3.4 Meeting of the Supernatural Council

Welcome back to the Holt Legacy! Last time there was a prom, Yukon and Nova Scotia aged up, Yukon married Cecilia, Liliana and Ontario had a pair of twin girls, Radon and Sulphur, Cecilia announced her pregnancy, and Will told Bernard about everything he has found out and that there was going to be a council meeting soon. However, must of this stuff is irrelevant for this post, as the entire post is the council meeting.

Will and I arrive at the usual Council meeting place. It hasn’t changed a bit from the last time I saw it.

The werewolf representatives Edmond Dyson (left) the holder of the Seat of Silver, and Tyler Grove (right) the holder of the Seat of Stars ,were already there.

As were the genies, Issac Calhoun (left) holder of the Seat of Gold and Jonah Bailey (right) holder of the Seat of Stone.

The four of them were talking excitably about something.

The fairies, Reisa Golden holder of the Seat of Roses.

And Caleb Oakes holder of the Seat of Wood had arrived as well.

The two of them were also talking, something was clearly going on. The only ones that seemed to be missing now were the witches and the mermaids.

Lydell Burgess has been the host for the council meets for as long as I can remember. He claims just to be an ordinary human, but no human lives as long as he has.
Will: “What’s going on, why is everyone so excited? I know it’s not cause of the meeting.”

Lydell: “So you boys haven’t heard yet. The heir to the Seat of Crystal has been located.”
Bernard: “Wait, hasn’t that seat been empty for like 1000 years when the last seat holder died and the his heirs disappeared or something?”

Will: “You never did pay much attention in our lessons. The last holder of the Seat of Crystal was George Burke, he was murdered about 1000 years ago. It was after his death when the witches went to inform his family that they discovered that they had vanished. It was believed that they were dead as well, but when the witches did some scrying, trying to locate their bodies, they discovered that his family was still alive. They were unable to get locations for any of them and no one knows how they managed it. It has been long believed that the heir would never be located.”

Just as Will was finishing up his explanation, did the witch contingent arrive. Doreen Owens who has held the Seat of Magic for what seems like forever.

Her granddaughter Susanna Owens arrived as well. She’s been attending these meetings for ages, claiming to only be there to help her elderly grandmother, though everyone knows she was really hoping to get the Seat of Crystal. Everyone was holding their breath, waiting to see who the long lost heir to the Seat of Crystal was.

I was completely blown away when I recognized who walked in the door.

Bernard: “Ohio?!”
Ohio: “Bernard?!”
Bernard: “You’re the heir to the Seat of Crystal?”

Ohio: “Yeah. You know all about how I never knew who my dad was, well I was right about him being a witch. I’ve learned so much from the covens! It was only recently did we all stumble across the fact that I was the heir to the Seat of Crystal. Everyone is still trying to figure out how my father’s side of the family has remained hidden, I’ve got no clue, but somehow I’m hidden from their scrying as well. What about you Bernard, you’re on the Council as well?!”

Bernard: “Yeah, I have been for awhile. I’m the holder of the Seat of Blood, my brother Will has the Seat of Iron.”
Ohio: “You have a brother? I never realised that you were actually someone kind of important in the supernatural world!”
Bernard: “Yeah. I guess I’ve done my best to blend in.”

Susanna: “You know this vampire?”
Doreen: *sneers*
Ohio: “Yeah, Bernard practically raised me! I did tell you that I was mostly raised by a vampire.”
Susanna: “But you didn’t mention it was the holder of the Seat of Blood!”
Ohio: “I didn’t know!”

Lydell: “Everyone, it is time to make our way to the meeting room.”

One by one we all followed Lydell on the familiar route to the Council Meeting Room.

Meetings have been held here since long before I was born.

Everyone quickly took their assigned seats.

Doreen: “Where are the mermaids?! We can’t start without the Seat of Water and the Seat of Wind!”

Everyone glanced towards the two empty seats.

Lydell: “I’m afraid they aren’t coming. They have refused the summons claiming that they have nothing to do with this business.”
Doreen: “Ridiculous!”

Will: “We better start then. Supernaturals of different species have been disappearing without a trace. Some bodies have turned up, but they’ve not been intact and have been horribly mutilated-“

Jonah: “Hey, what about us genies? So many of us have been trapped in lamps and forced to do the bidding of whoever’s found it! This council has done nothing about our enslavement!”

Tyler: “Look jackass, that’s not why we’re here. Besides I think murder is a bigger problem than enslavement!”

Doreen: “Enough of this! The council made a decision on that matter a long time ago, now is not the time to revisit it.”
Jonah: “If you had your way, we would never revisit it. The problems genies face mean nothing to you!”

Caleb: “While I agree that the predicament the genies are in is terrible and tragic, but their lives are not in danger, so the current matter must take a priority.”

Will: “Back to the matter at hand. At first vampires were the only ones that were noticed as being missing, but with the discovery of a werewolf body, identical to many of the vampire bodies which have been found, this is clearly not isolated to vampires.”

Edmond: “There have been werewolves who have been disappearing for awhile, but we’ve been handling it.”

Issac: “You’ve been keeping this a secret! You are a fool, we could have gotten a start on this much earlier! I may not be a big fan of vampires, but at least they had the decency to be honest!”

Reisa: “The entire situation is unfortunate, but what can we actually do about it? We have no knowledge about who is responsible.”

Ohio: “I know this is my first meeting, but isn’t that why we’re all here? The werewolves and vampires aren’t the only ones with people going missing, and entire coven of witches has vanishes as well.”
Doreen: *frowns disapprovingly*

Jonah: “Genies are so frequently imprisoned in lamps that it’s impossible to differentiate who’s been enslaved and who’s disappeared!”

Caleb: “Fairies are typically free spirits, we come and go as we please, so disappearances won’t be noticed right away, however when I learned what was going on, I did a survey, and there does seem to be a few fairies who have disappeared.”

Bernard: “We already know that others must be going missing, though it is nice to have it confirmed, what are we actually going to do about it?”

Tyler: “We should hunt down whoever is responsible and kill them all!”

Edmond: “We mustn’t act to rashly now.”

Doreen: “You idiots. We can’t very well go after them if we don’t know who they are!”

Caleb: “We could form a task force or something to investigate.”

Tyler: “And who’s going to be leading this task force, cause I sure as hell ain’t following around some witch or vampire!”

Will: “This isn’t about species politics, everyone is in danger!”

Issac: “What would someone as young as you know? Your father never even had a chance to train you before he croaked!”

Bernard: “Don’t you dare talk about our father like that! Besides, we’re vampires, we may look young, but we’re probably older than you are!”

Doreen: “Enough of this bickering! Each species will do their own investigations and representatives will meet up to exchange their findings.”

Tyler: “Fine by me. As long as I’m not looked down upon by any stuck up witches, fairies, vampires, or genies.”

Will: “It sounds like everyone’s already done a bit of investigation, so we should compare notes now.”

Will: “Vampires seem to be disappearing one by one. There’s been no clear evidence on how it’s happening, but my own investigations indicate that it isn’t just one person behind this, but a whole organization.”

Doreen: “Only a single coven of witches has disappeared, but it seems that they were all taken at once.”

Caleb: “Fairies have been disappearing one by one, and from what I’ve found out from things they’ve said to friends and family members, it seems like they were all lured away.”

Edmond: “An entire pack has been taken, and much like the witches coven, they have all disappeared at once. However some rogue and packless wolves seem to have also been taken in a manner similar to that of the fairies and vampires.”

Issac: “There have been less and less reports of lamps being located, and I have suspected for some time that someone was hoarding them. Maybe it is this organization that has been taking everyone else.”

Will: “Someone should also reach out to the mermaids. They may be trying to deal with this themselves, but they will likely have valuable information.”

Issac: “Us genies aren’t going to reach out to those fish lovers! They should have come to the meeting like everyone else.”

Tyler: “Werewolves have enough to deal with without adding mermaid tracking duty to the list!”

Doreen: “I am far too old for such a thing, but I suppose my granddaughter Susanna could go.”

Caleb: “I’ll go as well. With everything going on, I don’t think anyone should be travelling alone.”

Doreen: “It seems like everything has been decided, I declare this meeting adjourned!”

Everyone slowly trickled out, Will and I stuck behind to talk to Lydell.
Will: “Do you think any of the others will actually bother to keep in touch about their investigations?”

Lydell: “It seems like Caleb has been fairly responsible and I believe he will keep in touch. The witches will keep in touch, but will probably not share everything. The genies will probably only provide information if they’re asked, while the werewolves will probably be the most difficult of the lot, not including the mermaids of course.”

Lydell: “I have faith that the two of you will be able to get past all the supernatural politics and figure out what is really going on. Your parents would have been very proud of the men you have become.”

