Timbervale

[Zelgadis 638]

Ah, it seems that you have discovered the bane of story-based CJ's. Comment load.

I think you should continue with it. Two suggestions:

1) Break up the chapters into smaller bits. Personally, my eyes get tired trying to read text on a monitor and it's much more difficult to read longer stuff.

2) I think perhaps the biggest mistake was starting the new story in your old (yet renamed) CJ. It's much harder to attract and hook new readers when you do that. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but you might want to consider abandoning this thread and starting a new one.

Good luck!

ISF

[Porter 68]

OK.... after reading everything that your all had to say, I've decided to keep this going. It was just a little unnerving to not have really any replies to my updates, but have a nearly 30 to 1 viewing to comment ratio.

I do plan on more pictures and shorter chapters, but this chapter was kinda hard to cut parts out of without people going, "what is going on???"

Before I update, here's my personal replies:

rusty_777: I'm thinking I may eventually start a thread on making photoshop effects. Not  sure yet though.

jacqulina: Thanks!

zelgadis: Bad driver? You Canadians and your understatements

jacqulina: It's here now!

anarchy0029: Thanks!

xV.I.N.C.E.N.Tx: Lol... I know... it is rather wordy.... (Sidenote: Your SN is a pain to type out )

xV.I.N.C.E.N.Tx (2): Ok.... I won't.... here's chapter 2 for your pleasure...

CarmineHilton: Well, here's the next chapter for your enjoyment....

JoystickJunkie: OK. I won't. It's continuing.

ky72x: Duely noted. I just really needed to write this monster out for the other chapters to make sense.

jacqulina: I'll definately keep it going. Thanks for the support!

zelgadis (2): I think the only problem with starting this in a new thread now is that it would remove a lot of people's comments and such. Unless you know of a way to move them as well?

On a side note: I'm going to take some time every update to tell people about the other CJs I love reading. I'd love for everyone to take a min to check out Zel's CJ, The New Carpathia Confederation of Planets II:  Destiny's Call here on ST.There is some GREAT writing he's done and I have been doing some Photoshopping for him. Go check it out! Or he'll make you help with the Neko repopulation efforts.... not pleasant in the slightest.

Ok.... after giving my wrists a nice break, time to post the last part of chapter one... already in progress...

----------------------------------------------------

“You’re doing a fabulous job at telling yourself things to make you feel better,” continued Brian unabated. “Keep going. Tell yourself what a bastard I am, and how of course Sebastian would never stay away from you. He’s just too busy to talk to you. Being too busy for your own brother makes a whole lot of sense to me too.”

Lukas had just sat his bum back on the seat, when Brian slammed his foot down hard on the gas, throwing him backwards. The car jumped ahead. Lukas' eyes flickered outside and widened in horror. A pedestrian was currently crossing the street! Tightening his hold on the back of the seat, he braced his still throbbing arm on the dash. Brian jerked the steering wheel hard and the car swerved around the frightened citizen.

“But go ahead. Pound me for being a heartless bastard. Because, like you said, you have control over yourself.”

“Hey!” Lukas looked out the back of the car, trying to see if the person was alright or not. The man shook his fist at their speeding car and seemed to be shouting at them. He couldn't blame him, he felt like doing the same. But only if he was out of the car and not moving. “Watch what you’re doing!” he admonished.

His heart was in his throat. Adrenaline pumped through his system at how close they had come to running someone down. Brian was really pissed... and he had never seen him lose his temper this bad before. He was used to the calm, teasing side of Brian...not this. Maybe a little vein popping or a little cursing… but this?

“And, Lukas...” The icy tone of Brian's voice dragged his eyes away from the rear of the car over to Brian's face. He was staring so intently at him; it made him forget that they had almost hit someone. “Don't fault me for never saying something you've never said to me,” Brian said.

The flat emotionless stare from Brian sent shivers down his spine. The eyes that he loved to look into no longer held that sparkle anymore, and that made him feel remorse. It wasn't like Brian gave him any signals that he was feeling like that about him. Why should he be the one to put himself on a limb like that? He wasn't even sure what love was between a couple. How was he supposed to know if what he felt was really love or just some unknown, unnamed emotion. Was all this really his fault? Did he really cause all this? He couldn't believe it.

