Maria growled as they walked into Triatio Highlands, looking for Robinson but she was angry, as was Maki. Both girls had recently fought over a stupid decision, in which, in Maki's opinion, was Maria's fault. Maki was complaining, while the girls were in the room, that Maria was getting too close to Darius. When Maria argued that she had no idea what Maki was talking about, Maki slapped her, and then used Blissful Harmony on Maria. Sataka and Lilliana had tried to intervene but Maria growled and struck back. Darius, Kavar and Toraka had all entered at that time after hearing Maki's attack and held the two girls back. Toraka asked Sataka and Lilliana what happened while Kavar held Maki back and Darius tried to calm Maria down.
It resulted with Saari coming all and using ice to put everyone to sleep, she was tired and wanted sleep as well. "Geez, it's hot here." Lilliana stated, and Toraka nodded. "I agree, it is rather hot." Toraka agreed, before he noticed Sataka was lagging behind a little. "Hm? Sataka, are you okay?" Toraka asked, walking toward the sorcerer. She looked at him and nodded. "Kind of but this place is definitely going to mess with my mind. The heat will definitely get to me before too long." Sataka said and sighed; unaware of Toraka's smirk.
"I know how to keep your mind off the heat." Toraka said and Sataka blushed, before smacking him. "Pervert!" She huffed and walked off, even as Toraka chuckled. "Smooth Toraka, smooth." Kavar said dully but the gunslinger only laughed more. "Captain Robinson!" Maria shouted, catching everyone's attention as they ran over to talk with the Captain. Captain Robinson looked over and smiled as he finally saw them. "Ah, you must be the group Commander Andre sent, I had word that you all were coming. Maybe you can talk some sense into this man." Robinson said, glaring at Dallan, who glared back.
"Listen, I know you want to help but your soldier's don't know anything about this area. Our hunter's do and I don't want them having to worry about your soldier's getting lost or hurt, while having to deal with the Giant's as well!" Dallan stated firmly and Robinson growled. Maria chuckled nervously as she watched the two bicker…were the Templar's and Hunter's not getting along either? Before Maria could think to interrupt them, she heard a voice shout not too far off. "OH SHUT UP!" A strong, gruff, female's voice shouted before she heard a slam.
Maria and the group jumped as they turned around, only to see a few Templar's and Hunter's back away as a female slammed her axe into the ground and leaned a foot against the blade. "Listen here, I don't know what the problem is but I'll go out a kill each and every single one of those Giants." She stated, before swinging her axe back up, letting it lean against her shoulder. "I'm strong and fast! I can get rid of the problem, easily!" The woman stated proudly, a smirk on her face. A hunter sighed, holding his hands up to stop her. "Listen, we have no doubt that your strong but everyone is to remain in the village until Chief Dallan gives the word to move out!" The hunter stated, laying a hand on the Ravager's shoulder.
Maria looked at the ravage curiously, shocked to see one here. She had reddish/pink hair, red eyes, wearing what looked to be the Lavalord armor, as well as wielding the Lavalord Axe. Exactly how strong was she? Maria saw the girl glare at the Hunter, grab his arm, before flipping him on his back in front of her, the Templar's and Hunter's backing up more. "You're all nothin' but a bunch of cowards!" She said and when none stepped forward to defy her, she growled. "Fine, I'll go and deal with the problem myself!" The woman stated and turned to leave.
Maria growled, feeling angry at this woman's recklessness and ran toward her. "Hold it right there!" Maria shouted, grabbing the girl's wrist, and the woman turned toward her shocked. 'Who the hell is she?!' The woman thought, red eyes wide. "What do you think you're doing?! You'll be going out there and possibly get killed, stop being so reckless!" Maria shouted but the girl glared at her. "Do you know who I am?!" Akina demanded, ripping her arm free and turning toward Maria. "I am Akina, the strongest ravager to have ever existed, there is nothing I can't do!" The ravager, Akina, stated proudly, but still glaring at Maria.
