Introducing ... Sparkle Fae

Before retiring to bed, Vanessa decided to try out the old keyboard in the basement. She, like her sister, aspired to be a Vocal Legend, so she thought she'd try her luck with tickling the old ivories. She gained another skill point. At this point in time, I was beginning to wonder if the public had made a terrible choice for heiress. But, since I've been lumbered with Sophie, I've got to play the hand that I've been dealt.

 Speaking of Sophie, she was so desperate to get onto that corporate ladder of hers that she took it upon herself to drive to the nearest venue - in the pouring rain - to try and beg for an agent.

Sadly the agent was nowhere to be seen and the venue was closed due to localised flooding. She just needed to wait one more day and check the paper and computer again.

The poor paper girl had barely taken the paper out of her satchel when Sophie dashed outside and grabbed it from her. Quickly scanning through the classifieds, she finally found what she was looking for.... a Sing a Gram girl.

This meant that she had to have a stage name. So she chose Sparkle Fae. Yeah, not very original, but it's the best she could come up with!

She needed to practice really hard, so she picked on poor Pat, who was bemused and tickled that Sophie was giving him any attention. J1NX1E chose to ignore everyone and took over Boney's usual duties - since she was STILL playing on the hopscotch court several days later. Nessa was being entertained by Hespa. Theirs is a really strong relationship indeed!

Taking a break, she decided to drink from the chocolate fountain. Although I'm not so sure she should do that. It is starting to look a little green and rank smelling.

The second time, however, didn't quite turn out as planned, as she tripped over the balloon machine and fell on her butt. HARD! Right in front of everyone! How embarrassing!

Nonplussed, she continued with her routine, trying her hardest to perfect it. Even performing in the back garden to most of her family! her voice wasn't too bad actually, as she belted out a number or two.

She got a phone call from the agency. If she practiced hard enough, she MIGHT, just might get herself a gig. But in the meantime, can she do a couple of sing a grams.

She'd never tried actual people and the idea of her actually performing in front of strangers - or clients as they were supposed to be called - turned her stomach. So much so that she bolted for the bathroom and vomited.

I'd say it was that rotten chocolate, but, what can I say? The girl is really nervous.
I just hope that she doesn't mess up during her performances because I'd really like to see her succeed. I really do!

Chasing A Dream

Both Sophie and Nessa had to admit, it had been one eventful term at university as they packed their things and got ready to leave. Sophie chewed over the idea of leaving Pat behind. But decided against it and shoved him deep into the corner of her backpack. There are some things you simply cannot do. Despite their differences and turbulent relationship, she couldn't bring herself to abandon him completely. It just didn't seem fair at all.

Besides, once they got home, she had plans. Really BIG plans.

They arrived at Dragon Valley, right in the middle of the darkest, most dreary weather possible. The clouds were so thick that the sun could barely manage to peek through. Despite being shrouded in darkness, one solitary rainbow managed to illuminate and shine. Maybe it was a sign? Maybe not. You never really knew with the people of Dragon Valley. They were a superstitious lot indeed ... and set in their ways. It just needed one person - just one - to stand up and be counted.

 Shannon was sat waiting for them, a half smile on her face.

Sophie, even though she was a young adult now, reverted back to her old naughty teen self and tried to sneak upstairs.

Nessa: Sophie, what are you doing?
Sophie: Sneaking in.
Nessa: Why? Mom knows we're here, I texted her a little while ago.
Sophie: Ah crap.
Shannon: In here girls, Sophie? I'd like a word with you.
Nessa: Someone's in trouble.

All Sophie could do was to narrow her eyes at her sister and frown. Nessa marched boldly into the kitchen.

Nessa: I'm starving, can I have some chocolate?
Shannon: Go ahead, there's plenty in the cupboards.
Nessa: Sweet!

She headed straight for the chocolate fountain.

Nessa: Mind if I use this? It's been standing here for like forever.
Shannon: Yeah, yeah, go ahead.

