"School! I completely forgot about school. What am I going to do? I can't just skip, right?"

  "Runebelle," Runebelle’s mother echoed in her mind, "this is more important than school. The fate of the world could be at stake. Roselle and everyone needs you now. Prioritize what truly matters."

  The reassurance from her mother helped Runebelle find clarity. She took a deep breath and turned to Mrs. Magenta."This is more important than school. We need to focus on the task at hand."

  The group of Roselle, Michigo, and Sarah descended the stairs. They were dressed for another day of school. They were greeted by Roselle's mother, who urged them to sit down.

  "Thank you for coming over," Mrs. Magenta said.“Runebelle has something important to discuss with all of you."

  Runebelle took a deep breath. Her gaze fixed itself on Roselle, Michigo, and Sarah.

  "The time has come," Runebelle declared. “The final battle is upon us. Shadowcroft is not to be underestimated, and we need to face this threat head-on.”

  Roselle's friends exchanged glances among one another. Mrs. Magenta interjected, "I trust Runebelle's judgment in this matter. She’s always helped out in the gaming world. We need to trust her in the real world as well."

  Roselle tilted her head. "What about school, Mom? We can't just skip it. You know that better than anyone else."

  Mrs. Magenta hesitated for a moment. She then said, “Well…. Okay, you’re right. Education is important, and I wouldn't want you to neglect your studies."

  Runebelle, however, interjected firmly, "This is more important than school. If we wait until after today, Shadowcroft will be fully operational. With the information we recently found out, we might only have this small window of time to act and catch them off guard."

  Mrs. Magenta gave a conflicted look. "I really do understand the need to get rid of Shadowcroft, but..." She trailed off, looking troubled.

  Runebelle sighed. "Mrs. Magenta, I know this is difficult, and I don't want to disrupt Roselle's life any more than necessary. But we're dealing with Shadowcroft, and time is not on our side."

  Mrs. Magenta’s face shifted to a look of acceptance. “I see... if I’m going to be sending Roselle with you today, then you need to know… there’s danger, but it’s shrouded in uncertainty. The visions I had recently were unclear, but I know that today could change everything. I want Roselle to be safe, but I also want her to help you. It's… very tough for a mother to send her child off to what could be a war."

  Runebelle nodded her head. "We'll do everything in our power to keep Roselle safe. I promise."

  Mrs. Magenta gave them a small smile. "Alright, I trust you all. Just... bring my baby back home, safe and sound."

  In the confines of Runebelle's mind, Rune and Sadie took on manifested forms. Runebelle began by addressing her mother, Rune, with frustration. "Mother, you know how much we suffered because of them. Every day, seeing you in that chair, crying... It hurt me more than anything. I felt so powerless. I wanted to do something, anything to help you."

  Rune responded, "Runebelle, honey, I thought it was all my fault. Shadowcroft did everything in their power to try and tear us apart."

  Runebelle, struggling to comprehend the complexity of their shared history, questioned, "But despite everything that’s happened, there is one thing I still don’t understand….why did you leave for nearly a month? Why did make me think you abandoned me?"

  Runebelle's mother's voice echoed softly "Runebelle, you have access to my memories right now. You've always had the ability to see everything I've experienced."

  Runebelle responded in a sadder tone. "I know I could, but... I held myself back. I wanted to hear it from you, directly. I want to understand why you left, why I felt abandoned."

  Runebelle's mother paused for a moment, her expression clouded with old memories. "Runebelle," she began, her voice soft but steady, "do you remember your father?"

  Runebelle's eyes narrowed slightly. "I remember how he left you bankrupt. I…..kind of overheard you saying he took everything."

  Her mother nodded slowly. "Yes, he did take a lot from us. But it wasn’t only the Money. Your father... he made a deal with Shadowcroft."

  Runebelle's eyes widened in shock. "Shadowcroft?"

  Her mother nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "He did. I was forced to give you to Mrs. Lorraine for safekeeping. It broke my heart every single day. But after a few weeks, I couldn't bear it any longer. I fought to regain custody. My appeal didn’t go through until a few other weeks went by. I went to court, made sacrifices, and did everything in my power to bring you back."

  Runebelle felt a lump rise in her throat. "I had no idea," she murmured. "You went through so much for me..."

