it too Disney/fairytale-like :P

I will take a break from writing for a while, though. As much as it's been great fun, it's also very time consuming. :)

*starts big farewell party and gives Vinnie plenty of beer* XDD

I'm trying to start my next one, but I have writers block. I dont think it will be posted for a while. :D I think people here like happy endings you know, so you chose the right way to end it. And it was perfect, not at all disney-esque, nobdy wants it to be too happy :)

Well a break is understandable, writing is very time consuming. I hope to see another story from you in the future though :)

*Joins the party...woo yeah!*

[ChloroformxCandy]

Awe... I'm gonna miss reading this story, but I'm glad that they got their happy ending! This story was great!

[Frenchie]

Incredible, I was in awe reading these last chapters...

That story was really wonderful, and your style is great, especially since you live in Netherlands and English isn't your first language (is it ?). Congratulations and thanks for the cameos too :D (I couldn't help but notice that Earth kept her beanie at Vale's wedding :D)

I'd love to read more from you... Thanks again for that story :)

[Luthiies]

OMG !!!
That was a fantastic story !
I'm so glad they had their happy ending after all !

[Ghanima Atreides]

Incredible, I was in awe reading these last chapters...

That story was really wonderful, and your style is great, especially since you live in Netherlands and English isn't your first language (is it ?). Congratulations and thanks for the cameos too :D (I couldn't help but notice that Earth kept her beanie at Vale's wedding :D)

I'd love to read more from you... Thanks again for that story :)

Yep, English isn't my first language. In fact I'm Romanian by birth, so neither is dutch :P But thanks, and well as a matter of fact Earth's cap was unintentional, when everyone changed in their formals, Earth was the only one who didn't, and I had to take the pic then because the wedding had already started...:D lmao

Thank you for the lovely comments, they do mean a lot. :) I'm happy it's an ending everyone likes. I've grown attached to these characters, and I was a bit sad to let them go, especially since just after I finished taking the pics I had to re-install the game...:( But I have copies of them and they shall live again!

Some of you asked about another story...I won't say no, but I will wait for my creativity to re-charge so to say, and get a good idea as well. In the meantime though, I have more time to be a reader myself. That I'm a fan of Frenchie and Lolli's stories as well as a couple of others that's well known, and I'd like to read more of them. :)

[~Michelle~_SC]

Oh. My. Gawd.

That was a fantastic ending!! It was so totally un-expected but was on the lines of what i hoped!

Ghanima, you've done amazingly well considering english is not your first language so i hope you do write another story - what about a sequal :D

Well totally loved it anyway and i'm gunna miss reading it.

[.~*Iris*~.]

English isn't my first english either but i certainly don't write as well as you do!

you really did an amazing job. Very impressive. Can't wait for your next story (but don't rush!! as you said you need to relax! :))

[Ghanima Atreides]

I've read part of your story, Iris, and I can definitely say there's nothing wrong with your English, dont worry about it. :) I will read the rest ASAP!

[PennyTheCorgi]

:cry: it was sooo good, awesome ending. But still, I can't believe its over! :cry:

[Aularia]

Ghanima-- thank you... this story has been, by far, one of the most wonderfully written I've seen. While I'm glad it has finished, my heart breaks a little to see it closed. I almost expected another cliff-hanger with Rose. Her having Renard's soul, or something just as sinister. I'm glad, though, to see it all worked out in the end.

[Gallowsraven]

Ghanima: WAAAAH! I'm so sad it ended! But it was a wonderful wonderful wonderful story...I can't tell you how much I liked it and I'm glad it was a happy ending! I'll be telling all my friends and family about this story! Cheers on making a tale that was enjoyed by a vast number of people!

One quick question...is Faye's hair from modthesims or somewhere else?
*Joins party and brings LOADS of soda and candy*

[TS2Lover]

I almost cried! Too bad your done! Please write more! Maybe a sequel?

