The sun was high in the sky. The city was still a bit messy from yesterday's events, though a work crew were busy cleaning it up. The city clock tower chimed, indicating 1:00.

A car drove down a street until it reached a dwelling. After parking, a middle-age woman with graying red hair and glasses stepped out, followed by some sharply dressed professional-looking men.

Walking to the building's door, the woman knocked and waited several moments, before she knocked again.

The door opened and a man wearing a soldier uniform appeared. "Dr. Lane."

Yes." The older woman confirmed. "Are the two teenagers who started the mess here?"

"They are in the lab, going through some notes." The solder answered.

"Take me to them."

"Right away, ma'am."

Dr. Lane followed the soldier into the dwelling. They then entered a room. The first thing Dr. Lane noticed was three soldiers on duty and two teenage boys near a table.

"Oh!" Cameron exclaimed, turning to face the newcomer.

"Uh . . . hey." Noah greeted awkwardly.

Dr. Lane eyed the two students skeptically, before looking at their lab. There were a few chairs, three tables with chemistry vials, some gizmos, some books. "I am Dr. Lane, and I work for the military. I was sent to check out your work and see if we can figure out how to fix things."

"Our notes are here." Cameron said, gesturing to the table, "but we're still trying to figure it out."

"What do you know?" Dr. Lane asked sternly.

"Well our ray was meant to grow vegetables and fruit to help end world hunger." Cameron explained. "At first, it seemed to not work, but then a Beetle hidden among the produce grew big."

Dr. Lane remembered the news reports. "Yes, I heard of it." She says thoughtfully. "So your ray affects only certain materials."

"Yes." Noah concurred. "At first we thought it didn't work, but later deduced it only works on animate objects like organisms."

"You say it doesn't work on plants, basically." Dr. Lane stated, her expression contemplative.

"Yeah," answered Cameron, "because they're inanimate."

"Pardon my correction," Dr. Lane interjected, "but plants are not inanimate. They are organisms and can grow and live." She noticed Cameron rubbing his arm awkwardly, Noah looking miffed, and both of them grimacing at being corrected, though it did not seem to faze her. "But please continue."

"Well," Cameron resumed, "we're still reexamining our notes and putting our heads together. So somehow plant life is immune but the ray only affects certain materials, like a Beetle, human, and to an extent Dakota's clothing."

"What do you mean extent?" Dr. Lane asked.

"You see," Noah explained, "when she first grew at the party; her swimsuit grew with her, but at a slower rate than she did."

Cameron then looked awkward, chuckling nervously. "Luckily, she grabbed a canvas to cover herself before . . . well, you know, heh-heh."

All three shared an awkward moment of silence before Dr. Lane cleared her throat. "Please continue."

"Well a few things are still a mystery, but we have some theories." Cameron told the older woman. "Like we think the growth caused a hormonal imbalance, which was why she went crazy."

"Also, we notice she hasn't felt hungry." Noah added. "We don't know why, though maybe the energy that made her grow is self-sustaining or something."

"Right now we're reviewing the ray's wavelengths. In theory, if we alter the wavelength, we can restore her size, but there are too many variables."

Dr. Lane's frown did not change as she contemplated everything. "And you built the device from spare parts?"

"Uh yes?" Noah answered awkwardly.

Dr. Lane's posture relaxed. "Impressive. Now I like to see your notes."

Cameron handed her the notes. "Here they are ma'am."

Dr. Lane went over the notes and picked one note up, eying the writings for several moments before putting it down and picking up another.

Noah and Cameron eyed her in surprise. "I guess she can read very fast." Noah whispered aside to his friend.

Cameron took his glasses off for a moment. "Impressive."

"You got that right." Dr. Lane then finished the last note. "Very impressive, considering I may have a way to fix Dakota."

"Really?" Cameron asked amazed.

"That's great!" Noah exclaimed.

"In theory, yes," Dr. Lane clarified, "but while it is sound, I am hesitant to experiment on a human any time soon."

Cameron shrugged. "Well, explain what you found."

Dr. Lane put the notes out on another table, spreading them outward. "Well let me see, how do I explain it? . . . Well you used special wavelengths to trigger growth. We cannot just reverse the wavelength you used. However, in theory, the right reconfiguration could make her small. But there are too many ways it could go wrong."

Noah groaned. "Oh man."

Dr. Lane tapped her chin in momentary thought. "I suggest we run some tests."

"You mean like grow some bugs and then try to make them smaller?" Noah asked.

"You're kidding, right?" Cameron asked, looking at his friend in disbelief. "You want to turn more bugs into giants?"

"We'll have them in a controlled environment so they won't go on a rampage." Noah stated thoughtfully. "Besides, we need to run tests to see if we can find the right wavelength to shrink Dakota back to normal size."

"Oh, of course." Cameron said as he considered the plan.

Dr. Lane nodded in approval. "The plan is sound, then. The Beetle that was captured yesterday is being contained at an old Dog pound. We should go there."

…..

Two jeeps drove through the town and soon reached a building with the words "Dog Pound" on the main sign. Noah, Cameron, Dr. Lane, and a few soldiers exited the vehicle, headed to the Dog Pound's main entrance, and went inside.

The group then headed to the main desk where a bearded man was at the desk. He looked up the arrivals. "May I help you?"

"Yes," Dr. Lane answered in a professional manner, "I'm Dr. Lane. I'm part of the military investigating the paranormal events that have happened here recently."

"You're here for the Beetle, then?"

"Yes."

"It's back in one of the kennels. I'll take you to it."

"Thank you."

They walked into the first room where various Dogs (some of them barking) were kept in kennels. The bearded man led them to another room with several cages that could hold several Dogs. They were all deserted except the one that contained a giant Beetle. The Beetle screeched angrily at the sight of them.

"OK," said Dr. Lane as she rubbed either temple, "we're going to need to run some tests."

"Yeah," Noah agreed, "but how are we going to do that?"

Cameron concurred. "Good question. Do we scan it or get a sample?"

"Allow me." Dr. Lane pulled out a device from her coat and held it up before the giant Beetle.

She pressed several buttons and it buzzed.

"What is that?" Noah asked.

"An elemental scanner." Dr. Lane's scanner buzzed as it beamed a red light at the Beetle.

Cameron looked at the scanner in amazement. "I don't think I've seen one like that before."

"Not surprising," Dr. Lane responded dryly, "since it's a military asset. Not something you can find in a common hardware store."

