Catching Up

"Janet! It's so great to see you!" Rick called out, running to and embracing her. Essie and Cerissa also raced to Janet to offer hugs of their own.

"The last time we saw you was in that dream you were trapped in." Cerissa remarked. "Although it is always good to see you in any situation, it is nice to be reunited in real life. Well, as real as an alternate training dimension is anyway."

"Are you training too Janet? How are things going for you?" Essie asked with admiration and wonder.

"Yeah, I did a simulation based on that dream world you guys helped me in, and in it I stayed to fight Leftover alone." Janet answered with a grin. "I have a ways to go, but being challenged the way I was definitely helped."

"Same here." Rick added. "I just got back from a simulation where I was fighting against Petunia with her mutated diamond arms. I survived a little longer each time, but I can't destroy either of those arms currently."

"The simulation Cerissa and I were in had us trying to perform the fusion spell to become the Sorceress Queen, all while being attacked by Erin and Carli while they were still evil." Essie explained enthusiastically. "We're close, but it might be a bit too ambitious until we are more comfortable with the spell."

"Maybe next time I could join you guys." Rick offered. "I could distract Erin and Carli while you and Cerissa complete the fusion."

"That would be great!" Essie beamed at Rick. "And if you like, I could go to your simulation and back you up against Petunia."

"I would love that Essie, thank you." Rick smiled as his face turned slightly red.

"Well, we would offer some coaching, but all of you have a good handle on how things are going, and have already suggested some ways you could work together to make a difference." Tate said proudly.

"You should be pleased with your progress so far." Wasila added. "The button each of you are wearing won't give you another life in a simulation, but it will transport you back home before it disappears. Feel free to enjoy the amenities of this beach hub before you depart."

"Thank you Tate and Wasila!" Janet replied happily before speaking to Rick, Essie and Cerissa. "I missed out on playing volleyball with you guys last time. The four of us, along with Tate and Wasila, could go a round before we leave. What do you all say?"

"Actually, I have another idea!" A familiar voice said. The party turned around and found a smiling Mitch standing before them, holding four new buttons in his hand.

To be continued....

*****

Training World Arc

Prior stories/chapters from this plotline:

- Team Janet vs Team Sic - https://theprose.com/post/467594/team-janet-vs-team-sic

- A New Adventure Begins! A 20 Word Teaser! (Chapter 109) - https://theprose.com/post/469384/a-new-adventure-begins-a-20-word-teaser

- Coffee And Dreams (Chapter 110) - https://theprose.com/post/469464/coffee-and-dreams

- Infected City Arc Closure (Chapter 111) - https://theprose.com/post/470462/infected-city-arc-closure

A New Dimension - The Training World (Chapter 112) - https://theprose.com/post/472712/a-new-dimension-the-training-world

Training, Or Vacation? (Chapter 113) - https://theprose.com/post/476376/training-or-vacation

The Hub (Chapter 114) - https://theprose.com/post/478137/the-hub

Janet vs Leftover: Rematch? (Chapter 115) - https://theprose.com/post/481194/janet-vs-leftover-rematch

Follow Up (Chapter 116) - https://theprose.com/post/484088/follow-up