Up, Up ... And AWAY!

After Sophie's debut performance ... and subsequent lukewarm reception, it was time to go home ... and back down to earth with a HUGE bump (figuratively speaking)

There was a thick fog that enveloped Dragon Valley, making everything feel colder than it actually was. The sun had already vanished over the horizon and the evening wore on with everyone settling down for the night.

After putting Iona to bed, Andrea was ready to fall asleep himself, when something bothered him. Still in his pyjamas, he decided to go outside and have a look around.

Used to the sparkling lights emitting from his adopted fairy family, and the static phosphorous light from the time machine, he didn't expect to see these strange lights.

A humming noise made him look up.

And LO! A spacecraft, directly above him.

Rooted to the spot with abject fear, all thoughts of running, simply left him...

.

... until a bright beam surrounded him ...

... and sucked him, screaming, straight into the spacecraft.

That's all he remembered.

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."

Generation Two: Chapter Fifteen- Forget the Future, My Future Starts in College

After a quiet night ... apart from Sonny Em getting a little stir crazy and taking one of the squad cars for a joy ride - everyone woke up refreshed and ready to go.

The day looked fairly bright, but a little overcast and the forecast said rain a little later on, but that wasn't going to dampen people's spirits.
It was the twins' dual graduation at the antiquated but quaint little town hall and they needed to get ready.

Vanessa turned up, with the rest of the family to support her.
Sophie however, chose to stay at home and boycott the whole thing.

Why?
Well, she was told that her friends thought she'd be the 'most mediocre', which upset her greatly.
So she ended up sulking in the fairy house and getting drunk of the pollen punch in there.

Andrea was there too, however, as they all waited for Nessa to come out of the main entrance, horror of all horrors .... Andrea suddenly turned to Shannon... and turned on the charm!!

Say, what's your star sign? I think we could be compatible.

ANDREA, she's old enough to be your mother!!!!!

The graduation took a little while, but they waited patiently, just as a cloud burst and the heavens opened.

Vanessa graduated with honours and was told by her friends that she'd be the 'most likely to be a Rock Star'.  Ohh I'll bet that stung.

Their celebrations were almost ruined when a member of the Dragon Valley committee, approached the group and glared daggers at Shannon and her unusual entourage.

You are stepping on fragile ground Shannon McAnna.
The name is POWERS, please remember that. I got married.
Nevertheless, you are breaking all kinds of laws and bylaws here with your behaviour. And your .... extended family.
I haven't broken any laws.
Oh really? You went into the future.
How would you know that? It was less than a split second, nobody knew that I'd gone.
The soothsayer told me of a shift in the timeline. Besides, how can you explain those two metal monsters?
That's a load of bollocks. They're not monsters, they deserve to be here as much as you and me.

The committee representative cringed at her crudeness but let it slide.

We will be watching you. Dragon Valley doesn't need any more drama. We are a simple townsfolk who are happy in our insular lives. We don't want any outside influence to destroy that.

She turned to Vanessa.

Congratulations Vanessa, I hope you have great success in your future and remember your place here in Dragon Valley.

Ouch!

Anyways, after the proverbial flinging of the scroll, they all (apart from Sophie) converged on the bistro just up the road to have a celebratory meal. Because it was within walking - or in this case ... running - distance, no transportation was needed.

Unfortunately, it appeared that everyone else was going there too, as all the outdoor seating quickly filled up.

Blaine remained outside, since he didn't need to eat anything except a few bits of scrap metal that he kept stashed away - just in case.

Bad mistake.

Because of the downpour, the water got into his circuits ... and he fried.... literally.

Back home, Sophie was up to no good. She desperately wanted to get out of Dragon Valley. So she took the aptitude test to see if she qualified for any scholarships.

Sophie: Gah, this is sooo difficult.
Pat: Whatcha doin'?

Sophie: Filling out this form.
Pat: Why?
Sophie: I want to get a higher education.

Pat: What for? You don't need fancy qualifications to be a singer
Sophie: That maybe so, but I want to look as though I'm a bit smarter than I am.
Pat: Whatever.

Long silence, then Pat piped up.