"I see." Cameron said thoughtfully. "Well, that makes sense."

Suddenly the Beetle glowed and started to spasm, surprising Noah, Cameron, and Dr. Lane whose scanner was buzzing louder. The Beetle then started to shrink slowly.

"What's going on?" Noah inquired, puzzled by what was happening.

"Well it's obviously shrinking," Cameron answered, equally puzzled, "though I can't figure out why."

Dr. Lane eyed the Beetle that was no bigger than a Dog and getting smaller. The glow surrounding the Beetle stopped. The humans eyed the insect. It was currently the size of a Kitten.

The bug scuttled around the kennel rapidly.

Dr. Lane pressed some buttons on the scanner, and it projected some kind of holographic screen, displaying some readings.

"What does it mean?" Noah asked.

"Inconclusive," she concluded, "but we'll need to scan Dakota, preferably sooner rather than later."

Cameron and Noah grimaced.

"I hope nothing bad happens to her." Noah commented grimly.

"Likewise." Cameron concurred.

"I'll contact base to expect us and to get some equipment ready." Dr. Lane turned to some soldiers. "See if you can get the Beetle in a crate."

"Yes ma'am!" The soldiers left to do it.

Dr. Lane looked again at the Kitten sized Beetle, scurrying around the kennel.

…..

In the quarantine, all was quiet. Dakota slept soundly, as if being outdoors exposed to the elements was as comfortable as the coziest bed.

A few feet away, Sam sat in a chair, playing his Gameboy. He occasionally threw glances at his giant girlfriend. She was so big and beautiful.

Izzy and Owen were in a tent, munching on nutrient bars; their moods dismal.

"You know, I could really go for a pizza." Owen murmured unhappily,

"Me too." Izzy agreed before taking another bite. "But we can't leave Dakota."

"Yeah." Owen gazed through the tent's opening. He couldn't see Dakota from his angle, but he still thought of her outside.

"She wasn't very nice to us in the past," Izzy commented thoughtfully, "but now she is an oddball in need, and we oddballs must stick together."

Izzy's eyes suddenly widened, her body becoming tense. Owen noticed. "Izzy, what's wrong?"

"Something's about to happen and it's a big doozy!" Izzy answered, her fists clutched, her teeth bared, her eyes maniacal.

"What is it?" Owen asked, worried about his girlfriend's seemingly paranormal senses acting out.

Izzy ran out of the tent and toward Dakota, and passed Sam who looked up in surprise. Izzy stopped a few feet away from Dakota's sleeping form. Her body trembled while she kept flexing her fingers anxiously, her face maniacal.

"Izzy, are you, all right?" Sam called up, running to her.

"Something is going to happen and it's a doozy!" Izzy virtually repeated, clutching her hands uneasily.

"What do you mean?" Sam asked.

"Just what I said: A doozy is going to happen."

Owen ran up to his girlfriend, panting. "So is the doozy going to take place here?" He asked, still trying to catch his breath.

"You mean Dakota?" Sam asked, eying her with concern.

Izzy nodded anxiously. "Yeah, something big is going to happen."

Just then, two jeeps arrived, carrying a few soldiers, Dr. Lane, and Cameron and Noah.

"Cameron, Noah!" Sam called out, running toward his friends.

"Hey, Sam!" Cameron called back, coming up to his friends, followed by Noah. "We need a blood sample from Dakota."

"Why?"

Dr. Lane interjected. "Not now. We must hurry." She went up to Dakota and held out the elemental scanner. It buzzed as it scanned Dakota.

"Remember the Beetle?" Cameron asked Sam.

"Yeah?"

"Well it shrunk."

Sam looked puzzled. "Shouldn't that be good news?"

"I want to believe it but…"

"But what?" Sam asked, dreading the possible bad news.

"Well there…" Cameron trailed off, suddenly losing his voice.

Noah finished for both of his friends. "There are too many unknowns at the moment, Sam. We need to still run tests to be certain of anything."

Suddenly Dakota groaned. "Do you guys mind? I'm trying to sleep." Everyone tensed as Dakota stretched and turned. Dakota sighed in frustration and slowly then sat up, blinking her eyes. She then exclaimed, clutching her fists, looking distressed.

"Dakota are you, all right?" Sam called out.

"I feel strange." Dakota said flexed her fingers.

"It'll be okay—I promise." Sam assured her giant girlfriend.

Dakota looked down at Sam and suddenly became tearful. "Sam, I . . . I'm sorry for throwing you into that tree."

"It's all right, you were just upset." Sam assured her, hoping to comfort her. "I'd probably be as mad as you if I were in your shoes."

Dakota managed a half-hearted smile. "It's funny you should say that, since I can't even fit into my shoes anymore."

The couple had themselves a light chuckle. Izzy and Owen smiled affectionately while the soldiers and Dr. Lane frowned.

Dakota then looked at the others. "Where's Dawn?"

"Oh, she had to go home," Izzy explained, "but don't be sad, we're here."

Dakota sniffed sadly, trying to stay calm.

"It's OK," Owen said in an assuring way, "we oddballs must stick together."

"Oh, thank you so much guys!" Dakota exclaimed happily. "If I weren't literally fifty feet tall or whatever, I could just hug you both." She then thought of something and brought her free hand close to her other hand carrying the oddball couple. "High-five?"

"You betcha!" Owen and Izzy happily exclaimed in unison as they kind of, sort of gave Dakota a three-way high-five.

"Nice!" Izzy exclaimed with a fist-pump. "We shared a high-five with a literal giant."

Owen then made a motion indicating the checking-off of an imaginary list. "Cross that off both our bucket lists, right?"

Sam could not help but chuckle. Dakota groaned suddenly. "Dakota, what's wrong?" Sam asked, worried.

"I . . ." Dakota tried to speak, flexing her fingers, her tone troubled. "I. . . I feel so weird."

"Good weird or bad weird?" Owen asked, worried.

"Weird, weird!" Dakota answered, somewhat shrilly.

Izzy gasped and clutched her fists, eyes became wide and crazed. "The doozy! It's about to happen!"

Before anyone knew it, Dakota glowed and suddenly shrunk down so fast that she seemed to disappear and the canopy top she had worn like a toga collapsed in a gigantic pile before everyone.

"Dakota!" Sam called out, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.