Movement on the street in his peripheral vision caught his attention and his eyes flickered towards it. Bloody...hell! He gasped silently, his eyes widening in horror. They had drifted across the median and were headed into on-coming traffic. He griped the back of the seat in his left hand hard; he dimly noted Brian spinning around in this seat. The blue car directly in front of them blared its horn angrily at them and swerved.

Lukas was thrown into the dash as their car braked hard, his right shoulder taking most of the impact. He didn't even have time to register the pain as something broke horribly in his shoulder before the whole car began to roll. The sound of screeching, protesting metal and breaking glass became all that he knew.

The vehicle lurched violently again and he was thrown hard into the seat back as the car was once again struck. His forehead cracked hard on the back of the seat making him see stars, and gasped when he felt something slide all too easily through his back. No longer able to tumble around inside the car, he could only gasp at each movement and vibration until the car slid to a stop.

The silence and stillness was overpowering in its completeness after the noise and chaos of a few moments ago. Blinking at his lap, he watched in fascination as drops of dark red liquid dripped down his face and into his lap. They dripped one after the other making a wide shallow puddle that was slowly being absorbed into the seat. He swallowed and tried to take a breath, but the very air seemed hard to draw into his lungs.

The delicate tinkling of broken glass intrigued him and he turned his head slightly to try to better catch the sound. The slight turning of his head caused the liquid to fall into a new place, down onto the floor where the carpet soaked it up. Weariness crept up on him then, and there didn't seem to be a logical reason why he shouldn't go to sleep.

“Luke...”

 He knew that voice. It was an important voice, but he couldn't remember why. Maybe if he saw who the voice belonged to it might make him remember better. Lukas tried to push off the seat so he could lift his head, but that small movement sent blinding white hot pain down his body, making him freeze.

That woke him up. Why did it hurt so much? His eyes widened in alarm. After a moment a black blanket was placed in his lap, making the red liquid start a new puddle within its fabric.

“You have to stay awake, okay?”

Stay awake? Why? Something brushed against his face, and pressed into his forehead. Oh! This was a different pain, but no less important. You shouldn't touch it! He rocked his head away from the probing touch, and closed his eyes. That's better...it's better without pain. But it didn't last long. The pain was back as something wrapped around his head tight.

“Lukas!”

Lukas blinked owlishly, as his head was brought up, and he could finally see who the voice belonged too. Ah! It was Brian. That was good. Brian was good to have here. Maybe he'd find out why he hurt so much... Despite having difficulty breathing, he began to rapidly gulp for more oxygen.

“Just don't move, ok?” Brian said, stroking his cheek.

“Ugh...” he groaned in pain. “Um...” he swallowed. The what? What does Brian want from me now? He tried to lift his right hand to bat at Brian's hold on his chin, and frowned. Rolling his head down to his right shoulder, he looked at what should have been a working arm, but instead it was horribly twisted and mangled in the socket, his coat doing little to hide the wrongness of it.

“Um...” mumbled Lukas, frowning at his arm. What was he supposed to say again...? His head was once again lifted, and he blinked at Brian, confused, hoping that Brian would sort this all out for him. It was incredibly hard to think right now, so...what? Brian reached out and started stroking his hair. Hmm, he always did like that.

“Just look at me, then. Look into my eyes and stay awake okay? Help will be here soon,” Brian murmured.

Lukas could only blink tiredly at Brian. Small tremors attacked his body; each shift increasing the pain exponentially. Why would help be coming? That didn't make any sense. “B-B-Brian...” he stuttered, his teeth chattering against each other. Why was it so cold?

Brian stroked Lukas' hair for a moment before leaning in to place a kiss on his forehead. When he pulled back he stared intently into Lukas’ eyes. “That's right. I'm here, Luke. Now just stay awake...”

Yeah, Brian was here...but didn't he want to leave? It was all so confusing and jumbled up. The tremors were becoming more pronounced, and he finally knew why he hurt. He could feel it. Every twisted inch of it... “Wha-w-what...?” Looking down at his left side, he could see a jagged piece of metal protruding from his lower stomach to pierce the top of his leg.

Red gore and flesh clung to the edges. He could actually see parts of his insides clinging to the metal. It was amazing! His left hand pulled itself away from behind his back, and reached out to touch, what looked like a bit of his intestines. He wondered if it was as spongy as it really looked or was it just sort of slimy cause of the blood.

