Three weeks of her life were spent deep within her mind. Elena spent weeks submerging herself within fantasies full of friendship, love, and family. Constantly having to remind herself that this wasn't reality hurt her as she longed those good times she could have had. She could have been a normal girl, a girl with friends and family at her side as she struggles with everyday life. She could have remained ignorant and kept on pretending to be with friends and family for as long as she wanted but she chose to push on.

Falling deeper and deeper into despair she wondered when this would end. She had Prometheia, Daisy, Sylvia, Alpha, Hellfire, Franky, and Emma… Elena couldn't leave them behind.

"Prometheia… Does she really need me? I'm sure Alpha and the others would be so much better at caring for her."

"As if she'd want me around… Daisy hates me for killing… I don't even deserve to say his name."

"Sylvia said it herself. I'm never gonna be as good as her prodigies or anyone else. All I do is fuck everything up and bring death to anyone I come in contact with."

"I dragged him into this. Had I been a better Dream Catcher, he wouldn't have met that Demon. Had I been less selfish, he wouldn't have to shoulder the burden of being a Dream Catcher!"

"He's way stronger than me despite being so young… I just cower in fear as he rushes into danger to save everyone. He only needs Aqua whenever push comes to shove."

"He has every right to be angry. It's no surprise that he wants to get rid of me…"

"I bet she only interacts with me because it's her job or out of pity. Why would she even bother with talking to a person as awful as me?"

Over and over again, she'd doubt herself, get dragged back into a world of happiness, and then she'd be woken up by doubt and self-hatred.

But for some reason she pushed on. She doesn't know why exactly she wanted to get out and abandon these happy dreams of hers. She just knows that she had to get out. Something was urging her to leave and take on the world. Something was telling her to push on and do her best.

"Carpe Diem"

For some reason that was all she could think of. It was telling her to push on and do what she wants. Hanging on by a thread, hope for something better allowed her to push on. She reevaluated herself by inspecting everything she hated about herself.

Instead of fully waking up, she spent a week trapped within her body. All she could do was hear and smell. The only visitor was always just Prometheia. She was the only one to ever stay by her side. Starting off only being able to take in sound and odor, she used her threads to reach around her. A few days later she'd finally get to experience touch and taste. Slowly but surely, she started moving. Starting off with just one finger, she moved on to sight and her entire body.

It was then that she woke up feeling like a different person. Her hair was cut short and an ashy blond. She somehow had pressed on and regained her will to fight. However, there still was something she wanted to check out first.

"As I thought, the veil's still here but it has grown smaller. I wonder what happened to Sentience… She was just shattered by someone even stronger than her without getting a chance to do what she wants."

Elena was holding onto newspaper trying to gauge out what day it is. For some reason she didn't want to return home to the others and just felt like exploring. Though she didn't venture into the city, she knew that there was nothing else left to it. The city would lose its veil and finally reveal what had happened between Elena and Phantom and Sentience and Stars.

"I wonder what he was doing. He could have killed me but decided against it for some reason. Maybe he never was hostile to begin with and this entire thing was a farce?"

Pressing on, she made her way towards the place where her fellow council members fought The Coordinator. The trail of ash and destruction led deep into the country and nearly out of it. For some reason, despite knowing nothing about their target, she wondered whether or not they were in the wrong.

"Raven sure did cause a lot of damage. Would it have made a difference? Would me being here have made a difference?"

It was then that she heard someone lighting a match. She couldn't tell where it was coming from and why it would be so loud.

Walking around trying to find the source of the flickering flames, she wandered into a Domain. It was different from all the others she had come across before as it felt rather personal. Almost as if something was digging into her, she felt disgusted with herself. A dark and empty world one could endlessly walk on scared Elena and therefore made her back off… She ran back the way she came and decided that it was time to head back home.

Days were spent simply thinking about herself and the future. Elena finally was ready to move on and talk to the others once again. She had been away for a week and was ready to confront everyone on the things she wanted to do from now on.

