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Chapter 304: FLF: Fragments of the Forgotten Smile 33

  Rosebelle stood over the seemingly defeated Roselle in the ring. A smirk adorned her face. The spectators continued their cheers, convinced that Roselle was defeated and Rosebelle was the undisputed champion.

  However, to everyone's shock, Runebelle rose from her sear and walked over to Roselle's side. Rosebelle scoffed, "What's the point? Your friend is done for. No one can stand against me."

  Runebelle leaned down and whispered into Roselle's ear. Roselle, stirred by Runebelle's words, began to move.

  Sarah and Michigo, witnessing Roselle's resilience, started chanting her name. "Roselle! Roselle! Roselle!"

  Rosebelle, growing annoyed by the sudden turn of events, taunted, "What's this? A little pep talk won't like, change the outcome. I've already won."

  Runebelle, still by Roselle's side, responded with a sly smile, "You might want to hold that victory speech."

  Roselle gathered all her remaining strength and threw a punch she called "Photo Strike." The punch was imbued with all her resolve.

  The impact against Rosebelle was immense. As the punch connected, Rosebelle spat out blood, her body launched into the air with incredible force. She crashed through a pillar. The entire room shook from the collision. Dust and debris filled the area. The spectators gasped, watching in awe.

  Runebelle shouted, "That's how you win a fight!"

  Sarah and Michigo joined in, celebrating Roselle's unexpected comeback.

  With Rosebelle defeated, the atmosphere shifted. The crowd, once in favor of the doppelganger, now cheered Roselle’s name.

  Roselle walked over to Runebelle and gave her a nod of gratitude.

  Angie, who had been observing the entire battle, simply muttered, "About time."

  Rosebelle awakened to find Roselle standing over her. In her anger, she immediately lashed out with a flurry of blows, aiming for Roselle's face and body; however, to her shock and frustration, her attacks seemed to have no effect. Roselle stood there, taking the blows with a calm look.

  With each strike, Rosebelle's frustration grew. She swung wildly, but still, Roselle remained unharmed. It was as if Rosebelle's strength had been drained, and her blows were nothing but feeble attempts against her resolute opponent.

  Roselle finally spoke, "It's over, Rosebelle. You can't defeat me. Your way of violence ends here."

  Rosebelle, tears streaming down her face, asked in a trembling voice, "Why? Why can't I hurt you anymore? What changed?"

  Roselle looked at her with compassion. "Rosebelle, you have no strength left in your punches. Your abilities have negative side effects, and you used one you never used before. After you lost control, all your power disappeared."

  Rosebelle sank to her knees. She began to cry with free falling tears. "I wanted to be strong like…for reals..."

  Runebelle retrieved a pair of sturdy handcuffs and approached Rosebelle. She handcuffed Rosebelle and spoke with a tone of authority. “These cuffs were made by Juliana Kintovar.”

  The name Juliana Kintovar seemed to ring bells in Rosebelle's mind, but she couldn't quite place it. Confused and disoriented, she finally asked, "Juliana Kintovar? Who's that?"

  Runebelle replied with gloom. “I'm surprised you don't know about your own mother. Juliana Kintovar is the brilliant scientist who is trying to bring down Shadowcroft. It's funny.. You work for the same organization your mother is trying to take down. It's almost as if you were brainwashed... we have alot of questions for you, Rosebelle. You are... the key to Shadowcrowft."

  Rosebelle's eyes widened. "My mother? I didn't... I had no idea."

  Runebelle remained stern. "It's clear that you've been manipulated and used by Shadowcroft. We need to understand your connection to them and your mother's work. It's time to break you free from their influence."

  Roselle, Runebelle, and the others exchanged glances. Angie, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "Looks like mommy issues are the least of your concerns right now," she remarked, eyeing Rosebelle with a cold stare.

  Runebelle nodded. “You’re coming with me personally. We have questions, and it's about time you answered them."

