The prologue to my Bewitched Legacy.

1. Bewitched - A Legacy
Prologue

2. Stepping out of the taxi, Cordelia Cromwell proudly gazed upon the
unimposing Landgraab Dormitories. She wasn’t certain of anything, except
for her mind’s intuitive force, telling her she must locate the High Witch.
Not that Cordelia had ever seen a witch in her life, much less a High
Witch. But as she was in the pursuit of knowledge, she was curious to
learn more about the subject.
“It sure is nice outside,” she smiled warmly, taking in the last remnants of
summer pilfering around her. But there was no time to dally around.

3. Cordelia immediately set out to declare a major. A study that would help
her in the medical career sounded especially appealing. Since her memory
was essentially a blank slate, she didn’t know why she felt she should
become a doctor. Only that her relatively good nature liked the prospect of
helping others.
While physics wasn’t directly correlated with medicinal studies, Cordelia
thought the technical prowess could go a long way. More importantly, it
was new. New things, she liked.

4. Cordelia’s first class went without a hitch. On the way back to the dorms,
however, a strange looking woman made an appearance.
I wonder what a gypsy’s doing around these parts.
Despite her initial apprehension, she was reminded of her goal to find a
High Witch. Perhaps the voodoo lady could provide a lead.

5. “Um excuse me?” Cordelia called out. The gypsy lady ceased her
absentminded polishing to give Cordelia a quizzical glance.
“Something I can help you with, my dearie?”

6. “Well, I’m not entirely sure,” Cordelia began, “but I’m getting this, I don’t
know how to describe it, this feeling, that you’re here because you might
help me?” She ended on a question, mulling over the jumble of words she
just threw out.
The gypsy’s hazy eyes were now heightened and alert. “Tell me what you
wish to know, my child,” she beckoned with a sense of urgency.
Cordelia took a deep breath. “I want to know about the High Witch,” she
said, resolute that she’ll get an answer.

7. The gypsy pondered for a moment. “I know of her, yes,” she said, “I have never met her. My
kind and hers, we do not mix well together.”
“Do you know where I can find her?” Cordelia asked.
The gypsy shook her head morosely. “The witches are said to reside in an otherwordly realm.
One which is impermissible for mortals.”
Cordelia furrowed her brow. Part of her was eager at the prospect of witches existing. Then
again, gypsies were infamous for their tricks.
“I see. Thanks anyway,” she murmured politely, opting to leave before getting caught in a con.
She failed to notice the older woman’s knowing smirk.

8. Then the gypsy had gone, and Cordelia was soon distracted by the bustle of
college life.
Students were casually chatting in between pouring through their
textbooks. All while the television and stereo blared at the maximum
volume.
Cordelia shook her head as she passed the common room. I don’t know how
they can manage to concentrate. As if they had read her mind, she caught
confused expressions from a few of the dormies. Cordelia paid no mind to
it.

9. Cordelia decided to get a headstart on skill-building.
Searching for an area in the dorms that was relatively noise-free, she came
across a study hall area. Secluded except for a guy engrossed in his book.
“You mind if I grab a chair?” She asked. “It’s a little hard to get some peace
and quiet around here.” She kept her tone lighthearted.
He gave her a cursory glance before returning to his material. “Go ahead.”

10. Despite the lack of initial words, they struck up an amicable conversation
while navigating the thick tomes. He introduced himself as Renaud and
told Cornelia she was welcome anytime to join him in a study session.
Cordelia didn’t feel like he was insinuating something, so she said she
would gladly take him up on that offer.

11. For a while, she nearly forgot about her conversation with the gypsy.
Until…
“How did you get my number?”
“All part of the trade dearie. The stars tell me of what you seek.”
Cordelia widened her eyes. “You found her?”