  Her mother reached out, cupping Runebelle's face in her hands.”You are my world, Runebelle. And now, with the threat of Shadowcroft, we have to be ready to take them down. I will be right here, in your mind, ready to help at any moment."

  Runebelle nodded. "I understand now. Thank you, Mom. For everything."

  Runebelle hesitated before asking, "Do you think it's a good idea to tell the others that we are a fusion? Maybe they need to know the truth about our connection."

  Rune pondered for a moment and replied, "If anyone should reveal our nature to them, it should be me. It's a delicate matter, and I believe I can convey the information in a way that minimizes the shock."

  Sadie interjected, "But can you even take control over Runebelle's body? Has that ever been done before?"

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Runebelle admitted, "We've never tried this before. It's uncharted territory for us. But if it helps us in this final battle against Shadowcroft, I'm willing to give it a shot."

  In the recesses of Runebelle's mind, the three entities stood with each extending a hand toward one another in a circle.

  They closed their eyes, each focusing on their shared connection. Slowly, a sensation like a gentle current flowed through them, linking their consciousnesses together in a deeper way than ever before.

  In the physical world, Runebelle's body stood still. Her breathing slowed, and a serene look spread across her face.

  "I can feel it," Rune said. The sensation they felt was like slipping into a familiar set of clothes. "This is... different, but it feels right."

  Runebelle's awareness hovered nearby. "It worked," she murmured in awe "You're in control now, Mom."

  Sadie watched in astonishment "Wow! I want to give it a try, too. I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be in my sister’s shoes—especially being 6 ft tall!"

  Rune chuckled softly. "It's quite the experience, I assure you.”

  Sadie nodded "Back when I still had my body, I had so much attention because of my hair. It was like living in a spotlight all the time."

  Runebelle listened, recalling the stories Sadie had shared. "You told me you wanted to escape it..."

  "Yeah," Sadie admitted with a wistful smile. “Yeah, sister. I wanted to be anyone but myself because people were all over me. It's one of the many reasons I became a hacker and tried to work for the police, despite everyone saying im not old enough, but now... it's been a while, and I think it might be fun to feel tall and powerful, even if it's just for a moment."

  Runebelle responded. "Right now, Mom has to be in control, but I promise, if a reason comes up, we can try to let you take over, Sadie."

  Rune, now fully in command of Runebelle's body, took a moment to adjust to the physical sensations. She flexed her fingers, feeling the unique rhythm of the fusion's heartbeat. "It feels strange, but I think I'm getting the hang of it," she remarked with a small smile.

  Rune now in control now addressed the group, infront of her. "Greetings, dear friends and family. I am Rune, the one who has been entwined with Runebelle and Sadie in the tapestry of existence. Runebelle has been the one in control up until now, but I believe I need to speak my piece."

  Mrs. Magenta's eyes widened in surprise Rune continued while looking at Mrs. Magenta. "I speak to you as a fellow mother, Mrs. Magenta. I understand your love for Roselle. Our fusion was not a choice but a result of Shadowcroft's twisted experiments.”

  Rune glanced at Roselle. "Roselle, Runebelle, Sadie and I share a bond that goes beyond the ordinary. We have been battling against Shadowcroft as one, but there is more to this story that you all need to know."

  She turned to Mrs. Magenta once more. "Our purpose is to put an end to Shadowcroft's machinations and protect the world from the chaos they seek to unleash. We must stand united, for the sake of our loved ones and the world we hold dear."

  Michigo's brow furrowed in confusion. "Rune... Runebelle? What's going on? Are you, like, two people in one body?"

  Sarah chuckled, teasingly nudging Michigo. "Come on, Michigo, pay attention! It's like a fusion thing. Runebelle, Sadie, and now Rune—all rolled into one."

  Michigo scratched her head. "Oh, right. Fusion. Got it."

  Roselle furrowed her brow. She began counting on her fingers. “One, two, three… Sadie,” she said slowly. “Runebelle once revealed her name to me. Then she said Sadie was her sister’s name, but that’s the name she was using up until that point…now I find out that Runebelle and Sadie are one person combined with their Mother…”

  Rune, still in control, nodded solemly. “Runebelle wasn’t lying, Roselle. Sadie is indeed her sister, and their bond is much deeper than you might have realized.”

