1. Chapter 36 – Past the Horizon
A Piratical Legacy
Chapter 36: Past the Horizon

2. "It is time for a new course of action," the cowled and shadowed figure at the head of the table said authoritatively.
"That's obvious, Fortune," another admonished. "Just because you're the Chair for this meeting doesn't mean you're in charge."
"Don't even start, Family," another figure said in exasperation. "We all know you and Fortune can't stand one another."
"She makes a good point, though," another figure pointed out.
"Of course you'd take her side, Romance," Family sneered, but she then fell silent.

3. Silence filled the room for a moment before Family spoke up again: "What are we going to do? Knowledge? Got any ideas in that head of yours?"
Knowledge stretched languidly before beginning to speak. "It behooves us to review our past failures."
"There are kind of a lot of them," a fifth voice, presumably Popularity, chimed in.
"Not as many as you might imagine," Knowledge contradicted.

4. "Not so many?" Popularity yelped. "Ever since that family moved to this island and promptly started ignoring us, we've been actively seeking ways
of getting rid of them!"
"No, we've been having a lot of meetings where we squabble at one another," Fortune said delicately. "We've only acted a few times."

5. "If the legacy founder had actually married Fortune or I like he was
supposed to, we wouldn't still be here dressed in these ridiculous The other five jumped.
costumes," Family complained.
"Ah, Grow Up," Fortune said nervously. "We hadn't realized you
"Could we please get back to the subject at hand?" Knowledge were paying attention."
pleaded. "If we're actually going to get something done, that is. If
this is just turning into another bickerfest, I'm going home." There was no response from the foot of the table.
"Let the recitation of our past atrocities begin," a hushed voice said "Perhaps I ought to begin, then," Romance said with much throat-
from the foot of the table. clearing.

6. "We have attempted to disrupt the Buccaneer family's hold on the island on four separate occasions," Romance continued solemnly. "Firstly: the
matter of the Buccaneer family curse. Knowledge and I met with one Anthony Greaves, a much-distraught former concubine of the then-heiress,
Ivy Buccaneer. This Greaves was bound and determined to stalk Mrs. Buccaneer. We felt then that he would be unsuccessful, but Knowledge was
able to impart a particular bit of arcana and the result was that when Greaves died, the family was cursed."
"Yeah, but then the next heir went and lifted the curse," Popularity complained.
"Yes, but the result of that was the return to life of our patsy," Romance said. "We were able to convince him to interfere once more. He succeeded
in seducing Marie, wife of fourth generation heir Roche, and she had his child. This child was named heiress, and we would have succeeded at
breaking the family if someone hadn't told the child of her parentage. She resigned."

7. Romance took a sip of water before continuing. "Our patsy disappeared, and for some time we did nothing. But then two more pawns fell into our
grasp: Septimus and Octavia Toyonaga. These two were of the legacy family but felt they ought to be in control of said family. They were easy to
bend to our whims. Unfortunately, they were also highly ineffective and were stopped before their plan could come to fruition."

8. "Yes, but we had some measure of foresight this time," Fortune said. "You did see the look on her face," Fortune snorted. "It was all over
"We put other plans into motion at the same time, specifically in the the front page of the newspaper."
legislature."
"I know!"
"That wasn't really foresight," Knowledge said. "It was pure dumb
luck. The relevant legislation had been enacted some generations "But what does it matter?" Family interjected. "She foiled that one
earlier. We were able to tweak it beneath the notice of anyone." too, and now there are two more heirs!"
"Yes, and then bring it to the attention of the authorities when the The circle bickered amongst themselves, casting blame
legacy brat tried to contravene it," Romance said gleefully. "I would indiscriminately, for some time. They were stopped by a cough from
have loved to see the look on her face when the police dragged her the foot of the table.
poor fiancé away."
The five of them looked up fearfully. "What is it?" Fortune asked.

9. The small, hooded figure known as Grow Up seemed to slouch even
further beneath robes of black. "I have a plan." "I do not see that we have much choice, fellow conspirators," the
childish voice pointed out at the last.
They listened intently.
As one, the other five were forced to agree. "It seems not," Popularity
"But that's--" conceded. "Very well, Grow Up. We will give your plan a chance. It
can't go any more badly than the others have gone."
"I am still speaking."
"Excellent. I shall put it into action immediately. I know just the
More protests. dupe..."

10. "Who's the cutest baby in the world? Kennit is!" Gertie crowed, dancing around the kitchen with her newest great-nephew. The baby gurgled and
cooed happily in response.
"You might want to be careful doing that," Ching Shih laughed. "Kennit likes to 'shower' people if they bounce him right after he's eaten."
"Shih, Kennit is the sixth baby I've helped to raise," Gertie pointed out, bouncing the happy baby on her shoulder. "I'm well aware of the risks."

11. "Have you and Jim given any more thought to our proposal?" Grace asked her daughter. "It would only be for three or four days, and Shere Khan
and Zing are fine with Sterling going."
"I suppose," Ching Shih sighed at last, keeping one eye on her son. "Jim and I just don't like being away from Balthier for so long. It's bad enough
that Balthier didn't even meet his daddy until he was three years old."
"Yes, but you wouldn't even know they'd ever been apart to look at them now," Grace pointed out reassuringly.

12. "You aren't going to barf on your Auntie Gertie ever, are you Kennit?" Gertie cooed over the sounds of mother and daughter--not quite arguing, but
definitely discussing headedly. "No you're not! You're much too cute and innocent to barf on your very favourite auntie in the whole world!"
"You're his only auntie," Shih pointed out with a chuckle.
"That just means there's less competition for the title," Gertie said proudly.

13. "Anyway, it's only to the Three Lakes cabin," Grace said cajolingly, I'll pack Balthier's suitcase."
drawing her daughter's attention back to her. "We'll make it just a
weekend if that makes you feel better." "Wonderful!"
"I suppose it does," Shih smiled slightly. "Yeah, you can take him. Just then, Kennit made a curious-sounding noise and mother and
When are you planning to go?" daughter turned to see the baby 'erupting' all over his Aunt Gertie.
Simultaneously, the two of them burst into laughter.
"I know it's short notice, but we would like to go this weekend,"
Grace said. "Is that okay?" "Go book your plane tickets," Shih chuckled. "I'll get things cleaned
up in here."
"Yeah," Shih said. "I'll call Jim at work and let him know, and then

14. "You know," Ching Shih said to her younger son a short time later, "that wasn't very nice."
Kennit just looked up at her with his big, blue eyes and blinked innocently. But Ching Shih was sure she'd seen the hint of a smile about the
corners of his mouth.
"Probably just gas," she said fondly as she tucked her son in for his nap. "Sleep tight, Kennit!"