12. The old woman relayed few details, merely instructing Cordelia to go to
Rodney’s Hideout in the Downtown district, where she will find what she
was looking for.
But the gypsy didn’t specify what time the High Witch would appear.
Before Cordelia knew it, she had been playing pool for hours, and the sun
was about to set.
Grumbling to herself that she’d been played for a fool, she was about to
head back to the dorms when…

13. The outside area was abruptly blinded by a mystical golden aura.

14. Cordelia rushed outside to find the source of the light, and met face-to-face
with a glowing white woman.
“You. You are-” It seemed foolish, but she instantly trusted the woman.
The High Witch instantly grasped her palm. “You’re the Cromwell child,
aren’t you?”

15. “Yes!” Cordelia enthusiastically cried. “I was supposed to find you, but I don’t
know why. I was hoping you could tell me.”
The sun had already set, leaving the two encroached in the street’s darkness.
“I had given up hope that I would ever find you,” said the witch. “I will tell you
everything. But not here.”
“But, I just found you!” This woman could hold the key to her entire life story!

16. “It isn’t safe here. Especially not at night. Once I have made the proper
precautions, I will contact you.”
Cordelia was flustered. “W-wait, you’re just going to leave? How am I supposed to
find you?”
The elder woman gave her a knowing look. “I will find you. When the time is
right.”
Then the High Witch vanished, with no sign she was ever there to begin with.

17. Confused as ever, all Cordelia could do is return to Sim State and attempt
to live a normal life. But thoughts of witches and what she had to do with
them plagued her mind.

18. Several weeks passed with this routine: doing assignments, cleaning up the dorm
and tending to physical needs. Tedium growing, Cordelia decided to take up chess
as a hobby to build up some brain muscle.
“Whoa, you look really into this,” Renaud told her while walking by. “Mind if I
join?”
He already sat himself down before she could refuse. Her mind was puzzled with
all the different options after several hours of playing, and she didn’t want any
additional distractions. But she could use some mental reprieve.
“Okay, sure,” Cordelia said, still focused on her pieces, “But let me figure out how
to get to the king from this spot first.”

19. After several minutes of playing, Renaud could not hide his puzzlement.
“So let me get this straight. The horse is the only one who can jump
around the other pieces?”
Cordelia stifled a laugh. “It’s called a knight, Renaud. And it does make
sense if you think about it, since a horse can jump over obstacles.”
Renaud continued scratching his head. “Uh, if you say so.” His other hand
reached for a pawn, opting for a more simpler move.
“Hey I’m learning myself. So don’t take everything I say to heart.” Even
though she processed information much quicker, she didn’t mind helping
Renaud with some basics.

20. As Cordelia improved at the game, she didn’t mind challenging
some of the other students to some friendly matches. Remington
thought he had the upper hand after practicing with online
engines, but Cordelia saw through his overly technical strategy.
Renaud couldn’t help but frown as he watched her enjoy herself
with the other male dormie.

21. Life went on as usual for the residents at the Landgraab
Dormitories.

22. Cordelia relished partaking in the mundanity of their lives.
“God Luc, you think the cafeteria man knows how to make anything
besides cereal and mac?” Said the girl in the blue dress.
Luc could barely articulate through his chewing. “Fereal? Mac?
Swhat’s the duffrince Joy?” To him, it was all mushy either way.

23. Daily life included fixing the constantly breaking appliances.
The girl lamenting over not getting the latest score in Castle
Simvania certainly wasn’t going to do anything about it.

24. Then, another phone call.
“Who’s this?” She didn’t have any friends who needed to phone
her.
“Come to the outskirts of your dwelling tonight, child.” An all-too
familiar voice beckoned, then promptly hung up.
A shock coursed through Cordelia’s veins. Eagerness masked
her impending fear of actually learning about her purpose in
life.

25. Cordelia compartmentalized her hesitation and ventured to the
dorm’s outskirts once nightfall hit. Awaiting her destiny.
This time, she didn’t have to wait.
“Alright, I’m here,” she said when the High Witch wouldn’t say
anything. “I don’t want any excuses. Just tell me why I needed
to find you.”
“Try not to make any sudden movements, child,” the elder lady
said brusquely.

