Today was a big day.

June was finally getting out of the bookshop business, and finally got around to handing the company over to April. Technically speaking, April had been running things for a few years already, and today was just tidying up the technical details, but it was cause for a celebration, nonetheless.

As she was rummaging through the back of her filing cabinet, where she hid the most important paperwork, she found a handwritten letter addressed to her. She didn’t recognize the handwriting.

Dear June,

If you’re reading this, and you don’t remember reading this: The plan worked, somehow. I don’t know what else to say. You, April, Emma, and Rachel were the best friends anyone could ever ask for.

Hopefully Jessica and I will return one day, with Anna in tow. I’m sure you remember her. The purple one? Horns? Tail? Dazzling Smile? The broken arms? Anyway, if it’s the first time you’re reading this, I hid a bottle of nice wine in the basement. There’s a map on the back of this letter. If it’s the second time you’re reading this, hopefully you’ve hidden a bottle of wine there instead.

I will never forget the kindness you showed me, and I will always be your minion.

Eric.

p.s. don’t forget to hide the letter next to your important documents.

June caught herself crying. There was some memory she just couldn’t make out, but it was a bittersweet one. In the basement, she found two bottles of wine, and she worked out that it wasn’t the first time she’d found the letter.

Next to the wine was an old laptop, covered in stickers. A small book of photos. Several trophies for tournaments she’d never heard of. That was when she remembered. Her first employee, her best employee, Eric. The purple woman waving a sword. Anna. Jessica, too.

June began cursing the universe. It just wasn’t fair. They were her best friends and she wasn’t allowed to remember any of it.

Alone in the basement, June wept for the departed.

“Mom? Are you in here?” “In the back room, sweetie.”

June picked up one of the framed photos, Anna’s first tournament, and showed it to April. It took her a moment, but it didn’t take long for April to begin crying too.

“I remember. I remember everything.”

It had been four years since Anna’s disappearance, and just two years since Eric and Jessica followed suit.

“Call up the troops.” June instructed. “Tell them to meet us here. Tell them to bring two bottles of wine, each.”

Within an hour, all four of them were sitting in the basement, and all four of them had taken turns crying. It was one thing to forget your best friends, and it was another for all the memories to come crashing back at once, knowing full well that a day or two later, you’d be back to normal.

“I remember that day. Anna wiped the floor.” “Oh god. I had a crucifix. I thought Anna was a devil.” “That’s why they have arm-breakers.” “The wedding. I can’t believe I forgot about it.”

It wasn’t like a few years of their life had been wiped out. They still recognized Anna when she was shown on tv, even if vaguely. They still remembered Eric had worked in the shop. It just never felt that important, other things were distracting, or just nothing would immediately pop to mind.

It was Rachel who remembered how Eric and Jessica had vanished.

“The car crash.”

“That’s how we know they’re still alive. We’d remember, otherwise.” June nodded. “They got summoned. I think. That was what Eric told me would happen.”

Two years ago, the gang had been getting drunk in the local bar, drowning their sorrows as per usual. Eric and Jessica hadn’t given up their search to find Anna, and had even begun their preparations to leave.

Leaving letters behind, storing important keepsakes in the bookshop. Handing over the apartment contracts to June, for safe keeping. They planned to return, and wanted to make sure that things wouldn’t fall apart in their absence.

They’d even got matching tattoos. June thought it looked cute, although Eric was insistent that it was just part of a larger magical spell. If they found a summoning ritual, they could leap in and use the left over magic to be dragged over to Anna’s world.

They just didn’t realise how quickly their dreams would come to fruition.

No-one saw the truck driver.

Jessica had leapt into the road, rather drunkenly, and had turned back to face the group, wondering what was taking them so long. Eric rushed after her, and a moment later, there was a loud thud, and the screeching of brakes.

June just looked on in shock. Emma and April had only just gotten out of the bar. It was Rachel who rushed in first.

“God. I thought I’d hit someone for a moment, there.” The truck driver was standing in front of their vehicle. There was a dent in the front, but that was it. No sign of Eric, No sign of Jessica.

They spent a few minutes afterwards, double checking for signs of the pair, but that was it. They were gone. The four women looked at each other, and with a nod, went back to the bar.

