[ Iwaki City, Japan / September 22, 0078 08:33 ]

It took Fate a long time to leave the hotel. A part of her wanted to remain there with her memories, yet another fled them. Getting dressed was easy.

Preoccupied with her thoughts, she didn't notice when the streets around the hotel suddenly became deserted. She took a few more steps before stopping and looking up. The unnatural sky color tipped her off.

"Temporal Field, isn't it?" Fate inquired loudly. "You can come out, officers."

A group of armed mages in blue overcoats cordoned off the street on both sides, keeping a respectable distance. Their faces betrayed tension, and Fate couldn't help noticing how white their knuckles that gripped the staves were.

"First Lieutenant Pallas of the Dimensional Marines," the handsome but rough-looking leader introduced himself. "Ex-Enforcer Fate T. Harlaown, we are hereby placing you under arrest. Please come with us without…"

The eerie smile on Fate's lips made him fall silent. In silence, Fate took a slow deliberate step towards him. She never drew her weapon but the Marines recoiled, raising their staves in defense. She continued to walk forward.

A projection screen popped up near Pallas' head. The familiar face on it made her halt again.

"Lt. Pallas, what's going on over there?" Admiral Chrono Harlaown demanded.

"We've located Ex-Enforcer T. Harlaown but she won't yield, Sir!"

"Fate?" Chrono didn't look surprised, just… saddened. "Stand down, Lieutenant. I need you and your men alive."

"…yes, Sir."

"Fate, can you hear me?" The screen rotated to locate her.

"Yes… big brother."

"Nice to see you again."

Fate avoided his eyes.

"Fate, answer me honestly… Did you upload that picture?"

Fate hesitated.

"Yes, it was me."

"Where did you get it from?"

"I can't say."

"Where is the Crown?"

Fate remained silent.

"This will have consequences, Fate," Chrono's face was pained.

"For Vivio, I will face anything."

Chrono nodded. She couldn't tell whether it was approval or acknowledgement or giving up.

"Return to Claudia, Lieutenant. We got what we came for."

"Yes, Admiral."

After the screen disappeared, Pallas gave Fate a long look full of disgust.

"I swear, Testarossa, I will take you down next time."