15. "...and the shuttle should arrive at four o'clock," Grace continued. "Uh-huh. Yes. Perfect!"

16. When Balthier got home from school and was told he was going on a vacation with his grandparents and his favourite cousin, he was ecstatic. He
ran upstairs to get his suitcase and found his mother just tucking in the last pair of clean socks.
"Mommy! I get to go camping with Grandma and Grandpa!" the little boy crowed excitedly. "Is that my suitcase? You packed it for me? Thank
you Mommy! Yay!" And, snatching his suitcase from his mother's grasp, Balthier practically cartwheeled down the stairs and out to the waiting
shuttle.
"Do you think he'll miss me?" Ching Shih asked herself. But she was smiling when she said it. It was good to see how Balthier had gotten over
their earlier forced separation.

17. It was raining when the travelling party made up of Grace, Lee, and And you fed me cheesecake!"
Balthier arrived at the family cabin in Three Lakes.
Grace tittered nervously. "Well, I didn't know what it would do. And
"Is that it?" Sterling asked, somewhat awe-struck. "Wow! It's way I thought it would settle your stomach."
bigger than my house at home!"
"You always have my best interests at heart," Lee said warmly.
"Yes, that's it!" Lee said proudly. "We got it at a steal, too. Only cost "Well, what say we check out some of the scenery, kids?"
us a few hundred thou."
"But it's raining!" Sterling and Balthier said in unison.
"And it was worth every penny," Grace said fondly. "Remember the
last time we were here, Lee?" "So? That just makes it more of an adventure!" Grace said
enthusiastically. "Just drop the suitcases inside the front door and
"How could I forget?" Lee winced. "It was right after I got probed. we're off!"

18. The rain had cleared up by the time they reached the nearest tourist trap within walking distance. Balthier declared that he was hungry, so Grace
added that she was a mite peckish as well and the two of them sat down at a booth to order Flapjacks.
"Grandma, these look just like pancakes," Balthier said poking his somewhat dubiously with his fork.
"Yes indeed," Grace said. "But they're the Canadian version, which is completely different from what we make on Pirate Island."
"Are you sure?" Balthier asked, sniffing. He took a careful bite. "They taste just like regular pancakes."
"I think the main difference is the real maple syrup," Grace said.
"I think I like the fake kind better."

19. Lee and Sterling, meanwhile, decided to try out one of the local wearing a bathing suit!"
pastimes.
"I suppose," Sterling said, patting her ducky for reassurance.
"So we just walk on the log and then try to keep running in place and
make the other person get wet?" Sterling asked, balancing Granddaughter and grandfather played happily for a few minutes.
precariously. "There you go!" Lee said encouragingly. "You're getting it! Now--try
to knock me off!"
"That's right, Sterling!" Lee said encouragingly. "You can bounce on
the log to try to make the other person fall in if you like." Sterling just looked back at her grandfather with a wicked gleam in
her eye. Then she gave an enormous hop, obviously intent on
"But then you'll get wet!" unbalancing her grandfather and sending him into the drink. Lee
flailed wildly as Sterling came down from her jump--
"That's part of the fun," Lee explained. "And it's also why you're

20. --and slipped straight into the water!
Lee couldn't help but laugh uproariously at the outraged expression on his granddaughter's face.
"These flippers suck!" Sterling stormed. "They made me slip!"
"But did you have fun?" Lee asked.
"Yes!"

21. Once Sterling was dried off and warmed up, the four of them decided to try their hands at fishing.
"I haven't done this for a long time!" Grace chuckled, expertly baiting her hook.
"Perhaps it's like a bicycle, my silver darling," Lee said. "You never forget how."
"A friendly wager, then?" Grace grinned. "First to catch a golden trout gets a shiny new souvenir from the stand?"
"I want the chunk of wood!" Balthier said excitedly. "If I win, anyway. What do you want, Sterling?"
"I want the bear carving," the little girl said decisively.

22. To Balthier's delight, he caught the first fish of the day, though it was a rainbow trout rather than the much rarer golden variety.
"Good job, kiddo!" Lee said encouragingly.
"Hey grandpa, over here!" Sterling called suddenly.

23. Lee and Grace cheered excitedly when they saw the large bass Sterling had managed to hook and reel in.
"Very nice!"
"Yeah, but now it's all smelly and slimy and dead," Sterling complained, wrinkling her nose.
"Don't worry about that for now," Lee advised. "Just put it in your inventory and we'll deal with it later."
"You sure about that?" Sterling asked dubiously. "What if it starts to smell?"
"Inventory never starts to smell," Grace said wisely. "Trust us, Sterling--it'll be fine. Maybe we can even have it for supper tonight!"

24. They fished for the rest of the afternoon but decided to stop when the only thing still biting was the old boot Balthier pulled out of the pond.
"Can I keep it?"
"Er, why do you want to do that?" Grace asked.
"It's, like, a trophy or something!" Balthier said enthusiastically.
"Well, I suppose it can't hurt to take it home in your inventory," Lee shrugged. "Just make sure you clean it up before you pull it out in the house."
"I wanna drink it."

25. At the end of the day, grandparents and grandchildren found "I think that would be nice," Lee said fondly. "But it will be a few
themselves soaking in the large granite-lined pools at the local years yet before he's big enough to come camping like this."
hotspring.
"But this isn't really camping, is it?" Sterling asked. "I mean, we're
"This is nice. Grandpa?" staying at the cabin and not in tents. I think it would be neat to stay in
a tent sometime instead of in a nice cozy cabin. Maybe I could get a
"Yes, Balthier?" skink in my tent."
"Can we come back here again when Kennit is a little bigger? I want "You're more likely to get a slimy, yucky, squirmy old toad," Grace
to show all this fun stuff to him, too." said, shuddering. "So Gertie says, and she lived in a tent for a while
when she was travelling the world."