“Did you see a flash of blue light?” June began. “I think I did.”

“I did.” Rachel nodded. “I just…I didn’t think it would be so… violent.”

“Do you think we’ll remember it?” Emma asked.

“I hope so.” Rachel began to cry. “Jessica was my best friend.”

June raised her glass. “To Eric and Jessica, may you find what you’re looking for, and to your safe return home.”

“Two whole years.” June began.

“Two whole years.” April repeated.

The four looked to one another, and decided it was time to open another bottle of wine. One had been drunk, two had been put back into the box of memories, which left three for the rest of the evening.

“Well I’ve worked out why we keep losing at the pub quiz.” Rachel laughed. “Those two were unstoppable.”

“God.” Emma laughed. “I thought it would take their mind off things, but it just became yet another part of their plan.”

The two hadn’t been memorising trivia, but they had been brushing up on their history of science, manufacturing, and technology. As Eric put it, they just didn’t know what sort of world they’d be landing in. It would be better to know how to make soap than just assume it would be easy to find. The same went for paper manufacturing, basic metallurgy, electronics, and the list kept growing.

“Of course. The shop.” June had renamed it ‘The Minion And Queen’s Bookstore.’ but had completely forgotten about it. “I can’t believe I thought it was about me and you, April.”

“Ha. I thought it was the other way around.” April laughed. “I can’t believe I was going to change it.”

“Maybe I should get a tattoo.” Rachel began. “See if that helps me remember.”

“Are you sure you don’t already have one?” Emma replied. “Weren’t you talking about getting a coverup?”

“Yeah … Oh.” She pulled up her shirt to reveal a tiny purple demon. “Oh. Heh. Hehehe.”

“How many times have we gone through this? Sat in the basement? Getting drunk?” April asked.

June went back to the box of memories. “There’s a lot of wine corks in here. Even a screw cap. Eugh. That must have been the first one. Eric knew I hated screw cap wine. Takes the fun out of it, if you ask me.”

She continued to rummage through the box. “Here we are. This is.. oh. Do you want to know?” She had found a note in her own handwriting.

The others nodded back.

“Number three. The last time was uhhh… seven months ago.” June explained.

“Our proposal!” Emma was shocked. “That was seven months ago! What… Oh…”

April just giggled. “We woke up with a terrible hangover, and you proposed to me. Now I know why we got so drunk.”

“… and I know why you asked.” June pulled out a smaller box. It had ‘For April and Emma’ written on it. There were two rings inside.

“That’ll be Jessica’s handiwork. Eric wouldn’t be that thoughtful, or that pushy.” April laughed.

“Should we take them?” Emma wasn’t sure. “What if we just lose them by accident?”

“I think we said this the last time.” April sighed. “I think you’re right.

No-one noticed, but someone else was standing at the door. She was smirking.

“God, I leave for two years and you all turn into blubbering wrecks.” Jessica cackled. “Any wine for me?”

“Jess?” “Jessica?” “Fuck me.” “About time.”

“I’m dying to go to the bar.” She laughed. “Want to come? … and do any of you have a change of clothes?”

She was dressed in a warrior’s outfit. Leather armour, reinforced with metal plates. Her hair was a little scuffed and frayed. She even had a sword, too.

“It’s casual friday, I’m sure no-one will mind.” June laughed.

“I have something that might fit upstairs.” April replied.

“You’re back. For real?” Rachel couldn’t believe it.

Jessica nodded back. “For real.”

“… and the others?” Rachel asked.

“They’re a little busy, they should be back by next year. Yes, we found Anna.” Jessica smiled. “I know you all have questions, but, seriously, I need a shower and a change of clothes.”

April nodded back. “Follow me.”

June looked at the others. “I’ll clean things up here. Let’s go to the bar!”

It didn’t take long to repack the box of memories, and June quickly rejoined the other three who had gone upstairs to wait for Jessica. She arrived a few minutes later.

“God, I missed showers.” Jessica laughed. “It’s just not the same.”

“You look different.” June smiled.

“I know. I know. It’s me in a dress. I just fancied a change.” Jessica turned around on the spot.

“It’s the sword, Jess.” Rachel laughed. “You aren’t seriously going to take that to the bar.”