Downstairs in the basement, whilst Blaine was still working on his 'invention' (the Time Machine), Sonny Em and J1NX1E were in their pods charging their batteries.

Shannon didn't really want anybody to overhear their conversation so she pulled Sophie to one side.

Shannon: Are you okay?
Sophie: I'm ... fine. Mom, you're acting strange, anything wrong?
Shannon: I heard about the deaths, terrible, just terrible
Sophie: Yeah, we know, we phoned you and told you.
Shannon: You ... haven't been doing anything silly on campus .. have you?
Sophie: MOM!

Shannon: I know, I'm well out of order, but I got a call from a Professor Wade Anthony the other day. He was most persistent.
Sophie: Oh that old busybody.
Shannon: Actually, we had a lovely chat, and he was quite pleasant to me ... and very knowledgeable too. He's quite the scholar. Did you know, in his spare time, he has been making it his life's work to study the Fae and all of their ancestry?
Sophie: Not this again.
Shannon: What? What did he say?
Sophie: Before I came home the last time from uni, he left a note telling me to ask you about Question Six, whatever that was.
Shannon: I'm sorry, I don't follow.
Sophie: Look, he was a nuisance, he kept sending text messages, calling me all the time, sending invites to parties knowing that I was too tired from studying. The man just couldn't take no for an answer.
Shannon: Well, like it or not, he has uncovered a great gaping hole in our lives, in everyone's lives here in Dragon Valley. I think you should at least listen to what he's got to say.

Sophie rolled her eyes and groaned.

Sophie: Fine, but first, I've got to get a job.
Shannon: What was wrong with the job you have at the Spa?
Sophie: Folding towels isn't for me. I need to think much bigger than that.

Shannon nodded sagely.

Shannon: Well, if you insist. You do realise that it is going to be a long hard slog.
Sophie: I know, but I think it'll be worth it in the end.
Shannon: I hope so, don't want you changing your mind halfway through.

Shannon glanced at the clock and yawned.

Shannon: I'd better head off to bed, it's getting late and I've got files to report in the morning. Take care, and think about what I told you, okay.
Sophie: Sure, but Mom?
Shannon: Yes?
Sophie: Why me? Why not anybody else?
Shannon: Because you have been nominated heiress to continue the bloodline.
Sophie: What's that got to do with anything?
Shannon: You are the one in control now. Besides, it's not my place to uncover family secrets. That is your job now.

Sophie shook her head. Her mind was spinning with all the riddles and half truths that were flying around, even in her own home. Grabbing the newspaper, she read through it, hoping to find her perfect job.

Nothing.

She tried the computer, since that had many more options.

Still nothing.

The rain continued to pound away on the roof of their house. The gloomy atmosphere mirrored Sophie's own mood. Perhaps she was foolish to pursue her dreams? Maybe that opportunity would never arise and she'd be stuck ... wanting and wishing.

"I'm going to bed," she muttered, "my head hurts."

The Last Of You

Finals day approached and because of recent tragic events, both Sophie and Nessa were worried that they hadn't prepared themselves fully towards their final exams. Nessa spent her time on the phone to J1NX1E, trying to glean vital information from that Plumbot. It proved fruitless though, as she soon found out.

 Nessa: Hi J1NX1E, what's doing?
J1NX1E: Hello there Miss Vanessa
Nessa: I'd prefer to be called Nessa thanks
J1NX1E: Ah right, okay Miss Vanessa.
Nessa: *sigh*, so, have you got any new information to share with me?
J1NX1E: We hatched some chickens today and I harvested some honey
Nessa: That's not exactly what I wanted
J1NX1E: Oh, that's a shame, that's all I know for now. Living in the human world is indeed an experience
Nessa: I wouldn't say that for now, but ... since you're pretty new to all of this, go knock yourself out
J1NX1E: I am afraid I cannot do that
Nessa: Do what?
J1NX1E: 'Knock myself out'. The only thing I can do is to wait until my batteries fail, or I neglect my regular maintenance routine. Then I short out quite easily. What an odd thing to say Miss Vanessa.
Nessa: It was a figure of ... oh never mind, I'd better go, class starts in an hour, better grab a bite to eat and cram like there's no tomorrow.
J1NX1E: It was nice chatting to you. We hope to see you and your sister very soon. Yes?
Nessa: I guess so.
J1NX1E: I had better go myself, I can hear Sonny Em fighting with that evil chicken again.