26. "Did she go everywhere, Grandma Grace?" Sterling asked, her eyes wide. "Well, you were and still are worth even losing my teaching job for," Lee
said fondly.
"Pretty nearly, I think," Grace chuckled. "Sometimes I wish I'd spent some
time travelling instead of going to university, like Gertie did... but then I "Ew, mushy stuff," Sterling complained. "I don't like mushy stuff. Mushy
wouldn't have met your grandfather, so it all worked out for the best after stuff is why I'm getting a brother or a sister or both or something soon."
all."
"But that means you'll have more people to play with," Grace pointed out.
"Was Grandpa Lee a student like you?" Balthier asked.
"Not for a long time--they're going to be just little! For ages 'n' ages, and I'm
"Not exactly," Grace said. The redness that suffused her cheeks could be gonna be a teenager soon and having parties every weekend!"
attributed to the steam, or the Buccaneer matron could be blushing. "He was
my brother Nick's professor." The others laughed.

27. All too soon it was time for bed. recorder. That would be fun--maybe we talk in our sleep too and we
could record it and listen to it!"
"Balthier?" Sterling asked as she pulled back the covers.
Sterling stared at him. "You're weird."
"Yeah?"
"Do I still hear voices coming from in there?" Lee's voice boomed
"Do you snore? Because I never shared a room with anyone before down the hall, making both kids jump in startlement. "If you two
and I don't want to share one with someone who snores." aren't in your beds before I get in there... no bedtime story!"
"I don't think I snore," Balthier asked, turning to face her with wide There was a quick scramble to get under the covers and turn off the
eyes. "Will you tell me if you do? Or maybe we could get a tape light.

28. Lee read until both children had drifted off to sleep, and then for a few minutes longer. He was very fond of his grandchildren, and very glad he
had the opportunity to spend this time with them. At the same time, though, he couldn't help but sigh--they were growing up so fast! Sterling would
be a teenager very soon, and Balthier wasn't all that far behind her.
Finally, he closed the book and put it on the shelf and headed back upstairs to where his wife was waiting for him.

29. The rest of the vacation flew by very quickly, with each day spent much like the one previous. But before long the trip was over, and four
somewhat tired and very happy people were more than ready to trudge home and see the rest of their families again.
"Can we go again next year?" Balthier asked Grace sleepily once they were inside the cab.
"Maybe we can," Grace said fondly, tousling his hair.
"Yay!"

30. "Well, Kennit? How did you like this whole weekend without your brother?" Jim asked his younger son a few hours before the travelers were due
home.
The infant just gurgled and cooed at him.
"Yes, it was a little too quiet without Balthier, was it not?" Jim said agreeably. "How about we get you a nice bottle and then you can have your
nap, and when you wake up Balthier will be home!"
Taking Kennit's coo for an assent, Jim bustled into the kitchen. He and Ching Shih had enjoyed the chance to spend a little more alone time
together, and had even discussed trying for a third child, though ultimately decided against it for the time being. Still, both of them were eager to
have their oldest child back home safe, where he belonged.

31. "How was the trip?" Gertie asked Grace the next evening over a friendly game of pool.
"Oh, it was nice," Grace said, smiling. "We had a little fishing competition, the four of us. But none of us were able to catch an elusive golden
trout."
"Still, I noticed the freezer is pretty full of dead fishie," Gertie nodded, taking her shot.

32. "Yes," Grace said. "I didn't say we didn't have a good run of luck. Would you believe it, the kids caught twice as many fish as Lee and I."
"That'll make Shere Khan happy," Borusa, who had stopped by for dinner and been roped into joining the game, chuckled.
"I think he's actually rather off of fish right now," Grace said. "Poor guy--he says absolutely everything just turns his stomach except for chef
salad."
"Now that is funny," Borusa said. "He's always going on about being a carnivore and a cakeivore, and he can't eat either."
"Yes, but it won't be long until the baby is here, and then you know he'll be glad to dig into Sterling's catch of the day!"

33. "Any chance you could send some of that fish my way?" Borusa asked somewhat pleadingly. "Hades cooks most of the time and you'd swear he
was a Grilled Cheese sim instead of Pleasure because that's all he cooks. I'd like a little variety."
"Raid the freezer before you go," Grace shrugged. "You can take anything with your dad's or my name on it--just don't touch any that Balthier
caught."
"Roger," Borusa saluted. "Now, shall we get on with this game? I believe I was winning..."
"Don't count those chickens before they catch, son o' mine," Grace smirked. "I'm two shots away from the end, and it's my turn..."
"Fifty bucks says you miss the shot."
"From the man who doesn't even have a job yet? Oh, why not. You're on!"

34. "And then--and then he bet fifty dollars he could beat me when it was smiled.
my turn before his and I'd almost cleared the table!" Grace giggled. "I
sunk both balls with one shot, and the two went in before the eight "Almost a hundred simoleons!"
ball so I won!"
"Woo!"
"How'd he take that?"
"Care for a friendly wager, husband mine?" Grace added once they'd
"Upped the stakes and bet I couldn't sink the rest of his balls without stopped laughing at Borusa's bad fortune.
missing at least one shot," Grace smirked. "Five bucks a ball. I sunk
them all, of course." "Stakes?"
"Terrific! So how much are we adding to the next holiday fund?" Lee "Loser has to change Kennit's diaper--I can hear him crying now."

35. "I don't think it was a game I wanted to win," Lee chuckled a moment later, wiping some lipstick off of his mouth.
"C'mon Kennit, let's get you changed and then it's to bed with you. Tomorrow is a big day!"

36. "Papa papa papa papa!" Balthier chanted, pelting headlong down the front steps and flinging himself into his father's arms. "Guess what? Guess
what?"
"What?" Jim asked, hugging his son tightly before stepping back and regarding him with amusement.
"I got an A+ in school today on my report card and Kennit is having a birthday and Sterling is coming over for the party! All those things happened
or are going to happen! It's so cool."

37. And sure enough, a few short hours later the family was gathered around a small table in the entryway upon which sat a small cake with blue
candles sparking merrily.
"...Happy birthday to Kennit! Happy birthday to you!" they all sang in unison, some in better tune than others.
"Yay! Mommy, you should toss him now so Sterling and I can go play, okay?"
"One toddler, coming up!" Shih said with a smile, and she leaned forward with the baby in her arms to blow out the candles.

