Taking a deep breath, Runebelle began to explain. "Harty, you need to understand what Rosebelle is caught up in. It's an organization called Shadowcroft, and they're ruthless. They've been experimenting on people, trying to replace them with... with clones or something. Rosebelle might be one of their victims."

  Harty's eyes widened. The rumors he'd heard was all starting to make sense. "Shadowcroft," he muttered under his breath. "It's even worse than I thought."

  "Exactly," Runebelle said with a somber tone. "We have to tread carefully, Harty. Shadowcroft is a powerful and secretive organization. We need to gather as much information as we can, but we must also protect ourselves."

  Harty nodded. "You're right, Runebelle. We need to uncover the truth and expose Shadowcroft for what they are.”

  Time: 9:30 PM

  Runebelle settled into her room. Her mind thought about the revelations shared by Harty. She sat on her bed. She Runebelle knew she needed to focus. She needed answers.

  Just then, a surge of new memories seemed to jolt through Runebelle’s mind, each one as vivid as the next. The images of Rosebelle, the potential doppelganger, flashed before her eyes. Rosebelle, not just a threat but a person who might lose everything she knows. "Who is Roselle?" The words echoed in Runebelle’s thoughts, Rosebelle’s frustration also held a level of confusion. The conflict between them was etched in her memory.

  In the silence of her mind, her sister Sadie and her mother spoke in a blend of caution and comfort.

  Sadie surfaced first. “There’s more to Rosebelle than just being a possible doppelganger, isn't there? It’s never just black and white in these situations, especially with Shadowcroft.”

  Runebelle’s thoughts reflected sympathy. "I don’t know... When I saw her at Shadowcroft, she seemed so frustrated. She wasn’t just a threat; she was a person, confused and desperate, trying to make sense of something far beyond her understanding."

  Her mother's spoke next. “Sometimes the toughest challenges lie in seeing someone for more than what they appear to be. Your kindness may be what opens the doors to the truth behind Rosebelle and the threats lurking in the shadows. Be careful, honey, but also remember that empathy can be a guiding light.”

  Runebelle's unique ability surged. It allowed her to glimpse into the memories of those she had recently touched, revealing their past experiences as if she were there herself. She focused on memories of Milaca and searched for answers. The image of that fateful day they had first met, where Milaca had kissed her, came into sharp focus.

  In the memories, Runebelle saw Milaca and six other girls surrounding someone at school. Roselle, with her pretty face, long, flowing yellow hair, and innocent blue eyes, appeared scared. Her back was against her locker. The other girls wore disapproving looks.

  The scene shifted to Milaca and at least three of those same girls after their club meetings. They met Rosebelle, who bore a striking resemblance to Roselle, but she was taller and had a different attitude.

  Runebelle couldn't see more than that, but the pieces of the puzzle began to form a clearer picture in her mind. Runebelle's eyes snapped open. She withdrew herself from Milaca's memories, her own thoughts racing with curiosity and concern.

  In the wake of her intense experience delving into Milaca's memories, Runebelle turned inward to her Mother and Sadie within her mind. "Did you two see that?"

  Her Mother, whose wisdom and presence were ever comforting, spoke softly in her mind. "Yes, dear, we saw it all. It was a glimpse into Milaca's memories, and it appears there's a connection between her, Roselle, and Rosebelle."

  Sadie, her sister, chimed in. "This could be a significant breakthrough, Runebelle. We need to find out more about what's happening and help Roselle!"

  Runebelle nodded in agreement. Her computer pinged suddenly, alerting her to a new message in the Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows forums. She went over and opened the forum, reading through the message slowly, absorbing every word.

  "Dear Sleuth of Shadows," it began. "I stumbled upon your posts on the forum, and I noticed the remarkable similarities between the situation you described and a real-life case involving a friend of mine named Roselle. We're facing a doppelganger situation that mirrors your experiences. I'm desperate for answers and guidance on how to deal with this threat. If you're willing to help, please respond. I understand the need for discretion and can meet under your terms.

  Yours sincerely, Risebelle."

  The familiarity in the name 'Risebelle' struck a chord within Runebelle. She turned inward " Do you both see this?"

  Her Mother spoke up, “Yes, we read the message. It seems someone is seeking help. Do you think this could be connected to your recent findings?"

  Sadie, her tone filled with urgency, added, "It might be the breakthrough we're waiting for. Although, this could also be a trap set up by Shadowcroft, Runebelle."

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  With their advice in mind, Runebelle typed her response carefully.

  "Risebelle, I've been following the situation closely, and I believe I can offer some guidance. Meet me at the Silver Star Arcade tomorrow at 4 PM. Be discreet. Look for the person with multicolored hair by the claw machine. We'll talk then."

  The next morning, Runebelle stepped inside of the school building. There was anticipation for the day's test and the meeting at the arcade bubbling within her. She glanced around trying to spot Milaca. Strangely, she wasn't there to greet her with her usual enthusiastic tackle hug. Confused by the absence, Runebelle headed to close.

  Little did she know, Milaca was right behind her, almost mirroring her every gesture and move. The time came for the test, and Runebelle was getting her things in order, Milaca duplicated the actions just behind her.

  Runebelle's attention shifted when she heard whispers around the room. Odd glances were exchanged, and subtle gestures pointed behind her. When she turned to find out what the fuss was about, Milaca mimicked her perfectly. Runebelle's eyes widened in surprise.