“Don't touch it,” Brian softly commanded, catching his hand before he could reach it. “Leave it there. It will bleed more if we pull it out and I'm not a doctor...” Brian gently lifted his chin once more and placed a kiss on to his forehead. “Stay with me...” Brian pleaded, kissing his forehead again. “Stay awake...”

'Stay with him'?, he thought, blinking slowly, forgetting about his discovery. Was he supposed to go somewhere? He tried to focus on Brian's face, but it swam in front of him. “Brian...you w-want me?” He did his best to focus on the face in front of him so he could better understand the answer... What was the question again?

Brian blinked rapidly before answering. “Yes, Luke. I want you, I've always wanted you... I...” Brian faltered. Sniffling he reached out and patted his cheek. “Just stay awake.”

“You're n-n-not mad?”  he stuttered, panting now. It seemed really important that he know this and quickly. It felt as though time was running out. Darkness was creeping into the edges of his vision now. Swallowing hard, his dry tongue slipped past his lips to try and moisten them. He was so thirsty.

Laying Lukas’ hand down by his side gently, Brian used the sleeve of his dress shirt to wipe his face. “I'm not mad,” said Brian, his voice wobbly. “I'm not mad, so just stay awake.”

That was good to know. If Brian was mad at him then when he went to sleep he'd be worried that he'd be sad. He really wanted Brian to be happy. Yeah, Brian should be happy. “Good...” his voice trailed off, and he finally gave in and let his eyes close.

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And some extra pictures:

And a teaser from Chapter 2!

Hopefully I'll get Chapter 2 finished up with its total rewrite by Wed!

Jacob

[roboo1 1]

Wow! Great crash scene. You are really good at photoshoping

[jacqulina 162]

awesome pics my friend,wonderfull close up shots,the rail station is amazing

[Theirishnintendonerd 13]

Great update porter6608! .  This cj has a great story and Im looking foward to reading more !

[art128 4,618]

splendid update my friend

[Porter 68]

Well, I decided to add the chapter headers.....

For chapter 1 (yes I know.... ANOTHER FMA PICTURE....):

But I did decide to go with a different anime series for Chapter 2.... no idea where its from though....:

About 1/3 of the way through the rewrite. Expect another update this week when i get finished!

[Godzillaman 21]

I still see the metlife sign through the Tricomm logo...

A well though out city. I really can't get over the use of those river pieces...

[wishfulanthony 3]

Very nice city you got there! Interesting story too... looking forward for more!

[newyorkrunaway1 110]

very nice photoshopping, makes it very enjoyable to watch

[Zelgadis 638]

Ohhh... If there is karma in the universe, then Brian is going to have to get some bigtime payback for being a total twit and getting his boyfriend (maybe) killed.

Pity there really isn't karma...

ISF

[beebs 129]

Well looking at the pictures, your city and photoshopping skill as absolutely fantastic.. amazing pictures. I'll go through tomorrow and read through the story when I'm not falling asleep, but if it's half as good as your pictures I should be impressed.

[Porter 68]

OK all! Like I said, I'd try to get this next chapter posted this week and it is finally done.

But first, I'd like to show you all the newest addition to our house!

(From the breeder's website, personal ones to come)

This is Mia, our cute new little Himalayan kitten. Our last cat, Fuzzy, passed early this week on Monday, and we decided we really missed her and wanted a new one.

Ok, back to the update. I've noticed quite a bit more replies now that I've gotten to the blood and gore... so I'm definitely going to keep this one going. Also, I'd like to bring to light another MD for everyone to check out!

But, first, to the replies:

roboo1: Thanks! I try to do my best with!

jacquilna: Thanks! It was something I picked up on   either here or SC4D.

Theirishnintendonerd: Well... now to the next update!

art128: Thanks!

Godzillamn: Shhhhh....

wishfulanthony: Thanks!

newyorkrunaway1: Thanks!

zelgadis: Oh trust me, there is karma.... but boy does it have a warped sense of humor...

beebs: Well, you need to read the story WITH the pictures.... makes more sense that way!

OK.... before the update gets posted, let's talk about The Movian Empire by CarmineHilton. Let me say, Carmine has done some amazing work with his CJ. I love the European design and culture he brings to it, and it's always fun to see what little things he leaves at the end of every update. Again, I lurk but don't comment, but I definitely suggest you go over and check it out! I know I enjoy looking at it.

