Rivals 10.100: Whistle While You Twerk

Rival Cowfolks in Newcrest: Finale (2/2)

Serena: Previously, we conducted a criminal investigation of New Vegas.
If you recall, New Vegas is an infamous city that’s wiped Magnolia Promenade off the face of our simverse.
Small confession: I never shopped there. Most of their merchandise is mediocre.

Anyway, is everybody ready to head out?

Serena: Okay, folks, the important thing is to stay cool. Otherwise, you’ll look like a noob popo.
Caleb: But we…
Serena: Hush, dear. Looking the part is everything!

Massimo: It’s smart that we’re entering from the back. No one will expect us.
Masato: It looks amazing!
Ayato: Yeah! Too bad this place didn’t exist before, you know, we became the good guys.

Serena: Can we stop with the twittering, guys? Our target is the High Rollers’ Haven.
It’s that casino on the back left, the one with the fountain out front.

Vitoria: There goes Alex Goth, sneaking out on the town by himself.
Makoto: Who’s gonna be the one to make an anonymous phone call to the Dineros?

Serena: Of course, there’s a wedding chapel here in close proximity to the casino.
What would New Vegas be without a venue for heat-of-the-moment marriage ceremonies?

Massimo: This is all so exciting! I mean, I was a celebrity fitness trainer.
But being a popo takes bullying to a whole new level!
Ayato: Grandpa, I know you mean “protecting the innocent.” right?

Meanwhile, in another part of the simverse…
Jacques: Thanks to my mole at the police station, I’d heard Chief Serena is planning a sting tonight.
Nancy: Noooooo! How did they figure everything out so fast?

Jacques: Not to worry! Our staff has already hidden all the gambling equipment.
Our croupiers have changed uniforms, too.

J: Excellent work letting our staff know, Candy!
Candy: Piece of cake, J. The police still believe that I’m just a pathetic gambler.
I just returned from High Rollers’ Haven. The joint looks like a regular nightclub.

Back at New Vegas…
Vitoria: Stop running ahead, Papa! Chief Serena and I are wearing 3-inch heels!

Jung: Hey, that ain’t no casino! It’s just a nightclub with three dance floors!
Serena: Are you kidding me? You think they knew we were planning a sting?

Massimo: Awwww, heck. Well, I didn’t come all the way out here to turn around and go back!

Massimo: We may have become police officers but we are first and foremost vampires!

Masato: We got da moves!
Makoto: We got da groove!

Vitoria: We got attitudes that don’t stop!

Serena: Um, are these fishnet stockings really necessary?

Ayato: I don’t know, fellas. We’d probably earn more as The Dancers than as The Popos.
Jung: Why do Serena and Vitoria wear “real shorts” but us guys get stuck with cutoffs?
Boohoo! Because I just got tired of looking for custom content, okaaay?

Massimo: Just ignore my father and keep dancing, everyone! He’s just up to his usual AGB.
Makoto: AGB?
Ayato: Attention-Getting Behavior. Watchette learned that term in a dog training class.

Ayato: What do you say, family? Feels so right that we won The Rivalry, agreed?
Serena: Of course, we won! We’re the Zannas!

Massimo: But we’re not done yet!
We have one more victory dance where the Zannas bare it all!
Makoto: Bare it all? Hey, nobody warned me about that part!

And now, we’re proud to present a fantastic group all the way from East Newcrest.
Give it up for Serena and the Seven…um, Bears.
They’ll be giving a special performance of their all-time hit “Whistle While You Twerk.”

My sincere apologies to Disney fans everywhere.

Serena: Y’all better drink up first! You’re gonna need it!

Makoto (seated red/white bear): Oh, I see. “The Zannas bare it all,” har har.
Massimo (glaring brown bear): Do you mind? I’m trying to gather my chi before our last performance!

From the left, Makoto (red/white), Ayato (black/white), Massimo (brown), and Vitoria (purple).
On the left, Caleb (blue/white), Jung (green/yellow), and Masato (green/blue).

Serena: I hope you’re taking notes cuz there’s a quiz at the end of this update.

Caleb: Why do Makoto and Ayato get all the good shots?
Serena: Because they’re the ones leaping into the air, natch.
Masato: Oh hush, Caleb! Only half my body made it in this shot and you’re complaining?

Queen Serena and her bears are workin’ it!

Da bears shaking dat booty!

Serena: I’ve run out of commentary but the bears are still hilarious!

Ayato: Hmmph, these bear costumes are lame! Are you with me, Grandpa Massimo?
Massimo: Oh yeah, let’s show the folks how we roll in East Newcrest!

Massimo: We’re just two off-duty cops, shaking our money-makers.

Massimo: Why the long face, grandson? We so got this!
Ayato: Since this is the 100th post, Watchette’s decided that this will be the last one.

Massimo: No “Happily Ever Afters” update?
Ayato: Nope.
Massimo: Why not?
Ayato: I don’t know, something about beating a dead horse and new beginnings.

Massimo: Oh, there’s that dumb horse metaphor again. Anything you wanna say?
Ayato: Yes. Thanks to everyone for reading along! We’re so grateful to each and everyone of you!

The End

 

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Author’s Notes
Thanks to the following creators for their great Gallery lots:
• NightClub The Vegas by TiaraGC (my “casino”)
• Club Elyssium Las Vegas by Ghastaee (next-door to the “casino”)
• Whiterose Wedding Venue y ZLXRACHEL
• Empire Lounge by Ultrasnazzy123 (next-door to the wedding venue)
• Police shirts and hats by ZitaDesigns at TSR
• The twerking mod can be found on Umpa Blog.

 

Rivals 10.99: The POPOs of Newcrest

Rival Cowfolks of Newcrest/Finale 1/2

It was November of 2017 when the Zannas won the Rival Dynasties Challenge.
Time stands still, however, in their simverse.
After all their hard work, I believe the Zannas deserve a finale so they might bask in their victory.

Hey there! Remember me? I’m Ayato Zanna, the fourth-generation heir of the Zanna dynasty.

A little over three real-life months have passed since we Zannas won The Rivalry.
Don’t believe for a minute that we’ve simply been languishing in our watcher’s save file!

Our National Leader was so impressed at how the Zannas take care of business!
He gave our founder, Serena Zanna, the key to the Simverse then, last month, made her the new Chief of Police.

My great-grandmother Serena asked a bunch of us to support her at the Police Station.
So we all quit our original careers to join her. (I quietly stepped down from my post as the National Leader, hehe.)
And may I point out that it’s not nepotism if we’ve earned our promotions, okaaaaay?

That’s my great-grandfather, Caleb, with my grandfather Massimo (Gen2 heir).

That’s my mother Vitoria (Gen3 heir), the daughter of Massimo and Morgan Fyres.
You may recall my father, Jung Storey, one of Serena’s offspring.
He fried in the sun and had to be resurrected.  Looks like Watchetted “dehulked” him, too.
Jung: Hush, son, that’s my secret!

Masato Yamaguchi used to be Grandpa Massimo’s yoga teacher.
And that’s the ex-vampire Makoto, Masato’s son with Ulrike Faust.

So, yeah, we’re the seven who followed Serena Zanna to her job at the Police Station.

Ayato: How many times have been arrested this week so far, sugar? Isn’t this your fourth “visit”?
Prisoner: Oh, Detective Ayato, you’re counting! I’m so touched. Yes, it’s my fourth arrest this week.

Ayato: Why don’t get your act together?

Prisoner: Honey, nobody frisks me like you do! Nobody!
Ayato: …

Serena: The work of we defenders of justice is never done!
As usual, the eight of us are working late into the night.

Lately, sims have been anonymously phoning in complaints about the new hotbed of evil, New Vegas.
And tonight is no different.

Serena: Folks, would everyone gather in the Criminal Investigations Department asap?
I’d like to discuss a new case.  Ayato, I’m counting on you to work the case map.
Ayato: You got it, Chief!

For the past year, we’ve all been busy with The Rivalry and then with settling into our new gig as popos.
Meanwhile, some enterprising moneybags have transformed Magnolia Promenade into New Vegas.

According to our informant, the High Rollers’ Haven is the epicenter of everything illegal in that zone.
Massimo: Sheesh! What were the police force doing until the Zannas took over?