“I totally am.” Jessica cackled. “Don’t worry about it.” She flicked her arm, and the sword wrapped around her wrist like a bangle.

Rachel laughed. “How long have you been waiting to show that off.”

“About twenty-three months, give or take.” Jessica didn’t stop smiling. “Now, come on. I haven’t had a decent drink in two years. Let’s go!”

That was all the encouragement needed. The five of them almost ran to the bar, cackling and laughing to themselves.

Now safely in the bar, comfortably sat with a beer in her hand, Jessica was ready to tell her story.

“Ok, ok. Do you want to take turns asking questions, or do you want to let me tell you what happened.”

Jessica had expected an interrogation from June, but all four of her friends couldn’t stop themselves asking for details, and they were all asking at once.

June tapped her wineglass on the table. “Let’s have some questions first. One each. Then we hear your story. Sound good?”

The others nodded in agreement.

“Are you back for good?” Rachel asked.

“Yes. Mostly. I might go back in a few years, but I won’t be stuck there.”

“How are Eric and Anna?” Emma asked.

“Happily Married. It’s why I left early. Ugh. Sickening. Next”

“Did you meet anyone? I notice you’re wearing a ring?” April was next.

“Yes. The ring is unrelated. They’ll be coming along with Eric and Anna. Right. June. Your turn.”

“Do you need a place to crash tonight, I have a spare room?” June laughed. “I assume you haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in a long while.”

“Yes, and perfect. Thank you June. Right. Where to begin.” Jessica was giggling. She had so much to talk about. One night wouldn’t be enough.

“Let’s see. The car crash? The car crash. I was summoned as a hero.” Jessica explained. “Don’t laugh. I was pretty good at it. Anyway….”

She’d been summoned, and Eric had been dragged alongside her for the ride. They didn’t arrive together, and she wasn’t sure she’d landed in the right place.

“Until they told me about a certain Demon Queen. A general who’d been banished years prior, only to return more powerful than ever!” Jessica cackled. “That’s when I knew it had to be Anna.”

She skipped over the details and gave the executive summary. She’d learned magic, gotten a lot better at sword play, assembled a party, and went to challenge the demon queen to battle. Sort-of.

“I found her first. No-one knew what to make of it. No-one expected the demon queen to run at me and bundle me up in a hug. They didn’t expect me to laugh, either. The promised apocalyptic battle, well, it was quite anti-climatic. We went back to her castle, got drunk, and talked about Eric.”

“What happened to Eric?” Rachel interrupted.

“It’s better the way he tells it. He landed on the other side of the world, annoyed and then befriended a dragon, who… gods… Typical Eric … the dragon had a bit of a crush on him, and upon finding out he was married, they went on a bit of a destructive rampage.”

Jessica was giggling. Everyone just stared back, a little unsettled by casual way she talked about grand acts of destruction.

“Sooooo…. I end up having to battle the dragon. For some reason they thought I was Eric’s wife. To cut a long story short, if you want to win over the heart of a dragon, you just need to punch them in the head a couple of thousand times. Eric and Anna are reunited at last, but Anna’s country now lies in ruins. That’s why they’re still out there. Cleaning up Eric’s mess.”

Jessica waved her arms to show she was done explaining.

“Anyway. With the help of the dragon, we find a way home. I offer to go first, if only to get away from the married couple who’ve saved up a whole two years worth of flirting, that, and a rather pushy dragon who’s decided I’m to be their wife.”

She rolled her eyes.

“They are cute though. I haven’t made my mind up yet. I said I’d give them a chance, but, well, only if they rein in their jealous behaviour. They were desperate to come join me, but I was very insistent that they had to stay behind and tidy up their mess. Ugh.”

Rachel began to laugh. Her friends were utterly speechless. Even June had stopped drinking her wine.

“Any Questions?”

“A Dragon?” “A Dragon?” “A Dragon?”

“Can..um… we come with you next time?” Rachel was the only one to ask something different. “It… it sounds like fun!”

“It won’t be easy. Being in a world full of mana is like being tossed in the deep end,” Jessica explained, “but if you’re up for a few months of training, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Rachel was giddy with excitement.

“… and the dragon? Like I said, You’ll meet them later. Anyway. You’re all forgetting the most important question.”