Suddenly Dakota's head popped out from under the fold of the canopy, a smile on her face. "It worked! I'm back to my normal size again!"

Sam, Izzy, Owen, Dr. Lane, and the soldiers present stared in stunned disbelief. Sam came forward, looking concerned.

"Dakota, are you sure you're okay?" Sam asked, not sure if he should approach her.

"Yeah," Dakota answered, glancing around sheepishly, "though I need a change of clothes."

Izzy went over and stopped, her face was tense. "Guys, I think we have a small problem."

"What are you talking about, Izzy?" Sam asked.

"Yeah, what's wrong?" Noah interjected.

Izzy squinted an eye. "I think whatever happened made her too small."

Dakota gasped as she noticed that Izzy seemed taller, though it was hard to be certain from her position "Sam, I'm scared." She clutched part of the canopy tighter around her.

"Dakota," Sam tried to assure her, though looked nervous, "it's going to be fine."

"Look, D," Izzy said, looking down at Dakota, "I know you're scared, but we'll get through this. You're not alone, remember."

Dakota looked up, fearfully but hopefully at Izzy.

"But first let's get you something to wear." Izzy looked back at the others. "Does anyone have a knife?"

Everyone stared at Izzy like she was crazy, except Owen who looked puzzled.

"I'm serious!" Izzy exclaimed. "Dakota needs some clothes that'll fit her so I need a knife to cut some of the canopy and can make her a substitute dress. Nothing fancy, but sufficient."

Everyone continued to stare.

"Well doesn't anyone have a knife or some cutting thing I can use?" Izzy asked again, her voice slightly shrill.

One of the soldiers took out a knife from his boot. "Will this do?" He asked.

"Excellent!" Izzy grinned, taking the knife and went over to part of the canopy and began to cut it off. "Now I got an outfit to make."

She then cut some holes in certain places and cut some strips of cloth, which she looped through certain holes and tied them together. She then held out her handiwork. It was roughly a toga, held in place by some holes with strips woven into them. She then looked at the others.

"Hey, give the little girl some privacy!" She shouted indignantly. She watched Sam and the others comply except Dr. Lane. "Hey, you too!"

Dr. Lane complied, but rolled her eyes in annoyance.

Izzy then closed her eyes and held out the outfit to Dakota. Dakota hesitated, fear paralyzing her.

"Dakota, please put the outfit on," Izzy pleaded, "so we can open our eyes." She felt the outfit pulled from her hands and she waited for several long moments.

Dakota finished and then climbed out of the canopy and went up to Izzy who towered over her.

She cringed sheepishly.

"Dakota are you done yet?" Izzy asked again.

"OK," complied Dakota, "you can look."

Izzy opened her eyes, staring sadly down toward Dakota who barely came to her waist. Sam and the others opened their eyes and gasped

It was hard to tell with certainty when the giant canopy covered Dakota. Now standing next to Izzy, they saw that she was roughly two feet tall.

Sam ran toward Dakota and got to his knees, looking sadly at his now tiny girlfriend. "Dakota." He could not get his voice above a whisper.

Dakota cringed, unnerved by Sam towering before her. She felt underdressed, clad in a makeshift gown that came to her knees, leaving her feet bare. "Sam, I'm scared."

Sam slowly reached out a hand, touching her left cheek. "It's OK, Dakota."

Owen went over and got to his knees, eying her and speaking in a kind tone. "It's OK to be scared, Dakota, but things will be okay. We'll help you out."

"Yeah," Izzy added encouragingly, "because we oddballs must stick together."

Dakota smiled, cheering up. Sam moved closer and hugged her and it seemed so strange. His girlfriend had been fifty feet tall. And now she was as small as a toddler. While Dakota returned the hug, she was overwhelmed by everything being so big, and finding comfort in her boyfriend's arms. "Thanks."

Dr. Lane came forward and cleared her throat. "I think we should do some tests."

Hearing Dakota whimper, Sam helped assure her. "It'll be all right, Dakota. We just need to make sure you are unharmed. I'll be with you, OK?"

Dakota could only let out a fearful whisper. "OK."

…..

Dakota sat on a table in a tent, looking tense. Sam stood by her side while Dr. Lane held another scanner before the tiny fame monger. Dawn came back a bit ago and waited alongside Izzy, Owen, Cameron, and Noah.

Dr. Lane then finished scanning and lowered the device. "I guess that will do for now."

"So now what do we do?" Sam asked.

Dr. Lane considered that. "Well I doubt her condition is harmful, but on the safe side, I recommend Miss Dakota to stay home with a guard." She looked at her. "Do you have any family who can look after you?"

Dakota sighed. "My parents are away. I have a few hired help and a housekeeper that care for the mansion, but generally, I have the whole place to myself.

Sam, being the loving boyfriend, almost instinctively offered. "I could care for her."

Dr. Lane eyed him suspiciously. "And you are?"

"Sam. I'm her boyfriend."

Dr. Lane looked over at Owen and Izzy. "What about you two? What are your relations with her?"

"We're her friends, duh!" Izzy stated with a smirk.

"Friends?" Dr. Lane sounded flat yet suspicious.

Izzy then frowned. "Okay, we were never really friends at first, but we still want to help."

"Yeah," Owen nodded, "because oddballs should help other oddballs, you know."

"Please don't mind them." Dawn paused, choosing her words carefully. "They're just eccentric."

"Yeah," Dr. Lane agreed dryly, "I can see that." She looked at all the rest of the teens. "What about three of you, then?"

"Well," Noah explained awkwardly, "we have classes during the week."

Cameron assured, "But we will try to help Dakota to the best of our ability."

Dawn had her arms behind her. "We promise."

Dr. Lane gave consideration. "I'll have a guard or two around your house, Miss Dakota." She then gave the other teenagers an austere glare. "I expect the rest of you to be responsible adults during the aftermath. Understand?"

Everyone looked uneasy, and nodded in confirmation.

…..

Two jeeps drove through Muskoka. In one of the jeeps were Izzy and Owen and both were in a grim mood, unlike their normally cheerful selves. Sam and Dakota were in the other jeep, with Dakota sitting next to Sam like a small child.

Before long, they reached Dakota's mansion and stopped their vehicles. Sam opened the jeep door and got out. He looked over at Dakota who hesitated, looking scared and vulnerable.

"Dakota, do you need help?" Sam inquired, obviously worried for her.

"No," Dakota answered suddenly, "I can do it." She then got out of the jeep, her bare feet touching the street.

