After a long night of travel they arrive at the university early in the morning. Thanks to the magic of traveler everyone arrives safely despite the invisible van. They all grab suitcases and trunks and head inside to check out their new home for the next few months. They put away the luggage and go down to the common room for a quick meeting. Adam requests that everyone pitch in to help out and keep the place clean. Adam has the neat trait. Anyone that wants can cook, but, they do have to clean up their mess and not expect others to wait on them. They all agree to work together.
The students in order of age are Joseph Doe (Alice's first boyfriend), Maggie Flynn, one of Alice's BFF's, Adam Moonwalker, Alice's boyfriend and soulmate, Dedric George, a new acquaintance who recently moved to town (courtesy of @Silverofdreams30 ), Marshall Flynn, Adam's best friend and will eventually be paired with Jennifer, Alice Ballan, hope y'all remember her! , Jennifer Doe, BFF of Alice, still a teen, and Sandra Salas, also BFF of Alice, had a crush on Adam, she is also a teen as well as a ghost.
( I brought the two teens to test how the nraas teen uni works. Everyone will get a uni makeover, including sliders and hair as well as clothes. Look for some major changes in some and minor in others as I post later chapters. Sandra lost her ghostly glamour with the travel, but, still floats and walks through walls and furniture. That happened when I took another ghost on a trip so guess that is an EA glitch.)
While they wait for the meet and greet to start they talk with each other about the course schedules they found in their welcome packets. Dedric gets to know Jennifer and Alice. Joseph and Maggie have known each other since the Flynn's moved to Midnight Hollow and both feel very attracted to each other. (They had just started dating in the previous save, so, I'm glad they are still attracted to each other) It is time for the meet and greet and everyone rushes out. Joseph and Maggie are apparently still flirting with each other in the dorm and are the last to arrive.
At least the couple making out are not in the way of the freebie tables! The group spreads out and collects a variety of freebies from the tables. Marshall sees the uni mascot and decides he wants to be a mascot. Um, no! Dedric and Alice finish getting to know each other and eventually head upstairs. A group of students are actually using the time to study! Adam, the science geek, finds a research station and enjoys himself playing with the machine and a few samples he just happened to have in his pockets. Maggie finds a white board and starts working on mysterious equations. The others find some fun stuff and play some games.
Dedric meets Jeffrey Dean and feeling a bit mischievous plays a trick on him. Luckily Jeffrey has a good sense of humor and thought it was funny.
Adam finds some VR goggles and has an adventure in an alternate reality sci fi world. The world apparently has some gravity issues as Adam floats, does some spins in the air, climbs the wall, before settling back down on the ground.
Maggie and Joseph seem to gravitate to each other and go downstairs where it is a bit quieter and sit together chatting.
Adam sends a text out that he is taking everyone out to eat at the local diner and to meet in front of the student union building if they want to go. Everyone shows up and everyone is hungry. Despite the crowd they were seated quickly and enjoyed a good meal and good company and are looking forward to the week ahead.
Joseph and Maggie sit outside and talk for awhile before going to their rooms. Alice and Adam cuddle on the couch in the common area before the fatigue of the long day sends them both to their rooms.
Joseph and Maggie got their makeovers first. Joseph still wants a military career so I also change a couple of his traits and he will work on skills that will reflect that. I did some slider work on both of them and they both got new skins. I wanted to keep his deep eyes, but did tone his huge nose down a bit. Maggie's chin got a bit of work. Maggie wants to be a forensic police investigator and she had pretty good traits for that. I think they will make a good couple in town. I won't play them beyond uni, but will make sure they get a nice house and get put in the proper jobs. Maggie was in the police career, but Joseph was put in the cooking one with my new start. The last game put him in military properly.
Adam got up early the next morning and fixed enough pancakes for everyone. They barely had time to shower, and eat before running out to their first classes. Everyone had 8am classes. Adam sits and studies in between his classes, while Sandra hurries out of the building and checks her schedule and campus map, and rushes across campus for her next class. Joseph and Dedric study between classes and Dedric had time to run to the campus store for some new clothes.
Classes are finally over for the day. Sandra had also gone shopping during a break and got a new hair do as well. (I thought her original hair was too old looking for a teen, she got a few tweaks with sliders also) Marshall liked Sandra's new look and asked her where she got it. He quickly got a new style as well. Jennifer visited the stylist also and is happy with her new look.
Alice loves cooking on the wood stove and made enough pizza for several nights. Maggie and Joseph take advantage of the gym on the third floor of the dorm. Alice calls everyone to eat once she has the pizza's ready.
Alice and Adam went outside to play some table tennis. It was the night of the full moon though, and they had not even started when the change happened. Alice gives him a hug and decides to sketch while Adam hunts. Joseph and Maggie are enjoying a friendly hoops shooting contest. Jennifer and Dedric play Frisbee in the front while Marshall and Sandra throw the Frisbee in the side yard.
Joseph and Maggie finish their match with Joseph making one more basket than Maggie. The more he learns about Maggie the more he is falling for her. Maggie is also starting to find Joseph her ideal man. She is glad that she took a leave from work to complete her degree and getting to know Joseph is a huge bonus. Joseph surprises her with some beautiful flowers and makes his move giving her a soft kiss that she returns with pleasure.
@bekkasan Nice makeovers for Joseph and Maggie I was surprised when I got a pop up that Artair was in the culinary career when he left home. I didn't change it, though, because he already got his LTW and has about 6 cooking skill points so will probably do well at it. Joseph doesn't look like he suits the culinary career, though
Sandra's new hair is cute
Ah, the pizza you made for the Pizza Day post came in handy!
I keep forgetting I have the wood fire oven! I should have my sims make pizza
Awwwww Joseph and Maggie are compatible
Has it been difficult controlling all the sims?
Great update!
@Mikezumi Thanks for the comments Joseph is definitely military dude! I am controlling all 8, but, they have full autonomy as it is just too much with the uni class schedule to try to do it myself. I had forgotten how bad that could be. They are great about going to classes. They are forced to by the game, I just peek to see if they are sleeping in class or actually paying attention. I kinda wanted to see if I could do it. duh! I only sent them for one semester so will adjust for the next one and not send the teens. I could make them unselectable, but, don't want to chance losing them and not getting them back to MH. I'm just keeping an eye on them and trying not to be too controlling. Joseph and Maggie are taking their time and having fun with athletics (rather than woohoo) and at least a couple of flirt sessions a day. I will adjust some of the settings in that mod we can't talk about when the teens are not part of the group. Alice and Adam are behaving too for this semester.
Alice started working on a painting to while away the time waiting for Adam to return. She finally got too tired and went to bed. Dedric and Marshall spent some time chatting and became friends having discovered they have a few things in common. Adam returns from his hunt with a Rainbow Gem and Smokey Quartz. Instead of going to bed he updated his computer graphics. He slept for a few hours and went down for breakfast without transforming from were to man. (I did have him transform when he finished) Sandra had a later class and wanted to learn to cook. She choose to make autumn salad in the food processor. (at least she couldn't burn the kitchen down)
Alice's had a art history class and she just barely managed to stay awake as the professor droned on and on and on. Jennifer is a bookworm and after her communications activity class she headed to the campus library to enjoy finding and reading some new books. Joseph and Maggie's class activity does not start til 4pm. They slept late and did some exercise and played a few games of pool before going to class. The dining room is frequently used as a study hall and and they enjoy studying together. Dedric and Adam further their friendship competing in video games.
Joseph and Maggie work on logic and enjoy playing dominoes at the same time. Adam and Alice turn the radio on and dance the night away.
Marshall is up early and goes down for an early breakfast of leftover waffles. Alice is next up and she has just learned the recipe for french toast and decides to see how her first batch goes over. Jennifer is next up and gets a leftover cinnamon roll and sits across from Marshall. She barely says good morning to him and Marshall starts daydreaming about her. Down boy, she is still a teen.
Alice places the platter of french toast on the table and Dedric enjoys a large serving with mmmMMMmmm's and tells her they are perfect. She finds Adam practicing his board breaking skills and sits on the floor to sketch him. Alice heads off to class and Adam goes downstairs and pulls out Mr. Bones to study for his anatomy exams. Marshall answers a few questions that Jennifer has about computers for her technology class. Joseph and Maggie play chess and work on those logic skills.
Alice is back from class and decides to work on her street art. Sandra is exercising as her class glitched and she could not go. (I had used education degree for her from nraas, not realizing it is glitched and she could not go to certain classes as that is what is glitched, plus no study object or study book) Jennifer's class is a bit on the boring side and the instructor is a bit on the dowdy side. I can't fix boring, but tried to fix dowdy. She got a bit more animated after I finished so I think she liked her new look also.
They have studied hard all week and tomorrow is exams so they will cram later tonight. For now, they bowl! It is competition by roomies tonight. Sandra does a face plant, but, considering she is a ghost, no pain! Marshall is the most exuberant and jumps and shouts and crosses his eyes, making funny faces as he thoroughly enjoys his play. Dedric makes a few funny faces. Alice hit the deck at least once, but, she also was high score at 66. Adam came in second at 62. Alice and Adam had lots of practice at his venue in MH.
Back at the dorms everyone indulges in some fresh ice cream and settles in for some last minute cramming for Friday exams.
Exams are over and everyone received a passing grade. Final grades for the semester will be out in the morning. The only worry is Sandra whose last class of the day glitched as usual, so she didn't even take a test for that class, but, her green bar did not drop. I let her go take a cooking class since she has been persistent with cooking wishes and learning new recipes. The group decides to go up to Lookout Point and enjoy a cook out and bonfire once it gets dark. Dedric uses his new analyzer and searches the park for plants to analyze. The others play gnubb or chat while waiting for Adam to cook up some burgers.
Joseph and Maggie race to the top of the rock walls and the spend most of the time while waiting for the meal climbing the walls.
The view from their tables is awe inspiring. Adam did a great job on the burgers, not dried out or burned.
The view from the point as the sun is setting. The sound of phone cameras clicking compete with the night crickets as they capture the scene for their memory books.
The bonfire is lit and a few herbs and test tubes get tossed in the fire to test the effects. Adam and Alice brought their guitars and they all sing a few campfire songs as they watch the fire. Maggie throws a test tube and fireworks explode from the fire.
Adam and Dedric add more wood to the fire and the bonfire lights up the whole park. One last test tube is thrown on the fire and more sparkles and fireworks explode into the night sky. Jennifer snaps a few pictures and tells everyone how much she enjoyed being able to come to uni for a semester. It will be hard going back to being a high school student until she graduates. Sandra agrees that it will be hard going back, but she is determined to work hard so that she can get a scholarship to finish her degree after she graduates. She wasn't sure about uni before getting this chance, but, now, she knows she wants to come back. They stay and talk until the bonfire is just glowing embers. Adam and Joseph carefully put out the flames and Alice uses her ice blast spell to be sure the last embers are out. They pile in a cab and go back to the dorm for a few hours of sleep before morning comes.
Alice had started this painting and wanted to finish it before they left for home. She worked on it after just a few hours of sleep. Everyone got their grades and passed with A's. Even Sandra. It took a lot of studying on her part to get her bar up enough to have that passing score so she will get a different degree after she graduates high school.
They decided to spend some time at the pool while they waited for the van that would take them back home. Several of them got invitations to parties but all the parties start late in the day and they would be going home at that point.
The van arrived early in the evening and wasn't invisible this time. It was pitch dark by the time they arrived back in Midnight Hollow. The van let everyone out at the edge of town and disappeared. Luckily cabs arrived to take the students home.
Alice's parents are outside to greet them when they arrive home. After hugs and brief conversation everyone goes to their rooms and sleeps soundly the rest of the night.
Alice finds her new wand has arrived while she was at university. She will be able to do more powerful spells and conserve her power with this wand. She tries it out using a simple hygiene spell. All clean.
Unable to sleep any longer Alice goes downstairs and makes french toast for breakfast. Adam finishes his quickly. "They were delicious. Thank you for making them."
