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Project Mage
Chapter 120: Saving a heart

Chapter 120: Saving a heart

A knock knock echoed through the cozy cabin of Manisha and Priya. They turned their attention to the door. Their mother went to answer it. She greeted the visitor with a playful tone and a warm smile.

"Hey, good looking," she said to Alden with amusement right upon opening the door.

Alden blushed slightly at the playful greeting, his demeanor becoming a bit flustered. "Hello, Anika," he replied.

"Oh, are you here to talk about your wife, again? Well, I've got ‘plenty’ of advice for you, handsome."

Alden chuckled nervously, trying to redirect the conversation. "Actually, Anika, I'm here for a different reason," he admitted, then gestured to Roselle and Risebelle, who were standing behind him. "I'm looking for Runebelle, the sister of these two girls. They got separated during their arrival in the North."

Anika shifted from teasing to one of concern while looked at the two young girls. "Oh, my," she said, “That’s a serious situation. Come on in, and let's talk about it."

She stepped aside, allowing Alden, Roselle, and Risebelle to enter the cozy cabin, where they could discuss their search for Runebelle in more detail.

Roselle and Risebelle entered the living room and were were relieved to finally see Runebelle; however, their relief quickly turned to concern while watching Manisha and Priya playing with her as if she were a lifeless doll.

Risebelle quickly turned to anger. She shouted, "Get away from her!” The loudness caused Manisha and Priya to jump in fright.

Startled, the two girls scrambled away from Runebelle. They looked at Risebelle with wide eyes and fear in their faces before they ran off screaming.

Anika sighed, "Risebelle, dear, you didn't have to scare them like that. They didn't mean any harm."

Risebelle's anger subsided, but she turned to Anika and held a serious look, "We’ve been separated for too long. We can't take any chances here."

Roselle nodded in agreement with Anika. "Risebelle, I can understand why you reacted that way, but you said it yourself. We have to be careful," she said. "We should just glad to have found Runebelle."

Risebelle took a deep breath and tried to relax. She approached Runebelle and leaned down, "Runebelle, it's time to go."

Runebelle, however, remained still. Her eyes didn’t even move. It was as if she hadn't heard Risebelle at all.

Roselle, who had been watching the scene could see the frustration building in her sister. She decided to intervene before Risebelle exploded. "Runebelle, Risebelle is right. We need to leave and find Doctor Kintovar. We can't stay here any longer."

But Runebelle still didn't respond. She remained in her seated position.

Risebelle clenched her fists in frustration. "Runebelle, Let’s go. Enough of this. Now."

But Runebelle continued to sit there unmoving. Risebelle's frustration grew. She shouted, "Runebelle! We don't have time for this!"

Roselle, sensing the tension, tried to mediate. "Risebelle, please, let's try to understand what's going on with her!"

Frustration boiled over in Risebelle causing her to scream loudly, "Runebelle, come with us, now!"

Runebelle was unresponsive, unmoving and did not even seem to make even the slightest sound.

Risebelle, her patience exhausted, moved closer to Runebelle, intending to physically take her sister with them; however, Roselle placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and whispered, "Wait, Risebelle. Something's not right. She might be scared or confused. Let's… let’s give her a moment."

Risebelle, her anger giving way to concern, turned to Roselle and asked, "Scared of what? We're her sisters. She shouldn’t be scared of us!”

Roselle nodded in understanding but replied softly, "I know, but sometimes fear can cloud our judgment. Let's be patient and give her some time to collect herself."

Risebelle's frustration continued to build. Determined to take action, Risebelle declared, "We can't just wait here. We have to find Kintovar. I won't sit around doing nothing!"

Before she could storm off, Roselle moved to follow her shouting, “Risebelle, wait!”

However, Anika stepped in, firmly restraining Roselle. "Wait, dear," Anika advised softly. "Give her some time. Sometimes people need a moment to gather themselves."

Roselle hesitated but ultimately nodded, realizing the wisdom in Anika's words. She sat down, though still anxious

Manisha and Priya, who had been hiding in the corner of the room, finally emerged when they saw Risebelle storm off.

Manisha timidly spoke up, "Is the mean girl gone now?"

Alden, feeling responsible for the disruption, approached the two girls and apologized, "I'm sorry about that. She's just really worried about her sister. She didn't mean to scare you."

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Manisha and Priya exchanged glances, then nodded, accepting Alden's apology.

Manisha and Priya, emboldened by Alden's reassurance, cautiously approached Roselle. Manisha, the more talkative of the two, asked, "Are you scary like the other one?"

Roselle shook her head and replied with a giggle, “No, I'm not scary. I promise!"

Manisha and Priya looked at each other and then Manisha took a step closer to Roselle with a hesitant smile forming on her face. “Will you… Will you play with us, please?"

Roselle glanced at Alden, seeking his approval. When he nodded with a warm smile, she returned her attention to the children and agreed, "Of course, I'd love to play with you."

With that, Roselle joined Manisha and Priya in their playful activities. While playing, Roselle began to inquire about Runebelle.

"So, tell me about the doll," Roselle asked with genuine interest. "What do you think of her?"

Manisha grinned happily and replied, "We love our doll! She's the one the goddess gave us!"

Roselle's eyes widened in surprise and curiosity. "The goddess?" she questioned. "You mean, like, a real goddess?"

Manisha's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, "Yes, really! Just yesterday, me and Priya, we were playing near the place of worship for the Goddess, and we saw her. The Goddess, I mean. She told us she was going to bring us a special doll today, and look!" She gestured toward Runebelle, who sat with outstretched arms. "Today, she arrived just like the Goddess said she would. We love her so much!"