Izzy and Owen came up to her.

Owen waved to her slowly. "Hey there, D."

"Anything we can do?" Izzy asked kindly.

"No, I'm good." Dakota answered sharply.

Izzy suddenly stood up straight, her eyes crazed.

"Izzy, what's bothering you?" Sam asked.

"Izzy's going through her thing like at the base," Owen explained, "and she's usually right."

Izzy then gasped and blinked her eyes. "I just realized that Dakota will need clothes that'll fit her." She looked at Owen. "We should go clothes shopping."

"Oh, right."

"I don't need clothes!" Dakota retorted.

Izzy did not seem to hear her. "Let's go, Owen!" She linked her arm with his.

"On it!" Owen saluted and followed his crazy girlfriend.

"I don't need clothes!" Dakota shouted indignantly.

The soldiers watched the drama impassively.

Sam cleared his throat. "Uh Dakota, er, just what are you going to wear?"

"I'll figure it out!" Dakota shouted like a spoiled child.

"OK, OK!" Sam exclaimed, not wanting to fight with his girlfriend.

"Good." Dakota then walked toward her mansion, acting all high and mighty.

Sam watched as Dakota reached the door. She reached the knob and managed to get the door open.

"See?" Dakota declared. "I can do it by myself."

Sam was getting annoyed. "Would you like me to go home, Dakota?"

Dakota paused at the door, looking conflicted. In the end, her pride won out. "Sure, go, I'll be fine." She then pushed the door shut.

Sam frowned. His girlfriend could be stubborn.

One of the soldiers assigned to accompany Dakota walked up to Sam. "Is she usually like that?"

"Sadly yes," Sam confirmed grimly, "but I guess she has an excuse to be difficult now."

"It's not my business, but why are you friends with her?"

Sam shrugged. "It's complicated. She's my girlfriend, by the way."

"All right, but why are you dating her?"

"Like I said, it's complicated." Sam searched his memory. "I guess at first, it was a crush. I mean she was beautiful, rich, and popular. Afterwards, I . . . I guess I hope she can be a good friend."

"What does she see in you?" Seeing Sam scowl, the soldier added defensively. "I'm just asking."

Sam shrugged. "Hard to say. I'm not a looker, or rich, so I like to believe she isn't totally shallow."

The soldier considered that. "So you leaving?"

"Unless she calls. It is a lot to take in and I can only imagine what she's going through. I guess I'm going to be extra patient with her."

…..

The door to a fancy bedroom opened. Dakota entered her room, glaring around. Everything in her room looked like the rest of a hall, and it was a bit intimidating.

She sighed, glaring down at the makeshift outfit Izzy had made for her and lack of footwear. "It won't do. I better change…" She trailed off as she realized something. "None of my clothes will fit still." She ran toward her closet. She reached the knob that was a little higher than her head and pulled it open.

Her closet was large. Roughly six feet wide and six feet across. There were two dressers on one side, and various outfits hanging on the other side.

Dakota eyed her clothing hanging. She felt a great sense of loss, and started to cry. "I'm pathetic. I was once a fame monger. And now I'm a freak." She then sank to her knees, holding her head in her hands and cried.

…..

Izzy and Owen reached a store. Suddenly Izzy gasped and blinked.

"Izzy, what is it?" Owen asked.

"I dunno," She answered uneasily, "I just felt bad for a minute."

"Any idea why?"

"Hard to say. Either it's going to rain and ruin our day." Her expression became tense. "Or maybe Dakota really needs a friend now. We better finish shopping."

"Right, dearest."

The odd couple went back to their objective.

…..

Dakota continued to sit and cry but soon had no more tears to cry. "Sam . . ." she whispered sadly. She then sniffed and got back to her feet.

She ran out of her closet, went to her nightstand, and took out her cell phone, now huge in her hands. She dialed a few numbers and waited as her cell phone rang for a few moments.

"Hey Dakota!" Sam's voice came from the cell phone.

"Sam." Her voice trembled.

"Dakota, what's wrong?"

"Please, get here. I need you."

"Are you sure?" Sam asked. "I thought you wanted me to leave."

"I'm sorry!" Dakota apologized tearfully. "Please get here."

"All right, I'm on my way. Love you, bye."

Her voice was a whisper. "Love you, too. Bye."

After the line ended, she sat down, still depressed. Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Yes?"

The door opened and a man walked in. It was her manservant, Jim. "Miss Dakota, you have guests."

"Guests?"

"Yes, a Ms. Izzy and a Mr. Owen. They claim to be friends of yours and they have stuff for you."

Dakota hesitated. "Send them to the main room. I'll be right there"

"Yes, milady." Jim dutifully left.

Dakota sighed and headed out of her room. She moved down the stairs awkwardly, the steps were so big and awkward to her now. Her manservant Jim reached the bottom of the stairs and headed for the door while Dakota reached the bottom of the stairs and headed toward the main room.

She glanced around. The room was huge even by normal human standards. The sofa was huge. The big screen TV was gigantic and the coffee table was like a small platform. She felt so small and helpless.

Jim entered, and behind him were Izzy and Owen with some shopping bags.

"Hey Dakota!" Izzy said, waving a hand.

Dakota felt uneasy before the oddballs that towered over her. "What do you want?" she asked sulkily.

"We realized that you probably didn't have any clothes that would fit you," Owen explained, "so we did a little shopping."

"Plus, you need friends," Izzy explained, "even though you don't think you do." She got to her knees, so she was almost eye level with Dakota. "Come on Dakota, we oddballs need to watch each other's backs." Watching Dakota suddenly start to sob, she wrapped her slender arms around her now-tiny friend. "There, there."

Dakota sniffed, finding comfort in her arms. "What's wrong with me?"

"What do you mean?" Izzy asked, looking down at her.

"I . . . my emotions are acting crazy. And—"

"You like being hugged, but you think you're too big for that sort of thing?" Izzy guessed.

"I'm so pathetic!" Dakota pouted.

Owen got to his knees next to his girlfriend. He was humongous compared to Izzy and particularly Dakota. "Hey, Dakota, I can't imagine what you're going through. I mean . . . what you went through is a lot."

"But we're your friends," Izzy added, "and we'll help you get through your time of need."

Dakota smiled, now feeling cheered up. Just then, the doorbell rang, echoing throughout the mansion.