"Be that as it may," Maria began, annoyed at this woman's recklessness. "that's just a title! I don't care how strong someone might think they are, one person can't do everything alone!" She stated firmly, and Akina ripped her wrist free from Maria. "Who do you think you are, acting all mighty?!" Akina demanded, eyes harsh. "Listen, I'll take care of the problem out there, you kids should just stay here and let a pro take care of this problem." She said confidently and Lilliana growled, insulted.
"Kid's?!" She demanded, gritting her teeth in anger as she stomped her foot. "Excuse me but we aren't children! We have an Envoy of Gaia with us right here!" Lilliana said and hugged Maria's arm, glaring at Akina. Darius flinched at what his sister said before sighing, was it wrong of her to say that? "Lilliana, that probably wasn't a smart thing to say." Darius said, rubbing his head. Akina glared at the whole group, before her eyes fell on Darius and she gasped, even as he looked at her and gulped. Did they...know each other? 'Shit…it's her!' Darius thought, going a little pale. "It's…it's you!" Akina shouted, confusing Maria.
"Darius, do you know her?" Maki asked before Maria could and Akina's face went from shock, to fury. "I'm gonna kill you!" Akina shouted and swung her axe at Darius, who gasped and rolled away. "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Toraka intervened, walking toward Akina. "What's going on here?" Toraka asked, trying to grab Akina to stop her. "Stay away from me rich-boy," Akina began, stepping back and holding her axe up once more. "I'm gonna cleave this little cheater here in two!" Akina shouted, before she charged Darius, who grunted as he dodged her swing again. "For the last time, I didn't cheat!" Darius shouted, bringing his cannon out. "Save those words for the grave!" Akina declared, jumping up.
Maria acted quickly, bringing her swords out and blocking Akina's attack, and grunted. The ground around them cracked and broke, even as a dent appeared as the force of the attack hit around Maria. Darius wobbled with the attack, before grabbing Maria and pulling her back, the axe hitting the group. Akina yelped a little in surprise, before she hit the ground and groaned, pushing herself up. "I didn't cheat, you were just being reckless." Darius stated again but she glared at him. "Shut up! I lost the tournament and the title, as well as the money because you cheated in the fight. A Grenadier can't beat a Ravager, it's not possible!" Akina stated, as though it was a fact.
"You cheated and then lost in the finals, gaining third place in the tournament AND losing the title to some pipsqueak. I lost the title because you cheated!" Akina declared and stood, readying her axe again. Before she could swing, Saari appeared and knocked her axe away, even as Sachi froze her feet and Akina gasped. "Wh-what is this?" Akina asked, trying to move her feet. Maria sighed as she stepped forward, sheathing her swords. "I didn't want to do it, but you weren't listening to reason, so let me talk!" Maria stated firmly, even as Saari and Sachi moved to be behind her.
"I don't know anything about this tournament grudge thing but I do know that your acting rather rashly to the whole situation." Maria began, placing her hand on her hips, leaning her weight against one side. "All you seem to know is that the Giants and Hunters are fighting and all you seem to want to do is go out there, solve the problem." Maria said and Akina huffed, crossing her arms. "While I agree with ending the conflict, I don't think violence in the answer. I don't think killing all the Giants is going to help in this situation." Maria explained but Akina growled. "Then what do you think is the right way, huh?" Akina asked, glaring at her.
"You haven't lived here, you haven't endured the hardships these people have had to face. What do you know?!" She demanded, before sweating at seeing Maria's eyes become a molten gold. "I know that violence in your aspect isn't the answer!" Maria shouted and everything shook a little as a blue glow appeared around Maria. She had already gained the attention of everyone at the village from her actions against Akina and the shouting, yet now everyone felt themselves worry for their own safety at the wrath Maria was exhibiting.
"Going out there and trying to kill everything won't make things better, matters will only get worse." Maria stated, glaring at Akina. "You'll die trying to kill everything, believe me, I know first-hand how things like that work out!" Maria shouted as the glow around her became more noticeable. "I don't care how you handle things here but I do know that, while the situation is bad, nothing will get better if you keep rushing in trying to kill something. Violence doesn't do anything good, all it does is bring pain, suffering, sadness and meaningless bloodshed!" Maria stated, before the glow faded but she was still trembling with rage.
