Wags to Witches 3.9: Hard to Earn, Easy to $pend (11/26)

[oshizu]

Chapter Index

Prologue
How I Adopted My Pet

Teen Runaway Challenge: Dogs Edition
1.1  A Filthy Prowler (11/15)
1.2  A Weekend of Woodworking (11/16)
2.3  More Funds = Less Fun (11/17)
2.4  The Elusive Frog (11/17)
2.5  In the Doghouse (11/18)
2.6  Chai Meets Chibi (11/19)

Rags to Riches: Vet Challenge
3.7  They're Off and Running
3.8  Paw Passion's Grand Opening
4.9  Hard to Earn, Easy to $pend

[oshizu]

reserved

[oshizu]

Prologue


Chai Jr.: Oh gosh, I hope I arrived here in time to prevent the disaster! *pant, pant

Who me? I'm obviously a Shiba inu puppy which, as you know, is a Japanese breed.
Did you know that "inu" means "dog"?
In Japan, my breed is actually called Shiba ken, since "ken" is an alternate reading of the "inu" character.

But enough of that! I'm here to rescue my pet sim! I hope he's okay!


Sim: Hey, Chai! Do you have any idea why I'm posing at Pupperstone Park, dressed like this?
Isn't this an outfit inspired by that Chinese MMORPG named Jian Wang 3?

Chai: Gah, I'm too late!
Sim: Do I look awesome or what?


Chai: My honest opinion? You look very "or what." It really suits you!
That outfit, however, has almost nothing at all to do with why you and I are here today.

Sim: Oh, right! You and I are going to try the Rags to Riches: Vet Challenge by Playalot!

Chai: Correct! Well, half correct, anyway.
Sim: So why am I dressed like this?


Chai: Apparently, you're supposed to be a witch with a dog, hence the title "Wags to Witches." *rolls eyes

Watchette spent hours seeking a suitable wizard or sorcerer outfit for you today. Hours!
But all she found was that costume on a History Challenge website. Where'd that hat come from?

Sim: It's from Spooky Stuff, but I had to make holes for my ears. So I don't get to keep this outfit?


Chai: I admit that its creator, Reminisms, did an amazing job!
If we were doing a challenge set in Medieval China, I'm sure you'd totally be wearing that!

Sim: But check out these thigh-high boots, beading detail, upright collar, and subtle tonal gradations!
And my Spooky hat is flawlessly color-coordinated!
Chai: Forget about it! Watchette's just sharing the outfit for the readers' entertainment. What are our other options?


Sim: Well, we tried out the Grim Reaper's costume. *sighs
Chai: You don't like it? It's an actual robe, at least!

Sim: You've got to be kidding me, Chai! It makes me look like I have no waist! Sheesh!
Not only that, it brings back unpleasant memories...


Sim: Next, we tried out the hermit's outfit. Ugh. Raggedy Andy!
Chai: You could have at least changed out of your grey party-wear oxfords, bro!

Sim: Oh puhleeze! As if a sorcerer would be wearing flipflops!
Do you think Gandalf would ever be caught dead in flipflops? *rolls eyes


Chai: No, no, no! That Jedi Witch look is definitely out!
Sim: Right?

Chai: So what else?
Sim: That's it, Chai! I'm changing back to the first outfit now.


Chai: Well, since I've seen our options, your first outfit has started to grow on me.
I mean, it seemed outrageous at first but now, not so much.
Sim: I agree. *acts nonchalant but secretly really wants to keep this outfit

Chai: You wouldn't be able to wear that outfit for work, obviously.
Sim: Of course, I'd only be wearing it when I do my sorcery stuff (whatever that is).

Chai: Okay, buddy, run back to where I am and let's call this prologue a wrap.


Chai: Eh, who cares what you wear? You know this story's going to be all about me and my family!
Sim: Uh huh.

Chai: Hey, are you ever going to introduce yourself?
Sim: Oh right. Nice to meet you all. My name's Ken Shiba!
Chai: *groans



Author's Note

This will be a shorter story where I'll be exploring the new features and neighborhoods of the new Cats and Dogs game pack by playing two challenges designed by Playalot.

[Nindigo]

*cartoonishly jumps up and down with excitement* Boooiiing, boooiiing...

You and @Playalot simply make the cutest male Sims. And that outfit is really astonishing
Anyway, I love the new take on storytelling, the little pup being the one in charge. Seems fitting.
Maybe I can get inspired

[Playalot]

Oo, looks good! That puppy, it's got 15/10 cute factor!

[oshizu]

@Nindigo
You can definitely do it! I'd love to read your story about a runaway teen and their pet!

@Playalot
I'm glad you like the puppy! I was a little surprised that CAP only offers Shiba Inu in a single color but I improvised!
I'm hoping I can handle a three-day puppy stage, lol!

[oshizu]

How I Adopted My Pet

Hello there! My name is Chai!
No, not Chai Jr. from the prologue. I am THE Chai, his father.