"Yo!", she said casually approaching Prometheia.

Prometheia transformed into a human and ran into her arms. With a big hug the two of them reunited after a month spent away from each other. After so long, Prometheia had someone to talk to when things are too hard to do on her own.

"Where were you?! We were worried sick!", Prometheia cried.

"I was just thinking about life and all that… I'm glad that you're okay."

"Yeah… But you should talk to the others. There's a lot I have to tell you about later!"

Waiting until Liam and Alpha have gone to bed, Elena made herself comfortable in the living room. Everything she's learned about her own abilities essentially were reduced to nothing. Only remnants remain. Walking into her apartment, she wasn't expecting the changes made to it.

Starting off with the entrance, she realized that the three of them, Alpha and Liam, had done a good job on painting the walls in a more mellowed out yellow instead of the harsh one Elena once had. They also added a mirror to the entryway while replacing the mat with a new one.

They had rearranged everything within the living room to allow for more space for couches and a bigger table. Her magazines were in plastic containers. The TV stand she once had was replaced by an entertainment center. All white brand new couches made for a far more relaxing atmosphere. One of the couches was a sleeper sofa just in case for more guests coming from abroad.

The kitchen had a few more mugs and plates with designs that fit those that regulary eat here. Grays and whites with less space for standing within the kitchen as all eating is now done in the living room… Though she would prefer eating within the kitchen, she still loves the changes made to the house.

There was laminate flooring within every room except for hers. Her room was untouched with the exception of a plushy made by Liam. He had recently picked up knitting and crocheting and made a lot of progress within a rather short timeframe.

"I can't believe they've moved in," she thought. Having even more companions to live with was a relief. It reminded her of old times… Back when Valeria and the others still were around.

Taking a peak into their room, she noticed that the two of them were sleeping within the same bed.

"How cute," she thought.

Prometheia had vanished for the night but promised to come back tomorrow. There were a lot of things that they had to talk about. Meeting the people she had missed will finally come.

"Elena?!", yelled Alpha.

Liam woke up from the commotion and followed the noise. Wondering why Alpha would scream as soon as he got up, he was rather agitated. Before he could step into the living room, he realized what this meant. Stopping within his tracks, he hesitated as he just moved in without her permission. Alpha pretty much decided that the two of them are moving in. They had no right to do so even with Prometheia's blessing.

Alpha rushed towards Liam believing that his friend hadn't woken up.

"Oh good! You're awake!", he said as he dragged Liam to Elena.

"This guy was known as Phantom but then he lost his memories and now, since he's so helpless I decided to let him move in, without your permission which I am sorry for, but I just thought that he should be here since he kinda saved your life and all that and I'm gonna move out if you want me to… I have so much to tell you!", rambled Alpha. Though he got to the point, his excitement made what he was trying to get across a little hard to understand.

"So… Memory loss and you're suddenly allowed to just live here, huh?"

Alpha went quiet. He panicked as he wasn't expecting such a response.

"I'm just joking. Don't worry about it!", she giggled. "But no seriously… At least wait until I'm up next time, okay?"

Alpha nodded.

Today was supposed to be another day spent on gathering bits and pieces about Elena's whereabouts. Instead, they could finally rest and relax for a day or two.

"But seriously… What were you doing these past few weeks?", Alpha asked.

After sitting down and preparing some snacks, the same old icecream sandwiches, she said, "I don't really know. I spent some time thinking about what could have been and often tried to leave those dreams behind so I could return home, but it was so hard that it took me a while to wake up."

"Were you happy?", asked Liam.

"I was but it wasn't real. I don't want to be happy in a world that doesn't exist. I want to share my happiness with you and everyone else that has joined us."

Moved by her words, Liam went back to his room to get a gift he had bought for her: A silver pocket watch attached to a chain… Beautiful and brilliant… Something that he saw in Elena for saving him and not ditching him when she had the chance to.

