Runebelle's eyes widened after checking her clock. "Oh no! It's 9 AM already, and we're supposed to meet Dr.K99 at 10 AM!"

  She rushed to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face. She styled her hair into puffballs which bounced with each hurried step. She didn’t bother to change out of what she had worn the previous day.

  "Okay, okay, calm down, Runebelle," she muttered to herself. She then rushed to grab her bag and laptop. She shot a quick glance at the messages on the screen, making a mental note to investigate them further later. Right now, she had a meeting to attend.

  On the way to park, Runebelle encountered a busy crowd around a street. The sight of a crowd this early in the morning was unexpected. Runebelle pushed through the clusters of people. Soon enough, a melodic tune broke through the hum of the crowd. She spotted a band moving through the area with catchy tunes that seemed to captivate the surrounding audience. Runebelle found herself inadvertently entranced by the lively rhythm for a good ten minutes.

  Suddenly, Runebelle snapped back to reality. “What am I doing? This is no time to get distracted.”

  She shook her head, clearing away the last of the musical spell, and refocused on her mission.

  Runebelle soon found herself at the meeting spot. For this meeting, she would have to adopt her ‘Sleuth of Shadows’ persona.

  Runebelle took a deep breath and said, “Alright, Runebelle, this is it. Time to channel that ‘Sleuth of Shadows’ persona. Be Calm. Be serious. Make them take you seriously.”

  Runebelle attempted to project an air of confidence despite the lingering gloom that seemed to cling to her. She pulled her shoulders back, squared her jaw, and adopted a steely gaze. “Channel the intensity! show them you’re not someone who can be messed with.”

  Runebelle’s mother echoed in her mind with a slightly amused tone. “Good to see you psyching yourself up for a change, but honey, you’re an hour early. The meeting is set for 10 AM.”

  Runebelle glanced at her watch. “Right, an hour early,” she muttered to herself, adjusting her stance. She found a nearby bench and sat down.

  The park was beginning to fill with people enjoying the morning sun. Runebelle watched as joggers passed by, parents strolled with children, and vendors set up their stalls.

  Sadie drifted into her mind, “Well, it’s good you’re early. This gives us a chance to observe Dr.K99’s arrival.”

  A few minutes later, a girl with distinctive purple hair in braids, a green scarf, and a red notebook in hand approached her

  The girl stopped a few feet away and surveyed Runebelle with an analytical eye. "You must be the Sleuth of Shadows," she stated in a calm tone.

  Runebelle stood up from the park bench. Her height of 6ft made her appear imposing. She looked down at the girl with curiosity.

  The girl, small in stature but confident, looked up at Runebelle with a grin. ““Wow, you’re pretty huge!”

  Runebelle chuckled softly, “Yeah, I get that a lot.”

  The girl tilted her head slightly. “Alright then, follow me.” She turned and began walking away from the park. Runebelle followed a few steps behind the girl.

  The girl led Runebelle through the park and onto a series of narrow, winding alleyways. The surroundings grew quieter and more desolate, and the sense of unease began to build.

  Sadie’s spoke urgently in her mind, “Be careful, Runebelle. This feels off. Keep your guard up.”

  Runebelle nodded subtly. After several minutes of walking through, they emerged into a desolate area near the beach, where the sand met the remnants of old, unused warehouses.

  The girl stopped and turned to face Runebelle. Her previously confident demeanor now carried an edge of caution. She held up one hand, and a strange, shifting light began to dance around her fingers.

  “I’m Anity.”

  When she spoke, the ground beneath them began to tremble slightly. A hidden building slowly emerged from beneath the sand. The structure was sleek and modern, starkly contrasting with the rundown surroundings.

  Runebelle’s gaze remained fixed on Anity. “Anity, what’s this place?”

  Anity smiled slightly. “It’s a secure location for our discussion. Follow me.”

  She led the way into the building, which had a futuristic design and was surprisingly bright inside. Runebelle glanced around, taking in the clean lines and high-tech equipment.

  Anity glanced at Runebelle. "Welcome to the base. We can talk freely here."

  Anity’s eyes sparkled with an almost frenetic energy right after she said that. “Wow, you’re really tall! I mean, not many people around here are as tall as you, you know? It’s not your everyday sight. It’s like you’re a walking skyscraper!”

  Runebelle chuckled. “I guess I’m a bit of an oddity...”