  Back at Risebelle's house, with Rosebelle securely restrained, Runebelle took out a communication device and contacted Juliana Kintovar. The holographic image of the scientist flickered to life in the room." Ahh, Runebelle, I trust that you've handled the situation. Is Rosebelle in custody?"

  Runebelle nodded. "Yes, Dr. Kintovar. We have her. There's something you should know. Rosebelle doesn't seem aware of her connection to you."

  Juliana’s eyes widened with surprise. "I see. This complicates matters. Bring her to the lab immediately. We need to run some tests and find out what Shadowcroft has done to her."

  Once the holographic image faded, Runebelle made her way over to the Juliana’s lab.

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  In Juliana Kintovar's high-tech laboratory, the woman and her daughter Julia was engrossed in their latest project when Runebelle entered, bringing Rosebelle along.

  Juliana glanced up from her work, her expression shifting from focus to surprise as she saw Rosebelle. “So that is her… This is my daughter, Runebelle?"

  Runebelle stepped forward and nodded. "We captured her at the club crimson arena."

  Juliana's gaze shifted to Rosebelle, studying her carefully. There was a moment of recognition in Rosebelle's eyes when looking at Juliana, but it quickly faded into confusion.

  "Rosebelle..." Juliana murmured. "What have they done to you?"

  Meanwhile, in another part of the city, the group had rushed Roselle to the hospital. The doctor examined her with fascination and concern.

  "It's quite remarkable, what we've observed," the doctor began. "It appears that Roselle's body now contains what we can only describe as super cells. These cells have displayed incredible regenerative properties, and they seem to have played a significant role in her recovery."

  Sarah raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Super cells? What's the difference between those and regular cells?"

  The Doctor responded. "Regular cells have limitations in their regenerative abilities. They can repair damage to a certain extent, but not at the accelerated rate we've seen in Roselle. Super cells, on the other hand, appear to be capable of a more gradual healing and regeneration rate. They can even repair damaged lungs according to the test results. It's a truly unique development, one we've never encountered before."

  Back at the lab, Juliana took a deep breath. "Runebelle, we need to find out what they've done to Rosebelle."

  Runebelle nodded. "I'll stay and assist for as long as I can."

  Juliana turned to her daughter, Julia, and said, "Julia, we have unexpected guests. We need to unravel the mysteries Shadowcroft has woven around Rosebelle. Prepare the equipment for a thorough examination."

  Julia began setting up the necessary instruments. Juliana looked at Rosebelle with confidence. “You’re the key, Rosebelle. We'll get to the bottom of this, and you'll find out who you truly are."

  The atmosphere became tense as Juliana initiated an interrogation of Rosebelle. Rosebelle was reclined on the examination table, seemingly unimpressed by the high-tech surroundings.

  "So, like, what's the deal, totes?" Rosebelle eyed Juliana with annoyance.

  Juliana, however, remained composed. "Rosebelle, we need to understand what Shadowcroft has done to you. Runebelle mentioned you were raised there. Do you remember anything about this lab, about me?"

  Rosebelle rolled her eyes. "This place? No way. All I remember is Shadowcroft. Like, it's the only home I know."

  Juliana pressed further, "Tell me about Shadowcroft. How did you end up there?"

  Rosebelle sighed. "I dunno. One day, I just wasn't at my house anymore. Next thing I know, I'm at Shadowcroft. They trained me to be a, like, Doppelganger or something. It's all a bit foggy."

  Juliana's eyes narrowed. "A Doppelganger? Why would they need someone like you?"

  Rosebelle scoffed, twirling a strand of her hair. "Who knows? They just told me it was totes my mission to replace someone named Roselle. Like, I didn’t even know who she was until today. And let me tell you that was totes a major disappointment. Like really? Roselle's all good toe shoes. She even held back in our match. seriously? If they want us to end the Doppelgangers, they should at least like, go all out, you know?."

