Hello again everyone! When we last saw Marta, she and the others have arrived in the desert town of Triet to gather supplies before heading out again. While there, Marta explained to Tenebrae about Gels and gave her thoughts about Colette. However, Decus, an acquaintance of Marta from the Vanguard, has arrived in Triet. Now face to face with him, how will this confrontation end?

How will everyone in the Present react to this chain of events?

Grass Field Outskirts [Present Day]

As Marta recounted her time in Triet, she believed that her friends may have concerning thoughts about her right now in regards to Colette, with the young girl lowering her head down in shame at herself. Yes, things between her and Colette are different now that they're friends, but it didn't change the fact that her still harbored bitter feelings for her back then.

"I'm sorry..." Colette apologized to Marta, with the young girl raising her head up.

"N-no... I'm the one who should apologize. I didn't know what happened back than and I just believed the rumors instead of seeking out the truth. I now know it was wrong to blame you for what happened to mom and Palmacosta." Marta replied to Colette with a sense of maturity. Although Marta said that she couldn't forgive Colette for what happened to her mom, she was happy to call the Chosen her friend. Back at the Martel Temple in Iselia, when Colette apologized again, Marta admitted that she was ignorant as she finally knows that Colette and her friends had their own lives to live. It was thanks to them that Marta no longer had that rigid black and white worldview she had at the start of her journey.

"There are times when we get angry at someone for not understanding the truth. Once we reveal the truth and get to know that person better, only than does that awful feeling go away and things improve between people." Regal chimed in, and to Marta's hidden surprise, showed no disappointment at Marta for feeling the way she did back then.

"Yes, and not only did you meet with Colette halfway when she extended her hand to you, but it was thanks to that we all eventually met up again and as a result, we found out the truth about Lloyd and stopped the Vanguard's revolt." Raine added, showing a degree of pride toward Marta like a teacher with her student. It was indeed thanks to Marta getting to know Colette better that The Chosen of Regeneration spread the word about the two, granting them more friends and allies then they originally thought.

"Marta... you're a much kinder person than you think you are. The fact that you didn't want to do anything awful to Colette should tell you that much." Emil consoled Marta as he did in their Journal so many times. Marta understood where Emil came from in regards to his relationship with Lloyd, as he originally resented Lloyd for a misunderstanding, same as Marta.

"Regal, Raine, Emil... thank you..." Marta replied in gratitude and gave a reassuring smile to Colette, with the Chosen returning the gesture. Marta decided that after they stop Richter, she would finally work up the courage to forgive Colette. She has also resolved to hear the truth of what really happened two yeats ago and this time, she won't run or hide behind sadness and anger.

"Still, you were the one who got that Decus guys to buy that foul smelling cologne?" Sheena interjected, bringing up what Marta mentioned in the story. This did cause some embarrassment on her end.

"It's as I said in the past, Lady Marta couldn't have known about how bad that smelled." Tenebrae stated as he came to her defense.

"We're not saying Marta's at fault with that, right guys?" Emil chimed in. Yes, she did make a blunder, but she wasn't paying attention. The others nodded as Marta wasn't paying attention. If anything, Decus should have checked first from what it sounded like.

"If anyone's to blame, it's my company for making that. As I said, I'll make sure that stuff is never produced again." Regal said with some embarrassment of his own, still wondering what some of his employees were thinking when they made that. The Lezorano President made a mental note to have test groups in regards to that sort of thing in the future while also trying to get rid of the remaining "Eau De Seduction" bottles.

As everyone thought it over in agreement, Marta still felt sad that Decus would do horrible things like the Blood Purge and that he saw no worth in himself as he told her and everyone at Hima that he owes the rest of his life to Alice, due to the Half-Elf girl saving his life eight years ago from the orphanage that abused them both.

