[ Portfall Memorial Garden, Western Mid / September 19, 0078 08:13 ]

"You go on ahead, Subaru. I will wait here."

Subaru nodded. She still trembled when she walked towards the gravestone that read:

Nanoha Takamachi

0056-0075 N.C.

Ace of Aces

Teana watched her kneel sluggishly, put down the flowers, and freeze in that position. She looked away.

Somewhere amidst these gravestones lay her Tiida. She used to idolize him but his death didn't break her. It gave her the strength that got her into the Riot Force 6, the strength that Nanoha recognized and fostered. When they disbanded, Teana felt cheated, somehow, as if a great destiny was taken away from her. But she didn't give up on it: even on the slow path, she would reach for it and grab it with her own hands. That was what Nanoha taught her the hard way.

For Subaru, it was different. She was born strong, made to be superhuman. But the person who gave her the strength of heart was the one who gave her a dream. A dream to save everyone. A dream that was crushed just before it became reality, shattered by her failure to return one small favor. All that was left of it now was this unremarkable gravestone.

"I am done, Tea," Subaru returned, wiping off the tears with her sleeve.

Simultaneously, Cross Mirage made a ringing noise, notifying that a message was received. Scowling, Teana pulled out the white card and pressed the jewel.

"Good morning, Captain Lanster," the stern bespectacled face belonged to her direct superior, Major Gaiz. "I realize you are off-duty at the moment, but something urgent has come up. It has to do with the Cradle. Please report back to the HQ immediately. If possible, bring Lieutenant Nakajima with you."

Teana looked at Cross Mirage, then at the gravestone, then at Subaru. Subaru nodded.

"I am sorry, Nanoha-san, I cannot stay today. I know you would want me to go, too. But I will visit you soon, I promise!"

That promise would prove very difficult to keep.