Hey, another chapter. Awesome. I got a really nice idea that incorporates Ratatosk Mode and stuff. It's a little more serious, but I wanted some kind of "first time" thing like we saw with Lloyd, Kyle and Tear.

It wasn't supposed to be this way. Marta wanted to go out for some training against a couple of the monsters. He agreed to go with her. They never meant to stumble upon a monster's nest. But it was too late. Marta was unconscious a little ways away, and he was next.

His heart beat rang in his ears, loud and distracting. His breaths came out in short gasps. He stared at Marta's unmoving body, as a sort of rage overcame him.

His vision bled red, and with a loud battle cry, everything went black.

…

When he came to, it was to Marta's cries and a horrible feeling that something was terribly wrong. He looked at Marta who, despite her injuries, kept a tight grip on his torso and wouldn't let go.

"...Marta…?"

She looked up.

"Emil…?"

"What's wrong?"

Marta said nothing as she only hugged him tighter, increasing the feeling of dread. It was then he noticed the state of their surroundings. Trees were cut down and branches were strewn everywhere. Monster corpses littered the area, painting the greenery with a dark red.

Emil stared in horror.

"Did...Did I do this?" he asked, not wanting to believe it, but deep down he already knew the answer.

The bushes rustled, and Ange appeared from the shrubbery.

"Ah, so this is where you w—Ah!"

The blue-haired girl stepped back in surprise at the scene. She surveyed the area, finally looking at the two teens. Marta watched her with tearful eyes, clinging to Emil as if her life depended on it. Emil on the other hand, looked at her with eyes full of guilt and terror as he stood frozen to the ground, his sword discarded at his feet. Putting two and two together, her face became serious, but kind as she lead the two away from the bloody scene and back to the village, where they were cleaned up and had their injuries tense to.

She looked at the both of them, and despite her curiosity, she didn't feel it was the right time to ask. They'll tell her when they were ready.

"Emil, Marta, I don't know what happened in that forest, but whatever it is...know that I'm always on your side. Alright?"

The two nodded, grateful for the lack of questions.

It took a little longer to write, since I went through a couple drafts before settling on this one. But anyway, as usual, thanks for reading!