When the machine reached its pinnacle, it unleashed a sudden burst of blinding light that illuminated the entire forest. When the light faded, the entire machine broke down.

  Kintovar's brow furrowed. "There was a miscalculation. What could have caused this failure?"

  Juliana scanned the array of instruments. "It's possible that the Nexus's energy wasn't entirely compatible with our setup. We might need to make some modifications."

  Before Juliana could continue her troubleshooting, the brain's echoed through the space with a hint of annoyance. “I know what happened. Juliana was lazy again.”

  Juliana shot a glare at the brain’s interface. “I was focused and thorough. Just because something went wrong doesn’t mean I wasn’t doing my part.”

  The brain retorted. “Your so-called ‘thoroughness’ led us to this point. Perhaps if you had double-checked the calibrations or considered the Nexus’s unique properties, the outcome would be more satisfactory.”

  Juliana huffed. “This isn’t a simple task. The Nexus’s energy is unpredictable. It’s not just about checking things off a list.”

  Kintovar stepped in. “Let’s focus on finding a solution rather than placing blame. We need to get to work on fixing the problems that arose.”

  Juliana took a deep breath. “Fine. I’ll go over the calibration data again and see if there was anything missed.”

  Kintovar’s mind raced. The memories were visible, but their current setup was failing them.

  “We need to rethink our approach,” Kintovar said. “If we use Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle’s tanks and place those in there instead of hooking them up directly, it might prevent our devices from being overpowered. However, doing this could force them into a prolonged slumber. We don’t know how long this process will take.”

  Juliana looked up from her recalibration work. “Didn’t you make the tanks mobile?”

  Kintovar nodded. “Yes, the tanks are mobile, but the machine to hold the Suxena Nexus is not. Constructing a mobile version for it will take time. We can’t afford to stay in the forest, especially with the Eastern Annual Tournament coming up in just eight days.”

  Juliana gave Kintovar a confident gaze. “Leave the construction of the mobile machine to me and the Brain. We’ll get it done as quickly as possible. You can focus on preparing the Suxena Nexus machine.”

  Kintovar responded. “That sounds like a solid plan. I’ll start adapting the tanks and getting the Suxena Nexus machine ready for use.”

  Juliana nodded firmly. “We’ll make sure everything is up to standard. We’ll coordinate our efforts to ensure we’re ready for both the information extraction and the tournament.”

  Juliana and the Brain began their work on the mobile machine. Meanwhile, Kintovar turned her attention to the Suxena Nexus apparatus, meticulously adjusting and calibrating it to ensure it would operate effectively.

  Kintovar worked methodically, ensuring the Suxena Nexus machine was functioning correctly. Once everything was set, she turned her attention to the tanks. The process needed to be delicate to avoid disturbing Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle.

  Gently, Kintovar approached Roselle. She carefully lifted Roselle. While carrying her, she noticed the girl's mouth was wide open in a peaceful slumber. A soft smile played on Roselle’s lips. The image of Kintovar and pineapples danced across her subconscious.

  With practiced care, Kintovar settled Roselle into her tank, making sure she was comfortable. She then moved to Risebelle, who lay completely still. Without making a sound, Kintovar gently lifted her and placed her into her designated tank.

  Finally, Kintovar approached Runebelle. When she picked her up, she felt a slight shiver. Kintovar adjusted her hold, ensuring Runebelle was placed carefully in her tank.

  With all three safely in their tanks, Kintovar took a step back and surveyed the setup. The tanks were now in place, ready to interface with the Suxena Nexus machine.

  Several hours passed. Juliana emerged from her work area looking exhausted but triumphant. She created a prototype carrier for the Suxena Nexus Machine. The device looked somewhat fragile.

  Juliana wiped her brow and surveyed the device. “I’m done for now. This is the best I could manage under the circumstances. We’ll need to test it thoroughly to ensure everything works properly.”

  Kintovar approached Juliana. “Great work, Juliana. We’ll run some tests and make sure everything is stable before we move forward.”

  A smile came to Kintovar’s face. "Thank you for everything. Your knowledge and assistance in creation have been invaluable. I truly appreciate it."

  Juliana smiled. "You've got it backward. I should be thanking you. Your actions led to my freedom. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to move around, use technology freely, or regain my independence. I'm indebted to you."

  The brain chimed in. "Thanks for getting 'Lazy Juliana' out of that cell. Julia is better to have around than the lazy one."

  Juliana shook her head. "That's your mother Julia for you, Kintovar. She's quite the character. She dislikes my lazy spells."

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Kintovar chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you're free. And it's a great thing that Julia keeps things lively around here."

  When Rawna awoke in the morning, her golden gaze swept across the waking forest. A furrow creased her brow when she saw where Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle slumbered. They weren’t in their usual sleeping beds but encased in a brown, unidentified substance in their tanks which normally had a greenish-like substance.

  "Kintovar?" she called out, searching the area. Her gaze wandered around, but she couldn't spot Kintovar or anyone else. She approached the tanks cautiously. One hand reached out to touch the glass, inspecting the unusual contents surrounding Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle.

  Kintovar emerged from the verdant foliage, stepping silently towards Rawna. Her gaze landed on the tanks housing her creations.

  "Careful there," Kintovar advised in her approach. "We've harnessed the memories of Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle using something called the Suxena Nexus. They're submerged in a substance derived from its power. It's essential for their evolution and our mission, but it will be a few days before they wake. However, it's paramount we make it to the Eastern Annual Tournament on time."

  Rawna absorbed the information with her regular coldness coming to her face."We can't afford to delay for their sake."