Her head lowered as she tried to compose herself, sighing heavily. "Listen…I want to end this war just as much as anyone else but to do that, we don't have to kill anything." Maria said before she lifted her head, looking Akina in the eyes. "I'm positive…no, I know there can be a peaceful arrangement to this all." She said, her eyes returning to their normal golden color. Akina stared, wide-eyed, at the duelist before her, her outburst shocking the ravager and the confidence…where did it all come from? Akina looked at the ground, before she scoffed and crossed her arms stubbornly, eyes kept to the ground.
Maria chuckled, knowing exactly what was going on. "I see…that you're thinking what I just said over. Sachi…release her, please." Maria said to her Eidolon, the pink-haired girl nodding as her staff glowed. The ice around Akina's feet disappeared and her axe was handed to her by Saari who, after giving it back, disappeared. Darius watched a bit warily, before sighing. "I hope…you can set the grudge aside Akina." Darius said as he hesitantly approached her and Akina growled. "All I want to know is how you defeated me, that's it." Akina commented, before looking to the ground. "I've never fought a Grenadier and lost against them, except you." Akina said, laying her axe across her shoulders.
Maria was looking away as they exchanged words, before she tilted her head to the sky. "Some people…can overcome anything…if they have someone to protect, someone who relies on them, trusts them." Maria said, before she turned around to face Akina again, a smile slowly overcoming her face. "If a human has someone or something to protect, then they can surpass their own limits." Maria said as Sachi come to her side, smiling up at her. "We all have something to protect, one way or another and we surpass our limits when it comes to protecting it. We grow stronger than anything else if there is something, or someone, to protect." Maria said, rubbing Sachi's head and Darius smiled at Maria before smiling at Akina.
"That's how it was with me, I had someone to protect…my little sister, Lilliana." Darius said, smiling at his little sister, who smiled back up to him. Akina seemed shocked…protecting something made someone stronger? She didn't understand it…but then again, having grew up without anyone to rely on but herself, or someone relying on her…she never really understood that. Without her parents there, she hadn't gotten to know what growing up with something to protect was like, if it really did get someone stronger. Maria turned around before nodding, putting her attention back on her teammates.
"Maki, Darius, Lilliana, Kavar, let's go!" Maria said and Akina looked at her as two blonde haired people ran off. "Sataka and Toraka found someone who could use our help, so let's go and see what we can do." Maria said and the four nodded but Akina stopped them. "Wait, let me come along!" Akina shouted and Maria turned toward her. "E-Excuse me?" She asked shocked, not sure she heard right. Akina walked closer to her, laying her arms over the handle on her axe. "Let me come along with you, I might be able to offer some assistance," Akina said before glancing to the wasteland outside the village. "and you don't know these land's like I do." Akina said, yet Kavar rose a brow, confused.
"What's with the sudden offer?" Kavar asked warily, not sure if the girl was a friend or foe. Akina shrugged, not sure herself yet she gave a grin. "Well, I get the feeling if I travel with you all, I may just figure out what it means to truly get stronger." She said before removing her axe from her shoulders, strapping it to her back. "I've never really had anything to protect and I'd like to see where everyone's strength comes from. Maybe, I can find out what it is I'm truly missing in this life." Akina said before she looked at Darius.
"But I still want a rematch with you." Akina said jokingly and Darius laughed, finally easing up around her. "Maria, let her come along…we may need her help throughout this journey." The voice of Saari sounded in Maria's mind and she smiled. "Well, if you really wanna come along, then that's fine by me." Maria said and held out a hand to shake. "Welcome to the team." Maria said, smiling at the ravage, even as Akina smiled back and shook her hand. "Happy to join, if I may say." Akina said, keeping her shock to herself. 'Just a simple hand-shake, yet so much power behind it. Just who is this girl?' Akina thought and followed them to meet up with their blonde-haired companion's.