38. To everyone's happiness (including this particular author), Kennit has a better mix of features from both parents rather than looking just like his
father. He and Balthier are about as different as two siblings from the same parents can be!

39. "So are you two going to have another one?" Coxinga asked as he of them at once!"
added another straw to the precarious pile atop the llama.
"Hades and I aren't sure if we're going to have kids," Spandrell piped
Ching Shih snorted. "The house is too full, Zing. Besides, it's nice up.
having Kennit and Balthier. I'm not ruling out another child entirely,
understand, but I don't think it's very likely at this point. How about "No?" Zing asked. "Then why are you both wearing clothes from my
you and Shere Khan? You having more?" maternity line?"
"Not if Shere Khan goes and has twins next week like he thinks he's "Figured it couldn't hurt to be safe."
going to," Zing said, shuddering. "It was hectic enough just having
Sterling as a baby and toddler. I can't imagine trying to deal with two "Riiiiight."

40. Eventually it was time for sleepy children to go to bed and the last of the guests to head home.
"I'll come by tomorrow, okay mom?" Borusa promised, letting go of Grace after a particularly fierce hug.
"Oh, you don't have to go to so much trouble as that," Grace chuckled wearily.
"I gotta win back all that money you took me for!" Borusa said in mock outrage. "Seven o'clock, mom."
"As you like," Grace smiled. "Now you'd better hurry or your brother will leave without you!"

41. The rest of the guests finally left and everyone went to bed--except
for one particularly stubborn individual and his father. "Would you like me to sing you a song?"
"It is time to go to sleep, Kennit," Jim said tiredly. "No!"
"No!" "Tell you a story?"
"Your first word, and you are being contrary already," Jim shook his "No!"
head. "This should not be unexpected."
"Then what would you like to do, son of mine?"
"No!"

42. "Blow fings up wif da rocket!"
"That does not seem... prudent."
"Boom!"
"How about a bottle before bed instead?"
The toddler stared at his father for a moment, considering. "Otay."

43. But as soon as his father was out of the room, Kennit grabbed the toy rocket again.
"Boom! Want cannons! An' cannonballs! Arrrrrrrrr!"

44. "Can you believe we have been married almost fifty years?" Lee said happily, cuddling up to his wife on the soft green grass.
"A long time," Grace smiled. She pointed up at the sky. "That cloud looks like a llama."
"Considering the nature of our universe, such does not surprise me," Lee said drily. "Although I'm inclined to think it looks more like a yurt."
"Maybe, now that the wind has drifted it a bit," Grace agreed. She pointed again. "That one looks like the Pirate Island stock exchange."
Lee narrowed his eyes. "I agree. Which we totally dominated over thirty years ago."
"And still going strong," Grace smiled.

45. "How come we never thought of doing this before?" Lee asked "Days when we can lie about in the grass, watching the clouds, while
suddenly. our ant-like employees fill our coffers?"
Grace shrugged. "Perhaps we've always just been too busy? First "Exactly."
with the children, and then with our careers, and then with helping
our daughter through her many trials. This is the first time of quiet Grace sat up and stretched her arms. "Do you mind if we go in, Lee?
happiness our family has had for some years." I'm getting a bit chilled."
"True," Lee said. "I wouldn't mind more days like this." "Whatever you like, my dear."

46. They hiked around the house and inside.
"Feeling warmer?" Lee asked, taking Grace into his arms and pulling her into a dance.
"Some," Grace said, smiling. "But I can think of a thing or two that would heat me up even quicker!"

47. "Like this? For a start, I mean," Lee chuckled and dipped his wife, kissing her passionately.
"Mmm."
"How about we head on upst--"

48. "THE TIME FOR DALLIANCE HAS PASSED, GRACE BUCCANEER."

49. "Anna?" Grace whispered as the hula zombies appeared on either ONLY ONE I MUST TAKE TODAY."
side of the cowled and be-leied figure.
"Tell my family, Anna. Tell them I love them."
"YES."
"THEY ALREADY KNOW." How could they miss it, my dear
"Do you really have to do this?" sister?
"FOR MOST SIMS, THERE IS A FINITE PERIOD OF DAYS." "Please?"
Oh, Grace...
"I WILL, IF THEY WISH TO HEAR IT." We can mourn together....
"Well, I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
"Thank you."
I'm not. "THEN WE SHOULD LEAVE. YOU ARE NOT THE

50. As the Grim Reaper handed Grace the fruity umbrella drink and suitcase, the rest of the family finally realized what was happening. Flooding into
the entryway, one-by-one, the tears began to run.

51. "Oh, and Anna?"
"YES?"
"I love you."
"I KNOW."

52. While the family members shared their sorrow around Grace's platinum urn, Anna sighed dejectedly (if it is possible for the Grim Reaper to do so)
and headed upstairs. Her beloved family's measure of grief was not yet full.

53. "OH MY. THIS IS UNCOMFORTABLE." "What?"
"Anna? You've come for me too? When... when I heard you "YOU WILL SEE HER SOON."
downstairs I thought you were here for me. And so I came up here to
hide. But then you didn't come, despite the feeling in my bones." "But the others--they need me."
"OUR SISTER... IT IS ALSO HER TIME." "THEY WILL TAKE SOLACE IN ONE ANOTHER, MY SISTER.
TAKE COMFORT IN THAT. NOW, MAY I OFFER YOU A
"Grace? Oh..." a few tears dripped down the cheeks of the worn old FRUITY DRINK?"
woman's face.
"Is it cheese-flavoured?"
"I AM NOT SUPPOSED TO SAY THIS..."
"DO YOU WANT IT TO BE?"

54. And so the Buccaneer family was left to deal with not one, but two sorrows on that cold spring night.
Let's leave them to their grief, shall we?

55. Across the bridge and down the hill...
"At least you get to have a brother or sister soon," Orlando said
"Why's everyone over at Balthier's house bein' sad?" Orlando Pseudo pragmatically. "My mom and dad keep having babies too. I've got
asked, looking off in that general direction from Sterling's fort. two brothers and two sisters. That means the boys are winning."
"'Cause my grandma died," Sterling said. "That means she's gone and "What will you do if your mom and dad have another baby and it's a
can't take me 'n' Balthier fishing anymore." The little girl said this girl?" Callie demanded.
steadily while she peered at her house from on high.
"That just means that I have to grow up and have a boy so we're
"Why aren't you there?" Calico Legacina asked. winning again," Orlando shrugged.
"We went to the funeral yesterday," Sterling shrugged. "But now my "I hope I get a sister," Sterling said. "Boys are stinky. 'Cept you,
dad and my papa want me to stay here in case the babies come." 'Lando."

