This was a great story. I appreciate the epilogue. :)

Ok, considering how bloody Ellone's death was, is it just me or is this the most ironic typo ever:
"The pain you suffered when you lost Ellone two years ago is not in vein."

the vein part. Cause it should have been vain. yeah.

I knew it! I knew it from the moment Squall recounted his memory. But what I still can't figure out is if Quistis killed Ellone (I don't think she had the heart to do THAT) or if Ellone killed herself. And if Ellone did kill herself, why?

wow I know you wrote this story ages ago, but it was amazing to read. You've done a great story using a characetrs beliefs and personalities to create a stunning tale of love and drama.

So, I had this on my favs for the longest of time, yet I never did got to read it till its end. I guess my hatred for Quistis got the best out of me in the past, though now I sort of understand her actions (not that I approve them).
In that regard, I commend you for the very 'real' and very 'human' feelings you gave the characters. The flaws were as strong as their greatest assets and, in the end, that is what creates a human being, right?

So, kudos to you. You are still my preferred Final Fantasy writer! Thank you for the wonderful story (even one that isn't given a fairytale ending, can still be an epic adventure).

Cheers!
Giselle Gonzalez (FenixPhoenix)

Great story can't wait to finish it.

Wow...this story was amazing. It is the first fan fiction I have ever read...what a way to start! I began this story thinking I would never finish it due to the length; however, I read until 3 or 4 in the morning for three days straight until I read every last word of it. It was engrossing and addicting…it has everything one could possibly want in a story; love, hate, lies, betrayal, redemption...and of course the best Final Fantasy character cast ever. Ashbear’s faithful portrayal of these dear characters is the best part of the story…they are exactly as they should be, a seamless extension of the incredible game.

I have always wanted to know what happened to everyone after the game, but I was too afraid of being disappointed by what I read. This story was the best possible continuation and conclusion I could have imagined...of course that opinion could change as I have yet to read the rest of Ashbear’s highly acclaimed stories. I can't wait to start them!

Keep it up Ashbear, your writings are more than the typical pen on paper stories. You evoked so many emotions during this story that I can honestly say I experienced the piece rather than just simply having read it. I was moved; excited, hurt, happy, resentful, sad, forgiving, understanding, and loving...I can't express to you the vast depth of this emotional rollercoaster. I simply loved it.

This story beyond exceeded my expectations for any fanfiction. While there were many plot twists that kept the suspense, this story was grounded in awesome characterization. This story was dripping with emotion that there's no way to come away from reading it without something changing. I loved everything about it.

Except the epilogue. I honestly regret reading it, as it just kills any hope I had that the characters live in the fairy tale ending they so rightfully deserve. After everything they went through, the emotional turmoil and angst, they deserve to be happy without having to live a lie like they were forced to before the story started. It just kills me that they won't ever get the chance to be themselves or remembered for the heroes they are. That they will never be able to be with friends again just hurts to even think about. It's too bittersweet.

But I can always forget that the epilogue exists and believe whatever end I want for the characters. They came too far to fall short like they did.

This is by far the greatest post-FF8 fic I've ever read, and probably the best I'll ever read. After the Fall is great, but so far it just doesn't live up to the excellence that is Crimson Lies. Thanks so much for writing this wonderful story.

this is the second time i am reading this story and it IS the best FFVI fanfic i have ever read! you've really wrote a wonderful story that touched my heart and kept me reading non-stop for hours. thank you and i certainly hope to read more stories from you! =)

*off to read the new chap on After the Fall*

Wow

This is my third comment. I finally finished reading all of it and all I can say is:

Wow.

I actually liked the Epilogue a lot. I thought it was a very powerful ending. The only thing I didn't understand was why they all had to lose contact with each other, also I assume that Zell married Alex but it didn't really say.

But it was amazing. Truly amazing.

Chapter 31 had me crying hysterically. This story is so powerful.

I must commend you on your ability to properly characterize the supporting cast ^_^

Many times Selphie, Zell, Irvine and Quistis are played down or come out being very one sided.

I love how you make them real and showcase their whole personality not just exaggerate parts of them.

Also, great story. I think you are my favorite Author on the site.
I am glad to here you will be working on Somewhere In Between. It is hands down my favorite fan fic. It's like an addiction for me.

I love your work!

This story is incredibly awesome! I read it years ago and I'd love to read it again and again in the future. I'm thrilled to see such a well written FF8 fanfic like this one and I'd become an official fan of Seiftis after reading "Crimson Lies". Your writing is so amazing! :)

SPOILERS! IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED THE STORY, DON'T READ THIS YET

Bravo on making a damned good emotional tragedy/romance BOOK that I managed to eat up in the span of 2 days.

This story has put me on the brink of tears at points, as it really makes Rinoa's whole life a tragedy... How she was betrayed by her soulmate, had to protect her and his daughter, having to hide behind alter-egos and lies, and being reduced to the common street whore, living the joke marriage of rape and abuse by that bastard Richard Bennet, and even when she finally became close to Squall and time healed all the wounds... she was still revered as a demon and a slut by everyone but him and her friends, her father was killed in front of her eyes, and she was humiliated, mocked, and nearly executed in front of millions of people wanting her blood... All over a crimson lie.

A crimson lie made by Quistis Trepe...
I don't care if time heals all wounds, I don't care if we can learn to forgive and forget: throughout this entire story all I could think about was Quistis dying, I wanted revenge on her, lol... Sorry.

Anyway, I personally didn't like Chapter 42, I think you should have either left the story as it was at Chapter 41, or at least officially ended it so that Rinoa doesn't have to live life knowing that nobody knows she exists except Squall and her friends... Even her own daughter thinks she is dead... And why go by the name Lauren? Why LAUREN!? Lol, I thought that little rat was killed on the helicopter...

Anyway, despite the disappointing ending and the over-abuse of my emotions, this really was a great read, as always, by Ashbear =)

Thoughts on first chapter...

"Man... why is he being so mean to Rinoa??"
"Squall's being such a douche..."
"Oh... Ellone died? Well that's STILL no reason to be mean..."
"Aww, he made Rinoa cry... wait... Quistis..."
...
...
QUISTIS!?
LOL, nice twist to instantly start off the reader's interest!