Adam can hear Clarabelle calling for food and he hurries out to feed her before she entices some poor unsuspecting sim into the fence.
The day goes by too fast as they enjoy being home again. All too soon it is time for the van to take them back to university.
Marshall calls Jennifer to let her know they arrived back at the university. They talk for quite awhile and he whispers to her, "I miss you, I will call you every evening if that is ok with you." He smiles happily so she must have said yes.
Two roommates were assigned to fill the empty spots in the dorm. Delia Potter and Angelia Major.
( @CravenLestat I have not heard you talk about Delia...she is quite the hottie)
They decided to ditch the meet and greet and go bowling instead. The new roommates were invited to join the group, but took their time getting to the bowling alley and the lanes were filling up so the group paired up and started bowling. Maggie's career choice is to be a forensic specialist with the police department. I'd say she could use this particular look for interrogating suspects and would probably elicit confessions quite easily. Marshall tries to guide the ball down the lane with his hands and mind control. (kinda like me when I go bowling)
Alice is a bit off balance with her bowling and is not high score this time. Dedric got a text which interrupted his bowling. He was invited to a party, but, the party never happened.
Adam uses his glow in the dark eyes and gets a strike! Joseph crosses his eyes and gets a split.
Eddy Mullis and Esther Atkins join in the bowling fun.
(When I first got University several years ago I started a rags to riches and this was before I used mods and rarely used cheats. My sim made enough from dumpster diving and oh, he had a dog who was allowed to hunt, that he got enough to pay for university. He had to get a job there and he dated Paris for awhile, but fell in love with Esther when he met her. His name was Xander and I changed her's to Willow. (Buffy fan!) They married, traveled a lot, had 3 kids, went to the future and that glitched out that save. She was one of the first EA made sims I let a sim of mine get involved with.
They ate at the diner when they finished bowling and as they got back to the dorm....full moon. Adam changed. I'm glad the roommates didn't come back with them, not sure how they would have reacted to the change. Adam's friends just kinda shrug it off. They are all used to it now. Adam gives Alice a kiss and runs out to hunt. Adam stops and calls out for any other were's, but, he did not hear any response.
Marshall had apparently written 6 books as a teen and he got a wish worth lots of points to write 10, so he will be doing some writing in his spare time at university. I'd like to give the townies a few rewards to help them out with their lives back in Midnight Hollow as I doubt I will play them once they are settled back in town. So, I am granting reasonable wishes to get their numbers up for rewards.
Adam is out hunting so Dedric and Alice set up a dominoes tournament. Neither one needs logic for their degree's but they will have fun and hopefully it will increase their friendship playing together. I had hoped the new roommates would come back to the dorm, but, oh well, their loss.
Ok, so where are Joseph and Maggie? I see the stage is set: a romantic fire, a boy, a girl, hugs and kisses. Yes, I turned romance back on for this semester. Joseph asked Maggie to be his girlfriend. I think she said yes.
Joseph and Maggie get a bit more comfortable, and a little bit heated and a lot more passionate. They snuggle close the rest of the night.
Adam gets back in from his hunt, showers and changes and stands a watches Alice sleep for a few. He finally crawls in bed next to her. She senses his presences and turns and snuggles next to him, and they sleep snuggled the rest of the night.
Adam loves playing guitar and mastered it the next morning while the others had classes. His class did not start until 4pm so he met Alice at the beach when her class was over. Alice finished her sketches while Adam practiced his snorkeling and got his first point in scuba diving. Adam kisses Alice before rushing off to his class.
Alice goes back to the dorm and chats with Maggie. Maggie is apparently missing Sandra her ghostly roommate from last semester. I would think she would be happier with Joseph as her roommate this year. Alice fixes spaghetti for dinner and has enough for the Delia and Angelia but they don't show up. After dinner, Marshall and Alice challenge Adam and Dedric to a gnubb match. Adam and Dedric won 2 out of three.
Cuddling in bed is a nice way to end the day. And of course, cuddling leads to smooching and smooching leads to fun under the covers. Pillows are flying off the bed they are having so much fun. I love it when they hold hands and snuggle together under the covers.
A breakfast of french toast leftovers is available for those who didn't have to rush off to class. Joseph needs to bump his handiness and upgrades the stove to fireproof while Maggie cleans up after breakfast.
Adam did not have to rush to class, but had his own project to work on. He visited the local smelting shop and consignment store and smelted the metals he collected on his hunts. He cut the gems to sell as they will command a much better price if he cuts them properly. He takes some of the metals and begins to work the pieces, heating and hammering and heating and shaping, smoothing the metals into the proper shapes. He combines bands of gold, palladium and copper into a small bracelet. He is pleased with his final piece and after it is analyzed it is declared a masterpiece quality creation. He is very happy as he will give this gift to Alice and he wants her to only have the best.
Adam finished his last class of the day and it was his turn to provide dinner. He chose to make a new dish Goopy Carbonara and it turned out quite tasty. One of the roomies was on the lot, but even though called, she did not join them for dinner. After dinner, Marshall called and chatted with Jennifer. Why are they talking about diamonds! She is too young Marshall! Joseph did a mind meld with Adam and Joseph's relationship with Alice improved. um...ok.
Adam calls Alice out to the front of the dorm. "I made you something. I hope you will like it."
Alice is surprised, "Adam, this is beautiful," she exclaims looking at her new bracelet. "And you told me you are not artistic, you are very artistic."
"I was told my mother worked in metals so maybe I got that talent from her. She made the wolf medallion I wear around my neck for my father. I took it out of my father's things after he was killed so his brother could not claim it."
Alice gives him a hug and big kiss and takes him by the hand and they run upstairs. Adam turns the radio on and the lights off.
There seems to be a lot of this mind melding going on. Joseph increased his science skill melding with Dedric. Adam is playing around with his bones rather than studying. Maggie wanted to do some strength training and with her being a police officer I figured she would need it. She also whacked the punching bag a few times to get started on martial arts training.
Alice wanted to paint a brilliant painting and this painting is usually a masterpiece so that will cover that. She is getting faster at sketching during her art class. She did 5 sketches during class. Adam and Marshall enjoy the pretty day and play gnubb. Delia, one of the roomies showed up and she and Dedric played catch enjoying the warm weather also.
Maggie got her first martial arts outfit and when Joseph got back to the dorm she challenged him to spar. She won 2/1.
A little afternoon delight for Adam and Alice. She is wearing the bracelet he made for her. I added it to most of her outfits.
Several of them had wishes to jam with the others so they had a massive jam session. There is a music store in Midnight Hollow that Victor and Gardenia bought and renovated so most of the kids had several points in various instruments.
The Grotto got a bit of an update in one section. They needed some karaoke fun to work off the stress of uni classes. Alice and Adam do a duet and it wasn't too bad and they had lots of fun. Alice sings a solo and Marshall and Adam cheer her on.
Alice is in fine arts and working on her street art as well as painting and instruments. She tags a few walls and starts spray painting. I really like this first one. She works on the second, no one comes by to give her any tips while she is painting.
She starts working on her third tag and here come the police. The cop got hearts for her and she got hearts for him! Apparently attraction did not stop him from handcuffing her and taking her back to the dorm. He gave her a lecture, fined her 1000 simeoleons.
She told Adam what happened and they talked about it. Alice decided what she needed to do after they talked. She headed back out and tagged a wall at the comic store and quickly painted her third street art.
They went to a party at the frat house. Jeffrey Dean and Rex Lovelace were the only ones home. Dedric and Marshall introduced themselves and chatted while Alice and Adam did keg stands. Adam was successful. Alice did pretty good at first, but she ended up dropping him.
Adam is up early fixing his specialty, waffles for breakfast. Joseph and Maggie are sleeping in, the rest enjoy the yummy waffles.
Marshall makes his call to Jennifer after breakfast. He tells her about a movie he wants to take her to see when they get home from university. Maggie and Joseph are finally up and jog around the yard. Maggie decides to add some challenge to her jog by stuffing her backpack full of books. Joseph trails behind her, enjoying the view!
Dedric works on his handiness by upgrading the stereo. Adam uses his science gizmo to analyze a kona bean.
The group loves the point and decide to spend the afternoon there. Joseph and Maggie race up the rock walls. Adam and Dedric were on the other side. Poor Dedric kept falling off, but, luckily with his wings he did not get hurt. I was surprised he did not just fly to the top! Missed getting pics of Adam and Dedric.
Alice made some tri-tip steak to eat later and then started painting a scene from memory. Marshall wanted to play his drums and leveled up while he played. Adam and Joseph teamed up against Maggie and Dedric in a gnubb tournament.
When Marshall leveled up on drums he decided to check out the trampoline. I think Marshall must have played a lot on the one in the MH park as he started off doing flips and tricks. Dedric joined him and it was cute watching a fairy jump around on the trampoline. Alice called everyone over to eat before it got to late.
Everyone threw logs on the bonfire until it was blazing high in the evening sky. Adam was happily applauding Alice. I'm still not sure what she did. Even Marshall was thinking about her. Maybe it was the tri-tip steaks she cooked? Joseph is apparently thinking about @Charlottesmom's sim Light! It was the night of the full moon and Adam changed into his werewolf form.
I think we can tell what Maggie is thinking about and she and Joseph left and went back to the dorm. Dedric is invited to a party so he leaves the group. Alice gets a call from Paris inviting her over so since Adam will go on a hunt she accepts and leaves. Adam and Marshall fill buckets with water and put the fire out. Marshall tells him to go on his hunt, he will make sure all the embers are out.
Mitchell made sure the embers were out, grabbed his back pack and was about to call a cab to go back to the dorm. He notices a couple of guys coming over to him.
The dark haired one calls out, "Hey, dude, are you Marshall? Marshall Flynn?
Marshall nods, "yes, who wants to know."
The blond one standing a bit back laughs, "What kind of name is Marshall? Seems like a funny name to me. Are you a comedian Marshall? Your name sure makes me laugh."
"Who are you guys?" Marshall asks, "Have you been using too much of the buzzberry?"
"You don't ask the questions. We ask the questions" yells the dark haired one. He reaches out and slaps Marshall several times.
Marshall's head is spinning and he has no idea why these guys would attack him. His heart is pounding, he feels dizzy, but determined to get to the bottom of why they are attacking him.
Marshall reaches out and grabs the dark haired dude "who put you up to this".
The thug laughs, "that is something you will never find out."
He throws several punches, Marshall retaliates as he tries to duck the punches. He falls to the ground and the dark haired dude uses his boots to kick his ribs and abdomen.
"I don't think he has learned his lesson" the blond guy remarks to his friend, and throws a few punches and kicks of his own.
"I think it is time to end this before anyone shows up."
The blond thug takes his weapon out and attacks Marshall with it. He backs off as the dark haired thug tackles Marshall and viciously attacks him using weapons that were hidden up until now. Marshall collapses, unable to fight any longer with the injuries the weapons caused, the pain incapacitates him, darkness surrounds him. His last thoughts as he prays for the fates to help him are of his sisters and Jennifer.
"He won't last much longer", the dark haired guy tells the blond. "We have a call to make and money to collect. Lets go."
Alice got bored at Paris' party and when she realized she left her painting at the point, she decides to go retrieve it. She arrives at the point and as she is walking towards the easel she hears faint moans and rustling sounds. Just a few steps further and she spies a body, lying curled on the ground. She runs to towards the body and realizes it is Marshall. She sits on the ground next to him, checks his pulse, it is erratic, rapid. Breathing is shallow. He is bruised and bleeding and she thinks he may be dying. She immediately casts a spell of healing. She knows it will not heal him at this point, things are too far progressed. She hopes it will stop the dying process though. She calls Adam and tells him to get back to the point right away, Marshall has been attacked and is dying.