56. "Yeah, he's only stinky sometimes," Callie giggled as Sterling slid down the firepole. She turned to Orlando. "You're next, 'Lando!"
"Um, okay," Orlando said hesitantly. He grabbed onto the pole and gripped it tightly with both arms and legs.
"You have to let go a little!" Callie scolded. "Otherwise you're just going to hang there!"
Orlando loosened his deathgrip just enough to slide at a snail's pace to the ground below.
"I don't like his game," He muttered. "I'm going swimming instead."

57. A little while later, Coxinga got home from his sister's house, bringing Balthier with him. Both Shih and Jim had agreed a change of scenery would
do their son some good--he needed to escape the gloom and doom present in his home at the moment.
"Dere is caek," Shere Khan said solemnly, gesturing for his nephew to take a large slice. "Caek makes teh sniffoos go 'way."
"We only have cake at birthdays at my house," Orlando complained.
"Yeah, but you got birthdays all the time," Callie said. "On account of having so many brothers and sisters. You prob'ly get cake every day!"
"Yeah, but it gets all gross and stale when it’s in inventory for too long," Orlando shuddered. "This cake is good."
"Om nom nom nom," Shere Khan concurred.

58. "Soon kittehs come," he added, swallowing. "Den birfday cakes - no "How did you understand the part about 'speriments when you were
lie!" just a toddler?" Sterling asked skeptically.
"I know where babies come from," Sterling said importantly. Across "'Speriments?"
from her, Zing choked on his cake.
"Not... everybody needed experiments, Sterling," Zing said quickly.
"Doesn't everybody?" Balthier asked. "My mom 'n' dad gave me a "We'll tell you later, okay?"
book."
"I wanna know more about these 'speriments," Orlando demanded.
"Mine too, just before Muffy came," Callie nodded.
"No talking, only eating," Shere Khan ordered. "Nom da caek."
"I think my parents told me when I was just a toddler," Orlando said
thickly around a mouthful of frosting. "Awww..."

59. Shere Khan's prediction that the kittehs would come soon proved very apt. That night he woke out of a very restless sleep to wracking pains.
"Zing! Needs u! Nao!"
Thank goodness, it was all over quickly.

60. "You is boy. Naem Troy. Ooh, I poet, know it!"
The infant just cooed at him.
"Is it can be bottle tiemz nao? And then naps?"

61. Oh, did I forget to mention? Troy was the second child Shere Khan gave birth to that night. He and Zing also had a little girl, Karat.
"I'm sure my mad scientist husband is thrilled we've got a mutant baby," Zing chuckled, feeding his second daughter a bottle that was longer than
she was. "I guess I am too. Fuzzy babies for the win!"
Safe to say that, the longer they're married, the more Shere Khan and Zing rub off on each other.

62. Some time passed, and appropriate cakes were procured. The entire extended family was in attendance, glad to celebrate a happy occasion rather
than the sad one they were only just starting to get over.
"No fights over who throws the baybee," Shere Khan said with a grin. "Race?"

63. This is (obviously) Karat. She looks to me like the spitting image of Ching Shih at that age, though with the tiger skin it's a bit difficult to tell.

64. And this is Troy. He is practically a clone of Zing, and the identical hairstyle doesn't hurt the comparison either. It suited him, and so his parents
decided to let him keep it.

65. "I wish mom could have met the twins," Zing said quietly to his
sister. "Bet we've got more 'spensive stuff at my house," Balthier pouted
slightly. "Like Kennit."
"She would have been thrilled to have a tiger grandbaby," Ching
Shih agreed with a smile. "But you know... she knows. Somehow, "Kids, don't argue," Shih said absently.
she knows. I bet Auntie Susanna tells her everything we're up to on
pretty much a daily basis." "Has mom haunted yet?" Zing asked eagerly.
"It wouldn't surprise me," Zing grinned. "Going Knowledge, dear brother?"
"Is everything in this house 'spensive?" Balthier demanded of his "I've been married to Shere Khan for twelve years."
cousin.
"Good point. No, she hasn't.... but I'm looking forward to when she
"Yes," Sterling said proudly. "Even the babies." does!"

66. With the addition of the twins and their growth into toddlerhood, Zing and Shere Khan were pretty sure their family was complete--or nearly so.
The adoption of a kitten named Echo sealed the deal for them, though. Sterling quickly gravitated to the small, fuzzy creature and claimed Echo for
her own.

67. She had some competition, however. One or the other of the twins could often be found 'hugging' Echo despite the kitten's ardent protestations.
Not that Echo minded overmuch. She squirmed and wriggled and meowed loudly... but she never bit, hissed, or clawed. She was a good, patient
kitten for the most part--traits practically unheard of amongst felines.

68. There was another small, fuzzy animal the twins liked to abuse. to do."
"Arr! That be me ear, lad! No droolin' on me ear!" "Yer blasted father never told ye t' chew me ear, lad. He was almost
certainly referring to objects o' the pastry persuasion rather than the
"Arrrrrr! Om nom nom!" plush."
"Cease and desist, ye young rapscallion!" "So? Don't care. Bear is nummy."
"Nummy bear!" Troy giggled. "Om nom nom. Dat's what papa says "This be cannibalism, and that be a fact, mate."

69. Two working parents meant that the three kids spent a lot of time with the nanny, Karen Gast. Three rambunctious kids meant that all three
children got into mischief from time to time.
Sterling's favourite after-school activity was puddle-jumping, much to the nanny's disgust. But when Ms. Gast complained to Shere Khan, he just
shook his head, went outside, and joined his daughter in the puddle.

70. The twins were good at playing nicely together if they wound up in the same part of the house--the two of them were escape artists and early
masters of using the stairs, and so tended to vanish whenever Nanny Karen's back was turned.
Fortunately, neither of them liked to head outside and the door to the swimming pool was always kept locked, in any case. If they both wound up
on the ground floor at the same time, they could usually be found attacking Sterling's doll house in the living room.