[PennyTheCorgi]

Ghanima: WAAAAH! I'm so said it ended! But it was a wonderful wonderful wonderful story...I can't tell you how much I liked it and I'm glad it was a happy ending! I'll be telling all my friends and family about this story! Cheers on making a tale that was enjoyed by a vast number of people!

One quick question...is Faye's hair from modthesims or somewhere else?
*Joins party and brings LOADS of soda and candy*

I think her hair is from PoisonPinkLemons.com

[Ghanima Atreides]

Gallowsraven, Faye's hair is from Poison Pink Lemons: http://ppl.abandonedgarden.com/

Aww thanks, I hope your friends and family will like it too :)

Aularia - LOL, I think people would really have murdered me if I ended the story with a cliff :P It HAS crossed my mind but thought what the heck, can't torture these two poor characters even more, can I?

[Gallowsraven]

Thank you sooooo much! My mom and I always need new hairs for girls! Especially ones that come for teens. Hopefully you will do another story...*pleads* :)

[JayBleu02]

NOOOOO!
This was my other favorite story and now it's done!!!!!
I think this was the Sim story that got me hooked on others. Seriously, it was great. I loved it.
Great job!

[Julieth]

Awwww...that's so charming...
Vinnie, gimme the beer!

[gazania]

Awwww ... I'm such a sucker for a happy ending! What a great story!

Only ... I hope that Jason's parents, if they are still alive, have strong hearts! Could you imagine seeing your son under those circumstances? I hope someone had plenty of smelling salts handy! :)

Thanks for sharing!

[kyoshinkai]

That was such a beautiful story and your writing style is just gorgeous.

Every chapter had me wanting more until the next update, and even then you continued to surprise us over and over.

The characters, were just amazing. I could feel myself become attached to the characters.

The pictures, just amazing. I want to add that the picture of when Faye was crawling on the floor in her cell was just heartbreaking. I completely forgot I was reading a story that was made with the Sims 2.

Scenery, settings... all were just great. I didn't know this level of customizing was able to be achieved in this game.

You did a great job, and you have should don that star award with pride.

Heck, "great" is an understatement.

[xXharp_babyXx]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love it!!!!
I'm so glad Faye and Jason get to livehappily ever after!!!!
I'm gonna miss this story though :P
It's absolutely fantastic!! I hope that you plan on writing another story one day :D

[DejAng3l]

yeah.....a happy ending.....i'm so glad that faye and jason were able to overcome the obstacles and be together.....i'm just sad the that story has ended...

[XsnowdropX]

i loved the story, it was awesome:):):). looking forward to your next one whenever that will be:P

[SongBirdWVU]

Fantastic all around! Amazing writing and effects and.. everything!!!!! :D

[SpacemanHPSpiff]

WOW! Oh my goodness gracious! Jiminy cricket! Golly, gee wiz! And all those other tacky phrases! What an ending! Yay, I am so glad that you decided to like happy endings! :D Because I would not have been a happy camper if it didn't end happily... But it did, and you made it perfect with AMAZING pictures and AMAZING description to go along with an AMAZING ending for the most twisted (in a good way!) plot line that I've ever seen! Wow! My finger seems glued to the exclamation point button. !

First off - I loved Umbra, the scenary was perfect - a misty cold dark place. It really did look like an inbetween place that you couldn't settle in. And the scene where she reunites with Jason is so touching! I really love the picture of her dragging Jason into the real world...

I like how you incorporated Gabe and his lovely end into the story's end. What perfect timing he had too...

