«What am I even doing?» I sighed as I looked at the door to Amy's room.

Even though it was my idea and Sophia had reassured me about it, now that I was here, I was starting to have doubts. According to my girlfriend, the Amy behind it was just a copy, created using my memories of my late best friend. If that was the case, the conversation I wanted to have with her... wouldn't it have been like talking to myself? Because, no matter how close we were, I was sure there were parts of her I hadn't had the chance to discover.

"And now I never will."

I trailed my hand along the wooden door. The Amy on the other side would've probably just said what I thought she'd say or, in other words, what I wanted to hear. Wasn't this whole thing also an insult to Amy's memory? Using a cheap copy of her to console myself?

"What would you think of me... Amy?"

At that thought, I felt a small smile light up my face.

"You'd probably say: stop making excuses and just get on with it!"

I knocked on the door with renewed determination. If this place could really see the Amy in my heart, then I had nothing to worry about. Amy was kind. But Amy was also always ready to call out my bullshit without mincing words. If what I needed was a reality check, even a fake copy of her would give it to me. But even then I still couldn't help but feel my heart ache a little when I heard her voice asking who it was.

«It's me... Lizzie.»

I heard the sound of running footsteps and the door burst open in front of me.

«Lizzie!» Amy exclaimed looking at me with deep concern in her eyes, «Are you ok?! Has something bad happened?! Why were you screaming like that in the dining hall? And why did you run away from me?!»

It was such an Amy-like reaction that for a split second a part of me wanted to doubt Sophia's words. But after looking longingly at her round glasses, her bob of brown hair and her little snub nose, I lowered my eyes. She really did look perfect. But she wasn't real. The real Amy wouldn't have stayed in her room if there was any chance I was in danger. She'd have gone out and searched for me without a break until she found me.

"Remember why you're here Elizabeth: it's not to keep dreaming but to find the strength to wake up."

I raised my eyes and clenched my fists as I met Amy's.

«Don't worry, I'm fine,» I said with a pained smile, «I'll tell you everything. Can I get in?»

«Of course! But jeez Lizzie, you scared me to death!» Amy replied, moving out of the way to let me in.

Her room was just as I remembered it. Or rather, it was exactly like that because that is how I remembered it. Amy was a neat and tidy person. When we lived in our small town, she spent so much time getting angry at her three brothers for making a mess of their shared room.

"She was so happy to finally have her own."

I sat on her bed, as I had done many times during our study sessions.

«What's wrong, Lizzie? You look so sad all of a sudden... is it because what you were talking about this morning?» Amy asked as she sat next to me.

"I was just thinking how much more you deserve a world like this than I do."

All Amy had wanted was to live a happy and comfortable life in our town. Unlike me, she had never wanted to make it big and live for adventure. It was even more unfair that she had been dragged into this perverse game. And all because of me. The question I had asked myself on the first day of school, 'Why was Amy at this school?', I had found the answer by now. It was Skylark who had given it to me:

"Mana is developed from strong emotions."

And what stronger emotion than the grief of losing someone you love? My best friend with no magical talent had been brought here only to die in order to further my development. Just thinking about it made me want to puke.

«It's nothing...»

Of course I couldn't tell this Amy the truth. Sophia had made it very clear to me. Telling her the true nature of this world and that she was just a fake copy of a dead person would have unforeseen consequences. Most likely not pleasant ones.

"If someone told me I wasn't real, I'd think they were crazy... and go crazy myself if I realised they were right."

But Amy's copy, just like the original, wasn't going to be satisfied with that kind of answer. She grabbed my collar and forced me to look at her, giving me a stern stare.

«Oh no! You can't just act all depressed, make a big fuss at lunch and then say it's nothing!»

«I know, sorry. I'll tell you. I'm just trying to find the right words...»

«That's fine, but... does it have anything to do with Sophia Thornton? You've been acting weird since yesterday. if she's been treating you badly, I 'll have a talk with her,» Amy asked slowly, loosening her grip.