Adam calls Dedric to meet him at the point and rushes at were speed back to the point. Alice in the meanwhile continues using her magic spells to help with the pain and keep Marshall calmed. Adam arrives and quickly checks out Marshall. His life force is failing. Dedric arrives and Adam takes some of the fairy dust and sprinkles it over Marshall to provide protection and a form of stasis to give them more time to help him.
"It won't last very long. We need to get him back to the dorm and talk with Maggie," Dedric explains as Adam sprinkles the dust. Adam picks up Marshall in his arms. He links arms with Alice and Dedric and they teleport him and Marshall to the dorm room.
Dedric has gone up to Maggie's room to let her and Joseph know what has happened. Maggie is Marshall's older sister by about a year.
"Call your Dad and see how fast he can get here," Adam tells Alice convinced that Victor is Marshall's only hope for survival.
"I will call him, but he cannot teleport this far in one step. It will take him several hours to get here. I doubt we even have an hour. Adam, you can save Marshall. Your bite will change him, and rapidly heal what is wrong and will save his life."
"Alice! Are you sure that would work? I know that conversion to a vampire will heal deadly injuries, but, I have never heard that a werewolf gene would do it. Besides that, do you honestly think he would want to be cursed like this? Look at me! Do you think Marshall wants to live like this? "
Alice gets a bit exasperated with him. "Adam, I love you more than anything. You have to get over feeling cursed. I know your father was awful, but you are not. Being a werewolf is part of what makes you special. Marshall is your best friend. He loves you like a brother. He writes a very successful series of werewolf stories because of you. I know Marshall wants to live and if that means joining you as a were he'd say yes if he could. You are not cursed! You will be blessing him with life. I know this will work. I've studied the lore with Mom and at the Vault of Antiquity before we moved to Midnight Hollow. I aced those exams! Werewolf genes will start strengthening and healing the fledgling once the genes enter the body. You also have fairy genes and he will get a boost from that as well. My witchcraft will not heal someone that has lost as much life force as Marshall has. You will be here to help Marshall adjust and so will the rest of us."
Adam nods and reaches out to Alice. "I don't want him to die Alice. I know in my head I'm not my father. But, it is hard to forget feeling the scorn and hatred that he caused for anyone in the pack. After being shunned from the pack and having no one to turn to for such a long time, until the Fates led me to Midnight Hollow is hard to overcome. I have hated being a were for so long the thoughts of turning another fills me with bile. I find it amazing that you love me even as a were. I look in the mirror and see my father. I know I've got to get over that, put it in the past where it belongs. I thank the Fates that I have you in my life to help me deal with and move away from my past. He will truly be my brother with the bite. Once Maggie gets here I will do it."
Dedric enters Joseph and Maggie's room and wakes them up. They wake quickly and Maggie looks at Dedric. "What is the matter, what has happened?" Joseph echo's Maggie, "What's up, man?"
Dedric quickly explains what happened earlier this evening, how serious the situation is. "No, No!", cries Maggie and she runs out of the room to Marshall's room with Joseph and Dedric behind her.
She looks at her brother as he lies on the bed, bruised and bloody, barely breathing. "Who did this? Why? He can't die," she sobs standing at his bedside looking at Adam, demanding answers.
Adam looks Maggie in the eyes. "I'm sorry, we have done all that we can with magic to sustain him. His life force is low, the damage was great. The stasis is almost used up and when it is gone, Marshall will die. Right now, the stasis is the only thing keeping him alive. Victor is too far away for a conversion. I can bite him and the were genes will enter him quickly. It will start healing him right away, it will take a couple of days for the conversion to be complete, but, he will not die."
"Save my brother, save Marshall. Please don't let him die," cries Maggie.
Adam hugs Maggie and tells her "I will take care of him, he is a brother to me, my first true friend. We will find out who did this and why as well. That is my promise to you."
Maggie tells Marshall she loves him and what they are going to do to help him survive this attack. She is not sure if he heard her or not, but thinks he tried to open his eyes while she was talking to him.
Adam lets Maggie know it is time. "I don't think we can wait any longer." He asks everyone to leave the room and wait outside.
Dedric, Maggie, Joseph and Alice sit in nervous silence waiting.
Adam looks at his friend Marshall. "I love you man. You were my first friend. I can't let you go. I hope you won't hate me for changing you. You will be able to write first hand about were's instead of picking my brain for your stories. I'll teach you about being a werewolf, how to control and transform. You won't have a choice at the full moon, but, the rest of the time it is your choice. You will enjoy hunting and we can hunt together."
He bends over Marshall and bites him, injecting him with the genes that will transform Marshall into a werewolf over the next couple of days. Man and beast will be joined as one. Fate has provided a brother for Adam and a new pack is formed.
The stasis field disappears from around Marshall's body. Adam watches carefully as Marshall's breathing is still shallow and slow. He checks Marshall's pulse, it is not as thready as earlier. Marshall suddenly convulses several times, he gasps and coughs, his body hungry for air. As quickly as the convulsions start, they are gone. Marshall's breathing is still slow, but less labored. It almost seems as if Marshall is looking at him. But, his eyes are not tracking, just staring. "Marshall, it is Adam, can you hear me, squeeze my hand." No response. Adam is still encouraged that his heart is beating stronger, and his breathing is no longer irregular and labored. He almost seems to be sleeping.
Adam lets the others know it is done. The stasis has disappeared and Marshall lives. The were genes seem to be working, healing Marshall. He is not awake, not responding to questions yet. It will probably be awhile before he recovers consciousness. His body is still in shock from the injuries and the bite.
Maggie holds Marshall's hand telling him that he will be ok. She chatters about school and Cora (baby sister) and anything that pops into her head hoping her voice will reach him and he will open his eyes and talk to her. He does not respond.
Alice walks over to Adam and holds his hands. "I know this was very difficult for you. I'm proud of you."
Adam just nods, squeezes her hands not trusting himself to speak right now.
Poor Marshall is getting a bit rank as his body warms up. Adam and Dedric get the dirty, bloody clothing off of him and Alice does a hygiene spell to clean him up. The friends continue to watch him closely waiting for a response. Alice lays down on the other bed in the room. She closes her eyes falling asleep even as she fights to stay awake. Several hours pass as they watch and wait. Dedric sends Maggie and Joseph downstairs to eat. "You must keep your strength up or you will be no good for him." They eat quickly and resume their posts at his bedside. Dedric tries to get Adam to take a break and eat. He ends up bringing Adam a sandwich to eat as he sits on the bed next to his sleeping Alice.
A bright light suddenly appears in the room. As it dissipates Victor and Gardenia appear in the room holding hands.
"We got here as fast as we could." Victor tells them.
Gardenia immediately turns to Marshall and gives him a thorough examination. She is pleased with what she finds. She tells Maggie that he has dropped off into a deep healing sleep. It could be hours before he awakens. They can and should talk to Marshall as it will soothe his mind to hear his sister and friends talking with him and staying nearby. When he awakens he will be weak. She will leave a few potions for them to give him when he arouses to start strengthening him. He will need to eat preferably fresh meat, and Adam can take care of providing that. He will strengthen quickly with the meal and the potions, but will still need to rest.
Victor turns to Marshall and probes his mind searching for the memories of the attack and any threats from his past. Victor is saddened by the brutality of the attack on Marshall. He is tempted to erase those memories, but, realizes Marshall will need those memories to deal what happened to him. Victor at least knows what the thugs look like and that will aid in the search for them and whoever instigated this attack. It was not a random attack, it was planned by a third unknown individual, not by the thugs. Marshall's only issue in the past was with his Uncle Edmond, his guardian until he reaches his majority. They apparently had quite a few arguments while Marshall was a teen. Edmond Flynn is not a very loving guardian. He wonders who Jackson Bishop is. The name is in Marshall's memory in association with his uncle, but, no face goes with it. He will research the name and talk with Marshall depending on what he discovers.
Gardenia talks with Alice and Adam about the potions she is leaving for Marshall. She reminds Alice of the herbs and plants she will need to replenish the potions. She turns to Adam and tells him he made the right decisions from the start to help Marshall survive. "Your destiny has changed as you are changing and growing. I don't want you to forget your past, or your father. I want you to remember and understand that you are not him, and you are already more of a man than he was. You are not cursed. You have a beautiful heart and compassion for others and that will always help you when you make decisions in life." She reaches out and hugs him. Adam stunned by her words whispers thank you and hugs her back.
Victor tells Adam that he got a good picture of the thugs from Marshall's memory as well as a name that he will research. He will let him know what he finds out. Victor reminds Alice of the wards to set on the dorm to protect them. "Make sure you set extras on Marshall's door and windows. We are not going all the way home in case you need us. Your Mom wants to collect some herbs that are only a jump away since we are so close. We can get back quickly if you need us. We will stop back tomorrow in any case."
Victor and Gardenia face each other preparing to teleport to their destination. Goodbyes are said and the waiting begins again.
They decide that someone needs to be with Marshall at all times so they split up the day and night between them. Maggie is not ready to leave her brothers bedside yet, so she and Joseph stay with Marshall. The others go about their day, but stay in the dorm close by. Alice casts the wards on the windows and doors of Marshall's room as well as the dormitory. Maggie reads aloud from her tablet one of Marshall's favorite books until her voice tires. She watches him sleep and thinks back on how their lives changed after their parents died.
We had not recovered from the shock of Mom and Dad's death when the lawyers arrange for us to be taken to Midnight Hollow where Dad's brother Edmund lives. We finally arrive in Midnight Hollow and realize Uncle Edmund is not at all like our Dad. He is grumpy, mean, hates children, inappropriate and evil. He starts arguing with Marshall before the door is shut the first day. I jump into the argument and ask him to leave Marshall alone and he yells at me. I don't understand how Dad could have a brother this different from him. Dad was a happy man, always smiling and had a good joke to tell. We try to stay out of his way as much as we can. When we are not in school we spend a lot of time together up in our rooms. He does not venture up to the third floor.
Shortly after we moved in Marshall had his birthday. It would have been a great party if Uncle Edmund had not come in and started heckling Marshall. We ate our cake quickly, trying to ignore his outbursts and went back to the third floor.
I had just finished the dishes and saw Uncle Edmund going to Cora. I was surprised until I saw what he was really doing. He stole her candy! I gave him a piece of my mind and I had to cover Cora's ears so she would not hear the nasty stuff that came out of his mouth. I've written several letters to the lawyers but they tell me that nothing can be done unless he physically abuses us. At least the money is tied up and he cannot get to Marshall's inheritance. Father followed the family tradition leaving the inheritance to the eldest son.
So many good memories tarnished with Uncle Edmund and his meanness. Cora's birthday for example. We were having so much fun, laughing and playing party games. Then he comes out with his heckling and name calling spoiling it. We tried to ignore him and hoped he would go away when he realized we were ignoring him. I'll never forget the look on Cora's face as she stared Uncle Edmond down, never saying a word to him, just the look. He actually went back in the house without a piece of cake. I was proud of her and so was Marshall. I guess this memory wasn't so bad after all.
I held off going to university until Marshall would be able to go too. I didn't want to leave him alone with just Cora in the house with Uncle Edmund. Things are just too volatile between them. I arranged with Jane and John Doe to keep Cora in their home while we are at university. Mr. Doe came over and made the offer to have her stay with his children while we are gone so she won't miss us so much. Uncle Edmund gave me a withering look, but, told Mr. Doe that is was fine by him. Marshall hugs her goodbye and she and I skip all the way to the Doe's house. Freedom feels great.
Marshall stirring in the bed brings me out of my memories. He is restless, tossing and turning. I call his name, his head turns, but he does not open his eyes or awaken. I get on the bed with him and rub his back like Mom used to do when we were sick. I can hear Alice playing the piano downstairs, the sounds drifting up into the room. She is playing classical music. She knows that is Marshall's favorite music. He quietens down and seems to go back into the deep sleep.
It is change of shift time. Dedric arrives to sit with Marshall when suddenly Marshall sits up in bed and tries to get up. Dedric's mouth drops open (sometimes this game just provides a perfect picture) in astonishment as they were really not expecting him to awaken quite so soon. Maggie jumps up and tries to keep Marshall from getting up. "You've been sick, take it easy, please."
