In the depths of Roselle's mind, where memories and fragments of her past were stored, the System echoed out after a long silence. It called out to her, addressing her as it always did,

  "Project Mage."

  Roselle found herself in a dreamlike space, aware of her surroundings but uncertain of how she had arrived there. The last thing she remembered was comforting Runebelle, and now she was in this strange realm. Confusion washed over her.

  "Project Mage," the System called out once more, cutting through her bewilderment. "You've entered a place of your own memories, where the past can be relived. But you have a task to accomplish, an important task in the real world. It's time to view a new Memory Fragment."

  Roselle's curiosity was piqued, and she felt a sense of urgency in the System's words. She replied, "A new Memory Fragment? But I remember we were about to do something important in the real world. Why am I here?"

  The System responded, "Project Mage, the Memory Fragment is essential for your growth and understanding. It will take you into the past, and this journey may reveal answers you seek. There is no time to waste. You must view the Memory Fragment now."

  "System," Roselle inquired with anxiety, "What about what's going on in the real world? My sisters, Risebelle and Runebelle, they'll be worried about me… You don't know how long I'll be here in this memory, and neither do I…I might be left behind…"

  The System responded with sternness in tone, "Project Mage, your presence in the real world is significant, but so is this journey into your past. The Memory Fragment is a piece of the puzzle, a key to understanding your entire existence. It's not a choice between the real world and your memories. Both are intertwined, and one must not be neglected for the other. You must embrace this journey, for it is crucial."

  Roselle contemplated the System's words. The System, embodied itself in front of Roselle with the Memory Fragment in its grasp. It brought the memory to life before her eyes, displaying the image of a hospital bed, where the memory ended during the last memory fragment. Roselle blinked and was enveloped her, and with a blinding flash, she found herself transported back to her college years, her body now inhabiting the hospital bed.

  Surrounded by the clinical white walls, Roselle's eyes darted around. She was in her past. She looked down at her current body, which appeared older than the one she had been created with. There were no physical injuries or signs of pain. She also didn’t remember how she would have gotten here. Innerly, she questioned, "What happened to me?"

  Roselle slowly recalled her conversation with Sadie. The last thing that tall girl said now came to the forefront of her mind. "It's going to happen any minute now, I'll leave you at a hospital," Sadie had said.

  Now, standing in this room, Roselle muttered aloud, "Sadie knows something. In fact, Sadie knows a lot about what's been going on recently. I need to find her again…"

  Roselle took off from the hospital and went home. On the outside, it was night time. Her mother, Mrs. Magenta, was waiting for her with worry and relief in her eyes. She embraced her daughter tightly. "Roselle, you were out so late. I've been having these bad dreams and visions of terrible things happening to our family, and when you didn't come home on time, my worries just grew stronger…”

  Roselle took a deep breath and then said,"I met a girl named Risebelle on my way to find Tina. She looks just like me, but with blue hair, and she's taller than me. Risebelle told me about a girl named Rosebelle who looks exactly like us."

  Roselle continued, "Risebelle took me to meet Sadie, who's known as the Sleuth of Shadows on the forums. I think Rosebelle might be behind what happened to our friends. It's the first time I've heard of someone named Rosebelle who looks exactly like me and Risebelle."

  Mrs. Magenta listened intently. Tears welled up in Mrs. Magenta's eyes. “Roselle, I don't know what's about to happen tomorrow, but I have this terrible feeling that something bad is on the horizon."

  She placed a trembling hand on Roselle's shoulder. "My heart can't take this anymore. I….I don't want to lose you. You’re my precious little girl."

  Roselle shifted from a frown to a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mom. Nothing's happened to me yet.”

  Roselle then recited something:

  "In every moment, through joy and strife,

  I promise you, my dear, I'll love you for life."

  Roselle’s Mother listened to Roselle’s words in surprise. She continued, "I remember, Mom. You used to say that to me all the time."

  "I'm so glad you remembered, my dear," Mrs.Magenta whispered, holding Roselle even tighter. She planted a tender kiss on Roselle's forehead and gazed into her daughter's eyes.

  "There's no need to worry, Mom," Roselle said with a smile.

  Mrs. Magenta began, "But, but—"

  Roselle interrupted gently, "We have to let some things happen. We can't prevent every problem."