A Week Later: Maria gasped for breath as she hit the ground, trying to regain her breathing right; the others crowded around her in worry. They had joined up with the Hunter's to try and fight back against the Giants but the battle was going nowhere. When Maria had tried to talk some sense into the Giants, one hit her with a hammer, effectively breaking a few ribs and causing massive breathing problems. They had retreated back to Tanner Jones, who they had teamed up with yesterday to try and beat the Giants and gain respect...it went downhill from there.
It didn't help that Maki and Maria couldn't cooperate on anything, both stating that they were right…and it especially didn't help that Maki was refusing to heal Maria. "Maki, do something!" Lilliana shouted to the cream/brown haired Bard. "She got herself in this mess, she can get herself out of it!" Maki stated scornfully; she didn't like Maria at all. Akina stood up from kneeling beside Maria, red eyes harsh toward Maki. "You little-!" Akina raised her axe threateningly but stopped as she heard Maria's coughing response. "I'll be okay, don't worry about me." Maria said weakly but Darius looked unconvinced, as did Kavar.
Darius had been the one to grab Maria and carry her back, trying his best not to jostle her much as they retreated back to camp; the others had formed a circle to protect the two as they headed back. Maria tried to give a reassuring smile but her eyes widened as she felt something crack a bit more; she coughed harshly, blood spilling onto the ground before her. Darius wrapped his arms around her shoulders, letting her lean against him. "Damn it, I really didn't want to do this unless everyone was hurt." Sataka growled out and stood, letting her grimoire float before her.
She found what she was looking for, before she closed her eyes and chanted her Rejuvenation Mantra; a pink circle appeared under the group, before they felt themselves completely refreshed. Though they did cringe as they heard several bones snap into place from Maria, seeing as even she groaned out in pain, clutching her left side. "Sataka…" Darius said worriedly but his Aunt just smiled at them. "Don't worry, I don't mind doing something like that for our Envoy…especially if a certain Bard can't do her job!" Sataka's voice went venomous during her pause, looking at Maki.
"Excuse me?!" Maki shouted, offended. Sataka scoffed, surprised she was acting offended. "You should be helping us, not complaining about healing one party member! Especially when that party member is not only our leader but also our friend, ally, considered family and our ENVOY!" Sataka shouted, purple eyes burning with rage. Akina watched the two bicker, before she knelt once again, helping Maria lay down; the young girl wincing a little, before she stood and approached Kavar. "Kavar, think we should go a finish the mission with Sataka?" She asked the Guardian, who turned to look at her.
"I'd like it if Tanner could get the weapons to figure a way to deal with the Giants." Akina said and Kavar nodded, agreeing. "Yeah, I think we should, it'd be the best course of action." He agreed, before looking at Maria. "We can have Lilliana and Darius stay here and look over Maria; while me, you, Sataka, Maki and Toraka go and deal with the rest." He said before turning to look at the Gunslinger trying to stop Maki and Sataka from fighting. "Having Toraka would help and I think it's a good idea to keep Maki from Maria for a while." Kavar said and Akina nodded, grabbing her axe.
"I agree, I'll get Sataka and Maki; while you get Toraka. Also, tell Darius and Lilliana what we're doing." Akina said and ran toward the two bickering girls. Kavar sighed and watched as Toraka stepped back as Akina got the two girls to stop their bickering. "Toraka, come here real quick!" Kavar called out and Toraka turned toward him, walking over. "What's up?" He asked, looking confused. "We're gonna go ahead with our plan," Kavar said as he looked behind them toward the road, "seeing as Tanner needs those weapons, we're gonna complete the mission." He said before looking at Maria.
