[ Claudia / September 30, 0078 19:25 ]
As Fate stepped out of the captain's cabin, the surprise he promised to her revealed itself.
"Mom!" A familiar voice called out.
Two figures sprinted towards her across the corridor. One was a young red-haired man almost as tall as herself; the other, a petite rose-haired girl. Both wore brown Ground Forces uniforms. The man ran slightly ahead of the girl.
"Erio, Caro!" The delight in Fate's voice was mixed with confusion. "Why are you two here?"
Almost without breaking their stride, her children hugged her from both sides. She was surprised the impact didn't knock her over.
"Admiral Harlaown contacted us the moment you were brought on board," Caro replied excitedly, looking up.
"He told us… it doesn't really matter, but we started off to Claudia immediately," Erio continued.
"Mom… we missed you so much," Caro's eyes were moist.
"Caro… Erio…" Sweet pain gripped Fate's chest, as she fought back tears. "I missed you both so much, too…"
For a while, they just stood there in an empty corridor, hugging each other, as if trying to make sure that they were together at last. Then, however, Fate freed herself from their embrace and stepped back.
"Mom?" Caro's face grew worried as she saw Fate's expression darken.
"I just remembered something. You two are to join my team in the coming battle, aren't you?"
"Yes, that's what the Admiral said," Erio nodded.
"I… have to talk with him about it," Fate shook her head.
"Why?" Erio raised his eyebrows.
"We are not children anymore, Mom!" Caro protested loudly. "We can handle ourselves! And we will definitely rescue our sister, don't you worry about it. That is what you and Nanoha-san and Vita-san trained us for!"
"Sister?" Fate smiled uncertainly. "Yes, I guess that's what she is to you now… But the problem isn't you, it's…"
She averted her gaze and forced herself to whisper:
"…me."
Caro and Erio looked at each other in confusion, then something dawned on her, and, a moment later, he understood it, too. As they burst into laughter, Fate's gaze jumped back to them in bewilderment.
"Oh, Mom," Caro said finally, taking a step forward to grip her hand. "You think you are so much like grandmother Precia, don't you?"
Fate's body jerked but both her hands were now held tightly.
"That is such an utter nonsense," Erio said seriously.
"Grandmother used you mercilessly and she didn't care if you were hurt or died," Caro said.
"But you, Mom, go out of your way to protect us, even when it is us who want to help," Erio continued.
"Grandmother forced you to fight for her, abusing your love for her."
"But we want to fight for you, to help you, and to defend you against your will."
"And do you know why?" Caro looked at her with a roguish smile.
"Because you are the most wonderful mother in the world, Mom," Erio finished in a heartfelt voice.
Pulling her children tightly to her chest, Fate fought back tears.
"Thank you, Caro… thank you, Erio…"
Once again they had saved her—from her own stupid thoughts.