She hung up then attempted to strum her fancy new guitar. Because of her excessive use of the xylophone when she was a toddler (and the advantage of having Artisric as a trait), she was instantly boosted up to Skill Level 3!

Sophie had a bigger advantage, being a fairy, and used her 'Creative Aura' to try and help her out. It was a risky move, not because it was a kind of cheating, but because she was still learning her fairy skills and projecting any kind of aura was still draining on her powers.

But, grabbing her latest purchase, a pretty pink and white umbrella, she made her way to class.

Because the dorm was closer to Nessa's exam venue, she didn't have far to go. It was exhausting. They'd barely had time to rest from one exam, before they had to go to the other one. Both girls were certain that they'd crashed and burned big time. But it was all over now, time to kick back and relax.

Many students threw parties, and Nessa HAD wished to throw a bonfire party, but she was too exhausted, so she and Sophie crashed out in their shared bed.

A student thought it was bizarre, seeing two sisters sleeping together. But Nessa and Sophie didn't care. They felt safer that way.

Neither of them managed to drag their bones out of bed until just after noon, and it was Nessa who was first. She read through the results letter cringing at the thoughts of bombing it. And was pleasantly surprised. She'd gotten a C.

Nessa: Not bad, not bad at all. Hey Sophie, your results are here, want to check them out?
Sophie: You read it, I don't wanna.
Nessa: Aww come on lazy bum, I'm sure it's a good score.

Sophie growled as she dragged her butt from the bed.

Sophie: I'd rather have something to eat, I'm hungry here
Nessa: Just open your letter, that's all. We can eat afterwards
Sophie: Do I HAVE to? I know it's going to be bad.

Reluctantly she ripped open the letter and read it.

Sophie: I got a B!
Nessa: You sound surprised.
Sophie: I am, actually. Much better than last term. I crashed out with a C. I'm halfway through getting my degree now.
Nessa: That's excellent news and I hope you get it, you've worked hard.

Suddenly there was a crash and a scream from downstairs. When they went to investigate, yet another student had died at the doorway and Grimmy was there in a flash to collect the soul.

Sophie groaned.

Sophie: Not you again. Thought we'd seen the last of you.

Nessa, in the meantime, dialled a number and got through to the university administration building.

Nessa: Yeah, we've got another one. Grim Reaper's been here already. Someone had better come and clean up the mess.

Yep, term was over, it was time to head back home with the promise that at least one of them will return to university. It was just a matter of which one.

Editor's Notes: 
Yes, there's a continuity error in this update. I had Nessa in her underwear in one shot, then in her day to day clothing in another. Ooopsies, my bad.

It's A Dark Day On Campus

***WARNING*** 

This update deals with deaths, if you are sensitive to such matters do not continue

Wade was right. Sophie should NOT have attempted to resurrect that student. And now, a veritable plague had settled over campus with students dropping like flies. The bathrooms seem to be the most popular targets, followed by the main entrance. There was no way of keeping up with all these deaths!

Sophie was witness to at least one death and earned a hateful glare from a fellow dormie.

"This is all your fault," she muttered.

Sophie didn't know what to do. There were only so many people she could save, and only room in her inventory for one at a time. Today was not a good day for this poor Sim.

Nessa didn't help with matters either. After being rudely awakened, she lurked just outside the bathroom with a few other dormies to await the inevitable. However, what ran through her mind was COMPLETELY inappropriate.