And that’s it for the Council Meeting! I am now going to give you a bunch of background information I haven’t been able to work into the story yet. Let’s start with the Council make-up, you’ll notice that not all of the Sims 3 occults were represented. As hinted earlier (With Ontario and his experience with other aliens), aliens are not an accepted member of the supernatural community and thus don’t have seats on the Council. While the supernatural community is aware of ghosts, only some people can seem them. When it comes to ghosts, people fall into one of three categories, people that can’t see ghosts, people that can, and people that can only see them if they believe in ghosts. All witches have the ability to see ghosts, however most of the Council and the supernatural population fall in the first category. It was decided that there was no point in having ghosts on the Council if most people can’t even see or hear them. Imaginary Friends do exist in this world, but most of the supernatural community is completely unaware of their existence. Simbots and Plumbots are considered to be human inventions, and thus not apart of the supernatural community. Due to the rarity of Plantsims they also do not have seats on the Council and are often lumped in with being the responsibility of fairies to deal with.

Alright, next is lifespans. Most supernaturals do not live forever, while many of them have an extended lifespans, there are a handful of family lines which are considered immortal (They can still be killed, but stop physically aging once they reach maturity). Seats on the Council are inherited, they pass from parent to eldest child, Bernard and Will both have seats, since both their parents were Council members and part of the two family lines of vampires which are considered immortal. It was a big scandal when their parents married, since the two immortal lines had never joined before. Bernard is the older brother and inherited their father’s seat, while Will inherited their mother’s. The two fairy seat holders are also members of immortal family lines among fairies. No one is quite sure which family lines among witches are immortal, since witches have found ways to slow, stop, and reverse their aging if they chose. The witches have refused to share how they do this with anyone else, which has caused a large rift between the witches and the werewolves, genies, and mermaids. None of the other members of the Council are part of their species immortal family lines, though their aging is slower then the rest of their species so they can live for quite a long time.

As for Lydell, well, as Bernard says, no one quite knows what’s going on with him. He has hosted the Council meetings for as long it has existed, he claims to be fully human, but no one seems to know why he doesn’t age. In Council meetings he tends to act like a moderator of sorts, stepping in to calm things down when it gets too heated (For a Council meeting this was fairly tame, Lydell has had to replace the chairs and tables countless times due to brawling).

If anyone has any questions about any of this, let me know, and I’ll do my best to clarify things. Anyways, see you next time!

2.4 Encroaching Threats

Welcome back to the Holt Legacy! It’s been awhile since I last updated, I hade to review my previous posts to figure out where I am in the plot. Last time Alberta and Nunavut were born, Ontario and Ruthven became children and blackmailed Ohio into taking them to the cemetery.

BERNARD POV

Aria truly dotes on her children and does her best to attend to their every need, though I do worry about Texas’ lack of involvement in their life.

While I will not risk my son’s life by getting involved in whatever’s been going on, I can’t help but notice public opinion on supernatural life states has been getting even worse. There seems to be even talk about legalizing hunting down anyone who isn’t an ordinary human… What will happen to innocent children like Ontario should this happen?

Vita’s lose hits me at odd times, I wish I could ask her why she betrayed and spied on me. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and I swear I see her beside me. Did she ever really love me, or was I just a means to an ends.

Ruthven doesn’t seem to be bothered by the lack of a mother in his life. He does get curious sometimes, but he seems happy playing with Ontario. The two of them have become quite close, though I’m not sure why Ohio seems so annoyed by them.

Alberta is growing fast, she even began talking the other day.

The one thing Texas never skimps on is throwing parties for his children.

Which are soon to increase in number.

Quebec and Ohio are both getting older. I can’t believe Ohio is a young adult already, it seems only yesterday he was the sweet baby Faith brough home.

The rise of a full moon seems to have lead to a number of uninvited guests.

Quebec seems to have grown to be rather annoyed with just about everything, I have never known a child to frown so much.

Ohio on the other hand is blooming with a new confidence, I can’t help but be proud of the man he’s become.

I’m not sure what happened, but Texas seems to be taking more of an interest in his children. He even helping to potty train Alberta!

Ohio: “I don’t know who my father is and I doubt I ever will, but what I do know is that he was a witch. I know this because I’m a witch too. I’ve struggled trying to figure it out on my own, but I’ve finally managed to track down other witches, a coven that is willing to take me in and train me… But I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye, I know I haven’t always been the easiest to deal with, and I really want you to understand why I’m leaving. I’m not sure how much contact I’ll have with everyone once I leave.”

Bernard: “A witch? I do wish you told me sooner, I may not have much experiences with witches, but I do have some contacts I could have talked to. While I do wish you would stay, I know that there’s a lot of trouble brewing here, and you are better off far away from all of this.”
Ohio: “Trouble? What trouble?”
Bernard: “It’s not important, go to your coven, and try and call me every once in a while, or maybe write a letter, or smoke signals or something.”
Ohio: “Do you even know smoke signals?”
Bernard: “No… But I could learn?”
Ohio: “I think I’ll stick to phone calls. See ya later Bernie.”

Saying goodbye to Ohio was hard, but I know he’s just a phone call away. Texas seems perfectly content to fill the house with his children, and I am struck by just how much Alberta looks like her father.

Aria has taken to playing guitar around the house, and I find my self remembering fondly how Faith used to do the same.

The children are all thriving in school, and despite the growing prejudice against supernaturals, Ontario and Ruthven seem to be having no problems.

Soon it’s time for my boys to grow older, I can’t believe how big they’re getting.

Ruthven is getting closer to being an adult.

And Orlok is ready to start school.

While Faith and Texas are still not on the best of terms and content to ignore each other, Faith and Aria seem to get along quite well. I gather that Faith believes Aria to be a good influence on Texas.

Texas may be far from perfect, but it’s always been clear how much he loves his wife.

Soon enough it was time for their newest child to enter the world.

Just as a party for one of their other children was commencing.

It wasn’t long before baby Newfoundland joined the family.

Just in time for Nunavut’s birthday.

Much like Alberta, she’s clearly Texas’ daughter.

Quebec however has endless complaints about having to share a room with her sister.

I caught Texas coming home from work the other day… I’m still not entirely sure what he does, but he seemed to be in a good mood, something about getting close to his goal.

It was later that I noticed we had a feathered visitor to the backyard!

I had never seen a creature quite like it before, it was fascinating.

Nunavut has been reluctant to start talking, but with Aria’s help I’m sure she’ll be a chatterbox in no time.

Texas said he had some business to attend to in town. I suppose it was a few days later that I learned that the CEO of some big company resigned and was replaced with someone I’m sure I’ve seen at Texas’ parties before. I’m sure Texas is completely uninvolved with all of this.

The children have been instructing me in the art of video gaming, I must say it is rather enjoyable.

The children have also been making full use of the pool.

I had a difficult time convincing Orlok that it was time for him to go to bed.

Soon enough it was time for Aria’s birthday. She insisted that she didn’t want a party and so only the family celebrated it.

Despite their age gap, Ruthven and Orlok are actually quite close. I am reminded less and less of Vita, maybe one day I can fully put her memory to rest.

While she may have been reluctant to start talking, Nunavut has been overly eager to start walking, there have been a lot of falls and crying, but she seems to have finally managed it.

With a family as big as this one, there always seems to be a birthday on the horizon.

Ontario is already entering high school.

Unfortunately I found myself to victim of a strange occurrence.

Fortunately they were very disappointed in finding out I was a vampire and let me go immediately.

Quebec remains as grumpy as ever. The other day she tried to do a dive into the pool only to belly flop. She declared the entire thing pointless, and wants nothing more to do with swimming.

I was suddenly struck by how old they were getting when Ruthven and Ontario announced prom was coming up. I may have needed reminding on just what prom is (I still don’t entirely get the point of it), but I’m so proud that Ruthven was declared the king (However that works). Ontario seems to have become enamored with some girl he met there.

It didn’t take long for there to be more birthdays to celebrate.

I’m not entirely sure how it happened, but one of the cakes caught fire!

Texas quickly swooped in to take care of it.

It didn’t take long for the school to begin calling the house saying Alberta has been stealing things from her classmates. Alberta denies it, so I’m sure it’s all just a misunderstanding.

Newfoundland seems to have inherited Texas’ hair colour like much of his other siblings.

Now that Ontario is a teenager I have noticed some more of his alien heritage cropping up. He no longer seems to sleep, he spends his nights playing chess instead.

I was surprised when Will called me insisting that we meet, since last we spoke he said he was going to be keeping his distance, at least until my sons were older.
Will: “I know I said I wouldn’t contact you until your boys were adults, but something important has happened. Bodies have begun to turn up, Constance was horribly mutilated and was barely identifiable. Sometimes all that’s been found is an arm or a leg. I few towns over a torso turned up with all its organs removed.”