"I better get that." Dakota ran past her friends, reached the front door, and with some difficulty opened it.

"Dakota?" Sam said, looking downward.

"Sam!" Dakota held out her arms.

Sam knelt down and gently took her hands in his own. "I'm here, Dakota."

Dakota relaxed. "Thanks Sam. Can you stay for the night?"

Sam chuckled. "Stay the night at a mansion with a big screen TV, great food, and my girl? I do not know. I'm sure I have better things to do."

Dakota smiled, enjoying her boyfriend's jokey mood. Izzy and Owen were a short distance away.

"Hi there, Sam!" Izzy said, waving a hand while grinning happily.

"Hi Owen, hi Izzy. What's up?" Sam asked the oddball couple.

Owen shrugged his shoulders, his hands in his pockets casually and his voice sounding kind as usual. "Oh, you know us: just being friendly."

"We're helping our friend in need."

Sam smiled approvingly. He looked down at his girlfriend. "Hey, how about a sleepover? Your treat, Dakota?"

"That's wonderful!" Dakota agreed, clasping her hands happily.

…..

The sun was setting, casting a shadow over the mansion. In the main room were the big TV and a wide table. Sam was on the sofa, playing his Gameboy. The screen flashed "Winner" as he completed the level. He sighed and turned it off.

Izzy and Dakota were playing a game of chess on the floor: Izzy's pieces were red and Dakota's were blue. Owen sat in a chair behind his girlfriend, watching them play the game.

Dakota then moved her blue knight and took out Izzy's red bishop.

"Nice move, D!" Izzy smiled happily. She then moved her red queen another section. "Check."

Dakota then moved her knight, blocking Izzy's queen. She looked tense.

Izzy frowned. Dakota looked smaller and more vulnerable. She then looked at the board thoughtfully. She moved her rook in to the far left of the board.

Dakota stared a long time at the board. She then moved a pawn a bit closer. Izzy moved her king to another location.

Dakota then saw an opportunity and moved her bishop to another part of the board. "Check."

After Izzy moved her king to another location, Dakota then moved her rook. "Checkmate, I win!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"You sure did. Want another game?" Izzy agreed grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

"Oh, absolutely."

"OK." Izzy said and began to reset the board. "You go first."

Dakota moved her second pawn on the right.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Jim had finished preparing several dishes: Popcorn, hotdogs, bags of chips, cans of soda, pizza, and a few boxes of cookies. He first took some empty paper plates, plastic wear, and paper cups, took them out, and put them on the table in front of the sofa and before the large TV.

He returned to the kitchen, picked up two of the dishes, and carried them out of the kitchen into the living room.

Izzy forgot the game and looked at the food the manservant was carrying. Owen did the same.

"Food!" Owen exclaimed, his eyes wide in excitement and literal hunger.

"You got that right!" Izzy concurred.

"I know you're anxious to eat your fill," Jim said, addressing the odd couple, "but I insist you wait until everything and everyone else are ready."

"Understood." Owen said, rubbing his hands together, craving that food.

Izzy licked her lips in excitement. "I can't wait though."

Jim raised an exhausted eyebrow and put the first dishes on the table. "At least try to please show consideration for Miss Dakota and her guest."

Izzy grinned sheepishly and gave a nervous laugh.

Owen looked nervous as his stomach growled. "Understood."

Dakota got up and stood by Owen and Izzy. "Is dinner ready yet, Jim?"

"Yes, I just have to finish getting the other plates out here." Jim turned and left.

Dakota went over to the sofa Sam was on, still entrenched in his game. "Sam, it's almost time."

"Huh?" Sam exclaimed, surprised, looking down at his girlfriend. "Sorry, what was that?"

"It's almost dinner time, Sammy."

"Oh, OK. Let me just save my progress." Sam began saving the level of his game.

Just then, Jim returned with the other plate of food. "Dinner is served, milady."

"Thanks, Jim." Dakota said. "Well let's get started."

"Oh goodie!" Izzy exclaimed eagerly, rubbing her hands to together with excitement.

"Well," Owen said as he clasped his hands, "let's pray."

Dakota eyed Owen in surprise. "Why?"

Izzy explained. "Well, we should give a prayer of thanks for good food. I thought everyone knows that."

Dakota looked up at them with a puzzled look.

Sam helped clarify for her. "It's just something Izzy and Owen do before eating."

"Well sometimes anyway," Izzy clarified, grinning sheepishly, "Since we tend to forget to give thanks."

"Oh," Dakota said slowly, finding the idea of meal prayers bizarre, "okay."

The two oddballs with Dakota and Sam went over to the table with the food. Sam and Dakota were not really spiritual, but respected Owen and Izzy's views. The oddballs gave a prayer of thanks.

"OK, let's eat!" Izzy exclaimed excitedly.

"Yeah!" Owen said with equal eagerness and he and his girlfriend began gobbling food.

Sam shook his head bemused and began making his plate while Dakota eyed the oddballs in disgust.

Sam assured her again. "Don't mind them, Dakota. Let's get our meal and get the movie ready."

Dakota sighed. "Fine." She went up to the table that was high before her. She climbed a chair and began making her plate.

Sam prepared the Blu Ray player and then went to the sofa, sat down, and began to prepare his plate of food.

Dakota went over to the sofa and climbed on top and sat next to her boyfriend. Izzy and Owen had finished their first meals.

The movie Inside Out began to play.

Sam picked up his hotdog and took a bit out of it. He glanced over at Dakota, sitting on the sofa like a toddler, holding her hotdog which was huge in her small hands before she took a bite.

Sam took his free hand and set it on Dakota's tiny shoulder. Dakota looked up, her face grimaced, unnerved by her larger boyfriend. But when Sam smiled, she smiled back, touched by his love.

…..

The movie was nearing the end. The character, Riley was playing hockey while the emotions in her head did their jobs.

The plates were empty and there were some soda cans. Izzy and Owen were sitting side by side, romantic, as they were odd.

Dakota was sitting on Sam's lap, her boyfriend's arms wrapped around her. Both transfixed by the Disney/Pixar film, taking great enjoyment in the drama, twists, and turns, suspense, characters, and emotion.

Then the credits started playing, which included post credit scenes. Owen and Izzy burst out laughing, finding them hysterical.

Sam moved his hand, stroking Dakota's hair. Dakota sighed sadly.

Then the credit scenes ended.

"EEEK!" Izzy squealed. "That was a great film!"