Thinking back now, Marta came to the slow realization that Alice and Decus are like mirror images to her and Emil. In a way, Decus was similar to her than she was willing to admit. After all, they were both obsessed with their respective partners, but Marta no longer obsessed over Emil like she used too, but if it weren't for Emil talking her out of it, she could've turned out like Decus, minus the mass murdering and awful cologne bit. Even Emil and Alice are similar in the sense that they forge bonds with monsters, but while Emil does so willingly, Alice forces them with machines. The difference is that despite the abuse they suffered, Emil remained kind while Alice gave into her bitterness and spite for the world. As much as she didn't like Alice, Marta believed that she didn't deserve to be treated horribly for being a Half-Elf...

"But you know, if it weren't for that junk, we wouldn't have figured put that Lloyd had an impostor to begin with. If anything, Decus pretty much screwed himself over without even knowing it." Zelos chimed in an attempt to lighten the mood and for once, everyone started to laugh and giggle slightly. Even Marta couldn't help but giggle and felt a little better. In a way, it is true that it's because of the "Eau De Seduction" that things were able to be resolved as well as they did. She just hoped that Decus and Alice will be willing to listen to them and stand down. Who knows, they might even help them stop Richter's plans, but only time will tell.

"That's right, you wanted to speak with Decus back then. How did that turn out?" Lloyd said as everyone payed attention to Marta in that regard. Right now, he and Emil are the only ones with a grudge with Decus right now, Lloyd for being framed and Emil for the Blood Purge, but they knew that they have more important things to focus on then revenge.

"Y-yes, as you can tell now... it didn't work out well, but..." Marta replied sadly as she recalled the moment where her bond with Decus turned south...

Triet [Behind the Building with 'The Shape of the Chosen']

Time appeared to stand still as Marta and Decus stared each other down. Decus was still in shock that he found Marta first and was now regretting that he didn't bring any of his Unit with him. After a few moments passed, Decus regained his composure and looked back at the young girl.

"Y-yes... it has been a while. A week... and two days since what happened in Palmacosta." Decus nervously replied to Marta's earlier statement.

"A week and four days, actually." Marta corrected the young man, while trying to make sure she didn't throw up in the presence of his cologne. The reason she chose this spot was so that no could overhear her or Decus speaking, keeping their conversation private from anyone else.

"Huh? Is that right?" Decus said in response to his goof up as he scratched the back of his head.

"Anyway, it's a good thing I found you. Your father's been worried sick about you, so let's head back to Vanguard HQ and clear things up." Decus said as he raised a hand outward as if to take Marta's hand and lead her out, but she stood firmly where she stand with her hands on her hips. This naturally caused Decus to wonder why she wasn't listening.

'So Daddy's alive... that's good to know...' Marta thought to herself in relief that her father is alive. Although it wasn't on her face, she was happy that he wasn't a victim along with the rest of Palmacosta. Looking straight at Decus, she spoke to him.

"Decus... I'm not going back..." Marta said with a since of firmness in her voice. She wasn't going to have any part in what the Vanguard's doing any further and she intends to stick by that.

"But Marta... don't you see your in a lot of trouble right now? First you stole Ratatosk's Core and freed the creature Richter worked so hard to capture?" Decus questioned the young girl before his face grimaced slightly as he recalled what Alice and Richter told him and Brute.

"Not to mention that you... hurt Alice along with Richter..." Decus said with a shaky voice as his fists clenched.

"Just so you know Decus, she was trying to murder me..." Marta replied bitterly as whatever anger Decus had instantly vanished. Yes, he was upset that Marta hurt Alice, but he was genuinely shocked that his beloved would try to murder the Commander's daughter.

"I knew Alice wouldn't lie, but I know you wouldn't lie either... after all, everyone in the Vanguard can tell you two didn't get along." Decus said, prompting Marta to look in shock.

"You knew?" Marta questioned the man before her as she didn't want to upset Decus with her mutual grudge with Alice.

"Yes, and I appreciated you not starting anything with her, even when I'm around." Decus said with thankful sincerity, as he understood that Alice wouldn't get along with everyone.

"It was no problem..." Marta replied with equal sincerity. Yes, she didn't like Alice, but she did like Decus at least. Not as a boyfriend, but as a regular friend.