  Mrs. Magenta, with a pout, replied, "I try, though! It’s just in my nature to worry."

  Roselle giggled. "I know, Mom. And that’s one of the reasons I love you."

  Mrs. Magenta smiled. "Alright then. I’ll try not to worry too much."

  Roselle embraced her mother once more before saying, "Let’s get some rest. We both need it."

  The sun rose on a quiet Saturday morning. Roselle awakened with knowledge of the mission she had to fufill today. After a quick shower, she made her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth. The reflection in the mirror revealed a resolute face.

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  Roselle stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her. Roselle began to speak softly to herself. "I hope Mom is alright. Sometimes she can be too worrying."

  She thought back to her past school days, recalling the slightest incidents where her mother had rushed to the scene. Sometimes her mother had shown up at school with random household items in her hands. Mrs. Magenta had been questioned by the stern principal, who was always looking bewildered at the sight of a frantic woman clutching a whisk and a dish towel. Roselle chuckled at the memory.

  Stepping out of the shower, Roselle dried off and dressed quickly. She took one last look at her reflection. Then, she gave herself a nod of confidence.

  "It's time to get to work," she whispered, before heading out to start her day.

  Downstairs, in the cozy kitchen, Mrs. Magenta was busy preparing breakfast for her daughter. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air combined with the scent of warm, buttery toast.

  Mrs. Magenta reached for her coffee cup, but her hand slipped, and the hot liquid spilled over the table. The dark brew splattered across the pristine white tablecloth, creating an unintended ink blot on the fabric. Mrs. Magenta's eyes widened with a gasp. She quickly reached for a napkin to soak up the coffee and began to clean the mess with unease.

  Roselle came downstairs and witnessed the scene. Her mother looked like it was the end of the world. She was frantically wiping the table. Mrs. Magenta looked up and forced a smile."I just spilled some coffee, b-but breakfast is ready."

  Roselle looked at her with concern, noting the tension in her mother’s gaze. "Mom, it's okay," she said softly, stepping closer. "It's just coffee. No need to stress."

  Mrs. Magenta sighed. "I know, I know. I just... I want everything to be perfect for you. Especially today."

  Roselle placed a hand on her mother's shoulder. "Everything is perfect, Mom. And you don't have to worry so much. Let's just enjoy breakfast together, okay?"

  Mrs. Magenta nodded. Her smile became a bit more genuine. "Okay, dear. Let's eat."

  A third omen struck when a plate of scrambled eggs slipped from her hands, scattering across the kitchen floor. Mrs. Magenta's hands trembled.

  Panic set in, and her heart began to race. "I'm going to lose Roselle," she muttered under her breath. She dropped to her knees, frantically trying to clean up the mess.

  Roselle rushed to her side. "Mom, it's just eggs. It's okay. I'm right here."

  Mrs. Magenta shook her head. Her movements became even more hastened. "No, I have to clean this up. I have to make sure everything is safe for you. I can't let anything happen to you."

  Roselle grabbed her mother's hands, stilling them. "Mom, listen to me, i'm here, and I'm safe. Please, calm down."

  Mrs. Magenta looked up with fear. "But what if something happens? I can't lose you, Roselle. I just can't."

  Roselle took a deep breath."Mom, nothing is going to happen to me. You have to trust that. We can't control everything, but we can be here for each other. Please, let me help you."

  Mrs. Magenta's breathing slowly began to steady. The panic gradually faded, replaced by a reluctant acceptance. "Okay, Roselle. Okay."

  They began to clean up the mess togetherMrs. Magenta eyed her daughter while they worked and then decided to speak. "You know, I was thinking about your bunny collection the other day. You've always loved those little furballs."

  Roselle smiled. "Yeah, I still do. Remember that time I begged you to let me take care of a real bunny?"

  Mrs. Magenta chuckled softly. "How could I forget? You were so excited. You named him Flopsy, didn't you?"

  Roselle laughed. "I did! But taking care of Flossy was a lot harder than I thought. I didn't realize how much work it would be to keep his cage clean and make sure he had enough food and water."

  Mrs. Magenta nodded. "You learned a lot of responsibility from that experience. And even though it was tough, you never gave up on Flopsy."

  Roselle's smile grew wistful. "Yeah, Flopsy taught me a lot. He was so adorable!"