  Anity’s grinned, “You know, I’ve been working on some new tech, and when I saw you, I just had this crazy idea. It’s not every day you get to meet someone who could be the perfect subject for my next project! I want to examine you for some new technology I’ve been developing. It’s all theoretical right now, but with your unique height, it might just be the breakthrough I need!”

  Runebelle raised an eyebrow. “Wait…are you Dr.K99? The one who sent the message?”

  Anity’s grin turned into a mischievous smirk. “Oh, no, no. Dr.K99 is our boss. They’re the big cheese around here! They wanted me to keep things ‘civil’ today or they’d blow me up!”

  Runebelle blinked in disbelief. “Wait, what? They’d blow you up? Is that a joke or...?”

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  Anity laughed lightly. “Oh, don’t worry too much. It’s all in good fun. Dr.K99 just has a very... dramatic way of motivating people. They really want me to be on my best behavior today.”

  Anity's laughter subsided. She took a deep breath and flashed a more serious look. “Alright, enough of me being Anity for now…I’ll take you to Dr.K99 now. They’re waiting for us.”

  She led Runebelle to a sleek elevator at the end of the corridor. The doors slid open with a soft chime, and they stepped inside. Anity pressed a button, and the elevator began its ascent.

  When the elevator neared its destination, Anity glanced at Runebelle and gave her a thumbs up while shifting to a playful smile. “So, Dr.K99 is in that office. Just a heads-up: things might get a little... intense in there. Good luck, and try not to get blown up!”

  Runebelle chuckled. “This is getting weirder by the second…”

  The elevator came to a gentle stop, and the doors slid open to reveal a large, ornate door at the end of the corridor. Anity gestured toward it. “This is it. Dr.K99 is right through there.”

  Anity tapped on a console near the door. The door slid open, revealing a room brimming with technological marvels. Anity guided Runebelle inside, where a figure, engrossed in her work, was surrounded by an array of holographic displays and advanced equipment. With a graceful turn, Anity said, "Sleuth of Shadows, meet Juliana Kintovar."

  Juliana Kintovar turned to face her. She was in a light green military suit and lab coat. Her short pink hair was fashioned into sidetails. Violet-colored headphones adorned her ears.

  Beside Juliana stood a younger teen-like girl. She shared the same pink hair, but her hair was in a ponytail. She had blue headphone, a white lab coat, slightly oversized but neatly fastened, and Underneath a pair of blue scrubs.

  “And this is Julia Kintovar, Juliana's daughter.”

  Juliana acknowledged their presence with a brief salute.

  Runebelle eyed them both.” Which one of you are Dr.K99?”

  In response, Juliana stepped forward."That would be me.”

  A few seconds later, Juliana said. "Anity, Julia, kindly excuse us. This discussion requires privacy."

  Julia, engrossed in her work, shook her head fervently. "No, Mom, I have so much to finish! I can't afford to delay."

  Juliana sighed. “Your dedication to your work is commendable, but there are matters of higher priority at hand."

  Julia, still rooted in her work, protested, "Mom, seriously? I—"

  Juliana raised an eyebrow and clicked a button on a console beside her. Suddenly, the room was filled with loud explosion, accompanied by a burst of bright light. The force of the explosion sent Julia flying through the air. She screamed while being propelled out of the room and down the corridor.

  Runebelle stood wide-eyed. Her mouth was agape at the bizarre turn of events. Anity stepped outside and waved at her with a grin. Her mouth formed a soundless cheer.

  Juliana’s gaze followed Anity. Anity quickly scooped Julia up into her arms and hurried toward the elevator. The door to the room closed behind them with a soft hiss, leaving Runebelle alone with Dr.K99.

  Juliana shook her head. She then turned her attention back to Runebelle. “Apologies for the... dramatics. It’s sometimes necessary to ensure focus.”

  Runebelle blinked. “Right... well, I guess I’m ready to talk. What’s this all about?”

  Juliana gestured toward a nearby seat. “Please, have a seat. We have a lot to discuss regarding Shadowcroft and your recent discoveries. Anity and Julia’s... exit was just a small step to ensure our conversation remains uninterrupted.”

  Runebelle sat down. Juliana took a seat opposite Runebelle. "Shadowcroft…. They've taken someone precious to me—my daughter, Rosebelle."

  Runebelle’s mind raced with recognition. Rosebelle—the very doppelganger she had encountered. The one trying to supplant Roselle and Risebelle?

  "I've encountered Rosebelle," Runebelle acknowledged with urgency. "She's working for Shadowcroft, attempting to replace Roselle and Risebelle."