Bernard: “Why tell me all this? I’m not involved remember?”
Will: “This is getting bad Bernard, I don’t think whoever is responsible for this cares about your involvement. With most of the bodies turning up here, it’s clear that Sunset Valley is in the middle of all of this. You know I’ve been trying to figure out what was going on, and recently someone tried to kill me. Whoever’s doing this won’t care about collateral damage. I can’t tell you what to do, but I don’t think your boys are safe here anymore.”
Bernard: “If they’re not safe here, then where?”
Will: “There’s lots of places you could send them, or your could move away, but with what you told me about Vita, I’m worried that whoever’s behind this is just as interested in you as they are me. Whether you like it or not.”

I may not always get along with Will, but I trust him. If he says my boys aren’t safe here I believe him. In the end I found myself calling a vampire friendly boarding school with excellent security. Soon I will have to send my sons away.

I felt unbalanced, and not even the joy of seeing Newfoundland take his first steps seems to distract me.

It broke my heart to tell my boys that I was sending them away. I think they understood, but they were still upset about having to leave their friends.

This is for the best. They’re in too much danger here.

I was certainly melancholy for awhile, I called the boys frequently, but it wasn’t the same as having them here. At least Texas seems to be taking a proper interest in Newfoundland, coaching him through his first words.

Their family is growing even bigger as Aria announced her latest pregnancy.

Faith is beginning to get so frail, I worry she won’t have much time left with us.

Quebec refused to have a party for her birthday, claiming that she hated them anyways. I can’t help but wonder if she’s lonely, she doesn’t seem to have any friends.

Maybe things will be different as she enters high school.

Other

Sometime during all of this, the other house, which is currently housing just Will got robbed.

The burglar took the radio and a toilet.

And like Bernard, Will also got abducted by aliens, but at least he didn’t end up with an alien baby either.

And it’s trait time, there were a lot of birthdays this post. Quebec got Grumpy for her child birthday and Adventurous for her teen birthday, Ohio became Grumpy, Ruthven got Equestrian, Orlok Vehicle Enthusiast, Ontario is now Childish, Newfoundland was born Easily Impressed and Loves the Cold, while Alberta is now Kleptomaniac. That’s all for now folks! I’m hoping to get the rest of this generation posted by the end to the month, see you next time!

SimNaNo Count

Update #1
Words: 1935
Pictures: 69

2.3 Fast Growing Family

Welcome back to the Holt Legacy! Last time quite a bit happened, Texas found Arizona, killed Denver, and then Arizona and Manitoba went on the run. Vita died and it was discovered that she’d been spying on Bernard the whole time, Quebec and Orlok were born, and Ohio came home from boarding school.

TEXAS POV

It was an interesting turn of events today, when Aria’s father showed up at the warehouse. He’s apparently been involved for quite some time, but rarely makes an appearance. Being married to his daughter can only improve my standing, I’m practically the heir to his side of the business.

Aria has once more been feeling unwell lately, but as we’ve been trying for another child, it could be the first sign of our success.

She spends a lot of time taking care of Ontario, despite the fact she isn’t technically his mother. I can’t bring myself to get close to him, is even really my son, or was I just used to bring him into the world? He may be just an innocent toddler, but I can’t trust him.

I’m far too busy protecting this family, so the childcare is mostly left up to Aria, though she still somehow makes time for her dreams. She never seems to complain about being left with the kids most of the time, part of me still wonders if one day she’ll wake up and realize I’m not the person she thinks I am.

Faith helps, sometimes. I guess. She apparently retired, I don’t know what she was thinking, now she just sits around all day on her ass. Hmph, and she once thought she could actually protect her own children, as if. I protect my family, unlike her.

Aria came to me in tears, apparently the maid tried to make off with Quebec.

But quickly realized that she could never get away with it. I told Aria not to worry about it, I fired her. She’s now nothing but ashes in one of the warehouse incinerators. No one messes with my family.

Quebec’s birthday was soon upon us, and what better way to celebrate than a party!

Aria somehow convinced me to let Faith carry Quebec to her cake. I find myself doing things just to make her happy. Family, love, they’re all weaknesses, but ones I must bear and find myself unable to get rid of.

Quebec surprised everyone by ending up with a head full of black hair.

I love Aria, but sometimes I feel as if there is a distance between us, there are things I can never tell her. It’s better this way.

I can’t let my weaknesses hold me back, but that doesn’t stop me from being thrilled with Aria’s announcement.

What’s even better is that I managed to finally get rid of another one of those bastards who was behind what happened to Arizona. Soon everyone will know not to mess with the Holt’s.

OHIO POV

With Mom’s silence on the identity of my father, I’ve been forced to try and piece together my heritage bit by bit. I’m not normal, I know that now. I can make things happen sometimes without meaning too. I have magic. I’ve been reaching out to other people, trying to figure out someone who knows something. From various suggestions, I’ve acquired a wand which will help me channel my abilities. It’s amazing the difference it makes.

I know Bernie’s been upset ever since his wife died, but for some reason I’m the only person in this house able to see that she is not completely gone.

She hangs out around the house sometimes, I can’t help but feel like she’s sad. I don’t know what to do, if there even is something I can do.

BERNARD POV

Texas and Aria have announce they’re expecting again!

The family is growing larger, and Aria always makes sure that the children know that they are loved.

Vita’s loss is still a wound I don’t know how to deal with. It’s bittersweet to see our sons growing up without her.

Ruthven looks so much like her, I love him to bits, but he is an ever constant reminder of her.

While Orlok is less of a reminder of Vita, I can’t help but see her. She betrayed me, but I can’t help but love and miss her still.

Ruthven is such a brilliant boy, I know I wasn’t nearly as smart as he is when I was his age. He asked me about Vita, he doesn’t really remember her. I didn’t know what to say. Will is the only other person I’ve told about what she did. My sons are safer if they don’t know.

They both still need me, and teaching Orlok gives me something to focus on. It stops me from dwelling on the situation. I have to keep my distance from Will, at least until they’re old enough.

Faith seems to have given up on having a relationship with Texas, so I tried talking to him. He’s adamant that he wants nothing to do with her, he still blames her for Arizona. What happened wasn’t really Faith’s fault, but Texas still refuses to accept it.

At least Texas doesn’t frequently argue with Faith like he used to. That would not be a good situation to raise a family in.

Especially with the latest addition of his daughter Alberta.

I can’t believe how things have changed. I remember when I first met Faith, she was young, vibrant, and now… I can’t help but feel as if life has gotten the better of her. She lost a child, I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose one of my sons.

And she was Texas’ twin sister… I should stop dwelling on the past, nothing good ever comes from that.

Texas is as vibrant as Faith used to be. I think they’re more alike than either of them seem to believe, both so confident and resolute in their decisions.

Despite being an alien, Ontario doesn’t seem to be too different from a normal toddler. I guess in some ways beings are all alike that way. Toddlers depend on their caregivers.

Orlok has been growing so fast, he already said his first word the other day. I do my best not to think about Vita, but sometimes I can’t help it.

Quebec seems to love doing her own thing, and while I know Texas does love his children, I do worry that he’s too focused on his career to spend anytime with them. Not that he’s willing to tell anyone what his career is.

Ruthven was telling me about his homework the other day, and I didn’t understand any of it! It can be easy to forget how much the world changes. When you’re immortal, it’s so easy to simply sit on the sidelines.

TEXAS POV

There is nothing that makes me happier than all the pieces of a carefully laid out plan falling into place. My scheme to identify everyone complicit in Arizona’s kidnapping is going perfectly, soon I will know about every last one of them.

My two perfect daughters. I will make sure they never have to suffer through anything like that.

I can’t say that Bernie has ever been the brightest person I know, but recently I’ve noticed he’s been staring into space a lot, thinking. Somethings going on, but he seems to be trying to pretend that everything’s fine, not that he’s ever been good at that.

I can protect this family enough for the both of us, I’ve got more important things on my mind.

Aria and I are expecting another child!

Speaking of kids, at least Bernie’s knows how to make himself useful.

Unlike Faith who only ever sparingly pays attention to her own grandchildren.

BERNARD POV

Ruthven is always so excited to tell me about his day at school, but I worry what would happen if his school were to find out he was a vampire. The view towards supernaturals has not gotten any better in Sunset Valley, if anything, it’s gotten worse.

Aria’s spent so much of her time cooped up in the house, I was happy to watch the kids while got out for a bit.

Soon it was time for Ontario to blossom into childhood.

Aside from his appearance, Ontario seems to be like any other child, despite his alien status.

Ruthven likes to pretend his mother is still here sometimes and talks to her. I’m not sure what to think of this, but he’s not harming anyone.

Everything seems to be peaceful for now, I can only hope that it will last.

OHIO POV

Ruthven: “What are you doing Ohio? Can I see?”
Ohio: “Just go away, I don’t need any interruptions, I keep my door locked for a reason, how did you even get in here?”
Ruthven: “I learned how to pick locks from the computer!”
Ohio: “Please, go away!”