«No, no!» I said quickly, sensing the danger in her tone as in the old days. An angry Amy, even if it wasn't the real one, would have been too much even for Sophia.

«She... was actually very nice to me and... we decided to start dating,» I explained as my heart began to ache again as a new realisation hit me.

«WHAT?! You actually asked her out?!» Amy exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.

«Yeah...»

Amy hugged me immediately:

«Holy shit! You actually did it, Lizzie! I'm so happy for you!»

I clung to her shirt. This... was something I had never had the chance to do. She had died the same day that Sophia and I had become a couple. I had never been able to talk to her about my confession. All the happiness I had experienced with my girlfriend, I had never had the chance to share with Amy.

«Thank you Amy... it's all thanks to you,» I murmured, «it's only because you supported me and gave me the push I needed... thank you, I'll be forever grateful to you.»

«Why are you being so dramatic?» Amy chuckled, «It sounds like you are about to marry her or something!»

"I want to... and I hate that you won't be there to walk me down the aisle."

Amy seemed to realise that something was wrong as she pulled away from the hug and looked at me with a furrowed brow:

«...Why are you crying Lizzie?!»

«Sorry,» I could only say as I wiped my eyes.

«What are you sorry about?! It's been ages since I've seen you cry... you usually bottle everything up! Come here!»

Amy took me in her arms again. She was right. The me that had never experienced the many pains I'd endured at the Academy would have called me a wimp for crying like this. But now I knew: crying wasn't a sign of weakness.

«Amy... can you promise not to laugh?»

«Of course I won't!» she replied, pulling away from the embrace to give me a nod as she stroked my cheek.

«I... had a bad dream.»

«A bad dream?» Amy repeated, confused. It was an absurd sentence coming from someone my age, but she didn't laugh as she had promised.

«Yes... a horrible, realistic nightmare. Maybe there was something wrong with the potion they gave me in the infirmary to help me relax,» I lied through my teeth, trying to keep a straight face.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for the kind healer when I saw the anger in Amy's face. But after taking a deep breath, probably to stop herself from running to the infirmary, she put her hand over mine and said:

«Sorry Lizzie, I'm the one who made you go there... I really didn't think they'd be so careless!»

«Oh it's fine, it's fine! I'm sure it was just an accident! But... I want to talk to you about this dream... I think it might help me get over it.»

«Of course! If it scared you of all people... it must've been terrifying!» she exclaimed, shaking a little.

Amy had always struggled with horror stories. But my 'dream' was far worse than anything a writer could come up with.

«I... dreamed that this school had turned into a horrible place where we were forced to fight amongst ourselves and... kill each other.»

It was the easiest way to explain her Skylark's perverse game. In the end, all the rules were just an excuse to get to this point: a fight for survival, to develop us into a weapon for the king.

«That's awful!»

«It was. But thanks to you... I was able to survive for a long time...» I murmured.

«Thanks to me?! It really was a dream, eh eh!» Amy let out a nervous laugh, probably trying to lighten the situation.

But I took her hands in mine:

«I'm serious! You were a huge help. Even if you weren't very good at fighting, you helped me a lot. Without you, I'd have given up in the first week. You were always there to listen to my problems and tell me what I needed to hear. And... and... in the end...» my voice broke.

I could see the confusion in Amy's eyes. I probably sounded like a crazy person, getting all worked up over what should've been just a bad dream. But she didn't tell me that, instead she smiled softly and caressed my cheek:

«What happened in the end?» she asked.

«You... sacrificed yourself for me... you died before my eyes and I couldn't do anything to save you... I let you die,» I mumbled, trying my best to keep the tears from flowing again.

«I see... is that why you screamed when you saw me before? Did it remind you of that?»

«Yes... it did. It reminded me of all the terrible things that happened... in the dream.»

I felt Amy's hand move from my cheek to under my chin. She gently lifted my head so I could look into her eyes.

«But I'm here now! I'm alive in front of you,» she said tenderly.