26. “Wha-AAGHHHHH”
A jolt of pain seeped through every limb of her body. The aura
surrounding her had an electric distinctness, but it was also tainted
with something more pure.

27. After what seemed like an eternity, the transformation was
complete. Cordelia found herself dressed in the same garb as the
High Witch. The remnant electrical sparks had magically circulated
around her, as if they themselves were alive.
“Um, wow, I look very different. But I don’t understand, why did you
turn me into a witch?”

28. The High Witch chuckled. “I didn’t transform anything. I only awakened
the dormant magic within you.”
Cordelia’s mind was speeding through many different directions, it was
hard to keep track. “So you’re saying this whole time, throughout my
entire life, I’ve been a witch? I just didn’t know it?”
The older woman’s expression sobered. “You have no memories of your life
before you arrived at university, is that correct?”
“Yeah, so what?”
“I believe that something, or someone, perhaps, has blocked your memories
for your own protection, in an attempt to salvage your hidden power.”

29. Cordelia was still dissatisfied with the witch’s cryptic explanations. “And why
would they do that? Why did they want me to find you? I don’t even know your
name for crying out loud!”
The lady knelt down to stroke her specter cat. The creature purred respectfully.
“You may call me Crystal. Now, since your powers are awakened, you may
journey to the otherworld to learn your fate.”
Cordelia sighed exasperatedly. She was getting tired of this goose chase. “Let me
guess. You’re not going to tell me where this ‘otherworld’ is, are you?”
Crystal shook her head. “I’m sorry, I can’t be too open with my communication out
here. We will speak again soon, Cordelia Cromwell.”
And so Cordelia was left in the night, to fend for herself with her newfound
abilities.

30. Cordelia shed the witch’s garb as soon as she returned to her room,
to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb. A piercing headache
suddenly overcame her. Whether it was the strain of her previously
dormant magic or just plain stress, she was unsure.

31. She woke up the next morning to find a broom in her possession.
Cordelia remembered what Crystal told her about being able to
travel to the ‘otherrealm,’ and figured there was no other better time
to try.
She pulled out the broom at the inopportune time, however, because
resident stoner Damion Deppiesse just happened to stroll by.
“Duuude, that’s some mad sick cleaning utensil you got there,”
Damion drawled. “Can you like, dance with it?”
Cordelia sighed. What harm would it be, really?

32. The broom whisked her to the upper echelons of the sky. Cordelia
tried not to look down, knowing that no ground would be visible. She
figured the broom possessed its own magical energy, but her spirit
was somehow aiding it to reach their destination.

33. After a while, the broom began a graceful descent to a quaint,
wooded area. An area that had a phone booth and a ‘Witches Xing’
sign.
“At least someone here has a sense of humor,” Cordelia said.

34. The castle was reminiscent of those you would see in a fairy
tale. Cordelia could see no other building structures in the
vicinity. It looked like a fortress, with the trees and wood
directing their energy towards it.
The sound of her foot stepping on the long staircase seemed to
reach every inner bowel of the castle.

35. “Go forth, my child,” Crystal murmured softly, “I’ve nothing to
hide from you now, within this sacred space.”

36. Surely enough, she found Crystal solemnly sitting on her throne. Cordelia
could detect no other spiritual energy present in the quiet castle, so she
wondered where the other witches were. She figured there had be more,
otherwise why would they delegate a whole world to themselves?
But she held off on asking that, as she had more pressing questions.
“How do you like the gift I left you?” Crystal asked nonchalantly. “There
are some other things that you will notice.” A glint crept onto her eyes.
“It’s…amazing,” Cordelia’s breath was still lost gazing at the palace’s
surroundings. “I expected to be scared of flying, and I was, for a few
minutes. But being up there felt so natural to me.”
Crystal beamed. “So you are a true Cromwell, after all. I’m glad that you
find yourself so predisposed to magic, it will alleviate your burden.”