April and Emma shrugged. Rachel felt she’d already asked the most important question. It was June who decided to wager a guess.

“Do we get a hint?”

“If you friend goes on a once in a lifetime holiday… wouldn’t you expect…”

“SOUVENIRS!” June cackled. “You didn’t!”

“I did!” Jessica waved her hand, and four small objects appeared on the table.

“June, I got you a necklace. April and Emma, well, I don’t know if you found the rings, but I got you another set. Rachel? You were the hardest, but I hope you’ll like it.”

“What is it?”

“An egg. Magical beast. Very friendly one. Very fluffy. Put it under your pillow, it should hatch in a few days.” Jessica explained. “I should be clear, all of your gifts are magical. Goes without saying, really.”

“Wow.” Rachel looked like they were about to explode with glee.

“I notice you two were very quick to put on your rings. Is there something you want to tell me?” Jessica shot Emma and April a knowing glance.

“Um. I proposed.” Emma mumbled. “She said yes.”

“I KNEW IT.” Jessica did a small fist pump. “Next drink is on me… um… or would be. I don’t think they accept gold or gems here.”

They kept drinking until the bar closed, and then headed to June’s apartment to keep going. Rachel was the first to pass out. Emma and April went back to the bookshop a little later, but June and Jessica didn’t stop until sunrise.

“Before I forget. What does this necklace do?”

“Youthful appearance. It works better in the other world, but here it should add another ten, twenty years to your life easily.”

“I was worried you’d say something like that.” June cackled. “Now everyone will think I’m some sort of immortal vampire.”

“Well, about that, if you do fancy it, I know a guy.” Jessica laughed, and June had no idea if she was being serious or not.

The next week flew by in a haze.

Rachel had taken her first magic lesson, and her familiar was as fluffy as promised. Emma and April had discovered what magical effect their rings had. June found someone willing to buy gold at very reasonable prices, and Jessica had also moved back to her old apartment, and had started getting things ready for Eric and Anna’s return.

One week later, with everyone back in the bar, everything felt a little more normal for Jessica. No dragons, no battles, just her best friends getting drunk. Well, almost all of her best friends. Sure enough, Eric and Anna weren’t there yet, but they hadn’t been forgotten this time around.

In fact, it was all Jessica could talk about. If only because she was tired of answering questions about her dragon fiancé.

“I have a big plan. Or a little plan. Depending on who you ask. I want to run the wedding again. No interruptions, same small party, and maybe a better karaoke machine. Are you in?”

“Yep.” “Sure” “Only if Eric promises not to sing.” “Seconded.”

“So, when are they coming back? You haven’t said a word.” Rachel asked.

Jessica just grinned back. “That would spoil the surprise, but I think I’ll need your help anyway. Do you fancy joining me for a tournament match?”

“What?”

“Get the old team back together?” Jessica was giggling. “It’ll be perfect.”

“I assume we’re invited too?” June asked.

“Of course.” Jessica nodded. “We’ll also need these.” She pulled out three pairs of horns. “So, are you in?”

Rachel nodded. Emma and April looked at each other, and quickly agreed. June just cackled.

“Just try doing anything without me.”

“Ok… I got word from the newly weds, things have been handled, and they’re wanting to come back soon.” Jessica was having a hard time keeping a straight face. “… and in three months, there’s a tournament….”

“Oh no.” Rachel began laughing.

“Oh yes.” Jessica cackled. “I think it’s time Anna made a grand entrance, coming back from retirement, you see.”

“I know exactly what you’re up to, Jessica.” June began to giggle. “Let’s do it.”

Jessica pulled out a pad of paper and began to sketch things out.

“First, we’ll need a space big enough for the summoning circle. Second, ….”

With June’s help, Jessica worked out a meticulous plan for Anna’s return. They would need some costumes, a few other props, but once everything was worked obtained, it was time to put the plan into action. In other words, she had to send an email.

The moment Jessica submitted the tournament application form, her phone rang. It was the company sponsor.

“Hello? Is this Anna Spellman?”

“Her sister.”

“Are you serious?”

“100%.” Jessica replied. “Anna can’t come to the phone right now, but she asked me to submit her application for her. She’s still travelling with her husband, but they arrive back in three months. Just in time for the tournament.”