  Juliana placed her hands together. "Exactly. I need your help, Runebelle. Finding my daughter is imperative. She’s been manipulated and forced into this situation. Shadowcroft has her, but they don't control her entirely.”

  Runebelle leaned forward. “What do you mean by that?”

  Juliana’s eyes became somber. “Imagine taking a child from birth and isolating them from society. You instill specific beliefs and values in them while ensuring they have no other influences. They grow up with a worldview shaped entirely by that conditioning, becoming deeply loyal to the organization that raised them.”

  She paused momentarily, then said, “Runebelle’s been conditioned to see herself as a tool rather than a person. In her mind, she exists only to fulfill Shadowcroft's plans, and that’s the only reality she knows. This is why she’s so committed to her role. It’s not entirely her fault. She’s been bred to fit into this twisted design.”

  Runebelle took a moment to absorb Juliana’s words. She replied with a gloomier look. “She might not even fully understand what it means to be her own person…”

  Juliana nodded. “Precisely, and that’s why it’s crucial to rescue her. We need to show her the help her understand that there’s more to her existence than just being a pawn for Shadowcroft.”

  Runebelle’s gaze hardened. “Alright. I’ll help you find her. But we need to be careful. Shadowcroft won’t make this easy.”

  Juliana’s took a momentary pause and stared into Runebelles eyes. Then she continued."Runebelle, I have technology that could aid us in this 'Doppelganger business.' As the Sleuth of Shadows, you should have access to these tools. I won't ask for any payment. Consider these items as a promise of your services, the key to retrieving my daughter."

  From a concealed compartment, Juliana grabbed two devices and began to explain their properties. First a handcuff.

  "These handcuffs will subdue the doppelgangers. They're designed to sap them of their energy, rendering them powerless."

  The second device was a sleek, futuristic apparatus. "The memory remover. Once attached, it's irreversible. The doppelganger's identity will be erased, neutralizing their ability to impersonate anyone or cause harm."

  Runebelle observed the tools with curiousity for a moment before accepting them. "Thank you, Juliana. I will use these to ensure your daughter's safe return,”

  Runebelle got up and prepared to take her leave, but then something crossed her mind. She narrowed her eyes and looked down at Juliana. "Waitaminute…how exactly do you know my name? I never revealed it to you."

  Juliana got up from her seat and twirled around dramatically. With a pointed finger and an enigmatic smile, she stopped abruptly."Runebelle, you have no idea who you're talking to. I am Juliana Kintovar, the greatest scientific genius in the world!"

  Her declaration concluded with a sharp salute. "It's my duty to memorize and know my former customers.”

  Runebelle's mind churned with skepticism; however, Juliana's grandiose claim seemed somewhat plausible, given the nature of her work. With a respectful nod and a parting acknowledgment, Runebelle left.

  Runebelle navigated the familiar streets and made her way back home. Runebelle reached out mentally to Sadie and her Mother.

  “What do you make of Juliana Kintovar?” she mused within her thoughts.

  Sadie's response was quick. "She's an odd one, isn't she? That whole dramatic reveal about knowing you, and her claims of being the 'greatest scientific genius' in the world? Sounds a bit over-the-top, even for someone of her reputation."

  Runebelle's Mother offered her thoughts with a calming air. "There's a shroud of mystery around her, dear. It's hard to tell what's genuine and what a performance is. But her tech seems promising, doesn't it?"

  Sadie chimed in again, her concern evident. "I'd be wary, Runebelle. It's essential to verify her claims and the truth behind her intentions. It's your instincts that will guide you."

  Runebelle finally arrived home. While on the way inside, she took out her phone and unlocked the screen. She noticed a string of messages from Harty. His words brought a smile to her face.

  Before she could dive further into the messages, her Mother's chirped, "You talk to Harty quite often. Maybe it's time to get a little flirty, dear. That could ‘spice’ things up, you know."

  Runebelle's face flushed a deep red. “Wait mom, It's not like that at all! W-We're just part of the detectives club. It's all business and nothing more. We just met this week. There are no feelings like that."

  Sadie's curiosity echoed in her thoughts, "What's Harty saying now?"

  Runebelle got to reading some of the less recent messages. The contents made her jaw drop. She was so shocked that her grip on the phone slackened. The device slipped from her hand.

  Runebelle stammered. "T-This is impossible. Jess is... She is... "

  Her Mother questioned, "Is what?"