"But I wonder why you would use my Eau De Seduction as a smokescreen... you know it's wonderous effects don't work like that..." Decus followed up, causing Marta to give a funny look.

"If it means anything, I'm sorry about that..." Marta apologized for betraying Decus' trust while also feeling sorry for him as the purple haired man STILL doesn't believe anything's wrong with his cologne.

"Water under the bridge, besides even I will admit Alice acted out of line. She never disobeyed orders from Richter before... but why don't you want to come back?" Decus stated while inquiring the young girl on her stance against her father. He figured she must have had a reason.

"It's because Daddy wanted to use a weapon called a Mana Cannon to destroy Tethe'alla, and before you ask, I'm fully aware that the Tethe'allan nobles treat us badly, and it's true that I hate them, but... it doesn't justify genocide on a whole country." Marta told Decus as she told Richter, Alice and Hawk. She hoped Decus would understand that at least.

"Yes... I did hear about that..." Decus said as he put a finger to his chin in thought. It was then Marta recalled something important, recalling the conversation between Richter, Alice and Hawk a week ago.

"Speaking of which, where were you during the attack on Palmacosta? I overhead Alice saying you weren't at the meeting..." Marta asked out of concern. The fact he's here now shows he's fine, but the question still made her wonder what became of him and how he survived.

"O-oh, yes. *Ahem* I was on my way to the meeting because I lost track of time running an important errand, but on my way there, the city suddenly caught on fire and I was sent flying by a nearby explosion and passed out as a result." Decus replied, explaining what supposedly happened to him.

"It was around the time when the flames died down when I woke up. I don't know how, but I guess I was lucky to not have been a victim of Lloyd Irving or the Church of Martel." Decus continued as he told Marta what he recalled.

"I see... that's good to know..." Marta replied as she was relieved that despite the chaos, Decus survived the ordeal. He really was lucky if he was unconscious this whole time with no danger harming him, unbelievable as that sounds, but the impossible can happen sometimes.

"Back on topic... I stole Ratatosk's Core so that Daddy can't fire the Mana Cannon and I freed Tenebrae so I can help him with something important..." Marta said while not revealing what the 'important' thing was. With that, Tenebrae revealed himself to Decus, surprising him. Decus never saw Tenebrae, so to actually see him was impressive.

"I see... you know your father's not going to be happy with this..." Decus stated as he tapped his foot.

"Not only that, but I heard from Richter that Ratatosk's Core affixed itself to your forehead?" Decus pointed out as Marta's eyes widened. Knowing she can't hide it from him, she looked around to see if anyone else was nearby before showing Decus.

"Yes..." Marta solemnly replied to Decus as she lifted her bangs to show him the jewel's feather like pattern on her forehead. This prompted the young man to become downtrodden at this realization.

"I see... I was told by Commander Brute and Richter to bring you in if I found you. Alice wanted me to bring you to her instead of them. Normally, I would happily follow her every wish, but I at least wanted to know what was going on with you first." Decus admitted to Marta, giving his own thoughts since Alice wasn't there. While he could take her back by force, that would cause some commotion in Triet and the last thing he wanted was to be overpowered and arrested.

"If you didn't notice, I came here alone today without my Unit, so... for now, I'll pretend that I didn't see you and I'll let you go for now... I won't even tell Alice or the Vanguard you were here." Decus said as Marta looked in surprise as he was willing to keep it a secret from his superiors. Feeling he could be trusted, she spoke up.

"Decus... why don't you come with us and help us stop daddy?" Marta offered Decus, extending a hand to him. This cause Decus and Tenebrae to look on in surprise at this. A moment of silence passed as Decus appeared to consider it for a moment, but...

"I'm sorry, Marta. I appreciate the offer, but doing that would mean going against Alice and I don't wish to leave, hurt or betray her. I love her after all and you should understand that. Not to mention... I have no wish to face your father's wrath myself." Decus said in firm resolution in his desire to be with Alice and slight fear of Brute. Marta could only look down in sadness, yet understood his choice.

