Bethany came to herself in Spencer's basement, in the very same spot where she left. A few feet away, the rest of her friends were rematerialising too.

Alex seemed a little dazed and bewildered at first, but then his eyes met hers and he gave her a little smile. They were alright - the adventure was over, and they were home again.

Bethany grinned in response, more relieved at Alex's safe return than her own.

"Everybody okay?" asked Spencer with concern. He searched for the little frail form of his grandfather, still frozen in position. "Grandpa, you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good," said the old man slowly, as his eyes wandered around the room. "Holy sh*t!" he exclaimed.

Martha broke into a smile, and a moment later she and Spencer were in each other's arms. They were reunited at last - in the real world, where they truly belonged.

Watching them, Fridge only shook his head in amusement. He couldn't believe what he and his friends had just done to rescue Spencer, and he hoped that next time he'd have the good sense to stay home.

Alex cleared his throat. His duty to the Team was complete, and now he had to return to his adult responsibilities. "If you'll excuse me," he told his friends, "I think I'd better make a move. I've got a daughter at home waiting for me."

"Oh, sure, of course, Alex," said Spencer apologetically. "Don't let us hold you up!"

The father of two gave him a little nod of farewell, then turned and headed up the basement stairs. Bethany followed him out the door.

"I'll see you guys at Nora's later!" she called out to her three friends. Meanwhile, Alex made his way out the Gilpins' front door and towards his parked car.

"Alex?" he heard Bethany's voice call out behind him, causing him to turn around.

The teenager stood there with a bittersweet look on her face, as if unwilling to let him go. "Thanks for coming back with us," she told him finally.

"You're most welcome, Bethany," replied Alex kindly. It was the least he could do for her, and the mission had turned out to be quite manageable after all. "Though I've gotta tell you one thing," he admitted frankly. "Never again. I've got too much to lose in this world."

Bethany knew he meant his wife and children, and she could hardly blame him. He'd told her how much dread he felt when he lost two lives trying to rescue Milo, and she realised it'd be cruel to ask him for any more Jumanji-related favours. Alex Vreeke deserved to live happily with his family from now on, and Bethany vowed she'd respect that wish.

"I understand, Alex," she said, putting on a brave face. "It's just…" she sighed, "you know, I'm really gonna miss you."

"So am I, Bethany," he replied with a solemn nod. "How about…" he paused for a moment, thinking. "Why don't you guys invite me to your next get-together? My house's always open if y'all wanna come over for dinner."

"Oh, that'd be perfect, Alex," gushed Bethany with relief. "Thank you."

"Just let me know when you guys are coming," smiled Alex, as he climbed into his vehicle and started the engine. "I've had enough surprises for six lifetimes."

Bethany waved her old friend goodbye and watched wistfully as his car drove away. She knew she'd seen the last of "Seaplane", but she really wouldn't have it any other way. Living in the real world was always better than living in a video game.

Smiling, Bethany turned and walked back to the house.

Later, at Nora's Diner

Bethany frowned in puzzlement as the table began to quake. What could possibly be causing those tremors now emanating through the tiny restaurant?

Around her, Spencer, Fridge and Martha were thinking the same thing. Getting up from their seats, they immediately rushed outside to investigate.

The four friends were greeted by the sight of hundreds of ostriches stampeding furiously down the streets of Brantford. Since the handful of natural ostriches in town were to be found at the city zoo, there was only one place these monstrous creatures could have originated from.

As the herd of flightless birds hurtled down the road and disappeared from sight, a single horrified thought arose in Bethany's mind.

Oh my God, Alex is SO gonna freak out about this.

NOT THE END.