[ Garden of Time / September 21, 0078 09:27 ]


Shari found Fate sitting in Presea's throne. As she turned on the lights, Fate's eyes hurt after sitting in the dark for so long.

"How is your body, Fate?"

Her almost untouched food long grew cold next to her, and Shari shook her head when she saw it.

"I am OK," Fate replied solemnly.

"How long have you been sitting here?"

"You know, Shari," Fate didn't seem to hear her. "I think now I understand how Mother felt. It is very lonely in this chair."

"Fate…"

Fate waited for her to finish, but she changed topics instead:

"I have been intercepting Bureau messages: they believe that the Cradle is after the Crown of the Saint Kings. There has been a data leak on this thing, and although I haven't discovered its location yet, I've traced the leak itself."

"To where?" Fate's voice betrayed her.

"Earth," Shari looked away. "Japan, to be precise."

After a second, Fate slowly stood up.

"I must go there. Must… talk to her."

Shari stepped between her and the door.

"Fate, don't be stupid! Even if it is Signum-san, what will you tell her that you haven't said yet? She won't join you, it's useless! And I know Japan means a lot to you, but do you really want even more pain?!"

Fate stepped very close to Shari, putting her hands on her shoulders. Her voice and her eyes were very serious:

"I can handle the pain, Shari, all of it. There are some things that I just have to do. In the meantime, please find that Crown you spoke of. I will be back soon to take care of it."

Very gently, she pushed Shari to the side and walked out.