"I will warn you though, when we found Alice's monsters beaten up, she was furious and she tole me to kill you instead of bringing you back alive if I ever found you and... as much as I don't want to do that... I will fulfill that wish..." Decus solemnly said as dread filled Marta's being upon hearing this. She couldn't belive what she was hearing!

"But I want you to know that I never once resented you, and should Brute find that out that either one of us ends up killing you, I intend to take responsibility for it if it means that Alice will be spared and to atone for claiming your life. For all that it's worth, you're a good kid and you didn't deserve this bad hand that fate gave you." Decus said as he walked up and patted Marta's head before giving a finger salute and a slight smile, for this will be the final time they'll be on good terms. With that, he began to leave, but...

"Decus! One more thing..." Marta called out to Decus, prompting him to look back, waiting to hear what Marta wanted to say.

"How are Scarlet and the others doing?" Marta asked, at least wanting to know what became of her old Unit.

"They're doing fine. Scarlet was made leader unless you return. Remember, if you go back to the Vanguard of your own, I won't have to fight you and Alice won't be able to harm you either. " Decus replied with the only warm smile he gave Marta this whole time.

"Lastly, I consider you a good person too Decus, even... if you'll be after my life now..." Marta said with deep sadness, but still smiled at least. She truly meant that he was a good man, even if she believed him to be misguided.

"Thank you and good luck, Marta." Decus said as he went back to retrieve his Iron Maiden form the plaza and he left without causing a ruckus, keeping true to his word. As soon as he left, Marta curled up near the building's wall and began to cry. The closet person she had to a friend outside of her Unit was now out to take her life too... and it hurt her deeply.

"Lady Marta..." Tenebrae said in concern for the young girl. He understood now why Marta wished to speak with Decus, but it was clear to him he valued Alice more than anyone else.

"Why? What... what did I do to deserve this Tenebrae? All I wanted was to stop Daddy and make things right again. But now, not only does Alice want to kill me, but Decus wants to kill me too! I've done nothing to warrant that!" Marta angrily shouted as hot tears streamed down her face, allowing the emotional pain and pent up frustration out. Deep down, the fact that someone is out to kill her frightened her. She wasn't afraid of Alice herself, but her death threats were not to be taken lightly.

"Lady Marta, I want you to know that I will still be by your side... you're in a safe place so for now, just let it all out until you don't need to cry anymore..." Tenebrae said as he put his tail-hand on Marta's shoulder as a sense of comfort. With that, she finally allowed herself to cry for a while after putting up a brave face for so long. Marta now knew that unless her old Unit left the Vanguard, she had no one she knew from the group to rebel against Brute.

After a good ten minutes passed, Marta calmed down, her eyes still red from crying. She looked at Tenebrae and hugged him, witj the Centurion returning it the best he could.

"T-thank you, Tenebrae..." Marta said with a teary eyed smile, thankful that she had him for companionship.

"You're welcome Lady Marta." Tenebrae replied as he remained in place. Despite their relationship being business in the beginning, he sincerely meant that he would be proud to call her his friend and ally. Even though they only knew each other for a week, he warmed up to her pretty quick and he understood why this was hard for her. Anyone in her shoes would naturally be upset.

"Let's head back to the Caravan. Even if Decus did tell the Vanguard, we'll be long gone before they ever arrive here. Besides, there's some important things I need to tell you." Tenebrae said as he got up with Marta following suit.

"O-okay..." Marta replied as she followed him back to the Caravan. She was thankful Nova and his family were conveniently taking a long time as she didn't wish for them to see her like this or run into Decus.

Triet Entrance [Caravan]

After heading back to the Caravan, Tenebrae explained to Marta that after the "Blood Purge" happened, he overheard from Decus that the Vanguard has been tracking him down, most likely to punish him and the Church of Martel for harming slaughtering the people of Palmacosta.