  Roselle took a deep breath. "I get it now. It must have been difficult to keep this a secret. People aren’t normally... fused together like this..."

  Rune, tried to maintain composure but felt a warmth in her heart. "I care deeply for each of you. “

  Rune continued in a sincere tone."I know this might sound strange, especially since we haven't spoken before, but I have been listening and watching through Runebelle’s eyes. I’ve seen your struggles, your strengths, and the way you’ve supported one another. It’s made me respect and care for each of you even more. Even if we weren’t always directly in contact, I’ve been a part of your journey."

  Roselle took a moment, then nodded with a soft smile. "I understand. It's... comforting to know that you’ve been with us all this time. Your support means a lot."

  Michigo looked at Rune thoughtfully. "Yeah, I guess it’s kind of nice to know there’s someone else who’s been rooting for us, even if we didn’t know it."

  Sarah gave a reassuring nod. "Absolutely. It’s good to have you with us, Rune. We could use all the support we can get."

  Rune felt a sense of relief and gratitude. "Thank you…all of you.”

  Moments later, the group extended their hands and piled them atop the other

  “Friends and allies,” Rune began with strength, “we stand at the precipice of a monumental challenge. Shadowcroft has cast a long shadow over our world, sowing chaos and fear with their twisted doppelganger project. but we, together, represent a beacon of hope, courage, and resilience.”

  She paused. Her gaze swept over Roselle, Michigo, Sarah, and Mrs. Magenta. “Each of you has faced your own battles against the doppelgangers and discovered your own strengths. This fusion of spirits, and this bond we share may have been because of Shadowcroft, but we are going to use it to take them down.”

  Rune's voice grew more intense.“We know that Shadowcroft will not surrender easily. They will throw every doppelganger tricks and strategies they can to defeat us, but are more than just one person that can be replaced on a whim. We are a united front, bound by a common purpose and a shared resolve. We will outsmart them, outfight them, and overcome every challenge they throw at us.”

  Rune’s voice rose even louder. “And I promise you this—no matter what happens, no matter the danger we face, we will all make it through alive.”

  With those words, Rune's presence began to fade, and the light in Runebelle's eyes returned to its usual intensity. Runebelle, now back in control, blinked.. She looked around at her friends.

  The group erupted in enthusiastic cheers. “Thank you, Rune!” Michigo shouted. “Feels like im ready to pound Shadowcroft into the ground!”

  Sarah clapped Runebelle on the back. “You really fired us up! We’re ready to take on Shadowcroft and show them what we’re made of!”

  Roselle nodded. “Thanks for everything, Rune. We’re with you all the way.”

  Runebelle, now fully in control, offered a grateful smile. “Thanks for that, Mom. I really needed it.”

  Without missing a beat, the group surged towards the door.

  The fog hung heavy in the air. Michigo, Sarah, and Roselle walked along the damp streets. They soon approached a quiet alley. Roselle suddenly stopped. Her eyes got fixed on the ground. Michigo and Sarah exchanged puzzled glances at Roselle once they noticed.

  Roselle muttered, "I have to check something," and swiftly dashed off. Michigo and Sarah watched her go. They were about to go after her, but Runebelle said, "Let her go. She might need a moment. In the meantime, there's something important I need to discuss with both of you."

  She held out a hand to Michigo. "I possess a unique ability. By making physical contact, I can glimpse into someone's life, their thoughts, memories, and emotions. It's a power that has proven useful in uncovering truths and understanding the depths of one's experiences.

  I believe now is the time for us to strengthen our bonds and share our burdens. If you're willing, let me see into your lives, so we can go into this with a clearer understanding."

  Michigo and Sarah exchanged glances, silently contemplating Runebelle's offer. After a moment, Michigo nodded, offering her hand to Runebelle. Sarah hesitated before doing the same.

  Runebelle delved into the memories of Michigo and Sarah. The scenes that unfolded before her were unexpected. It hadstruggles, and secrets that had remained hidden until now. She absorbed the essence of their experiences, witnessing moments of joy, pain, and connections not known about until now.

  When the journey into their lives concluded, Runebelle found herself momentarily stunned.