Adam arrives in the room to check on Marshall and is also astonished to see him awake. Marshall insists on sitting up and Maggie helps him to sit on the side of the bed.
Marshall insists he can stand up and Maggie hugs him tightly once he is on his feet. Tears flow from her eyes. "I was so afraid."
Alice arrives in the room and immediately hugs Marshall. She also hands him a potion. "My Mom said you had to take this as soon as you woke up. So, down the hatch." Marshall chugs it quickly to get it over with. "Why can't medicine ever taste good." he wonders.
Dedric uses his powers to project an aura of soothing for Marshall.
Marshall looks confused. "I don't understand what has happened to me? Why do I feel so strange? Why is everyone acting upset? I had the strangest dreams and nothing made sense."
Adam asks, "What do you remember about the evening we were at the point?"
Marshall shrugs and realizes his shoulders are sore. "Not much, I stayed after you left to hunt. I wanted to make sure the fire was out. I was leaving and a couple of guys showed up. I don't remember much after that. I remember one kept laughing strangely and asking questions."
Adam frowns, "Do you have any idea who they were?"
Marshall shakes his head "Not a clue."
Adam explains what happened to him, how Alice found him when she returned to the park and how Dedric and Alice tried to heal him, but his injuries were too severe. "You were dying Marshall. We put you in stasis and brought you back here. I talked to Maggie and we knew in order to save your life I would have to bite you, and the were genes would be transferred to you and would heal you. I think that is why you feel so different right now. You are still undergoing the conversion. It takes a couple of days for it to be complete. It was the only way to save your life. I hope you will forgive me for turning you into a werewolf."
Marshall is quiet as he thinks about what Adam has just said. He looks at Adam and sees how upset and worried Adam is. He smiles, "Considering all the stories you've told me about werewolves and we had never talked about werewolf bites and conversions. Does this mean you are my sire? ....or what? Do I have to call you Dad now? Sheesh, I've got a million more questions, but, I'm starving. I want some food. Oh, and by the way thank you for saving my life."
Adam stares at Marshall amazed at his friends attitude. "I'm not your sire, that's for Vamps! You are my brother now and a member of my pack. I am your pack leader. You do have to do what I tell you." Adam grins and decides this could be fun. "I'll fix you dinner, but, you need to lie down and rest while I fix it."
Marshall gives Adam a hug. "Seriously, thank you for my life."
Adam hugs him back. "I couldn't let you go, you are my best friend. Now, go lay down."
With a lighter heart, Adam fixes a fresh fish dinner whistling while he cooks. He drags a small table and 2 chairs from the store room and sets them up in Marshall's room. They talk about everything over dinner. Marshall wants all the details of his injuries and as much information as Adam has about the attackers. They talk about becoming a werewolf and how he will transform. Marshall has seen Adam transform many times. "Does it hurt? I've never asked you that."
"Not really, its just a strange sensation and I'm used to how it feels."
After dinner, Marshall asks Alice to play for him. "I seem to remember hearing music. That had to be you playing." Joseph, Dedric and Adam move some of the furniture around so they can all sit and enjoy the music. Alice plays all the classical compositions that she has learned as she knows they are Marshall's favorites. Marshall relaxes on the bed and taps his feet in time with the music.
Alice notices Marshall's eyes drooping. Everyone says goodnight and heads to bed. Alice hands him a potion to help him rest. It is absorbed through the skin so he tosses it at his feet and legs. He crawls back in bed as the potion works quickly. Adam sits down watching as Marshall falls asleep. He needs to be close by in case Marshall transforms earlier than anticipated. His eyelids are heavy, but he knows even if he falls asleep he will awaken because of the bond they share as were brothers.
Marshall had a great nights sleep and woke feeling surprisingly strong for one who was all but dead yesterday. His first thoughts are he needs to start writing all this down as it will make a great addition to his werewolf series of books. He heads to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. He looks in the mirror at the sink and is surprised at how much his beard has grown. He never had much of a beard before so this is a nice surprise and he decides to leave it be. The bruises on his face have completely healed as well.
Dedric decides to learn to cook and fixes his first batch of pancakes. He didn't burn them and the quality was nice. He used an orange for flavoring. Alice has left a potion for Marshall to take before he eats his breakfast. He quickly gets it down and sits down to eat his pancakes. Marshall enjoys the pancakes and compliments the chef. "MmMmMm, these are great pancakes Dedric! Thanks for making them this morning."
Adam's class is later in the day so he accompanies Marshall to his morning classes. In between the classes he shares a few jokes with Marshall. They run all the way across campus to get to the next class so Marshall will not be late. Adam studies outside while waiting. Joseph arrives and will go with Marshall to the comic shop. Joseph texts the others to come there after they get out of their classes.
Maggie and Alice decide enough studying for one day and play on the arcade machines. Marshall is waylaid by another student and looks a bit peeved. Joseph booby trapped one of the computers. He has a bit of a mischievous streak. Adam finally gets out of class and plays one of the arcade games for a few to unwind. He offers to take everyone to the diner including Cid who had been chatting with Dedric and was complaining about how hungry he was.
After dinner they head back to the dorm. As promised Victor and Gardenia teleport in to check on Marshall. Victor reassures Alice and the others that Marshall is in fine shape and Gardenia agrees that he has healed well and the transformation should be complete sometime before dawn. She casts one final spell of healing over him.
Victor teleports everyone to the point to search the grounds for any clues that may have been left and overlooked. They find nothing but bad memories and an evil atmosphere that spoils the ambiance of the point. Gardenia uses her powers to restore the balance of nature and heal the point from the evil that was attempted here.
Maggie and Joseph stayed at the dorm and celebrate and heal the old fashioned way.
Victor teleports everyone back to the dorms. Dedric says goodnight and heads to his room to sleep. Gardenia and Alice sit and chat.
"I know you've been busy with school work, your friends and before this happened, just enjoying being at university, but, don't get lax on your magical studies either. Find some time each day to practice so you don't get rusty and so you continue to build magical strength. Don't worry about the alchemy right now. I will continue to send you a supply of common potions that you may need. Just practice your magic every day.....ok?"
Alice nods and agrees, "I know I've not been doing as much as I should, but, I did upgrade the showers with magic when we first got here! I got tired of them breaking so easily and the hot water would run out. I will try to do better with practicing and work on my charms and defensive spells."
Victor has been observing Marshall through the evening and is amazed at how well he seems to have adjusted to what happened. He has seen no signs of confusion or hesitation or even fear or regret or anger. Victor decides not to read his mind for answers. He asks Marshall directly for answers. "Do you mind explaining how and why you have adjusted so easily to what happened?"
"Well, sir, it's like this. I moved to Midnight Hollow as a kid and realized I did not like feeling helpless after my parents died. We were not given any choices about moving or living with our Uncle. I vowed that someday I would be strong and not dependent on someone that despised me and my sisters. I met Adam and we became best friends and his being a were never bothered me, in fact, it fascinated me. I had actually planned to ask him to turn me at some point. Adam has a quiet strength that I admire and I wanted that for myself. I thought being a were would make me stronger and less vulnerable. I was going to talk with Jennifer to see how she felt about it first since she and I are, you know, going together."
Victor nods in understanding, remembering how helpless he was to protect his family centuries ago. "What does the name Jackson Bishop mean to you?" Victor asks, and explains further, "I poked around in your memories when you were injured to see if I could find any details about who attacked you, or why, and the name Jackson Bishop was in your memories and seemed to be a disturbing memory."
Marshall nods his head and thinks back in time. "It was a few years back. It wasn't too long after my teen birthday. I had got home from school and noticed that Uncle Edmund's office door was opened. It was usually shut and locked. I poked my head in and looked around. In a cabinet against one of the walls I could see some papers and the name on the papers was Jackson Bishop. There was a picture in the cabinet as well as a few books. The cabinet was locked so I couldn't open it. The picture looked like Uncle Edmund only when he was much younger. I saw an obituary that had been cut out of a newspaper. It had the name Jackson Bishop on it as well. I started poking around on his desk next. He had some books and a note pad and that was about it. Not even a computer. Next thing I knew I was caught. Uncle Edmund had come in behind me and scared a year or two off my life. He grabbed me and told me if he ever caught me in his room again he would make sure it was the last thing I ever did. I know he meant it too. That was when I decided I had to get stronger to be able to protect myself and my family. It wasn't long after that Adam came to town."
Victor, Adam and Marshall discuss the plan to keep Marshall safe as well as Maggie and Cora. Cora is still with the Doe family and Victor will assign one of his vampires to monitor Cora and the Doe's safety. The friends have all agreed that no one goes anywhere alone right now. "I still have access to the guild information and will do some searches on Jackson Bishop. I will do some investigation of his office as well and see what comes up. If Edmund is responsible I will find out. If he is not responsible for the attack we will at least have eliminated him as a suspect. I will be in touch in a few days. Stay vigilant and stay safe."
Nervous about the transformation, Marshall has a restless night sleeping. He tosses, turns, sleeps briefly and awakes easily. He finally gives up altogether. He showers and changes and gets ready for the day. Adam hears him stirring and gets up to wait with him. Dedric arrives just as the transformation is starting. He quickly provides an aura of soothing to help Marshall with this first transformation. Marshall feels very strange as his body is beginning to change. The heat is intense as his muscles swell and bones begin to change shape, elongate and his body grows more flexible, less rigid. His clothes rip, his heart is racing and feels as if it may burst out of his chest. He doubles over as his body changes shape. He reaches out towards Adam just barely holding it together. He notices his hands are completely changed and he now has claws. His eyes are glowing, his senses are acute and he can hear the sound of Dedric's wings as he stands nearby. He howls as his body finishes changing. It is done.
He bares his teeth at Adam and Dedric. "Do I have big fangs?" Dedric is not concerned about the fangs and is thinking about the leftover orange pancakes he wants for breakfast. It is early still and since they have time Adam transforms and takes Marshall on an early morning hunt.
Marshall got a text from Jennifer this morning while he was out hunting. "CALL ME" it reads. Marshall realizes that Gardenia and Victor must have talked to the Doe's when they returned to Midnight Hollow and let her and her parents know what has happened so they can make sure Cora is well protected. He has a late class today so he calls her. He starts with a sincere apology. "I'm sorry we didn't call you right away, but everyone thought telling you on the phone was not a great idea, and then they wanted to wait until I got better, and then Victor and Gardenia said they would let you know and be able to reassure you that I was ok in person. Um...I am ok, better than ok really. I'm stronger, I've got a great sense of smell now, I can hear an argument in the dorm across campus, and I'm a lot hairier now. Will that bother you, you think? The hairier part. Oh man, I'm babbling here. I'll just shut up and let you talk now, how's that?"
He listens to Jennifer and her concerns and answers her questions and comments. "Yes, I almost died, I was dying in fact. Adam saved me with his were bite. I transformed this morning for the first time. I'll tell you and only you. I was scared. I mean, I've seen Adam change hundreds of times, but, this was me. It was scary, but, it was fast and Adam and Dedric were with me and helped me through it. Adam and I hunted before his class and it was awesome racing across campus, finding a scent and racing towards it. We got back after sunrise and had several precious gems to show for it. Adam told me how to change back and I did what he said and I'm me again. Well, I was still me before, but, you know what I mean."
He can hear the tears in her voice as she says "I almost lost you."
Marshall "Oh, hun, I'm ok now. I promise. Do you need me to come home and be with you?"
"You'd do that, come home if I asked you?" She sniffles and wipes the tears away. "I love you Marshall and I want to see you so much, but, I think you are safer staying with Adam until Victor checks things out around here. He has assigned a couple of his vampires to protection detail. One is immune to the sun so will be the day shift, the other is not immune so will be the night security. Mom is going to home school Cora for now with the boys so she will not be so lonely for playmates. Dad will be taking me to the journalism program and picking me up so I won't be alone either. You will be getting another break soon right?"