The very end was a great way to finnish it off - not super tacky, as you didn't end with "they all get married and live happily ever after" ending, but did end on the wonderful note of Vale getting married, Jason realizing who he truely should be with, and Faye and Jason's lovely little secluded ending. Nope, definitely not Disney - they would never be able to do that last hot tub scene... :giggler:

Ghanima, I've been reading this story from the begining, and I have to say, every update you have just gotten better. You've never done anything expected, or taken the easy way out of a plot hole, you've never disapointed us, have always kept us on our toes and waiting for more, and have made every single update worth it's wait. This really is the best story on the board, and am so glad I've had a chance to have been there to read it. You've made us grown to love your caracters and hate others (Gabe...), and really let the reader live in the story. You're an amazingly talented writer, and a big congratulations for finnishing the most amazing story! *is crying by this point* *hands Nobel prize over* *joins party*

YAY! :D

[yoaiamica]

This was the most amaizing story I have ever read...in fact this was the story that made me join...so thank you very much Ghanima..still..i would have really wanted to see faye and jason married :D

[.~*Iris*~.]

ive replied 3 times since this story ended, im sorry, but i just wanted to say that like yoaiamica (and many others im sure) your story was the reason i joined this site!

aaah i love happy endings

[Panique]

Ghanima!! I love that ending!! Faye + Jason = :valentine!!! I had been hoping they would end up together since the start, heh... it was so sweet, and Valentina!Theo's baby is adorable!!! Take a nice, long rest - but not too long - and then write us another story, hehehe. :P Even if you don't, this story will always be one of my FAVOURITES!

Aww...

Now the stories of all the fabulous four (Martha, Serene, Earth and Faye) have finished!! Happy endings for all! *drinks fruit punch*

[Lunarsea]

LOL, I think people would really have murdered me if I ended the story with a cliff :P It HAS crossed my mind but thought what the heck, can't torture these two poor characters even more, can I?

Weell, no. But you could do kinda a short thing set a couple of years after the end of this, let everyone see how they are doing. However, unless it was done in the right way, it would spoil it somewhat. :D heck you could even write about Valentina's daughter, Rose - let us find out if she gets upto much the same things her mother did. :lol:

On a different note, can I join the hordes of happy readers who have commented by saying:
Wow, that ending just blew me away. It was happy, but well written, and with pleanty of drama (i.e not Disney! :D). I will be much looking forward to reading any future story of yours - your writting style has me hooked! Could you tell? :laugh:

I'd suspected you might've been building up to something like this, I didn't think that Jason would still love Vale, I wasn't even sure he'd loved her from the beginning, and I was glad that Jason came back. Because I think if he hadn't, and Renard had come back to kill everyone, I think this thread would've been flooded by all the crying people! :giggler: but I think Faye and Jason will always be tarnished and tainted by the what happened, I know they're not out of the woods yet, but I think that they will always be together, I just don't think they would ever leave eachother after that. :)

I'm sorry you had to reinstall, I know how tramatic that can be :( :smash:

Again I must congratulate you on your sets, photo perfection, and patience with story writting. I have hardly even started with my story and I have already had to change a lot of things.

It was going to be about a sim with the grilled cheese sandwich aspiration, who was having trouble adapting to a normal life, and who predicted the future via the medium of cheese. :D but I have just thought of something much better to do with those characters, and the grilled cheese story line doesn't seem to have anywhere to go. :)

Anyway, I'm off to go and continue picture taking and seeing if I can make my new idea work, and of to play with your characters :D

Once more, bravo, and enjoy you well earned break! ;)

P.S. I'm sorry for the long comments, but I just end up rambling. I can't help it! :sorry: :rofl:

[nckw]

woww ım speechless
ıts ended ;( but but we want moree from you ghanima
great story

[indalu10_SC]

this story was really wonderful!!!!
i wonder how he explains his skintone?
but anymew BRAVO!!

[Ghanima Atreides]

Hehehe an unusual medical condition? :P Would sound better than "the result of a badly done resurrection"...:lol:

Again, thanks so much! Lunarsea, that's exactly what I was trying to explain, they've been tainted by the experience, changed for life. :) I actually like it best this way, without a definite future for the characters, all planned out by me...so the readers can imagine it for themselves. :) Some may see Faye with a lot of babies lol, others something darker..who knows.