  Roselle stood up and made her way to the door, grabbing her bag on the way. She turned to her mother with a small smile. "I'm off, Mom."

  Mrs. Magent raised her fists up as far as her face. "Be careful out there, Roselle. And if anything happens, call me. I'll rush there no matter what!"

  Roselle chuckled softly. "Ohh, I believe you, Mom," she thought to herself.

  "Don't worry, I'll be fine," she said aloud.

  Roselle tried to leave her house, but she suddenly collided with someone at her doorstep. Stumbling back a step, she quickly regained her balance and found herself face to face with Michigo.

  Michigo extended hands to Roselle's shoulder. "Roselle….I was really worried after you ran off the other day. Are you okay?"

  It all came rushing back to Roselle. She had pushed Michigo away. She had run off. She never expected Michigo to come back here Roselle looked away momentarily, gathering her thoughts, and then faced her friend. “Michigo, I’m so sorry for what happened. I shouldn’t have pushed you away like that. I was… I was overwhelmed and didn’t know how to handle everything…”

  Michigo's eyes softened.” You don’t have to apologize. I get why you acted the way you did. But I'm here now, and I’m not going anywhere."

  Roselle felt a lump in her throat. "I didn’t think you'd come back… I thought you’d be mad at me or even hate me."

  Michigo shook her head. She formed a smile. "Roselle, you’re my friend. I could never hate you. I know what you’re going through right now."

  “I remember,” Roselle said quietly, “how you hugged me and tried to comfort me. I was just… so lost at the time. It wasn’t fair to you.”

  Michigo’s gaze remained steady. “We all have moments when we’re lost, Roselle.” She raised her fist and flexed her arm, showcasing her muscle with a grin. “But we can always find that inner strength to keep going.

  She glanced at Roselle and lowered her eyes slightly while maintaining a grin.“Come on, show me what you’ve got. Flex those muscles!”

  Roselle’s eyes widened. Her cheeks became flushed. She was painfully aware of the difference between her scrawny frame and Michigo’s well-toned physique from the Karate club. She hesitated.

  Michigo’s grin widened, and she nudged Roselle gently. “Just do it this once. I promise, it’ll be fun!”

  Roselle chuckled nervously, lifting her arms in a weak attempt to flex. She laughed at her own efforts.

  Michigo laughed along. “See? It’s all about trying, even if it’s just for fun. We all have our strengths, Roselle, and we just need to keep finding them.”

  Roselle smiled. “Okay, okay. I get it. Thanks, Michigo. I’ll try to remember that.”

  Michigo set aside her laughter and became serious. There's a crucial Detective's Club meeting today. We need you there. Harty will fill you in on the details. And speaking of Harty... do you have any interest in him? I mean, it's not like he's asking or anything, but I can't help but wonder."

  Roselle's cheeks colored slightly. Then, she chuckled at Michigo's directness. "Well, he's a bit of a mystery, and I do find that intriguing but... ehehehe…”

  Michigo gave Roselle a mischievous grin and replied, "Good, you should come to the Detective's Club meeting then. Harty will appreciate it, and we might need your insight on things."

  Michigo eyed Roselle’s plain dress. “But, Roselle, you can’t go dressed like that. If you want to make an impression, especially on Harty, you need to wear 'that' dress instead of your casuals.”

  Roselle’s face turned another shade of pink. “That dress? What are you talking about? And, uh… I didn’t know I was trying to impress anyone.”

  Michigo’s eyes twinkled.“Oh, come on! You know exactly which dress I mean. It’s the one you wore that time at the festival. It’s perfect for the occasion!”

  “Um…Michigo I really don’t think—“

  Michigo, however, wasn’t giving her any room to protes. She grabbed Roselle’s arm and pulled her back into the house.

  “Wait, what are you—” Roselle began, but Michigo was already guiding her up the stairs.

  Roselle was back to her doorstep, and she looked down at herself in amazement. Her dress was adorned with a pattern of bright yellow petals, and her hair, a cascade of long, flowing yellow locks, framed her face like rays of sunshine. She couldn't believe the transformation in her own self.

  Michigo, who had helped her prepare, gave her a thumbs-up and exclaimed, "Roselle, you look adorable! Harty won't know what hit him when he sees you like this."