The group arrived at Alden's cabin. They were greeted immediately by the cheerful sight of Alden's 7-year-old daughter, Sally. The young girl's eyes widened with amazement when she saw Silver, transformed as Kintovar, standing among her father's new friends.

"Daddy, you got even more friends!" Sally exclaimed with excitement.

Alden chuckled warmly and knelt down to his daughter's level. "Yes, sweetie, these are my friends. And look, this is Kintovar!"

Sally's curiosity was piqued. She looked up at Silver, "Wow, you look so cool!"

Silver, maintaining her transformation, smiled kindly at the young girl. “Thank you, Sally. It's a pleasure to meet you."

With the transformed Silver, now resembling Kintovar, present, the group gathered around the couch where the tracking device lay. Alden picked up the device and turned it on, its screen illuminating the room with a soft glow.

"The time has come at last to unlock the tracking device using Kintovar’s facial recognition."

He turned to Silver, who had taken on Kintovar's appearance flawlessly. "Kintovar, please, look into the device and let's unlock it."

Silver nodded. She leaned closer to it. Her eyes met the device's camera. The group watched with a held breath, hopeful that this would work.

“User Identification Confirmed: Kintovar

Authorization Granted

Welcome, Kintovar. The time is 4:45 PM”

The tracking device displayed the following information for Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle:

Roselle:

Lifeforce: 100%

Magic: 200%

Location: North Jancito, Alden's Cabin

Risebelle:

Lifeforce: 100%

Magic: 200%

Location: North Jancito, Alden's Cabin

Runebelle:

Lifeforce: 100%

Magic: 200%

Location: North Jancito, Alden's Cabin

Alden nodded thoughtfully as he looked at Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle. "It's true," he began, "you three are truly remarkable beings. You're not like any robots we've ever seen. You have thoughts, emotions, and feelings, just like humans. It's extraordinary."

Roselle's smiled and a rosy blush tinted her cheeks. Risebelle folded her arms and shook her head. Runebelle gently clasped her hands together.

Silver meanwhile carefully examined the list of names on the device's screen:

Haras

Mystimona

Gaiza

Elena

Alan

Aliana

Becky

Sybil

Risebelle

Roselle

Runebelle

Kintovar - (Test)

Self

After a moment of contemplation, she selected "Kintovar - (Test)" and confirmed her choice.

The device's tracking protocol initiated, and after a brief moment, it pinpointed the location of the real Kintovar. The tracking device's screen displayed a detailed map which showed that Kintovar was currently deep to the south of North Jancito, approaching the center of Jancito itself.

Alden looked with concern over Silver’s shoulder. “The most dangerous part of the city? What’s she doing there?"

Becky replied. "There's only one way to find out."

Lina raised one hand and announced, "I'm out. I helped you with the tracking device; now I've got to get back to Bob."

Alden nodded and said, "Tell my brother Bob thanks for us and thanks to you, Lina."

Lina acknowledged Alden's gratitude with a nod and then turned to Silver. "You can go back home too, Silver. I can walk with you and--"

But Silver shook her head firmly and stated, "No way, Lina. I'm invested in this group now. There's no way I'm leaving until we find Kintovar."

Lina shrugged and replied, "Suit yourself."

Stolen story; please report.

The group waved farewell to Lina who left Alden’s Cabin. Alden then turned to the others and said, "Let's get on the move."

Sally, his daughter, was about to ask again if she could join them, but Alden read her mind and called her name before she could utter a word. "Sally, sweetheart, this part of the city isn't safe for little ones like you. It's where the grown-ups have to go sometimes to do important things. But," he added with a warm smile, "When I come back, I promise we'll do something special together."

Sally brightened at his promise but still looked a bit disappointed

Alden sighed softly, knowing how much Sally wanted to be involved. He raised a finger with a smile. ”How about this? When I come back, I'll take you and everyone here to see a movie. It'll be a special treat, and we'll have lots of fun together."

Sally's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? A movie with everyone?" she exclaimed while bouncing in place.

Alden nodded with his smile widening. "Absolutely. We'll make it a big outing, just for you and all our friends here."

Becky grinned and gave Alden a thumbs-up. "Sounds like a plan, Alden."

The group ventured to the southern side of North Jancito. A noticeable change in the environment greeted them. The air was slightly warmer, and the snow that had blanketed the northern side had mostly disappeared. Instead, they found themselves in an area with tall, ancient trees, their leaves a lush green.

The forest held the sound of chirping birds. The scent of earth and vegetation filled the air, and the temperature became even more comfortable than the snowy parts of the North. Alden looked around and remarked, "It's amazing how different the climate is just a short distance from where we were."

The group ventured deeper into the southern part of North Jancito. They ended up out of the forest and into a town. There were buildings in this area that bore signs of both destruction and strange preservation. Some structures had collapsed, with rubble strewn about, while others appeared untouched and in pristine condition.

What caught their attention even more were the townspeople. Every person they saw wore a peculiar smile, one that seemed almost forced and unnatural. The townspeople had teeth that was unnaturally white, and their eyes held a strange, vacant glint.

Roselle tugged at Alden's sleeve and whispered with worry, "Something doesn't feel right here, Alden."

Alden nodded in agreement. "Stay close, everyone. Let's proceed with caution."

The group continued to navigate the curious town. Silver, clutching the tracking device tightly, kept her eyes fixed on its display as they navigated the peculiar town. She matched the group's pace, taking each turn with them.