Serena: This casino’s become the haunt of every known gangster, both known and incognito, in our simverse.
Travis: Hey, I know you don’t mean me! I was just playing an innocent game of Old Maid.

Vitoria: I hear that relentless party boy Joaquin has squandered a small fortune on roulette lately.
So that’s where it went down, eh?

Ayato: Okay, so there’s been a little gambling at the casino. What’s the big deal?
Serena: Hold onto your horses! I’m just getting warmed up, baby boy!

Jung: I’ve been hearing rumors lately about a casino where the slot machines are rigged for the house.
Masato: So, what’s new?

Makoto: My sources say Travis Scott hacked into his firm’s retirement funds to pay off his gambling debts.
He’s also been going around trash talking a certain underhanded blackjack dealer.
Any idea who that would be, Serena?

Serena: That would be oshizu. She’s one of our best undercover agents, you know.
Sorry for the shameless self-insertion, dear readers. I couldn’t resist…

Serena: I assigned my son Massimo as oshizu’s handler.
The two of them have been working tirelessly on the case for the past month.

Caleb: Obviously, that place is a hardcore den of iniquity, frequented by every sort of unscrupulous sim!

Massimo: What is particularly insidious is that the casino is a tie-up between old money and Mob Wives.
I’m pretty sure Jacques Villareal is The Brain.
Also, Nancy Landgraab has been mobilizing bored housewives and bachelorettes everywhere.

Ayato: That makes sense. That tie-up alone is a tremendous threat to public security!

Serena: We have enough evidence now to issue an arrest warrant.
I think we all agree that a sting is in order. Let’s wait until nightfall, shall we?

(to be continued…)

 

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Author’s Notes

Thanks to the following creators for their great custom content and lots.
• Police shirts and hats by ZitaDesigns at TSR
• Set of casino objects by JomSims
• NightClub The Vegas by TiaraGC (my “casino”)
• Club Elyssium Las Vegas by Ghastaee (the light-blue and black club behind the “casino”)

Rivals 10.100: Whistle While You Twerk

Rivals 9.98: An End to the Rivalry

Rival Cowfolks in Newcrest: Ayato Zanna (4/4)

Week 9/Friday

Makoto: I’m within range to earn four out of the five additional traits based on my positive character values.
I wish I’d realized sooner that I could write in a journal to boost my Emotional Control.
Too late now, I guess.

Bella: I started writing novels yesterday and now I can write Love E-mails to Mortimer!
This morning, though, I’m writing excuse notes so Ruki and Makoto can stay home from school.

Alfonso: What are you two up to this morning? Having a mixology face-off?
Ayato: Hardly. We’re just here, waiting until the simverse wakes up.

Alfonso: Huh? What do you mean?
Ayato: Once Ruki’s target enemies are awake, Masato and I are going to mix Sunlight Reversal Cocktails for our sons.

Alfonso: I can understand Ruki’s need for sunlight protection, but why Makoto?
Masato: He’s been working hard so we thought he might enjoy his afternoon off outdoors.

Ayato: After Poppy leaves for school, we start mixing Sunlight Reversal Cocktails.
Too bad Mama already maxed this skill! I rather enjoy mixing drinks!

Masato: Once this challenge ends, Ayato, you can max any skill you want!
Boys, come drink down these cocktails so we can head out!

Ruki: My first target is Mint Dinero who I greet with a rude introduction.
I’ve brought along Papa, Uncle Masato, and Makoto for moral support.

Mint must be a little hotheaded, because our argument escalates rather quickly.

Ruki: I’m glad Papa came along. I’ve never been outdoors during the daytime like this!

Ayato: Man, Mint Dinero is living in such a plush crib! And waterfront property, too! Huh, moral support!?

Ruki: I used to consider Mint Dinero a very beautiful sim, but I learn today that she makes the most unpleasing faces!

Since she and I are both Music Lovers, I make sure to “argue about music” and “mock her musical taste”!

Ruki: Making an enemy is hard work! I wonder what my crew is doing? Praying for my success, no doubt!

Masato: An outdoor party area with a hookah lounge?! Dude, how is this even fair, Ayato?
Ayato: Eh, the vampire line has all the cool dudes! *shrugs

Ruki: Around 3 hours after I arrive, I can finally declare Mint my enemy!

Ruki: Look at her stomping her feet in fury. She’s such a sore loser!

Next, I locate my crew hitting the hookah in their swimwear, sheesh!
Get dressed, folks, I’m ready to make another enemy!

Ayato: Hey, isn’t that Sage Dinero’s house across the street?

Makoto: By the time we get inside Satoshi Soma’s home, Ruki and I are suffering from a double whammy!
Ruki: Yup, our Sunlight Reversal Cocktails wore off plus there’s several garlic wards around the front door outside.

Ayato: And now you know why Masato and I both have portable bars! Makoto, come get another Sunlight Reversal Cocktail!
Ruki, Masato is mixing one for you right now!

Ruki: I can’t believe you invited Momo Soma over when you know I’ll be fighting her father!
Makoto: I’ve been wanting to see her and she lives right next door!

Ruki: What’s the big rush?
Makoto: There’s something I absolutely must do before you’re ready to move out.

Makoto: Yes, Momo and I are best friends forever!

Momo (internally): Sofia’s son Nikolaj is such a cutie-pie, but Makoto and I really click!
I wonder what his plans are after this challenge ends?

Satoshi: I felt kinda happy when Masato invited me to join his club!
But now I know you planned that to force me home from work early!

Ruki:  Oh puhleeze! I don’t have all day to wait for you to get home, dude!

Ayato: I love this open-air lanai style! Our home feels so dark and gloomy in comparison!
Masato: You can only enjoy it now, bro, cuz you have full sunlight resistance!

Ayato: True, true! Anyway, I appreciate you coming here with me and hanging out while I wait on Ruki.

Makoto: No problem, my friend. I also want to make sure my son gets home safely!
I do believe this is the first day they’ve been outdoors in daylight as vampires.

Makoto (internally): Our romance bars have dwindled away, sadly. If only I were a young adult!

Momo (internally): What are his plans? Would he let me age him up? Are we just friends now?

Ruki: By the time I declare Satoshi Soma my enemy, it’s almost 5 pm.
Not because it took longer. I waited around some before figuring out that Uncle Masato could invite him to the family club.

Makoto and I better head home before we lose our sunlight resistance again!
Ayato: Let’s make one quick stop first!

Ayato: Hey, Nikolaj. I’ve been wanting to meet you!
Nikolaj: Good afternoon, Mr. Zanna. I’m honored that you’d stop by to see me.

Ayato: Well, you see, my son’s moving out soon and I wonder if you’d consider rooming with him?
You two would have a nice big house all to yourselves.
Masato (internally): Also Makoto hopes to live here with Momo, so your presence would be a nuisance.

Nikolaj: Where is your son now, Mr. Zanna?
Makoto: I think I saw him heading upstairs.

Ruki: Here I am! Making a new enemy plunged me into an Enraged mood but this moodlet solver fixes that!

Nikolaj: You say you were upstairs? Did you meet my step-father, Ali Mandir?
Ruki: Why yes, I did, in fact.

Nikolaj: Mr. Zanna, I would live with you at the drop of a hat, but I’m gonna have to pass on your son.
Ayato: Well, that’s a disappointment. Would you explain why?
Nikolaj: It’s not obvious to you? Mother would kill me if I moved out to live with the vampire who drank from her husband!
Makoto: Way to burn your bridges, dude!

Masato: Am I just imagining things, Ayato, or do you and Nikolaj look rather alike?
Ayato: Well, look what time it is! We better fly off to the ole homestead.

Ayato: I know our union has never been a happy one, Bella, but I’d like to give you a parting gift before we go our separate ways.

Masato: Son, I’m really sad that you won’t be living here with me and Ulrike but here’s my send-off gift to you.

Bella and Makoto (in unison): What!? What!?

Ayato: Best wishes to you and yours in your new lives, Bella and Makoto!

Masato: Why are you photobombing Makoto’s transformation shot, Ruki?
Ruki: Oh, I recently discovered that I’m in more screenshots when I stick close to Makoto.