"Exams are coming up and we will get a break right after that."
They talked a bit longer and she had to go as it was time for her to head out for her classes. Marshall sits down at the computer and sends her a quick love note that she will find when she gets out of classes. He writes some of his thoughts down in his story folders for future books. He goes upstairs to the gym and starts a workout. He thinks to himself, I might be stronger as a were now than I was as a human, but, I want to be as strong as possible. No one will get a jump on me ever again. He decides to work on his upper extremities today.
Comments
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
University
After a long night of travel they arrive at the university early in the morning. Thanks to the magic of traveler everyone arrives safely despite the invisible van. They all grab suitcases and trunks and head inside to check out their new home for the next few months. They put away the luggage and go down to the common room for a quick meeting. Adam requests that everyone pitch in to help out and keep the place clean. Adam has the neat trait. Anyone that wants can cook, but, they do have to clean up their mess and not expect others to wait on them. They all agree to work together.
The students in order of age are Joseph Doe (Alice's first boyfriend), Maggie Flynn, one of Alice's BFF's, Adam Moonwalker, Alice's boyfriend and soulmate, Dedric George, a new acquaintance who recently moved to town (courtesy of @Silverofdreams30
( I brought the two teens to test how the nraas teen uni works. Everyone will get a uni makeover, including sliders and hair as well as clothes. Look for some major changes in some and minor in others as I post later chapters. Sandra lost her ghostly glamour with the travel, but, still floats and walks through walls and furniture. That happened when I took another ghost on a trip so guess that is an EA glitch.)
While they wait for the meet and greet to start they talk with each other about the course schedules they found in their welcome packets. Dedric gets to know Jennifer and Alice. Joseph and Maggie have known each other since the Flynn's moved to Midnight Hollow and both feel very attracted to each other. (They had just started dating in the previous save, so, I'm glad they are still attracted to each other) It is time for the meet and greet and everyone rushes out. Joseph and Maggie are apparently still flirting with each other in the dorm and are the last to arrive.
At least the couple making out are not in the way of the freebie tables! The group spreads out and collects a variety of freebies from the tables. Marshall sees the uni mascot and decides he wants to be a mascot. Um, no! Dedric and Alice finish getting to know each other and eventually head upstairs. A group of students are actually using the time to study! Adam, the science geek, finds a research station and enjoys himself playing with the machine and a few samples he just happened to have in his pockets. Maggie finds a white board and starts working on mysterious equations. The others find some fun stuff and play some games.
Dedric meets Jeffrey Dean and feeling a bit mischievous plays a trick on him. Luckily Jeffrey has a good sense of humor and thought it was funny.
Adam finds some VR goggles and has an adventure in an alternate reality sci fi world. The world apparently has some gravity issues as Adam floats, does some spins in the air, climbs the wall, before settling back down on the ground.
Maggie and Joseph seem to gravitate to each other and go downstairs where it is a bit quieter and sit together chatting.
Adam sends a text out that he is taking everyone out to eat at the local diner and to meet in front of the student union building if they want to go. Everyone shows up and everyone is hungry. Despite the crowd they were seated quickly and enjoyed a good meal and good company and are looking forward to the week ahead.
Joseph and Maggie sit outside and talk for awhile before going to their rooms. Alice and Adam cuddle on the couch in the common area before the fatigue of the long day sends them both to their rooms.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Uni makeovers
Joseph and Maggie got their makeovers first. Joseph still wants a military career so I also change a couple of his traits and he will work on skills that will reflect that. I did some slider work on both of them and they both got new skins. I wanted to keep his deep eyes, but did tone his huge nose down a bit. Maggie's chin got a bit of work. Maggie wants to be a forensic police investigator and she had pretty good traits for that. I think they will make a good couple in town. I won't play them beyond uni, but will make sure they get a nice house and get put in the proper jobs. Maggie was in the police career, but Joseph was put in the cooking one with my new start. The last game put him in military properly.
Adam got up early the next morning and fixed enough pancakes for everyone. They barely had time to shower, and eat before running out to their first classes. Everyone had 8am classes. Adam sits and studies in between his classes, while Sandra hurries out of the building and checks her schedule and campus map, and rushes across campus for her next class. Joseph and Dedric study between classes and Dedric had time to run to the campus store for some new clothes.
Classes are finally over for the day. Sandra had also gone shopping during a break and got a new hair do as well. (I thought her original hair was too old looking for a teen, she got a few tweaks with sliders also) Marshall liked Sandra's new look and asked her where she got it. He quickly got a new style as well. Jennifer visited the stylist also and is happy with her new look.
Alice loves cooking on the wood stove and made enough pizza for several nights. Maggie and Joseph take advantage of the gym on the third floor of the dorm. Alice calls everyone to eat once she has the pizza's ready.
Alice and Adam went outside to play some table tennis. It was the night of the full moon though, and they had not even started when the change happened. Alice gives him a hug and decides to sketch while Adam hunts. Joseph and Maggie are enjoying a friendly hoops shooting contest. Jennifer and Dedric play Frisbee in the front while Marshall and Sandra throw the Frisbee in the side yard.
Joseph and Maggie finish their match with Joseph making one more basket than Maggie. The more he learns about Maggie the more he is falling for her. Maggie is also starting to find Joseph her ideal man. She is glad that she took a leave from work to complete her degree and getting to know Joseph is a huge bonus. Joseph surprises her with some beautiful flowers and makes his move giving her a soft kiss that she returns with pleasure.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Sandra's new hair is cute
Ah, the pizza you made for the Pizza Day post came in handy!
I keep forgetting I have the wood fire oven! I should have my sims make pizza
Awwwww Joseph and Maggie are compatible
Has it been difficult controlling all the sims?
Great update!
Zumi and the Winchester Brothers
The Watcher's Caretaker - A Limited ISBI
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Uni Fun
Alice started working on a painting to while away the time waiting for Adam to return. She finally got too tired and went to bed. Dedric and Marshall spent some time chatting and became friends having discovered they have a few things in common. Adam returns from his hunt with a Rainbow Gem and Smokey Quartz. Instead of going to bed he updated his computer graphics. He slept for a few hours and went down for breakfast without transforming from were to man. (I did have him transform when he finished) Sandra had a later class and wanted to learn to cook. She choose to make autumn salad in the food processor. (at least she couldn't burn the kitchen down)
Alice's had a art history class and she just barely managed to stay awake as the professor droned on and on and on. Jennifer is a bookworm and after her communications activity class she headed to the campus library to enjoy finding and reading some new books. Joseph and Maggie's class activity does not start til 4pm. They slept late and did some exercise and played a few games of pool before going to class. The dining room is frequently used as a study hall and and they enjoy studying together. Dedric and Adam further their friendship competing in video games.
Joseph and Maggie work on logic and enjoy playing dominoes at the same time. Adam and Alice turn the radio on and dance the night away.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Uni Thursday
Marshall is up early and goes down for an early breakfast of leftover waffles. Alice is next up and she has just learned the recipe for french toast and decides to see how her first batch goes over. Jennifer is next up and gets a leftover cinnamon roll and sits across from Marshall. She barely says good morning to him and Marshall starts daydreaming about her. Down boy, she is still a teen.
Alice places the platter of french toast on the table and Dedric enjoys a large serving with mmmMMMmmm's and tells her they are perfect. She finds Adam practicing his board breaking skills and sits on the floor to sketch him. Alice heads off to class and Adam goes downstairs and pulls out Mr. Bones to study for his anatomy exams. Marshall answers a few questions that Jennifer has about computers for her technology class. Joseph and Maggie play chess and work on those logic skills.
Alice is back from class and decides to work on her street art. Sandra is exercising as her class glitched and she could not go. (I had used education degree for her from nraas, not realizing it is glitched and she could not go to certain classes as that is what is glitched, plus no study object or study book) Jennifer's class is a bit on the boring side and the instructor is a bit on the dowdy side. I can't fix boring, but tried to fix dowdy. She got a bit more animated after I finished so I think she liked her new look also.
They have studied hard all week and tomorrow is exams so they will cram later tonight. For now, they bowl! It is competition by roomies tonight. Sandra does a face plant, but, considering she is a ghost, no pain! Marshall is the most exuberant and jumps and shouts and crosses his eyes, making funny faces as he thoroughly enjoys his play. Dedric makes a few funny faces. Alice hit the deck at least once, but, she also was high score at 66. Adam came in second at 62. Alice and Adam had lots of practice at his venue in MH.
Back at the dorms everyone indulges in some fresh ice cream and settles in for some last minute cramming for Friday exams.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Uni Exams
Exams are over and everyone received a passing grade. Final grades for the semester will be out in the morning. The only worry is Sandra whose last class of the day glitched as usual, so she didn't even take a test for that class, but, her green bar did not drop. I let her go take a cooking class since she has been persistent with cooking wishes and learning new recipes. The group decides to go up to Lookout Point and enjoy a cook out and bonfire once it gets dark. Dedric uses his new analyzer and searches the park for plants to analyze. The others play gnubb or chat while waiting for Adam to cook up some burgers.
Joseph and Maggie race to the top of the rock walls and the spend most of the time while waiting for the meal climbing the walls.
The view from their tables is awe inspiring. Adam did a great job on the burgers, not dried out or burned.
The view from the point as the sun is setting. The sound of phone cameras clicking compete with the night crickets as they capture the scene for their memory books.
The bonfire is lit and a few herbs and test tubes get tossed in the fire to test the effects. Adam and Alice brought their guitars and they all sing a few campfire songs as they watch the fire. Maggie throws a test tube and fireworks explode from the fire.
Adam and Dedric add more wood to the fire and the bonfire lights up the whole park. One last test tube is thrown on the fire and more sparkles and fireworks explode into the night sky. Jennifer snaps a few pictures and tells everyone how much she enjoyed being able to come to uni for a semester. It will be hard going back to being a high school student until she graduates. Sandra agrees that it will be hard going back, but she is determined to work hard so that she can get a scholarship to finish her degree after she graduates. She wasn't sure about uni before getting this chance, but, now, she knows she wants to come back. They stay and talk until the bonfire is just glowing embers. Adam and Joseph carefully put out the flames and Alice uses her ice blast spell to be sure the last embers are out. They pile in a cab and go back to the dorm for a few hours of sleep before morning comes.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
A Quick Trip Home
Alice had started this painting and wanted to finish it before they left for home. She worked on it after just a few hours of sleep. Everyone got their grades and passed with A's. Even Sandra. It took a lot of studying on her part to get her bar up enough to have that passing score so she will get a different degree after she graduates high school.
They decided to spend some time at the pool while they waited for the van that would take them back home. Several of them got invitations to parties but all the parties start late in the day and they would be going home at that point.
The van arrived early in the evening and wasn't invisible this time. It was pitch dark by the time they arrived back in Midnight Hollow. The van let everyone out at the edge of town and disappeared. Luckily cabs arrived to take the students home.
Alice's parents are outside to greet them when they arrive home. After hugs and brief conversation everyone goes to their rooms and sleeps soundly the rest of the night.
Alice finds her new wand has arrived while she was at university. She will be able to do more powerful spells and conserve her power with this wand. She tries it out using a simple hygiene spell. All clean.
Unable to sleep any longer Alice goes downstairs and makes french toast for breakfast. Adam finishes his quickly. "They were delicious. Thank you for making them."
Adam can hear Clarabelle calling for food and he hurries out to feed her before she entices some poor unsuspecting sim into the fence.
The day goes by too fast as they enjoy being home again. All too soon it is time for the van to take them back to university.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Marshall calls Jennifer to let her know they arrived back at the university. They talk for quite awhile and he whispers to her, "I miss you, I will call you every evening if that is ok with you." He smiles happily so she must have said yes.
Two roommates were assigned to fill the empty spots in the dorm. Delia Potter and Angelia Major.