Though this operation ended in utter defeat with the opposing parties being so overwhelming that the five of them never stood a chance to begin with, Elena, Liam, and Raven for some reason considered this a victory. Elena could start over under the guise of the death-bringing Dream Catcher who had lost everything through amnesia. Liam had someone that cared about him and a family to rely on. Raven finally opened up, lifted the baggage he had been carrying for a decade, and let himself have fun through friendship.

"Okay! Fill me in on everything that's been going on lately! I wanna know what I've missed out!", Elena exclaimed.

"Well… Your operation ended in defeat. You and Liam spent seven days MIA while Raven and Daisy were defeated on day one. Sylvia was presumably killed in action…"

"Wow… Pulling no punches, huh?"

"That's not the biggest issue… After you returned, you spent three weaks in a hospital while the people panicked. Witchhunts for those responsible as someone had somehow leaked footage to the common folk and much more. People have been chasing after anything that could bring them the head of a Dream Catcher. Most of us are barred from leaving our respective cities but we've been spared since we're deemed “defective” thanks to your reputation."

"Geez… Has anything good happened recently?"

"The only good thing is the fact that we're allowed to do as we please until they have a replacement for all of us. We have no idea what the government will do as soon as they've found a few replacements. We've also grown stronger as a team and gained a few members: Aqua, Hellfire, Akio, and Reflecta. Aqua joined shortly after she had heard of what had happened. Hellfire joined with her since he still considers her his superior. Akio and Reflecta should arrive today and will move in with Aqua."

"There's also Dream Catchers migrating somewhere because of a dream they all seem to have. We've housed two Dream Catchers while you were away. They spent their time at Franky's place," added Liam.

Elena was rather unfazed by everything she had heard. The only thing she cared about is the fact that there's supposed to be a replacement for them and the fact that she's free to do whatever she wants. Since there's plenty of sunlight left for the day, she waited for Prometheia.

Prometheia came with those new members and her rookies. Emma rushed straight towards the living room to hug Elena.

"Elena! I've missed you so much! How could you just disappear like that?! Who else was going to hold up lines at my job?! Who else was gonna create disgruntled customers by spending forever on chatting with me?!"

"Okay. I guess I can leave since I just hold up your lines…"

"Guess someone can't take a joke," sneered Emma. Finally reunited after such a long time spent apart, the two rejoiced by clinging to each other.

Franky followed shortly after sitting down next to Alpha and Liam. Alpha made himself comfortable by resting his feat on Liam's lap and his head on Franky's lap.

"I really wasn't expecting you to be defeated. What were you even doing these past few weeks? We were really worried, you know." For some reason he showed concern. It was rather strange as he absolutely hated her for getting Alpha involved.

"Oh? I guess you missed me too, huh?"

"Sure… If it makes you feel better." He was brutal when it came to tearing her down. "I looked for you because they wanted me to."

Everyone stared at him in disbelief.

"What? I'm just joking."

"Are you sure?", asked Emma.

"Do I ever shy away from being honest?"

She had nothing else to say as he was believable enough yet questioned his choice of tone when it comes to jokes. His tone never really changed as it mostly alternated between angry and apathetic with a sprinkle of care.

"You may refer to me as Aqua. We barely interacted but I occupied your seat back when I was a part of the Council. Nice to meet you again."

The two of them shook hands as the last guests entered the living room.

"I'm Reflecta. I've heard that this pretty much is a lawless zone so the two of us decided to move here for the time being trying to be all discreet, so-"

"Discreet, huh?", mocked Akio. "Well, well, well… I guess that ain't working out for ya since you keep your mouth running."

Reflecta stormed off trying to leave.

"Wait no I was joking! Please! I'm sorry I didn't mean to!" Akio followed right after her. Teasing and interrupting her seems to be something he spends a lot of time on.

Hellfire was unable to come as he dealt with a personal issue.

Now that they've gotten aquainted and reaquainted with Elena, Elena wanted to try something out. She wanted to warm up by testing out what she still can recall. Wondering whether or not some abilities still were buried within her memories, she started off with transforming.

