Harty cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we are all aware of the strange happenings in our town lately. Mysterious doppelgangers, abductions, and an explanation for everything: a game we all love, Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows. What I am about to show you is the data we have found...”

Harty pulled up a presentation on a screen, displaying images of doppelgangers and the game.

"Doppelgangers have invaded our lives, and at the moment, their intentions are a mystery. But there does tend to be some pattern like the one in the game. They are replacing people just like in Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows and messing with events."

Harty continued, while everyone else seemed to give serious looks. "But here is the big discovery. We ain't victims in the story at all. We have a chance to change the ending. We, uniquely, possess this advantage that will help us know the truth about these doppelgangers and put an end to their sinister plans."

Harty placed a photograph on his presentation screen with a photo showing three question marks.

"Now, we have here an informant in this place who has followed these doppelgangers. They know more about them than any other man alive. That somebody is here, amongst us, today.

"

He then dramatically swung towards the door, revealing Angie, who was eavesdropping.

"Angie has been doing recon and has some very valuable insights to share. She has key knowledge for defeating this threat. Angie, if you will, please join us."

The room fell silent as Angie, still engrossed in her game, slowly looked up from her device and walked inside.

The surprised looks on Roselle and Michigo's faces were hard to miss as Angie strolled into the room. They recognized her from their recent encounter in the hunt for Tina.

Roselle and Michigo exchanged uncertain glances, recalling the favor they owed Angie. It was a complicated situation. Risebelle couldn't contain her surprise as Angie, one of her friends entered the room.

"It's Angie," Risebelle whispered. "It actually makes sense now. She’s always warning me not to get in too deep with Jess… I thought she might have been jealous or something, but she was hiding all of this."

Angie looked up from her game, a sly smile on her face. "Well, it's simple," Angie began. "I've been keeping an eye on you all, mainly because I knew something was amiss with your involvement in this whole mess. You're dealing with dangerous stuff, and you didn't even know it."

She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in before continuing, "I found out about Shadowcroft and their interests in Roselle and Risebelle. They want to merge them into some super being, right? So, when I learned that Jess was getting closer to you, Risebelle, and possibly Roselle too, I decided to step in. You see, they were using Jess to get to you. I couldn't let that happen, even though I'm not too fond of any of you."

Jess was shocked by Angie's revelation. "Wait, you've been helping us this whole time?"

Angie nodded. "Yeah, I've been keeping helping by keeping you away certain individuals and trying to protect you, in my own way. That being said, I don't want yall to think I'm suddenly your best friends. Also, two of you here have a bill with me."

Michigo and Roselle exchanged glances momentarily before small smiles came to their face. Roselle spoke up first, "We understand that, but you helped us, Angie. We appreciate it, even if you're not doing it out of the kindness of your heart."

Michigo chimed in, "Yeah, we'll honor our debt to you, Angie… “

"Alright, here's the plan," Angie began. "We know they want to merge Roselle and Risebelle into one entity, right? But they also need to capture Risebelle to make it work. We're going to use that against them."

Angie continued, "We'll set a trap for Shadowcroft, making it seem like Risebelle is an easy target. We'll use Roselle as bait, and Michigo, you'll act as her protector.”

Roselle nodded, understanding the plan. "And when they come for Risebelle, we'll be ready to catch them by surprise. But how do we ensure our safety in all of this?"

Angie smirked, "That's where I come in. I'll be monitoring everything from a distance, ready to step in if things get too dangerous. You can count on me to have your backs."

Michigo raised an eyebrow, "And what about Jess? She's been getting closer to Risebelle. Won't she be in danger?"

Angie’s face darkened. "Jess may be more involved in this than we think. I'll keep an eye on her too, but you two need to be careful around her until we figure out her true allegiance."

Jess’s eyes narrowed. “Shittalker Angie… you’ve always been trying to make me look like the bad guy. You’re just trying to turn everyone against me, aren’t you?”

Angie’s face remained calm, almost smug. “Oh, I beg to differ, Jess. Jess, I'm not trying to make you look bad. But your clothes speak for themselves. They scream 'I'm up to no good.' And let's be honest, we all know what kind of places those dark clubs lead to.”

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

Jess crossed her arms defiantly. “Proof? Show it. Show everyone how I’m doing something that would hurt them.”

Angie smirked. “There’s no need to provide proof. Your attire speaks for itself. Where else would you go dressed like that? Dark clubs, hanging out with bad guys, using your body.”

Jess growled. “You think just because I wear these revealing clothing that I'm a slut? Well, guess what? It takes more than just a pretty face and a tight dress to get me into bed.”

Risebelle stepped forward and place a hand on Jess’ arm and then turned to face Angie. “Angie, you can’t just accuse her based on her clothes. We need facts, not assumptions.”

Jess's anger flared. She pushed Risebelle’s arm away and stepped up into Angie’s face. “You’re not fooling anyone with your calm act, you little bitch. I know you've got something against me. You’re using this situation to take it out on me! Don’t even try to deny it!"

Angie remained stoic. "Jess, this isn’t personal. I've got my reasons for being cautious. We're dealing with a dangerous organization here, not kids from next door, you know."

Jess’s anger flared even more. “Isn’t personal my Ass! You judged me just by how I looked a while ago! Do you really think I’m gonna believe that shit!?”