Pat: Ohh, you could do what your mother did, travel to the future.
Sophie: Nah, this is what I want to do. 
Pat: Could be fun.
Sophie: My future starts with college.
Pat: Whatever. I did try.
Sophie: I know, but this is what I want to do. I want to branch out further and this place is choking the life out of me.

She failed, which meant that she'd have to fund the college fees herself.

It didn't stop her as she called the college campus and arranged transportation and allocated dormitories.

Sophie: Okay, here goes... dialling....

Sophie: You can? That's great! Straightaway? That's fine.
Pat: A bit sneaky dontcha think? Going away without telling anybody?
Sophie: I just want to get my place before everything and everywhere fills up.
Pat: And what about me?
Sophie: What about you?
Pat: Aren't I coming along?
Sophie: You are a doll. I can't be seen dragging a doll along now can I? Besides, I don't want distractions and you are the biggest one yet.
Pat: I am hurt.
Sophie: May I remind you that you are a doll, a figment of my imagination. You don't have feelings.
Pat: Well, fine, if you say it like that.
Sophie: Oh look, here's Sonny Em, what you doing home so early?
Sonny Em: Blaine broke down and I came home to get some spare parts to fix him. What are you doing?
Sophie: Um, I'm ... going away.
Sonny Em: That's nice. Hope you have a great time.

The truck pulled up and Pat watched as Sophie got in, the rain getting heavier by the minute.

Sophie: Bye Pat, bye Sonny Em
Pat: Whatever.
Sonny Em: Bye Sophie, have fun!

Sonny Em *awkward waving*: Is this the right gesture to say .... bon voyage or whatever? 
Pat: Who cares?  Besides, she can't see you. Anyways, I'm going inside before my stuffing gets too wet.

He watched as the truck vanished from view. A crackle of thunder followed. He turned and headed indoors to sulk.

Pat: Well, this sucks.

Editors notes:

Sophie's bladder was in the red, and she refused to move from her spot until it failed, which meant that she missed her graduation. No matter how I tried, the action kept cancelling out, so I left her to her own devices back home and that's what I found. She was living it up in the fairy house, drinking pollen punch!!!

Haven't a clue who that woman was, but she just stood staring at Shannon and the rest of the group, hence the reason why I made it look as if she was part of a Dragon Valley 'committee'. Warning Shannon of 'dire consequences' should she continue to flout the 'laws of the valley' in any way. I'm guessing there was a lot of superstition way back in medieval times and most people were just happy taking each day as it came along. Not many would be brave or ambitious enough to want to move further. But this is Sims, and anything can happen. Plus, this is a good chance to move the timeline along a little further. We can't have the Powers family sitting in a time warp for the rest of their lives now, can we?

As for Pat. I forgot to add him to Sophie's backpack, so there's a good chance that he might not be travelling with her to college. So I kinda made this a goodbye of sorts for the two of them. But the future isn't certain, so we won't know what'll happen. Will he sneak into her suitcase or sit at home sulking until she returns after term is finished?

Generation Two - Chapter Twelve: Back Home

The portal was buzzing, and fizzing, reminding Shannon that eventually she'll have to return home and face life back in dreary old Dragon Valley. It was something she'd been putting off for ages now and she knew that her time was limited. The torch had officially been handed down to her daughter Sophie. But she wasn't prepared to let go quite so soon.

She's still a teen, I heard her grumble.

Yep, but the last time I looked, she and her twin Nessa, literally only had hours to go before they both transitioned.

I'm too young to get old.

Um, well, in Sim Fairy years, you still have a long way to go.

But I want to see William get married.

That'll be something I'll be looking forward to - IF it ever happens.

And be friends with Hannah.

That can be arranged once you get back home.

And get married myself, again.

That .... is a totally different matter. You do understand that any more children you have, have no say in the wishacy legacy?

Doesn't matter. I'm going to be an old maid for eternity.

Guess Shannon's on a bit of a downer here.

But what about J1NX1E and Sock Em?

Sock Em didn't like her name, she opted for Sonny Em.

O-kay. But what of them? Surely you are not taking back with you?

I am.

What will the neighbours think? And your family for that matter?