71. "Kat-kat, why so many people here?" Troy asked.
"Sterling's birfday, Toy," Karat responded importantly.
"When is our birfday?" Troy wanted to know.
"Dunno," Karat shrugged. "We gets caek anyway."
"You sound like papa!" Troy giggled.
"Papa talks all silly-like," Karat replied. "C'mon, Toy. Let's go get hugs from gran'pa."
"Yay!"

72. It was, indeed, Sterling's birthday--much to the shock and surprise of the adults in her life. It felt like just yesterday she'd still been an infant, for
goodness' sake! And here she was on the cusp of being a teenager.
It was all they could do not to reach over and pinch her cheeks.
"I wish for... umm...."
"Don't tell us, Sterling," Lee cautioned. "Remember, your wish won't come true if you do!"

73. Well, if Sterling wished to beautiful, I think she got her wish! Don't you?

74. "You'd better get down from there, Persephone," Laertes said.
"Whee! This is fun!"
"Okay, fine, get in trouble," Laertes shrugged. "No skin off my nose."
"I could zap you and take some off if you like," Persephone offered, stopping her bouncing for a moment.
"No thanks."
"Are you sure? I'm getting pretty good at it and I probably wouldn't even take out your eye or anything."
"No zapping required here."

75. "Aww," Persephone complained, bouncing off of the bed and onto
the floor. "You're no fun, Laertes. I should exchange you for a new "Don't call me Lert," Laertes complained. "And they're good parents.
model of brother." You're just mad because they wouldn't let you get a pony."
"I think my mom would complain if you did that," Laertes said "Why shouldn't I have a pony?" Persephone demanded, rounding on
smugly. her half-brother. "I'm good and everything."
"Like she'd even notice," Persephone snickered. "Our parents are "No you're not!"
Romance sims, Lert. Half the time I think they forget they even have
kids at all." "Yeah, but they don't know that."

76. "Are the kids fighting again?" Ophelia complained with a long- committing to me?"
suffering sigh.
"What? Of course not. Whatever gave you that idea?"
Toby listened for a moment. "Nah. I think they're playing a game."
"The fact that you don't actually have any other boyfriends," Toby
"Oh, good," Ophelia purred. "Because I have an interesting shrugged, stepping a little closer to his lover and sliding one arm
proposition for you, Toby Biggs." around her waist.
"Really." "Too busy, between you and work and the kids. Which is why I
thought we could go on a vacation--just the two of us."
"I think you'll approve of it."
"Sure. I'll see if dad can babysit."
"Does it involve you giving up your other boyfriends and finally

77. "Of course your mother and I can babysit," Gavin boomed happily. "Susanna has been so gloomy lately--spending time with the kids will do her
some good."
"Er, I am here," Susanna said, waving her hand for attention. "And I think I've got a pretty good reason for being gloomy. My sister died."
"I know," Gavin said sympathetically. "But you have family here too, and we need you. Some time with Persephone and Laertes will do you good.
Besides, I think you're the only one who can actually make Persephone behave."
"She's a bit in awe of my powers," Susanna shrugged. "Probably because she doesn't understand them."
"So you'll do it?" Toby asked quickly.

78. "Yeah, I suppose we will," Susanna grinned. She cast a considering eye at Toby's father. "Besides, I can think of a few things to do while the kids
are at school..."
"Mom!"
"Brainbleach, dear?"
"Please."

79. Twenty-four hours later, Toby found himself checking into the poshest resort on Twikki Island with Ophelia.
"I'm so glad you agreed to come," Ophelia sighed, checking out the scenery through the window. "No responsibilities, and nothing but sun and
sand and sea for a week."
"Enjoy your stay," the bellhop said agreeably. "First beach house on the left."
"Thanks!"

80. Toby and Ophelia decided to find some appropriate beach duds, first thing. None of what they'd brought was suitable, so they decided to go
shopping.
"So, where to now?" he asked once they'd both donned their new togs and posed for an obligatory tourist picture down on the beach below the
boardwalk.
"I was thinking we could head back to our chalet and soak up the sun on the beach," Ophelia said.
"Sounds good to me," Toby said. "Then again, any excuse to see you in a bikini..."
"Perv."
"Exhibitionist."

81. "Ahh... this is the life," Ophelia declared once they'd put actions to words. "I could do this all day."
"I wouldn't complain," Toby agreed. "Err, but Opie... what do you say to a real date one night while we're here? I looked into it and there's this
super-fancy restaurant down the beach a ways, and I think I can get us a table."
"Sure," Ophelia shrugged, rolling over.

82. Supper time rolled around and Toby and Ophelia decided to enjoy "Nah, I don't like the fake stuff," Toby said. "I had this fling a few
room service from the balcony of their chalet. months back who insisted on using it and it came off in the shower
and was all streaky and gross."
"This place is perfect," Ophelia said happily. "I've wanted to come
here for so long." "Ew," Ophelia shuddered. Then: "Which one was this?" If her voice
was a tad higher than usual, Toby didn't appear to notice.
"The suntanned look suits you," Toby said, ogling her appreciatively.
"Oh, I don't remember," Toby shrugged. "One of the groupies from
"You, too. Maybe I should pick up some perma-bronzer when we get after the game."
home."
"Oh, those," Ophelia nodded.

83. "Yeah, I used to have so many of them I didn't know where to put them all," Toby chuckled. "Funny, though, I haven't had any for months. I'd
almost think someone warned them off."
"Funny," Ophelia said. "Then again, that was around when that reporter was nosing around asking questions about the kids. Maybe they just didn't
want complications."
"I suppose that's possible," Toby shrugged agreeably. "Doesn't bother me, in any case. That was around when I said I wanted us to be
monogamous, remember?"
"How could I forget? That practically gave me a heart attack. I'm still not sure you're not suffering from some sort of mental illness."
"Nah," Toby said. "I've just realized that as often as I get it, it's never better than when I'm with you."

84. "That's kind of sweet," Ophelia said. "It's the same for me, but then
you already knew that." "Don't you trust me?"
"Well, we could try the monogamy thing in small doses," Toby "Of course I do," Toby said. "Or we wouldn't have a relationship at
shrugged. "Maybe see if we can make it through this vacation all. I just don't see the point in testing it."
without jumping anybody else?"
"Oh. You're kind of strange, Biggs, but I like it. Always have, much
"I guess I could try that," Ophelia nodded. "No cheating and sending to my detriment."
hot guys over to ask me out, though."
"It's getting dark," Toby said abruptly. "We should head inside and
"I wouldn't do that," Toby said. put on warmer clothes."