Angie, unfazed, popped a lollipop into her mouth and leaned back casually. “You know what, Jess? You need to chill out.”

Jess shouted, “Stop being so smug, Angie! You’re always acting like you know everything!”

Angie took another leisurely lick of her lollipop. “Here’s what you need,” she said, and before Jess could react, she shoved the same lollipop into Jess’s mouth.

Jess spat the lollipop out. "That does it!" With a growl, she tackled Angie to the ground, sending the chair toppling over.

Angie struggled against Jess with her calm demeanor now turning to anger while Jess’s rage seemed to fuel her strength. Roselle and Michigo quickly joined Risebelle, helping to separate the two.

"Enough!" Risebelle shouted with a stern look at both of them. "This isn't getting us anywhere. We have a bigger issue to deal with, and bickering among ourselves won't help! Angie, if you're here to help, fine, but don't accuse Jess without evidence!

Angie took a deep breath. She reluctantly said, "Alright, I apologize for singling you out, Jess."

Jess gave Risebelle a thankful look, but when she saw the stern gaze directed at her, she shrank a bit. "I know, I know," Jess muttered, "I shouldn’t let Angie provoke me like that."

Risebelle face softened slightly. "Exactly. We need to keep it together, not fight like a pack of wild animals."

Jess sighed. She tried to speak with a sweet tone. "I got hot-headed too fast. I’m sorry, lovely." She glanced up at Risebelle. "Forgive me?"

Risebelle nodded.

“You may continue, Angie,” Harty said.

Angie nodded. "Right, back to the plan. We've got some advantages on our side. Risebelle has already seen a doppelganger of herself, so we can assume Roselle might have a similar experience soon. This could be our chance to find out more about these doppelgangers and maybe even Shadowcroft's operations."

She paused for a moment to let her words sink in before continuing, "I've already contacted some of my gamer friends who specialize in hacking and gathering information. They'll help us keep tabs on any digital traces Shadowcroft might leave behind."

Angie glanced around the room at her audience and concluded, "Our mission is to stay vigilant, gather information, and, most importantly, protect Roselle and Risebelle from becoming the next victims of this shadowy organization. "

Angie took a deep breath and then handed out slips of paper to the group, each containing a web address and a chatroom password.

"Here's how we'll stay in touch during this operation," Angie explained. "Use the web address to access our encrypted chatroom. It's a secure platform, and only those with the password will be able to join our discussions. This way, we can share information, coordinate our efforts, and stay one step ahead of Shadowcroft."

She looked around at the group, making sure they all understood the importance of this communication channel. "Remember, this is crucial for our safety and success. Don't share this information with anyone outside of this group. We can't afford to have any leaks."

The group nodded in agreement. Angie then spoke, "Now, let's all enter the chatroom with your assigned usernames when you get home. We have work to do, and the clock is ticking."

With the chatroom information in hand, the group members felt a renewed sense of purpose.

Risebelle and Jess walked home together. Jess leaned in close to Risebelle, her arms wrapped around her playfully as she normally do, but this time, Risebelle's demeanor had changed. She didn’t focus on Jess as all and kept on the move.

"Risey, what's wrong?" Jess asked with concern. "You've been acting different ever since that whole Angie thing. Did I…did I do something wrong?"

Risebelle sighed. Her eyes were lowered. "Jess, it's not about you. It's just... this whole situation with Shadowcroft and everything, it's a lot to handle. I need some space right now."

Jess pouted slight with a frown. "I get it, but I don't want us to be all weird with each other…. I…I care about you, Risey."

Risebelle gave her a small smile. "I care about you too, Jess, but right now, we have a bigger problem to deal with. Let's focus on that, okay?"

Jess reluctantly loosened her grip on Risebelle. She placed her hands behind her back. "Okay, I understand. I'll be here whenever you need me."

Risebelle grinned. "You know, Jess," Risebelle started in a light tone, "For someone who’s always so busy flirting with everyone, you sure know how to be serious every once in a while."

Jess raised an eyebrow. Her lips curled into a grin. "Hey, I can be sincere sometimes too, you know!"

Risebelle chuckled softly. "I know, Jess."

Jess nudged Risebelle with her elbow. "Well, I guess you’ve got me figured out, Risey. But don’t forget, beneath all the flirting and teasing, there’s a genuine friend who’s always here for you."

Risebelle’s smile broadened. “Yeah, I know that better than anyone else… I appreciate you, just... let me handle things my way for now. “

When they arrived Jess's house, Jess made her move. She pulled Risebelle closer to her and whispered, "Why rush home, Risey? We've got the whole weekend ahead. How about we stay and have some... fun together?"

Risebelle, however, quickly planted her feet on the ground and struggled against her grasp. "Jess, you're crazy! I know your tricks. If I go inside, you'll lock the door, and who knows when I'll escape from your evil lair!"

Jess chuckled at Risebelle's reaction and released her. "Alright, alright. I guess you have a point. But remember, I'll be online, so we can chat and figure out the plan."

Risebelle, with a hint of a smile, replied, "Sounds good, Jess. I'll catch you online. Take care."

Jess watched Risebelle walk away. After a moment, she suddenly realized a significant detail she had overlooked.

“Wait," Jess muttered to herself with a gigantic frown forming on her face. "I don't even know what her online name is. How am I supposed to find her in the chatroom!?"