  "What in the world?" Runebelle laughed. “How did you fit yourself in the corner right behind me so perfectly?"

  Milaca, grinning widely."It's my little secret."

  Runebelle shook her head in amazement. "This isn't even your class. You’re gonna get yourself in trouble."

  While students settled down, ready for the test to begin, Runebelle decided to address her with a stern face. "Milaca, there's something I need to know."

  Milaca's playful demeanor took a sudden turn. She began to sweat uncontrollably. Her eyes darted around nervously. "W-what's with you all of a sudden?"

  Runebelle asked, "Milaca, are you...a doppelganger?"

  Milaca’s eyes widened in disbelief. Nervously, she stammered "What are you talking about? That's ridiculous!"

  Runebelle gave a look that meant she wasn’t convinced. "You can't hide it any longer, Milaca. When I was younger, I had a friend named Milaca, but after something happened with my mom, her Mother Mrs. Lorraine didn’t allow me over to her house. It doesn't make sense why I wasn't allowed to see her again. Then, out of nowhere, you appear as Milaca, with no memory of me, and the fact that you kissed me when we first met... it's all too strange, Milaca. It's like you're not the same Milaca from my past."

  Runebelle's eyes bore into Milaca's, searching for answers to the mystery that had perplexed her for so long.

  All Milaca could manage was stammering. Runebelle continued. "I understand now, Milaca. You replaced her at some point during my Mother's Trial. The real Milaca was taken away or... replaced. After finding out that Mrs. Lorraine had some involvement with that company, I am starting to see the truth for what it is. The question is, what did you do with the real Milaca?"

  Milaca's stammering ceased immediately. She took a deep breath to steady herself. With an calmness, she confessed, "It didn't take you three too long to figure it out, Runebelle. I know about the Project Rune and the fusion between you, Rune, and Sadie. My true name is Milanna, and I am the new Milaca."

  Runebelle couldn't believe what she was hearing. She shook her head in disbelief and uttered, "Nonsense! You can't just replace someone like that!"

  Before Milaca could respond, a chubby girl from the front row looked back with fear. "Mr. Daven is coming!" she whispered.

  Runebelle turned to her with gratitude. "Thank y—“

  The girl shook her head quickly. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, averting her gaze as she scurried back to her seat.

  A moment later, Mr. Daven's heavy footsteps echoed down the hall. He entered the classroom. His eyes immediately fell on Milanna at Runebelle's desk.

  "Milaca," Mr. Daven said sharply, adjusting his glasses. "You know you're not supposed to be here. This is not your class."

  Milanna, or rather Milanna, nodded obediently. She shifted back to the familiar, playful Milaca facade. "I know, Mr. Daven. I was just talking to Runebelle."

  Mr. Daven's face softened slightly. "You must leave now. All classes are having tests today, and you should be heading to yours. But no running in the halls," he cautioned.

  Milanna flashed a quick smile at Runebelle. "Do you really want to know what happened to the real Milaca, Runebelle? If you do, meet me after classes are over."

  With that cryptic message, Milanna left Runebelle with a flood of unanswered questions.

  The test began. Runebelle glanced over her questions. She found herself utterly perplexed. The test was composed of queries from a realm beyond the scope of her regular studies. It was littered with questions about fantasy worlds, video games, and surprisingly, the Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows forum. This was a place she frequented online. The questions were a mismatch of bizarre knowledge and quizzical scenarios that was beyond what she'd ever studied.

  Despite her confusion, Runebelle plowed through the test, answering each question methodically. She tapped into a wealth of knowledge she didn’t even know she had. Her memory and deduction skills worked in tandem. To her amazement, she managed to ace it despite never encountering such puzzling queries before.

  Runebelle's mother softly intruded into her thoughts, a whisper within her mind. "Dear, forgive me for interrupting you during the test, but doesn't this seem unusually peculiar? Your Teacher's style, his curriculum, this doesn't quite fit his usual pattern, does it?"

  Runebelle's mind raced. It was odd; her mother was right. This test was leagues apart from their typical examinations.

  "But why now?" Runebelle mused back to her mother’s.

  Runebelle’s thoughts drifted back to the start of the school year when Mr. Daven had mentioned the importance of understanding diverse subjects, including real-world applications and strategic thinking. But this test felt off.

  Why such a peculiar focus on fantasy and video games? She then thought back to a few days ago, when he talked to her about future careers. It seemed as though he was grooming her for something beyond mere academic excellence.

  Her mother spoke within her mind. “Stay alert, dear. There’s more going on here than meets the eye.”

  Sadie chimed in. “Maybe Mr. Daven sees something in you, something special. But we need to be careful, especially with Shadowcroft lurking around. They could be testing you too.”

  Shadowcroft. The name resonated like a dark echo in Runebelle’s mind. Could they be involved in this? Could Mr. Daven be an ally, or perhaps a hidden adversary? The notion seemed far-fetched, but in a world where doppelgangers and secret organizations existed, anything was possible.

  The class wrapped up, and Runebelle, along with the other students, submitted their tests. As usual, the Teacher collected the papers. Once the tests were neatly stacked, he dismissed the students with his customary nod.

  One by one, they filed out of the room, leaving Runebelle lingering behind as the last one to leave. Just when Runebelle reached the door, Mr.Daven spoke up."Runebelle, might I have a moment of your time, please?"

  Her heart skipped a beat. With a nod, she moved back towards his desk.