I admit I'm not really one for sequels; some stories are best left finished. :) At least in my opinion. IF I were to write another one, I think it would be about Miral, my Alien sim some of you might've seen around, she won the Champion of evil contest. But we'll see.

[Gallowsraven]

Well, you know I think a lot of people would be happy if you wrote another story.....*hint**hint*. LOL, if you do I'll definetly be reading it! :)

Also, do you have any other stories that you have posted? If so...tell me what the names are so I can read them!

[hotrod50s_SC]

EXCELLENT i love the way you ended this story,but you did sort of leave an opening for a sequel :P the pics were great and fit perfect with the story line.i've said it b4 and i will suggest it again you,lollie,and french should work on a joint project,i think it would be the most awesome story to ever hit.

but then again i like all 3 styles,and really get attached to your story sims,you show a unique talent for pics and putting them all together with words.

ohh btw i added your selfsim to my game looks great now if i could add lollie and french i would have my 3 favorite writers sims all in one house lol.

i have a slight idea of how hard it is to pull all this together and keep it in story form,i have enough trouble trying to stick to a theme neighborhood,but i d/led the simstones from mts2 and already screwed the bedrock neighborhood up lol,took me all of 2 hours to forget.

hint for you and lollie maybe look towards that for a new story idea.mix in a few of your now famous story characters maybe as cameo if you want.lol well i already forgot where i was going with that.my fingers are way slower then my thoughts,

anyway congrats on a well done story unique and fresh unlike any movie yet parts roughly used for small parts of story line(which worked great)great character development,you made the characters easy to identify with,whcih in itself is a major task.while there are many good stories in this community.yours is in my top 3 favs.
all 3 tied for 1st place:D. now way i could choose any one of you as the most favorite since your sims seem to tie in with each other so well and your styles are great yet each has a unique story.

that and i see all 3 read each others stories and comment keeps me reading rofl if no updates i get a kick seeing what one of you have to say never a dull moment like that.

2 hugh thumbs up and hope you do either a sequel or a whole different story either way i'll be watching lol.err reading rather lol

[richdude_SC]

Wow, That was an incredible story Ghanima. I'm a bit sad, now where will I go for a good story and snacks in a large campground????:( In a way, it was kinda our version of woodstock.:D

[hotrod50s_SC]

i knew i forgot something i forgot to put my tent up and ask where's my m&ms? rofl we will camp here till she creates another hangout lol

[leos_pride]

Oh what a wonderful ending to a great story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Hope to see another of ur stories soon!!

[shakazulu]

yey i read the last 3 chapters today as my internet has been down for 2 weeks, fantastic ending, jasons back woohoo, aww ghanima you should do another story, you really should :)

[banana_SC]

wow i have only just read this story and it is amazing! i couldn't stop reading it! really good ending 2!

[cory_g]

Aww...loved the ending! I'm a sucker for happy endings too! :D

[AnyPika]

End?
...
The end?
...
Already?!
:weep: :weep: :weep:
Anywho, loved your story, can't believe someone can have so much talent for writing stories...! :argh:
Awww two of my favorites stories ended :weep: just one left(Unborn Dreams), and I'll go nuts if it ends soon :lol:

[feistyredhead]

It was extremely hard to enjoy the story with all of the unecessary chatter that basicly turned me off of reading the story, but I pushed through. Great story!

** note to the well wishers who DOMINATED THIS THREAD****
Although the intent was good, too much well wishing makes the story very difficult to read, which acutally turns people off from enjoying the story.

[Anji4062]

Yay!!! That was wonderful! I am so glad that they had a happy ending...

so...uh...did they have kids??? And...uh...if they did...can we see pics????

[starwyn]

I started this last night and read the first 3 chapters, got up this morning and 5 hours later! i couldn't stop reading, plus i was reading all the comments which i had to eventually stop doing or i would be here till tomorrow.