37. Cordelia crinkled her brow. “What burden?”
Crystal took a deep breath, knowing she was about to deliver a mouthful.
“Cordelia, your family is special, even among the world of magic. Hundreds
of years ago, the Cromwells were one of the most powerful families to ever
exist, and everyone thought their bloodline would run forever.”
At this Cordelia winced. “I’m guessing that didn’t happen.”
Crystal cast a morose, far-off gaze, as if she were witnessing events long
passed. “Somewhere down the line, some of the family members
intermingled with dark magic. They felt that in order to become the most
powerful, they needed to master both good and dark magic. Unfortunately,
they succumbed to the dark power.”

38. “I was very young when this blight occurred,” Crystal continued, “I do not
remember the specifics, but the next thing we all knew, the Cromwell
family had been eviscerated, consumed by the power they wanted so badly
to possess.”
A wave of silence overtook the two women. Having a hard time processing
what she was told, Cordelia could only utter, “But…I’m here, aren’t I? So,
what does that…” she trailed off.
Crystal grew more alert. “Yes, by some force I do not know, you’ve
appeared in the mortal realm. The last of the Cromwells and also the first
of the Cromwells.”
“First?”

39. Crystal rose abruptly and grabbed both of Cordelia’s hands.
“Hey!” Cordelia jolted at the sudden contact.
“You, child, have been tasked with returning the Cromwell family to
its former glory, before they became plagued by the dark forces,”
Crystal stated, feeling Cordelia’s palms. “After you complete your
education, you shall marry, and one of your daughters will be tasked
with carrying on the Cromwell line to her daughter, and so on.”
More weariness overtook Cordelia. “Why does it have to be a
daughter?”

40. “Females are the only ones born with magic in their veins, explained
Crystal. Seeing Cordelia’s continued confusion, she elaborated.
“Males can have magical powers, but they must acquire them, they
are not born with the ‘gift.’ Also, males are predisposed to the dark
ways, hence why a girl must be chosen. For protection.”
“I see.” Cordelia never imagined she would have this history.
Perhaps she was better off not remembering anything in the first
place. How was she expected to start a new life, knowing that her
blood carried such a tumultuous past?

41. With only so much to go off, Cordelia began teaching herself the
basics of magic. She set aside time every day to practice making
reagents and reading her spellbook.

42. Of course, she had to make sure she spent some relaxing, so as
to not get too strained about her obligations.
“Hey Cordelia, what’s up with that sparkly stuff radiating from
you?” Asked Remington, who was her fellow dormie and dance
partner.
“Hmm, what was that? Must just be my dancing spirit!”
Cordelia quipped jokingly. Fortunately, her lack of dance
mobility distracted Remington.

43. However, Cordelia would be lying if she didn’t sometimes try to
tackle too much at the same time.
Renaud looked at her concernedly, debating if he ought to wake her
up right away.

44. The resident cow mascot also stirred up trouble, as per usual.
But it provided Cordelia with the unlikely opportunity to
practice what she had learned.
“Ehhh let’s see, Aqua Deletus? Is that right? Maybe I should say
it more firmly. Aqua Deletus!”

45. A vapid flame abruptly burst above the liquid, absorbing it in
nearly its entirety. The Landgraab dorm now had some
safeguards for future sprinkler pranks.

46. As Cordelia strengthened her social circle, Renaud’s interest in her
grew more apparent.
“Oh that book isn’t real or anything, Remington, it’s just pretend
spells. I have what you call….a fascination with occultism.”
Remington looked disappointed to hear that. “Oh, too bad. Erm,” he
lowered his voice to a whisper, “do you mind telling Renaud to stop
staring at us?”

47. Hesitantly, Cordelia rose and motioned Renaud to a corner. The situation felt
incredibly awkward, but one of them had to clear the air.
“Hey, Renaud,” she began, her palms clenched and sweaty, “I think I know what’s
going on.”
His eyes lightened up. “You do? Wow, I mean, great. I was hoping we’d-”
She cut him off. “I’m sorry. I really am flattered, and I think we’re great friends,
but I don’t feel that way.”
He didn’t say anything for nearly a minute. “I see.” His tone devoid of any
emotion.
“So, is that okay?” That may have been a stupid question for her to ask, but she
was tired of prolonging the awkwardness.
He shrugged nonchalantly. “I guess.”

