57. ECHOES OF TIME (3)

Enue suddenly woke up in a completely new environment. It wasn’t as pixelated anymore, but it still wasn’t her era. Definitely not. But at least she looked more like herself now. And this time, she wasn’t alone — little Emit traveled with her.

Having learned her lesson from TS1, she quickly found a cheap flat in Belladonna Cove and checked the newspaper for job offers. This newspaper had way more options. And up to 3 job offers per day? That was an upgrade. She quickly got a job in journalism. At least that didn't changed through time.

Soon enough, Enue realized a serious problem — in this world, Sims aged. And according to her Sim panel, she didn’t have all the time in the world to figure out how to return home if she didn’t want to end up as an elder. It was time to get serious about her quest.

She started with the essentials: grocery shopping - a Sim has to eat. She also bought a magazine on the supernatural — maybe there’d be something about time travel. And of course, new clothes — the weather here actually changed. Oddly, every shop clerk had red hair… coincidence, or a local hiring requirement?

While walking through the park, she saw a Sim dancing strangely. Turned out he was a breakdancing instructor. Enue learned the moves. Would it help her get back to the future? Probably not — but at least she got something out of all this time-hopping.

The Sims in this world were way more sociable than those in TS1. She made quite a few friends quickly — always useful for career progress. And every time, she gently probed: did they know any time travelers? Or maybe some eccentric scientists? There had to be a way back, right?

Enue was starting to stress. Days were passing — filled with work, skilling, a bit of fun, but mostly chasing clues. Occasionally, she met Sims who seemed to know something — but it all led nowhere.

One day, while eating at a local diner, she suddenly saw that photo!

Enue: Excuse me, do you know where I can find this man?

Cook: Him? Doesn’t ring a bell.

Enue: Maybe where this photo was taken?

Cook: Looks like… yeah, I think that’s Twikkii Island.

Enue knew she had to go there. Because in that photo was none other than a young Emit Relevart.

She left the diner with one thought: get home and buy a ticket to Twikkii. But distracted, she bumped into someone.

Enue: Hey! Watch where you’re going!

Witch: I sense magic in you… but not from this world. It lies dormant. If you wish, I can share my knowledge.

Of course, Enue agreed. She remembered how her life had improved in TS1 once she unlocked magic. It helped her escape that strange version of reality — even if things hadn’t gone perfectly. Magic surely wouldn’t hurt now.

But this magic turned out to be the path of darkness. Enue couldn’t accept it. She switched to practicing light magic. Eventually, that awful green glow left her body and she crossed over to good side. She made amazing progress. But none of the spells she learned had anything to do with time travel.

She could stop time, and teleport anywhere — but only within the same timeline. And though she’d read just about everything on the paranormal, occult, and science, time travel still eluded her. When the first snow fell, she finally remembered about her trip to Twikkii.

Arriving in Twikkii, Enue felt like she was home. Ah, the place reminded her so much of Sulani. She missed her mom and sister. She had to visit them once she gets back. That day, instead of chasing Emit’s trail, she indulged in sea breeze nostalgia.

But from the next morning on, it was back to exploring and clue-hunting. Enue tried asking the locals, but all they taught her was the hula dance and how to hang loose. She also noticed the gift shop clerk had red hair — again.

By the evening bonfire, Sims got more chatty.

Sim by the fire: Locals sometimes tell tales of a blue-haired guy. Supposedly came from the future. The Fire Dancer might know more.

Fire Dancer: So, you’re looking for the blue-haired traveler? My grandfather told me he came seeking the fire dance, said it would “reveal his fate in light”. Thought it would help him find the way home. Maybe it will help you too?

So Enue learned the fire dance.

The next day, she went to the temple to ask the ancient gods for guidance. Maybe Will Wright would hear her again and send her home — this time to the right era. That didn’t happen, of course. But she had a sudden realization of where to search next.

She headed to the South End Beach and the old shipwreck to speak to the local ghost — a captain. If anyone remembered what happened in the past, it’d be a ghost.

