CHAP

TER

2.2

DAKOTAI stared at Salem dumbfounded, the last time I saw him he was no older than fifteen, now he was all grown up. For a minute I felt old, but just for a minute. “So, we’re going on another mission? Awesome!”He was also more hyped than I remember. “Yeah, we’re going to Three Lakes.”“Wait, what brought this on? You hated these missions.”I sighed, come inside and I’ll tell you.”

“The other day I was walking in the forest and something happened to me, I changed. I can’t explain it. There was this strange scent, nearly overpowering, I had this uncontrollable urge to follow that odor and destroy whatever it clung to.”“Wait, what are you saying to me?”I sighed, “I became a werewolf Salem. I don’t understand why I change, Enrique never explained this to me, whenever I tried to speak to him about it he would change the subject so I just figured it was something bad.” I shrugged.

Salem stared at me blankly for a minute then he smiled, “That’s amazing! Why doesn’t anything like that ever happen to me?”I glowered at him, “Consider yourself lucky. Anyway, we’re going to Three Lakes, I heard talk about a strange furry creature there and I want to check it out.”Salem—who sometimes knows me better than I know myself—said, “You’re scared you’ll hurt Cara and Angel so you want to figure this thing out, even without Enrique’s help.”

At the mention of his name Angel walked in and pretended to clean the kitchen. Salem and I fell silent, “Angel, shouldn’t you be feeding the puppies?” I gave a meaningful look at the baby bottles he had carelessly discarded on the floor.“But Daddy, I wanna play with Salem. He hardly comes over anymore.”Salem grinned widely, “Aw, come sit here Lil Man.”

“Yay!” Angel bounded over and plopped himself on the floor.Salem said, “Listen Lil Man, your Daddy and me are going to take a little vacation so you are gonna have to man up and take care of your Momma until we get back okay?”Angel looked at me wide eyed, “Daddy never goes away. He never even goes to Uncle’s place.”I tousled my son’s hair, stood and stretched, “Go tend to your puppies Angel, Salem, I’ll show you the map I was given.”

We found Cara in the bathroom fussing over the toilet, “Damnit Angel and those dogs, wonder what they flushed this time…” She murmured. “Oh hello Salem.”“Oh my Gawd! Look at the most lovely creature in the world!” He flirted.“Like I was saying,” I said trying to pull his attention back to me, “This is only a piece of the map, I was told that it was found in the camping grounds so we’re gonna have to dig for the other piece.”

The next morning Salem and I arrived in Three Lakes, a pretty red head walked by and Salem scampered off after her, I knew then that I was on my own. People were milling about the camping ground, I went to claim my tent then I pulled my shovel out of my bag and went to work.

While I dug in the soft earth, Salem wandered around checking out the scenery, especially certain ‘special’ pieces of it that wore short skirts. Again I had a shovel in my hand, I hadn’t wielded one in years and my hands started to blister and bleed. I took a look at my companion who was busy conversing with a gorgeous blond. I remembered when I used to be like him…

It was dark out when I finally stopped, the cook gave me a curious look when I sat down to order.“I bet you are looking for a map yah?” I nodded, “You should try digging closer to the entrance.”“Thanks.” I ordered two servings of food and went to sit in front of my tent, my whole body ached. This time I truly felt old, I had to remind myself that I was only thirty, I was still in my prime. Then twenty-three year old Salem walked past me and disappeared into a tent with a brunette and I groaned.

First thing the next morning I was up and digging again, to be honest I could actually smell myself but I couldn’t be bothered with taking a shower. My stench was worth it, muscles screaming I reached into a hole and pulled out the tattered, sodden, dirty half of the map. I ran to my tent and cleaned up the delicate piece of paper. I didn’t have time to look for Salem, still covered in brown dirt I ran off, anxiety rising I followed the map to a small cottage nestled in the woods. Maybe the answer to my questions stayed in that hidden cottage.

If I say that I was not surprised by what I found I would be lying. “Pongo did nothing wrong. Pongo not wish to see Dallas today.” The sasquatch said to me.“You’re not a werewolf.” I said stupidly, Pongo laughed at me. I slapped my forehead with the heel of my hand. “I mean…I know, I just wasn’t expecting to find…you.” I sighed heavily, “I’m sorry I bothered you, I’ll just…leave now.”“No, wait. What your name?”“I’m Dakota.”Pongo smiled widely, “No leave, Pongo lonely, Dakota stay a while with Pongo?”I found myself agreeing and sitting on the earthy floor.

I have no idea how long I sat and spoke to Pongo, I had underestimated the Bigfoot’s intelligence. Pongo was a cheery fellow, he laughed heartily when we sat down on the soft earthy floor, “Pongo thought he in trouble when Dakota come through door. What you mean I not werewolf? Why Dakota lookin’ for werewolf?”“I doubt you’ll think I’m crazy if I told you I turn into one.”Pongo blinked, confusion clouded his furry face. “Pongo not think you crazy at all. If Dallas turn into werewolf then Dakota should turn into wolf too?”Now it was my turn to be confused. “Who’s this Dallas you keep talking about?”

Pongo’s eyes narrowed slyly, “Pongo need guardian wolf to release him from forest. If Dakota take Pongo home with him Pongo tell Dakota eeeeeeeverything!”I raised an eyebrow, “How about Pongo tell Dakota everything and Dakota take Pongo aaaaaaaallllll the way home.”Pongo frowned, “Dakota much too smart.” He shrugged, “Dallas guardian wolf, he a runner who tracks Pongo down every time he escape. Pongo never see him but your voice…Dakota sound like Dallas.”The creature looked sad, I smiled, “I’ll still take you home.”

FORMER LEGACY HOUSE

We begin with a doggy birthday. This is Miffin all grown up. She has her mother Neek’s coloring and back half but her father’s shape.

Marylena wasted no time teaching her…er hem…baby girl some tricks.

A few days later another birthday took place.

She changed into her sister’s old dress…why don’t you tell everybody why psy—um, Sabrina…SABRINA: Because it matches my soul and what I’m becoming.…Yeah, she totally lost her mind.

The voice didn’t tell her what her boyfriend Dustin had planned for her when he invited her over that evening.

The two wasted no time getting married, the following night Sabrina became Mrs. Dustin Broke, of course he moved into her house and away from his pregnant mother and toddling little brother.

DUSTIN: Sabrina you’re so hot.

No need to kiss her butt, y’all are already married dude.

Dustin’s LTW was to own 5 successful businesses, he reopened Lucus’ home business and turned it into a sports’ collectables store. He also bought three community lots.

LEGACYHOUSE

I had to officially start this chapter with this CUTE picture of Iyce and Charming

FIONA: It’s simple Angel Fly, you cannot kiss me because boys are icky. Plus girls are smarter than boys and I do not want to catch your dumb cooties!

Fair was at work so Ethan decided to help his son with the homework. ETHAN: No! I have no idea how to explain this to you Charming! CHARMING: You don’t have to shout Daddy! God! Just go away and let me do it myself.ETHAN: Well…You’re just rude.

Fiona followed the family tradition of growing up when I’m not looking. She’s gorgeous! A female version of Ethan and a younger version of Marylena but gorgeous nonetheless. And she rolled Pleasure, of all the things!!!

The Tidy Bopper freaked out AGAIN! I’m about ready to get rid of it…

CHARMING: Woot! I’m the king of the woooorrrrllld!ETHAN: If I read to you will you stop jumping on the bed.CHARMING: No way old man! I don’t do bribes! Maybe if you wanted to read to me…I knight me Sir Charming the Awesome! Yeeeeaaahhh!!!

These two are going to be very interesting…

Eventually though Ethan managed to calm Charming down. I swear that kid has ADHD or something.

I heart this picture, it’s so mystical!

FIONA: You’re the heir Charming, that means that you’ll have to marry a girl!CHARMING: Ew no! Girls are disgusting…and weird. Why can’t you go marry a girl.FIONA: Because…ugh! Charming you’re impossible! That doesn’t even make any sense!CHARMING: Are you stupid? It makes perfect sense. I’m the king of this legacy, I can do whatever I want and I do not want to marry a girl!

I renamed Yuko #2 Cookie, and this is what she grew up into. She has more brown than her sister Yuko but they could pass for clones.

FIONA: Look Daddy! I’m growing a booty back there.ETHAN: You’d better keep that booty to yourself, I’ve got a gun Fiona, if I even dream you’re flaunting that in the front of those hormonal teenaged boys somebody’s gonna die! Do you hear me young lady.FIONA: …

Ethan cast the only spell he was interesting in learning from his wife…

ETHAN: Mmmm, oh sweet grilled cheese, you’ll never grow a booty will you?

Faridae got a promotion, but she’s more interested in swooning over her husband.

The next day she had a birthday…here’s the thing Fair, now you’re as old as your mother…well, nearly as old as your mother. I’ll just have to do something about that now won’t I?

I was bored so I gave Fiona a makeover, the thing behind her is the beginnings of the new legacy house. BTW she got the SimCity Scholar’s grant, so it’s off to college after her cousins’ birthday.

ALBERT’S HOUSE

…Iyce is weird, she hangs out with the animals more than her family…or anyone else for that matter. I try to make her interact with humans, if I don’t she runs off to play with Yuko or the parrot she rolled the want to adopt. I cannot remember what I named the bird.

Fyre on the other hand autonomously runs off to do something or the other with her parents. She’s around them even when they’re not interacting with her.

In case you were wondering what Iyce does when she’s not playing with the animals…

IYCE: What is Daddy doing here?

Yeah, Albert likes to play with the bird too…it’s sad, he wants to play with his daughter but she wants to play with the bird. It’s gonna be interesting if she rolls romance or popularity…or if her LTW has anything to do with a job seeing as how you have to have a certain amount of friends…

LOL I love to see what this girl does because she’s always alone or with the animals, notice the platinum plumbbob and the aspiration points.

I nearly popped when she actually brought her cousin Charming from school, I love the lips on that kid.IYCE: I heard Aunty talking to Daddy, they said that you’re the legacy ear…do you hear things Cee?CHARMING: No. Legacy ear? What does that mean?

Have you noticed how amazing the pictures at Albert’s house are in this chapter? They’re freaking awesome! If only my story pictures could look this good…!

BTW, here’s more of Fyre being around her parents, notice that I didn’t change Hailey’s clothes yet.

I call this one…THE HOMEWORK DERBY!This is the first picture I’ve ever taken of the girls together…I mean, since the one where Fyre brought Fiona home from school.

Fyre decided that she wanted to sell some lemonade, the only people who bought any from her were her parents…poor kids.

Here’s Yuko! She looks like her father…but the ears…I don’t know where they came from but they make her look like THE RABBIT DOG.

Iyce wasted no time running to play with her now adult dog and teaching Yuko some tricks.

I finally got around to changing Hailey’s clothes, look, it’s the chameleon dress, she blends into the wall and the chair lol.

I also did a some work on the outside of the house.

And after a lucky chance card that won Albert $40,000 I added a garage, two cars and upgraded the chess set.

And then it was birthday time for the twins!!! Albert invited his older sister and her family over, but Ethan decided that it was too late to have Charming out so the two of them went home.

The random sim standing at the back of the room smelled cake and wandered into the house.

What the heck is up with Iyce and hairdos? To the mirror with you!

Before I forget, Fyre rolled Romance and Iyce rolled Fortune.

While the party was going on the birdy Conni died…this is so gross!

I had to let Iyce get her grief out of her system before I gave her a makeover.

Way to mourn Iyce. The replacement is Nooni.

Here’s a picture of the dogs together, can you tell the difference? The one that Fair’s playing with is Cookie.

Makeover numero uno! Icye.

Y makeover numero dos. Fyre! After I did her sister I decided to make her sexier, after all, she is a romance sim.

I sent the Spelman girls to college, the next chapter will be dedicated to their first semester at SimState…the highlight will be the makeovers…ick!

NOT END

“You’re making me dizzy, can you please sit down.” Jilly begged her partner. The boy was uptight, he was always pacing around and his anxiousness was contagious. “And take off that stupid head piece, it’s burning hot out here.”

“Why are you always telling me what to do?” The young man complained.“Because if I don’t you’ll probably have a stroke or something.” She tilted her head back and took a look at her partner, a lighthearted chuckle escaped her. The boy raised an eyebrow, “A-are you laughing at me Jilly?”“I’m always laughing at you Dallas.”

Dallas took a seat beside his partner and only friend, she moved to pull his headpiece off and he spanked her hand away, smirking, Jilly punched him in the shoulder. Soon they were sitting quietly, each lost in their own thoughts. “What are you thinking about?” Jilly whispered.Dallas picked at the silk cloth of his Bloodhound uniform, “I never thought I’d ever return to this part of the world…”“Or Enrique.” She finished.

“Yeah. And I sure as hell never thought that I’d be arresting the man.”“I’ll go alone if you…”“No.” Dallas answered quickly and eased himself backward onto the soft grass, “I made an oath, and I know that the Leader is testing me, testing my loyalty. How much trouble do you think I’m in?”Jilly closed her eyes, now she knew what was bothering the guy and she didn’t blame him. Unless they arrested Enrique Canine then located the Forest Keeper…she wasn’t sure what fate would await Dallas but she was certain that, the strict procedures that governed them would dictate something terrible, which is why she was prepared to do anything to assist him in his mission, even if it meant that she may find herself in equally hot water.

“Are you scared?” She asked and spun around. Dallas sat up, he kept the headpiece on so Jilly couldn’t read his face but the woman knew him too well, “A little.”Jilly smiled reassuringly, “You are one of our best trackers, you have proven yourself again and again, going above and beyond the call of duty. If this mission does not end well, I’m sure the council will have mercy. Now let’s rest until nightfall.”

“We’re closed.” Enrique said without looking up.“I’m sure you don’t mind us letting ourselves in.”“You’re back already Dakota, I thought…” His voice trailed off when he turned around. “Dallas.” He nodded nonchalantly at the figure on his right, thankful that he hadn’t said anymore than he did.

“Where is Pongo?” Dallas demanded.“I have no idea.” The old man shook his head.“Dallas.” Jilly warned when her quick tempered partner pounced and landed right in front of the old man.“Do not toy with me.” Dalas growled.“I really don’t know. Weren’t you guarding him?”“Dallas!” Jilly snapped again, racing over to the younger man and grabbing fistful of clothes to prevent him from ripping Enrique’s throat out.

The enraged Dallas pushed her back roughly, Jilly fell back and rolled onto her feet, she crouched shocked at the guy’s violence toward her. Dallas continued to harass their prey, “So maybe you didn’t release the Keeper but you know who did.” He hissed, “Perhaps the Dakota person you mentioned?” Dallas grinned when the old man became unnerved, “Jilly, let’s get him to the Den.” Jilly grabbed onto one of the old man’s arms and gently towed him toward the door, Dallas remained inside so he did not see the man’s body shudder and collapse limply against her.

A strange sense of déjà vu overcame Salem as he wandered from tents, to the bathroom, to the kitchen and finally to the store. He found Gooper curled up in the dog house trembling and looking half starved, one bowl of food was empty the other was spoiled. Fear filled Salem’s heart, he wasted no time calling Dakota, “I can’t find Enrique! Gooper’s half starved…come help me find him, I hope the old man didn’t go for a hike and have a heart attack or something.” He screwed up his face, “Are you drunk? Why do you sound like that? Of course I want you to come help me find him.”

END