"I think we could do with a celebration," she mused quietly to herself, "I've got some fireworks in my backpack!"

Good job Sophie didn't hear her, else she'd probably given her a slap. This was a solemn occasion and wicked thoughts like Nessa's, didn't quite fit into this scenario!

Speaking of Sophie, she was faced with Grimmy once more.

Grimmy: Want to challenge me again, Sophie?

She shook her head and frowned.

Grimmy: Smart girl.

He'd barely vanished out of sight, when she collapsed on the floor. It was sheer will and fear that had been holding her up, and now she'd let her body go into a heap onto the cold tiled floor.

Nessa, completely oblivious to her sisters' distress, raided the fridge for a bowl of cereal. She was still tired out, but her appetite was back and she was feeling peckish.

There was a mass email sent to all smartphone owners, asking all students to meet at the Student Union for a general pep talk. Sophie and Nessa suspected that it had something to do with the multiple deaths that were occurring around campus.

It proved to be very popular as the majority of students all turned up and crowded outside.

The Dean was present and issued the following statement

As you are all aware, there has been a serious illness doing its rounds on campus. We understand that this is a stressful time for everyone, what with finals coming up. But we ask everyone to be extra vigilant and try to make sure that you eat well and are well rested. As for the stricken students, their families have been informed and it is up to them now to see if they wish for the bodies to be shipped back home or stay here. We are currently in negotiations with the university committee to set up a memorial garden just in case some students are left behind.
There has also been a rumour of being able to bargain with the Grim Reaper to resurrect some of the students. We are instructing you all, to not go ahead with this practice. We are pretty certain that this is an urban myth, and we don't endorse those in any way, shape or form. However, should this actually BE the case, anybody caught in the act of attempting such resurrections, will be disciplined and their grades adjusted accordingly. We are a tolerant university and will not resort to drastic measures like instant removal from campus. But.... if the perpetrator continues their practices after they've been initially warned, then they WILL be removed from campus. Are we clear on this?

There was a rumble of assent throughout the audience and the meeting was adjourned. It had taken so long for everybody to leave the building that it was getting late. They arrived back at their dorm, just in time to witness yet another THREE deaths. The first one was in the main entrance, and judging by the grateful handshake of the spirit, she looked as if she was glad to be free of this mortal world.

Upstairs in the bathroom, two more students died. It was not looking good at all.

One of them, it was revealed, died of a broken heart. He was already in mourning from the death of the student in the main hallway. He, too, looked glad to be freed.

Grimmy was having a whale of a time. This was his busiest period in a long time and it showed with his 'happy' thought bubble!

The same didn't apply to one poor Sim. Her cowardly trait was revealed, firstly downstairs where she fainted from shock. And then again upstairs - the minute she clapped eyes on Grimmy! If he could shake his head, I'm pretty sure that's what he'd be doing, right about that moment in time.

It was unsettling for Sophie and Nessa, who the both of them, ate quietly at separate tables. Both of them obviously deeply upset at recent events.

Nessa: Hey Soph?
Sophie: Yeah?
Nessa: You still got that Sims' remains in your inventory?
Sophie: Uh ... yeah... why? What are you getting at?
Nessa: You're not serious about resurrecting her are you?
Sophie: Shhh, you never said that.
Nessa: You're risking your degree for a complete stranger?
Sophie: You're part of it too.
Nessa: Huh?
Sophie: I sneaked someone else's remains into your inventory too, so you're just as liable you know.
Nessa: Sophie!

There was a pause.

Sophie: Ness?
Nessa: Uh ... yeah?
Sophie: Don't worry, I'll find another way, when we get back home. I just need to visit the library and the bookstore first.
Nessa: Sophie?
Sophie: Yeah?
Nessa: Just ... don't be stupid, right?
Sophie: I won't.
Nessa: Good.

And they both agreed that they didn't want to go to bed, just in case there was another death, so they ended up taking naps on opposite settees.

It was a dark day indeed for everybody on campus.