"So I'm not the only the Vanguard's after then?" Marta questioned the Centurion. By now, her eyes were no longer red as she stopped crying. To be honest with herself, she felt so MUCH better now that she got the frustration and pain off her chest.

"Apparently so, however I doubt they'll just charge at him. If he's able to cause that much damage to a city, he must be strong." Tenebrae reasoned the idea that the Vanguard won't target him initially until they have a plan ready.

"He is. Lloyd Irving is one of the Chosen of Regeneration's companions. I don't know much about him, but he's skilled with dual blades and is the strongest of the eight heroes that unified the two worlds." Marta noted, recalling what she heard about the man in question.

"Eight heroes? Do you know them all by name?" Tenebrae inquired. If there were eight of them, it was best he knew who they were so that they would be prepared if they ran into one of them.

"Only three. Lloyd Irving, Colette Brunel and Zelos Wilder. That's only because they're the most well known for the others aren't mentioned as much..." Marta confessed as out of the Heroes of World Regeneration, those three names were the ones that popped up the most. Tenebrae nodded, keeping in mind what he heard.

"We're back!" May called out as she and the rest of her family came back. Marta silently cleared her throat as to not sound hoarse.

"Hi May. You guys have been gone for a while..." Marta said to her, wondering what they have been doing. Granted, she was happy they weren't around to see Decus, but it left her wondering.

"That would be my fault. A lot of the children wanted to pet the wingless dragons and some of the adults asked me questions in regards to my studies. I than told them a story and lost track of time." Nova explained with some slight embarrassment. Hearing this lifted Marta's spirits a bit, which was something she needed.

"By the way, did you get what the Caravan needed Sarah?" Marta asked the woman, hoping to put the hard encounter with Decus behind her.

"Yes we have and we got all the produce we for a good deal too." Sarah replied in a good mood.

"Marta, would you like to see the oasis?" May asked, extending a hand to Marta. A small warmth filled her after dealing with the cold sadness she felt from Decus.

"Sure May." Marta replied with a soft smile as she accepted May's hand and was led to the oasis.

Triet [Oasis]

Marta sat on the dock with Tenebrae beside her. She was appreciating the beauty of the oasis, which was teeming with all sorts of fish swimming in it, with the warmth of the sun beaming down upon her. She watched on as the little children, Aduin and May included, played around the grass and sandy areas while some of the teenagers and adults were fishing, with Nova and Sarah having pleasant conversing with some of the fishermen. She also noticed people buying food at the Desert Rose and some going into a tent where the fortune teller gave out fortunes. All these sights brought a smile to her face.

"I'm glad to see you smile again, Lady Marta." Tenebrae said, relieved to see the young girl brighten up.

"To be honest, I'm still a bit upset about Decus... but I have faith that everything will be okay." Marta replied as she than sat up with Tenebrae rising up from where he sat. The young girl recalled what her departed mother once told her.

"There are moments in life where sad and painful things can happen, but you mustn't allow sorrow to rule your life. Take time to allow the sadness to leave your heart, but you must look forward to the future and reclaim the joy you lost, my little flower."

Lily's words echoed in Marta's ears even though no one said anything. This brought peace to her heart as even now, her mother was still watching over as Marta closed her eyes and stretched her arms out, basking in the sun's warmth.

"Hey Marta, would you like play hide and seek with us?" Aduin called out to Marta, offering her to play.

"Sure Aduin! I'll warn you, I can find you guys pretty quick!" Marta replied as she ran to join Aduin, May and the four other children they were playing with.

'I guess even adolescents can still be children at heart. I'm sure Lady Marta needed this.' Tenebrae thought to himself as he watched on as Marta played with the children.

Triet [Inn]

It was night time, and after having a delicious dinner at the Caravan, everyone bought room at the Inn to spend the night, with Nova and his family sharing one room while Marta had one to herself. While Tenebrae had to sleep outside with the Wingless Dragons, he can easily get into the Inn with no effort.

"What are you doing up so late?" Tenebrae said as he poofed into Marta's room, keeping his voice as low as possible to make sure no one noticed.