Anyways i loooooved this story so much, i have to admit i was rather suprised at the outcome, from the way the story began i didn't expect any vampires and aliens and un-dead to make appearances lol

Fantastic writing, especially considering English is not your first language, and i loved how each chapter had a title.
Unfotunately i couldn't see all the pictures very well as most of them were very dark and some i couldn't make anything out at all, but no-one else seemed to have this problem so maybe it's just my eyes?
And i only have one pain in the butt, not related question if it's ok, how did u get the sticky tape appearance on your pics?? I would really love to know so i can finish my own crappy story and for a peice in a sim movie i'm currently working on. I would be very grateful.
Look forward to reading your next story :)

[Ghanima Atreides]

** note to the well wishers who DOMINATED THIS THREAD****
Although the intent was good, too much well wishing makes the story very difficult to read, which acutally turns people off from enjoying the story.

You made a point there, and I'm sure reading the whole thing from the begining till the end now with all the comments may seem tedious, but just remember, feedback is what kept me, and others, going through the months which went into writing a story as long as this. No comments makes a creator feel that their story is not interesting, and people do not like it etc. :)


Unfotunately i couldn't see all the pictures very well as most of them were very dark and some i couldn't make anything out at all, but no-one else seemed to have this problem so maybe it's just my eyes?
And i only have one pain in the butt, not related question if it's ok, how did u get the sticky tape appearance on your pics??

Hmmm not sure what the problem is, maybe your monitor settings? I certainly didn't make them so dark you wouldn't be able to see what's going on. Some are darker than others, yes, and that's intentional because things tend to happen at night and in poorly-illuminated places, but certainly not *that* dark. I'm sorry you had this problem, but thanks for reading regardless :)

The duct tape effect on the pics is one of the applicable image frames in Paint Shop Pro. (Image - Picture Frame - select from the list) :)

[starwyn]

wow, thanks for the quick reply :) I really appreciate that, it will help me so much.
And again, wonderful story! I may have clogged up the story with my comments too if i hadn't have found it after it ended LOL but in a way it was good because i didn't have to suffer and wait for the next updates :D

[cyn_fite]

NOOOOO!
This was my other favorite story and now it's done!!!!!
I think this was the Sim story that got me hooked on others. Seriously, it was great. I loved it.
Great job!

Well I may be very late in reading this story, but Ghanima, I have to say what an outstanding job you have done with your story. I also have to agree with JayBleu02 that reading this story has definitely got me hooked on others. I have never read any other stories until I saw a post you had made on a download page. Anyway since I have read yours I have read or at least started to read several others. You are a remarkable writer and I am very honored to have been able to read one of your works. One of these days when you have a big novel printed I will be able to say that I read your early works.

Again thank you for such a wonderful read and allowing me to lose myself in your style of writing and mesmerizing.

A job Well Done!!!!!

[auroraspirit]

I've been reading your story over the last two days and absolutely loved it for its differences from other stories on this forum.

It was one amazing ending, one that I wish didn't have to end.

I hope you continue to write, this was WOW.

Auroraspirit :angel:

[dream_operator23]

Awesome!!

I read the ending with a big smile on my face! I thought that Jason's feelings for Val were nicely resolved. It felt natural and unforced. Like you'll always have feelings for your teenage crush, but you know true love when you find it too. You wrote Renard very well too. A very disturbing and believable villian. His dialogue and inner thoughts were spot on!

Great, great story!!

[Captain THPS4]

Fantastic ending, I really enjoyed this story regardless of all the cliffhangers. This story was very unique and I'm completely satisfied with how it ended. A sequel to this story might ruin this ending though. :bump:

[Ghanima Atreides]

Thanks again, everyone (just saw these comments!) I'm going to miss my readers :D Which is why, I'm seriously thinking of that new story...

[Lunarsea]

Hey I was just re-reading the first few pages and is it me or does Simone look a little plump at the beginning? :blink: I never noticed...

[Ghanima Atreides]

She is plump. Not everyone has a model-figure now, especially a mom raising her kid all by herself.