Ruki: Happy birthday to me!

Laura (whispers): Psssst, Alfonso! Did you remove Ruki as a dependent like I did?
Alfonso (whispers): Hehe, beat you to it!

Ruki: First, Bella moves out. Next, Auntie Laura moves out with Uncle Alfonso and their daughter Poppy. Then, Makoto moves out.
Finally, leaving Papa and Uncle Masato behind, I move to the lot next door at Civic Cliffs.
I can’t believe nobody wants to live with me!

Ruki moves into the middle lot of the five lots in eastern Newcrest.
Checking his relationship panel, he finds that the only other sim he can invite to move in at the moment is Nanny Imane El Fassi.

Apparently, Bella Goth, Laura Zanna/Alfonso Dinero/Poppy, and Makoto Yamaguchi have other plans that don’t include Ruki.

Here’s an overall view of Newcrest after Ruki’s move:

 

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Parting Shots of the Dynasty Sims

The Dinero Mansion Barons
Seated, left to right: Mina (Gen3), Daniela (Founder), Moss (Gen2), and Mint (Gen4)
Standing: Sage (Gen5)

The Soma Restauranteurs/Retailers
Seated, left to right: Akira (Gen3), Yukio (Founder), Megumi (Gen2), and Satoshi (Gen4)
Standing: Momo (Gen5)

The Zanna Vampires
Seated, left to right: Vitoria (Gen3), Serena (Founder), Massimo (Gen2), and Ayato (Gen4)
Standing: Ruki (Gen5)

 

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Author’s Note

Ruki moving out to the Civic Cliffs lot marks the official end of this Rival Dynasties Challenge.
As you already know, all three bloodlines occupy five lots each in Newcrest but the Zannas win due to their highest total museum worth.

The challenge is completed but my story will continue for several more updates, so please stop by again later.
Thanks so much for following this silly story to its almost-conclusion. Be prepared for a little more silliness and maybe even some romantic closure.

Rivals 10.99: The POPOs of Newcrest

Rivals 9.97: The Last Museum Contribution

Rival Cowfolks in Newcrest: Ayato Zanna (3/4)

Thursday

Laura: Aren’t you being a bit cavalier about the challenge these days?
Ayato: Oh c’mon, Laura! I thought you and Alfonso might enjoy a little clubbing!

Alfonso: I’m always glad to get out of that Focused Room, Laura.
And besides, the Zanna victory is pretty much in the bag!

Laura: One real advantage of being a vampire is the eternal life!
Check out Grandpa Caleb over there in his cosmetic frames and cowboy hat!

Alfonso: Yeah, unlike my brother-in-law Alex who probably dressed himself in the dark, Caleb looks so stylishly youthful!

Ayato: I don’t know, folks, my Great-Grandpa Caleb seems to be suffering a mid-immortality identity crisis these days.
Yesterday, Watchette took me with her to Brindleton Bay to make her maps.

I ran into him working in a Seafood Sampler stall in Whiskerman’s Wharf. Why?

Bartender: What’s a gorgeous woman like you drinking alone at a club, lady?
Bella: It’s a loooooooong story, believe me.

Bartender: Short version?
Bella: I fell for a guy who asks me to leave my husband. Turns out he’s in love already with another man.
Then, after breaking up with me, he marries me off to his grandson who doesn’t love me. We have a son.

Bartender: Whoa, that’s tragic! Here’s a triple shot for you. It’s on me, cuz you need it!

Masato: Wouldn’t you rather be inside dancing instead of here fishing with me, son?
Makoto: Not at all. By the way, I’m grateful I got to live with you as a teen, Dad.

Masato: You don’t regret not staying with the Somas? You would have seen more of Momo!
Makoto: I doubt that Satoshi was thinking of moving me out with him. Momo and I will be together, you’ll see!

Ruki: It’s almost daylight already and I didn’t catch a single angelfish!
So much for ending this challenge with the highest-value museum collection…
Yep, I’d been thinking ambrosia but it’s out now, since I can’t max Fishing.

Ruki: One mistake! One mistake beyond my control while I was experiencing a mood swing!
And now everyone’s turned their back on me! Everyone!

I bet if I’d grown up looking like my father Ayato, Watchette would have forgiven me immediately! Grrrr.

Ruki: You know what else?
I’m sick and tired of constantly being unfavorably compared with that Makoto and his double-jointed pinky!

Ruki: And I’ve reached Level 10 of Homestyle Cooking!
In a show of belated compassion, Watchette buys me the highest-end fridge and stove.

Uncle Alfonso and Uncle Masato show up right away to give them insta-upgrades.
Time to get started on my museum collection!

Ruki: Until recently, I’d always assumed that Great-Great-Uncle Lio was a jerk.
Now I understand that when our rivals picked fights with him, he’d get Enraged.

That’s why he was always drinking uncontrollably while or after becoming enemies with our rivals.
Well, I have to admit: his frequent break-ins at community lots weren’t such a hot idea.

Friday

Ruki: Around 3:30 am, I’ve completed my collection and leave for the Zanna Museum with Papa.

Oops, I’ve forgotten to bring my portraits in my haste.
I phone Makoto and he brings them over to the Founder’s lot in a flash.

To think that I’m the fifth and last Zanna to place my museum items in here!

Ruki: It’s a little past 4 am when my museum area is finally done!
I must commend our Founder. She’s the only founder who prepared display areas for all four of her heirs in advance!

My collection consists of seven platters of Roasted Tofu Chicken for a total $2,842.
Before you say that’s lame, remember the values of Gen3 and Gen4 Dinero heirs’ collections ($1,353 + $1,120, respectively).

Ayato: So here’s the final museum values for all three bloodlines, Ruki:
$114,457 (Dinero) < $114,895 (Soma) < $117,939120 (Zanna)

Ayato: Well done, Ruki! It’s only Friday morning and all you need now are two enemies!
If you can manage that without burning up in the sunlight then move out, we’ll be home free!
Ruki: I want to get started making enemies right now, Papa!

Ayato: I understand exactly how you feel! I’m ready to finish this rivalry and move on, too!
But you need to wait until your rivals wake up. At least give them time to have breakfast, okay?

 

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Current Week 9 Status: Zanna Line

Gen4 Heir: Ayato Zanna
*Completed bloodline requirements: ALL

Gen5 Heir: Ruki Zanna 
Traits: Inquisitive; Cheerful, Music Lover
*Completed move-out requirements: ALL
Toddler Skills: Happy Toddler (L5 Imagination and Thinking)
Childhood aspiration: Artistic Prodigy (done)
Good Friends: Serena Zanna; Nobuya Yamaguchi, Ritvik, Srivastava, Shaurya Nair
Portraits (2/2): $13,977 (normal: $7,900; dark: $6,077)
Teen career: Fast Food (Level 3)
“A” in high school: yes
Aspiration: Nerd Brain (done)
Skills: Logic (Level 10) and Cooking (Level 10)
Collection (7/7):  $2,842 (Roast Tofu Chicken x7)
*Incomplete move-out requirements: 
Enemies: (Dinero and Soma)

Author’s Note:
I’m pretty sure this challenge will be over after the next update.
Although the challenge will end, I hope to add a few more updates to follow up on our favorites (i.e., see what their offspring look like, lol).

Rivals 9.98: An End to the Rivalry

 

 

Rivals 9.96: Uncontrollable

Rival Cowfolks in Newcrest: Ayato Zanna (2/4)

Tuesday

Laura: Not long after midnight, Poppy is ready to age up.
Alfonso: Great job helping Poppy max her traits, Laura!

Alfonso: Oh no! This is simply terrible!
Laura: What do you mean, darling? Poppy is a gorgeous little girl!

Alfonso: I know! I’ll need to escort her to and from school every day to protect her from unscrupulous boys!
Laura: *rolls eyes

Ayato: Well, now that Poppy’s aged up, it’s time for an outing!

Ruki: Why am I not surprised that we end up at Kendall Roberts’ home?

Ayato: Look, little Cade came out just to say hello to you, Ruki!
Ruki: Sure, he did!