Last but not least, special thanks again to shadow assassin (Dan) for his help on getting this update proofread so I don't look like a complete and total idiot. And now.... (drumroll please)

 Brick- Ben Folds Five LINK TO VIDEO

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“…. Health officials are urging everyone to get a flu shot this year due to the extreme nature and unusually cold weather this year.

…. In other news, the highly anticipated Tricomm and Interlink merger is set to take place later today. The ill-fated Windsor Park based company, Interlink Communications, is expected to be bought out by the Timbervale telecommunications giant Tricomm Wireless for an estimated $42 billion. Tricomm CEO, Brian Handover declined comment.

Now let’s go to Katie in the Weather Center…. Katie, what can we expect for the morning commute?

Well Tom, it looks like the overnight snow will be slowing down in most parts of the metro area with the clouds breaking up in many areas, but don’t expect it to get any warmer today with yet another cold front moving in from the north…”

Looking away from the small panel near the train car’s door as the train began to move again, he turned his attention back to the girl sitting next to him.

“So, seriously! You have to tell me!” she continued, the pleasure bubbling into her chipper voice, “When are you going to do it?”

Sliding his hand into his left coat pocket and feeling the small ring box, Andrew turned to his little sister Jenna with a smile creeping on his face.

“Now just why would I tell you? You are the worst at keeping a secret and if I tell you, I’d have to take your precious phone away,” he replied, poking her in the forehead and getting a disgruntled sigh from the much younger girl next to him.

“You’re just chicken.  A REAAAAAL man would have gone and proposed to the girl they’ve been dating for the last 3 years ages ago!” she replied, pushing him on his shoulder as the train began to start slowing down and a loud ding permeated across the nearly empty car.

“Next station: Riverside Expressway and Central Plaza. Estimated arrival to station in 35 seconds. Left doors opening.”

As the train’s breaks began their squealing protest, he grabbed the metal bar above his head and yelled out to his traveling companion. “If you really must know…. I’m going to propose to her tonight at Starlight Tower after work…. Going for the whole ring in the champagne bit and everything! Very classy! I’ll even make sure the waiter gets some pictures for us!”

“Oh my god! That is so romantic! I’m so jealous!” Jenna yelled her reply as the gleaming station slid past the windows of the rapidly slowing car. With a jolt the train stopped and the doors opened, allowing the cold wet outside air to enter the train, chilling both as they made their way to the door.

“So how about you?” he asked, stepping out onto the lightly populated platform, automatically turning towards the escalator upward. “Mom said that your friend April set you up with some guy from your school.  Tell me about him…”

“Well….” She said, looking down at her feet and began blushing, “Daddy only let me go on one date with him, but Sebby…. I mean Sebastian is actually kind of cute. A little nerdy, but still…”

“Aw…” he cooed, tilting his head side and making a face at her, “My wittle sister has a cwush!”

“And your little sister is going to kick you in the groin if you don’t stop with the baby voice,” she growled, and upon stepping off the escalator, got a evil smile on her face, made her way to the coffee counter near the entrance of the station, “You’re going to make it up to me by buying me coffee and a bagel.”

“Am I now?” he called out to her, making his way towards her.

“Yep, unless you want me to text Mom while you’re at the hospital and tell her every little detail about you getting engaged tonight,” she continued, pressing the buttons on the order screen and then waiting for her older brother to swipe his credit card in the machine, “Which can easily be arranged while I’m in class.”

“Black-mailer!” he shot at her, entering in his order and waving the thin plastic card over the reader.

“You know I prefer the word extortionist,” she shot back, smirking as she brought the promptly dispensed bagel to her mouth.

Grabbing their drinks they made their way outside and walked up to the crosswalk outside the doors. Pressing the button, the stood in the cold morning air and began to eat their breakfast.

“So why are you going into work so early today?” she finally asked, breaking the silence between them.

“Well, they are planning on shutting down half the ER later today and are going to hand off the overflow to the free clinic,” he replied, beginning to walk across the intersection at the changing of the light, “And I’m in charge there today.”

“Oh…” she replied, cupping her hands around the warm cup against the chilled air.

“Why do you….” He began looking around to her as he noticed the black car flying towards her, its driver turned in the seat and apparently yelling at the smaller passenger.