I am a magical puppy who's in charge of Countryside Windenberg.
How magical, you'd like to know?

Well, let's just say I'm an enlightened dog sage in a puppy's body.
Trust me, nothing happens in this neighborhood that I don't know about!


Take this little boy here named Ken Shiba.


He seems like a happy kid, right? Yeah, he has his moments.


Ken lives with his parents in this lovely house not too far from the Shrieking Lllama Bar.

This amazing "Tinkerbell Fairy Cottage," which I downloaded from the Gallery, is the creation of findjoo.


Ken's father is a witch and his mother's a fairy.
Besides their son Ken, this couple also shares the Cat Lover and Loves the Outdoors traits.


You'd think with so much in common, they'd give Ken a proper family life.
But, no, father witch is jealous while mother fairy is romantic.

They are constantly alternating between feeling lovey-dovey and arguing.
It's like watching a game of ping-pong!


With so much drama between them, the parents hardly pay any attention to Ken.
Any favorable, constructive attention, that is.


The mother is as self-absorbed as she is beautiful.
She loves nothing better than to gaze at her reflection in a mirror.


The father often picks fights with his wife, suspecting her of being unfaithful.
After losing such arguments, he usually vents his frustrations on Ken.


This makes the father feel better but leaves poor Ken to deal with all the negative emotions.


I'm pretty sure the father has more love for his familiar than for his son.

On this particular day, Ken runs outside on the verge of angry tears.


Remembering that today is Ken's birthday, I decide to make my appearance.

Chai to the rescue!


I wobble on my little puppy legs behind Ken.

Then, to draw his attention, I sprint by in my best imitation of a gazelle.


When he offers his friendship, I initially keep walking.

He needs to earn my friendship or he won't value it, right?


This is how I know that Ken has the Dog Lover trait.

Only a Dog Lover carries around dog treats when they don't even own a dog!


Chai: Thanks for the treat, Ken! You know, you really deserve a better life!

Ken: Oh, the puppy seems to be talking to me!

Chai: Ken, you're monolingual! Oh well!


Ken: What is this puppy doing when I pick him up? Is he trying to snuggle?


Ken: I get it! The puppy wants a hug! Awwww, this feels nice!
Chai: Yes, very!


Father: Are you sure Ken is even mine?
Mother: How can you say that? He has your violet eyes?

Father: Hmmph, you also have violet eyes. How is he a Dog Lover, though? You and I are both Cat Lovers!
Mother: Let's try not to fight on Ken's birthday, darling.


Chai: Ken gets a phone call to come home and blow out his candles.
I wait outside the house while Ken goes inside to cake up.


Teen Ken: But Father, you have your familiar! I would like to have a dog of my own!
Why can't I invite a stray puppy into our home!

Father: Because your mother and I are Cat Lovers, that’s why!
The answer's no and that's final! And, you're a witch! You should have a cat, not a dog!


Mother: Oh, you think I'll say yes after your father said no?
Don't you try to manipulate your parents, you awful child!

Ken: I'd just like to have some companionship in this house.
Mother: So now your father and I aren't good enough for you?
Ken: *backs away slowly


Ken: I don't know how Chai knew but he says Father hides his pocket money in this urn.
I'll just borrow enough for that puppy and me to travel to another town!


Chai: I watch Ken walk to the edge of Countryside Windenberg then call for me.


Ken: I'm going to name you Chai, little puppy! Let's run away together, okay?

Chai: I don't really want to leave my turf, but Ken has given up his material comforts to be with me.

Never fear, my sad and lonely Ken! I shall adopt you as my pet!
We shall run away to another town and build a new life together, just you and me!
And I know just the place!


Chai: And that, my friends, is how I end up moving to Brindleton Bay with a runaway teen.

[KTK10]

What a great new way to tell a story, especially from such an adorable little canine! I love him.. and thank goodness Ken is leaving to find his own way.. his parents aren't the.. um... best of examples on how to treat the things/people you love. Looking forward to reading this very much

[Playalot]

Gotta love that jealous trait!  So runaway teen or rags-to-riches-vet I wonder... hmmm.

[oshizu]

@KTK10
Thanks so much for reading! Yes, I'm quite in love with that little puppy, too!
I needed to rationalize for myself why a Ken would end up as a teen runaway with a dog. The only way I could justify it, besides Ken being orphaned by his parents' death, was to make them literally drive Ken away. I went a little overboard, hehe.

@Playalot
You will soon find out! And by the way, you made Ken's progress seem a LOT easier than it's been for me so far. lol.

[oshizu]

From this point, we segue to the Teen Runaway Challenge: Pets, created by Playalot.
To read the challenge rules, click here


1.1: A Filthy Prowler

Week 1/Sunday

Chai: And here we are at our new home.
We've chosen the 20x20 Bedlington Boathouse lot because…location, location, location.


We spend the rest of our cash on a tent for my pet and a food bowl for myself.

Not even $5 left for some dog food!


That's when I suddenly age up to an adult dog!
Good! Now I can do something about our dire circumstances!