Ohio: “Look, just stay out of my room from now on.”
Ruthven: “What do you need a cauldron for anyway?”
Ontario: “Ohio has a cauldron?”
Ohio: “Just both of you keep quiet about this alright!”

After Ruthven sneaking into my room and blabbing to Ontario, I just happened to walk into the kitchen at the wrong moment. Mother seemed to be trying to patch things up with Texas.

In typical Texas fashion, he threw it all back in her face. Why is Texas worthy of her attention, for her to beg forgiveness from, when she’s never even tried to pay me more than a cursory glance? Why does she want him and not me?

Ruthven and Ontario haven’t said anything yet, but Ruthven keeps threatening to spill the beans.

To make matters worse Texas decided to throw another party. Ruthven still isn’t happy that I’m not telling him what I’m up to, he’s threatening to blurt it out at the party.

I ended up promising that I’d take him and Ontario to the cemetery if he’d keep his mouth shut, not that I know why they want to go to the cemetery of all places.

The party in question was for Texas and Alberta.

Yet another toddler in the house. How many of these things are Texas and Aria planning to have?

I’m just glad I haven’t been forced to witness any births yet.

Even when yet another child is born. The latest is named Nunavut.

Ohio: “Alright, we’re at the cemetery. You two promise not to say anything and stay out of my room?”
Ruthven: “Yep!”
Ontario: “Sure.”

Ohio: “Why do you even want to be here anyway?”
Ruthven: “There’s suppose to be tunnels underneath the mausoleum with all sorts of cool stuff in them!”

Ohio: “We are never talking about this again. Nothing happened, I don’t need your parents on my ass.”

Ontario: “Agreed.”
Ruthven: “I’m never telling anyone EVER.”

Other

In case anyone was wondering what was at the end of a rainbow, it’s apparently the Holt family home.

Arizona is still technically kicking around town, and story progression gave her and Liam a daughter. Faith’s hair colour seems to be a really prominent gene.

Vita started haunting the kitchen table while Ontario was trying to eat breakfast.

And Faith decided it would be a good idea to walk around naked for awhile.

And that’s it for this post! As for traits, Ruthven is now Neat, Ontario is Grumpy, Alberta’s Grumpy and Easily Impressed, and Nunavut is Excitable and Hates the Outdoors. See you next time!

2.2 Life Goes On

Welcome back to the Holt Legacy! Last time Vita had a boy called Ruthven, Texas was abducted by aliens twice, which resulted in a baby boy called Ontario, and Texas and Aria got married. Also in case you’re wondering the heir poll will happen after 2.7.

BERNARD POV

Ruthven is growing so fast, I can’t believe it. I think he looks like Vita, while she thinks he looks more like me.

He looks up at me with such innocent eyes, I can’t bare the thought of anything happening to him.

I can only hope he keeps his innocence as long as possible. No child should be forced to grow up too early.

There is something strange about the maid, but I can’t quite put my finger on it… Her blood. There’s a scent to it. One I’ve never smelled before…

TEXAS POV

Aria has been feeling unwell lately, and while I hate to see her suffer, I can’t help but be excited by what it may mean.

She’s adopted Ontario has her own. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have her around.

I tried to write off what Ohio told me about his classmate, but I couldn’t quite forget about it. Then, one of my contacts came through.
Contact: “Look, you didn’t hear it from me, but I found something. She’s alive alright, you’ll find her at 1563 Summercourt Lane. Be careful, this could get real messy real fast, anything that happens is not my problem.”
Texas: “Everything I do, I do on my own. I don’t need anyone’s help to handle this.”

I arrived at the house, and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked through the window. It was really Arizona, I had thought her dead for so long. I don’t know who this asshole thinks he is, but Arizona is coming home with me.

Then, he hit her. My blood boiled, how dare he! Arizona is my family, MINE! No one lays a finger on what is mine.

He had to pay.
Arizona: “Texas?”

I’m going to make sure this bastard never touches my family again.

Arizona: “What did you do?? Texas, you killed him!”
Texas: “He was hurting you! I couldn’t let him get away with it.”
Arizona: “That’s not the point, Denver has connections, a lot of connections. Every police officer in town will be looking for his killer!”

Texas: “I won’t get caught. As far as anyone knows, I have no motive to kill him.”
Arizona: “There’s me! He kidnapped me, forced me into marriage, and made me bare his child! What more motive do you need?”

Texas: “But no one knows that! The police declared you dead years ago, they even gave us a body they said was yours. We deal with the body, and then you leave, go anywhere you’d like. I’ll give you enough money for whatever you need. But you can’t ever come back or even keep in contact, it’s the only way we can both be free. You’re just at much at risk of being arrested for this as I am. If he’s as powerful as you say, you’re not going to get off light either, afterall, you just stood there and watched it all!”

Arizona: “Whatever we do, I’m not going anywhere without my son. I refuse to abandon him.”
Texas: “Fine. I’ve got some connections of my own, I’ll get him to you.”

The ground was cold, hard, and covered with snow. But eventually we managed to dig a grave for Denver, may his body be never found. Arizona told me everything that had happened as we worked, and I told her about the family, Faith’s secret, Bernard and Vita, Ohio, Aria, and even about Ontario and Ruthven. This is the last time we’ll ever be able to talk to each other.
I arrange everything, it didn’t take long before I was standing there watching Arizona and her son drive away.

I feel like something has shifted, the world seems just a little brighter now that I know Arizona is still alive. It seems like the world keeps giving me things, Aria has announced her suspicions were right, and she’s expecting our first child!

Arizona may be safe, and Denver dead, but he wasn’t the only person involved in this. The police gave us a body, I’m going to make sure everyone involved gets what’s coming to them.

VITA POV

Ruthven has brought me so much joy, but I can’t help but worry. They have spies everywhere, I fear it’s only a matter of time before they find out.

I am compromised, I can admit that now. I care about Bernard and our little family too much, I can’t believe he’s involved in this mess, whatever his familial connections.

But maybe that’s just wishful thinking, especially now that there’s likely to be another child on the horizon.

I can only hope the Holts manage to stay out of this mess as long as possible. Bernard really seems to care about all of them.

BERNARD POV

Bernard: “Faith, I know I’m far from an expert on a lot of things, but I’ve lived a very long time. If you don’t at least try to make amends with Texas, both of you will regret it. I know you love him, despite your loss, despite how difficult I know he can be. Please, I don’t want to see you two so angry anymore.”
Faith: “I… You’re right… I think I’ve know that for a long time. I’ve been so foolish, I just only wanted to keep them safe, all of them, but I just didn’t see how my silence, my distance could harm anyone but me. I’ll try, but I think it may already be too late. Texas is not going to forgive me anytime soon.”

I’m not so convinced about Faith’s pessimistic opinion, Texas has seemed to be much happier as of late. I think starting a family with Aria has brought him real joy. He even decided to through a party in celebration of the holidays.

I’m terribly excited, I’ve never celebrated the winter holidays before!

Aria seemed to spend the first half of the party telling anyone and everyone about her pregnancy. Texas was equally enthusiastic, I’d never really thought about Texas wanting children, he always seemed not to care much for them.

Vita insisted that Ruthven should stay upstairs, away from everyone during the party. I was happy to agree, the less people who know about him, the safer he’ll be, especially with everything Will has told me.

The honor of opening the first present went to Aria’s sister. I’ve never seen so many presents in one place before!

Faith hasn’t yet talked to Texas, but I can see that she’s trying to get on his good side. She didn’t even make a fuss about the mistletoe and rainbow light she got, though I could tell she wanted to. Personally I think they were great gifts, I don’t know what she was so upset about!

I opened my first ever present!

I got a guitar! I’m not sure if I’ll ever play it, but I love it!

Texas got an umbrella and a fishbowl. I thought they were rather practical, but Texas burst out laughing, something about an inside joke.

The party finished and everyone left. Ruthven was no longer confined to his room, and soon enough he took his first steps! I can’t believe I witnessed such amazing milestone.

Texas seems to be equally thrilled about his upcoming child, and has been reading everything he can about pregnancy and babies. While I never expected it, I’m glad Texas is such an eager father!

It wasn’t long before Vita announced we were expecting another child! While everything that’s going on is still a concern, I can’t help but be overjoyed.

Ruthven is such a smart child! He’s already begun to figure out the peg box, I can’t believe how much he’s grown!

Vita is stilled just as much an avid writer as she always is. I’m so proud of everything she’s accomplished!

To make things even better, Faith decided to let Ohio come home from boarding school!

He’s grown so much since I’ve last seen him!

The family maid seems to have been paying a lot of attention to Ruthven and Ontario. It’s a little odd, but she hasn’t done anything yet.

Bernard: “WHAT DO I DO??? I’M NOT PREPARED FOR THIS!!!!”

Vita: “Bernard, calm down. Texas is her to the hospital. Everything will be fine.”

Ohio seems to be adjusting fine to public school, but he doesn’t talk like he used to. He’s no longer the smiling happy toddler I knew. I wish I knew what was going on in his head.