48. Renaud may have complied, but his heart thought otherwise.
Ultimately, he and Cordelia didn’t remain as close as she had
hoped. As is the fate of many one-sided relationships.

49. But Renaud’s jealousy was not entirely unfounded. Cordelia was not the
most outgoing, so branching out her friend circle(as well as scoping out a
potential spouse to carry on the legacy with her) was a hefty challenge.
Fellow dormie Remington was easy to talk to. Like her, he was shy, as well
as knowledge-oriented.
“So Remy, have you thought about what you’re going to do after you
graduate?” She kept her eagerness low, just trying to determine if he was
worthy.
Remington wasn’t a fan of such direct questions, it made him a tad queasy.
“Well, I’ve always been into games. Any kind really, not just computers. I
figured it’d be nice to well, you know, make my own.”
“Whoa, cool.”

50. Despite both of them bearing apprehension at the prospect of
jumping into a relationship, the right background tunes
managed to set them in the romance mood.

51. One night, when Cordelia tried to get some magic practice in,
she was rudely interrupted by a llama jacket-wearing man
assaulting her with clucks.
“Wait, please I can explain!” Cordelia’s heart dropped. What if
they had found out about her powers? Were they going to lock
her up for experiments?
Luckily, the corridors were empty so no one could view her
disgrace in shame.

52. After being thrown into a limo unpleasantly blindfolded and
gagged, Cordelia awoke to find herself surrounded by a gaggle of
llama-blazer wearing folks. She looked down to see the jacket
attached to her own person.
What surprised her, in addition to the peculiar bovine plant
confined to the fence, was Remington present among the group.

53. She instantly rushed over to him, ignoring the greeting of the other
members. “Remy! What’s going on?” A tinge of anger seeped into her
voice.
Remy scratched his head embarrassingly. “You made it into our
secret society. Sorry I kept it a secret from you, but you know, we’re
not called ‘secret’ society for nothing.” He chuckled awkwardly.
Immediately Cordelia was overcome with guilt. She had her own
secrets after all.
“Well I suppose I can let that go,” she reached for his hands, “How
about giving me the grand tour?”

54. “Whoa, um, what the-??”
Cordelia cursed mentally. Her magic somehow took control and
was shifting her physical presence…somewhere else.
“Help!” She cried out to Remington, trying to touch him. But her
hands only passed transparently through him
All Remington could see was his girlfriend slowly dissipating
into the night.

55. After a momentary lapse into the surreal, Cordelia saw the glowing aura growing
thinner, and she could make out she ended up in a strange room. A room
containing nothing but a phone perched over flames.
Cordelia clutched the phone. It looked normal enough, but the skulls surrounding
the fire pit concerned her. To whom would the call be made? Glancing out the
windows, she determine she was still in the secret society house. She merely
transported herself using her power. Or rather, the power transported her.
Something told her she should take the phone, despite not knowing its purpose.
Stealing wasn’t a first instinct for her at all, but she had a feeling that the society
members obtained it in an unscrupulous way. So in her mind, taking it was for
the common good.

56. After retrieving the phone, Cordelia exited the room to find Remington had desperately
panted upstairs.
“THERE you are! Cordy, what was that just now?”
She sighed. It was no use lying to him anymore, and for that she felt relieved. “I’m a kind
of a witch.” A small smile perked onto her face.
“Kind of?” Questioning the existence of witches never crossed his mind.
“Well, I am. I suppose,” she clarified, “An older witch told me. It’s a bit of a long story, but
that’s the gist.”
“I see,” he said, not unlike Renaud when Cordelia had rejected him. “I don’t really know
much about witches, aside from reading about them. But I think it’s cool.”
“You do?” Cordelia asked hopefully.
“Sure, I’m a knowledge sim. I’m keen for anything that goes bump-in-the-night. Though at
least you’re not a werewolf shedding hair.” Remington sounded a lot more confident than
usual. Perhaps he was starting to open up to her.