“Uhuh. Did she say which games she’d be competing in?”

“All of them. Well. Maybe not the ones that came out in the last two years, but I don’t think any of them are …. anyway. The same games as before, if that works out?”

“Yes. I think we can manage that. I know a lot of people have missed her these last two years…”

“She just has two conditions. First, don’t tell anyone. Well, you can tell her rivals, but don’t announce it publicly. Second, she needs a big, big room to make her comeback speech.”

“How big?”

“Small house big. We really want to make a show out of it. I’ll send you the specs via email.”

“Done and done. Thank you Ms. Spellman. I look forward to it!”

Jessica let loose another cackle. Eric had been a bit uncertain about the plan, but Anna couldn’t resist the temptation to make a big scene.

“LADIES, GENTLEMAN, GAMERS!” The announcer was booming. “WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE.”

In the centre of the auditorium, a large cube was covered up with cloth. Security guards had been posted around it 24/7, and only a few people had been allowed inside.

The internet had been abuzz with rumours. A new player. A new game. A few people talked about the return of the demon queen, but no-one knew for sure. The hooded figures offered little clues, and everyone couldn’t wait to see what would happen.

With no fanfare, the curtain dropped.

Four gigantic obelisks stood at the corners of the stage. A large red sigil covered the floor. Five people with hoods stood at the centre, chanting. One broke off from the group, pulled back her hood, and revealed a pair of purple horns.

“Gamers, for too long we have put up with subpar play. Two years ago, the undefeatable demon queen left us, promising to return if a strong challenger arrived.”

Jessica waited for a reaction from the crowd. There was some mild cheering and a bit of applause.

“Today is that day.”

The other four pulled back their hoods, all wearing horns, all wearing purple face paint. A low, groaning chant was being played over the PA.

Jessica waved her hands, the main lights cut out, and the spotlights switched on. All eyes were on the group. They continued to chant, louder and louder and louder. Then the lights cut off entirely.

There was a long, long awkward silence. This was the hardest part of the plan to account for. Timing was just a little difficult when summoning someone from another universe.

“There! She comes!”

A small blue light appeared in the centre of the stage. Rings began to form around it, spinning in circles, spinning faster as more rings appeared. Jessica waved again, and the smoke machines went into overdrive, spilling smoke across the stage and into the arena.

“Demon Queen. Hear my summon!”

A blinding flash of light. A low growl.

There was a very, very large dragon in the centre of the area. The audience went utterly wild. Someone was sitting atop, in full warrior grab, sword raised up.

“WHO DARES CHALLENGE ME!”

She didn’t need a mic. Her voice carried across the auditorium. The dragon flew around the arena once or twice, then stopped to land atop the stage. Bowing over to let Anna dismount.

“I HAVE RETURNED!”

Eric had returned too, but he’d refused to take part in the performance. He snuck off the stage and rushed to give Jessica a hug. No-one noticed, all eyes were on the dragon.

“I AM THE UNDEFEATED DEMON QUEEN!”

The lights went out. The dragon vanished. Jessica rushed to her side, and placed a cloak around Anna before the spotlights returned.

Three days later, Jessica was still cackling. Anna couldn’t stop smirking either, and Eric just kept rolling his eyes. It was over, at least.

The flight back home was a tearful one. June, Emma, Rachel and April had joined them in first class, and finally got a chance to ask all the questions they’d been saving up. The dragon was there too. Their name was a little unpronounceable for humans, but was happy enough to be called Alex.

Upon arrival, like before, they hopped in a car, drove straight to the bookstore. Things weren’t set up yet, but no-one really minded.

June dragged out the banner she’d made for the first attempt. April and Emma helped Rachel set up the tent and chairs in the back garden. Jessica helped Eric get dressed. This time, he would do it in costume. Well, the armour he wore from his other world adventures. Anna had demanded it.

Meanwhile, Alex was told to sit in the corner and wait, lest they break something.

Within a few minutes, Eric and Jessica were standing at the altar, and June and Anna were walking towards them.

“Yadda yadda yadda.” Jessica laughed. “You know the drill. Till death do you part, you may now kiss the bride. I think it’s your turn now, Eric.”