[ The Saint's Cradle / October 1, 0078 12:32 ]

They caught up with the Knights in a nondescript corridor somewhere in the lower bowels of the Cradle. They were running so fast, Teana had lost all sense of direction, but Commander Harlaown led them with an unerring confidence, as if guided by instinct. As far as Teana could recall the blueprints, they were moving in the general direction of the reactor core.

Two figures stepped toward them at a junction of two passageways. The one on the left was a blonde woman wearing a long celadon dress and a rueful smile. On the right stood a large man clad in blue, with wolf ears protruding from under the wild white hair.

"Shamal, Zafira," Fate greeted them, coming to a halt a few steps before from them. "You cannot stop us, so please step out of our way."

"Indeed, we cannot stop you, Fate," Shamal smiled sadly. "But we can help Signum's odds a little by delaying your companions."

"What makes you think I'll let you?" Fate asked as she conjured Bardiche's golden blade.

"You will have to," Shamal looked at her with compassion. "Signum is already near the reactor core. She will not wait much longer."

Fate's face paled, as she turned her companions:

"I have to catch up with her… Please restrain these two and then join me as fast as you can. And try not to get hurt—that's an order."

"Yes, Ma'am!"

The Knights let the golden flash speed past them unimpeded. Shamal simply raised her hand to her mouth and whisper something softly to one of the four blue-green rings she wore. Teana had never seen Klarwind do anything but heal, but she was acutely aware that it was still a Belkan Armed Device, no less dangerous than Signum's sword or Vice-Captain Vita's hammer. As she leveled her gun at Shamal, she glimpsed Zafira and Subaru assuming combat stances opposite of each other. By the subtle electric cracking in the air, she knew that Subaru had gone straight into full combat mode.

"Knights Shamal and Zafira," Teana cleared her throat. "This is your last chance to surrender."

"You have always been so by-the-book, Teana," Shamal shook her head sadly. "Even when you know it is pointless… Shall we begin?"