"Dr. Winter, I believe there's an opportunity here for both of us. I propose we make a deal."

Dr. Winter raised an eyebrow. She leaned back in her chair with a new lollipop in her mouth swaying slightly. "A deal? You've piqued my interest, Kintovar. What kind of deal are you suggesting?"

Kintovar leaned in slightly. “In exchange for your assistance and access to your resources, I can offer you something equally valuable."

Dr. Winter's gaze remained fixed on Kintovar. "Go on."

Kintovar continued, "I have the means to create highly advanced, lifelike artificial humans. Imagine what we could achieve together. Our combined expertise could revolutionize the world."

A thoughtful silence hung in the room as Dr. Winter considered Kintovar's proposal. Finally, she spoke, her tone cautious. "And what, precisely, do you want in return?"

Kintovar's lips curled into a faint smile. "Access to your files on Dark whirlwind, your personal resources and a partnership in your ambitious endeavors. In return, you gain access to my knowledge and creations. Together, we could shape the future in ways others can only dream of."

Dr. Winter removed the lollipop from her mouth and studied Kintovar for a moment. She then placed the lollipop back in her mouth and extended her hand. "You drive a hard bargain, Kintovar. Deal."

The two women shook hands, sealing a pact that held the promise of both unparalleled advancement and hidden agendas.

Ayana led Kintovar and her group out of Dr. Winter's office and through the labyrinthine corridors of Shadowcroft. Finally, they arrived at a set of double doors. Ayana pushed them open, revealing a laboratory filled with advanced equipment, computers, and workstations.

Kintovar scanned the array of cutting-edge technology with her mouth opening wide in awe. Ayana smiled, pleased with Kintovar's reaction. "We spared no expense in creating this space for you. It's fully equipped to accommodate your work and research."

Kintovar explored the lab with her companion’s right behind her. Haras's eyes widened while taking in the lab's array of advanced technology. She darted from one workstation to another, pointing out various pieces of equipment with increasing excitement. "Kintovar, look at this! We could create gadgets that are ten times more efficient than what we had before. This is incredible!"

Kintovar, trying to maintain her composure, cleared her throat and put her hands behind her back. "Haras, calm down," she said firmly.

Haras quickly moved to Kintovar's side and stood at attention. "Yes, Kintovar.”

Kintovar turned to Ayana, adopting a businesslike tone. "Thank you, Ayana. We appreciate the effort that has gone into preparing this space for us."

Ayana nodded with satisfied smile playing on her lips. "I'm glad you find it to your liking. We believe that with your expertise, you'll be able to make very high-tech advancements here."

Kintovar gave a curt nod. "Indeed. We have much work to do, and we will make the most of these resources."

Ayana stepped towards the door and then waved towards the group. “If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask. We're excited to see what greatness we can achieve with so many great scientists among us"

As soon as Ayana left the room, Haras turned to Kintovar and began to giggle. "Kintovar, it seems you're quite famous here. Are you really planning to help them with their research? This feels like a sudden move for us."

Kintovar gave Haras a quick, reassuring smile before scanning the room for any hidden surveillance devices. Her eyes narrowed while spotting tiny cameras and microphones cleverly hidden in various places—the corners of the ceiling, the underside of tables, even inside some of the equipment.

"Of course," Kintovar muttered to herself, moving around the room with purpose. She disabled each device she found. "Typical that they would want to keep an eye on us."

Haras watched with her giggle turning into a curious frown. "Are you sure Dr. Winter wanted you to destroy those? Wouldn't she notice?"

Kintovar paused momentarily before a smirk came to her lips. "Dr. Winter is no fool. If she's half the scientist she seems to be, she knows all about these bugs. What type of scientist wouldn't be worried about surveillance? I'm betting she wanted me to find and deal with them. It's a test of sorts."

Haras nodded. "So, what's the plan now?"

Kintovar finished disabling the last device and straightened up. "We play along, for now. We'll use their resources to our advantage and learn as much as we can. But we keep our own agenda in mind. Trust no one completely."

