[ Fate's hideout, location unknown / September 20, 0078 07:55 ]

Every time Fate went out alone, Shari was very afraid. Times like this were the reason why. When the teleportation light faded, Fate stumbled out of the target circle, leaning heavily on Bardiche. Alone.

"Oi, Fate!" Shari rushed to her side to support her.

"Hello Shari," Fate smiled weakly. Her body was trembling and feverish. Even through the Barrier Jacket, Shari felt the exhaustion in her muscles that bordered on pain. "I failed…"

"Never mind that—what the hell are you thinking, you idiot?"

"It's OK, Shari."

"The hell it is! You can barely walk!"

Carefully, she led her through the darkened corridor to her quarters.

"What happened to you? I told you not to overstrain yourself like this again!"

"My bad," Fate chuckled slightly. "I might have gone a little too far…"

She settled her onto the bed and rushed to the coffeemaker.

"That's not a little too far, you idiot, it's far too far! You want to die on Vivio-chan, too?"

Fate's face darkened. The temperature in the room dropped to shivering levels.

"What happened, Fate?"

"I couldn't get to her, Shari. Signum and the others were there. They want to destroy the Cradle."

"For Commander Yagami?"

"Yes. I couldn't let them enter it, so I fought Signum. In the AMF…"

For a moment, Shari wanted to slap her but instead, she sat down next to her and put an arm around her shoulders.

"It was the only way. And then… I can't believe she didn't tell me…"

"Tell you what?"

"It doesn't matter," Fate shook her head. "Thank you, Shari. I really appreciate that you are with me. I will be in Mother's room…"

She stood up and walked out, leaving a bewildered Shari behind. The coffeemaker beeped cheerfully, informing that her drink was ready.