"Darius and Lilliana are going to stay here with Maria, help her recover and watch over her. She needs the rest." He stated and Toraka nodded. "Sounds logically, since we're bringing Maki along as well, that'll keep her away from Maria for a little bit." He commented and Kavar nodded. Kavar nodded before they all gathered together, Sataka explaining everything to Darius and Lilliana, before she regrouped with the others. Maria noticed and winced. "Hey, where are you all going?" Maria asked, trying to sit up but whimpered in pain a little. Akina looked over worried, even as Darius and Lilliana had her lay back down.
"We're gonna go finish the request real quick, that way Tanner doesn't wait; but you are to stay here with Lilliana and Darius, okay?" Akina questioned and knelt to Maria, handing Lilliana what looked to be medicine. "We'll be back as soon as possible." Akina said to Maria but Maria stuttered, protesting. "W-wait, we n-need to work together, a-as a team!" Maria said, worry obvious within her gold eyes. "Hey, don't worry about us, we'll be fine." Akina said but Maria shook her head. "Hold on." Maria said before closing her eyes. "Saari!" Maria called her other Eidolon out, who looked at Maria, awaiting commands.
"Go with Akina, and the others, I want them to be safe." Maria said and Saari nodded, a soft smile on her face. Akina flushed a little, awed at Maria's worry for the team. "M-Maria, we'll be fine." Akina said, cursing herself for stuttering. "I-I know…but I want Saari to go along, I don't want another mishap like this." Maria said, pointing to her side and Akina smiled with a nod; she understood.
Week Later: Maria finished off the Dimetrodon before her, then looked at the others as they finished theirs off. After they had helped Tanner make peace with the Giant's, they had been asked by him to see what the fighting was up in the north. As a result, they had found the missing Roger Jones and had helped him heal up; as well as having meet an Eidolon. Maria shivered as she remembered her, specifically, being attacked by the Eidolon. The others had wanted to help but the dark barrier prevented them from interfering; though Maria and Sachi had done well by defeating the Eidolon, who stated his name was Eligos.
Saari had checked the girl's over after the barrier disappeared, for she protected the group should the Eidolon attack them. "You all okay?" Maria asked as she walked toward them, looking concerned. "We'll be okay, stop worrying so much." Darius said, smiling at her and she blushed, before looking away. "You idiot…I will worry because sometimes, you mister," Maria said, poking his chest with a pout. "are reckless." Maria retorted and he chuckled at her reaction. Maki growled and was about the strum her harp but a harsh grip on her wrist stopped her; she paled as she looked at Akina, who was glaring at her.
Akina shook her head and Maki scoffed, ripping her arm free; before Maria walked toward her and smiled. "Thanks for the buff Maki, we needed it for these things." Maria said and Maki seemed shocked, before she chuckled. "Of course, as I said before, I knew you would need me." Maki said, flipping some of her hair back and Maria smiled, before the group continued on. As they needed where they found Puckett, Maria felt the Cube of Gaia's power and froze…eyes wide. The others noticed, before they turned toward her, realizing her shocked expression.
Sachi felt it as well and turned toward Maria, worried. "Maria, there's another-!" Sachi didn't get to finish as a ball of dark energy hit her in the back. "AH!" Sachi got blown away and Maria gasped, jumping toward her, as well as avoiding a blast of dark power. "What the-?!" Kavar grunted as he blocked a blast as well, before they looked around and saw Eligos floating above them. Eligos hummed a little, unamused. "Hm…a little slow in reacting Maria, you should know never to freeze when you feel a familiar power." Eligos said, before they heard a woman shout. "Eligos, enough! Where were you?" A woman asked, a mature voice that held some magical power behind it as Eligos floated down.
Maria helped Sachi up, before looking over and seeing a woman with long blue hair to her waist, red eyes, wearing a purple and black outfit that covered her whole torso; with a crisscross belt that had a skirt attached to it. "Who are you?" Darius ordered, anger obvious within his voice and the woman looked at him, scoffing. She flipped some of her dark blue hair back, staring at them all curiously. "Well, you're rather friendly aren't you?" She asked sarcastically, making Darius growl. "My name is Maya, if you must know." She said before waving her hand, annoyed.