( @CravenLestat I have not heard you talk about Delia...she is quite the hottie)
They decided to ditch the meet and greet and go bowling instead. The new roommates were invited to join the group, but took their time getting to the bowling alley and the lanes were filling up so the group paired up and started bowling. Maggie's career choice is to be a forensic specialist with the police department. I'd say she could use this particular look for interrogating suspects and would probably elicit confessions quite easily. Marshall tries to guide the ball down the lane with his hands and mind control. (kinda like me when I go bowling)
Alice is a bit off balance with her bowling and is not high score this time. Dedric got a text which interrupted his bowling. He was invited to a party, but, the party never happened.
Adam uses his glow in the dark eyes and gets a strike! Joseph crosses his eyes and gets a split.
Eddy Mullis and Esther Atkins join in the bowling fun.
(When I first got University several years ago I started a rags to riches and this was before I used mods and rarely used cheats. My sim made enough from dumpster diving and oh, he had a dog who was allowed to hunt, that he got enough to pay for university. He had to get a job there and he dated Paris for awhile, but fell in love with Esther when he met her. His name was Xander and I changed her's to Willow. (Buffy fan!) They married, traveled a lot, had 3 kids, went to the future and that glitched out that save.
They ate at the diner when they finished bowling and as they got back to the dorm....full moon. Adam changed. I'm glad the roommates didn't come back with them, not sure how they would have reacted to the change. Adam's friends just kinda shrug it off. They are all used to it now. Adam gives Alice a kiss and runs out to hunt. Adam stops and calls out for any other were's, but, he did not hear any response.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Wishes
Marshall had apparently written 6 books as a teen and he got a wish worth lots of points to write 10, so he will be doing some writing in his spare time at university. I'd like to give the townies a few rewards to help them out with their lives back in Midnight Hollow as I doubt I will play them once they are settled back in town. So, I am granting reasonable wishes to get their numbers up for rewards.
Adam is out hunting so Dedric and Alice set up a dominoes tournament. Neither one needs logic for their degree's but they will have fun and hopefully it will increase their friendship playing together. I had hoped the new roommates would come back to the dorm, but, oh well, their loss.
Ok, so where are Joseph and Maggie? I see the stage is set: a romantic fire, a boy, a girl, hugs and kisses. Yes, I turned romance back on for this semester.
Joseph and Maggie get a bit more comfortable, and a little bit heated and a lot more passionate. They snuggle close the rest of the night.
Adam gets back in from his hunt, showers and changes and stands a watches Alice sleep for a few. He finally crawls in bed next to her. She senses his presences and turns and snuggles next to him, and they sleep snuggled the rest of the night.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Fun Under Covers
Adam loves playing guitar and mastered it the next morning while the others had classes. His class did not start until 4pm so he met Alice at the beach when her class was over. Alice finished her sketches while Adam practiced his snorkeling and got his first point in scuba diving. Adam kisses Alice before rushing off to his class.
Alice goes back to the dorm and chats with Maggie. Maggie is apparently missing Sandra her ghostly roommate from last semester. I would think she would be happier with Joseph as her roommate this year. Alice fixes spaghetti for dinner and has enough for the Delia and Angelia but they don't show up. After dinner, Marshall and Alice challenge Adam and Dedric to a gnubb match. Adam and Dedric won 2 out of three.
Cuddling in bed is a nice way to end the day. And of course, cuddling leads to smooching and smooching leads to fun under the covers. Pillows are flying off the bed they are having so much fun. I love it when they hold hands and snuggle together under the covers.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
The Gift
A breakfast of french toast leftovers is available for those who didn't have to rush off to class. Joseph needs to bump his handiness and upgrades the stove to fireproof while Maggie cleans up after breakfast.
Adam did not have to rush to class, but had his own project to work on. He visited the local smelting shop and consignment store and smelted the metals he collected on his hunts. He cut the gems to sell as they will command a much better price if he cuts them properly. He takes some of the metals and begins to work the pieces, heating and hammering and heating and shaping, smoothing the metals into the proper shapes. He combines bands of gold, palladium and copper into a small bracelet. He is pleased with his final piece and after it is analyzed it is declared a masterpiece quality creation. He is very happy as he will give this gift to Alice and he wants her to only have the best.
Adam finished his last class of the day and it was his turn to provide dinner. He chose to make a new dish Goopy Carbonara and it turned out quite tasty. One of the roomies was on the lot, but even though called, she did not join them for dinner. After dinner, Marshall called and chatted with Jennifer. Why are they talking about diamonds! She is too young Marshall! Joseph did a mind meld with Adam and Joseph's relationship with Alice improved. um...ok.
Adam calls Alice out to the front of the dorm. "I made you something. I hope you will like it."
Alice is surprised, "Adam, this is beautiful," she exclaims looking at her new bracelet. "And you told me you are not artistic, you are very artistic."
"I was told my mother worked in metals so maybe I got that talent from her. She made the wolf medallion I wear around my neck for my father. I took it out of my father's things after he was killed so his brother could not claim it."
Alice gives him a hug and big kiss and takes him by the hand and they run upstairs. Adam turns the radio on and the lights off.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Random University Happenings
There seems to be a lot of this mind melding going on. Joseph increased his science skill melding with Dedric. Adam is playing around with his bones rather than studying. Maggie wanted to do some strength training and with her being a police officer I figured she would need it. She also whacked the punching bag a few times to get started on martial arts training.
Alice wanted to paint a brilliant painting and this painting is usually a masterpiece so that will cover that. She is getting faster at sketching during her art class. She did 5 sketches during class. Adam and Marshall enjoy the pretty day and play gnubb. Delia, one of the roomies showed up and she and Dedric played catch enjoying the warm weather also.
Maggie got her first martial arts outfit and when Joseph got back to the dorm she challenged him to spar. She won 2/1.
A little afternoon delight for Adam and Alice. She is wearing the bracelet he made for her. I added it to most of her outfits.
Several of them had wishes to jam with the others so they had a massive jam session. There is a music store in Midnight Hollow that Victor and Gardenia bought and renovated so most of the kids had several points in various instruments.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
The Grotto and Cops
The Grotto got a bit of an update in one section. They needed some karaoke fun to work off the stress of uni classes. Alice and Adam do a duet and it wasn't too bad and they had lots of fun. Alice sings a solo and Marshall and Adam cheer her on.
Alice is in fine arts and working on her street art as well as painting and instruments. She tags a few walls and starts spray painting. I really like this first one. She works on the second, no one comes by to give her any tips while she is painting.
She starts working on her third tag and here come the police. The cop got hearts for her and she got hearts for him! Apparently attraction did not stop him from handcuffing her and taking her back to the dorm. He gave her a lecture, fined her 1000 simeoleons.
She told Adam what happened and they talked about it. Alice decided what she needed to do after they talked. She headed back out and tagged a wall at the comic store and quickly painted her third street art.
They went to a party at the frat house. Jeffrey Dean and Rex Lovelace were the only ones home. Dedric and Marshall introduced themselves and chatted while Alice and Adam did keg stands. Adam was successful. Alice did pretty good at first, but she ended up dropping him.
All is forgiven!
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Just Another Day
Adam is up early fixing his specialty, waffles for breakfast. Joseph and Maggie are sleeping in, the rest enjoy the yummy waffles.
Marshall makes his call to Jennifer after breakfast. He tells her about a movie he wants to take her to see when they get home from university. Maggie and Joseph are finally up and jog around the yard. Maggie decides to add some challenge to her jog by stuffing her backpack full of books. Joseph trails behind her, enjoying the view!
Dedric works on his handiness by upgrading the stereo. Adam uses his science gizmo to analyze a kona bean.
The group loves the point and decide to spend the afternoon there. Joseph and Maggie race up the rock walls. Adam and Dedric were on the other side. Poor Dedric kept falling off, but, luckily with his wings he did not get hurt. I was surprised he did not just fly to the top! Missed getting pics of Adam and Dedric.
Alice made some tri-tip steak to eat later and then started painting a scene from memory. Marshall wanted to play his drums and leveled up while he played. Adam and Joseph teamed up against Maggie and Dedric in a gnubb tournament.
When Marshall leveled up on drums he decided to check out the trampoline. I think Marshall must have played a lot on the one in the MH park as he started off doing flips and tricks. Dedric joined him and it was cute watching a fairy jump around on the trampoline. Alice called everyone over to eat before it got to late.
Everyone threw logs on the bonfire until it was blazing high in the evening sky. Adam was happily applauding Alice. I'm still not sure what she did. Even Marshall was thinking about her. Maybe it was the tri-tip steaks she cooked? Joseph is apparently thinking about @Charlottesmom's sim Light!
I think we can tell what Maggie is thinking about and she and Joseph left and went back to the dorm. Dedric is invited to a party so he leaves the group. Alice gets a call from Paris inviting her over so since Adam will go on a hunt she accepts and leaves. Adam and Marshall fill buckets with water and put the fire out. Marshall tells him to go on his hunt, he will make sure all the embers are out.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
The Attack
Mitchell made sure the embers were out, grabbed his back pack and was about to call a cab to go back to the dorm. He notices a couple of guys coming over to him.
The dark haired one calls out, "Hey, dude, are you Marshall? Marshall Flynn?
Marshall nods, "yes, who wants to know."
The blond one standing a bit back laughs, "What kind of name is Marshall? Seems like a funny name to me. Are you a comedian Marshall? Your name sure makes me laugh."
"Who are you guys?" Marshall asks, "Have you been using too much of the buzzberry?"
"You don't ask the questions. We ask the questions" yells the dark haired one. He reaches out and slaps Marshall several times.
Marshall's head is spinning and he has no idea why these guys would attack him. His heart is pounding, he feels dizzy, but determined to get to the bottom of why they are attacking him.
Marshall reaches out and grabs the dark haired dude "who put you up to this".
The thug laughs, "that is something you will never find out."
He throws several punches, Marshall retaliates as he tries to duck the punches. He falls to the ground and the dark haired dude uses his boots to kick his ribs and abdomen.
"I don't think he has learned his lesson" the blond guy remarks to his friend, and throws a few punches and kicks of his own.
"I think it is time to end this before anyone shows up."
The blond thug takes his weapon out and attacks Marshall with it. He backs off as the dark haired thug tackles Marshall and viciously attacks him using weapons that were hidden up until now. Marshall collapses, unable to fight any longer with the injuries the weapons caused, the pain incapacitates him, darkness surrounds him. His last thoughts as he prays for the fates to help him are of his sisters and Jennifer.
"He won't last much longer", the dark haired guy tells the blond. "We have a call to make and money to collect. Lets go."
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Marshall
Alice got bored at Paris' party and when she realized she left her painting at the point, she decides to go retrieve it. She arrives at the point and as she is walking towards the easel she hears faint moans and rustling sounds. Just a few steps further and she spies a body, lying curled on the ground. She runs to towards the body and realizes it is Marshall. She sits on the ground next to him, checks his pulse, it is erratic, rapid. Breathing is shallow. He is bruised and bleeding and she thinks he may be dying. She immediately casts a spell of healing. She knows it will not heal him at this point, things are too far progressed. She hopes it will stop the dying process though. She calls Adam and tells him to get back to the point right away, Marshall has been attacked and is dying.
Adam calls Dedric to meet him at the point and rushes at were speed back to the point. Alice in the meanwhile continues using her magic spells to help with the pain and keep Marshall calmed. Adam arrives and quickly checks out Marshall. His life force is failing. Dedric arrives and Adam takes some of the fairy dust and sprinkles it over Marshall to provide protection and a form of stasis to give them more time to help him.
"It won't last very long. We need to get him back to the dorm and talk with Maggie," Dedric explains as Adam sprinkles the dust. Adam picks up Marshall in his arms. He links arms with Alice and Dedric and they teleport him and Marshall to the dorm room.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Decisions
Dedric has gone up to Maggie's room to let her and Joseph know what has happened. Maggie is Marshall's older sister by about a year.
"Call your Dad and see how fast he can get here," Adam tells Alice convinced that Victor is Marshall's only hope for survival.