Ayato: Enough with the attitude, Ruki! Thing is, you need to do five upgrades for Nerd Brain.
However, Masato and Alfonso have already insta-upgraded all the appliances at our place.

Ruki: I see! So I can complete my five-upgrade goal here instead of running all over town.
Ayato: Exactly!

Alonzo Brothers: You vampires are so odd, but thanks for adding Self-cleaning and Auto-Soap Dispenser to that sink!

Ayato: In addition, Poppy can play on the nearby space gym.

Poppy: I can finish my first milestone right here, right now!

Poppy: But why is it so dark out? And where are the other kids?
Alfonso: It’s late because we were all waiting for you to age up, Poppy.

Laura: And Papa and I are here to play with you, darling.

Ayato: You know, of course, that we’re actually here so I can befriend and age up my son, Julien.

Julien: So this is my father! What a relief to know that I won’t look like Grandpa Alonzo!
My father smells so nice and he has a certain je ne sais quoi.

What? You think I shouldn’t know any French?
Mother listened to language tapes while I was incubating!

Makoto: While Papa continues practicing bar flair on his beloved portable bar, I chill with Cade.
Since we’re not family, I’m quite surprised I have to option to teach Cade to talk.

Well, Uncle Ayato was saying that this household was a bit bugged.
Spending time with Cade makes me think that having a kid or two of my own wouldn’t be bad…

Alonzo Brothers (left): So, I’ve been asking around and these Zannas are insanely rich.
Aaliyah Brothers (right): Yeah, I heard the same thing while tending bar at Pan Europa the other night.

Alonzo: Maybe Ayato will buy that huge 64×64 lot in Countryside Windenberg for Kendall and their kids.
Aaliyah: When he builds us an in-law cottage and asks us to move in, let’s initially pretend we don’t want to be a burden.
Alonzo: Why would you want to move in with them, Aaliyah? You hate kids, remember?

Ayato: Julien and I are good friends at last, so I age him up.  He’s the cutest of Kendall’s children!
On your left are the green-eyed twins who don’t resemble each other at all.
For comparison, there are shots of me (upper) and my son Ruki (below).

Ayato: Cade and Faith always look a little cross, but Julien is a real charmer!

It’s a shame we won’t be around to watch these three children grow up.

Ruki: Makoto and I get back from school at 3 pm, the same time Papa and Auntie Laura finish work.
I should have received an “A” today but come home feeling Enraged (+50 Angry) instead.

When I pop the whim to drink uncontrollably from Auntie Laura, Papa quickly sends me inside.

Ayato: But Ruki flies back out in bat form and starts mesmerizing Auntie Laura.
I have no options to stop him except to pick up the phone to travel to Grandpa Massimo’s home.

While he drinks a moodlet solver there, I check his moodlets and discover I was too late.

Ruki: Arrrgggh, I feel horrid. Now I’m not only Enraged but also have the Guilty Drinker (+50 Tense) moodlet!
Ayato: You have no idea how deeply you’ve disappointed me today, Ruki.

Ruki: But, but, but I was Enraged and I couldn’t control myself.
Ayato: Do you remember Makoto also came home Enraged yesterday? He didn’t spin out of control like you!

If you don’t watch yourself, Ruki, the Zannas will disown you at the end of this challenge.
Thanks to Auntie Laura’s Deluxe Easels and her portraits of you, you don’t need to lift a finger for your museum collection.
Now go home and get ready for work. You’re poised for a career promotion tonight, but you’ll probably mess that up, too.

Laura: I have to tell you what that scoundrel Ruki just did to me, Alfonso! *whispers
Alfonso: After all we’ve been done for him? What an ungrateful jerk! What do you want to do?

Laura: I have no beef with the rest of the family, so I’d like us to stay here until the end of this week.
But I believe it’s time we leave east Newcrest. There’s no reason for us to be living in Vampire Central.

Laura: Ruki will live forever, darling, but you and I will not.
No way I would ever leave our precious Poppy alone in the same house as that uncouth Ruki!

Alfonso: I’ve lost any desire to continue mentoring him for his last three Logic levels, but I’ll do it for Ayato’s sake.

Ruki: Now that I’ve calmed down, I’m so ashamed about what happened earlier today.
I can’t even apologize to Auntie Laura and Uncle Alfonso. I feel so bad…

Will no one believe me when I say that I wasn’t myself?

Just one little bit of good news: I maxed my Fast Food job and will surely get an “A” tomorrow.

Wednesday 

Makoto: I stay home from school today and catch up to Ruki at Tier IV of the Nerd Brain aspiration.
Congrats on earning that “A” today, Ruki!

Ruki: How the heck did you catch up with me? I started last Saturday morning.
You started a whole day later than me on Sunday morning plus you have Level 6 Gardening!
Makoto: True, but I’m a Top-Notch Toddler with the Mentally Gifted trait.

Ruki: My Logic is Level 9 and yours is Level 7, but still…

Ayato: Now that Ruki’s done with Nerd Brain, I’d like to talk with the two of you.
I want you to know that, after this week, I’ll be moving away from Newcrest to start a new family with Kendall.

Since Ruki will be moving out, you are both welcome to this house, if you wish.
It’s my gift to you, Masato, for all your support and friendship.

Masato: That’s so generous of you, Ayato. I’ve really been wanting to live with my lady, Ulrike, and our daughter.
I’d love to invite them both to live here with me. You’ll stay with us, too, right, Makoto?

Ayato: Doesn’t Makoto have his eye on a lavender-haired young lady who stole his first kiss?
Makoto: I do and she did, but then she aged up and I’m still a teen so I don’t know what to do right now.

Ayato: Invite her over and ask her to be your BFF, dude! Rumor has it Sofia Bjergsen’s teenage son also lives in Momo’s household.
Masato: Seriously!? Momo aged up Sofia’s love child into a teen!?

 

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Current Week 9 Status: Zanna Line

Gen4 Heir: Ayato Zanna
*Completed bloodline requirements: ALL

Gen5 Heir: Ruki Zanna 
Traits: Inquisitive; Cheerful, Music Lover
*Completed move-out requirements:
Toddler Skills: Happy Toddler (L5 Imagination and Thinking)
Childhood aspiration: Artistic Prodigy (done)
Good Friends: Serena Zanna; Nobuya Yamaguchi, Ritvik, Srivastava, Shaurya Nair
Portraits (2/2): $13,977 (normal: $7,900; dark: $6,077)
Teen career: Fast Food (Level 3)
“A” in high school: yes
Aspiration: Nerd Brain (done)
*Incomplete move-out requirements: 
Skills: Logic (Level 10) and Cooking (Level 3)
Collection (0/7):
Enemies: (Dinero and Soma)

Rivals 9.97: The Last Museum Contribution

 

Rivals 9.95: Almost in the Bag?

Rival Cowfolks in Newcrest: Ayato Zanna (1/4)

Previously in Week 8:
• Ruki (Gen5 heir) and Poppy start the week as Day 1 nooboos;
• By the time Ruki is a toddler, all five adults in the household reach Level 5+ Parenting and can “Give second wind”;
• Ayato asks Bella to be just friends. Bella realizes that Mortimer might be her true love;
• Ayato proposes to Kendall Roberts, who soon after gives birth to twins;
• Bella discovers that she enjoys volunteer activities and takes Makoto Yamaguchi volunteering three times in a row;
• Ruki celebrates his teen birthday Saturday morning of Week 8 and begins his Nerd Brain aspiration.

Week 9/Sunday 

Ayato: You don’t know how glad I am to find that my Deathflowers have finally bloomed!
They complete my garden requirement for six plants.  Tada!

Vitoria: Nice work, son! So your only remaining bloodline requirement is your career?
Ayato: That’s right, Mama. But as you can see, I should earn my final promotion tomorrow.

Vitoria: Well, here, let me give you my vote, Ayato!
Ayato: Thank you! Let’s hope it’s the last one I’ll ever need.

Ruki: After my vampiric training, I continue being mentored in Logic by Uncle Alfonso.
Due to his mentor trait, Alfonso will be mentoring me in Logic and Handiness.
But Uncle Makoto gives me vampiric training since he’s been a Grand Master longer than everyone else in our house.

And I hope you noticed my la-di-dah little pinky action! Aren’t I just oozing sophistication?