  Juliana absorbed this information, realizing that the Shadowcroft organization had manipulated Rosebelle into carrying out their dubious missions without providing her with the full picture.

  Rosebelle continued, "There was this one time, though, when I was younger. Someone who looked almost like Runebelle fought me. She said her mission was to stop me from replacing Roselle. Back then, I had no idea who Roselle was, but like, now that I met her, I get it. Roselle is, like, way too good for this."

  Juliana’s face remained stern.”And who is Alex? Runebelle mentioned him, said he broke her heart. What's your relationship with him?"

  Rosebelle shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, Alex? He's just my boyfriend, totes nothing special."

  Juliana raised an eyebrow. "If he's your boyfriend, why did he leave you in the middle of a match? Runebelle mentioned you were devastated, and you started talking about hating everything."

  Rosebelle rolled her eyes and crossed her arms defiantly. "I was just frustrated, okay? Like, the match wasn't going the way I wanted. Alex couldn't handle it, and he left. But that doesn’t mean he's not my boyfriend. Like, he’s not gonna dump me. He’s gonna come back."

  Juliana pressed further, "You were talking about hating your existence as a Doppelganger. Do you really feel that way?"

  Rosebelle hesitated for a momen before responding. "Well, yeah. Being a Doppelganger sucks. Everyone treats us like we're disposable. But if hating it means I get to be with Alex, then so be it."

  Juliana revealed a photograph of a young man named Ryan. "This is Ryan. He used to be a student at the school you attend. According to my sources, he was dating a girl named Jess. Is Alex Ryan? The resemblance is uncanny."

  Rosebelle glanced at the picture and scoffed, "Oh, please. Ryan and Alex are like, totes different people. Alex just dumped Jess a long time ago. It's not my problem if people can't move on."

  Juliana shifted her focus to another crucial point. "Alright, let's move on. Do you have any information on why you were raised like this and what Shadowcroft's plan is?"

  Rosebelle replied with a snarky tone, "Like, duh. Shadowcroft wanted a perfect replacement for Roselle in case the first attempt totes got crushed, but now that I've met Roselle, I'm, like, totally disappointed. I mean, holding back is just dumb.”

  Juliana, having pieced together the puzzle of Rosebelle, concluded, “You're not just disappointed with Roselle; you're disappointed with yourself, with what Shadowcroft turned you into. You wanted Roselle to finish you off because you're tired of being just a pawn to them. I understand, Rosebelle."

  Rosebelle shot back. “Whatever. It's not like you care."

  Juliana sighed. "Actually, I do care. That's why I have two devices here. The first is a pair of special handcuffs. When I put them on you, they'll sap away your energy, but I won't let it go to waste. I'll be taking a sample of that energy for analysis. The second is a memory removal device. I won't be using it just yet, but I want you to understand the power I hold over you right now."

  Rosebelle's eyes widened in fear. "What... What are you going to do to me?"

  Juliana, with a hint of regret, replied, "I need to find out where Shadowcroft's base is, and you may hold the key to that information. Don't worry, the handcuffs won't hurt you permanently, and the memory removal will only happen if you force my hand. Now, let's get this over with."

  Rosebelle’s eyes fixated on the small, pen-like device that Juliana held up. Her face twisted in horror. She then let out a high-pitched scream that echoed through the lab. She began speaking frantically, unlike her usual self. “No! Keep that thing away from me! I don’t want anything to do with it!”

  Juliana raised an eyebrow. “We don’t plan to use the memory removal device right now. It’s just a precaution.”

  Rosebelle snapped, “Put that thing away! Use anything but that. If you wanna experiment, do your worst, but leave that thing out of this. Please!”

  Julia, who had been preparing the equipment, glanced at Juliana with concern. Juliana’s curiosity was piqued. Rosebelle. “Interesting,” she muttered to herself. “This is the first time Rosebelle has seen this device. How does she know about it?”

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