It was as if my heart was being pricked by a thousand needles.

"Why am I torturing myself like this?"

«You... are right... it was just a stupid dream.»

I tried to get up, but before I could Amy grabbed my wrist.

«It was, but you're hurting because of it, I can tell. I know my Lizzie is not someone who would let a dream affect her like this. So tell me why, Lizzie? Why are you trying to run away from me right now?»

I turned to look at her. She really did look real with that stern expression on her face.

«I feel so powerless, Amy. I've spent most of my life thinking I was some kind of hotshot, but when it comes down to it... I can't save anyone. I try so hard, but... it's useless in the end. I know you look up to me, but... I'm just going to disappoint you in the end.»

«I don't really understand why you're being so hard on yourself all of a sudden... is this some kind of very early mid-life crisis?» Amy said, looking at me confused, but then thinking about my words, she asked: «But you said you are trying so hard, aren't you? That's more than enough for me to respect you as much as I already do!»

«But if the end result is the same, what does it matter if I try?»

«It makes all the difference. You know... a lot of people might think that you are just some kind of child prodigy, Lizzie. And sure... you have that huge mana reserve of yours! But I know, you always work so hard,» Amy stood up and put her hand on my head, «I was there, you know? I saw how much time you spent on those books. I saw you sweat blood to master all those spells, I saw how you never gave up on your dream of becoming a hero, even when people made fun of you for it. It's true... I look up to you. I always feel like I'm one step behind you and that I'll never be able to reach you. But that's not because you are a powerful mage... but because you are the most determined and hardworking person I know.»

It was pathetic. It was just as I thought. It was just a wish fulfilling dream. This Amy was telling me what I wanted to hear. But then... why did the pain in my chest ease a little?

«But even if I try my best... there are some things I won't be able to save you from,» I muttered shaking my head.

«Man, you really want me to die, huh?» Amy chuckled, «but I guess so? If we met with something like that I'll probably die. But if you put all your effort into saving me like you said, there's nothing you could have done to prevent it! So why should it be your fault?»

«...Amy...»

Amy poked me in the side with a laugh:

«What? You think if I die I'll come back to haunt you like some vengeful ghost or something? Don't be an idiot, Lizzie! I'm your best friend! If anything, I'll be looking after you from heaven or wherever we go after we die!»

«But if you die protecting me... it will be my fault,» I shook my head, unable to accept the words she had spoken so lightly.

«Look Lizzie... I don't know why you're so attached to the idea of this dream of yours coming true, but... even if I don't really want to die young, if I do... I'd rather go out like a champ protecting you!»

Amy gave me another of her beaming smiles. A similar one to the last one I had seen on her lips before she was taken from me.

"Amy was smiling..."

«You're right... that's just like you... my best friend!»

«Ah, you smiled at last! Mission accomplished!»

Amy hugged me again. I let myself lean against her with a sigh. It felt so warm.

"I really wish I got to hug you more. If only I wasn't such an idiot... I should have told you how much you meant to me more often."

«You know Lizzie? All this talk about death is kind of scary. But... there are worse things. The thought of losing you is much worse for me. We've been together all our lives... I feel like I'd lose a part of myself if you weren't here with me anymore.»

«That's right... it would feel very lonely, Amy. Even though I have other people I love very much now... I would miss you every moment of my life. You are right... there are some things worse than dying. See... I had a similar conversation with Penny. The meaning of life... I think I'm starting to understand what it is for me.»

Amy pulled away from me, raising her eyebrow:

«Meaning of life? Jeez, you're getting heavy today... I never thought you were the philosophical type.»

«I've changed... a lot!» I chuckled as I took a step back. The past couple of days really had drove that home.

«But Amy... even if I change and grow a lot when you're not around... you'll still be my best friend... forever.»

«Of course! But I won't let you escape that easily!» Amy laughed, «I want to hear all about your new girlfriend!»

«I'll tell you... I'll tell you everything,» I replied, putting my hand over my heart.

