Sorry this chapter is exceptionally long, but I figure you don't really care that much...

Sophie looked around and it was as if outside became inside. At the base of the stairs was a small clearing next to a small creek that weaved through the tall trees that stretched up into the air. The ceiling was so high, Sophie could barely see it, especially with the blinding light that seemed to represent the sun. There were Birch trees, Pures, Deciduous trees, Maple, and a lot of other types of trees. The creek led to a pond with some coy, frogs, and other creatures Sophie didn't know existed. The humid air was filled with birds singing, and small animals chattering to each other in the trees. It was the perfect place to play basequest.

"You kids play basequest. I'll be upstairs if you need me," Mr. Forkle grunted as he made his way up the stairs.

"I call being on Foster's team!" Keefe shouted, moving over to her, making Dex take a step back and sulk.

"Actually, how about I sit out the first round?" Sophie suggested, taking a step away from Keefe. Her eyes met with Fitz, her heart doing a small flutter as she transmitted, Please be with Dex. He feels so left out. Just make him feel welcome. Please Fitz? Fitz didn't reply or look at her and she started to think he was ignoring her.

"How about I be with Dex?" Sophie let out a sigh of relief. Thanks.

"Really?" Dex asked, looking up at Fitz, the corners of his mouth lifting a bit.

"If you want," Fitz said, walking over to him.

"Sure!"

"But Biana won't let me cheat!" Keefe protested.

"How would you know? You've never asked," Biana flashed him a mischievous grin, tossing her hair. Keefe started to say something, then stopped, stared at Biana and squinted his eyes at her then once again opened his mouth to say something, and stopped, still staring at Biana.

"How about from now on, no one will let Keefe cheat?" Sophie hinted.

"Now where's the fun in that?" Keefe protested with his trademark smirk.

Dex scoffed, making Fitz decide to change the subject.

"Do you guys want to go on that side," he pointed to the right of the creek, "or this side?"

"We'll take this side. And you guys have to quest first. Oh, and also, are special abilities allowed?" Keefe turned around to face Fitz and Dex.

"I think they should be. Come on Dex," Fitz turned towards the creek and jumped from rock to rock to the other side with Dex right behind him. Then he whispered to Dex and glanced back at Biana and Keefe who were already running off in the trees.

Sophie smiled. It felt so good to be with her friends, and seeing them get along. She was so grateful for Fitz reaching out to Dex. Once he did, Dex seemed like his normal self and he hasn't been like that for so long. And Biana has always been jealous of her for Keefe always picking her for his team, something she could definitely do without. But for once in an incredibly long time, it seemed like everything would be okay...

That afternoon was one of the best times of her life. Dex and Fitz had became much better friends, they had a great time playing basequest, and then they all went upstairs and ate mallowmelt while talking and laughing together. She didn't want it to end, but towards the end she was so tired she almost fell asleep so she caved and went to bed early.

But when she closed her eyes, nightmares engulfed her in her sleep.

Sophie was back home with Grady and Edaline. Grady was staring mesmerized by his mug, and Edaline was holding a picture of her.

"I miss her," Edaline said, leaning against Grady and taking his hand.

"Me too," Grady responded.

"I'm right here!" Sophie said, but it seemed like they didn't here her so she walked over and tried to give them a hug, but her arms went right through them.

What was happening!?

Her thoughts were interrupted by an ear piercing sound.

Suddenly the wall of glass shattered into thousands of tiny pieces, making Sophie scream and cover her head. As she did she looked down. She was floating!

Grady and Edaline jumped back and retreated to the base of the stairs. They both started coughing and wheezing.

What was happening?

She looked out the now open wall window to see there was two or three helicopter-like things. She looked harder and she could see a familiar face in the window. Then she looked down at the ground and saw an also familiar disc.

No.

They wouldn't.

They couldn't.

The council was drugging her family.

Was this because of her?

Did she bring this upon them?

What would the council do to them?

But wait.

Is this real?

Or is this a dream?

It must be.

How else could she have gotten here?

She's floating.

And no one can here or see her.

But it's so vivid. The most vivid dream she's ever had.

She just wanted it to be over. She looked away as the helicopter like things grew closer. And closer. Sophie could hear the councilors talking to one another. But she didn't want to listen. She covered her ears and curled into a ball. Whispering "No." to herself over and over and over

again.

This had to be a dream.

Then why wasn't she waking up?

The councilors were inside her house now and carrying Grady and Edaline's limp bodies out the front door.

Sophie couldn't take it. She just curled back into a tighter ball and started to cry.

"Sophie." She ignored the small whisper, content to just lie there and cry. No one was around to see. But wait. Then what was that voice?

"Sophie!" It came again, more urgent this time. She decided to wipe her tears away and look up.

Biana was standing over her in her pajamas looking very worried.

Sophie let out a sigh of relief.

It wasn't real.

It was just a dream.