[julchen]

woooww great !! *speechless*
And a happy ending awww *cute*

I'm really looking forward to your next story, Ghanima ^^
Best wishes *cuddle*

P.S.: I would love to have Faye and Jason in my game to let them have loads of cute little babies XD Any chance you upload them for us?

[Lollipop_Girl]

They are uploaded in the story sims (http://www.insimenator.net/showthread.php?p=285016#post285016) thread on insim, I dont know if the site is still down or not though.

[Ghanima Atreides]

Aww lol they have none in my game yet :D babies that is. If you do get them, do post piccies ^^

Thanks Lolli :)

[julchen]

@Lolli
thanks for the link ^^ but I have lost my password for InSim and didn't get a new one yet :( (although I was asking daysies long time ago, there was a thread I think and I wrote a PM) argh.. XD

@Ghanima
Sure, if I get them, I will show pics ^_^

[Ghanima Atreides]

Aww :( Well if that doesnt work out soon, PM me and I'll email them to you if you want. :)

[JayBleu02]

Hey, I want to download Valentina Esposito but the hair website you said that comes with the mesh only has the 1st hairstyle which I already own. Where is the website you got her big, wavy hair from in the 2nd and 3rd picture? Thanks.
:) I'd feel really stupid if I'm just missing it. :lol:

[Ghanima Atreides]

Well I said the sims are packed how they look in the *first*, CAS picture, unless stated otherwise. The big wavy hair is Peggy donation, sorry. :/

[julchen]

@Ghanima
That would be nice, thanks ^^ Well I'll wait a bit more and if I don't get answer then, I'll send you a PM :)

[Lunarsea]

She is plump. Not everyone has a model-figure now, especially a mom raising her kid all by herself.

Never said there was anything wrong with it, I was just wondering if I was imagining things. :)

[Ghanima Atreides]

I know, I wasn't snapping at you or anything :) I got simmies of all sizes, including BBWs and waifs etc.

[JayBleu02]

Well I said the sims are packed how they look in the *first*, CAS picture, unless stated otherwise. The big wavy hair is Peggy donation, sorry. :/

Oh poo. :(
Thanks for the wonderful sims though! Faye and Jason had two twin boys so far. :anime:

[Lunarsea]

I know, I wasn't snapping at you or anything :) I got simmies of all sizes, including BBWs and waifs etc.

I know. :) I keep meaning to get more body meshes of different sizes into my game, to add more diversity. I get tired of them all being like they are now, so boring. But I'm trying to keep my downloads to a minimum at the moment until I get a bigger hard drive and I can back up my files more often. :yech:

Yay! I notice that you've uploaded the Zamora's! Thank you! *runs of to download* :D

Edit: Jasmine, there is a reasonably similar hair to that on XMSims
http://www.xmsims.com/sims2/ehtm/hair/hair28.htm

Not quite the same, it's the one I use for Vale. I don't think it's quite as good, but I can't and won't use donation sites (well I will use the free sects but you know), so I often improvise. :D

[Abracadabra!]

I have just found this story and read it from start to finish in one go. It took a while but was definately worth it.

Absolutely brilliant story, I was enthralled from start to finish.

I loved the characters and was so glad that Jason and Faye were reunited in the end.

Again great, great story.

[Crazy_Fran]

:D This was the first story I read on this website and it was great, the characters were excellent! I was glad they ended up together in the end. :valentine

[MentalMetalPetals]

reallyreallyreallyreally... etc etc BRILLIANT! Your story blew my tiny mind out! How did you think of all those clever twists and turns! And your photos are amazing as well! I'm new here, and your story prompted me to join just so I could congratulate you!!!!

[Ghanima Atreides]

Aww thank you! To be honest the story kinda grew as I wrote it, at first it was meant to be a whole lot shorter and simpler, basicly stop at the end of the gang's teen years without Jason's murder of course but then I got the idea about Vale doing drugs, the big seedy businessman being Faye's ellusive father and then just got weirder and weirder :P As for the pics, a lot of animation cheats, moveobjects on, planning and patience. Ah, custom content is vital too. It wouldn't have been half as good without it.

