After a thoughtful pause, Runebelle spoke."Michigo, Sarah, I've seen glimpses of potential dangers ahead, and I believe it's in your best interest…to attend school today.”

  Michigo crossed her arms defiantly." Aw hell no! I can handle myself, and we've got to stick together. I want to be there, at her side!"

  Runebelle opened her mouth to respond, but Michigo cut her off. “No, Runebelle. I know what you’re saying, Runebelle. I really do. But you don’t get it. I… I failed before. I couldn’t protect Risebelle when Shadowcroft attacked. I was outnumbered and got caught. Roselle risked everything to bail me out, and she got beat pretty bad. After that fight with that damn Doppelganger Rosebelle, it's a Miracle she's even still alive."

  Michigo’s eyes became fierce. “Roselle is pure and innocent. She’s not someone who should be out there trying to fight these battles. I need to be the hand that smacks her enemies into submission. I owe her that much after everything she’s done for me.”

  Sarah took a deep breath and then spoke afterwards. “Runebelle, I too understand where you’re coming from, but Roselle… Roselle has always been more than just a friend to me. She’s been my anchor, my inspiration. Even after everything Shadowcroft put me through—things I can barely talk about—Roselle stayed by my side. She never judged me, even when I felt like I was losing myself.”

  Sarah’s eyes welled with unshed tears. “Roselle has this incredible way of making everyone around her feel special, like they matter. I’ve always tried to prove myself to her, but really, it didn’t matter what I did. She never made me feel lesser. She saw me for who I am, and that’s something I can’t repay with just words.”

  She glanced at Michigo, who nodded in agreement. “Roselle is special to both of us. If she’s choosing to fight, then I want to be there with her. Not just because I owe it to her, but because she’s always been there for me. I need to be by her side, just like she’s always been by mine.”

  Runebelle took a deep breath. She let her head hang for a moment before she spoke.

  “I can see how much you both care for Roselle,” Runebelle said while raising her head with sorrow. “And that’s why it pains me to say this. If you come with us… there is a very real chance that you won’t make it back. I’ve seen glimpses of the future, and the reality is grim.”

  She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. “I think Roselle’s power is still entwined with mine. That’s what may have caused me to see into the future slightly. I’ve seen that if You two join the fight, the odds of survival will diminish drastically.”

  Sarah trembled. “But… but …she means so much to us. If we don’t stand by her now, then what was all this for?”

  Runebelle shook her head slowly “I understand how hard this is to hear. Believe me, it’s not something I wanted to say, but don’t think you two still can’t contribute.”

  "What are you suggesting," Michigo questioned curiously.

  Runebelle reached into her bag and pulled out small communicators. Handing one to each of them, she explained, “I’m giving you these. If anything happens and we need you two to come as back up, I'll contact you through these devices."

  Michigo sighed heavily, taking the communicator. “Alright, Runebelle. I’ll take this. I’ll be ready to jump in if you need me.”

  Sarah nodded. “We’ll stay ready. And if you need us, don’t hesitate to call.”

  Runebelle offered a reassuring smile, though she looked slightly gloomy. “Thank you both.”

  Roselle waited at the outskirts of town. She knew she was treading into the unknown. The world around her seemed transformed, veiled in ghostly silhouettes and hushed by the heavy mist, as if she had stepped into a different dimension.

  Suddenly, through the dense fog, Roselle spotted the figures of two people emerging from the obscurity. Risebelle, with her well-adjusted attire and serious face was unmistakable. Beside her was Jess, a name familiar to Roselle. Jess had once stayed at her home, and her flirty nature had led to her to being kicked out of her home.

  Risebelle, who had reached the scene earlier, turned to Jess and began the introductions. "Jess, this is Sadie. She's the one who messaged me, and she's also known as CipherMystery08. She's been a valuable ally in our investigations."

  Jess raised an eyebrow. "Sadie, huh? The mysterious ally. I remember you from the hospital. You were the one interrogating Risebelle about Roselle's address, right? But you told me your name was Runebelle...”