"Yippee!" Owen cheered. Then he grimaced. "Oh, I need to use the restroom." He got up and ran to find the restroom.

Izzy grinned sheepishly. "How many bathrooms do you have Dakota?"

"Huh?" Dakota exclaimed, surprised. "Sorry, what was that?"

"How many bathrooms do you have?" Izzy was looking somewhat uncomfortable.

"Five."

"Good!"

After Izzy took off to find a restroom, Dakota sighed and leaned back against Sam, holding his arms close to her. Sam smiled, enjoying Dakota in his arms. "It's getting late, Dakota. Want to get up?"

Dakota, however, was enjoying Sam's hold over her. "Not yet."

Sam smiled, holding his girlfriend close, enjoying her company.

…..

Meanwhile, Cameron and Noah were at the base with Dr. Lane, and the three of them were trying to figure out the growth ray, trying to see if there was a way to get Dakota back to her normal size. Dawn was sitting outside the lab cross-legged, talking to the Commander as he sat in his chair.

"So . . . your friends told me that you're into reading people's auras or something, eh?" asked the Commander.

"Oh, yes," Dawn confirmed, "that is true."

"So, what exactly is that like?"

"Well, Commander, have you ever worn a mood ring before?"

"Nope, can't say that I have, but I am familiar with the concept." The Commander answered. "Is aura reading like that?"

"Basically." Dawn confirmed.

"All right, then. Surprise me, Miss Dawn—what color is my aura right now?" The military commander asked.

Dawn concentrated. "Let's see. . . . Your aura is a grayish-blue—which definitely explains quite a bit."

"Really? How so?"

"Well, from what I can tell, you're a 'by the book' kind of person, though you also strive to do the right thing—morally, legally, and ethically."

The Commander raised both eyebrows. "Hmm, that's actually impressive." He looked around before continuing. "Just between the two of us, how would you describe Dr. Lane's aura?"

Dawn tapped her chin for a second. "That is a very good question, Commander. It was a little tricky, but I can confidently say that Dr. Lane's aura is a purplish-orange. She too wants to help others but does not want to be factually wrong. . . . Honestly, I'm surprised you've taken interest in auras, Commander."

"Well, young lady, we've already witnessed your friend turning into a literal giantess via a growth ray, so aura-reading doesn't sound anywhere near as farfetched as I once thought."

"I guess open-mindedness is key to life." Dawn commented thoughtfully.

"Speaking of open-mindedness, wonder what's taking your friends and Dr. Lane so long."

Back in the lab, Cameron finished tinkering with the growth ray by using the same mechanics used to make Dr. Lane's elemental scanner so it could be reversible. "Okay, Dr. Lane. I think we should be able to affect the size of a living non-plant-based organism in either direction now."

Dr. Lane inspected the growth ray. "Well, here's hoping. Noah, is the Beetle still set in position out there?"

Noah gave a thumbs-up. "It should still be in position in the controlled testing grounds outside."

"Good. Your ray used to only grow animals and humans to gigantic proportions, while the elemental scanner can shrink them down to a semi-abnormal size. We just need to try and find the middle ground."

"Right!" Cameron agreed. "Once we get that Beetle to its natural size, then we can help Dakota get back down to her natural height."

"Well," Noah shrugged casually, "technically 'up' to her natural size, all things considered."

"Quite so," nodded Dr. Lane, "and hopefully so. We might bring the Beetle back to regular size, but there's no telling if the same can be said with a human."

Cameron sighed. "It's a shame we can't simply input a specific size and/or height, you know?"

Dr. Lane rubbed her eyes due to tiredness. "A practical and sound concept, indeed, if only it were that simple in real life. Come, let us inform the Commander of our progress and call it a night. Tomorrow we'll get your ray outside and see what happens."

…..

The next day, everyone including a few soldiers went down to the testing grounds. A tall fence with barbed wire and cameras mounted on each corner surrounded the testing grounds. In the center was the mesh kennel housing the affected Beetle but it was covered with a sheet.

The Commander pulled out his walkie-talkie. "Soldier, remove the sheet. Over."

The soldier on the other end responded back. "Yes, Commander—right away. Over." Obeying orders, the soldier pulled the sheet off the kennel, causing the Beetle to scurry around, looking agitated.

Everyone fitted their safety goggles over their eyes. Dr. Lane powered up the growth ray, turned the switch to shrink, and blasted the energy beam on the Beetle. However, nothing happened—the Beetle stayed the size of a Kitten.

While everybody was confused, Cameron was more so. "I don't understand. I followed your instructions, Dr. Lane."

"I know," confirmed Dr. Lane, "and I double- even triple checked your work to make sure of it."

"But if the growth ray was installed with the parts that made up the elemental scanner, how come it isn't working again like yesterday?" Dawn queried in confusion.

The Commander squinted an eye and rubbed his chin in thought. "That's what I want to know."

"I am as baffled as the rest of you," shrugged Dr. Lane, "especially since that Beetle is still bigger than its natural size."

"I would have suggested bringing in a couple more Beetles to test the improved ray," Noah figured, "but our goal is to bring Dakota—and that Beetle—back to their original respective sizes."

"Maybe we should get Dakota back here and try something safer, like a blood sample or something and see if the ray would still affect her?" Cameron suggested.

Dr. Lane groaned. "I don't know. Listen, we really do want to help your friend, but again I'm as baffled as everyone here. Then again, some further testing is better than a dead end, if you pardon me for using layman terms."

"Layman terms or not, we just need to bring Miss Dakota back here." The Commander stated. "It's important to let her in on what we've done thus far. Whoever has her number, get in contact with her pronto so I can send a military escort."

Dawn pulled out her cell phone. "I don't believe I have Dakota's number, but I should be able to call Sam and go from there."

…..

Back at Dakota's mansion, she was still on Sam's lap before his cell phone started ringing startling the both of them.

Sam pulled out his cell phone and answered it. "Hello—Sam here. Oh hey, Dawn. Yeah, I am with Dakota, as well as Owen and Izzy. Eh, just having a sleepover, eating snacks, just finished watching Inside Out. Yeah, it is a great movie, huh? What's going on? Hold on a sec—I'm gonna put you on speaker."

"Hello, Dakota? Can you hear me now?" Dawn asked.

Dakota was looking a bit confused. "Uh, yeah. What's up, Dawn?"

