Welcome back everyone! Last time, Azure revealed her past to Marta and Emerald found resolution to her past. With that, Marta and Tenebrae said their tearful farewells to Nova and his family before heading off on the next phase of their Journey.
Where will they head to now? What will happen when Selene opens up about her past? Will she learn ANYTHING about Vermillion?
Once we see how Marta's friends in the present react to what happened, we'll find out...
Grass Field Outskirts [Present Day]
Marta wiped her eyes somewhat as she recalled saying her goodbyes to Nova and his family as Emil and everyone else took it all in. Azure being a cyborg was something they didn't expect and yet, Lloyd and the Heroes of Regeneration took it all in stride and as usual, Tenebrae suspected that they saw something similar before. That aside, what surprised the Heroes of Regeneration even more was Emerald's Master appearing before her and Marta...
"So, Emerald just left on that note in regards to her master?" Emil inquired to his beloved, as like Marta back than, he figured Emerald would want to reunite with Azumi as she had the father she never had. After all, Emil wanted something like that, as even though he will never get that chance, he wanted to try again with his uncle, Alba... not as nephew and uncle, but as a father and son. Even Marta has her father back and he knew she will take the time to catch up with him once this journey ends...
"I believe that she wanted too, but it was her choice not too. I don't think I saw someone around my age act make such a mature choice until that point. Regardless, I'm still thankful to Azumi for raising her for those two years." Marta answered to Emil as she gave her own thoughts about that surprising moment. At the same time, Sheena and the others processed the fact that Kuchinawa, the same man who resented Sheena for the accidental deaths of his and Orochi's parents, took to protecting an anxiety filled girl and taught her his techniques. The fact that Marta heard him expressing his pride in his ward made the Mizuho Chief with happiness.
'I'm glad you found your way, Kuchinawa...' Sheena thought to herself. While she knew this had nothing to do with her and while this doesn't do much between her and Kuchinawa, she knew that this helped him. After all, whenever he was ready to come home, Sheena would welcome him back even if he never forgives her for what happened back then...
"Again... why does it look like the rest of you heard of this?" Tenebrae asked Sheena and the others, noticing their nostalgic looks and thoughts. This prompted Emil and Marta to look at them in response. Do they know the ninja in red? But before Sheena can say something about Kuchinawa...
"You see... the man in red reminds us of someone we know. We'll tell you about him some other time when we get a chance." Lloyd chimed in to cover for Sheena with a smile. He knew that he will have to reveal who Kuchinawa is to Marta once Emil takes his place as Guardian of the Ginungagap. After all, Kuchinawa has done questionable things in the past and he doesn't want to make it awkward revealing that. Although, he has a feeling that Marta believes in atonement and owning up to one's own mistakes based on how she wishes for Brute, Richter, Alice and Decus to answer for their crimes.
'Thanks Lloyd.' Sheena thought in gratitude. While Tenebrae wasn't satisfied, he left the topic alone while Emil and Marta, feeling there's more to what they're letting on about this person who's similar to Azumi, decided to leave it be for the time being.
"But still, to think that Azure was a cyborg... that sounds a lot like Tabitha..." Zelos said while mentioning a name Emil, Marta and Tenebrae never heard of before.
"Tabitha?" Emil asked Zelos. Throughout the Journey, Emil, Marta and Tenebrae met a couple of close friends and family to their friends. Dirk, Noishe, Seles, Sebastian, Tokunaga, Altessa, Orochi and Yuan. Needless to say, they've never heard of or even met Tabitha.
"An old friend of our during our last journey... she's an android build by Altessa. However, she... was killed sometime after we stopped the Kharlan Tree that ravaged Sylvarant..." Presea sadly noted in response. While Emil, Marta and Tenebrae were intrigued by how they knew an android, let alone one built by Altessa, they were saddened and sympathetic to them for losing a friend.
"I'm sorry for what happened." Emil gave his condolences in regards to their friend.
"I'm sorry for your friend too." Marta followed up, giving her own condolences to Lloyd and the others.
"There's no need to apologize... she was a good person, having helped us out a couple of times. I'm sure you would have liked her." Genis followed up, knowing full well about what happened to Tabitha. This made him feel downtrodden as he knew who took Tabitha's life, but he decided not to dwell on it for both her and his old friend.
"Marta... if you like, after we finish this Journey, we can visit Nova and his family together. Would you like that?" Colette, with a bright smile, offered Marta, knowing full well that she missed the Caravan family upon hearing her farewell with them. The offer touched Marta's heart and after a minute or two...
