[ Archeologist camp vicinity, Walder / September 20, 0078 06:24 ]
Shari's transport coordinates were on the spot. Fate exited the teleportation circle into the cool dampness of a wild forest. It was early morning here. The skies to, what must have been, the east were red but the sun still hid beyond the hills. Fate took in the sweet smell of morning air. It wouldn't be long before this morning and this air would disappear, replaced by fires and smoke.
A tingling alerted her to a familiar presence. Raising her head, she looked at a faraway slope just over where the archaeologist camp should have been. She couldn't see anything but was certain someone was there.
"Shall we check it out, Bardiche?"
"Yes, Sir."
Taking off the ground came naturally—a single push propelled her into the air. She had forgotten how nice it felt to fly just for fun. She hasn't flown for fun since that day three years ago.
Her senses weren't fooling her—there was someone there.
A young woman wearing a camo suit sat on a large boulder, looking intently at her. Her hand was tight on a Belkan sword. A small red-haired Unison Device floated next to her shoulder, her clenched fists ablaze with fire.
"Testarossa," the woman did not change her posture.
"Signum," Fate smiled. Even though they were enemies, it was delightful to meet a familiar face. "I am not here to fight."
Signum removed her hand from the hilt and stood up. She and Agito stared at each other. After a second, Agito backed away, her flames extinguished.
"It's been a while, Signum."
"You have cut your hair."
"So have you."
Fate raised her hand to touch Signum's soft locks. Almost simultaneously, Signum mirrored the gesture. Fate blushed.
"I guess we are birds of a feather."
"We have always been that. But our goals are different."
"I will not let anyone destroy the Cradle until I save Vivio. Even you."
"I am sorry, Testarossa, but your daughter must have been dead for a long time."
"Lies! If she was dead, I would have felt it!"
Signum shook her head.
"We will not hold back for that small hope. We don't have the time."
"Then I will defeat you and your stupid honor!"
Very abruptly, Fate became aware of how short the distance between their faces was. They shouted at each other but their bodies edged closer all by themselves. She couldn't help blushing even more, because in all honesty, she was drawn to Signum. Even now, she realized, she wanted to feel her strong arms around her. It was wrong but she couldn't help it…
Signum stepped back, lowering her hand.
"Then we will see each other on the field of battle."
It was cold. The coolness of a morning forest wasn't invigorating anymore. It bit her.
"Until that time, then."
Bardiche materialized his reassuring form in her hand. Taking two steps back, Fate hurled herself off the edge of the cliff.