"The Commander needs you and Sam over to the lab. Where can we pick you guys up?"

"I'm at home right now. Does the Commander know of the Milton residence, or can I give him the address?"

"Good question—I'll ask him real quick." There were a few seconds of silence before Dawn's voice could be heard again. "I just asked the Commander and he said that they are familiar with your home and can find it with their GPS tracking. I hope that's okay."

"Oh, sure it is."

"All right. The army should be sending an escort to pick you guys up, so we'll see you back here."

"All right. Thanks, Dawn."

"Yeah," said Sam, "we'll see you there."

Just as Sam hung up his cell phone, Jim the manservant walked into the room. "Would there be anything else, milady?"

"No thank you, Jim," Dakota answered, "but I will be leaving soon. The military will be picking us up. Oh, please make sure you let Owen and Izzy know too. They are my friends. They have been so much help to me that I do not want them left out. Hopefully they're done using the bathroom."

"I will be sure to let them know, milady." Jim answered dutifully and turned and left.

Dakota looked up at her boyfriend. "Sam, do you think Cameron and Noah figured out the ray?"

"I don't know," Sam admitted, "but I hope so." He then noticed his girlfriend looking down and looking sad before gently lifting her head up. "Listen Dakota, whatever Dr. Lane and the Commander say, I'm here for you all the way. No matter what size you end up being, no matter how different you are—maybe even not at all—it'll never change my feelings toward you."

"You . . . you really mean it?" Dakota smiled a little in hope.

Sam hugged her as gently as he could, a smile on his face. "Totally."

…..

After having been picked-up by the military escort and driven back to the base, the four teens met back up with their friends, Dr. Lane, and the Commander.

Dr. Lane had just brought the four up to speed with their progress. "Anyway, that's where we're at so far."

"You mean . . . I'll be stuck the size I am for the rest of my life?" asked Dakota, looking dreadful.

"Not necessarily, young lady." Dr. Lane assured the smaller woman. "We just need to conduct more tests. Tell me, how are you with needles, such as when you receive a flu shot or something along those lines?"

"I'm not a fan of it, but I just take a few breaths and take a 'mind over matter' attitude about it." Dakota answered her voice uneasy.

"Hmm, not a bad method." Dr. Lane commented thoughtfully. "Well, Cameron suggested using a blood sample and testing the ray with its new installment on it." She then noticed that Owen and Izzy were whispering to themselves and, being the scientist she was, became curious. "Mr. Owen? Ms. Izzy? What are you two whispering about?"

The oddball couple stopped and looked at her confusedly, asking in unison, "Who? Us?"

"Yes." Dr. Lane stated. "I am genuinely curious as to what you're whispering."

Noah smirked. "Pfft, with all due respect, but knowing those two, they're probably whispering sweet nothings to one another."

"WHAAAAAT?" Izzy asked in exaggeration, and a bit in humor. "Don't be silly, Noah. We already did that on our way over here."

"Yeah," Sam chuckled, "I can confirm that, since they were sitting behind us the whole time."

"Regardless, what exactly is on both of your minds?" Dr. Lane asked, eying the skinny redhead and the overweight blonde man.

"It's gonna sound silly," Owen warned in an almost cryptic sounding way, "but we were just thinking it's too bad we couldn't take that beefed-up growth ray and set it to both settings."

". . . I honestly don't think I quite follow you two." Dr. Lane said, eying the odd teens curiously.

"You know," Izzy shrugged, "like set it to both grow and shrink at the same time."

Cameron scratched his head, a puzzled look on his face. "I'm sorry guys, but I'm still confused."

Noah rubbed his temples, a look of pain and exhaustion clear on his face. "With Izzy and/or Owen, that's to be expected. Trust me."

Rubbing his chin, the Commander thought about Dawn's statement about open-mindedness and decided to press forward with the oddball couple's "silly" thought. "Perhaps you two could give an example of what you mean."

"Oh, right then, an example." Owen smiled in realization. "Dawn, remember the whole cake incident the other day? Maybe by putting two opposites together like cold air and hot air, they'll cancel each other out."

Noah's eyes widening in realization and he snapped his fingers. "Of course. If we could get to grow and shrink Dakota at the same time, perhaps the molecular structure of her body will be back to normal. How to do it is the question."

"Ooh, I know," Izzy smiled as she karate-chopped the air, "just split the ray in half."

"Of course!" Cameron exclaimed with newfound hope as he slammed his fist into his open hand.

"We just have to make two rays: our growth ray and another elemental scanner. Dr. Lane, do you think we could pull it off?"

Dr. Lane thought about it, looking as though she was actually considering it. "I never would've thought of such an idea. I do have another elemental scanner in case anything happened to the original, so it's worth trying out on the Beetle first—just to make sure we don't hurt Miss Dakota in any way, or at the very least make sure it does work. I'll only be about a minute."

…..

After Dr. Lane retrieved her spare elemental scanner, she and the two teenage geniuses positioned their respective inventions on the Beetle. Everyone else watched as they blasted both beams onto the Beetle and, almost instantaneously, it shrunk back to its original size unharmed.

Sam and Dakota looked at each other with hopeful smiles, Dawn looked on in amazement, Owen and Izzy reacted like they had just witnessed the coolest thing to ever happen, and the Commander nodded in satisfaction.

As for Dr. Lane, she put on a thin yet genuine smile as she faced the two teenage geniuses. "And now to the final test."

"Right!" Noah and Cameron said together as they both gave a thumbs-up.

As Dr. Lane, Cameron, and Noah adjusted their inventions, Dr. Lane looked over at Dakota. "Are you ready, Miss Dakota?"

Bracing herself, Dakota answered back. "I'm ready."

Dawn crossed her fingers. "Keep your fingers crossed, guys."

Sam stood in confidence. "No need. I'm confident it'll work."

Owen crossed his fingers, his arms into an X shape, and even his eyes. "I'm not taking chances."

Izzy did the same. "Me neither."

The Commander could not help but smirk at the oddball couple. "Indeed." He agreed.

Noah and Cameron activated the growth ray, and Dr. Lane started up the elemental scanner before blasting both beams of energy onto Dakota for a moment. Turning off their respective devices, everyone waited for five seconds.

"Well, Miss Dakota? Do you feel any changes?" Dr. Lane inquired.

Dakota looked crestfallen before sighing in defeat. "No."

Sam, Dawn, Owen, and Izzy looked just as defeated, while the Commander shook his head in sympathy.

