[ Belkan monastery, Walder / September 20, 0078 07:40 ]

"Oscillating Knuckle!"

Without thinking, Teana jumped sideways, spinning around just in time to see Subaru punching a hole in the fourth Gadget. The one that she forgot about and that very nearly took her life.

Cold shower ran down her spine as she watched the Gadget's remains teleport away.

She raised her gaze to meet Subaru's. Her eyes were made of furious gold. A slashing wound across her chest revealed her metallic ribcage but she didn't even seem to notice.

"Subaru, you…"

Without a word, Subaru stepped forward to face the remaining Gadgets. Small sparks ran across her body and Barrier Jacket.

All three remaining drones teleported out at once.

"Where did they…"

The next moment, the entire building shook as if by an earthquake, throwing her to the ground. Subaru remained on her feet.

A large slab of stone detached itself from the ceiling and crushed the altar behind them. Another blocked the main entrance. From the floor, Teana could see the sky now.

The next moment, a pair of strong hands yanked her off the floor.

"Wing Road!"

Subaru raced towards the roof, narrowly avoiding chunks of the collapsing roof. They almost made it when a large stone bar blocked their way with a thud.

"Tea!" She heard through the whistling air in her ears.

"Crossfire Shoot!"

A swarm of orange missiles shattered the stone in half. A fragment hit Subaru in the cheek. Fresh morning air and sunlight hit them like a wall.

They've made it out.

With deep guttural growling, the ancient monastery collapsed behind them, puffing out a giant cloud of stone dust. Teana found herself clutching Subaru's neck, and had to turn away quickly so Subaru wouldn't see her blush.

The strong yet tender hold of Subaru's hands, still twitching with static electricity, was turning her on.