[MentalMetalPetals]

well then, well done for sticking with it! It wouldn't have been half as extroadinary otherwise! And what are the animation cheats, anyone? I am planning a story myself now and I would really like to know how I can make it more realistic.
Ghanima Atriedes, I sat and read your story without turning away from the computer screen for a whole afternoon from start to finish, hypnotized. Perhaps you should consider a part time job as an author?! I also have to say I love your CC on Noukie Sims 2 as well, that may be going slightly off topic but I think it had to be said...
Too bad I missed the "Different Shades Of Grey camp", I could've brought some choccie cake :(

[Ghanima Atreides]

Check out the movie making and storytelling pose hacks (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?t=18687) from the List. There are quite a few, and what they basically do is allow you to make a sim do any game animation at all times, which would otherwise be only triggered by their respective events. With that, and the moveobjects cheat, I made my story.

I'm glad you liked my CC as well :) as for an author, lol, never really thought about it, writing as well as making content for the sims etc is a hobby of mine.

Good news everyone who misses the campsite, I'm probably going to begin another story soonish, but as to what the subject is, I keep my silence for now ;)

[hotrod50s_SC]

lol soonish look forward to it i keep looking to see if you have started a new one yet.maybe it will grow too:)

[Lunarsea]

Yay! More stories to look forward to! :D

[Ghanima Atreides]

It's just gonna take a while to set it up...it requires A LOT of building and decorating. But I've started already :D

[Hakuryuu_SC]

Can't wait for the new story Ghanima! Im sure people will be resetting there campsites in your thread again soon :D

[MentalMetalPetals]

wow can't wait, I'm afraid I finished eating the cake some time ago :giggler:

[^Dark_F|am3^]

First of all, you might be 'honoured' to know that... I made this account specially for your story (yes I know, maajor honour lol)
Secondly.. this story is perfect by the time I was at somewhere when she was to resurrect Jason I had completely forgotten that that was the same story about that little boy & girl, then you mentioned Simone and I was like, "who's simone? I know shes a mom of some girl in some story bu- Oohh this is the same story! :Slap: " The way you watch them grow is waayy too life like.. I've read some amazing stories but this is by far one of the best!
Looking forward to reading your new stories ;) (and I agree with all those who said you should publish this.. besides fame and fortune.. more people would get to experience the wonderful feeling of romance, a bit to the extreme :P)

:bow: I tried to write a story myself, on fictionpress, but I'm too impatient lol you are a story goddess in my eyes lol :bow:

[jennywren]

cool story, I've just thought, this is a sequel to serenes story isn't it

[Lollipop_Girl]

Not a sequal, as thats my story, but it does have cameos from Serene and Martha. :)

[Ghanima Atreides]

Exactly.

Lolli, Frenchie and I enjoy doing cameos of eachother's characters in our stories. But thanks, I'm happy you liked it.

[lizzard]

:jaw: Wow. That's all I can say. This is seriously the best story I've ever read. Ever!

As a side note: Where do you get "Shaklin's lovebed" that you mentioned in Chapter 5 (page 3)?

All in all, an AMAZING story!

[Ghanima Atreides]

You have to be over 18 and go to the adult side of MTS, sexysims2.com for that one. ;)

Thank you for reading and commenting!

[Melzy]

Gosh, i must admit i'm a serious critic, but a cruddy speller.. As hard as i tried, i'm having extreme difficulty critisizing this, im almost sure you could have that sorta thing published, alot of stories go in a straight line, and you can tell exactly where they are going to led, this had me hooked because it was simply not what i expected, new events and characters were coming in to conflict with the story line and had a great impact on the lay out. Even though you changed the focus on charaters every now and then it was still easy to follow. Dead set seriously i give you a 10/10 and a thumbs up all the way..
Keep it up and you'll go far ;]
<33 Mel

[Ghanima Atreides]

Thank you for the detailed review, Melzy. I'm happy you enjoyed it, a lot of the storyline was spontaneous, I didn't actually plan it from the begining...ideas just flowed, thanks to the nice feedback I got from my readers. :)

[Melzy]

Hey np, as i said, keep up the good work, you've amazed me ;]

[xbrokenxstarsx]

SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL!