The device's display continued to show the location of the real Kintovar. Silver tried to press a few buttons on the tracking device, and managed to access a feature which allowed her to pinpoint Kintovar's location to a busy street in the heart of the town. She turned to the group and urgently gestured for them to look around.

The group spread out and each member scanned the faces of the townspeople, hoping to spot Kintovar among the bustling crowd

Roselle, held onto the perfect photo of Kintovar. She approached a group of townspeople with a warm smile. She politely asked, "Excuse me, have any of you seen this person?"

Risebelle approached a different group and showed them the photo. She questioned them with a hint of urgency, "We're looking for this person. I’m gonna guess you haven’t seen them, have you?” The townspeople shook their heads and continued to wear their unsettling smiles.

Runebelle approached a vendor and displayed the photo. She spoke softly while wearing a gloomy face. “Have you seen this person… We're trying to find her…." The vendor smiled and simply nodded.

Becky boldly walked up to a group of townspeople with the photo of Kintovar in hand. She asked them, "Hey, we're searching for this person. Yall Seen her around?" The townspeople's smiles remained unsettling upon their faces. She got the same reply as the others.

Sybil approached a couple and showed them the photo. She inquired, although somewhat hesitant “Hey…We're looking for this person. Have you seen her recently?"

Alden, carrying an air of authority, approached a small gathering of townspeople and displayed the photo."We need to find this person. Have any of you seen her?" The townspeople nodded in unison.

The group regathered after their attempts to find Kintovar.

Roselle, looking confused, turned to the others and said, "Did you all notice how strange the townspeople are acting? Their smiles... they don't seem genuine at all."

Risebelle, her skepticism deepening, added, "It's like they're all wearing masks. I've never seen anything like it."

Runebelle, who had been observing quietly, nodded in agreement. She whispered, "This place feels... off."

Becky placed her hands behind her head, "I don't like this. It's as if they're all hiding something."

Sybil chimed in. "We need to be cautious. This place gives me a bad feeling."

Alden asserted, "Whatever's going on, we need to find Kintovar and get out of here. Let's stick together and keep an eye out for any signs of her."

Suddenly, a powerful presence descended upon the town square, sending a surge of fear down the throeats of the townspeople. Dark Whirlwind, cloaked in an ominous black robe, materialized with an unsettling grace. The atmosphere grew heavy with its arrival, and all eyes turned toward the mysterious figure.

Dark Whirlwind lowered the hood of its cloak, and an eerie silence fell over the crowd. What was revealed beneath sent shockwaves through the hearts of our group. Dark Whirlwind's face was an exact replica of Roselle's, with the same blue eyes and flowing yellow hair.

Risebelle's anger surged within her like a roaring tempest when she laid eyes upon Dark Whirlwind's face. It was just like described to be; a mirror image of her sister, Roselle. Risebelle fought fiercely to maintain her composure. Her jaw tightened while locking eyes with the sinister figure. She held herself back with everything she had.

Roselle stood frozen in place. She was filled with shock and disbelief while gazing upon Dark Whirlwind's face. How could this be? She looked just like her. It was one thing to hear about Dark Whirlwind, but to witness it up close, to see her own features mirrored in such a malevolent darkness, left Roselle speechless. She clutched her chest, her heart pounding with disbelief.

Unable to tear her gaze away from the sinister Dark whirlwind, Roselle managed to find words to whisper, "No... This can't be real."

Panic spread through the crowd like wildfire. The people recognized the ominous figure before them. Shouts and screams erupted from every direction.

“It’s Dark Whirlwind!"

"We're in trouble now!"

"Citizens, run! It's Dark Whirlwind!" cried one woman.

Mothers clutched their children tightly, trying to shield them from the looming threat. Shopkeepers abandoned their stalls, hastily closing up shop, and people rushed for cover, seeking safety wherever they could find it. Business owners locked their doors and windows, hoping to protect their livelihoods from the impending chaos. Some whispered prayers under their breath and sought out protection under shelters.

Amidst the chaos, a frantic mother clutched her daughter's hand tightly and dashed towards the nearest shelter. Her heart pounded with fear.

They finally reached the shelter, out of breath but relieved to be under cover. The mother kneeled down to comfort her daughter, only to realize she was holding onto the doll her daughter had been carrying earlier. Her eyes widened in horror.

"Emily! Emily, where are you?" she called out desperately.

Meanwhile, Emily, the little girl, had been separated from her mother in the frantic rush. She stood alone in the streets with tears welled up in her eyes amidst the panicked crowd. "Mommy?" she called out softly.

A man noticed Emily's distress and approached her cautiously. "Hey there, little one. Are you lost?" he asked gently, crouching down to her eye level.

Emily nodded with tears streaming down her cheeks. "I... I lost my mommy," she sobbed.

The man's heart went out to the scared child. "It's okay. Let's get you to safety," he reassured her, offering his hand.The man led her back towards the shelter, navigating through the panicked crowd with care.

Dark Whirlwind's ominous presence loomed over them all, and with a commanding voice, she ordered, "That’s enough! Nobody else move, or I will destroy this entire city!"

A hushed silence fell over the crowd as people froze in fear. Their eyes were locked on the figure that mirrored Roselle's appearance. Dark swirling energy emanated from its raised hand, casting a darkness to hover over the town square. With a chilling declaration, she proclaimed,

"It is time for this town to pay their dues."