[ Above the Grand Cathedral Plaza, Northern Mid-Childa / October 1, 0078 12:17 ]

The breach in the Cradle's hull was tens of meters across. A massive hole in the belly of the spaceship cut deep into several darkened compartments to what must have been its AMF generators. Peering inside, Fate could see twisted metal and sparkling cables but nothing moved. She turned towards her team.

Two Wing Roads, blue and purple, rose up from the ground far below them. Subaru, Teana, Ginga and Caro stood upon them, awaiting her orders. Friedrich flapped his wings a bit to the side, with Erio still mounting him, also patiently waiting.

"This is it, kids," Fate said softly. "Erio, Friedrich, and Caro are with Ginga-san. Subaru and Teana, with me. Ginga-san… please return all of my children to me, safe and sound."

"I will, Ma'am," Ginga promised. "Can I have a moment with Subaru, Commander?"

"Yes," Fate was surprised.

Ginga hastily removed the Revolver Knuckle from her left hand and handed it to her sister, who grasped it almost reflexively and stared at her in bewilderment.

"Remember our promise, Subaru? You'll need it more than I today."

"Gin-nee…"

"Go, Subaru. Make me and Mom proud. Make Nanoha-san proud."