OMG! That's it?! No more?! Nada? Zip? Zilch?*cries* No. No. No. You must write more. Or, I'll...die... PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! This story is amazing-ness! Waaah!

Oh, and it is just me or is Jason creepy, cuz like his skintone freaks me out...a little...

[IntrepidLlama]

Oh my god, I can't believe I've just found this story! You've got an amazing ability for storytelling, you had me hooked by the second chapter!

I'm *so* glad Faye and Jason finally got together. Huzzah! Reading such a great story with the perfect ending has completely made my night. :)

[Ghanima Atreides]

Thanks guys. Wow didn't think anyone would still read this after all this time, but it makes me happy. :)

[leighthesim_SC]

omg this story is so good i love it i love it i love it jason is so sweet and him and faye make such a sweet couple definatly worth giving up free time in maths to read (we were allowed to do what we wanted in maths and i started reading this)

[Ghanima Atreides]

Thank you, leigh :) Happy you liked it, and that people still read this! lol

[darksixx]

One word: Wow.

Your story was awesome and very inspiring. I only hope when i get around to posting a story it'll be half as good! I sat down at the computer a few hours ago to read a little and was just sucked into the tale. I couldn't look away until I reached the end of the story. Great work!

Thanks for the awesome tale! I'm keeping my eyes open for the next thing you write!

[emopunk_boii5]

WoW! i LOVE YOUR STORY! its the best story i read so far!!! oMG!

[Ghanima Atreides]

Thank you both :D Darksixx, there's a new project in the works but so far, it hasn't really gone off the ground yet. Hopefully I'll get around to it soon lol

[babii.phat.s2]

OMGAAAAAAAAAAAAASH that was AWEEEEEESOMEEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kunuchi]

Wow. That was an amazing story! I started reading it on my lunch break at work and didn't even realize it was past quittin' time once I got the end! Thank goodness the boss wasn't here today - hahaha. You have an amazing talent! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! :) :) :)

[Ghanima Atreides]

Thank you very much! :D

[BlakRoses]

OMG I love your story! The fourth chapter was so hilarious. I am in middle school so of course my mind is twisted, therefor I could enjoy the "special" humor. Keep up the good work! Have a cyberDuck :duck:

[BlakRoses]

OMG! I just read the tenth chapter. I think I'm going to cry! I hate, yet like Jason. He loved Vale, but just used Faye as a one time pleasure! Are all guys (with some exceptions) dirty pigs? But he still didn't need to die. I really like how the mood of your story is always changing. I want to become a journalist and author, and I am learning more from reading your stories than I do in english class! Ghanima, you should try to get this story published or something! It's amazing!

[Ghanima Atreides]

BlakRoses - thank you for reading, most of the story is based on spurs of the moment, I'm flattered and happy that you consider it worth publishing. :) I haven't actually thought about it though posting it on a public forum is a little step in that direction lol. I used to keep my stories private.

As for that, you'll get to see what kind of guy Jason really is by the end of the story ^^

[Stormy_SC]

I just read the whole thing and I love it! It was really worth an hour of my time lol!

[simmingurl06]

It took me forever, but I'm finished!!! I l-o-v-e this story Ghanima!!! When Jason died, I was like "Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo *gasps* ooooooooooooo" ya you get the picture lol. Then when Faye was committed, "Ohmigawd!!!! WTF did she just do!!!!" And when Gabrial came back in Jason's body, it shocked the he11 out of me. I love this story!!! Four thumbs up, if that's even possible lol.