Haras gave a salute to Kintovar seriously yet enthusiastically. "Got it, boss!”

Kintovar then began grinning wily. “That being said, Look at all this technology, Haras! It's like a dream come true for a scientist. I can't wait to get my hands on some of these devices and learn from their research!”

Haras, equally energized, chimed in, "Absolutely, Kintovar we’re in the perfect place to broaden our horizons and take our own creations to the next level!"

With their immediate privacy secured and a clear plan in mind, Kintovar and Haras dove into their work with fervor.

Kintovar's eyes sparkled with excitement while beginning to work. Haras, equally energized, moved with precision and skill, following Kintovar's lead and contributing her own expertise. They communicated in a flurry of technical jargon and shorthand in sync with the other.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

In no time at all, Kintovar and Haras had assembled four new gadgets. They laid them out on a table for the group to see, their faces beaming with pride and satisfaction.

Mystimona, who had been quietly observing from a corner, finally spoke up. "I never knew scientists could work so quickly. It's like watching a magic show."

Kintovar turned to Mystimona with a grin. "Science can be pretty magical when you’re a genius like me."

Haras nodded in agreement while bouncing in place.

Kintovar began introducing each device with a flourish. "This first gadget is a portable energy generator," she explained, holding up a sleek, compact device. "It can convert almost any type of kinetic energy into electricity, perfect for powering our equipment on the go."

Next, she picked up a small, spherical object. "This is a multi-function drone. It can scout, map terrain, and even carry small items. Its AI is top-notch, making it a valuable tool for any mission."

Haras showcased the third gadget, a pair of goggles with a sleek design. "These are enhanced vision goggles. They come with night vision, thermal imaging, and an augmented reality interface that allows the wearer, even if they don’t have magical energy to detect how powerful a person is. They'll give us a tactical edge in any environment."

Kintovar picked up the final gadget which was a sleek, silver case. "This, everyone, is an automated medical pack. I know what you're thinking, 'That's not new!' But this pack is different. It works automatically. Instead of having to stitch someone up and patch their wounds manually, this device activates as soon as the substance within the pack makes contact with the person."

She opened the case, revealing a collection of small, needle-like capsules. "These capsules contain a special regenerative solution that enhances the body's natural healing processes. Currently, it only works for people with magical energy, but my goal is to expand its capabilities so it can be used by my creations."

Roselle's eyes widened with understanding. "I get it! If you do that, then Runebelle won't always have to use up her energy with healing shots."

Runebelle, who had been quietly listening, looked up. “That would be amazing…. If this pack can help, it would make a huge difference."

Kintovar nodded while raising one finger. "Exactly, Runebelle. I want to ensure that we have all the tools we need to stay safe and effective, without draining our energy reserves unnecessarily."

Mystimona's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Kintovar, your inventions are truly remarkable. It's incredible to see how much thought and care you put into each one."

Kintovar's grinned"Thank you, Mystimona. We're just getting started. With the resources here, I believe we can achieve even greater advancement!”

While the two scientists continued working, Mystimona leaned in to the sisters and whispered, "Did you notice something Ayana said earlier? She mentioned that this place is overwhelming to those 'who have been here before.' It implies that you've been here before, but you don't remember, do you?"

The sisters exchanged glances filled with concern. Roselle turned her head to the side while replying to Mystimona, “No... We do, Mystimona, but… it's something we should discuss among ourselves first…I hope you understand…"

Mystimona's perceptive eyes caught the exchange of glances between Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle. He leaned in a bit closer and said, "I understand, but just know it's crucial that you three have that conversation. It seems like there are things you need to share with each other. I will help you girls out."

With a sly smile, Mystimona called out to Kintovar, "Hey, Kintovar, I just heard from Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle that they need to use the bathroom. They'll be back soon."

Roselle began to speak up “H-Hey! No we—“

Roselle was promptly smacked on the back of her head by Risebelle. With a gesture that indicated they truly had to go, the sisters left the room. Kintovar looked on in curiousity.

