[ The Saint's Cradle / October 1, 0078 12:35 ]

Teana lost sight of Subaru and Zafira almost immediately, more concerned with evading and shooting down the hale of small homing green lights that just kept coming. She tried to recall what she knew about Shamal's fighting style but realized to her dismay that she had never observed the ex-medical officer in battle.

"Your defensive technique is impressive," Shamal's voice commended her in her head. "Nanoha taught you well."

Teana didn't bother to answer. A sinking feeling was settling in inside her that she was hopelessly outmatched. The Belkan healer proved to be a magical powerhouse worthy of her knightly title. To have any chance against her, she had to gain some distance and come up with a plan. So she ran—away from the approaching light footsteps and deeper into the maze of corridors and intersections.

The hale of green bolts drained and stopped, giving her a moment of respite. Slowing down for a moment, she launched a pair of Area Searches to get a feel for her surroundings. As they prowled the corridors, she stilled her breath and listened carefully. Somewhere to her right, low, metallic rumble was shaking the structure, punctuated by occasional explosions. It seemed that Subaru and Zafira were still trading blows, as well. She considered contacting her partner but decided against distracting her. Then, the sound of light footsteps approached her from the left. She ran again.

A silent game of cat and mouse ensued. Teana kept herself on the move, searching frantically for her opponent who seemed to have disappeared. Within a few minutes the layout of the nearby corridors was burned into her brain. Twice, she managed to avoid Shamal's own Area Search by softly redirecting it away. Once, she even believed to know where Shamal was but when her Area Searches reached that intersection, it was empty.

"You impress me again, Teana," Shamal's voice entered her head once more. "Simultaneous Area Searches is a brilliant tactic against a hidden opponent."

Teana just reached another intersection when she spotted a ball of celadon light heading towards her and gently redirected it.

"But you see, Teana, you weren't the only one who came up with that plan. I am ambidextrous, too, you know…"

Cold sweat covered her skin as she came to a grinding halt, looking around in panic. Dismissing her Area Searches, she summoned as many Fake Silhouettes as she could and dashed for cover.

Then a massive blast of green light slammed her hard from behind and onto the floor.