"I would like that Colette... thank you..." Marta replied with a warm smile. Although, she doesn't know if she'll be able to do so right away as she intends to turn herself in in regards to the Vanguard. Little did Marta know that Zelos planned to put in a good word for Marta in regards to what happened. He wasn't going to hype up the young girl, but hoped it would at least get her a 'Not Guilty' verdit or at least a less severe sentence. However, he planned to tell her this after dealing with Richter.
"So Marta dear? What happened next? We now know that you left to train with your friends in addition to Emerald being trained by Azumi and Azure being a cyborg. So, is there going to be something going on with the other girls I'm guessing?" Zelos asked Marta as he has a feeling there might be a pattern going at this rate. Marta then cleared her throat before continuing her story...
"Right. You see, the first day after we left Izoold was different. We walked everywhere with nothing but the clothes on our backs. It was rough, but me made do with what he had. During the day, I had my first lesson on dealing with humanoid opponents as Vermillion described and that night... Selene opened up about what Alice said during our battle..." Marta explained, recalling the Journey with her friends as despite roughing it here and there along with the tough training, she still enjoyed her time with them. However, that hint of sadness in regards to Selene was something that still tugged at Marta's heartstrings thinking back on it...
Grasslands [First Day with the Special Unit and a Day after parting with Nova]
It was the first day of the new month when the sun rose over the grasslands, it's bright warmth covering the land. Among those are a group of six girls and a panther like creature sleeping around a dimmed campfire with several cloth blankets. It was Marta and Tenebrae with Emerald, Azure, Topaz, Vermillion and Selene. While the dirt was uncomfortable, not to mention the rock that Vermillion slept upright on, the cloth blankets that Azure had on hand provided them with some warmth throughout the night and right now, the sun coming over the horizon brought a smile to each girl as they were bathed in it's natural warmth. Tenebrae, who's more than okay with the chilling temperature, woke up upon the sun's warm heat coming into contact with him as he stood up and stretched his body.
"Hmmm... looks like another start to another day." Tenebrae said softly to himself in slight annoyance. While he didn't mind the sun, Tenebrae always preferred dark places, hence why he doesn't mind the cool temperatures. Of course, he understood why humans and other humanoid creatures can't handle extreme cold or extreme heat for too long though. Even monsters and his fellow Centurions need proper temperature to survive.
"You could say that again Tenebrae..." Vermillion replied as she woke up and slowly stood up, making sure her armor didn't make much noise. Despite the lady knight's mysterious presence, Tenebrae felt like he can speak with her on a more intellectual level like with Nova.
"Ah, Vermillion. I hope you were able to rest well despite the position." Tenebrae asked in regards to the lady knight's well being. Sleeping back up against that rock while wearing armor CAN'T be good for her back at all...
"I rested fine. Besides, someone has to be on ready in case a monster or someone from the Vanguard attacked us. In case of the latter especially, for while we have defeated Alice, she'll more than likely have recovered by now and even so... there's still Decus and... Richter we need to worry about..." Vermillion explained for why she slept upright while noting the dangers of sleeping out in the wilderness. Tenebrae recalled Marta telling him back on the boat a month ago that she and her father traveled the world after her mother's passing, so she's more than accustomed to sleeping outside along with the time spent with Nova and his family.
"Indeed. However, we have not seen Richter or Decus for a while now, but we will reamin on guard. However, there's also Scarlet and Lavender as well." Tenebrae added on. Eventually, they will have to deal with Scarlet and Lavender while continuing to avoid Richter, Alice and Decus. Hopefully, Scarlet will have calmed down by now.
"This is true." Vermillion said as she turned to head out into the field of grass, much to Tenebrae's curiosity.
"Where are you going?" Tenebrae asked the Lady Knight, wondering where she's going.
"While we have obtained fruits and vegetables from yesterday, they won't be enough to sustain us. I'm going to hunt for some meat for us to cook. Should the others wake before I return, let them know." Vermillion said as she turned her helmeted face toward the Centurion, making her intent clear. She than raised a fingure to Tenebrae to mention something else.
"One last thing. Please inform Lady Marta that I will see to her training first for a few days. Based on your descriptions when she battled Alice's monsters and Alice herself, she'll need more practice if she's to fight other living beings, including humanoid opponents, as you asked of us." Vermillion added, wanting to make her intent known. Tenebrae had to admit that starting with Vermillion is a good idea. For one, the Lady Knight is a stern yet patient sort of person; ideal for Marta's first sparring partner. Looking at everyone else, the Centurion figured Emerald would take it easy on Marta and Topaz would accidentally hurt her if she didn't reign herself in. While Azure would help teach Marta in dealing with ranged opponents and Selene can help her in regards to magic, it's obvious that Marta needs to learn how to fight up close and personal as that will be her strong suit alongside her healing magic.