Ruki: Auntie Laura’s been awesome and has already produced two fine portraits of me.
That’s my normal form on your left and my dark form on your right.
Worth $13,093 combined, these are the portraits I’ll be placing in the Zanna Museum.

Laura: Do you want to know why I’ve already stopped painting Ruki’s portraits?
Let’s do the math together folks, where:
$114,457 = Dineros’ final museum worth (3rd place)
$114,895 = Somas’ final museum worth
$101,120 = Zannas’ last-week museum worth

$114,895 – $101,120 = $13,775 – $13,093 = $682

That is, Ruki only needs a museum collection worth $682 to move the Zannas to first place.
Frogs anyone?

Laura: Fortunately, our little Poppy is Independent and enjoys learning on her own.
Her birthday falls on Tuesday, so I’m grateful for this freedom to spend time with her!

Masato: Now that my son Makoto is a teenager, he’s fully transformed into a vampire.

Makoto looks a lot like Ulrike, don’t you think?
When Momo Soma aged him up, Makoto gained the Materialistic trait which is not bad.

Makoto: I have no idea why Auntie Bella is always whining about gardening!
It’s not even 3 pm and I’m already Level 6. Plus, even as a teen, I can make serious coin just harvesting.

About last night, what was I thinking? Leaving Momo before she asked me to be her boyfriend?
I don’t even remember now why I was in such a rush to leave!
Rumor has it that she’s moved in some blonde boy toy! I need to go stake my claim!

Makoto: Since I’m in charge of Ruki’s vampiric training, Ayato has been training my son Makoto.
It’s been a great system so far!

Bella: You came to visit me, Massimo? Honestly?
Massimo: Bella, please. We may be just friends now, but I’m still your Master and you’re still my Offspring.
As long as you remain a vampire, that aspect of our relationship will never change!

Bella (internally): I’m rather relieved he’s “taken” or I’d waver in my decision to get back with Mortimer…

Ayato: I’m not too sure what’s going on in our simverse anymore. Look who’s at the door!

Erina: Hello, Ayato. I thought I’d drop by for a visit.
Ayato: Why are you even here? You don’t know anyone in this house except me.

Erina: I guess I just wanted to see you.
Ayato: Until Alex Goth cured you, I’d been your Master but now we’re just acquaintances.
Stop flirting with me and go home!

Alfonso: Later, she follows me into the bathroom and smiles, all creepy like, so I ask her to leave.

Ruki: The Gen5 Zanna heir here, reporting for my first day of work at…where do I work?
Well, yeah, I know I’m working in Fast Food but where?

Ruki: Hey, everybody, I’m done with work. ! Let’s go to the park! I can go on my five space missions for Nerd Brain there!

Laura: It’s so nice to leave my painting studio, but I’m doing a poor job of keeping Poppy happy.
She is constantly angry because of hunger, low energy, books, blocks, you name it.
I’d say Poppy is the unhappiest toddler in this whole challenge!

Alfonso: Maybe you should just leave her alone, Laura. Her stats don’t’ matter anymore, anyway.
Laura: What a sad thing to say about our only child, Alfonso.

Monday 

Bella: The boys have left for their first day of high school and Ayato is at work.
Since Poppy is asleep, I get on Ayato’s computer downstairs.

My Writing skill isn’t high enough to send Mortimer Love E-mails but I can receive the ones he sends me.
And, of course, we chat like nobody’s business. Is he even at work now?

Alfonso: We’ve found a way to prevent our resident glutton from eating and vomiting.

Masato: Learning to mix drinks is such a bro thing to do!

Masato: Hey, Jung! I noticed you stomping by and ran out here as fast as I could. What’s wrong?
Jung: Well, you know that Vitoria and I had a nooboo after Ayato moved out, right?
Our daughter has been a bassinet burrito now for weeks–it’s driving me crazy!

Masato: Dude, relax. I’m sure our watcher will stop by and age her up next Sunday.
I hate to say this, Jung, but you look terrible! You’ve been lifting weights recently, amirite?
Jung: Yeah, so?

Masato: Look at yourself, bro. Where’s my svelte debonair vampire bro?
Now you look like The Hulk and your neck is as thick as one of your thighs, and that’s thick!
You should NOT be wearing those skin-tight jeans anymore!

Jung: Anything else, mom?
Masato: Yeah, stop going to the gym!

No more leaving a weight lifting machine in households I no longer play!

Ruki: We’re back from our first day of high school.
I bring home a “B,” thanks to The Well.

Makoto: I bring home a “A,” thanks to my “A” in grade school, I guess.
However, I’m having a mood swing–an Angry +50 Enraged mood for 8 hours. I’m not okay!

Ruki: While Makoto drinks a moodlet solver, I head for the fridge.
My part-time job requires my currently non-existent Cooking skill to reach Level 2.

Ayato: I have climbed the lofty heights to the pinnacle of the Politican career and become The National Leader.
I’m done with all my bloodline requirements! Perhaps I’ll quit my job and lead the life of a gentleman of leisure.

But I’m rather attached to this suit and tie, so maybe I’ll keep my job, only working whenever Ruki needs to stay home.

Laura: Our little Poppy ages up to a child tonight a few hours past midnight.
I wonder if she’ll continue to resemble Alfonso?
One thing’s for sure. She’ll always be a daddy’s girl!

Ruki: Breaking news, gentle readers!
Auntie Laura has since painted a dark-form portrait of me worth $6,077.
What this means is that, even without my collection, our museum total already exceeds that of the Somas.

But now is not the time for us to rest complacent on our laurels.
We must remain ever vigilant so we don’t disqualify ourselves in this final week.

Also, I do not intend for the Zannas to claim victory so easily on the basis of portraits. Not on your life!
We will emerge victorious with a tremendous margin. Or, at least, that’s what I’m hoping!

 

---

Current Week 9 Status: Zanna Line

Gen4 Heir: Ayato Zanna
*Completed bloodline requirements: ALL
Aspiration: Family Vampire (done)
Two tier-5 vampire powers: Tamed Thirst and Immortal Pleasures
Garden (6/6 plants): done
Career: Politician/Politician (Level 10)

Gen5 Heir: Ruki Zanna 
Traits: Inquisitive; Cheerful, Music Lover
*Completed move-out requirements:
Toddler Skills: Happy Toddler (L5 Imagination and Thinking)
Childhood aspiration: Artistic Prodigy (done)
Good Friends: Serena Zanna; Nobuya Yamaguchi, Ritvik, Srivastava, Shaurya Nair
Portraits (2/2): $13,977 (normal: $7,900; dark: $6,077)
*Incomplete move-out requirements: 
Teen career: Fast Food (Level 2)
“A” in high school: “B”
Aspiration: Nerd Brain (Tier III of IV)
Skills: Logic (Level 7) and Cooking (Level 3)
Collection (7):
Enemies: (Dinero and Soma)

Rivals 9.96: Uncontrollable

Rivals 9.94: Momo Makes Her Move(s)

Rival Cowfolks of Newcrest: Satoshi Soma (3/3)

Week 9/Friday

Momo: It’s a perfect morning for painting!
Elsa and Nikolaj are off to school and Clara Bjergsen has left for work.

The remaining adults are gainfully occupied yet available to rally the troops.

Yukio: I realize you’re desperate to come in first, Momo, but I might have to report you!
Momo: Why for luring you in here to mentor me then locking the door?

Yukio: Well, that, too. But you’ve filled up all the empty easels so I have nothing to do but mentor you.
Momo: Precisely. But, hey, Great-Great-Grandpa Yukio, my win is the Soma victory!

Sofia: How sweet of Ali to phone me for a brunch date! ❤
Sadly, I can’t leave the house until Momo is done with her museum collection.

If only Watchette would arrange a nice space elsewhere where Momo could paint.
Well, I could invite him here, I guess.

Sofia: Should I wait until the kids come home from school?
That way, I could give Ali a makeover right away.

But then, it might be harder to find some privacy with Elsa and Nikolaj around.

Sofia: Hey, would you mind if I give you a makeover when the kids come home?
Ali: What? You don’t like the way I dress?