Author's note: I had to age up Chai then restart this challenge, because I couldn't train or walk Chai as a puppy.


Using mental telepathy, I suggest that my pet train me to sit.


Duh, I already know how to sit, but my pet needs to max his Training skill.
Handsome devil, aren't I?


Ken: Stop rushing me, Chai! We're just going for a short walk!

Chai: Faster, walk faster! We need to get out of the Welcome Wagon's line of sight!


My pet and I go into full-scale Making Bank mode.
He tries his hand at fishing for the first time.


Meanwhile, I'm shaking down the seagulls and scouring the kelp for mysterious packages.


Quick, Ken! Pick up the gift I brought you!
Can't you see that the guy in the brown jacket is thinking of snatching it first?


I score a stunt plane model for $395 and a ball (for me), but Ken only catches a $6 goldfish.

He's very attentive, though, and immediately takes me to the Skye Fitness gym for a bath.


My pet Ken bathes me very skillfully--his touch is gentle yet firm.
I'm thinking that he might have a successful future someday as a veterinary doctor.


At Desert Bloom Park, Ken does his homework while hoping that some kind sim will cook something.
As usual, I'm prowling the dig sites.


So far, my mysterious packages account for most of our household funds.

I never realized that a pet would be so helplessly high-maintenance.
Maybe I could telepathically suggest that he look for frogs and check the dig sites, too.


Monday

The two of us did really well collecting stuff to sell at Desert Bloom Park last night.
And my pet finally remembers to buy me a bed!


My pet tells me to go hunting but then leaves for school before I return. What's up with that?

With my mouth full of feathers, I decide to snooze until he returns home.


I'm hoping we'll have another lucrative night of collecting, but Ken's acting oddly.
His bladder's full but he just stands in front of restrooms without going in.

After waiting on him for 5-6 hours, I give up and take a nap at his feet.


Tuesday

A little past midnight, we travel to Pupperstone Park and Ken finally enters the public restrooms there.
I'm so glad that's sorted!  I am starving and exhausted by this time!


It's pretty boring when my pet's at school, but I just take it easy!
Prowling brings in lots of cash but then Ken needs to bathe me afterwards.


I'm so proud of my pet! He earns an A at high school today!
He decides to simstagram me and I now have 22 followers.

Quite frankly, though, I'm not sure how I feel about being framed by his hairy calves.


We've decided that becoming companions should be our top priority.
When the "Intellectual Discussion" option pops up, Ken foolishly believes it's due to his Genius trait.

Silly pet! It's because I'm a Smart dog! Still, I think Ken and I are well-matched!
Ken acquired the Logic skill for having an Intellectual Discussion with his Smart dog. Cute!


Wednesday

My pet wakes up early so we can spend time together before school.
We play a  little fetch.


He shares his breakfast with me. What, grilled fruit again!?


Time passes quickly and it's soon time for him to leave.
He might as well save up vacation days until we're companions.


I guess I'll just go back to sleep until Ken comes back home.
We'll become companions today for sure!

Lately, I've been a little worried that my lovely bed is illegal.
But, if my pet gets to sleep in a bed or tent, I should be allowed to sleep in a bed, too!!


Poor Ken has an annoying day at school today and comes home angry.
By the time he's done jogging to clear his mind and feeding us both, it's 8 pm.

We both badly need to bathe, but he's too tired to care.
Looks like today's not the day we become companions.

On the plus side, we now have $3,128 to our name.
Don't you worry, my little pet. Once we're companions, everything will go more smoothly!

[Playalot]

Poor wee smelly Chai! lol Chai's been super lucky with his digging. Remember Ken can do any skill to make money for the two of them.  And buying a pet bed is totally in the rules, as is a pet toy box. Chai sleeping with feathers in his mouth cracked me up, I haven't seen that yet.

[oshizu]

Remember Ken can do any skill to make money for the two of them. 

I posted some questions in your Rules thread, but Ken's not companions with Chai so he can't use skilling objects on community lots yet.
Fishing hasn't been that lucrative, either. We're waiting to become companions to start earning the moolah.

And buying a pet bed is totally in the rules, as is a pet toy box.

I'm glad to hear that. I was  worried but didn't have the heart to take Chai's bed away from him, lol. I haven't checked out the pet toy box yet.

Chai sleeping with feathers in his mouth cracked me up, I haven't seen that yet.

I think what happened is that Ken told Chai to go hunting so Chai found the feathers. But then Ken left for school before Chai could take him the feathers, so Chai got stuck with the feathers, haha.

By the way, I'm having so much fun with this, Playalot. I can't thank you enough for adapting your challenge to Cats & Dogs! 

[Playalot]

Awesome you're having fun too! Sorry about the questions on the challenge thread. I always forget to check there! I've replied to you now.

[KTK10]

Can I just tell you.. your dog is AMAZING!! I am loving all the photos you are taking.. and Ken is super cute too.. even when he's smelly.. haha