"Nothing out of the ordinary here, huh?", she said as Alpha, Franky, Emma, Liam, Prometheia, and Aqua watched her perform.

As always, Alpha was awestruck with her outfit as he still saw this grand Dream Catcher always acting out of the good in her heart in her.

Wanting to test her limits even further, she decided that it was time to let the seven of them into her domain. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she let herself be submerged. Rummaging deep within her thoughts, she wondered whether or not her domain remained the same as she had left it. Maybe the change in thought and belief completely changed it.

She opened her eyes.

She's still within her apartment yet it had undergone major changes. Elena had lost the angel sleeves she once had and replaced them with bandages. Her apartment was taken over by plantlife and lead towards her bedroom. Grass and daffodils had infected the room. Alpha and the rest were bewildered by this development. Everyone except for Aqua and Elena hadn't heard of a Domain taking over the real world.

"I guess that works out. Let's go in and check it out," said Elena as the rest silently followed. Aqua was rather cautious just in case Elena loses control like the way Prometheia did.

Those fears would be eliminated the moment the seven of them stepped into the Domain. Though it fundamentally remained the same, the starting point was different. Instead of starting near the beach, they now were within the mountains Elena and the rest hadn't ever set foot on. Standing atop the flat mountain peak, visitors previously only saw this beautiful mountain of hers from afar. Instead of endless mountains blocking the view to this mountain, there now lied a forest at the foot of this mountain. Snow and clouds now sat on top of it.

"Woah! It's definitely changed a lot!", said Alpha.

"I always wondered what the landscape beyond that mountain chain was supposed to look like," Franky added. "At least it doesn't look as dull and tragic as it did before."

Emma transformed and jumped up into the air to head towards the beach while dragging Liam and Prometheia with her. Aqua sighed as she followed after Emma believing that she'll have to spend time minimizing the damage to this place.

Hyperion and King transformed as well but were held up by Elena.

"You also changed your outfits! Is that growth I see?", she teased.

King pulled his arm away and grabbed Alpha, throwing him onto his shoulder, so that he can flee from Elena. Though he seems to have grown more tolerant and understanding of Elena, he still has his fair share of issues with her. He hesitated.

Franky asked, "Could you leave the two of us alone for a while? I just wanna ask her something in private if you don't mind, Alpha."

Alpha nodded and therefore was playfully thrown off towards the beach.

Elena was baffled and readied herself for battle.

"Is something wrong?", asked Elena.

Pointing a sword at her, he asked, "Why'd you go in there all alone?"

Elena took a few seconds to adjust to Franky's old and hostile self. After a minute spent thinking about her answer, she took a deep breath.

"Someone had to! What are you trying to say?", she asked him in return.

"So you're telling me you of all people was being selfless… You, after I told you that Alpha shouldn't get involved?"

"What's your problem?! I had his well-being in mind when I contacted him! Prior to this year, there were several Demons constantly on his trail as if they knew that he could become their worst enemy! I can't always protect him, so I decided that I should give him a means to protect himself!", she stated. Her intentions were pure and rooted within Alpha's well-being. Franky was understanding and didn't question her further yet he kept pointing his blade at her.

"Why? Do you think putting yourself on the frontlines simply because you want to be a martyr is going to help anyone?"

"Huh?"

"Be less selfless and a lot more selfish! You've been labelled a person that is completely worthless, evil, or stupid by the people around you, the people you're supposed to protect, and governments… What's the point of being selfless if all they're gonna do is replace you and you try to tear you apart?"

Franky ran off and disappeared within the forest on his way to the beach.

Elena hadn't really thought about herself prior to her three-day-vacation. She wasn't expecting Franky to give her a grand speech about her value in others and her care for herself, or rather, her lack of thereof. She wasn't expecting care in her and concern over her well-being from Franky.

She decided that this was enough for the day and dispelled the domain letting them return to her apartment.

"You know what… Let's have some fun instead, okay?"