Sofia: It’s not that, sweetness. Your dashing good looks deserve something more.
Ali: Well, since you put it that way.

Sofia: Your kissing, on the other hand, leaves nothing to be desired!
Ali: Nothing, really? I can think of two or three things…

Erina: What is this odd premonition that’s disrupted my deep meditation?

Ali: Nice room.
Sofia: It’s not mine. Don’t you know that a dynasty helper never gets the master bedroom?

Ali: So….woohoo until 3 o’clock?
Sofia: Oh dear, Ali! So handsome and a mind-reader as well?

Bjorn: Oh, look! Our watcher provides our living space with some privacy and does some landscaping, too!
I’m glad we’ll have one-and-a-half days to enjoy the renovation! *drips sarcasm

Ali: What do you think, Sofia? And thanks for letting me keep the beard!

Sofia: You look even more handsome than before, Ali! Hawtness incarnate!
Ali: *blushes

Sofia: Too bad I couldn’t change your gender, too, or you would totally be having my baby!
Ali: I would? I mean, I would love to…I think.

Sofia: Really, Ali? That’s the swimwear you came with? A leopard-print speedo?
Ali: I didn’t choose it myself, okay? And why do you want to see it? You don’t even have a pool!!!

Sofia: Our watcher recently read a tip by @reggikko and wondered if you’d make a good test subject.

Sofia: He is a bit thick in the waist, isn’t he?
Let’s see what reggikko’s Taste of Diet ice cream magic can do for us.

Ali: Well, ladies, what do you think?
Sofia: I think you look exactly the same! I guess you’re just out of shape.
Ali: Hmmpph!

Bwahahahaha!
P.S. I have so much respect for reggikko and her brilliant Sims 4 gameplay! My bad for not picking a better sim for testing!

Satoshi: Never fear, Ali! Satoshi the Celebrity Bodybuilder is here!
Ali: I have the Ambitious trait. I can do this!

*gives cue to play the Rambo theme music

Momo: Why am I hearing the sound of trumpets coming from the backyard?

Yukio: Do you mind trying to stay focused, young lady? You just hit Level 9 Painting.
Or would you rather continue painting without being mentored, hmmm?

Saturday 

Momo: It’s so unfair, Grandpa Yukio! I’m the Soma heir but Sofia gets all the screen time!
Yukio: Hurry up and finish your museum collection already, Momo.
After your museum collection’s done, you can flit around, fall in love, and move out!
Nobody wants to see shot after shot of you painting!

Momo: So, I generously tell Grandpa to go ahead and go home.
When I finally reach Level 10 Painting, it’s already past 4 am. *sighs

Clara: Around 5, we get Elsa’s birthday notification and call her home from the playground.

Elsa: Look how hard I worked to earn three extra traits!
Still, Watchette helps Nikolaj work on Rambunctious Scamp but never even lets me use the computer!

Bjorn: Don’t talk that way, Elsa. Don’t you feel bad for your nephew Nikolaj who has no father?
Elsa: Don’t make me laugh! Sofia’s baby daddy was here DAY AND NIGHT throughout Nikolaj’s toddlerhood.
He gets way more attention than I ever do!

Bjorn: What’s with all the complainers in this household!?

Bjorn: My word, Ali! You’ve really taking your self-improvement and fitness to heart!
And all because of your profound love for my daughter! I’m touched!

Ali: Yes, sir. It’s partly that and partly my Ambitious trait.
But mostly, it’s because Momo added Work Out as a club activity.
Sofia: *gives stamp of approval

Clara: Can you believe “someone” removed me from the club to add Ali?

Elsa: Yep, it’s me! Elsa Bjergsen the teenager at your service! And way cuter than my sister Sofia, too!

Momo: I take a break from painting which I’ve been doing almost non-stop since yesterday morning.
I harvest the garden so I’ll have some assets with me when I move out.

Yes, my week ends soon, but I’d like to spend the final week of this challenge in a nice home. I mean, of course, the Zanna’s week.
Oh and I should make a cake to take with me, just in case!

Momo: Makoto Yamaguchi pays a visit. I learn that I met him and Ruki in the League of Adventurers club.

Since Makoto and I are good friends, I ask him if he’d like to age up and he says yes.
I need to return to painting so I ask Papa to give Makoto his makeover.

Oh my gosh, Makoto and his lopsided smirk! Too cute! Wait, how closely related are we?
He’s the biological son of Ulrike Faust who adopted my grandma Jun, so we’re not blood relatives. Phew!

Satoshi: You’ve got to be kidding me, Momo, after all we’ve been through! A vampire!? Sheesh!
Momo: Nikolaj is also a weaker contender for my heart, but Makoto has better “stats.”

Momo: Hey, Makoto! I looked out the window and saw you’re still here!
Makoto: Yeah, I was hoping you’d come out and chat with me. What are you doing?

Momo: Trying to finish my museum collection. I can only chat for, like, 5 minutes.

Momo: Well, okay, maybe I can hang out with you a little longer.
Makoto: Now that I got my first kiss, I’ll let you get back to your painting.

Momo: Oh darn, he left before I could ask him to be my boyfriend!
And after I move out, we’ll be in different age groups!

Momo: My last five hours of painting don’t produce anything of higher value than I already have.
My total museum contribution comes to $37,559.
Compared to the Dinero museum total of $114,457, we Somas tally up to $114,895.

Momo: I choose to age up in our backyard so you can see the new pool!
Thanks, Watchette, for building the pool four hours before I move out!

Momo: I move out to the Fern Park lot next door and then ask Sofia, Nikolaj, and Ali over.
After I age up Nikolaj to a teen, all three of them agree to move in.

It’s a good thing I wasn’t able to ask Makoto to be my boyfriend earlier cuz Nikolaj is pretty cute, too!

We’re living in the same house (downloaded from the Gallery) that my parents live in.
Watchette’s already replaced the lanai with windowed walls for Nikolaj’s protection.

And by the way, Sofia is now eating for two!

 

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Final Week 9 Status: The Soma Line

Gen4 Heir: Satoshi Soma
*Completed bloodline requirements: ALL

Gen5 Heir: Momo Soma
Toddler skills: L5 Communication and Thinking; L3 Potty
Child aspiration: Artistic Prodigy (done)
*Completed move-out requirements: ALL
Enemies: Mint Dinero and Laura Zanna
Museum Portrait: $9,540
A in High School: A
Teen Job: Retail (Level 3)
Teen aspiration: Chief of Mischief (done)
Skills: Mischief and Piano (both Level 10)
Good Friends: Yukio Soma; Ruki Zanna, Makoto Yamaguchi, Meredith Mixon
Collection: $28,019 (paintings x7)

Rivals 9.95: Almost in the Bag?

Rivals 9.93: Momo Finds Her Mojo

Rival Cowfolks of Newcrest: Satoshi Soma (2/3)

Week 9/Tuesday

Elsa: I’ve never visited this art museum in Willow Creek before, Uncle Satoshi!
It’s so nice!

Satoshi: I agree, Elsa. And I hear there’s really great fishing behind the museum.
I’m glad Momo suggested that we come here!

Momo: Well, what do you know?
I did have time to clog a third drain before my first day of school!

Sofia: Momo and Elsa return home at the last minute then quickly get ready for school.
I didn’t even notice that Nikolaj’s birthday notice had arrived until they left!

Happy birthday, little man!

Sofia: Nikolaj ages up with this hairstyle which, I think, really suits him.
He loves the outdoors.

Momo: I only have 3 hours between school and my retail job that starts at 6.
If I can reach Level 2 Charisma, I’ll receive a guaranteed job promotion.
So I invite my friend Makoto Yamaguchi over to socialize.

Although Makoto becomes my good friend, I couldn’t ding Level 2 Charisma, even after three hours!
Meanwhile, Ruki Zanna phones me about hanging out together. How do I even know him?

Bjorn: Despite the circumstances, I’m quite delighted to finally have a male Bjergsen heir!

Momo: After work, I meet Meredith Mixon not far from our house.
She dresses like a vampire wannabe, but she has a great sense of humor!

Momo: She even lets me use my voodoo doll on her!  We become good friends.
She’s a mean, romantic vegetarian but, she’s such a good sport, her traits don’t matter to me.