"Very well then. I will notify them when they wake up. Do take care in the meantime." Tenebrae replied as Vermillion nodded before she headed out to procure some meat for their breakfast. Tenebrae than sat down and waited for everyone else to wake up on their own.
Grasslands [10 Minutes Later...]
Over the next 10 minutes, Marta and the others woke up one by one with Tenebrae explaining where Vermillion went as they prepared the fire with Azure precuring a pot she conveniently had on hand. How she stored some of these things in her backpack, no one knew if it was her cyborg nature or not. While Marta pitched in to help cook, Azure assured Marta that Vermillion has it covered while looking somewhat neverous, much to the young girl's confusion. As Tenebrae observed, Emerald, Topaz and even Selene flinched upon hearing Marta wanting to cook.
"Trust me! Don't let Marta near the cooking equipment!" Azure whispered in a desperate tone to Tenebrae. It didn't take long for the Centurion to understand that while Marta is a good hearted young woman and a loyal friend, her cooking skills leave a LOT to be desired, even when Marta told Tenebrae that her father enjoyed her cooking with the Centurion piecing together that Brute must have stomached her poorly cooked meals to spare her feelings. As a result, he's thankful that Centurions are spared the "joys" of eating food.
After another 10 minutes passed, Vermillion returned with some beef she procured from her hunting trip. Vermillion took some of the vegetables and started cutting them up before putting them into the pot with the beef strips. While beef stew is not ideal for breakfast, it was better than nothing. After 20 minutes of preparation, the meal was served with Azure, once again, getting out what they needed thanks to storring bowls and spoons in her backpack. Turns out she thought far ahead, a little TOO far ahead, but far ahead regardless.
20 minutes passed afterward as Marta got up to stretch and work off the breakfast she ate by sparring with Vermillion. Now that she doesn't have to hide her training, she can put some work in instead of having to do it late at night. That being said, she had a few concerns about having Vermillion as her second teacher as Marta strapped on her spinner as Emerald and Selene took the pot, bowls and spoons to clean it up with water magic while Topaz and Azure folded up the blankets as Tenebrae observed Marta and Vermillion.
"Okay Lady Marta, first thing's first. I would like to see what Artes you have learned while training under Tenebrae. I'd like you to strike my shield to show me what you can do. Do not worry if you accidentally hit me for I'm well protected. " Vermillion said as she placed one hand behind her back while getting out her shield. Marta had a feeling that Vermillion wanted to guage her abilities first, but she knew the Lady Knight had a point as everyone didn't really have a chance to see her Artes in action during the fight with Alice. Marta was a little hesitant as she didn't want to accidentally hurt her despite the Lady Knight's reassurance. Eventually, the other girls finished their little tasks and came up to Tenebrae to watch their former captain in action, only with their full attention this time.
"Okay... here's my first Arte... Cresent Dance!" Marta said, gathering her breath before unleashing her standard Strike Arte on Vermillion's shield as the Lady Knight blocked the overhead slash and horizontal slash combo. The girls were impressed to see the arte Marta learned and as for Vermillion...
"Basic. Pretty simple, yet it's effective. You should take pride in that." Vermillion simply replied. The comment stung a little bit to Marta. To be fair, it IS a simple Arte, but Marta still took what she heard with understanding. After all, this is her first Arte, so like Vermillion said, Marta has pride in Crescent Dance.
"Yeah, it is... but let's see what you think of these ones. I will say this... they're not quite ready yet..." Marta replied nervously as she has still yet to perfect the other Strike Artes. She then proceeded to use them on Vermillion's shield...
"Dancing Swallow!" Marta shouted as she performed an overhead slash and back-flip kick combo, with the kick making Vermillion hop a little bit.
"A rather unexpected surprise attack at the end." Vermillon replied with a slight chuckle, something that caught Topaz's eye a little as Marta smiled in kind.
"Swallow Waltz!" Marta shouted once more as she performing a back-flip before spinning and doing the two spin-kick and overhead slash combination. While similar, it's obvious that Marta is using her athleticism and dance like nimbleness to accommodate for her spinner's short reach and attack power.
"You carry yourself quite well. Just as much as a ballet dancer... and I mean that is a good way." Vermillion replied with a positive tone. It was hard to tell under her helmet, but Marta was pleased to hear that.