It wasn’t long before Texas and Aria returned with their daughter, Quebec!

Though apparently there was some sort of tragedy at the hospital while they were there.

Ontario keeps on growing, I can just see him being an amazing big brother. Though I do worry that Texas hasn’t touched him once since he was born.

Ohio on the other hand seems to have hardly acknowledged the new addition, and spends all of his free time locked up alone in his room.

Sometimes I swear there are strange smells coming from his room. I have no idea what he could be up to.

Despite everything going on with vampires going missing, it’s hard to worry when it all seems so far away and good things seem to be happening.

Ohio seems to be finally opening up, he was talking rather enthusiastically with Aria the other day. I’m so glad she got him to talk.

While Texas seems to be ignoring Ontario, Aria treats him as if he were her own. I’m glad he has someone to look after him.

I can’t help but wonder how I got so lucky whenever I see Vita and Ruthven together.

Ontario seems to be progressing so rapidly. He’s already talking… I wish I knew more about aliens, but unfortunately we’re all going into this mess blind.

Ohio seems to be spending less time in his room, and has even taken to working out in front of the tv. I’m glad he finally seems to be settling back in.

Soon enough, it was time for my second child to enter the world.

It was another beautiful boy. Vita and I called him Orlok.

TEXAS POV

The police pulled me out of work today, the nerve! They want to question me about the disappearance of Denver Sikes.

Faith: “Well, I’ve achieved my dream. I’m a Rock Star.”

Faith: “I’m too old for this crap. I retire.”

The police have nothing. The kept asking me questions about him, but they refuse to admit that they knew Arizona was still alive and with that bastard. They suspect I know, but they can’t prove anything, not without admitting the truth. They wanted to just chuck me in prison, but I’ve got too many connections, they can’t do anything without proof.

BERNARD POV

My boys, I can’t believe how my life turned out. I would have never imagined this when I was younger, not even when I first met Faith, but here I am. I feel like nothing could go wrong.

Vita: “Hello?”
Voice: “Did you think we would never find out? You have failed us, and you know the punishment for failure.“
Vita: “I know.”
*Dial tone*

Vita: “Bernard, I love you and our boys so much, just remember that.”
Bernard: “Why would I ever doubt that?”
Vita: “I think it’s time you read my books… I love you.”

Bernard: “Vita?”

Bernard: “VITA!!!!”

She was supposed to be safe, they were all supposed to be safe. How could this have happened? What am I supposed to do now?

Vita wanted me to read her books… I couldn’t even look at them at first, but eventually I gave in. What I found, the secrets she kept from, how can I trust anything that happened between us? She lied.

I no longer know what to believe, but I can’t help but continue to love Vita, despite her betrayal. A mausoleum was built in the backyard.

Vita now rests there, along with her portrait, I can’t bare to look at it every night.

I was so confused about everything, I needed to talk to someone.
Bernard: “Will? I need to talk to you.”

Bernard: “Vita’s dead! I don’t know what happened, but she was spying on me.”

Will: “Slow down, what happened?”
Bernard: “Vita, she hugged me, told me she loved me and our boys, and the asked me to read one of her books. She. She just. Dropped dead. I read one of her books. And. She was spying on me. Some sort of organization. They wanted to know if we were in contact. I don’t. What’s going on?”

Will: “I don’t know, I’ve never heard of this before. I think this means I’m getting somewhere with my investigation and people are nervous. I’m going to look into it, do my best to find out everything I can. You just need to go home and look after those boys, they’ll need you now, more than ever.”

Vita’s betrayal still stings, just as much as her loss, but Will is right, he usually is. My boys need me.

They have no idea about the conflict I seem to have found myself involved in. I can only hope that I can keep them safe.

That’s all for now folks! This one was quite plotty. Time for traits, Quebec is a Virtuoso and Loves the Outdoors, while Orlok is Athletic and Brave. See you next time!

2.0 That Was Some Party

Hello and welcome back to the Holt Legacy! Last time Bernard and Vita got married, Bernard’s brother William was introduced, and Texas became a young adult! Funny story about the title of this post. So after I finished writing the last post I went to figure out what pictures would go in this post and come up with a title, which is something I tend to do whenever I finish a post. It wasn’t until I was trying to save the opening photo did I discover that I had already done this, and just completely forgot about it. The title I gave this post both times, months apart, was the exact same thing.

TEXAS POV

I’m still not high enough to risk asking questions that will get me real answers. I’ve been schmoozing my boss, he’s old and childless, I’m going to become the son he never had, and thus the natural heir to his empire.

I’ve got to keep my mind sharp

And my body in top condition. I’ve got to play along until I’m the one in charge of it all.

Bernie spends his time not caring for that brat of a brother the slut I’m stuck with as a mom had and refused to even care for, or wooing that wife of his (who moved in without so much as consulting me!), painting bizarre things in that room of his. (Why do I even let him continue to live here for?)

Then the piece of work who birthed me has been making up things about strange lights for attention. The only reason I haven’t kicked her out yet is the house is still technically hers.

BERNARD POV

Texas has been in a bit of a mood lately, so I’ve decided to paint his portrait, maybe it’ll cheer him up. I think I’ll paint paintings of everyone in the family as a way to make sure I never forget them… I am prone to forgetting things.

As a matter of fact I always seem to be forgetting the kind of books my darling Vita writes. She assures me that she doesn’t mind, that they wouldn’t be my cup of tea anyway, and that me reading them isn’t all that important, in fact she’d rather I didn’t. It doesn’t stop me from making sure the bookshelf has a full collection of her works. I’m so proud of her.

I still worry about Ohio, there seems to be something strange about him. I hope it just has to do with Faith’s treatment of him, but what if it’s something more?

Not to mention sometimes I walk into his room, and I swear I smell smoke.

And sometimes he talks about funny lights, but all toddler say weird things like that don’t they?

Ohio’s toddlerhood flew by, I can’t believe how big he’s getting.

OHIO POV

I know some kids are lonely not having anyone to play with, but I’ve never minded. Actually I think I have more fun playing by myself.

Bernie’s been the best, I know moms and dads are suppose to look after you, but while I do wish Mom would pay more attention to me, I love Bernie.

Texas is my older brother, and he’s to coolest. He wears such cool clothes, doesn’t care what anyone ever seems to think of him, and he’s so strong and smart. I want to be just like him when I grow up.

I don’t really look much like anyone in my family, and sometimes strange things seem to happen around me. Regardless of what anyone says, my toys really did used to disappear sometimes. I wonder if my dad has anything to do with all of this, I wish I could ask him, but I don’t know who he is, no one does… Except Mom.

Ohio: “Hey Mom, I was just wondering if you could tell me about Dad?”

Faith: “He doesn’t matter, nothing about him is important. In fact I’ve been meaning to tell you, I’m sending you to boarding school. It’s for your own good.”
Ohio: “WHAT? How could you?! I don’t want to leave my family!!”

Ohio: “How could she do this to me Bernie? I thought she loved me.”
Bernard: “Faith loves you, in her own way, even if she’s to stubborn to show or say it. And I love you, just remember that.”
Ohio: “I will Bernie.”

Bernard: “I could you do that?! Just send him away without any warning!”
Faith: “He’s my son, not yours!”
Bernard: “I’m the one who raised him!”
Faith: “He’s going to boarding school, it’s already done!”

ARIZONA POV

Arizona: “Now that Manitoba is a child, I was thinking he could go to boarding school, get the best education possible.”

Denver: “Hm, you may not have very many good ideas, but there are some excellent boarding schools. Ones that’ll make sure he won’t turn into a pansy. But you’d better behave, or I might change my mind.”
Arizona: “You don’t have to worry about me, not anymore.”

I know Manitoba won’t be pleased with me, but he doesn’t know what a terrible person his father is, that I’m not even here by choice.

This is his best chance of being free of that monster.

Manitoba: “I hate this, why do you have to send me away?”
Arizona: “It’s for your own good… You’ll understand when you’re older.”
Manitoba: “What’s there to understand? Do you not love me anymore?”
Arizona: “Of course I still love you! More than anything, you just have to trust me when I say this is for the best.”
Manitoba: “Fine.”

OHIO POV

I don’t want to go. I want to stay here with Bernie and Vita, I wish I had them for parents. Instead I’m stuck with Faith, who doesn’t even want me.

I don’t know what boarding school will even be like. Can I even play video games there? What will the food be like? No one will tell me anything.

Why do I have to go?

MANITOBA POV

This sucks. Why can’t Mom at least come with me to the airport, why do I have to go on my own? I don’t understand.

BERNARD POV

Texas has paid for a pool and a hot tube for the backyard. This house is turning out so much nicer than it was before.

There’s even a deck with a barbeque.

While I still miss Ohio terribly, Vita and I breaking in the hot tube quickly took my mind off of it.