“Jesus!” he yelled, pulling her as quick as he could out of its way to him, getting scalded as the coffee she was hold began to pour down the front of his jacket and scrub bottoms.

With his younger sister gasping, he raised his fist and began to shake it at the offending car and scream profanities at it. Looking back to his sister he noticed she was visibly shaking.

“Are you ok?” he said looking her over and checking for signs of injury.

“Yeah…” she answered shakily, finally unclenching his arms as her attention was suddenly drawn to the large crashing noise coming from the direction of the car.

“Oh my god…” Andrew gasped out, looking at the horrific scene unfolding before their eyes and began to take a few steps toward the accident.

“Andrew…” Jenna began, trying to reach out for her older brother as she heard the screeching of the tires on something large coming their way.

“Dear god, we need to go help them Jen...” he began as the large gleaming bus hit him before her eyes.

“Andrew!” she yelled out to him, barely flinching at the specks of blood hitting her skin and the sound of the bus that had just hit her brother wildly fishtailed and began to flip over, and other vehicles began to impact it.

“OH GOD! ANDREW!!!! ANDREW! SOMEONE HELP!” she continued screaming as the world around her erupted in a cascade of broken glass and protesting metal.

-end of chapter 2-

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Extra Pictures Time!!!

Well, thats all for this week folks. Hope yo enjoyed the update!

[Craig91 12]

Amazing pictures, you definitely have to one of the best SC4 photoshoppers I've ever seen

[hamsterTK 93]

wow...

this is interesting...now we have another tragic crash victim to add to the other 2, meanwhile things at the hospital are crazy due to a new strain of the flu. I am starting to predict the ways that all this is tied together, and I can't wait to know.

I like the setting, the atmospheric wet wintery day in a big city. I like the framing of a typical news broadcast, and can picture the matter-of-fact but smiling Katie the blonde weather babe and Tom our mustached anchorman, telling us in a rather mundane way about all the possibly important events happening that perhaps we will understand the significance and connections of as the story progresses.

I think you got a good thing going, so don't quit. Keep it up man.

[Zelgadis 638]

I'm starting to get the feeling that there is going to be a fairly high body count before this CJ is over.

Still, it's rather interesting. Reminds me of that movie... What'sitsname... Forgot... Denis Quaid, Sigorney Weaver... Secret service movie thing... Damn...

(Oh, and wee criticism here, but it appears that you doth like the word "protest" too much. )

ISF

[CarmineHilton 6]

OMG.... This sure is some unexpected advertising =p I appreciate it though, thx (I should really do an update soon, btw.........)

Anyway, another fabulous story! I was sitting at the tip of my chair!! All that drama, love it

And those extra pictures I'm in love with that first one!! I think the logo's added in Photoshop really pull it off

Loves it!!

[newyorkrunaway1 110]

nice update! cant wait for more!

i like the high rises chosen

[.soapy 127]

First off, I'm not usually one to read story CJ's, but, yours is the first Ive seen so far with a disclaimer, that must mean it's going to be good, and Its to safe to say I'm in no way disappointed with your work here. Now that Ive read through... well, most of this thread, I have to say you've made on of the best looking cities Ive ever seen, along with some great photo editing to back that up... I really do love snow and I understand its not an easy thing to realisticly apply to Sc4, so good job  As for the story, I like it, very original concept at ST and I'll certainly look out for the next chapter!

[rusty_777 0]

Again I am impressed. I just can't get over how nice your pictures are. The photoshop effects are second to none. Great work.

Cheers.

[Porter 68]

So this update has been taking a rather long time to FINALLY be finished!

First, I'd like to start off with special thanks to the awesome SC4D moderator Dustin (thundercrack83). Without his constant help this week, I'd have never gotten this chapter edited to the point it needed to be to be posted there.

Also, I'd like to thank Dan (shadowassassin) for all his help on polishing up the story so I truly don't look like a fool when I post chapters. He's truly great at helping me work out every last detail, and telling me when something is just really as bad as I worry it is 

Next up is zelgadis. The man is a true genius on writing, and his inspiration has led me to keep going with the thing. Also, I can always count on his support of my posts! And to keep sending me fun projects to work on for him.

Last, thanks to every one of you that reply to this CJ. You guys seriously rock! Don't forget Trixies (nudge nudge, hint hint) are coming up soon.

OK. Now that all that is out of the way, time for some replies!