I turned and opened the door:

«Amy... about what you said before... you don't need to chase after me... you're already way ahead. But one day... I'll catch up. And we'll be side by side again. Good night Amy.»

«...Good night, Lizzie.»

After closing the door behind me, I leaned against the wall and let myself slide to the floor. It was only a second before a gentle hand was on my shoulder.

«Are you all right, Elizabeth?»

«I am. Let's go see Penny.»

Maybe I was right. Maybe I had only been talking to myself. But it was okay. Because... all this time I never needed Amy's forgiveness. My best friend would never have blamed me for her death.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"What I needed... was to forgive myself."

----------------------------------------

Even though it was at the other end of the west wing, it only took us a few minutes to get to Penny's room. But we didn't knock on her door just yet. There was something we had to decide:

«How are we going to do this?» I asked Sophia.

Even without thinking about how cruel it would be to wake Penny from the blissful dream she had created, finding a good way to do it was going to be difficult.

«Unlike you, I don't think she'll believe me. I think you should be the one to talk to her,» Sophia replied.

She was right, she and Penny had hardly ever spoken to each other.

«So... it's going to be my job, huh?» I thought, less than thrilled at the prospect. «But... how am I going to convince her that I'm not going crazy? Should we bring one of the fake students to show her what's going on?»

Sophia didn't answer. It looked like she was deep in thought. Then, after giving me a tentative look, she said:

«I don't know Elizabeth. I'm not sure that talking to her will achieve anything. Think about it: if she's the one creating this place, she's not going to give it up so easily. If we could find a way...»

Her voice faded into nothingness.

«Force her?» I finished for her in a bitter tone. But I wasn't angry at Sophia, after all she couldn't even say it straight.

«Sounds terrible, doesn't it? Wake her up by force so she can be executed,» Sophia blurted out, looking at her feet.

"...executed... maybe that's how it will end... but...!"

«That won't happen for sure... we can still fight!» I exclaimed, clenching my fists.

«Fight?» Sophia repeated, confused.

That Amy, even if she was fake, really knew me well: the me of today wasn't the type to give up so easily. If there was a glimmer of hope, I would take my chances.

«Sophia, how does the Academy kill the last person in the rankings?»

Sophia frowned:

«Nobody knows. People just disappear in the middle of the night, as far as I know.»

«Isn't it strange that nobody knows what really happens? You'd think someone would have tried to resist by now!»

«You know... you're right! It's impossible that everyone just stayed in their rooms and waited for death to come. But then... why have we never heard of anyone fighting back?» Sophia asked slowly.

«I don't know. But if there's a chance that we can fight against whatever happens, I'll try. After we get out of here, I'm going to go to Penny and protect her from whatever's coming for her!» I declared in a firm voice.

Sophia gave me a look that seemed in between concern and admiration:

«You know Skylark won't take kindly to that, don't you?» she asked.

«I know, but I bet he won't waste a precious specimen like me. So if I do it alone-»

But Sophia put her index finger over my lips and stopped me:

«Don't say another word. You know I'll be by your side,» she whispered.

«Sophia...» for a second I was about to say no, but seeing her determined expression I smiled, «All right, let's do it together! I'll ask Celeste as well... let's protect our friend!»

Sophia nodded solemnly. Then she said, slowly:

«But Skylark... I wonder where he is...»

It took me a second to realise what she meant.

«That's right... if he's not the headmaster... do you think he's actually not here at all?»

The thought caused me to freeze. If that was true and time still flowed in the real world...

«He could kill Penny in her sleep!» I exclaimed.

«Calm down!» Sophia said, putting a hand on my shoulder, «we don't know for sure. He could still be caught up in this dream and since he has no place in our ideal world, he is trapped somewhere.»

«Trapped...?»

I couldn’t help but smile a little at the idea that the old bastard was locked up in a room without door somewhere in the Academy, desperately banging on the stone walls with no chance of getting out.