"It's only 10:30 Tenebrae. I'll go to bed around 11:00 like usual." Marta explained as she was enjoying the peace and quiet. Marta then had a curious question going through her head.

"Hey Tenebrae, what exactly does a Knight of Ratatosk do?" Marta asked the Centurion as thoughts of the green-eyed boy flashed through her head.

"Ah. Well for one thing, the main purpose of a Knight of Ratatosk is to protect you and Lord Ratatosk, as the title indicates." Tenebrae said as Marta listened. It made her heart flutter a little. A knight protecting a princess? Who wouldn't want to be in that position?

"Additionally, the Knight would obtain a fraction of Lord Ratatosk's powers, increasing their strength and to top it all off, they'll also be able to forge pacts with monsters." Tenebrae continued, with the last bit catching Marta's attention.

"Monsters? Why would the Knight of Ratatosk need to forge pacts with monsters?" Marta inquired, putting the romantic thoughts of the green-eyed boy defending her to the back. Not that she'll let him do ALL the work as she still intends to pull her weight.

"For one, it'll give you and the Knight additional allies. For another reason, the more elemental monsters the Knight makes a pact with, the awakened Centurions will regain their power. For example, the more Darkness elemental monsters the Knight makes a pact with, my powers will will gradually grow along with the Knight." Tenebrae explained to Marta as she listened.

"There's no need to worry, any monsters that made a pact with the Knight will be friendly toward them and any ally, including you." Tenebrae finished, brining relief to the young girl.

"I see. I was just curious." Marta replied and as thoughts of the green-eyed boy flashed to her mind, another question came to mind.

"The boy that saved me during the Blood Purge... do you think he's okay? And if he is... do you think he'll really want to come with as a Knight of Ratatosk?" Marta asked the Centurion in wonderment. For one, she does hope he got out of Palmacosta in one piece and while she does want him to come, she knows she can't force him to come along with them as she'd rather the choice be of his own accord.

"I have a good feeling that he's okay, even though I never saw him myself. As for if he wants to join or not, well... let's just say it'll be preferable if he makes the pact. However, we won't know for certain until we find him." Tenebrae offered his own opinions on the matter, with Marta nodding.

*Yawwwnnnnn* "Well, it's time I went to bed Tenebrae. Thank you for explaining a out the Knight of Ratatosk... and for giving me a shoulder to cry on." Marta thanked the Centurion as she took her boots off and got under the covers of the bed.

"You are quite welcome Lady Marta." Tenebrae replied as he floated up, getting ready to head back out to the Wingless Dragons.

"Good night... Tenebrae..." Marta said in a sleepy tone as she drifted off to sleep. After all the tension with Decus today, along with playing with the children, she really needed to sleep in a nice warm bed.

"Good night, Lady Marta." Tenebrae said gently as he poofed and went back outside.

As soon as Marta fully drifted off to sleep, she was in a rather unusual dream.

Marta's Dream

As Marta walked through a thick forest, she wondered what she would find up ahead. She didn't know why, but she figured it was something important, but then...

"I don't want to die like this! Get away from me!" A nervous voice echoed though the foliage , prompting Marta to look through the clearing to see a ferocious beast about to attack a young boy.

"Watch out!" Marta cried out as she pulled out her spinner and struck down the beast before it can harm the boy. After retracting her weapon, she lent a hand to the boy and helped him up.

"Blonde hair and green eyes? Could he be...?" Marta thought to herself as everything began to turn white. She didn't know why, but it felt like this will happen to her in the future. She wouldn't know as once again, she fell into a deep slumber.

To be Continued...

And with that, the 'Triet Arc' comes to an end. Sadly, it appears that Decus will become another enemy to Marta in the future, but Tenebrae's friendship and the words of her mother along with all the small things make everything worth while for her will bring a hopeful smile to her face and her heart.

But what about that strange dream? Is it a foreshadowing of her future? Time will tell in due time.

So, where will Marta and the Caravan go now? We'll find out next time.