CraigKingOfIreland: Thanks! I've been trying to perfect my technique for a while now!

hamsterTK: Hint hint, read the names of the first chapter and then look at the name on the newscast for the second chapter. All else fails, look at this chapter to connect the dots. And I don't plan on ending this anytime soon. Just keep the replies rolling (BTW: The flu is just that. A flu. No connection right now.)

zelgadis: What? Can't a guy use the word protest more than once in a chapter? And I have absolutely no idea what movie you are talking about. Last, body count? Who said anyone is dead yet?

CarmineHilton: Yup. Drama-R-Us here in the Timbervale thread. And wait until you read this next chapter. BTW, that first picture won me a HoF at SC4D.

newyorkrunaway1: You know, a lot of people don't know this, but I spend like forever trying to find the right towers to go up. Literally forever. Like, place a building, bulldoze times 20.

toki.s: Thanks! I really appreciate you taking in everything!

rusty_777: Thanks! I try hard, and I'm glad you enjoy the effort!

Finally done! Time for the next chapter!

-side-note: Intense plot ahead!!! Please don't feel afraid to complain about anything in this chapter. I know when I was writing it, that it was going to be a rather dark and controversial chapter, and if you feel offended by it, I have no problem editing it, or having the moderators edit it-

 I Will Remember You- Sarah McLachlan LINK TO VIDEO

“…listening to KYPY 93.5, Timbervale’s number 1 hit music station. The time is now 6:30, and it’s time to take a look at the weather and traffic…”

Letting out a groan, Sebastian cracked open his eyes and glared contemptuously at the radio. Reaching over, he slammed his hand on the snooze button and flopping his head onto the pillow, stared at the ceiling.

“Hey! You home Lukas?” he yelled out loud, calling out in the direction of his brother’s room, across the hall from the two bedroom apartment he lived with his brother in. Answered by the piercing silence, he sighed out loud.

Seriously? At Brian’s house again?, he thought to himself as he lay in his bed, trying to wake himself up so he could get ready for the day ahead. It wasn’t that he didn’t think his brother shouldn’t stay the night over at his house. Heck, even HE liked the guy, granted not on the level his brother did. He was truly glad for everything the man done for his brother. And that his brother finally was smiling.

Throwing his comforter off, he sat up and set his feet on the cold, hardwood floor, wincing at the bitterness it brought. He stood up, and slowly trudged his way to the bathroom, grabbing a towel from a small closet along the way.

Flicking on the light in the bathroom, he blinked at the stark whiteness of the tile and made his way to the shower, turning it to the right temperature, and after removing his clothes, stepped under the steaming water. He again let his mind wander as the hot water beat down on his head.

It’s already been eight years, he reflected to himself, reaching for the shampoo. Eight years since their mother died and that man had essentially committed suicide. He’d only been 8 at the time, his brother only 13. His brother, the amazing older brother that he was, had stood in his place, protecting him. He could still remember it like it was yesterday.

He could hear his brother’s pained, muted whimper in the next room through the wall. It really was just like any other night. Their mother was at work yet again, leaving them in the care of that vile bastard that insisted he and brother call him daddy. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that his brother had finally told him of the abuse, but he had always known that what the man was doing to his brother was wrong. There was never a chance to tell their mother about it, not with the man constantly being there watching them.

That night was different though. Unknown to them at the time, their mother had gotten a promotion, and got a chance to come home for the night so she could get ready for working on the day shift. Sebastian hadn’t even known his mother was there until he heard the scream coming from her as she entered his brother’s room and walked in to check on Lukas.

He remembered how she screamed at him, telling him that she was going to get him put in jail forever. Her trying to tell his brother that everything would be ok. Grabbing the bar of soap, Sebastian and began washing his face as his mind continued to wander. 

The worst part was that he could remember how the man’s laugh was so cold. He knew she couldn’t have known was that the bastard had a gun. A gun Sebastian learned many years later was used to keep Lukas from talking. He could feel the explosion of the gunshot going through his body even in the other room, the one that killed his mother and caused the neighbors to call the police.

The bastard had ended up holding his brother hostage for hours in the small house Sebastian being pulled to safety and comforted by the police that day. Eventually, they entered the house, and the man decided to have a shootout with the police, ending his life as the officers filled his body with bullets.