Wednesday

Momo: Both Mama and Auntie Clara have been painting portraits of me.
I favor my facial expression in the portrait by Auntie Clara on your right.

The portrait on your left, painted by Mama, however, is worth $9,540.
This one will be my museum portrait.

Momo: After school, I immediately invite over the founder Yukio Soma.
He looks so youthful! Hard to believe that he’s my great-great-grandfather in those destroyed denim shorts!

Momo: Just like yesterday, I have only 3 hours before my part-time job starts.
Would mentoring be the best way to get friendly with the founder?

My museum collection will be paintings, so this works out perfectly!

Momo: You have no idea how stressed out I feel about finishing everything in time!
Well, yeah, today I earned an A in high school and maxed my Retail Employee job.

But I still need 3 more Mischief levels, a second maxed skill plus good friends with the founder.
And don’t EVEN get me started on my museum collection. Arrrgggghhh!

Thursday

Momo: I’ve been spamming Mischief moves ever since returning from work last night.
Papa’s been a great sport and our conversation has remained pleasant.
Other household members have helped out by rallying the troops as needed.

I’m seriously feeling the sting of not having the Happy Toddler boost for skilling!
Are Morning Sim and Night Owl traits even working?

Momo: At 6 pm, I max Mischief and Chief of Mischief, also earning the Problem Child achievement!

Unbelievable! Those last three Mischief levels took me 21 hours! *cries

Momo: I’ve invited Grandma Jun along with us to San Myshuno’s Casbah Gallery.
I’m pretty sure she has the Mentor trait which I’m hoping has more punch than simply hiring an Entertainer.

Grandma Jun and I have started at 7 pm. Pray for me that this goes faster than Mischief skilling!

Sofia: What luck! I run into that guy who used to shop at Satoshi’s store!
He’s an adult named Ali Mandir and he’s a Bro, like me!

Sofia: Ali is also very handsome! C’mon, tell me your traits, sweetheart!

I learn that he’s unemployed and single.
An ambitious, insider, bro!  I could live with that! *starts flirting in earnest

Sofia: My cherished Nikolaj is doing well in school and his aspirations.

When this challenge ends, I plan to move out with Nikolaj to somewhere quieter.

Sofia: What Nikolaj and I will need, however, is a real man around the house.
We both deserve more than a mere baby daddy.

I want Nikolaj to grow up with a father who helps raise him. Ali, are you the one we seek?

Friday 

Satoshi: Around 2 am, I notice that a vampire break-in is happening.
The only two vampires in Casbah Gallery right now are Ayaka Mori and the ghost of Lio Zanna.

Ayaka is not slinking around the Gallery so could it be Lio’s ghost!?
Makes me regret not releasing your spirit to the Netherworld! It’s not too late!

Momo: Grandma Jun mentored me in Piano all the way from Level 0 to 10, bless her heart!
Three cheers for reward traits, mentoring, and a supportive lot trait!
I get home in time to phone in another vacation day from school.

Now that I’m good friends with The Soma Founder, all that remains is my museum collection.
I was starting to despair there for a while, but it looks like I’m gonna be able to move out tomorrow night after all!

 

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Current Week 9 Status: The Soma Line

Gen4 Heir: Satoshi Soma
*Completed bloodline requirements: ALL

Gen5 Heir: Momo Soma
Toddler skills: L5 Communication and Thinking; L3 Potty
Child aspiration: Artistic Prodigy (done)
*Completed move-out requirements: 
Enemies: Mint Dinero and Laura Zanna
Museum Portrait: $9,540
A in High School: A
Teen Job: Retail (Level 3)
Teen aspiration: Chief of Mischief (done)
Skills: Mischief and Piano (both Level 10)
Good Friends: Yukio Soma; Ruki Zanna, Makoto Yamaguchi, Meredith Mixon
*Incomplete move-out requirements: 
Collection: not yet (paintings x7)

Rivals 9.94: Momo Makes Her Move(s)

Rivals 9.92: Satoshi’s Finished

Rival Cowfolks of Newcrest: Satoshi Soma (1/3)

Week 9/Sunday

Momo: Due to events beyond my control, I only become a child late Saturday of last week.
Both my rivals ended Week 8 as teens, so I’m at least a full day behind.

Hopefully, I’ll age up to a teen before school on Monday morning!

Satoshi: I need only one career promotion and retail perk each for my bloodline requirements.
After herding Erina back to the boxing bag several times, I finish mentoring at last.

Elsa: Why can’t you play with me, Sofia? You’re my elder sister, not hers.
Sofia: You know I can’t do that, Elsa. Now run along and use the observatory or something.

Clara: *locks Elsa out of the Painting Studio

Bjorn: My grandson Nikolaj’s birthday is on Tuesday.
Elsa’s birthday, unfortunately, is not until Saturday.

Satoshi: Around 4 pm, we arrive at our sorry excuse for a shop.
On the positive side, I figure out why I was unable to earn all retail perks in one week like my father.

When I remembered to lower our mark-up to 5%, I couldn’t because the shop was open.
After that, I completely forgot all about our mark-up until, thankfully, today!
So, 5%, it is! We start our “day” at 540 perk points.

Sofia: Watchette, I’ve really suffered a lot in this challenge.
Would you ever consider making me the founder of a new challenge of yours?

Probably not.

Satoshi: I text Momo to tell her that Daichi has just finished shopping at the store.

Momo: Of course, I immediately ask him to mentor me. If only he’d arrived sooner!
And what’s with Papa, waiting until Daichi bought something before texting me?

Monday

Satoshi: Momo’s done with Artistic Prodigy around 4:30 am.
However, we don’t earn 2,500 perk points for the last perk until 5.

After I buy Cheaper Restocking then sell the shop for $117,043, my bloodline requirements are complete!
Let’s rush home and cake up my little angel, folks!

Momo: I age up into a self-assured Chief of Mischief.
Really? There isn’t another more palatable aspiration I can choose?

You need an aspiration where you can stay near home so your portrait will get painted.
Or how about Outdoor Enthusiast? Spend 2 days doing stuff in Granite Falls then sleep in a tent for 5 days?

Momo: Thank my lucky stars I resemble my mother!
Satoshi: Gee, thanks!

Momo: With this hair, though, I obviously look waaaayyyy cooler than Mom.
Erina: Gee, thanks!

Satoshi: My adorable little Momo, Chief of Mischief. It can’t be helped. *sighs
Pose for your portrait, do your homework, then go wreak havoc in the hood!

Momo: Let’s see…Do 10 Mischievous or Mean Interactions, Be Despised by 2 Sims.
I can combine those goals with my move-out requirements, maybe.

First up is Mint Dinero, who needs no introduction by now.

Momo: To kill two birds with one stone, I decide to talk trash to Mint about my target Zanna.

I’m flabbergasted. When did I even have time to get so friendly with Ruki Zanna!?
Incredible! I’m closer to that vampire than I am to Grandpa Bjorn!

Oh well, that’s one good friend down, eh?

Momo: It takes forever and a half to declare Mint Dinero my enemy.
I initially make the mistake of using mischievous interactions for my aspiration.
But they result in a “pleasant conversation.”

So I switch to one mischief social every two or three mean socials.
And now, Mint Dinero and I despise each other. Nice!

Momo: Sorry, Ms. Laura! But you’re not only Zanna blood but you’re also much less scary than a vampire!

Laura: I never realized until recently what poor Lio had been going through!

Momo: Please help, Watchette! Papa’s about to disrupt our fight!
Watchette to the rescue! *cancels Satoshi’s flirty introduction

Momo: Really, Papa!? I am risking life and limb here and you choose a flirty introduction?
Punish him, Watchette! Punish him harshly for all of our sakes!
Hahaha, that look on Satoshi’s face!

Momo: Now that Papa’s been banished and I can properly focus, I declare Laura Zanna my enemy! Grrrrr.

On the minus side, making these two enemies takes ten whole hours. TEN!!!
On the plus side, I’ve already reached Level 5 Mischief. Worth it!

Elsa: My life’s been more fun since Momo’s teen birthday.
She spends more time with me than anyone else in the house does.