"If that’s the case… maybe staying inside this dream is not such a bad idea after all."

But Sophia was quick to bring me back to heart:

«Either case, we can’t be sure. We can’t risk it, so getting out and trying to fight as you said is our best choice at the moment.»

«That’s right… and as much as I hate Skylark I already resolved to not let him control my life. But I’m not the one that needs to be convincing here.»

I looked at Penny’s door, only to realize that it was slightly open.

"Uh?"

I made to approach it when it opened fully, revealing the person that was standing behind it.

“Penny?!”

My friend took a couple of steps out her room. She was looking straight at me. I couldn’t really get what kind of expression she had on her face. Surprise, shock maybe?

«...Liz…» she muttered.

"She must have been going out on a walk and she heard what we were talking about… of course she’s shocked!"

I looked at Sophia, hoping she would come up with something to get us out of the situation. I didn’t want to scare Penny off before we could find a good way to reveal the truth to her. But my girlfriend also seemed rather taken aback by her sudden appearance, so I had to improvise on my own.

«Uhm… me and Sophia were talking about an idea I had for a novel, you see? We were just discussing about your-»

«Shut up Elizabeth!» Sophia cut me off.

«Uh?!»

She was looking straight at Penny, biting her lip as she always did when she was nervous:

«Penny... you know what's going on, don't you?»

«Eh?!»

I turned to her and saw her nod.

«Wait... you mean... this world... you knew all along?»

Penny shook her head and finally spoke in a trembling voice:

«Not all along... I found out two days ago when time went back for some reason. That's when I remembered everything and realised that this place wasn't real. At first I thought I was dreaming, but... I couldn't wake up.»

"...Sophia's actions must have caused a lot of disturbance and since she's the one who created this world..."

Penny was clearly trying not to look us in the eye. The fact that she already knew made things easier in a way... but there were something else that was going to be an issue.

«And when you found out... what did you do?» Sophia asked, expressing my doubts.

«Nothing. I... didn't want to risk ruining this place, whatever it is. I stayed put, hoping I could keep living here by pretending I didn't know anything,» Penny murmured, «but when I saw Liz acting strangely this morning, I figured she must have started to realise something... so I was following you, sorry.»

"She's a really good actress."

I already knew she was used to faking things due to her past as a high-ranking noble appeaser, but it was impressive how normal she had behaved in the last couple of days I had memories of.

"Or maybe... it's because this is the life she wants," I thought, biting my lip as Sophia was doing.

It was as I had feared: Penny wasn't going to let this dream go so easily. It was a creation born of an unconscious desire so strong that it had awakened her innate powers.

«But... what you were saying... you mean... I'm the one who created this place?» Penny asked, clutching her arm.

«That's what I think. You are clearly the person who would most want to escape reality right now,» Sophia replied in a very soft tone compared to the one she usually used with other people, and the fact that you became aware of what's going on... I think it confirms it.»

Penny finally raised her eyes, I could see the shimmer of tears in them.

«I see...» she moved her gaze towards me, «I'm so sorry, Liz... that I had to put you through this.»

«Huh? What do you mean?» I asked.

I hated the fact that, unlike Sophia, I was too shaken by the situation to say anything of value.

«Amy. I saw you go into her room... I'm sorry for making you relive your grief.»

These words finally jolted me out of my shocked state. I moved closer to Penny and put my hand on her cheek, wiping away one of her tears:

«Idiot... should you really be worrying about me at a time like this? Besides... I should be thanking you. Sure, she's not the real Amy, but talking to her actually helped me feel a little more at peace with myself.»

Penny's eyes widened in surprise:

«Liz... even if she's not real...»

Her hand covered mine as a tentative smile lit up her tear streaked face:

«I see...» her eyes went over my shoulder, "Sophia, how do I bring us back to the real world?»

«UH?!»

This time the stunned exclamation came from me and Sophia at the same time.

«Penny... are you sure? You know that if...»