85. They headed inside, but it was safe to say they didn't put on warmer clothes.

86. The rest of the week passed in something of a blur of sun, sand, and steamy bedrooms. Toby did manage to procure a reservation at La Hacienda,
the ritziest restaurant on Twikki Island.
"Blue?" Toby asked, whistling appreciatively at Ophelia when he caught sight of her in front of the restaurant doors. "That's unusual for you."
"The red dress was feeling a little tight... and a little too hot for this climate," Ophelia smirked. "Shall we go in?"
"Our table should be ready."

87. "Wow," Ophelia breathed, glancing at the menu. "Are you sure we
can afford to eat here, Toby? I don't think my paycheque would even "Oh," Ophelia said, blushing. "I can live with that."
cover the price of the water!"
"Speaking of the deal," Toby added, "how are you finding it?
"I've got an in with the owner," Toby said smoothly. Constraining?"
"Oh?" Ophelia asked suspiciously. "Reneging on our deal?" Ophelia pondered that for a moment. "No, not really," she admitted.
"I can be myself around you, Toby. I don't always have to be on my
"What? No!" Toby said, offended. "Rick's a huge sports fan. We just guard like I need to be with others. It's nice to just let loose. I know
have to pose for the paparazzi on the way out." you won't hurt me."

88. "Well then," Toby said, beckoning to the sommelier. "I propose a toast, Ophelia. To a successful experiment."
Ophelia gave a tinkling, silvery laugh. "I don't know about that, Biggs. The week isn't over yet."
"We leave tomorrow morning," Toby said. "And I plan on keeping you tied up until then."
"Promise?" Ophelia grinned, but she raised her glass. "Touché, Toby. I can drink to that. I suppose the experimental results do look rather
promising, after all."

89. "Wow, this food is fabulous," Ophelia said, putting down her fork for a moment. "I think this is the first fancy restaurant I've ever been in that lived
up to the hype--and the prices."
"I know how to pick things like this," Toby nodded after he swallowed, "but this place is even better than I'd heard."
"The owner must really want the publicity," Ophelia chuckled. "Well, I'm stuffed. What are we doing next, Biggs?"
"I thought we could walk down to the beach and watch the stars for a while," Toby said, blushing a little. "Nothing fancy, but I thought it would
be... nice."
"We'll get sand in our nice clothes," Ophelia pointed out.
"That's okay," Toby nodded. "We'll just end up taking them off very soon afterwards."

90. "So, about that experiment," Ophelia said hesitantly. "Do you want to It took Toby a moment to get it. "Nine months? That's--wait, do you
try it again when we get home?" mean--"
"Only if it's what you want," Toby said. "Is it?" "Yeah," Ophelia said. "I've been trying to tell you all week."
"I think so," Ophelia said. She took a deep breath and rested one "Aww, Opie," Toby said affectionately. He stood up and pulled her
hand on her still-flat stomach. "I was thinking maybe nine months to her feet. "I don't think I can commit for nine months."
would be a good length of time."
"Y-you don't?"

91. He dropped to one knee. "Forever, or nothing."
Ophelia took a deep breath and stared at Toby for a long moment. "Toby... are you proposing? You?"
Toby stared up at her. "I've been carrying a framming ring around in my pocket since we got here. But I didn't want to ask if it wasn't something
you wanted. Do you?"
"I..." Ophelia gaped at him for a moment. Then, reaching forward, she pulled Toby to his feet.

92. "I will," she whispered, so softly Toby wasn't sure she'd spoken at first.
"You sure?"
"Would I be saying yes if I wasn't?" she glowered, smacking him on the shoulder.
Toby caught her hand and pulled her close. "Guess Romance sims can change their spots, huh?"
"Nope, the deal's contingent on you keeping those leopard-print tighties," Ophelia smirked.
"I'll show you leopard spots," Toby growled. And, suiting actions to words, he grabbed her hand and started leading her back to their bungalow.
"Ooh, you beast."

93. "So let me get this straight," Persephone said, wrinkling her nose. "You guys went on a super fantastical fun vacation without us and came back
with a baby inside? That is so gross."
"Oh, I dunno," Laertes shrugged. "I think it'll be cool to have someone to boss around."
"I've already got someone to boss around. Fancy you trying to boss around anybody," Persephone shook her head at the sheer ridiculousness of
such a notion. She turned back to her father and step-mother. "Well, it would have been nice if you would've asked our opinion on such a
momentous move. Anything else you ought to inform us about?"

94. "We're going to get married," Ophelia said. and would wear a purple dress."
"Yawn," Persephone declared. "I saw that coming months ago." "No you didn't!" Laertes contradicted her. "You told me all about it
and you didn't say anything about a purple dress."
"Really?" Toby asked.
"No doubting the deity-powers! I hath commandmented it."
"Really," Persephone said. "I think it's one of my deific powers from
Grandma Sarah. I also foretold that I would be a junior bridesmaid "Kids!" Toby said sternly. "So you're okay with it?"

95. "She was real mad when she first had her preom-- premol-- dream thingy," Laertes said. "She threw all her toys out of the toy box and all of the
books off of the shelf, but Grandpa Gavin caught her and made her put them back. She even listened. And then she wouldn't talk to me for three
days but you guys didn't notice because you were out of town for some games."
"Well, I'm going to be home a lot more since I can't play until the baby is born," Ophelia said.
"And I'm going to take a leave of absence too," Toby said. "I just have to top my career before I'm old and gray, just like your mom. Plenty of
time."

96. "Can we at least get another girl?" Persephone asked, changing the "I wonder if I could use my deific po--"
subject back to more important matters. "There are too many boys in
this house and I'm feeling seriously outnumbered." "No."
"Tell me about it," Ophelia muttered. "Aw, but daaaad--"
"Can't promise that," Toby shrugged. "Babies are surprises every "No."
time."
"You're no fun."