"I will call him, but he cannot teleport this far in one step. It will take him several hours to get here. I doubt we even have an hour. Adam, you can save Marshall. Your bite will change him, and rapidly heal what is wrong and will save his life."
"Alice! Are you sure that would work? I know that conversion to a vampire will heal deadly injuries, but, I have never heard that a werewolf gene would do it. Besides that, do you honestly think he would want to be cursed like this? Look at me! Do you think Marshall wants to live like this? "
Alice gets a bit exasperated with him. "Adam, I love you more than anything. You have to get over feeling cursed. I know your father was awful, but you are not. Being a werewolf is part of what makes you special. Marshall is your best friend. He loves you like a brother. He writes a very successful series of werewolf stories because of you. I know Marshall wants to live and if that means joining you as a were he'd say yes if he could. You are not cursed! You will be blessing him with life. I know this will work. I've studied the lore with Mom and at the Vault of Antiquity before we moved to Midnight Hollow. I aced those exams! Werewolf genes will start strengthening and healing the fledgling once the genes enter the body. You also have fairy genes and he will get a boost from that as well. My witchcraft will not heal someone that has lost as much life force as Marshall has. You will be here to help Marshall adjust and so will the rest of us."
Adam nods and reaches out to Alice. "I don't want him to die Alice. I know in my head I'm not my father. But, it is hard to forget feeling the scorn and hatred that he caused for anyone in the pack. After being shunned from the pack and having no one to turn to for such a long time, until the Fates led me to Midnight Hollow is hard to overcome. I have hated being a were for so long the thoughts of turning another fills me with bile. I find it amazing that you love me even as a were. I look in the mirror and see my father. I know I've got to get over that, put it in the past where it belongs. I thank the Fates that I have you in my life to help me deal with and move away from my past. He will truly be my brother with the bite. Once Maggie gets here I will do it."
Dedric enters Joseph and Maggie's room and wakes them up. They wake quickly and Maggie looks at Dedric. "What is the matter, what has happened?" Joseph echo's Maggie, "What's up, man?"
Dedric quickly explains what happened earlier this evening, how serious the situation is. "No, No!", cries Maggie and she runs out of the room to Marshall's room with Joseph and Dedric behind her.
She looks at her brother as he lies on the bed, bruised and bloody, barely breathing. "Who did this? Why? He can't die," she sobs standing at his bedside looking at Adam, demanding answers.
Adam looks Maggie in the eyes. "I'm sorry, we have done all that we can with magic to sustain him. His life force is low, the damage was great. The stasis is almost used up and when it is gone, Marshall will die. Right now, the stasis is the only thing keeping him alive. Victor is too far away for a conversion. I can bite him and the were genes will enter him quickly. It will start healing him right away, it will take a couple of days for the conversion to be complete, but, he will not die."
"Save my brother, save Marshall. Please don't let him die," cries Maggie.
Adam hugs Maggie and tells her "I will take care of him, he is a brother to me, my first true friend. We will find out who did this and why as well. That is my promise to you."
Maggie tells Marshall she loves him and what they are going to do to help him survive this attack. She is not sure if he heard her or not, but thinks he tried to open his eyes while she was talking to him.
Adam lets Maggie know it is time. "I don't think we can wait any longer." He asks everyone to leave the room and wait outside.
Dedric, Maggie, Joseph and Alice sit in nervous silence waiting.
Adam looks at his friend Marshall. "I love you man. You were my first friend. I can't let you go. I hope you won't hate me for changing you. You will be able to write first hand about were's instead of picking my brain for your stories. I'll teach you about being a werewolf, how to control and transform. You won't have a choice at the full moon, but, the rest of the time it is your choice. You will enjoy hunting and we can hunt together."
He bends over Marshall and bites him, injecting him with the genes that will transform Marshall into a werewolf over the next couple of days. Man and beast will be joined as one. Fate has provided a brother for Adam and a new pack is formed.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Waiting
The stasis field disappears from around Marshall's body. Adam watches carefully as Marshall's breathing is still shallow and slow. He checks Marshall's pulse, it is not as thready as earlier. Marshall suddenly convulses several times, he gasps and coughs, his body hungry for air. As quickly as the convulsions start, they are gone. Marshall's breathing is still slow, but less labored. It almost seems as if Marshall is looking at him. But, his eyes are not tracking, just staring. "Marshall, it is Adam, can you hear me, squeeze my hand." No response. Adam is still encouraged that his heart is beating stronger, and his breathing is no longer irregular and labored. He almost seems to be sleeping.
Adam lets the others know it is done. The stasis has disappeared and Marshall lives. The were genes seem to be working, healing Marshall. He is not awake, not responding to questions yet. It will probably be awhile before he recovers consciousness. His body is still in shock from the injuries and the bite.
Maggie holds Marshall's hand telling him that he will be ok. She chatters about school and Cora (baby sister) and anything that pops into her head hoping her voice will reach him and he will open his eyes and talk to her. He does not respond.
Alice walks over to Adam and holds his hands. "I know this was very difficult for you. I'm proud of you."
Adam just nods, squeezes her hands not trusting himself to speak right now.
Poor Marshall is getting a bit rank as his body warms up. Adam and Dedric get the dirty, bloody clothing off of him and Alice does a hygiene spell to clean him up. The friends continue to watch him closely waiting for a response. Alice lays down on the other bed in the room. She closes her eyes falling asleep even as she fights to stay awake. Several hours pass as they watch and wait. Dedric sends Maggie and Joseph downstairs to eat. "You must keep your strength up or you will be no good for him." They eat quickly and resume their posts at his bedside. Dedric tries to get Adam to take a break and eat. He ends up bringing Adam a sandwich to eat as he sits on the bed next to his sleeping Alice.
A bright light suddenly appears in the room. As it dissipates Victor and Gardenia appear in the room holding hands.
"We got here as fast as we could." Victor tells them.
Gardenia immediately turns to Marshall and gives him a thorough examination. She is pleased with what she finds. She tells Maggie that he has dropped off into a deep healing sleep. It could be hours before he awakens. They can and should talk to Marshall as it will soothe his mind to hear his sister and friends talking with him and staying nearby. When he awakens he will be weak. She will leave a few potions for them to give him when he arouses to start strengthening him. He will need to eat preferably fresh meat, and Adam can take care of providing that. He will strengthen quickly with the meal and the potions, but will still need to rest.
Victor turns to Marshall and probes his mind searching for the memories of the attack and any threats from his past. Victor is saddened by the brutality of the attack on Marshall. He is tempted to erase those memories, but, realizes Marshall will need those memories to deal what happened to him. Victor at least knows what the thugs look like and that will aid in the search for them and whoever instigated this attack. It was not a random attack, it was planned by a third unknown individual, not by the thugs. Marshall's only issue in the past was with his Uncle Edmond, his guardian until he reaches his majority. They apparently had quite a few arguments while Marshall was a teen. Edmond Flynn is not a very loving guardian. He wonders who Jackson Bishop is. The name is in Marshall's memory in association with his uncle, but, no face goes with it. He will research the name and talk with Marshall depending on what he discovers.
Gardenia talks with Alice and Adam about the potions she is leaving for Marshall. She reminds Alice of the herbs and plants she will need to replenish the potions. She turns to Adam and tells him he made the right decisions from the start to help Marshall survive. "Your destiny has changed as you are changing and growing. I don't want you to forget your past, or your father. I want you to remember and understand that you are not him, and you are already more of a man than he was. You are not cursed. You have a beautiful heart and compassion for others and that will always help you when you make decisions in life." She reaches out and hugs him. Adam stunned by her words whispers thank you and hugs her back.
Victor tells Adam that he got a good picture of the thugs from Marshall's memory as well as a name that he will research. He will let him know what he finds out. Victor reminds Alice of the wards to set on the dorm to protect them. "Make sure you set extras on Marshall's door and windows. We are not going all the way home in case you need us. Your Mom wants to collect some herbs that are only a jump away since we are so close. We can get back quickly if you need us. We will stop back tomorrow in any case."
Victor and Gardenia face each other preparing to teleport to their destination. Goodbyes are said and the waiting begins again.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Maggie's Memories
They decide that someone needs to be with Marshall at all times so they split up the day and night between them. Maggie is not ready to leave her brothers bedside yet, so she and Joseph stay with Marshall. The others go about their day, but stay in the dorm close by. Alice casts the wards on the windows and doors of Marshall's room as well as the dormitory. Maggie reads aloud from her tablet one of Marshall's favorite books until her voice tires. She watches him sleep and thinks back on how their lives changed after their parents died.
We had not recovered from the shock of Mom and Dad's death when the lawyers arrange for us to be taken to Midnight Hollow where Dad's brother Edmund lives. We finally arrive in Midnight Hollow and realize Uncle Edmund is not at all like our Dad. He is grumpy, mean, hates children, inappropriate and evil. He starts arguing with Marshall before the door is shut the first day. I jump into the argument and ask him to leave Marshall alone and he yells at me. I don't understand how Dad could have a brother this different from him. Dad was a happy man, always smiling and had a good joke to tell. We try to stay out of his way as much as we can. When we are not in school we spend a lot of time together up in our rooms. He does not venture up to the third floor.
Shortly after we moved in Marshall had his birthday. It would have been a great party if Uncle Edmund had not come in and started heckling Marshall. We ate our cake quickly, trying to ignore his outbursts and went back to the third floor.
I had just finished the dishes and saw Uncle Edmund going to Cora. I was surprised until I saw what he was really doing. He stole her candy! I gave him a piece of my mind and I had to cover Cora's ears so she would not hear the nasty stuff that came out of his mouth. I've written several letters to the lawyers but they tell me that nothing can be done unless he physically abuses us. At least the money is tied up and he cannot get to Marshall's inheritance. Father followed the family tradition leaving the inheritance to the eldest son.
So many good memories tarnished with Uncle Edmund and his meanness. Cora's birthday for example. We were having so much fun, laughing and playing party games. Then he comes out with his heckling and name calling spoiling it. We tried to ignore him and hoped he would go away when he realized we were ignoring him. I'll never forget the look on Cora's face as she stared Uncle Edmond down, never saying a word to him, just the look. He actually went back in the house without a piece of cake. I was proud of her and so was Marshall. I guess this memory wasn't so bad after all.
I held off going to university until Marshall would be able to go too. I didn't want to leave him alone with just Cora in the house with Uncle Edmund. Things are just too volatile between them. I arranged with Jane and John Doe to keep Cora in their home while we are at university. Mr. Doe came over and made the offer to have her stay with his children while we are gone so she won't miss us so much. Uncle Edmund gave me a withering look, but, told Mr. Doe that is was fine by him. Marshall hugs her goodbye and she and I skip all the way to the Doe's house. Freedom feels great.
Marshall stirring in the bed brings me out of my memories. He is restless, tossing and turning. I call his name, his head turns, but he does not open his eyes or awaken. I get on the bed with him and rub his back like Mom used to do when we were sick. I can hear Alice playing the piano downstairs, the sounds drifting up into the room. She is playing classical music. She knows that is Marshall's favorite music. He quietens down and seems to go back into the deep sleep.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Awake
It is change of shift time. Dedric arrives to sit with Marshall when suddenly Marshall sits up in bed and tries to get up. Dedric's mouth drops open (sometimes this game just provides a perfect picture) in astonishment as they were really not expecting him to awaken quite so soon. Maggie jumps up and tries to keep Marshall from getting up. "You've been sick, take it easy, please."
Adam arrives in the room to check on Marshall and is also astonished to see him awake. Marshall insists on sitting up and Maggie helps him to sit on the side of the bed.
Marshall insists he can stand up and Maggie hugs him tightly once he is on his feet. Tears flow from her eyes. "I was so afraid."
Alice arrives in the room and immediately hugs Marshall. She also hands him a potion. "My Mom said you had to take this as soon as you woke up. So, down the hatch." Marshall chugs it quickly to get it over with. "Why can't medicine ever taste good." he wonders.