Snapping his attention back to the present, Lukas noticed the water slowly turning cold and shut off the water. Stepping out, he grabbed the towel and began drying himself.

They were in the foster system for three horrible years, so lucky to never be separated. It was sick irony, how such a horrible system was still better than the secret torture his brother had endured. And how his brother, the day of his 18th birthday pulled them from the system and lived on their own.

Walking back into his room, Sebastian turned on the TV, letting the sound of the anchor people’s voices drone on in the background as he dressed. Grabbing his cell phone and bag, he pulled his bedroom door behind him and made his way towards the front door of the apartment.

Locking the door, he made his way down the stair and out to the front of the building. Waving to their neighbor as she walked past him into the building, he walked over to the bus stop and sat on the bench.

He remembered the day his brother started prostitution. He was 11 at the time, Lukas 18. They had run out of money, and his brother sacrificed himself yet again, telling him that it would be the only way that they could pay the bills.  He’d stayed up so many nights, sitting alone in the small apartment that his brother barely was able to afford, all the while putting Sebastian through the best school in the city. He’d always worried that his brother would be taken away from him forever, be it physically or mentally.

Stepping onto the bus, he took a seat and looked down at his phone, sending a text to his brother to remind that he would meet at Lukas’ work since school was out for the holiday. Finishing the text, he closed the phone, and stuffing it back into his pocket, he let his mind wander yet again.

It was two years before his brother met Brain and was, in everyone’s opinion, saved by him. It had been a normal night for Lukas until he was picked up by Brian. He’d never gotten the details out of Lukas, but Sebastian couldn’t have been happier with what happened after that night.

 It had shocked him at first that someone as rich and powerful as Brian would actually take pity on his brother, but before Sebastian knew it, his brother was off the street, had a job as the man’s personal assistant, and  holding a relationship. He was finally seeing his brother truly happy.

Noticing the pregnant woman entering the slowly filling bus, Sebastian stood up and motioned for the woman to take his seat. Smiling at him, he blushed and grabbed the metal bar above him, bracing himself as the bus began moving forward again.

Letting out a yawn, he let his attention drift to the giant glass windows of the bus, looking outside as they began to turn onto an old, metal bridge, the snow finally began to break. As the bus finished crossing the bridge, turned his view to the front of the bus right as a young man began to cross the street in front of them. He yelled out to the driver, but to no avail as bus ran over him, blood splattering the now cracked windshield.

Feeling the bus lurch and begin to sway on its side, Sebastian let out a gasp, and finally lost his grip on the bar. To his left, a semi slammed into the side of the bus, sending shards of glass across the cabin. Trying to scream out, Sebastian felt himself flying through the air, and cringed in agony as his head smashed into one of the metal bars, making him see stars and feel a warm, wet trickle of blood running down his neck. As he blacked out from the pain, he vaguely could hear the screams as the bus finally flipped over.

--------------------

Extras:

Hope everyone enjoyed this update!

Jacob

[hamsterTK 93]

Okay, so I get it all now...thank you for tying things up so nicely.

This is definetely getting interesting, what does Sebastian do now? If Lukas is in bad shape, who will cover his medical costs if he is uninsured? I wonder what the other victims of this traffic accident will do?

[wishfulanthony 3]

This looks like a very interesting story... Although I don't read stories, I really like the pics you provided right there! Really dramatic scenes!

[JJC12321 0]

wow...poor sebastian......i wonder what will happen next. interesting story. How many mre to we rap it up . Its just too suspenseful can't wait for the next chapter

[art128 4,618]

incredible effect on these pictures jacob , very good work

[KingTitan 6]

What a superb City Journal my friend.

[SimHoTToDDy 2,938]

Holy crap man! Top notch photoshopping! Props for getting the snow to look decent and I love the lighting in the night shots that you made glow so nicely. I will have to go read this from the beginning, I don't want to ruin the story after all.

Really fantastic work,

-Todd

[Tomasneto 20]

Very nice, your CJ is magic!!! Great pictures and effects...

[ky72x 13]

So much is going on, I sure wonder what the next chapter will bring. I'm also really starting to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Like always, great job editing all these pictures (especially the crash scenes) and the extra shots at the updates' end give some well-deserved attention to those areas.

- Kyle

[panthersimcity4 162]

Wow, your effects are so freakin amazing... my keyboard is covered in druel