97. "When is the wedding?" Laertes asked. "I guess that's okay," Persephone finally said. "But NO kissing. If I
see any kissing, I'm gonna have to zap somebody."
"We were thinking after you get home from school tomorrow,"
Ophelia said. "It'll be just the four of us that way." "Be nice, Phoney," Laertes said. "There's always kissing at
weddings."
"Aren't weddings usually big giant 'normous huge parties?"
Persephone demanded. "Don't call me 'Phoney', Lert," Persephone scowled.
"Sometimes, but we want something smaller than that," Toby "Kids!" Ophelia said sharply.
explained.
"s'ry."

98. The next evening, Toby and Ophelia promised to stop sleeping with other people.

99. It was a very moving ceremony, in the eyes of the happy couple and Laertes. But there was kissing, much to Persephone's disgust.

100. "Yay!" Laertes said happily once the ceremony was officially over. He paused for a moment. "Mom, does this mean that we don't have the same
last name anymore?"
"Of course not," Ophelia said affectionately.

101. "Great," Persephone said, clapping half-heartedly. "Dad, does this mean we don't have the same last name anymore?"
"Nope."
"But how does that work?" both kids asked in unison.
"We decided to each keep our names," Toby explained. "It seemed easier that way."
"Oh, I guess that's okay," Persephone conceded. As they filed downstairs to eat wedding cake, she turned to her brother. "Did you know they could
do that?"

102. That night, Ophelia woke up absolutely starving. She'd just finished a light snack and a drink of juice when she felt an old, familiar sensation.
"Looks like we got married in the nick of time," she muttered. "Wedding dress wouldn't have fit if we'd waited any longer. I hate this part."

103. The next day, a line of family members stood cheering in the basement. And why were they cheering?

104. "Happy birthday to me," Persephone trilled. Leaning forward, she made a wish and blew out the candles. If anybody noticed that the lights
flickered somewhat and the radio went all staticky for a moment, they didn't comment on it.

105. Persephone is perhaps the most striking-looking, if scary, of her generation. She grew up very well, though Toby was heard muttering something
about buying a baseball bat.

106. Laertes was up next, a few minutes later. He closed his eyes and also made a wish.
Baby brother... baby brother!

107. There's no denying whose son he is. Especially since this young hottie rolled Romance, just like his mother and his father.
Between him and Persephone, Toby and Ophelia are in for a wild ride.

108. "Mom, you look like you're going to explode. When's the baby due again?"

109. "Right now!" Ophelia called a few minutes later from the kitchen.
"Wait, what?" Laertes squeaked, dropping the dishes on the floor. "I'll go get dad!"
"Somebody stay here with me!" Ophelia howled. "I really hate this part!"

110. But, for all her yelling, it was soon over.
Meet Horatio Smith, everyone. Horatio, this is everyone.
Lightning, it seems, has struck twice--Horatio is another blond like his brother and mother before him.

111. Toby hadn't exactly mentally prepared himself for the baby's birth, though, and he spent the next few minutes blubbering on the floor and quacking
like a chicken.

112. Fortunately, psychiatric service is quick in Paris.
"He'll be okay, right?" Uncle Don asked concernedly.
"Should be," Ophelia nodded, feeding Horatio a bottle that was longer than he was. "Or at least, he'll get over it."
"Good. Need a hand?"
"Nah, I think we'll be just fine..."

113. A swarm of children buzzed happily over the school playground, laughing and chattering and playing as hard as only children can.
It sounded pleasant as long as you couldn't actually understand what they were saying.

114. All except one of them, that is. The blond-haired little boy stared sadly at the other children for a few minutes before disappearing around the
corner of the schoolhouse.

115. Once he was out of sight, Balthier gave in to the sadness he was feeling and had a good cry. It was ages since his Grandma Grace had died, but he
still got sad sometimes, and when that happened he couldn't help but cry. If it happened at home, his mom and his papa would give him hugs and
stroke his hair until he felt better. But when it happened at school, he felt all alone.

116. "Balthier? What are you doing over here?" a childishly feminine voice called. "Are you crying?"
"G-go away," Balthier sniffled, not turning around. "Whoever you are, go away."

117. "Did something bad happen?" the red-headed girl asked, coming a little closer.
"I said go away," Balthier said, turning around. "Oh, hi Brittany." He sniffled and wiped his eyes. "Sorry I yelled at you."
"It's okay," Brittany said sympathetically. "Something bad must've happened, because everyone knows you're one of the nicest kids in school."
"My Grandma Grace died a little while ago," Balthier muttered, giving his eyes one last futile swipe.

118. "That stinks," Brittany said. "I don't know anybody who's died."
"Well, it's no fun," Balthier said emphatically. "All it means is that they're gone, and they're not ever coming back so they can't play with you
anymore or read you any more stories or give you any more snuggles or go fishing with you anymore."

119. "It sounds like your Grandma was a pretty special person," Brittany
said. "You were lucky to have her." "I'm not sad all the time now," Balthier said. "Just when I think about
her suddenly. Like out on the playground, some of the kids were
"I guess so," Balthier said slowly. "I just wish I didn't have to miss talking about this movie that I watched with my grandma a long time
her all the time. I just want one more story or something. Even if that ago."
makes me sound like a little baby."
"Well, how about we go do something else where we can't hear them
"Not like a little baby," Brittany corrected him. "It makes you sound talking?" Brittany suggested. "Maybe that will make you feel better."
like a person. I wish I had a Grandma who could do those things with
me, and if I did then I would be sad if I didn't have her anymore." "I guess," Balthier said.

120. Impulsively, he threw his arms around his classmate. "Thanks, Brittany. I feel lots better now."
"I guess I'm glad I could help," Brittany said, shrugging. "C'mon, let's go play."

121. So they did.

122. "You haven't come to play with me for a very long time."

123. "I know."

124. "So why did you bring me here to play with me now? This is different from where we used to play before."
"It's ... different ... now. Now we can play as much or as long as we want to."

125. "Really?" A moment of puzzled silence, and the long-haired girl frowns. "It feels like someone is missing, though. Someone named... Lee?
Shouldn't he be here?"
"He'll be here in a little while," the black-and-white-haired girl says carefully. "Not yet, though. He has some things to do."
"Oh, okay. I don't have to leave this time, do I?"

126. "Definitely not. Don't worry, Grace... you never have to leave us again."
"That's good, because I like it here, Anna. Even if the sky is all weird. I guess I can wait until Lee comes. Can we build another sandcastle now?"
"As many as you like."