I must say I’m enjoying all these new things… Though now that I think about it, where did Texas get the money to pay for all of this?

TEXAS POV

Aria called, wishing to see me, I had been so busy with work lately that I haven’t been able to spend nearly as much time with her as I would like. It was night, I should have been sleeping as I have to get up early for work tomorrow, but I couldn’t resist the chance to see her.

Even after Aria left I find myself enjoying the fresh air, the quiet. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to have a moment to myself. I’m going to ask Aria to marry me. I’ve decided, I want us to spend our lives together, she means more to me than words can express.

I have no doubt that she’ll say yes, afterall, who would turn all this down.

VITA POV

I can feel the pressure mounting. I believe in the cause, I believe in what we are trying to do, but at the same time I feel myself slipping.

Bernard has awakened feelings in me that I had thought were long gone. I feel as if I’m a young woman again.

I’m sure Bernard has nothing to do with this mess, but what if my affection for him is blinding me? I can’t let them know, they might try to get rid of him.

TEXAS POV

I had the day off and there was something I just had to do, which was throw a party of course! It’s been ages since I’ve had a party.

Naturally Aria was invited, I would never dream of leaving her out of one of my parties. I also invited her parents, I’ve got to make a good impression.

I’m not sure what Faith was thinking, the idiot. There was plenty of food, she didn’t have to make more.

This party is epic, I’m not going to tell Faith that some guests got it on in her bed, it’s a perfect screw you!

I ended up in serval photos commemorating such an epic event.

There was quite a mood change when Lisa unexpectedly went into labour.

I’ll admit, I may have panicked, just a little. But someone took Lisa to the hospital, and the party continued unhampered.

I did plenty of dancing with my guests.

My boss Xander was also here, he’s an old childless man, and has told me many times I’m like a son to him.

He even left everything to me in his will.

It may have been a bit of a shock, but it certainly wasn’t a surprise when he dropped dead during the party. Of natural causes of course, it had absolutely nothing to do with the iffy mac and cheese he ate.

At least Faith finally started to look her age, even if she still refuses to dress like it.

VITA POV

I’ve not been feeling very well lately, I’ve had a horrible suspicion as to the reason.

I don’t know what I’m going to do, if they find out, they’ll definitely think I’m compromised, and maybe I am.

I can only hope that Bernard will be pleased to learn he’s going to be a father.

TEXAS POV

I invited Aria over, I just had to see her again.

She’s so beautiful. I asked her to move in, and of course she agreed.

I’m going to do everything I can to protect her, I won’t let anyone take her from me, like Arizona was taken.

I decided it was time to ask her to marry me, I don’t want anyone else in my life.

Her answer was just as I predicted.

We spent plenty of time celebrating our new relationship status.

Faith: “So you’re the girl my son’s marrying.”
Aria: “Oh yes! Texas is the best fiancée a person could ask for. I just love him so much! He’s such a good guy.”
Faith: “Right…”

BERNARD POV

Vita: “Bernard?”
Bernard: “Yes darling.”
Vita: “I’m pregnant. You’re going to be a father.”

Bernard: “Really! That’s brilliant!”
Vita: “Oh I’m so glad you’re happy.”
Bernard: “I can’t wait to find out if it’s a boy or girl!”

And that’s all for now folks! In case you were wondering, Aria has a lifetime wish of Master of the Arts, and her traits are Good, Artistic, Loner, Never Nude, and Hates the Outdoors. Ohio aged up to be Frugal, and Manitoba is now Disciplined.

There be spoilers ahead!

I’d just like to point out that in my game Faith is still alive, there are 7 days before the oldest becomes a young adult, the oldest who isn’t even born yet when Faith became an elder! She’s currently in my game 105 days old, and I’m beginning to think she found the secret of immortality. At the rate this is going, Texas is going to be an elder before Faith dies (he has 9 days before this happens), and I would like the house space since Texas insisted on having a bunch of kids… Seriously I think he’s trying to compete with Opal from my OWBC.

This is Texas with one of his future offspring. She has Texas’ hair and eye colour which he got from Faith… I could end up with Perfect Genetics without even trying. See you next time!

1.7 A Midnight Wedding

Hello and welcome back to the Holt Legacy! This post is a bit late since I was busy moving into my residence for my Master’s degree. This post is more than a bit late now, and I really don’t have any excuses, I just haven’t felt like writing lately… Anyway, last time there was an heir poll, after which Texas was declared the new heir. This is the last post of Generation 1, next time we get to begin Generation 2.

BERNARD POV

It had been so long since Vita and I had last met face to face, and suddenly she calls me out of the blue wanting to met urgently.

Vita: “Oh Bernard! Thank you for coming so quickly.”
Bernard: “I would do anything for you my sweet. Let’s move this inside, out of the sun.”

Bernard: “So what is it that you wanted to talk to me so urgently about?”
Vita: “It’s Nick! He’s found out about me being a vampire and now wants nothing to do with me. He left me, and now I have no where else to go! He thinks I’m a monster.”

Bernard: “That’s his problem. You are the most wonderful person I’ve ever met, if he refuses to see how great you are, that’s his loss. As for where you’re going to stay, you can stay with me.”
Vita: “Oh Bernard, how can I ever thank you.”

Bernard: “You never have to. I’ve dreamed of asking you this from the moment we met, will you marry me? That idiot Nick doesn’t deserve you.”

Vita: “You make me so happy Bernard, how can I say anything other than yes. I never dreamed I would met someone like you.”

I didn’t know it at the time, but Texas had been taking advantage of an empty house and had invited his girlfriend over.

Who knows what the two of them were getting up to.

I was on my way home from talking with Vita, she just had to gather her belongings and then she we met me at the house, when I saw him.
Bernard: “What do you want?”

???: “I’ve let you be on your own for quite some time, but we have things to discuss. Alfred has vanished.”
Bernard: “So what, he does that once a century, he’ll turn up in a few decades.”
???: “Except it isn’t just Alfred. Constance, and Johnathon have disappeared too, and they don’t go anywhere without telling anyone. Vampires are disappearing Bernard, we have to do something.”

Bernard: “This has nothing to do with me Will, I walked from all of this a long time ago. It’s not my responsibility!”

Will: “It’s our responsibility Bernard, whether you like it or not.”
Bernard: “This isn’t my problem.”

Will: “So you’re just going to ignore it!? You’re going to walk away without looking back, cowering among some random human family! We have a duty Bernard, you can’t keep running forever!”
Bernard: “I told you. It’s not my problem!”
And thus Will and I parted on less then friendly terms, though now that he’s found me, I doubt this will be our last encounter.

The most bizarre thing happen once I returned, a strange gnome had been shoved into the metal box I’m now certain is called a mailbox. I wasn’t sure what to do with it, so I just left it on the lawn. I get the strangest feeling that it moves when I look away, I could just be imagining things.

Ohio has grown so much from the little baby Faith first brought home. He’s a delightfully happy toddler, who for the most part is clueless to Faith’s lacking presence in his life.

Though sometimes I fear he may be aware that something isn’t quite right.

Faith may be shirking her responsibilities towards Ohio whenever possible, but I will do whatever I can to make sure he is cared for.

ARIZONA POV

I almost wish Manitoba could stay a baby forever, then I could protect him from the evils of the world.

He’s growing so fast. I can’t help but be grateful that he’s inherited very little from his father. He’s got my eyes and my mother’s hair. I still think of them sometimes, my family, but that life, the person I used to be, it all seems so far away now.

Arizona: “What are you doing?”
Denver: “Making sure you know the consequences for any funny business. The brat isn’t necessary, you do anything I don’t like, and he will pay the price.”
Arizona: “Just don’t hurt him! Please.”
Denver: “As long as you behave, no harm will come to the brat.”

Thankfully Denver didn’t do anything, I can only hope it stays that way. Manitoba means everything to me.

Despite everything, he’s such a happy toddler, it’s been a long time since I’ve felt so care free.

I know this won’t last, eventually he will grow up and realize everything he has missed. He’s not suppose to leave the attic, it’s easy to keep him here when he’s small, but eventually he will figure out that there’s something wrong. I just hope he never loses that smile of his.

BERNARD POV

I was absolutely stunned when Vita showed up with her new look. She confessed to me that she only dressed the way she did to please Nick, now that he’s gone, she can dress anyway she’d like.

It was only after she’d showed up did I realize that I had yet to tell her about the situation with Ohio, and how I was his main caregiver.

Vita was not upset at all and was far more understanding then I fell I could possibly deserve.

Vita claims that she was lucky to meet me, but in reality I’m the lucky one to have found someone like her.

She quickly took to Ohio and was more then happy to help out.

Texas and Faith are always arguing with each other now, and there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do about it. I have tried to talk to them, but neither is willing to make amends. Things are only really peaceful when at least one of them is gone, or they’re ignoring each other.

I swear that bad things always seem to happen around the strange gnome… The garbage seemed to have appeared out of nowhere!