57. “What is it, my dear?” Crystal was unconcerned that Cordelia hadn’t visited in a
while. She was relieved that Cordelia took her advice not to travel too often to
this realm.
“Well I’ve been doing as you’ve instructed,” said Cordelia, “I’ve been learning
more about my powers and where they came from. I even inadvertently learned
how to teleport!”
Crystal raised an eyebrow. “Inadvertently?”
“It was a small incident at the college’s secret society,” Cordelia hurried her
explanation. “But it was fine. Nobody really saw me except one person.”
Crystal sternly looked at her. “That’s very foolish of you. How can you be so sure
you trust this person not to betray you?”
“Well that’s just it, Crystal. I think he’s the one. The person I want to start my
legacy with.”

58. “You are certain?” Crystal asked.
Cordelia nodded. “Yeah, I think so. No, I mean, I do.”
“And does he know of your burden?”
Cordelia sobered. “I think it’d better if he didn’t know all there is to know
about the Cromwell lineage.”
Crystal pondered the thought. “That could be a slippery slope, but if it’s for
your family’s protection it’s probably for the best. One more thing,” added
Crystal, her tone darkening, “Beware of any agents of darkness. Once your
family’s existence is established, they will try to disrupt it, to eliminate the
Cromwell line before it’s revived. It may not happen in your time, or even
your daughter’s. But it will befall your descendants, so you must take
great care in preparing for it.”

59. Before Cordelia knew it, graduation was coming up. So, she and
Remington went out for a pre-celebratory dinner at Bernard’s
Botanical Dining. Hopefully I don’t regret this.
“It’s nice here, I like the tropical ambience,” Remington commented
as they awaited their food.
She entwined her hand with his. “Me too. Something about dining
outdoors just makes me feel more alive.”

60. They both decided they were in the mood for seafood. Cordelia
also snagged a bite of Remington’s lobster. Her mouth watered
at the taste. Hopefully, she could learn to cook just as nicely.

61. Cordelia clutched the small box she was holding behind her hand.
“So Remy, there’s no real easy way for me to go about this, but-”
“You’re…breaking up with me.” He looked crestfallen, with tears
about to pour onto his unfinished lobster.
She shook her head. “Oh no, of course not! That’s crazy talk!”
Remington let out a sigh of relief. “Oh. Phew. Then what?”
“Oh, damn it!” Cordelia stammered. “I guess I’ll just be out with it.”

62. “Remington, will you marry me?” Cordelia slowly said as she
pulled out the box. A big smile leapt onto her face.
“Oh!” Remington covered his mouth, ashamed of his
extravagant grin. “I, wow, I wasn’t expecting this.”
“Is that a yes?”

63. As it turned out, actions, not words, made the day all the more
meaningful. What they were too shy to admit was perfectly
expressed with their bodies.

64. “When do you expect to be back at Riverblossom Hills?” Cordelia
asked her fiancé. She frankly couldn’t wait to get started on a family,
despite Crystal’s gloomy portent.
“I’ve only got a semester left,” Remington grinned. “Hopefully we’ll
make the most of how much money we’ve got. I’d like a nice home.”
Cordelia laughed. “Me too, but I’m not making any promises.”
For better or worse, the Cromwell legacy began to plant its seeds…
***

65. Cordelia Cromwell – Knowledge aspiration – (7 neat/3 outgoing/5 active/3
serious/6 nice)-LTW Chief of Staff
Remington Fleig – Knowledge – (9 neat/2 outgoing/6 active/3 serious/5 nice)-
LTW Game Designer
***
I condensed several slides to make this prologue flow smoother than the original.
Some of the images I had to change because PowerPoint cut them off and I
haven’t figured out how to resize them. That’s why one of the slides just has text. I
also cut out some scenes I thought were filler and ultimately didn’t serve a
purpose.