My words fizzled out, it was Penny who finished the sentence for me:

«If I get out of this dream world or whatever it is, I'll die... I know. And I'm afraid... of course I am. That's why at first I wanted to stay here forever, if possible. But now, after hearing you say that... I think I want to face reality.»

«After hearing me say that...?»

Penny smiled:

«I've had so much fun these past few days. A normal school life in this Academy would have been fantastic, just like you said. Joking around with you and Nicole, chatting while we eat delicious food, going to class and struggling to study but helping each other through exams in the warmth of the common room... then going to bed, tired but happy, looking forward to a new day. I'm glad I got to live in such a dream... but that's all it is: a dream. If I remain here, all these precious memories will remain a fake... I have to wake up and bring them back to the real world. That's how I'll give them meaning. Even if they're fake... they can help me face what's to come... so they have not been useless.»

«But... if you die...»

Penny stopped me by holding out her hand:

«I know... but do you remember what I told you in my room? There are things I value more than life. Sure, I can be happy here, but... how long will it last? I don't want any regrets, Liz. And I don't want to keep you and the others trapped here for my sake. Just like last time in the dungeon... I'm happy to sacrifice myself to give you a chance to have the future you want. Last time you shouted at me... what about this time?»

"This girl... she's crazy..."

I could feel the tears building up again.

"Maybe I really am a wimp. Penny is so brave and all I can do is cry like a baby."

My friend must've read what I was thinking on my face and laughed:

«You really are lame!»

«Penny...» I mumbled, lowering my head.

«But you are also so cool! You'll protect me when we wake up, won't you?» Penny gave me a wink as she leaned down to look me in the eyes.

«I... can't promise you anything Penny. I'll try with everything I have... but I don't know if I can save you,» I said bitterly.

"If it comes to it... will I use my mana to protect her? That would mean going against the promise I've made to Sophia. But I..."

«Ahahahah!»

I lifted my eyes to see Penny laughing in front of me:

«What...?»

«Sorry... it's just, I'm having a sense of déjà vu,» Penny chuckled, wiping her eyes, «it's the same thing you said the first time we spoke. I won't lie... I kind of thought you were full of shit at the time. But now I know... you really meant it. You weren't just using me to deal with your grief... you really are a hopeless idiot trying to save everyone.»

«...»

«And I love you for it!»

I was hugged with a strength that really rivaled Amy's.

«As a friend, of course!» I heard Penny say quickly close to my ear, probably in Sophia's direction.

As the hug ended, my girlfriend came over and gave me a gentle nudge:

«Aren't you popular?»

But I could see her eyes were moist.

«Penny... are you really sure?» she asked.

«I am... don't try to make me waver now!» Penny said.

I could see she was shaking, but her voice was firm.

«But how do I wake us up?»

I looked at Sophia too. Between the two of us, she was the only one with experience of controlling an innate power. Surely she must have known how to-

«I have no idea.»

«Eh?!»

Sophia smiled slightly.

«I mean, for me it's easy... I just cut things. But... for you... I guess this is like your inner world or something... if you concentrate, maybe you can feel something!»

It was very flimsy, but Penny nodded and closed her eyes. We were silent for what seemed like an eternity and then...

«I feel it inside me!» Penny suddenly exclaimed, «It's like my mana but... much bigger!»

«That's an interesting way of putting it...» I commented slowly.

«Pfff!»

Maybe it was because we were all so tense, but we started laughing hysterically at my remark.

«I guess... you two... of all people... wouldn't really get it!» Penny gasped, sending us into another fit of laughter.

When we had finally calmed down, Penny closed her eyes again:

«My inner world... I see... then...!»

Suddenly the world began to shake, as if there was an earthquake.

«Uh?! Penny, what are you doing?» I shouted in panic.

«Don't worry... I think I've got this!»

As she said that, the walls of the corridor collapsed like they were cardboard backdrops in a theatre set.

«Huh?!»

We were now in a vast void of nothingness.