Don't care. Not leaving them behind that's for sure. Besides J1NX1E rolled a wish to visit the future. So this way, she visits the past then returns to the future and fulfils her wish.

Twisted logic, but I guess it could work.

And so they decided to return home, Shannon and the two Bots. But naturally, things didn't quite go as planned. Sonny Em was there, keen to go on more adventures.

J1NX1E however, arrived late and almost missed the launch deadline. She offered no explanation as to her tardiness, just said that there was a lot of traffic on the roads.

Um, riiiiiight.

Shannon checked with Emit to see if all metallic objects - including the Bots, would pass safely through the portal without pieces being missing, or a great rearranging of items, traits, personalities, nanites etc. He said it was ok, it had been tested on many many occasions and for her not to worry. His only concern, and it mirrored my own, was how the residents of medieval Dragon Valley would react to seeing all this futuristic technology suddenly thrust upon them.

In a nanosecond, they all arrived in Dragon Valley. Everybody was intact and happy - if a little bewildered - at the change in scenery. So used to seeing artificial plants and technically designed shrubbery, white and metal structures etc. it was a shock to the system to see natural greens and browns surrounding them.

Before we go any further, Shannon said quietly, there are a few things I have to point out, so please pay attention. Firstly, we have a Simbot called Blaine, although he is a little 'different' in more ways than one.

Before she had chance to explain, both J1NX1E and Sonny Em got all excited.

We want to meet him! they cried in unison.

Poor bugger didn't stand a chance as one, then the other accosted him as he tried to work on his invention skills quietly in the basement. His life up until then had been fairly quiet, with the occasional drama at work, but he wasn't prepared for this onslaught as both Bots regarded him with admiration. Virtually putting him on a pedestal!!!

Shannon entered the house to find the place littered with dirty plates and a rather sheepish looking Vanessa.

I'll do it, she promised, I was just a little ... um ... sidetracked, that's all.

Nothing new there.

Because of the portal's weird radio-wave system, it had made Shannon hungry. So she headed for the fridge. She wasn't expecting ready made meals in there - and wasn't disappointed when there weren't any - so she settled for a green salad.

Whilst she was eating, Sophie arrived home from work.

Crap, Mom's here, better sneak in before she sees me.
I can see you Sophie.

Damn.
Sophie, why do you still do that?

Do what Mom?
That sneaking action.
I dunno, habit I guess.
You do realise that you've been let off the hook.
Yeah, I know. I guess old habits die hard.

After their meal together Shannon retired to bed, time travel was exhausting. Sonny Em, however, discovered a whole new 'toy' to play with.

The water chute.

And then she found the TV and plonked her metal ass on the sofa, glued to the shopping channel of all things!

It was J1NX1E who was the one tidying up around the place. Laundry duties, entertaining her Holo Sprite and recycling the newspapers.

Vanessa conveniently forgot about doing the dishes as she suddenly decided she was really exhausted and went to bed. Poor Blaine retired too, but was awoken by Sonny Em trying to hack into the robot making machine. It was going to be a long night for him.

She also decided to be 'guard bot' to Shannon. Lurking around the bedroom making sure nobody was going to disturb her mistress!

Sophie, however, was having problems of her own. Pat, her IF doll suddenly started yelling accusations at her.

Why don't you play with me any more? We used to have so much fun.
You always got me into trouble Pat.

But it was fun, yes? Don't you like me any more?
Pat, I'm tired, cranky and I want to go to bed.
You are a mean spoilsport.

Look, will it make things better if I said sorry?
Meh, I guess so. You're still a meanie though.

And so life continues in Dragon Valley.

I kid you not about the Plumbots. The minute they arrived, they wanted to be friends with Blaine and tried all tactics to get his attention. It was so funny watching his reactions to J1NX1E though. And Sonny Em (formerly Sock Em) had a romantic option pop up in her pie chart!!

What took the biscuit here was the fact that out of the two Bots, J1NX1E, who was custom made and still pretty much a fragile Bot, was the one doing all the chores around the house, whilst Sonny Em, sat on her metal butt most of the time. And she was a mass produced ready made Bot!!!

Sophie STILL did that sneaking around stuff, as you all saw, and Pat DID have a bitching session with her, throwing accusations around.