34 - Damsels in Distress

While Maia waited out her alien pregnancy and had no toddlers to train, she practiced her witch spells.

She also studied alchemy.

And she took time out of every day to teach Rin the macaw to talk.

Maia spent the rest of her time with Seth, Shea, Orin and Bobo after they got home from school and did their homework. Mostly they played in the backyard on the playground.

On weekends they would put on little plays and skits for her to watch. 

Today’s performance was The Valiant Dragon.

Once upon a time there was a king named Seth who lived in his castle with his daughter, the Fairy Princess Shea.

Fairy Princess Shea loved to spend her time riding her palomino pony beyond the castle walls.

One day, while the princess was out riding, a dragon visited the castle. He was answering a want ad for a job guarding the kingdom’s riches.  “Oh Great King Seth, I am the Mighty Dragon Orin. I can scare away any bandits who try to steal the treasure from your castle,” the dragon said.

“I’m sorry, Mighty Orin, but I’ve already given the post to the sea dragon that lives in our moat,” King Seth said.  “We don’t need two dragons to guard the realm’s treasure.”

So Dragon Orin went away, feeling very disappointed.

But as he was leaving the kingdom he heard a cry for help.

“HEEEEELLLP!”

It was Fairy Princess Shea, and she was being chased by the Black Bandit Bobo!

Even though he hadn’t been given the job at the castle, Dragon Orin knew he must rescue the princess.

“I challenge you to a duel, Black Bandit,” Dragon Orin roared. “If you lose, you must leave this kingdom and never return.”

And so the two fought an epic battle of rock, paper, scissors!

Dragon Orin was triumphant and vanquished Black Bandit Bobo, who ran away in disgrace.

“My hero!” exclaimed the princess, and hugged Dragon Orin.

He flew back to the castle with Princess Shea, who regaled her father with the valiant deeds of the Mighty Dragon Orin.

“I see,” said King Seth.  “Our sea dragon would never have been able to save the princess since it cannot leave the moat. I suppose we need two dragon guards after all. I decree that from this day forward, the Mighty Orin is to guard the Princess Shea whenever she leaves the castle, for she is my greatest treasure. 

“Dragon Orin, you’re hired!”

THE END

Later that evening, Maia was just leaving the grocery store when she suddenly went into labor.

Luckily, a police officer who had just gotten off-duty was there and gave her a ride to the hospital. 

Officer Hamilton Lupinus stayed in the waiting room to make certain she was okay, and Paguk showed up just in time to see the birth.

Just after sunrise, Maia was able to go home after having twin alien girls, Xena and Xanaia.  Talk about a two-for-one special!

Officer Lupinus stayed to help feed the hungry babies, but had to run off to work afterwards. He promised to stop over in a few days to check up on Maia and the infants.

After the twins finally fell asleep and Maia had time for a quick shower, she talked a bit with Paguk.

Naturally, he was very excited about having female progeny, but he was even more thrilled about the idea of multiple births, something that was not possible with alien abduction and pollination. Paguk was looking forward to bringing the results to his superiors and possibly revolutionizing the way the Biomancer race reproduced, and potentially increasing their numbers more quickly and efficiently.

A few days later, Officer Lupinus came over to check up on everyone and see the twins.

“But first,” he said, “I’d like to explain some things, so I need you to hear me out.

“I’m an undercover agent originally from Bridgeport, and awhile back I requested a transfer to Moonlight Falls after I had discovered I was a werewolf with family connections here. 

“While part of me misses city life, I realize I’m enjoying being in a more rural area, and I’ve found myself to be an excellent hunter and tracker.  I’m very good at locating lost objects, hidden information and missing people.

“That includes people who go missing intentionally.

“Which brings me to my point. I’ve done some checking into your background, Maia; enough to understand your secret and that it needs to be kept. And also, with the help of Keith Vincent, the investigator from Starlight Shores, I’ve brought you a gift, to show you I sympathize with your situation and I want to help make things easier for you here.”

Hamilton handed Maia a package that contained a collection of photographs of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with an enclosed note containing a few details about their lives.

Grandson Russell Reaper with his wife Kellie, and their twins, Malachai and Melanie.

Russell is in the symphonic branch of the music industry in Starlight Shores, while Kellie works part-time at the bookstore. After high school graduation, Malachai plans on a career in architectural design, while Melanie is leaning towards professional ghost hunting.

Granddaughter Sophie with her husband Eric Ross and their son Anthony.  

Sophie and Eric met while working at a Starlight Shores bistro.  They dream of eventually taking over ownership of the restaurant and making it a family business.  Anthony is thinking of attending Sim University after he graduates high school, but has yet to decide on a major.

Granddaughter Linette with her husband Brad Lyons and their son Nathan. 

Linette is a Starlight Shores journalist on her way to becoming a star news anchor, while Brad is a sports agent. Nathan is making preparations to receive a communication degree from Sim U and possibly pursuing a career in politics.

Grandson Jack Lee with his wife Crystal and their daughter Regan. 

Jack works in the Starlight Shores’ music industry, while Crystal is a gem collector. Regan is considering joining the military to become a pilot.

Granddaughter Stephanie with her husband Jack Wray and their son Mark.

Stephanie works in education in the Twinbrook school district and Jack is in law enforcement. Mark is on the honor roll and enjoys Sim Scouts.

Granddaughter Tiffanie with her husband Vinh Tran and their children: Kim-Li, Lien & Thai, and toddlers Trai & Cam.

Tiffanie is a stay-at-home-mom, while Vinh is a former tattoo artist turned painter. Both are family-oriented and love being home with their kids.

Granddaughters Haley & Claire Steen. 

Sisters Hayley and Claire are both currently attending Sim University.  While they are currently doing more partying than studying, eventually they both hope to graduate with degrees in Fine Arts.

Granddaughter Cassiopeia & husband Carson Kerns with daughter Andromeda.

Cassie and Carson have been in love their entire lives, so it was no surprise they got married before they went to Sim U.  Having baby Andi so quickly after the wedding has changed their graduation plans, but Carson will continue to pursue his degree in technology, and afterwards, Cassie intends to go back for her degree in science & medicine.

Maia was most grateful for the gift. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the trouble you went through to do that for me,” she told him.

“I enjoy helping others, and that’s thanks enough.  But you’re very welcome, Maia. Now, let’s see your girls who were born to shop, or at least, were nearly born in one!”

They watched Xena and Xanaia play in the nursery with their IF dolls, Wiggles and Giggles, for awhile.

 “Wow!  They sure grew fast,” he said.

“Yeah, they did,” said Maia, thinking of all the grandchildren who had already grown up without her really knowing them.

“But speaking of growing up fast, my son Seth and his friend Bobo will be having their teen birthdays soon, and I was wondering if you’d like to come.”

“I’d love to go,” he said with a grin. But his eyes said, “I’d love to stay.”

And he did.