As soon as Synergy saw Jem, she remarked, "This is not good. The Jem hologram isn't made to be used for an extended period of time. We have to do something now." The computer appealed to Jem. "Please, you must help me to right this. We must restore you to your original settings."

"You're right, Synergy. I'm sorry, everyone. I didn't mean to cause so much trouble. And, Kimber, I didn't mean to hurt your sister."

"It's okay, Jem. I know you didn't," Kimber replied. She went over and hugged Jem. "In a way, you're my sister, too!" The others looked on and knew that everything would be alright.

Jem walked over to Synergy and entered some information on the keyboard.

"What is she doing?" wondered Aja.

Shana, who was closer, guessed, "It looks like she's letting Synergy know what she did."

"You mean how she was able to take control?" asked Raya.

"I think so."

Jem finished what she was typing and turned towards the others. "Thank you all for being such good friends to Jerrica ... and to me. See you at the concert tomorrow!" There were some flashing lights from Synergy and then the Jem illusion shimmered out, leaving a bewildered Jerrica standing in front of them.

"Outrageous!" shouted Kimber as she rushed to hug her sister.

"Everything has been restored," reported Synergy.

"How do you feel, Jerrica?" asked Shana.

"I'm a bit fuzzy, but OK. What's going on?"

"Well ..." began Aja. She explained to Jerrica what had happened over the past couple of days, with the others interjecting their own comments. When they were finished, Kimber asked her sister, "Do you remember any of this?"

"No," Jerrica replied. "It's like I've been asleep this whole time. I don't remember any sort of 'Dark Place' either. Synergy," she asked as she turned toward the computer, "do you think Jem will be OK? You don't think she's back there, do you?"

"Do not worry, Jerrica. Now that her program is back to its original settings, she should no longer be self-aware. Jem is back to being just a hologram."

"Let's all get some sleep," the ever-practical Shana announced. "We have a big day tomorrow."

"Yes," said Raya. "I'm going to get up early to get in some extra practice before the concert."

"Excellent idea," agreed Jerrica.

As the girls all filed out of the room, headed to bed, only Kimber noticed the word on the screen. She smiled wistfully. The word was 'Goodbye'.


So ends my first fan fic. Thanks to Sarah8 and T. for your encouraging comments. I had so much fun writing this story, and it made it even more enjoyable knowing other people liked it, too! Thanks also to my brother, KTF Xfox, for believing in me.

Until inspiration hits me again...