Vita has been hard at work writing. She told me all about how she’s dreamed of being an author, but Nick had deemed such a pursuit inappropriate. It angers me to hear how Nick has treated this wonderful woman.

Vita tells me that she had always wanted more children, but Nick had always denied her. She delights in caring for Ohio, I’m glad to see Vita is happy here.

Texas on the other hand does not seemed to have warmed up to his little brother at all.

Vita’s beauty stuns me everyday, I just had to capture it on canvas.

Vita was absolutely delighted with the result which now hangs in our room.

TEXAS POV

My relationship with Aria was only ever meant to be a cover, a way to make myself seem normal, to blend in to avoid arousing suspicion.

However, she has quickly come to mean more to me then I ever thought possible. I find myself doing thins just to make her smile.

I find myself wondering if she feels the same towards me. I actually want to know her hopes and dreams, and her smile warms me more than the sun.

I can never tell her the truth, about my future job, about what I do when I spend so much time away, not coming back till the early hours of the morning. I pray she stays with me through all the uncertainty.

I think I love her… This was not in the plan.

BERNARD POV

Ohio is still a delightfully happy child, though Faith still refuses to pay him any more than passing attention. I’m sure things will change once Ohio gets older and he realizes the true unusualness of his situation.

Vita and I had a small wedding ceremony by the moonlight. It was just the two of us, but it was perfect in every way.

I’m so lucky to call this woman my wife.

It was only after Vita went inside did I notice Will standing there.

Bernard: “What are you doing here? I told you I want nothing to do with your mystery.”
Will: “I’m here because my brother is getting married. That’s not something I’m going to miss, despite our differences.”
Bernard: “Oh…”
Will: “I still care about you, even when I think you’re being an idiot.”

Now that he’s found me, Will seems determined to stick around. I hope this doesn’t cause any trouble for all of us. There was a reason I left in the first place.

LIAM POV

I can’t help but think about what Arizona told me. Is she right, am I letting my father run my life? I guess things are easier this way, if he makes all the decisions, then all the mistakes are his, not mine.

I can’t bare to take the blame for anything, I can’t mess up, but… what if letting my father choose for me is a mistake, I guess is someway I am choosing to give him control, so the mistake of the choice really lays with me. I don’t know what to do.

Arizona, she’s constantly locked in the attic with that kid. I don’t even know where he came from. She’s my wife, but I know he’s not mine.

She says he’s my fathers, but he wouldn’t do that to me… Would he?

VITA POV

I know I’m doing the right thing, I have to find out what Bernard knows, even though I’m certain he isn’t involved in this mess, his brother is. I can’t let anyone know what I’m really doing here, and while I’m certain Bernard hasn’t a clue, I’m not so certain about other members of the household. Faith is the one I’m most concerned about, Ohio is just a toddler, and Texas is occupied with his own life. Sometimes Faith looks at me and I swear she knows that something isn’t quite right with my story. I must be on guard.

I do my best to seem like a perfectly helpful member of the household, I try to help fix anything that had broken, despite my lack of experience.

I’m so used to having everything done for me, it’s been a bit of a learning curve, and I still make mistakes.

I have always wanted more children, and being around Ohio, an innocent child who is not mixed up in the messes of the world has been a breath of fresh air. I can only hope I can keep this charade up.

TEXAS POV

This is it. The day I’ve been waiting for.

Now that I’m an adult, I can officially join the organization I’ve been working towards my entire teenage years, and find out what really happened to Arizona, so I can make the people responsible pay for what they’ve done.

LIAM POV

I’m an adult now, and my father’s expectations for me have skyrocketed. I’m supposed to follow him in the family business, but the more I think about it, the less I’m certain it’s what I want to do. Should I finally stand up to him?

ARIZONA POV

I’ve spent so much of my life in this prison, forced into marriage to someone I do not love. My life before all of this feels like a dream, I feel like my life is a lost cause, but maybe I can save my son.

BERNARD POV

Texas has declared that our current house is not fit for all of us and that we need a bigger one.

I don’t know where he got the money from, Texas is very secretive about his new job, but I can’t deny it’s nice to have more space.

I’m rather surprised about how well my art is selling, I don’t use my real name of course, no one would buy something created by a supernatural, except other supernaturals. My life has changed so much since I first met Faith, and I can now safely say it has changed for the better. It has certainly expanded my knowledge of ordinary humans.

Vita is always working hard on her novels, I’m glad she finally has the chance to pursue he dreams. I love her more than I thought was possible. She is everything to me.

TEXAS POV

Now that I’m apart of the organization, I have to work my way to the top, to get the loyalty and power I need to achieve my goals.

This of course means a lot of sucking up, which involves going to strange places at odd hours.

It’s demeaning acting as the equivalent of a delivery boy, but I’ll do whatever it takes.

The graveyard at dusk, they really couldn’t have picked a more suspicious place. When I’m in charge, our drop offs will be in more subtle locations.

Of course it’s in the mausoleum surrounded by dead people, how cliché can you get?

I don’t know what they want with a flower, but it’s not my job to ask questions. Asking questions is a good way to get yourself killed.

LIAM POV

I’ve made up my mind, I’m going to do it right now, while everyone’s asleep.

Liam: “Johnny, it’s me, Liam. I’m doing it now, I’ll need you to meet me at the place we discussed.”

I almost can’t believe it, but I’m doing it. I’m walking away and never looking back. I’m free.

ARIZONA POV

Liam wasn’t at breakfast. I know if I don’t find him, Denver will blame me.

He’s not in our bed, I have no idea where he is.

But then I found the note. Liam is gone, he’s left. How could he do this to me? I was kidnapped, forced to marry him, I’m being held here against my will, and just when I finally get Liam to start think for himself, he leaves me behind. Anger simmers beneath my skin, how could he save himself, but leave me trapped her without a second thought. What kind of person does that?

I’m not surprised that Denver has decided to blame me for the entire situation. I suppose that the only good thing about this is that Manitoba is not expendable now.

OUTAKES/BLOOPERS

Bernard tried to dip kiss Vita… It didn’t really work out right.

Arizona was in the middle of making the bed when she decided it was prime time to eat a fly.

This one really amused me. Denver started a fight with Arizona, but she’s the one that ended up winning.

This was another glitch similar to the dip kiss one. Arizona got slapped, but Denver didn’t move at all from his position.

Oh, and if anyone’s wondering, Texas gained the trait Party Animal, Arizona is now Adventurous, and Liam gained the trait Supernatural Skeptic. This post has taken me several months to write, but it’s finally done! That’s all for now folks! Next time we’ll see the beginning of Gen 2.

Gen 2 Heir Poll

Hello and welcome to the Gen 2 Heir Poll, where you will decided which Holt will lead the family into Generation 2. Her are your options

Texas is a Hydrophobic, Frugal, Evil, and a Diva who loves the colour Hot Pink and wants to be the Emperor of Evil. He wants to climb to the top in order to get revenge on the men he believes killed his sister. Spouse, Texas will probably end up with his current girlfriend Aria. If you guys are choosing based on my plot lines, Texas and Arizona have plot lines which end up intersecting with each other. The one who’s heir will just have more focus on their plot.

Next we have Arizona, who likes the colour Pink, is Insane, Workaholic, Brave, and Hydrophobic. She wants to be Super popular, and has already managed to have one child. She’s been kidnaped and forced into marriage.

And lastly we have Ohio. Ohio is currently a baby in game, but unlike his siblings he’s not a face clone of Faith! He also happens to be a witch, so if he ends up being heir, his plot will likely deal with him figuring the witch stuff out. I’ll probably end up giving him one of the witch lifetime wishes. If Ohio ends up as heir, there’ll be plenty of time for me to resolve Texas and Arizona’s arcs while we wait for him to grow up.

Vote now! This poll will be open for 1 week. You can vote here or on Boolprop, or both if you want to.

1.6 Unplanned Happenstances

• 

Welcome back to the Holt Legacy! Last time Arizona was kidnapped, and Texas was a problem child. After this post there will be an heir poll, so hopefully I’ll be able to play through Gen 2 before August ends.

TEXAS POV

Faith: “You snuck out!! I told you not to leave the house!! Are you going to disobey everything I say?!! YOU’RE GROUNDED!!!”
How dare this woman talk to me like this? After everything she’s done, it’s her fault Arizona’s dead in the first place, and she thinks she has the right to talk to me like this?

Texas: You think I’m going to listen to you! You’re crazy! You’ve never been there and everything you’ve done has just made things worse!!! I wouldn’t care if you died!”
Faith: “I lost Arizona too, you don’t get the monopoly on pain!!!”

Texas: “Boohoo, you lost a daughter. Well I lost my TWIN SISTER! You ran from any semblance of family you had! What right do you have to call yourself a mother?!
Faith: “I gave birth to you!!”
Texas: “That doesn’t seemed to have made a difference!!!”