Cameron was confused. "I don't understand. It worked so well on the Beetle. Why didn't it work on Dakota?"

"Science," Noah said as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "will always be complicated in one form or another."

Dr. Lane tapped her chin. "Maybe the method doesn't work on humans."

Sam walked over to Dakota, crouched down, and gently wrapped his arm around her. "Hey, Dakota. Do not feel bad. It's okay."

"I know you said you'll love me regardless," Dakota looked up with a sad look, "but I was really hoping it would work, Sam. I guess I'm stuck wearing smaller clothes—just not in the way I intend to."

However, just as she was done speaking, Dakota suddenly glowed and started to grow again until she was back to her normal height, her toddler clothes had grown too, though clearly constricting her a bit.

Noticing, Sam excitedly jumped up to his feet and held his girlfriend's hands. "Dakota, look! You're back to your original height again!"

"I am?" asked Dakota in astonishment before examining herself (although it was a little difficult since the clothes she wore were a bit on the tight side). "I am! Look, guys—I'm back to my old size again!"

Owen and Izzy cheered, while Noah and Cameron gave each other a high five.

"Oh, isn't that wonderful?" Dawn smiled as she clasped her hands in joy.

As for the Commander, looking satisfied, he shook hands with Dr. Lane. "Great work, Doctor. It looks like things are back to normal again. Despite a longer delay, that crazy idea was crazy enough to work."

"Thank you, Commander," smiled Dr. Lane, "but I couldn't do it without the combined efforts of young Noah and Cameron."

"In that case," he saluted with a thin smile toward the two geniuses, "you boys have done a great service to Canada."

Noah returned the salute. "Much appreciated, Commander."

"Yeah, thanks so much," smiled Cameron modestly, "but I think Owen and Izzy deserve credit."

Dr. Lane looked like she was considering something. "You know, that is true. We could not figure out a method before they helped us. Tell me, you two: How did you come up with such a surprisingly brilliant idea?"

"That's because they're different from everyone, they think differently." Dakota explained suddenly. "Right, guys?"

"Aw, shucks," Owen bashfully shuffled his feet, "we're just helping out a friend in need."

"Yeah," Izzy blushed, "it was no big deal."

Dakota, despite being stiff in her clothes, attempted to hug the both of them. "But it was a big deal because you helped me, and I want to return the favor."

"What do you have planned, Dakota?" Sam asked.

"I'll be throwing another pool party, and Owen and Izzy are definitely invited. What do you guys say? Would you be there?"

"All right!" Owen cheered in excitement. "It's gonna be so awesome!"

"Yeah, we'll be there!" Izzy chimed in happily. "Under one condition."

"What's that?" asked Dakota.

Owen and Izzy then spoke in unison. "Don't eat all the burgers."

"It's a deal!"

Everyone (except Dr. Lane and the Commander who both smiled and shook their heads in amusement) laughed jovially.

…..

The next day, Sam was hanging out at the diner with Noah, Cameron, Dawn, Owen, and Izzy.

DJ walked in and set a tray full of burgers between them. "Eat them up while they're fresh, guys." He then went back to the kitchen.

"Well guys," Sam said suddenly, "all's well that ends well, huh? That Beetle is back to normal, and Dakota can wear whatever she wants again."

Izzy sipped on her soda before making a small hiccup. "Yep—and Big O and me can hang with you two anytime."

Owen ate his bite of burger, looking thoughtful. "You know something, Noah and Cameron? It would've been really cool if your growth ray could make super-sized burgers."

Noah chuckled. "My friend, with all due respect, but I think we'll be putting the idea of 'super-sizing' food on the proverbial back burner for now."

"That reminds me: Whatever did happen to your growth ray, guys?"

"That's a very good question Dawn," Cameron stated, "because we decided to donate it to the military, specifically Dr. Lane. All three of us decided she would be able to make better use of it, once she works out the kinks in it."

"Well, well, well, isn't this a 'pretty' picture?" scowled a snobby-looking teen girl, a queen bee named Heather. "Five losers together in one sitting. And speaking of 'sitting,' you're in my spot."

"Your spot?" Sam shrugged. "We didn't see any reservation sign."

Noah smirked. "Especially considering DJ doesn't do that sort of thing."

"Zip it, bookworm!" Heather snapped. "Perhaps he should consider it, since it's now contaminated by these two freaks of nature."

Realizing who she was referring to, Owen and Izzy looked hurt by that statement.

"Excuse me!" Dakota interjected sharply, marching up to Heather in a long coat. "Who died and made you queen of anything, Heather!?"

"Pfft! And what, pray tell, is your deal, you little fame monger?"

"My deal is that nobody talks to my friends that way."

"Your 'friends'?" Heather exclaimed in stun disbelief. "Who would be caught dead with fatso and little miss crazy over there?"

"Hey, back off!" Dakota snapped, glaring down at Heather. "Just because they are different does not make them any less than everyone else. They are a million times better people than you could ever hope to be, Heather. Now go make like a tree and leave, you arrogant little snob. Just be glad I'm not big enough anymore to throw you into one."

Speechless, yet fuming, Heather huffed and stormed out of the diner.

"Man," Izzy smiled, "that was so worth it. Priceless!"

"Yeah," Owen stated before swallowing another bite of burger, "thanks for having our backs, Dakota."

"What can I say?" Dakota grinned amiably. "Oddballs need to stick together."

"Even though you're back to yourself?" Dawn asked, smirking in a playful manner.

"Of course." Dakota declared proudly. "Once an oddball, always an oddball."

"Say Dakota—what's with the coat? It looks great on you of course, but still."

"Oh, I'm glad you asked. I just tried out a new fashion statement and wanted to surprise you guys."

Taking off her long coat, Dakota revealed a tied-up white T-shirt with a blue maple leaf and a green skirt with matching shoes before striking a pose. "Ta-da! What do you think, guys?"

"Confidentially, my dear," Sam smiled, "it certainly looks different."

The seven teen friends had themselves a good laugh, all in all.

.

The End.

Author Note: And so ends another Total Drama FanFic. It's taken me a long time to get to it, but after a lot of personal drama in my life, as well as writer's block, I finally found the opportunity to get it written out. I like to get a special thanks to my friend/collaborator Data Seeker for helping me with the story.

Everyone else, be sure to check out his work if you haven't already. Until then guys, keep up the good writing!