We monkey around and joke to help level her mischief skill.
But Momo always makes sure to be friendlier with me than she is mischievous.

Tuesday

Elsa: Ssshhhh! Tell no one you saw me here at the park at 5:30 am.
I’m on a very important mission!

We’ve brought Uncle Satoshi, too, so we don’t get in trouble for breaking curfew.

Satoshi: So this is where Lio Zanna died. I can’t say I’ll miss him.

Should I release his spirit to the Netherworld? Nah.
I’ll leave the decision to do that or revive him up to the Zannas.

I wonder why the girls wanted to come here at this unheavenly hour?

Momo: Shocking that I’ve climbed to the final tier of Chief of Mischief already, right?
I still have a bunch to do before I’m done and I’ll only have time to clog this one drain before school.
But it’s a great start, amirite?

Satoshi: I agree that it’s a great idea for the three of us to spend more time together.
Maybe next time, we can go out in the afternoon after you get home for school.

Elsa: Excuse me, sir. Aren’t you Count Vladislaus Straus IV?
What’s a nice vampire like you doing in a place like this?

Vlad: I had to take out a second mortgage on my house and the payments are killing me!

Momo: Well, okay, I can make time for a second drain this morning!

 

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Current Week 9 Status: The Soma Line

Gen4 Heir: Satoshi Soma
*Completed bloodline requirements: ALL
Store: Satoshi’s Comeback, resale value: $117,043
Career: Athlete/Bodybuilder (Level 10)
Retail perks (5/5): done

Gen5 Heir: Momo Soma
Toddler skills: L5 Communication and Thinking; L3 Potty
Child aspiration: Artistic Prodigy (done)
*Completed move-out requirements: 
Enemies: Mint Dinero and Laura Zanna
*Incomplete move-out requirements: 
Teen Job: Retail (Level 2)
A in High School: B
Museum Portrait: not yet
Chief of Mischief: Tier IV of IV
Skills: Mischief (L6) and Violin (zero)
Collection: not yet (paintings x7)
Good Friends: (Yukio Soma; Ruki Zanna, 2 more)

Rivals 9.93: Momo Finds Her Mojo

Rival 9.91: Sagely Success

Rival Cowfolks in Newcrest: Mint Dinero (3/3)

Week 9/Wednesday

Sage: I end up working on my museum collection all day so that Uncle Jagger can paint my portraits.
By evening, everyone’s suffering from cabin fever, which gives me the idea to throw a dance party.

Considering I’m a Friend of the World, I don’t really know that many sims.

Sage: Kendall shows up without Ayato. She’s looking pretty happy to be expecting.
Shouldn’t she have given birth by now, though?

I hope she’s not going to have another week-long pregnancy.

I’m glad Paola Pizzaz could make it.
I’m wondering if she’s someone I’d like to get to know better.

All I learned tonight is that she’s cheerful and creative.

Thursday 

Cassandra: Young lady, you’re grounded for making a mess in this room!
No games or toys for the rest of the day!

Jagger: Natasha doesn’t look like she’s taking you seriously at all.
Maybe we should take away her phone for a day, too?

Natasha: Noooooo, not the phone!

Jagger: Folks, we have a winner!
Our unforgiving watcher has finally accepted this portrait that I painted yesterday.
It’s worth $9,760–pretty darn close to $10k!

And now I free range for the rest of this challenge.

Boy: Hello, nice to meet you, too. My name’s Nobuya Yamaguchi.

Sage: Oh, you must be related to Masato and Makoto Yamaguchi, who live with the Zannas.

Boy: If I had a dollar…but, nope!

Sage: In the evening, I invite Jade Rosa and Ayato Zanna to hang out at our place.
Jade shows up in a flirty mood and totally hits on Ayato while ignoring me completely.

The situation isn’t helping my charisma skilling, so I have Papa ask Jade to leave.
Why don’t I ask Jade myself? No point in burning any bridges, right?

Sage: With Jade gone, I become good friends with Ayato Zanna.
When he leans in to whisper, I anticipate hearing some juicy gossip.

Instead, he shares his vampire knowledge. That’s useful, too, I guess.

Mint: Now that I’ve maxed my career, I can relax.  Let’s renew our vows, Alex!

Jagger: Now that I’m done with portraits, I can relax. Come on, Cassandra!

Bet y’all didn’t even know we have a bedroom downstairs!
This is the first time we’ve been down here this week ourselves!

Mortimer: Oh ye of little faith! See how Bella’s feelings toward me have blossomed!
The wonders of information technology!

Friday

Sage: While chatting with Ayato last night, I went from Level 8 to 9 Charisma.
But it takes me most of the night to earn that final level!

When I finally finish my aspiration, the sun’s already risen. It’s done!

Natasha: I’m already done with Whiz Kid and Artistic Prodigy. That’s enough for me!
Our week ends tomorrow night, anyway, so I might as well just take it easy!

Mint: So this is what it feels like to do whatever I want!
Natasha: Are you sure Watchette hasn’t just stopped caring about us?

Mortimer: Frankly, I didn’t mind the constant reminders to send Love E-mails to Bella.

Saturday

Sage: Around noon, I head over to the Founder’s home with my museum items.
Here’s one last look at the Dinero Museum from the outside.

In retrospect, all three museums are much too small!

Sage: I’m really glad that I remembered to bring portable tables.
My display space was completely bare except for an unsightly lamp.

Combined with Uncle Jagger’s portrait, my total museum contribution comes to $40,225.
I know, right? I surprised even myself!

Sage: My final move-out requirement is to declare two enemies.
While standing in front of the house waiting for my first prospect to come over, Caleb Vatore stops by.

I’m not sure how I’ve become so friendly with the Zanna vampires.
Does it truly all trace back to my great-grandfather Moss Dinero and Massimo Zanna?

Sage: Luckily for me, Caleb runs off before my Soma victim arrives.

I gotta say that I never tire of seeing that super-speed run. It is the coolest.

Sage: Becoming enemies with Satoshi takes forever!
Not only does he keep trying to be friendly but we froze, too.

Satoshi and I spend at least an hour doing nothing but bobbing our heads and going, “Uh huh, uh huh.”

And the moment I’ve been awaiting comes at last and I declare him my enemy.

By this time, I’m enraged but I invite over my next prospect anyway.

Laura: It’s not bad enough that I developed acne as a teen that’s persisted into my adult years?
I also have to be mocked and belittled by my one and only nephew?

Sage: That’s not true! Ayato Zanna is also your nephew!
Laura: Details, details!

Sage: I’m about 30 minutes into this fight when it happens.
Yet another mood swing hits me with a Sad +50 moodlet. Just great!

Laura: But why me, Sage?
Sage: Massimo is off limits, Serena and Vitoria are scary as heck, and Ayato is my good friend.

Laura: I see! Since I’m not a vampire, you’re not afraid that I’ll try to drain you afterward.
Sage: Sorry it had to be this way, Auntie Laura. I didn’t make the rules!

Sage: I age up with the Good Manners trait. Darn, I should have tried for Responsible, too!
Natasha: Like it matters anymore.

Sage: Whatever. I add the Vegetarian trait like all Dinero heirs do.

Sage: I move to the 40×30 Avarice Acres, the only vacant lot remaining in south Newcrest.
What a heady feeling!

Sage: I invite two sims to move in with me into a hastily built house, which is even more hastily furnished.

Which two sims? I guess you’ll have to wait and see, won’t you?

 

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Final Week 9 status: Dinero line

Gen5 Heir: Sage Dinero
Traits: Inquisitive; Cheerful, Self-Assured, Vegetarian
Toddler skills: Happy Toddler (L5 Imagination and Thinking)
Childhood aspiration: Social Butterfly (done)
*Completed move-out requirements: ALL
Good Friends: Daniela Dinero; Krishna Bheeda, Masato Yamaguchi, and Max Villareal
Teen job: Retail Employee (Level 3)
A grade in high school: Yes
Portrait: $9,670
Unique skills: Charisma and Handiness (both Level 10)
Aspiration: Friend of the World (done)
Collection (7/7): $30,555 (camping mascots x7)
Enemies: Satoshi Soma and Laura Zanna

Rivals 9.92: Satoshi’s Finished