Ugh, no one understands me. Arizona is dead, that sucks, but she’s not just dead, she was murdered. Someone was responsible, and no one seems to care. People like the Goths, who have all the power and can get away with anything, someone has to stop them. The cops are clearly in their back pockets, so I’ll have to do it on my own. I’ve got to upset the status quo in every way possible.

I’ve been in contact with a organization that works outside the law. I have to prove myself first, that I’m the sort of person they want to recruit.

Steal, harass old ladies, I don’t care what I have to do, I’m going to get in. Once I’m in I’ll climb to the top and get my revenge on the people who took Arizona from me.

I’m going to become strong enough that no one would dare take another person I care about away from me.

Bernard POV

With Texas and Faith arguing so much, I’ve taken to painting the day away, hiding from the arguments. This town is so against any kind of supernatural, blaming them for anything and everything that goes wrong. I used to think I could change that, but ever since Arizona… Maybe it’s better to stay away from everyone.

Despite how much easier it would be, I can’t stop caring about Faith and Texas. Faith has been sick lately and after Arizona I fear every little problem will lead to death.

However this turned out to be quite the opposite. Maybe some new life in this house will bring everyone out of the rut I feel we’ve fallen into.

Faith still refuses to talk to me, and Texas is hardly ever around, though he’s been playing a lot of pranks lately. I hope that’s all it is, I’ve been getting calls from the school that Texas has been making a habit of missing classes, and when he does show up he often lands himself in detention.

Would this child be a good thing? I can only hope, though Texas wasn’t too please to find out.
Texas: “YOU’RE PREGNANT!? YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST REPLACE ARIZONA WITH A NEW BABY!!!”

Faith: “Do you think I planned this?! Another child is the last thing I want in my life right now!”
Texas: “Oh so you don’t even want it! What kind of mother are you?”

Texas: “Did you even want Arizona and I, or were we just another one of your mistakes!?!”
Faith: “Stop putting words in my mouth! I loved you both!!”

Texas: “You LOVED us! So what now that Arizona’s gone I’m no longer worth your time, you no longer love me!!!
Faith: “That’s not what I said!!!”

Texas: “YOU MIGHT AS WELL HAVE!!! Guess what, I don’t care anymore!! I hate you and the only way you could improve my life is to disappear from it!!!”
Faith: “That’s not going to happen, and this baby is going to exist whether you like it or not!”

After Faith left, I sat down beside Texas. No matter how much I try not to listen, sound carries in this house and I heard every word of the argument. I’m sure Texas and Faith still love each other, but I fear their relationship may be damaged beyond repair. Maybe I can do something, maybe I can help.

Bernard: “What’s been going on lately? You’re never home, and now you argue with Faith all the time. I don’t understand.”

Texas: “I know you’re trying Bernie, but I do know how to look after myself. I don’t need you to worry about me. We’re close, but no matter what you do are say, you aren’t family, and there are some things you just won’t understand.”
Bernard: “I just want to help.”
Texas: “The best way you can help me is to stay out of my way. I’ve got a plan, everything’s going to work out.”

My talk with Texas did nothing to ease my concerns. I know Texas is up to something, but he won’t talk to anyone about it. Texas’ words stung, I know I’m not related to him, but I helped raise him, I taught him what I could. Among vampires that would be enough to make us family, but maybe it’s different with humans…

ARIZONA POV

Liam: “You can’t say no. We have to get married. There isn’t a choice, not for us.”
Arizona: “You don’t have to do everything your dad says! I’m not going to marry you on his say so. He KIDNAPPED me. I don’t know what planet you’re used to living on, but this isn’t okay. I just want to go home.”
Liam: “You don’t know my dad. Please, this is for your own good.”
Arizona: “No.”

Denever: “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING????”
Arizona: “I’m not getting married on your say so! I want to go home!!!”
Denver: “Well tough! Guess what, your family thinks your dead, you won’t be getting any help from them!!! I’ll show you what happens when you disobey me…”

There’s no one coming for me… I’m trapped here, unable to leave, unable to control my own life. I thought these were reasonable people, I thought I could chose. I feel sick at the thought of my ‘punishment’. I can’t go through this again.

So when Liam proposed again, I had little choice but to accept.

Liam: “I’m really sorry, but I did warn you. I hope you’re alright, but if you give me a chance I think we could be very happy together.”

Arizona: “You think apologizing suddenly makes everything alright!?!?!? What is your problem?! We are forced into this against are will, your father is a tyrant! Maybe if you bothered to grow a backbone we could figure a way out of this!!”
Liam: “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Arizona: “Just stand up for yourself, for once in your life! You’re a coward!!”

Oh no. It seems my punishment had some unintended consequences, what will I do?

Arizona: “LOOK WHAT YOUR FATHER DID TO ME!!! HOW CAN YOU STAND BY A MAN WHO DOES THIS???”
Liam: “I’m sorry! I didn’t want this to happen, but I did warn you something bad would happen if you didn’t listen.”
Arizona: “YOU COWARD!!! If you won’t call him out on his crap, then I WILL!!”

Arizona: “LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO ME ASSHOLE!! I’M PREGNANT!!”
Denver: “Look girl, I’ve told you before, you call me SIR!!”

Denver: “This child is your problem. You better get married to my son quick if you don’t want anything worse to happen to you.”

So in the end I was left with little choice but to marry Liam. He may be a spineless coward who refuses to stand up to his father, but there are worse people to be married to.

Denver: “What do you think you’re doing girl?! It’s your wedding night, and you will consummate your marriage with my son!!”
Arizona: “What?! No way!”
Denver: “That child you’re carrying is completely unnecessary! You’ll do as I say, or something might happen to it!”

And with my skin crawling, I made my way upstairs for my wedding night.

BERNARD POV

I’m awfully worried about Faith. There is no longer frequent secret visitors, instead she spends most of her time in bed sleeping. I have tried to breach the subject of her welfare many times, but she shuts down the conversation before I can get much more than a few words out.

I must admit, when it comes to these situations I am utterly useless. I can barely understand how a baby manages to come out, let alone be of any use in the process. As usual Faith refused to go to a hospital despite my urges.

She then welcomed her new son, Ohio to the world. I hope that things will final begin to get better again.

My hopes do not seem to have panned out, as one day I was out fishing for the first time in a long while.

I was only across the street, so I could see Faith was up and about for the first time in ages.

However, what I wasn’t aware of was little Ohio screaming his head off inside.

She seemed more interested in yelling at Texas for his abysmal grades.

Texas was also ignoring his new little brother in favour of spending time with his new girlfriend, Aria.

Of course I only became aware of the situation when I returned home myself.

I immediately attended to his needs. It was time for another conversation with Faith, and this time I will not be ignored.

Bernard: “What do you think you’re doing?! Ohio was inside crying his head off, and you and Texas was just ignoring. I know losing Arizona broke us all, but Ohio needs you!!”

Faith: “I’m sorry, but I can go through this again, I can’t get attached. Ohio doesn’t need me, he deserves someone better, someone who won’t screw up his life.”

Bernard: “You won’t ruin his life Faith, just be there for him. Promise me you’ll try harder.”
Faith: “I won’t leave him to cry like that again, but… I’m assigning him to your care, I can’t do this.”
No matter how hard I tried, Faith would not budge on this matter. It seems that Ohio’s care is left to me.

Texas refuses to acknowledge anyone having authority over him. Faith grounded him for his poor grades, but he went out to prom anyway. He may be doing his best to burn his bridges with his mother, but his girlfriend seems quite smitten with him.

I can only hope that she’ll prove to be a good influence on him, but Texas continues to regularly miss school.

I fear what he’s up too, especially with how strange he’s been behaving as of late.

He doesn’t have a job, but somehow Texas is able to afford all these presents for Aria.

I’d just like to point out that other than the shoes Aria is surprisingly well dressed for EA randomized clothing.

Texas and Aria regularly go out to see movies, even when Texas is grounded.

Texas absolutely dotes on Aria, even managing to take her out to the nicest restaurant in town. I can’t help but wonder where he’s getting the money to do all of this.

ARIZONA POV

I have a son, Manitoba. He’s been relegated to the attic with no proper room of his own.

He’s perfect, and I promise myself that I’ll do anything to protect him.

LIAM POV

Arizona has turned my world upside down. I may not have been happy with my father’s every decision, but in the past he’s usually turned out to be right. But maybe Arizona’s the one who’s right this time, maybe I should stop letting him run my life…

And that’s it for this chapter folks. Now for the traits of the new babies. Ohio is an Athletic Loner, who likes the colour black and pumpkin pie. Manitoba is a Genius and Perceptive who likes Irish green and vegetarian Chile Con Carne. It’s now time for the heir poll, which will be up momentarily. You can vote here on this blog or on Boolprop, or both if you want to. Which of these kids will YOU choose to lead this family into the next generation.