  Runebelle’s eyes widened slightly. She took a deep breath and tried to envision the encounter. Flashbacks flickered through her mind: Jess admiring her multicolored blue and pink hair, her towering height, and Jess’s unmistakable flirtatiousness from their last meeting.

  Runebelle let out a nervous chuckle, “Ah, I remember now. You were… quite taken with my hair back then, weren’t you?”

  Before she could continue, Jess waved a hand infront of her. “Oh, oh, I know how this works. You’ve got many names, different personas. Honestly, I find it kind of attractive. It’s like you’re a mystery wrapped in a scrumptious--”

  Risebelle smacked Jess lightly on the back of the head. “Don’t you dare get all flirty with Sadie—err, Runebelle. We’re here for serious business.”

  Jess rubbed the back of her head with a grin. “Okay, okay. Just saying…”

  Runebelle laughed softly. “Feel free to call me whichever name you prefer.”

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

  Risebelle gave Jess a final disapproving look before turning her attention back to Runebelle.

  With unease creeping into her heart, Roselle turned to Runebelle with worry. “Um… Runebelle? Where did Michigo and Sarah go? I thought they were coming with us."

  Runebelle met Roselle's gaze, her eyes carrying the weight of the revelations to come. "Roselle, there have been some changes in our plans. I've asked Sarah and Michigo to attend school today. It's a precaution to ensure their safety. We can't afford any unnecessary risks."

  Roselle, though surprised, nodded her head. "Okay. I’ll trust your judgment on this one, Runebelle. What's the plan now?"

  Runebelle gestured towards Risebelle and Jess. "Iv’e been assembling a team to confront Shadowcroft. Risebelle and Jess will be part of it. We'll need everyone's strength and abilities. But before we proceed, there's something important I need to share with all of you."

  Runebelle took a deep breath and scanned the faces of those gathered around her. “I’m glad you all made it here safely. You’re about to see something that might be quite unsettling, and I hope none of you will panic when you see it."

  Everyone nodded. Runbelle began to lead Risebelle, Roselle, and Jess into the old, weathered building hidden within the thick, mysterious fog. She guided them through the corridors of the building, where the shadows seemed to stretch and twist.

  While moving further into the building, Runebelle decided to speak up. "I am the Sleuth of Shadows, the one who wrote about the Doppelganger case on the Forum of Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows. What you didn't know is that I am also a victim of Shadowcroft. They took something from me, something I can never get back no matter what I do.The only thing that will satisfy me is the total destruction of Shadowcroft, and I’m doing whatever it takes to make sure that this happens."

  Finally, they entered a large room with a central area that was only illuminated by flickering firelight. The room had an odd assortment of chairs, tables, and other items. In one of the chairs, they saw a person bound and gagged. Her school shirt and skirt was torn in places. She had visible cuts and bruises.

  It was Rosebelle. Runebelle turned to the trio with a grave look. "I present to you the Key to Shadowcroft."

  Roselle's mind reeled with shock and disbelief. Rosebelle, bound and visibly injured in front of her. Rosebelle had always been a powerful opponent, and seeing her in such a vulnerable state was almost incomprehensible.

  "What on earth... What's happening here?" Roselle gasped.” Sadie… is this what you’ve been up to?”

  Risebelle's mind swirled in a whirlpool of shock and disbelief. Rosebelle was the person who defeated Risebelle and put her in the hospital. Now, she was defeated? "What the hell... What's going on here?And who are you really, Sadie? You have some kind of power, don't you?!"

  Runebelle met Risebelle's gaze with a pained look. “Look, there was a reason that I hid my name. I am the result of Shadowcroft's fusion, the merging of two supernatural powers. My ability is insight. If I touch someone, I can gain knowledge about them, their past, their abilities, their secrets..."

  Runebelle’s gaze turned to Roselle while she continued, "Rosebelle is your Doppelganger, Roselle. After you defeated her at Club Crimson, I... I took her into custody. Shadowcroft has been my enemy for a long time, and Rosebelle had valuable information. The Key to Shadowcroft is a term they used for someone who knows the location of their main base."

  Roselle's eyes widened in realization. Runebelle eyed a corner of the room." Now, there's someone else I'd like you all to meet."