"I have no interest in you…but you now," The woman said, looking at Maria. "I never thought to see another Envoy." She said and walked toward Maria as she stood. "Hm, aren't you all the one's poking around Deep's cavern?" The woman, Maya asked and they nodded, making her smiled. "Perfect!" She said suddenly, making them worry. "Then I need a little help." She said and that's when Toraka held a hand up. "And why should we help you when you attacked us?" He asked and Maya smiled, smart man. "I was seeing how quick your Envoy was in reacting, a little slow but overall powerful." She said as she glanced at Maria, who slowly relaxed.
Toraka seemed unconvinced but relaxed as well, which allowed the others to relax and she gave a mysterious smile. "You see, the barrier around Deep's Cavern is actually a lost spell the Avian's casted to keep anyone from entering. But you see, 'lost spells' are my expertise." Maya said, before she walked past the group and sat on a rock. Lilliana seemed hopeful, smiling at her as she turned to keep her in her sights. "Really? Then, do you think you can help us remove it?" Lilliana asked, smiling cheerfully…she was unaware of this girl's true plan. "Well…I would, but I have a little favor first, as I said earlier." Maya said and snapped her fingers, as Eligos nodded.
He placed his hands together and showed a variety of items within his hands…all ghostly as they weren't actually there. "The Avian's stole my magical items when I was…otherwise occupied and ran off with them." She said before she glared at the base. "I came here and tried asking nicely…but they attacked me. I haven't done anything to them, so what's the big deal?!" Maya shouted angrily and they backed up as sparks shot off in areas.
'This girl…her magical power is astonishing, and her Gaian power…while it's weaker than mine, she still has Eligos's trust.' Maria thought before she felt troubled. 'Why does this bother me? I don't know Eligos…do I?' Maria thought and looked at the Eidolon, realizing he was looking at her. "Alright, we'll get your items, as long as you help us with the barrier." Sataka stated and Maya grinned. "Alright then, it's a deal!" Maya said, her red eyes showing glee.
Few Days Later: Maria handed Maya the codex she was looking for and Maya flipped through it, looking happy. They had fought Zujahla and had received the Codex from him, before making a hasty retreat before the rest of the Avian's decided to kill them. Maya's smile slowly turned to a frown, even as she growled as she threw it to the ground in frustration. "Nothing but a bunch of junk! Where are the spells? The forbidden tomes, the barrier spell?!" Maya shouted, before sighing and picking it up again. "There's got to be something in here about that spell surrounding the barrier." Maya said, before green lettering showed up on a blank page.
Looking up, she saw Sataka wobble, her grimoire falling to the ground; catching everyone's attention. "Aunt Sataka, are you alright?" Lilliana asked and helped her get steady; she nodded. "Y-yeah, I just casted a locating spell. Hopefully that helps." Sataka said, looking at Maya with unsteady eyes and Maya chuckled. "It helped more than you know, so…got it!" Maya began chanting and swirl of dark energy flowed through her, before her hands flashed purple and she smiled. "Done, the barrier around Deep's Cavern is gone." Maya said and the group stared at her in disbelief. "Seriously? That all seemed a little too easy." Toraka stated warily and Maya huffed.
"If you don't believe me, got and check it out yourself. Just don't forget the deal we made." Maya said and the group nodded, running off, unaware the woman disappeared with Eligos. They finally got to Deep's Cavern and ran toward the entrance, before they stopped before it; staring wide eyed at the entrance. The barrier…it really was gone, Maya really did remove it! "Maria, you okay?" Kavar asked, coming up beside her, placing a hand against her left side. "Yeah…I'll be okay." Maria said, nodding and Kavar removed his hand.
Maria turned toward the group, gaze determined. "Alright everyone, we're about to head inside Deep's Cavern. We'll stick together and keep our formation the same." Maria said before she looked at the Bard. "Maki, we'll form a circle around you; keeping you safe so you can buff us and heal our wounds. Sataka, you and Lilliana will be on the sides, getting enemies at far range but keep them close." Maria said before looking at the Ravager. "Akina, you and Kavar will be closer to the front, while Darius and Toraka will stay near the back. I'll be leading the group into the fray with Sachi beside me and we'll attack enemies; so those we don't finish Kavar, Akina make sure they don't live!" Maria commanded as she walked back and forth in front of them.
