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As he scrutinized the artifact commonly referred to as the “Queen’s relic,” he found his mind wandering into unknown possibilities. There was a theory that this key might be the vessel for Ray Nora’s soul, a thought that intensified his already focused stare.

The legendary Frost Queen was a captivating character, her secrets always pulling Duncan deeper into her mysterious world. The potential to speak with Ray Nora was tantalizing. But one thing was clear to Duncan: ensuring the safety of Alice was paramount.

His focus shifted back to Agatha and the vague figure standing next to her.

“Can you remember when you were called a ‘counterfeit’ in the city-state?” He asked without preamble.

The silhouette seemed to nod, replying, “Yes, I remember. I also remember what happened when I went down into the mine, surrounded by an eerie darkness.”

Duncan replied, “I’m already aware of that story. The real Agatha informed me.” He looked thoughtful before adding, “Honestly, seeing you reminds me of someone else.”

“Who?” Both versions of Agatha asked simultaneously.

He slowly explained, “A ‘soul’s shadow’ named ‘Martha’. She’s married to Lawrence and recently joined my crew. For over ten years, she has lived as a ‘counterfeit’, wandering in the Mirror Frost realm.”

The ghostly version of Agatha seemed slightly taken aback.

Duncan continued, “Over the years, this ‘counterfeit’ Martha has been wandering in Mirror Space, drawing and merging with countless memories and thoughts. This has created a massive blend of experiences, with Martha at its center. Your situation seems quite similar to hers, except you seem to be at an earlier, untouched stage. With the Mirror Frost destroyed, you’ll probably stay in this form.”

Agatha, the original, interjected in disbelief, “Could that really happen? I always thought my situation was unique…”

Duncan replied firmly, directing his gaze at the shadowy figure, “Your case isn’t unique, and that’s what intrigues me. After Mirror Frost vanished, all the ‘counterfeit’ entities disappeared. Yet, two personas – Martha’s and yours – remained. This makes me wonder if it’s not the Mirror City that sustains you two but some other force. These copied personalities and memories seem stable in our world. Martha even exists outside the domain of Frost. Might this mean that whatever force is keeping these copies alive is as powerful and everlasting as the real world?”

Silence enveloped the hall where the submersible was securely anchored.

After what felt like an eternity, Agatha hesitantly raised her head. She locked eyes with her “shadow” counterpart, a wordless conversation passing between them.

Duncan’s voice cut through the stillness, “Have you ever pondered your future?”

Caught off guard, Agatha blinked, “Future? What do you imply?”

Duncan observed the faint figure, “One can’t forever live in the shadow of another. It’s crucial for you to think about what’s next and your aspirations.”

The shadowy Agatha fell silent, pondering his words. After a thoughtful pause, she murmured, “But I am literally her shadow.”

Duncan calmly explained, “What I mean is, one can’t live indefinitely as a mere reflection of another. You have a distinct personality and unique memories. Though many of those memories are borrowed from another’s life, your recent experiences are undeniably yours. So, what about tomorrow… Agatha?”

Upon hearing “Agatha,” both women turned their focus to Duncan.

He scanned their faces and said softly, “Ponder on it. We’re not pressed for time.”

…

Duncan’s deep thoughts were eventually interrupted by a knock on the door to his quarters on the Vanished.

Diverting his attention from a secondary virtual projection, he beckoned, “Come in.”

The door gently opened, revealing Alice sneaking in, more like a silent thief than an expected visitor. She proudly held a plate of freshly baked cookies, exclaiming, “Look! I’ve mastered baking cookies!”

She placed the treats in front of Duncan, her eyes quickly scanning the room, seemingly in search of Ai.

“Ai is over in Frost,” Duncan commented nonchalantly, his attention fixed on a peculiar gothic doll on his desk.

The captain’s quarters were his personal sanctuary. Among all the ship’s residents, only Alice and Nina had the privilege of entering uninvited.

Alice was Duncan’s first humanoid encounter in this realm.

His trust in her was unwavering. Though sometimes unpredictable, Duncan knew Alice’s loyalty and faith in him was genuine. Her naive yet profound trust was a treasure in this strange and often cold world.

Suddenly feeling Duncan’s steady gaze, Alice looked around in confusion, inspecting her clothes and then her neckline, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing in particular,” Duncan replied, quickly shifting his focus. He reached for a cookie, taking a bite, “They’re… quite good.”

Alice’s face lit up with pride. However, her smile faded as her eyes landed on the brass key.

Picking it up, she played with it, asking playfully, “Planning to wind me up with this?”

“Don’t touch that.” Snatching the key from her, he added with a hint of franticness, “This key is off-limits without my express permission.”

Duncan paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before proceeding. “Firstly, even if someone did have the audacity to wind you up with that key, we don’t truly know what the outcome would be. Would Ray Nora’s soul and memories truly merge with yours? Would you remain Alice, or would you be completely overtaken? And what would the intent of the Frost Queen be if she did return? We cannot predict her goals or desires.”

Alice looked deeply into Duncan’s eyes, trying to fathom the depths of his concerns. “Secondly, while the key and you share a connection, there could be other mechanisms or procedures required that we are unaware of. It’s not as simple as inserting a key and turning it; there might be rituals or conditions to be met.”

“And thirdly,” Duncan continued, “we have no idea about the duration. Even if Ray Nora’s soul and memories were to occupy your form, it could be for a limited period or indefinitely. There’s no way of telling.”

Alice’s eyes widened with every revelation, trying to process all the new information. She hesitated for a moment before replying, “It’s all so much to take in. But if this key is so dangerous, why keep it around? Why not destroy it?”

Duncan sighed, “It’s not that simple. The key might be more resilient than we think. And if we act recklessly, we might unintentionally trigger its power.”

Alice nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of the situation, “So, we tread carefully, always vigilant of the unknown.”

“Exactly,” Duncan affirmed. “And always together, facing whatever comes our way.”

Duncan paused, letting his thoughts gather and swirl as he tried to make sense of the tangled web of memories and discoveries. He remembered that intense and surreal moment during his exploration of Alice’s ornate casket. The room had grown cold, and a silvery mist had appeared, from which emerged the ethereal image of the Frost Queen herself. The air around him had been thick with anticipation, and her chilling presence was almost palpable.

She looked regal, her ice-blue eyes piercing through the fog, her ethereal robes billowing gently. Her voice, delicate yet filled with conviction, had resonated through the room: “Please do not distort history.”

It was a plea, but also a warning. The Frost Queen, remembered in legends for meeting her fate with grace and stoicism, now stood before him as a vision from the past. Duncan couldn’t help but wonder: Had she, in her infinite wisdom and foresight, devised a backup plan, a means to ensure her return if the tides of history ever turned against her?

The very idea sent shivers down Duncan’s spine, not from fear, but from the realization of the intricate web of destinies he might have unknowingly stumbled upon.