  Footsteps echoed in the room, drawing the attention of Roselle, Risebelle and Jess.

  They turned their attention toward the source of the sound, witnessing the entrance of a figure clad in a green military suit and lab coat. She had Short pink hair which was in sidetails. Violet-colored headphones also adorned her ears.

  "Hello, ladies and gentlemen," The woman greeted. "I'm Juliana Kintovar, and I must say, it's a pleasure to finally meet you all in person. I've been following your progress closely, and I believe we can work together to put an end to Shadowcroft's schemes."

  Juliana's gaze swept over the group. Roselle exchanged glances with Risebelle and Jess.

  Runebelle gestured towards Juliana."Juliana is the mastermind behind the Memory Removal device. Once attached, it's irreversible. The Doppelganger's memories and identity is wiped away, rendering them unable to cause harm or impersonate anyone ever again. She's also responsible for the handcuffs we will be using to combat the Doppelgangers. It’s designed to suppress their abilities."

  Juliana nodded. "The Memory Removal device is a powerful tool, but it's a last resort. Our main goal is to expose and dismantle Shadowcroft. The final battle is upon us, and with your unique abilities, we have a chance to succeed."

  Juliana turned to the trio with her hands now placed behind her back. "Are you ready for the final battle with Shadowcroft? This won't be easy, but together, we can put an end to the threat that has plagued the lives of many for far too long."

  The trio nodded their hands. Juliana grinned. She approached Rosebelle and skillfully unbound and ungagged her. Rosebelle wasted no time in raising her voice.” Like, seriously, what's your problem, like, totally binding me up and stuff? This is so not cool! I've got, like, rights and stuff, you know!"

  Before Rosebelle could escalate further, Runebelle fixed her with a gloomy stare. The room seemed to darken as Runebelle approached her.

  "Enough," Runebelle spoke with authority. “You won't be causing any harm after what you've done. In fact, you're going to help us. You will lead us straight to Shadowcroft's base and assist in bringing them down, or do you think you can beat me?"

  Rosebelle's eyes flared with defiance. “Hell yeah, I can kick your as—”

  Runebelle didn’t let her finish. With a swift motion, she pulled out a sleek, pen-like device from her pocket.

  Rosebelle’s eyes widened in terror. “No! Not that! Anything but that!” she cried.“I’ll do it! I’ll cooperate! Just don’t use that on me!”

  She visibly cowered. Her bravado was vaporized in mere moments. Risebelle was struck by the contrast between the Rosebelle she knew and the Rosebelle cowering figure before her now.

  “That’s right,” Runebelle with authority. “We’re not here to play games. You’re going to lead us to Shadowcroft’s base and help us dismantle their operations. Any further resistance will only make things worse for you.”

  Rosebelle nodded vigorously. Her eyes darted between Runebelle and the device in fear. “Okay, okay! I’ll do it! Just don’t use that thing on me! I’ll lead you wherever you need to go!”

  Risebelle looked at Runebelle with astonishment. “You must be a major badass. Rosebelle was someone who just kicked my ass days ago….”

  Runebelle shook her head, a modest smile crossing her face. “That honor doesn’t go to me. It belongs to Roselle.”

  Risebelle’s eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to Roselle. “No way…”

  Before anyone could react, Jess bounded over to Roselle. She lifted her off her feet in an enthusiastic hug. “This little cutie beat that beast of a woman? I can’t believe it! You’re amazing!”

  Roselle blushed deeply as Jess held her up. “I couldn’t have done it without Michigo, Sarah, and Runebelle being there.”

  Risebelle, still processing the news, looked at Roselle with renewed respect. “Roselle? I always thought you were just a scared girl who was afraid of every little thing. Didn’t know you were such a beast.”

  Roselle blushed more deeply. “I guess…sometimes, you find strength you didn’t know you had, and believe in the friends who believe in you.”

  Jess gave Roselle a tight squeeze before setting her down. “You’re incredible, Roselle. Seriously.”

  Risebelle nodded slowly. “I underestimated you.” She turned to Runebelle and said,” Anyways, let’s get to work and take Shadowcroft down.”