While there, Enue also found a map to a place called "Hidden Burrow." Might be useful later.

Captain: Of course I remember. The blue-haired traveler wanted to find a witch. I told him the same thing I’ll tell you: climb to the crow’s nest and when you see the farthest island — that’s where the Witch Doctor lives.

Enue flew to the Mysterious Hut. The witch was already waiting.

Witch Doctor: I felt you would arrive soon, time traveler. If you fix a few of my gadgets, I’ll answer your questions.

Enue repaired them quickly.

Witch Doctor: I have no answers — only more clues. The blue-haired one learned how to return to the future from the Dragon of Takemizu. I helped him understand a part of the prophecy, but that was long ago. I’ve forgotten the details. I’m sorry.

So Enue set out for the Takemizu Village to find the dragon — whatever that meant. She also took time to learn local customs. A little prayer to the local spirits couldn't hurt either.

That evening, while meditating in the Zen garden, a mysterious Ninja appeared.

Ninja: Before battle, should one know the enemy or oneself?

Enue: Umm… the enemy?

Ninja: Without knowing yourself, you perish quickly. The spirit of meditation is strong in you, but you’re not ready yet.

Then he vanished. But he left behind… a map to the Pagoda in the Shadows.

Pagoda in the Shadows...

Wise Old Man: Welcome. Do you seek peace or truth?

Enue: Both, I guess.

Wise Old Man: I can offer you truth, but first you must find peace on your own. Follow my movements. Tai Chi will calm your wandering body and mind.

Wise Old Man: Now you are ready to hear the Dragon Prophecy:

Who casts their fate in light’s embrace

Shall open three teleports through space.

When joy’s epic secret is understood,

And fear is left where once it stood,

The key to time shall then be revealed,

And the future they seek will be unsealed.

Enue though a long time about these words — but couldn't crack their meaning. Light, teleportation, joy. Emit had learned fire dancing — that surely was the light? She already knew how to teleport. But what was the "epic joy"?

She decided to visit the "Hidden Burrow" in Three Lakes. Luck had been on her side so far. Maybe it was no accident she found that map.

There, she met Bigfoot.

Bigfoot: Looking for epic joy? You’ve come to the right place! There’s lots to do here. Try everything! Maybe something will unlock your nirvana.

Unlock nirvana? Enue wasn’t sure what would help, so she really tried everything. But each time, nothing changed.

Even after an amazing massage and a good slap-dance.

Enue: Yeah, righ... Nirvana, my ass!

Redhead girl: I used to think that too. But it’s a real thing! Just keep fulfilling your wants and whims. When your plumbob turns white, you’ll know!

One of her first post-trip want was a makeover. She loved her new look — but the plumbob didn’t change.

Next came photo booth pics, playing Myshuno! (she lost…), card games, and buying a guinea pig. Enue kept going.

Until one beautiful day, while doing Tai Chi in the park, she felt truly fulfilled. Something deep, something real. Her plumbob turned white! Only for some time. But now she knew it was possible. She had figured out part of the puzzle.

Still uncertain what to do next, Enue visited the one Sim she considered the wisest in this whole world — the Very Good Witch.

Very Good Witch: Oh, that’s simple! “casts their fate in light” — you’ve already done that! You’re a good witch!

Very Good Witch: “three teleports through space” — to travel through time, you need to master three types of teleportation: past, present, and future. And epic joy? That’s fulfillment! When you feel that — find something to speed up, cast the spell, and jump through time! Good luck!

That night, Enue felt closer to home than ever. She had found joy, mastered light magic, and knew two forms of teleportation — spellcasting and meditation. Now she had to return to Takemizu and learn the third.

Ninja: So you returned. What matters more — the warrior or their blade?

Enue: A warrior without a blade is like a fish without water. But a blade without a warrior is just a piece of steel.

Ninja: You’re ready. Let's begin!

Back home, Enue decided to throw a farewell party. Her birthday was coming up — so no time to waste! The party was technically great — but only the Watcher thought so. Guests smiled in photos but later called it boring.