"Is she deleting the world? Then why are we still here?"

Suddenly a bright light shone above us. I looked up and saw a fancy golden chandelier.

"What the...?"

As I lowered my eyes, I found that a vast empty hall with a chequered floor had appeared around us. Large windows opened in the walls, allowing us to see a sea of stars outside. I looked at Penny in confusion. She looked like she was concentrating very hard. Then I turned to Sophia and...

«What the hell!?» my girlfriend shouted.

I quickly understood why. She was no longer wearing her school uniform, but a dress that looked very familiar to me. A long green one that looked very expensive.

«Wait a minute!»

I lowered my eyes to confirm my suspicion. I was also wearing the yellow dress that Celeste had lent me.

«Penny... what's going on?»

«Oh yes, we can't forget the music!» she muttered.

Suddenly a waltz began to play. I turned to see that an orchestra had appeared in the room. As I did so, dozens of couples of dancers in glittering dresses appeared around us and began to move towards the dance floor. In the crowd I recognised several studends from our school and some famous people from our kingdom.

«...ah, there you go!» Penny's eyes finally opened.

«Penny, what is this?» I asked dumfounded.

«I told you I love romance stories, right? So I thought I would get myself a last wonderful memory while I still can. And a ball seems like the perfect ending to a fairytale. Could you two play along? I really want to see you dance like you did on the roof!»

A throne had appeared near her. She walked up its steps, sat down and gave me a smile.

«Please don't start crying now! Your partner is waiting for you!»

Soon Sophia grabbed my hand and dragged me to the centre of the dance floor. My head was still trying to process the situation as she put a hand on my waist and began to lead me into our second dance ever.

«Sophia...»

"This is what she wants... and maybe this could only happen to us in a dream... so let's make the most of it!»

I nodded, doing my best to follow her steps. My eyes went to Penny, she winked as we twirled. Eventually I couldn't help but smile as well, looking straight into Sophia's deep green eyes.

«You're really good at dancing!»

«It's not much different from swordfighting... but these damn shoes are killing me!»

«There you go, spoiling the magic moment!»

We giggled as we continued to waltz. As the song reached its climax, the floor above us disappeared, giving way to a sea star. As the final note played, our lips touched while Penny cheered us on.

«One more song!»

«Uh?!» I opened my eyes to look at Sophia in surprise.

«I thought your feet hurt!»

«Well... I don't think I'm the one who should be your partner for the last dance of this ball.»

«What...?»

Sophia led me back to the throne and held out her hand to Penny:

«That honour should be yours, Penny. Just be warned, Elizabeth is a terrible dancer.»

«Hey!»

Penny looked at her, eyes wide open:

«I... all right, I'll take good care of her.»

With a whirl, a beautiful white dress appeared on her. A shiny tiara gleamed on her head. She walked down the steps of the throne, elegantly taking Sophia's hand. It looked as if she had been born for this sort of thing.

«Are you sure you want to be a doctor? You really look perfect for this kind of fancy life!» I said as Penny took my hand and led me to the centre of the dance floor.

«Sadly, balls are a minimal part of what to means to be a noble... there's a lot of rot behind the golden curtain,» she said gently, putting her hand on my waist.

«But I'm glad I got to do this with you...» she murmured as a last song began to play and we slowly began to dance into place.

«I'm happy too... thank you for giving us this opportunity.»

«It's all thanks to you, Liz. You know... before I met you, I thought I would just be an endless spectator, just hanging around looking at the shiny people around me. But now... I feel like I can take a stage of my own.»

«Shining... you really are shining right now, Penny!»

«Thank you, Liz... thank you for being my friend. My first... and best. I don't know what will happen when this song is over. But I'm glad I got to live this little dream with you.»

«It may be a dream... but that doesn't make it any less real to me!»

«That's right... this is my reality. I'm glad I got to share it with you!»

As the girl in front of me smiled with the radiance of the moon, a last note played. The world turned black. The sweet dream was over, our last stand was about to begin.