Roselle listened to Manisha's story with a face full of wonder and confusion. The idea that the children believed Runebelle was a gift from a goddess fascinated her.

"That's amazing," Roselle said, trying to process the information. "So, you really believe that Runebelle is a gift from the Goddess?"

Manisha nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! She even talked to us, and she was so pretty with long hair like yours!" She pointed to Roselle's hair while speaking

Roselle smiled It seemed that Runebelle's presence had brought them great joy and comfort, and she didn't want to shatter their belief.

"That's so special," Roselle said warmly. "I'm glad the Goddess brought you such a wonderful doll. Let's make sure she has lots of fun with us today!"

With that, Roselle continued to play with Manisha and Priya, sharing in their joy and laughter, all while keeping the secret of her true identity as Runebelle's sister.

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The evening sun cast a warm glow over the cozy cabin, the game continued. Manisha and Priya, their eyes filled with delight, took their roles as "princesses" very seriously. They had fashioned a tiara from simple materials, and to them, Runebelle truly was a princess.

Manisha, her face beaming with happiness, decided it was time to present their precious princess with gifts. She carefully selected a handful of stones from the floor and extended her small hand toward Runebelle. With a look of reverence, she placed the stones in Runebelle's open hand.

Roselle watched this scene unfold with sadness coming towards her. She knew what she had to do next, and it was going to be a heartbreaking for the children who had grown so fond of their "doll."

Manisha and Priya turned their expectant eyes toward Roselle, anticipating her involvement in the game.

Roselle took a deep breath, trying to hold back the feelings that threatened to well up within her. With a deep breath to steady herself, Roselle interrupted the game. "Manisha, Priya, can I talk to you for a moment?" She tried to wear a smile, though it failed to mask her sadness.

Manisha and Priya exchanged curious glances but followed Roselle. She led them a short distance away from Runebelle.

Roselle knelt down to their level and began to explain, "I need to tell you something important. The 'doll' you've been playing with, she's not just a doll. She's my sister and her name is Runebelle. Both me and Risebelle have been looking for her."

Manisha and Priya looked at Roselle with wide eyes, their innocent understanding of the situation slowly dawning. Manisha spoke first, "But... but you said she's your sister. How can she be a sister and a doll?"

Roselle sighed."I know it might be a little confusing to you, but try to understand. I need to take her back with me so we can be together again."

Priya looked at Runebelle, her eyes welling up with tears. "But we like playing with her," she whimpered.

Manisha's tears welled up. "That's not fair," she sobbed softly. "The goddess promised me a doll, and Runebelle was supposed to be my doll!"

Roselle hugged both Manisha and Priya, offering comfort. "I understand how much you care for Runebelle," she said softly. "And I'm sure the goddess knew how much you would love her. But you see, Runebelle is special, just like you are. The Goddess brought Runebelle to you because she knew you would take good care of her. But now, I need to take her home so we can be together as a family. Maybe…we can visit you sometimes?"

Manisha and Priya clung to Roselle, their tears dampening her shoulder. They didn't fully understand the situation, but they knew that Runebelle had to leave, and it was breaking their hearts.

While Roselle comforted the tearful Manisha and Priya, a miracle occurred that none of them could have anticipated. Runebelle, who had been silent and unmoving for so long, suddenly moved. She placed the stones that Manisha had given her on the ground, and to everyone's astonishment, she joined the hug, wrapping her arms around Manisha and Priya.

Manisha and Priya's tears of sadness transformed into tears of joy when they felt Runebelle's embrace. Their eyes widened in amazement.

Roselle, too, was overcome with tears when she felt her sister’s hands. She couldn't believe what she was witnessing – Runebelle was back, and they were reunited once more.

Alden and Anika, who had been watching the scene unfold, exchanged glances and smiled.With tears of joy still glistening in their eyes, Manisha, Priya, and the three sisters reluctantly broke the heartwarming hug. Afterwards, Alden stepped forward, addressing Manisha and Priya with a gentle tone.

"Manisha, Priya," he began, "I know you've grown very fond of Runebelle. They've brought happiness to your lives, and I'm grateful for that. But you see, Runebelle and her sisters have been apart for some time. They need to be together as a family. Do you understand?"

Manisha and Priya listened attentively. They both frowned and shook their heads.

Alden continued, "I need to ask you something important. Is it okay if Roselle and Runebelle go with me? They want to be together, just like you and your family."

Manisha and Priya exchanged glances, then looked at Roselle, and Runebelle. After a moment of contemplation, Manisha nodded slowly. "Okay," she said softly. "But can you promise that they'll come back to visit and play sometimes?"

Alden smiled warmly at Manisha's request. "I promise. They'll come back to visit whenever they can. You've been such good friends to them, and they won't forget that."

Priya wiped away a lingering tear and chimed in, "And they can play with us whenever they visit, right?"

Alden nodded. "Of course, Priya. Whenever they visit, you can all play together and have fun."

Manisha and Priya smiled through their tears. With their consent, Roselle, and Runebelle could finally embark on the journey to be together again….as soon as Risebelle comes back…

Meanwhile, in a different part of the city, Risebelle had embarked on a quest to find any trace of Kintovar or information that could lead her to her creator.

While continuing her search, Risebelle noticed a gathering of people near the place of worship for the Goddess, drawn by the radiant statue of the deity holding the planet in her hands. Curiosity piqued, she made her way toward the crowd, hoping to gather information or perhaps even find a lead on Kintovar's whereabouts.