In the small bathroom, Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle stood in a circle. They looked down for a moment, collecting their thoughts. Finally, Roselle spoke up, breaking the silence.

"Well," she began. “one of us has to start talking. We can't keep hiding things from each other, especially now."

Risebelle and Runebelle nodded in agreement. Roselle finally spoke. "You know, I've been getting these weird memories from the past. I met a past version of Risebelle, but I haven't seen a past version of you, Runebelle, but I also met someone who looked a lot like you, Runebelle. Her name was Sadie, but she was different, taller, and had her hair styled in a unique way."

Runebelle's face showed a hint of hesitation upon hearing the name Sadie, but she nodded slowly. "Sadie…was my sister. There's something you should know... something bad happened to her…I…"

Risebelle placed a hand on Runebelle’s shoulders. "Runebelle, you don't have to say more if you're not ready..."

Roselle nodded. "Tell us only what you feel comfortable with sharing."

Runebelle took a deep breath. "When I encountered Shadowcroft in the past, they attacked me and my mother, Rune…The next thing I remember is waking up in Shadowcroft. And... and there was talk of... fusion."

Risebelle's eyes widened. "Wait a minute... Runebelle, your mother's name was Rune, and your codename is Project Rune. And you mentioned fusion... This place, Shadowcroft, is like a remnant of our past, isn't it?"

Roselle, who had also been pondering Runebelle's words, nodded in agreement. "It makes sense. We've all been having these strange memories and experiences that are somehow connected. This could be a piece of the puzzle, a connection to our past lives."

Runebelle nodded slowly, relieved that her sisters understood. “I think…we’re starting to remember what happened to us before... and maybe what led us to become what we are now."

"If we were created by Kintovar,” Risebelle began, "then it means we had to have died at some point to become like this... and if that's the case, can any of us remember that moment?"

The three sisters looked at each other with unease. Runebelle said, "I may know a lot about my past, but my memories are still incomplete. I can't recall the exact moment of death..."

Roselle added, “I don’t know much about my past, but I am learning a lot about it...”

Risebelle gave a deep sigh and said, “That settles it. There's one thing we need to do. We have to find someone from our past lives, someone who might have answers. It's a long shot, and there are no guarantees, but maybe, just maybe, they exist, and we can find them here at Shadowcroft."

Runebelle looked towards Runebelle and said, "Perhaps Ayana might know something more. She mentioned that this place is overwhelming for those 'who have been here before.' She might have more information or even a lead on someone who remembers our past lives."

Roselle nodded in agreement. "It's worth a shot. Ayana seemed friendly enough. Maybe we can trust her with this information."

Risebelle put a hand on Roselle's shoulder and glared in her eyes. "Never say that, Roselle. Don't trust anyone here, Roselle...” she warned. But then, face softened, and she added, "Ayana might be our best lead, but we can't let even Kintovar know about this. This isn’t because we don't trust her, but this is something that we have to do for ourselves."

Risebelle asked a question aloud, "Roselle, Runebelle, before we leave, does the name 'Rosebelle' ring any bells?"

"It does," Roselle said with awe coming to her face.

Runebelle chimed in, "Yes, it's connected to our past memories."

Risebelle’s hand reached up and delicately brushed a strand of her hair with a nervous tick that revealed a rare tension within her. She gazed at her own reflection in the mirror.

‘So, 'Rosebelle'... What does that name really mean? It's linked to our past, to memories we've been slowly unraveling. But it's still a puzzle, and the pieces don't quite fit. ‘She began to picture Dark Whirlwind and Rosebelle, their faces merging with Roselle's. Her brow furrowed in concentration.

She whispered urgently, ‘Dark Whirlwind, Rosebelle, and Roselle... they all share the same face. But the pieces don't fit. Rosebelle's attitude clashes with Dark Whirlwind’s. How can these mismatched memories coexist?’