Everyone nodded and Maria smiled, glad to see they were as determined to finish everything here as she was. The group formed their circle as ordered and Maria took her place before the group, she glowed blue as they entered. Upon entering they heard fighting up ahead and saw the soldier's fighting off what looked to be Avian's. "Maria!" A man called and Maria saw it was Robinson. "Captain Robinson, what's going on?" Maria asked as they ran toward him, yet he growled. "Well, we found out where the demon, Argus, was at but before we went in, this woman barged in and nearly ruined our plan…said she knew you." Robinson said, pointing to Maya who smirked, shocking the others that she was there.
"Maya, how'd you get here?" Maria asked and Maya laughed. "I'm a spell caster, don't forget. Also, remember the deal you made Maria." Maya said, wiggling a finger and Maria nodded. She explained everything to Robinson, who apologized but Maya's words about transformation scared them. As the group ran in, Maya stopped them. "Maria, the one you're after, for me at least, is Zuanna. He's the one who took my stuff, so make sure you kill him." Maya said and Maria nodded, the group running off.
Navea: Maria gave her report to the Grand Bishop and he smiled at Maria, happy to hear how well she was doing. "I'm glad to know things have died down there, though I'm much happier to hear that the Giants and Hunters have made peace. The Avian's though…" Belenus hummed, rubbing his chin. "what they saw and did, it clearly shows that the Shadow Knight has clearly learned how to make living things out of ordinary items." Belenus said and Maria nodded. "Yeah…fighting Argus was not fun." Maria said, rubbing her shoulder and the group all winced…Argus had seriously hurt Maria. "And you meet another Envoy as well, that's surprising." Belenus said and Maria nodded, though she had a slight frown.
"Yeah, though I didn't like how well she fooled and manipulated us." Maria commented sourly and Belenus nodded. "Yes, some sorcerer's are able to do that but it seems through her, you were able to stop a demon from running amok." Belenus said and Maria sighed, rubbing her head. "Yes, she did help…I guess." Maria said and after Belenus asked if Candeo Marsh was next, they nodded and left but Gus stopped Maria. "Maria, wait!" Gus said and when Maria stopped, he handed her a letter. "We got this letter a while ago, Anya sent it to us asking if you knew the person. She's actually in Candeo Marsh at the moment, helping with the investigation." Gus said and Maria took the letter.
She looked it over curiously, the big yellow folder was slightly heavy. "Never seen one like this before, it's not one from Skandia, Helonia, Crescent Hill or even Cactakara Forest." Maria said but thanked Gus and left, opening the letter as she stopped outside the doors. "Oh my god…" Maria said, watching as letters fell to the ground, and dropped to her knees. "What...is this?" Maria asked herself, shock in her eyes. The picture's were all of her walking around Navea, of her around Triatio Highlands, within Demarech Mines and helping at Cactakara Forest.
"Maria…" Saari said softly as she appeared, hugging Maria as tears fell down the young Envoy's face. Sachi watched with worry before she looked at the pictures, wondering what to do. "Maria…what do we do?" Sachi asked, worried and Maria took a deep breath before looking at Sachi. "W-we stay more alert." She said as she wiped her tears away, another thought soon coming to mind. "And we can't let the others know about this, or we may never get things done." Maria said as she stood, slowly composing herself.
"You know how Darius is with me, he worries too much about me. This is to remain a secret between us." Maria said and Sachi nodded; they gathered everything up and headed to the inn, unaware of someone watching them. "Things are getting more dangerous, but as long as you remain strong, Maria, you will overcome anything." The woman said before clasping her hands together. "Eidolon's, another is after the girl's life, we must stay vigilant in our efforts to keep her safe." The woman said, glowing blue before she disappeared into gold particles.