Dedric uses his powers to project an aura of soothing for Marshall.
Marshall looks confused. "I don't understand what has happened to me? Why do I feel so strange? Why is everyone acting upset? I had the strangest dreams and nothing made sense."
Adam asks, "What do you remember about the evening we were at the point?"
Marshall shrugs and realizes his shoulders are sore. "Not much, I stayed after you left to hunt. I wanted to make sure the fire was out. I was leaving and a couple of guys showed up. I don't remember much after that. I remember one kept laughing strangely and asking questions."
Adam frowns, "Do you have any idea who they were?"
Marshall shakes his head "Not a clue."
Adam explains what happened to him, how Alice found him when she returned to the park and how Dedric and Alice tried to heal him, but his injuries were too severe. "You were dying Marshall. We put you in stasis and brought you back here. I talked to Maggie and we knew in order to save your life I would have to bite you, and the were genes would be transferred to you and would heal you. I think that is why you feel so different right now. You are still undergoing the conversion. It takes a couple of days for it to be complete. It was the only way to save your life. I hope you will forgive me for turning you into a werewolf."
Marshall is quiet as he thinks about what Adam has just said. He looks at Adam and sees how upset and worried Adam is. He smiles, "Considering all the stories you've told me about werewolves and we had never talked about werewolf bites and conversions. Does this mean you are my sire? ....or what? Do I have to call you Dad now? Sheesh, I've got a million more questions, but, I'm starving. I want some food. Oh, and by the way thank you for saving my life."
Adam stares at Marshall amazed at his friends attitude. "I'm not your sire, that's for Vamps! You are my brother now and a member of my pack. I am your pack leader. You do have to do what I tell you." Adam grins and decides this could be fun. "I'll fix you dinner, but, you need to lie down and rest while I fix it."
Marshall gives Adam a hug. "Seriously, thank you for my life."
Adam hugs him back. "I couldn't let you go, you are my best friend. Now, go lay down."
With a lighter heart, Adam fixes a fresh fish dinner whistling while he cooks. He drags a small table and 2 chairs from the store room and sets them up in Marshall's room. They talk about everything over dinner. Marshall wants all the details of his injuries and as much information as Adam has about the attackers. They talk about becoming a werewolf and how he will transform. Marshall has seen Adam transform many times. "Does it hurt? I've never asked you that."
"Not really, its just a strange sensation and I'm used to how it feels."
After dinner, Marshall asks Alice to play for him. "I seem to remember hearing music. That had to be you playing." Joseph, Dedric and Adam move some of the furniture around so they can all sit and enjoy the music. Alice plays all the classical compositions that she has learned as she knows they are Marshall's favorites. Marshall relaxes on the bed and taps his feet in time with the music.
Alice notices Marshall's eyes drooping. Everyone says goodnight and heads to bed. Alice hands him a potion to help him rest. It is absorbed through the skin so he tosses it at his feet and legs. He crawls back in bed as the potion works quickly. Adam sits down watching as Marshall falls asleep. He needs to be close by in case Marshall transforms earlier than anticipated. His eyelids are heavy, but he knows even if he falls asleep he will awaken because of the bond they share as were brothers.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Back to classes
Marshall had a great nights sleep and woke feeling surprisingly strong for one who was all but dead yesterday. His first thoughts are he needs to start writing all this down as it will make a great addition to his werewolf series of books. He heads to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. He looks in the mirror at the sink and is surprised at how much his beard has grown. He never had much of a beard before so this is a nice surprise and he decides to leave it be. The bruises on his face have completely healed as well.
Dedric decides to learn to cook and fixes his first batch of pancakes. He didn't burn them and the quality was nice. He used an orange for flavoring. Alice has left a potion for Marshall to take before he eats his breakfast. He quickly gets it down and sits down to eat his pancakes. Marshall enjoys the pancakes and compliments the chef. "MmMmMm, these are great pancakes Dedric! Thanks for making them this morning."
Adam's class is later in the day so he accompanies Marshall to his morning classes. In between the classes he shares a few jokes with Marshall. They run all the way across campus to get to the next class so Marshall will not be late. Adam studies outside while waiting. Joseph arrives and will go with Marshall to the comic shop. Joseph texts the others to come there after they get out of their classes.
Maggie and Alice decide enough studying for one day and play on the arcade machines. Marshall is waylaid by another student and looks a bit peeved. Joseph booby trapped one of the computers. He has a bit of a mischievous streak. Adam finally gets out of class and plays one of the arcade games for a few to unwind. He offers to take everyone to the diner including Cid who had been chatting with Dedric and was complaining about how hungry he was.
After dinner they head back to the dorm. As promised Victor and Gardenia teleport in to check on Marshall. Victor reassures Alice and the others that Marshall is in fine shape and Gardenia agrees that he has healed well and the transformation should be complete sometime before dawn. She casts one final spell of healing over him.
Victor teleports everyone to the point to search the grounds for any clues that may have been left and overlooked. They find nothing but bad memories and an evil atmosphere that spoils the ambiance of the point. Gardenia uses her powers to restore the balance of nature and heal the point from the evil that was attempted here.
Maggie and Joseph stayed at the dorm and celebrate and heal the old fashioned way.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Memories
Victor teleports everyone back to the dorms. Dedric says goodnight and heads to his room to sleep. Gardenia and Alice sit and chat.
"I know you've been busy with school work, your friends and before this happened, just enjoying being at university, but, don't get lax on your magical studies either. Find some time each day to practice so you don't get rusty and so you continue to build magical strength. Don't worry about the alchemy right now. I will continue to send you a supply of common potions that you may need. Just practice your magic every day.....ok?"
Alice nods and agrees, "I know I've not been doing as much as I should, but, I did upgrade the showers with magic when we first got here! I got tired of them breaking so easily and the hot water would run out. I will try to do better with practicing and work on my charms and defensive spells."
Victor has been observing Marshall through the evening and is amazed at how well he seems to have adjusted to what happened. He has seen no signs of confusion or hesitation or even fear or regret or anger. Victor decides not to read his mind for answers. He asks Marshall directly for answers. "Do you mind explaining how and why you have adjusted so easily to what happened?"
"Well, sir, it's like this. I moved to Midnight Hollow as a kid and realized I did not like feeling helpless after my parents died. We were not given any choices about moving or living with our Uncle. I vowed that someday I would be strong and not dependent on someone that despised me and my sisters. I met Adam and we became best friends and his being a were never bothered me, in fact, it fascinated me. I had actually planned to ask him to turn me at some point. Adam has a quiet strength that I admire and I wanted that for myself. I thought being a were would make me stronger and less vulnerable. I was going to talk with Jennifer to see how she felt about it first since she and I are, you know, going together."
Victor nods in understanding, remembering how helpless he was to protect his family centuries ago. "What does the name Jackson Bishop mean to you?" Victor asks, and explains further, "I poked around in your memories when you were injured to see if I could find any details about who attacked you, or why, and the name Jackson Bishop was in your memories and seemed to be a disturbing memory."
Marshall nods his head and thinks back in time. "It was a few years back. It wasn't too long after my teen birthday. I had got home from school and noticed that Uncle Edmund's office door was opened. It was usually shut and locked. I poked my head in and looked around. In a cabinet against one of the walls I could see some papers and the name on the papers was Jackson Bishop. There was a picture in the cabinet as well as a few books. The cabinet was locked so I couldn't open it. The picture looked like Uncle Edmund only when he was much younger. I saw an obituary that had been cut out of a newspaper. It had the name Jackson Bishop on it as well. I started poking around on his desk next. He had some books and a note pad and that was about it. Not even a computer. Next thing I knew I was caught. Uncle Edmund had come in behind me and scared a year or two off my life. He grabbed me and told me if he ever caught me in his room again he would make sure it was the last thing I ever did. I know he meant it too. That was when I decided I had to get stronger to be able to protect myself and my family. It wasn't long after that Adam came to town."
Victor, Adam and Marshall discuss the plan to keep Marshall safe as well as Maggie and Cora. Cora is still with the Doe family and Victor will assign one of his vampires to monitor Cora and the Doe's safety. The friends have all agreed that no one goes anywhere alone right now. "I still have access to the guild information and will do some searches on Jackson Bishop. I will do some investigation of his office as well and see what comes up. If Edmund is responsible I will find out. If he is not responsible for the attack we will at least have eliminated him as a suspect. I will be in touch in a few days. Stay vigilant and stay safe."
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Transformed
Nervous about the transformation, Marshall has a restless night sleeping. He tosses, turns, sleeps briefly and awakes easily. He finally gives up altogether. He showers and changes and gets ready for the day. Adam hears him stirring and gets up to wait with him. Dedric arrives just as the transformation is starting. He quickly provides an aura of soothing to help Marshall with this first transformation. Marshall feels very strange as his body is beginning to change. The heat is intense as his muscles swell and bones begin to change shape, elongate and his body grows more flexible, less rigid. His clothes rip, his heart is racing and feels as if it may burst out of his chest. He doubles over as his body changes shape. He reaches out towards Adam just barely holding it together. He notices his hands are completely changed and he now has claws. His eyes are glowing, his senses are acute and he can hear the sound of Dedric's wings as he stands nearby. He howls as his body finishes changing. It is done.
He bares his teeth at Adam and Dedric. "Do I have big fangs?" Dedric is not concerned about the fangs and is thinking about the leftover orange pancakes he wants for breakfast. It is early still and since they have time Adam transforms and takes Marshall on an early morning hunt.
Marshall got a text from Jennifer this morning while he was out hunting. "CALL ME" it reads. Marshall realizes that Gardenia and Victor must have talked to the Doe's when they returned to Midnight Hollow and let her and her parents know what has happened so they can make sure Cora is well protected. He has a late class today so he calls her. He starts with a sincere apology. "I'm sorry we didn't call you right away, but everyone thought telling you on the phone was not a great idea, and then they wanted to wait until I got better, and then Victor and Gardenia said they would let you know and be able to reassure you that I was ok in person. Um...I am ok, better than ok really. I'm stronger, I've got a great sense of smell now, I can hear an argument in the dorm across campus, and I'm a lot hairier now. Will that bother you, you think? The hairier part. Oh man, I'm babbling here. I'll just shut up and let you talk now, how's that?"
He listens to Jennifer and her concerns and answers her questions and comments. "Yes, I almost died, I was dying in fact. Adam saved me with his were bite. I transformed this morning for the first time. I'll tell you and only you. I was scared. I mean, I've seen Adam change hundreds of times, but, this was me. It was scary, but, it was fast and Adam and Dedric were with me and helped me through it. Adam and I hunted before his class and it was awesome racing across campus, finding a scent and racing towards it. We got back after sunrise and had several precious gems to show for it. Adam told me how to change back and I did what he said and I'm me again. Well, I was still me before, but, you know what I mean."
He can hear the tears in her voice as she says "I almost lost you."
Marshall "Oh, hun, I'm ok now. I promise. Do you need me to come home and be with you?"
"You'd do that, come home if I asked you?" She sniffles and wipes the tears away. "I love you Marshall and I want to see you so much, but, I think you are safer staying with Adam until Victor checks things out around here. He has assigned a couple of his vampires to protection detail. One is immune to the sun so will be the day shift, the other is not immune so will be the night security. Mom is going to home school Cora for now with the boys so she will not be so lonely for playmates. Dad will be taking me to the journalism program and picking me up so I won't be alone either. You will be getting another break soon right?"
"Exams are coming up and we will get a break right after that."
They talked a bit longer and she had to go as it was time for her to head out for her classes. Marshall sits down at the computer and sends her a quick love note that she will find when she gets out of classes. He writes some of his thoughts down in his story folders for future books. He goes upstairs to the gym and starts a workout. He thinks to himself, I might be stronger as a were now than I was as a human, but, I want to be as strong as possible. No one will get a jump on me ever again. He decides to work on his upper extremities today.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid