This chapter introduces plot developments in the Lightning Legacy story. Annabeth is struggling in school and receives a poor grade, which upsets her. She tells her brother Anakin about her grade in secret. Anakin wants to tell their parents about Annabeth's grade but doesn't want to break her trust. The chapter also covers Anakin's birthday and shows he has developed a romantic aspiration despite his character being focused more on mechanics.

1. THE LIGHTNING LEGACY Chapter Two

2. Hello, and welcome back to the Lightning Legacy! I like this chapter much more than the last. I mean, there’s only so much you can do with babies and toddlers and lot living. Some plot starts happening in this chapter, and I’m very proud of it. I wasn’t expecting to get it out so fast, but I enjoyed it writing a TON. Enjoy the chapter! *Anna* aka clarinetplayer15

3. Hello, Caleb, how was– what happened to you?! “*sigh* It’s that obvious?” I would say so. What happened? “We were running after a criminal and he went into a store and I guess the door had some sort of automatic locking device, so we couldn’t follow him.” Then what? “Understand, this got me the promotion!” Spit it out. “I jumped through the store’s window to get after him.” You jumped….?? Well, that was rather stupid, wasn’t it? “I beg to differ. We caught the guy and I got a promotion for following rule 26: Follow the criminal unless otherwise directed.” Are you sure it wasn’t just because they didn’t want you to sue them for your injuries? “I’ll get my praise from somewhere else, then.”

4. “Daddy, what happened to your face?” Annabeth asked as he came to see her. “Oh, just something at work,” he hedged. “Want to play catch?” “No.” His daughter frowned. “What happened at work?” “Nothing, really. This is just part of being a police officer. Now about playing catch….” “Oh, alright,” Annabeth relented and followed her dad outside. But the whole time, she couldn’t keep her eyes off her father’s black eye and cuts.

5. “Hey, Liberty, everyone’s here. It’s time for Anakin and A’Tuin to grow up.” “I’m coming, I’m just making the bed.” “It’s 7:00 pm.” “Better late than never. Anyways,” she stood up and turned around. “Let’s g—”

6. “Caleb, what happened to you?!” Liberty demanded. Caleb walked over to her, rather sheepishly. She reached out and laid her hand on the stitches that were by his mouth. He pulled the hand away. “It’s nothing, Lib. I’m fine. Just something that happened at work.” “Explain.” “So maybe I kinda, sorta, accidentally jumped through a window while we were chasing a guy.” Liberty raised an eyebrow. “You jumped through a window.” “Yes,” Caleb agreed. “But we caught the guy and I got a promotion.” Liberty opened her mouth to protest, but Caleb said hurridely, “Ani’s getting anxious. Let’s go.”

7. Aniindeed was anxious to turn into a child, so much that his father’s wounds didn’t even register with him. Liberty screamed and shouted and whooped along with everyone else, but Caleb’s incident at work was still bothering her. She didn’t like being married to an officer of the law. It was things like this that happened that made her realize that when Caleb left for work the next day, he might not come back. The thought was still resonating in her head while she brought A’Tuin up to his cake. It would be horrible for A’Tuin not to grow up with a dad, and that could’ve happened today. She shuddered and put it out of her mind and tossed A’Tuin into toddlerhood.

8. Anakin grew up into an adorable young boy, who was very loving and caring. He’d probably be fairly creeped out if he knew I took a picture of him sleeping, but, as it’s not essential to his survival, I’m not going to tell him. : ) A’Tuin grew up well, too, but there was something about him that made me scared for the future of his siblings. He gives off “you better watch you back, cuz I’ll be chewing on it” vibes, as my friend Tiffany put it.

9. And as we’re talking about sleeping children, I don’t know how Annabeth is doing it. Her mom keeps putting the thinking cap on her bedside table, and if I was in Annie’s place, that would keep me up all night. It’s pretty much got to be pitch black for me to fall asleep.

10. A lemonade stand was bought for the two children, but Annabeth took the most interest in it and enjoyed selling lemonade to her dad and mom before she went off to school.

11. But school itself wasn’t going so well. What’s wrong, Annie? “I’m not doing so hot in school right now.” I see. “Ugh, I just don’t get it! I’m the worst reader in the class. The words won’t stay put for me to figure them out!” Stay put?? “They float off the page. And I can’t stay put either.” What’s that supposed to mean? “My teacher says she’s never seen anyone squirm so much in their seat. But I just can’t help it. I don’t even realize I’m doing it! But then she’ll call on me to answer a question and I’ll realize I’ve been staring out the window at a bird while she’s been talking!” Aww, I’m sorry, Annie. Just hold on. It’ll get better.

12. After struggling through her math homework (the numbers floated off the page just like the letters of the alphabet), Annabeth asked her father to read to her. “Luke smiled. “Nice name. I tell you what, Annabeth– you’re pretty fierce. We could use a fighter like you.” Annabeth’s eyes widened. “You could?” “Oh, yeah.” Luke turned his knife and offered her the handle. “How’d you like a real monster-slaying weapon? This is Celestial bronze. Works a lot better than a hammer….” Annabeth gripped the hilt. “Knives are only for the bravest and quickest fighters,” Luke explained. “They don’t have the reach or power of a sword, but they’re easy to conceal and they can find weak spots in your enemy’s armor. It takes a clever warrior to use a knife. I have a feeling you’re pretty clever.” excert from The Last Olympian

13. “Mummy, is it true I was named after a girl who was very clever?” Annabeth asked Liberty that night. “Yes, it is,” she responded. “She was also a demigod. Do you know what a demigod is?” Annabeth shook her head. “A demigod is a person who has a god and a human for parents. Annabeth’s mom was a goddess.” Annie’s eyes widened. “Really?” “Yup. Her mom was Athena, and she was the goddess of wisdom.” “Is that why Luke called Annabeth clever in my book?” “Yes, it is. If you work hard, you can be clever someday too. Now it’s time for bed.” As Annie snuggled under her blanket and wondered how she could become clever if she couldn’t even figure out simple math.

14. Anakin proved to be better at school than his older sister. He was especially good at the math that Annabeth struggled with. He was also a good reader, but he didn’t really care about that. “I’m excited for when we’re in high school,” he told his sister one night. “Why?” “Because you can take classes that teach you about mechanics and stuff. I like fixing things. It’s really fun!”

15. It wasn’t long before Ani achieved higher grades than Annabeth. “Yes! An A+! I’m so good!” Yes, yes, but don’t flout that report card in front of your sister, okay? “Why not?” Annabeth isn’t as good in school as you are. It would probably make her feel bad. “Oh, okay. Maybe I can help her with today’s homework, though.” Aww, he’s such a sweetie.

16. Annabeth, it appeared, already felt bad. “A D?! Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. What am I going to do? Mum and Dad are going to kill me! Especially since Ani got an A+!” Guess she’s already heard about it. “I need to get rid of this….” Upset and angry, she balled up her report card and smashed it into the ground. “Stupid teacher. What does she know?” she grumbled under her breath.

17. “Annabeth, why did you drag me to your room?” “There’s something I’ve got to tell you,” she replied, whispering in his ear. And you have to promise not to tell anyone, especially not Mum and Dad.” “Why can’t I—” “You just can’t!” Anakin sighed. “Okay, shoot. “What??” Ani whispered back. “You can’t tell ANYONE!” Annabeth whispered urgently. “But, Annabeth, aren’t Mum and Dad going to find out eventually?” “You can’t tell!” she replied desperately. “And they won’t find out if I can help it.” He leaned towards her as she put her hands in on either side of her mouth. “I got a D,” she whispered.

18. With all that’s been going on, I’ve forgotten about A’Tuin! A’Tuin proved to be the most difficult toddler of the three to raise. He was very resistant to learning a nursery rhyme in particular. “Oh, come on, A’Tuin, sing with me!” “No! No! Singing not fit for evil genius!” “You’re named after a sky turtle, son.” “That’s enouf to make anyone mad,” A’Tuin whispered to himself.

19. When Annabeth got home from a grueling day at school, she sat down to watch TV and attempt to forget her slipping grades. Caleb sat down next to her during a commercial break. “Don’t you have any homework, Annabeth?” he asked, frowning. “Your brother’s doing his right now.” “I finished it at school, Dad,” she lied, using a tone that made it clear that the conversation was now over.

20. Ani had been troubled by the secret Annabeth had told him all night. He hadn’t slept very well for the past two days. It wasn’t that he had trouble keeping secrets, he just felt that he was hurting Annabeth by not going to mum or dad. But his sister had trusted him and he didn’t want to break that trust. “What am I going to do?” he muttered under his breath as he went into the kitchen for breakfast.

21. What’s wrong, A’Tuin? “You hate me.” No I don’t, what makes you say that? “We’re on slide 21 and this is only the third time I’ve been seen!” That’s only because I’ve been consumed with Annabeth’s… problem. “Exactly! You love her more than me! You love Anakin more too!” Is that so, A’Tuin? Prove it! “Both Annabeth and Anakin are on the cover and I’m not!” Oh, um… You can be on the next cover, okay? “And they’re named after cooler people than me. Annabeth is named after a demigod. Anakin is named after a Jedi. What am I named after? A sky turtle.” As much as I hate to admit it, the kid does have a point. I do love him, but to be honest, he kind of creeps me out. That’s why I haven’t been paying as much attention to him!

22. He made me feel guilty, so here, have some A’Tuin spam. Oh how peacefully the evil genius sleeps….

23. Anakin was distracted all through school thinking about Annabeth’s grades, so when he gets home, he heads to his dad for advice. “Dad, what would you do if someone told you a secret and you felt like you needed to tell someone because you felt like the secret was hurting them?” Caleb blinked. That was a weird question for a nine-year old to ask. “Well,” he began, picking his words carefully, “I would tell someone I trust about it and I’d let them decide if it was hurting the person or not.” His brow furled. “Is there something you need to tell me, son?” Anakin blushed. “No, no, Dad, it’s fine, I was just wondering.” And he hurried off to his room. Caleb was about to follow him when he heard a small, soft voice call out, “Daddy?” It was Annabeth.

24. Annabeth looked small and frightened. “Yes, Annabeth?” Caleb said softly as to not upset her. His daughter walked slowly towards him, looking at her boots. As soon as she got next to him, she started crying. Startled, Caleb bent down and put his arm around her. “What’s wrong?” “I-I have a D-d-d in school right n-now,” she sobbed. “And I’ve b-been trying to g-g-get it up but I c-c-can’t!” “It’s okay, it’s okay, I’ll help you. I was never too good in school myself, you know.” Annabeth gulped. “You weren’t?” “Nope.” He paused, biting his lip. “Can I ask you something before we get to work?” She nodded. “Did you tell you brother about this?” She nodded again. “Don’t blame him—” ‘I won’t.”

25. True to his word, he helped Annabeth with her homework. “Does that make sense now?” Annabeth frowned. “I guess.” “Well, we can work on it more later. We have to go to someone’s birthday now.” “Who’s?” she asked curiously. “Yours, silly!” he answered, helping her up and ruffling her hair. “And A’Tuin’s. Don’t tell him I just remembered that. He’ll get really upset.”

26. Annabeth grew up into a lovely looking young lady. I gave her back her natural hair color, because I was curious what it would look like. I quite like how she looks with red hair, so I think it’s going to stay. She rolled Knowledge, like her mum.

27. A’Tuin grew up well also, although now he scares me even more. I mean, look at that face. You cannot tell me that he’s not planning something. I think he’s fed up with being the forgotten one, and is still upset with being named after a sky turtle. I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi. In other words, his brother.

28. “You’ll still be my friend even though you’re all old now, right?” Anakin asked his sister anxiously. Annabeth blinked. “Of course, why wouldn’t I be? Besides, you’re growing up soon too, you know. You’ll get all old like me.”

29. Caleb still enjoyed reading to the youngsters before bedtime. “I have failed you, Anakin,” Obi-Wan told him…. “I should have known the Jedi were plotting to take over.” “From the Sith!” Obi-Wan cried, shocked. “Anakin, Chancellor Palpatine is evil!” “From my point of view, the Jedi are evil!”…. Obi-Wan made a soaring leap into the air and landed on the high bank of the lava river. “It’s over, Anakin,” he said, looking down. “I have the high ground. Don’t try it.” “You underestimate the power of the dark side!” Anakin shot back, and with the last word, he jumped. And Obi-Wan’slightsaber moved, slicing through…. You know what, that’s enough for tonight.” “Aww, but Dad!” “No buts! Now go take your bath.” excerpt from Revenge of the Sith, the novel version. And it just goes to show how much of a nerd I am, since it bugs me when the book doesn’t quote the movie exactly.

30. With two Knowledge sims in the house, it was bound to happen sometime. Annabeth! You got yourself abducted! What do you have to say for yourself? “That was so COOL!” Knowledge sims, I swear… “I wonder if I can get abducted again….” You know what I think, it’s bedtime, that’s what I think. “You’re no fun.”

31. Aliens were driven from Annabeth’s mind, however, for the next day was Ani’s birthday! I’m so excited to see how he turns out.

32. Ani, how could you do this to me?!? “Do what?” It doesn’t matter that you’re gorgeous, I’m still mad at you! “Why?” You rolled ROMANCE?! Could you have a picked an aspiration more unlike your character?! “Hey, I don’t control the dice.” Yup, darling little Ani rolled Romance. He is beautiful, though, so much in fact that I had to chant to myself “generation-O, generation-O, generation-O” many times to prevent myself from setting his turn-ons and turn-offs to match my simself. I’m saving her for the Gen-O heir, you see.

33. Ani! Guess what I got for you on modthesims???? “Ooh, I’m so excited. What did you do this time?” I downloaded clothing just for you! “What is it?” Change into everyday and you’ll see!

34. “Jedi robes????” What, you don’t like them? “I’ll be made fun of at school!” Whatever, your Jedi robes are so cool that it shouldn’t bother you. Just threaten to use the Force on whoever teases you. “But I can’t use the Force. I’m just a sim.” That’s what YOU think. This face that Anakin pulled made me laugh for a long time. Thanks, Ani, I needed that!

35. See??? You CAN use the Force! “I don’t get it.” You chucked the bottle when you were just a wee lad and it went into the wall! That was obviously you using the Force without meaning to!! “You’re stretching this.” Nonsense. Look, I was so excited that you showed Force powers, that I forgot to put the walls up in this picture! “Whatever, Anna.”

36. Using the word nonsense reminded me of the first chapter, which reminded me that my beloved founder hasn’t been in the chapter nearly at all! Being Knowledge Aspiration, she’s kind of boring, always skilling. I still love her, though. <3 But today’s her birthday, so she gets some screen time.

37. She’s a pretty elder! Yes, her headband is pink now, they didn’t have the white/blue headband in gray hair.

38. Anakin, being Romance, wanted to go on a date, so we called up the matchmaker. This girl, Penelope, keeps rejecting every interaction her tries to perform. How dare you reject my little Ani! I’m gonna death-of-flies you the next time you walk past our lot! Needless to say, the date did not go well.

39. I don’t know what it is that makes me laugh so hard at this picture. Maybe it’s the expression on Caleb’s face. Maybe it’s that A’Tuin’s talking about rats. Maybe it’s because both Ani and Caleb are disgusted that he’s talking about rodents over breakfast. I dunno. But go on, just look at this picture and laugh.

40. And with that bit of humor, courtesy of the males of the family, and this cute mother-daughter skilling picture, I think I’ll leave you, since this is the point I’ve played up to.I do have a good amount of funny pictures and glitches from this family, though, so if you want to see them, just let me know! I said there was plot in this, and there was, although it doesn’t seem like it. It’ll all make sense in the next few chapters with college and the heir poll, which I’ll probably put up after chapter 3 or 4. Until next time!