  Kintovar looked at Rawna with determination in her eyes. “Juliana and I have modified all of the equipment to be portable. We’ve made carrying slings with specialized harnesses, enabling us to transport the tanks while we journey to the Eastern Annual Tournament. It’s the best way to ensure they reach the event in time. With this setup, we can move them without compromising their containment or safety.”

  Rawna raised an eyebrow. “Do you have a plan for their transport over such a long journey?”

  “We’ll be using a combination of vehicles and by foot, rotating carrying duties to prevent fatigue.”

  Kintovar hesitated slightly before continuing. “I have a vehicle that I used in the Northern Kingdom, it would have been incredibly useful for us to travel faster. The reason we haven't used it is that... I forgot to make the fuel. It's quite an embarrassing oversight. Unfortunately, we're in a forest, and I didn’t have the chance to create the fuel needed.”

  Rawna's features softened. "I see. The way ahead is clear. We can manage. The delay won't be a concern."

  Kintovar nodded. "Exactly. We need to ensure that they're at the tournament and that the memory unlocking process occurs smoothly. It’s pivotal for their awakening."

  Juliana approached Kintovar from behind, stepping lightly with a grin. “I didn't know we were footloose this entire time for such an enigmatic reason!”

  Kintovar's jumped, turning to face Juliana with a surprised look before letting out a relieved chuckle. “A little heads-up would have been appreciated!”

  Haras, the bubbly scientist burst into the scene with a high-pitched tone of speech and a salute.“Dr. Haras reporting for duty! Wait, that's not right... I am a scientist, I am here to experiment!”

  Juliana surveyed the setup around them, then turned to Kintovar with a speculative look in her eyes. “What if we utilize the remaining energy from the Suxena Nexus to enhance your vehicle? We've used a significant portion on the tanks, but we have enough left to try something more.”

  Kintovar considered the idea. “It might work. We could amplify its functions, maybe increase its speed or its energy efficiency. But we'd have to act quickly. How do we do this?”

  Juliana handed Kintovar a Schematic. Kintovar's eyes widened at the schematics Juliana unveiled. The detailed blueprints that painted the vision of a remarkable aircraft.

  The scientist leaned closer. "This is revolutionary, Grandmother. The implications of such an invention are monumental, not only in terms of transportation but also the potential for research and exploration. To think beyond merely traversing the world but to harness flight in this world... it's groundbreaking."

  Juliana nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly, baby bird. The Suxena Nexus's energy could play a pivotal role in making this a reality. We have the opportunity to create something extraordinary."

  Haras chimed in with enthusiasm. "Think of the advancements we could make! A new era of technology awaits!"

  Kintovar's gaze returned to the blueprints. “This looks rather challenging to make, but I do believe we can pull this off. The Suxena Nexus's energy will be an asset in this creation. We can use it to power the engine, perhaps make it more efficient, and maybe even improve its aerodynamics."

  Juliana clapped her hands with an impish grin. "That's the spirit! Let's turn this design into a reality. We have some work to do, Kintovar. It's a race against time to build this aircraft, enhance it with the Suxena Nexus's energy, and ensure Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle reach the Eastern Annual Tournament in time. I’ll ask you once: Can you do complete this design in time?"

  Kintovar raised up a fist infront of her with fire blazing in her eyes. "Absolutely! Let's get to work immediately!"

  Rawna’s shook her head. "I must remind you that we have only eight days before the Eastern Annual Tournament commences. If this endeavor fails, we risk being late for the event."

  Kintovar spun around and placed one hand on her waist. "Fear not, Rawna. I am Kintovar, Varta Kintovar. Technology will rise to the occasion!"

  Rawna’s lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile. She shook her head slowly. “I was your guide until you got sidetracked. Now, it seems I have no reason to stay. You’ve made your own path, and I don’t trust that it will lead to where we need to go.”

  Rawna’s gaze shifted toward Juliana. A silent tension crackled between them. Juliana’s eyes narrowed and returned a glare at Rawna.

  Kintovar stepped forward,“Wait, Rawna! . We still need you to ensure we reach the Eastern Annual Tournament. We can’t do this without your guidance.”

  Rawna’s stance was firm. “I am no longer bound by your quest. I have other duties to attend to when I reach the Eastern city, which I know I can do in 4 days on foot. I can't afford to waste time on your uncertain ventures.”

  Juliana’s eyes met Rawna’s with intensity, though no words were exchanged. Rawna shook her head and turned to Kintovar. “If you want to prove your competence, then make it to the East before me. Maybe then, i'll start to trust your technology schemes.”

  With that, Rawna turned and began to walk away. She disappeared into the forest.

  In the depths of the liquid that encapsulated her, Roselle's mind swirled with a vortex of memories. The vibrant hues of the forest, her exhilarating battles, and the tender moments with her sisters were all vividly present. Yet, they felt distant. It felt like they were stories told rather than experiences lived. A surge of energy pulsated within her, almost like a suppressed yearning to awaken.

  In the serene yet agitated state within her tank, Risebelle's consciousness seemed to fluctuate between waves of tranquility and aquatic energy. Fragments of her past, like flickering images, danced around her. She saw the ocean, felt the charge of her aqua abilities, and recalled moments of harmonious connection with her siblings. She was suspended between wakefulness and a dreamlike state.

  Runebelle, nestled within the tranquil liquid found herself in a hazy realm that mirrored the nature of her existence. Her memories were painted with the verdant strokes of the forest, the quiet whispers of the Earth, and the vibrant bursts of her natural energy. Her consciousness lingered, teetering on the brink of stirring.

  The memories of Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle seemed to hint at the dawn of reawakening, A mysterious pulse resonated within, carrying whispers of an imminent transition. An uncertain yet decisive aura lingered.

  (Coming up: The Forced Fragmented memories)