"You don't have to praise me so much... it's obvious I need improvement on those Artes. This last one... I'm gonna do without hitting your shield this time. This rock over here should suffice..." Marta replied, not wanting mere praise to blind her toward improving herself. When it comes to fighting and self defense, Marta doesn't need to be babied and Vermillion can understand that. Upon hearing what Marta planned to do for her next Strike Arte, the Lady Knight took a step back to watch her newfound student show what she has up her detached sleeves. With this, Marta closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she rushed the rock and performed her combination of a twin slash, then a spin-slash move before hitting the rock full force with a energy-infused palm that was infused with Chi.
"Tempest Swallow!" Marta shouted as the Chi infused palm strike obliterated into many pieces of gravel. As the Centurion watched with pride, all of the girls, Vermillion included, audibly watched with awe...
"Wow!" Emerald cried out, clearly impressed.
"What do you know? She has great sprit power like me!" Topaz shouted out with a wide grin at seeing Marta shattered a rock like that.
"Impressive use of chi there Lady Marta!" Azure said as she clapped her hands.
"Indeed..." Selene simply said with a smile of approval.
"C-come on you girls... no need to praise me... besides, that Arte still takes a lot out of me..." Marta replied with deep breathes and a small blush. Vermillion simply walked over and place a hand on her shoulder.
"Very impressive. You have a lot of power within you. Take five minutes to catch your breath and we will officially begin our sparring session." Vermillion replied with a degree of pride that Marta has learned so much under Tenebrae's tutelage. With that, Marta nodded and took a moment to gain her strength before getting started with her training.
Grasslands [30 Minutes Later...]
Tenebrae and the girls were all in suspence as the simple sparring match turned into something of an epic mock battle. Granted, neither Marta or Vermillion were fighting to kill, but they definitely gave it more than originally thought until Vermillion managed to knock Marta onto the ground, ending the match.
Marta now laid splayed out in the grass, eyes closed as she took in deep breathes while Vermillion mearly placed a hand on her knee, breathing a bit herself. Even when softening her sword strikes so they don't inflict lethal blows, the Lady Knight still proved a challenge even when Marta used her healing Artes on herself to keep herself going. After a full 30 minutes of fighting an opponent who fought seriously, Marta was completely exhausted while Vermillion hardly seemed fatigued despite the intense match.
'She... she's really... good... It's only... nearly nine... in the... morning... and... and... I'm all... ready... to fall... asleep...' Marta thought to herself as she continued to breath deeply to get her energy back. Eventually the sun covering her was replaced with shade as the young girl opened her eyes to see Vermillion offering a friendly hand to her.
"You fought well... I see areas where you can improve, but you have a strong spirit that I respect." Vermillion said with a hint of enjoyment, as if she hasn't fought someone so sprited in a long time. Eventually, with a smile, Marta took her hand as she stood up slowly as to not fall over.
"T-Thanks... I can't really tell, but you don't look like you broke much of a sweat..." Marta said as she gasped for much needed air after all that. If she was being honest, this felt more like a workout compared to what Tenebrae had her do. Marta figured she could use a bath later on...
"Indeed... it appears you have a lot to learn, but for now, we will conclude today's session and try again tomorrow." Vermillion said as she softly placed a hand on Marta's head, soflty petting her head, before she left to rest herself as Tenebrae and the girls went up to Marta.
"Y-you okay Marta?" Emerald stuttered a little bit out of concern for Marta, who could only nod yes. While she was disappointed that she didn't win her match, Marta had to admit she enjoyed herself with Vermillion. Compared to fighting Alice and her monsters in a life or death situation, having a spirited and friendly sparring match was somehow enjoyable.
"I'm sure you'll get her next time! Maybe use that Tenpest Swallow Arte as your ace in the hole!" Topaz followed up with a wide grin as she pumped her fist. Marta doesn't really see herself as a competitive fighter who goes around challenging people like Topaz though, but she appreciated the words of encouragement nonetheless.
"Easy Topaz, it'll take more than mindlessly attacking her to secure a win. Besides, that Arte takes too much out of her..." Azure disagreed with Topaz in regards to that strategy. Marta had to admit that Azure's right. Evennthough Marta can heal herself, it won't mean much if Vermillion or any other opponent can knock the wind of her sails just as quickly, rendering her healing pointless. She knew she needed a magic teacher, which fortunately, there is...
'Selene...' Marta thought as she looked at her dark haired look-alike. While they still spoke, Marta avoided the topic of her past regarding this Soleil. She still has no intention of bringing it up. However, Selene's specialty with magic should help Marta gaining an edge in facing Vermillion.
'I should probably ask her later tonight... who knows, this will be a good bonding experience.' Marta thought as she has an idea to improve her healing artes and continue to open Selene's heart. Considering what Alice revealed, it sounds like the dark haired doppelganger needed it.
Forest [Later that evening]
Throughout the rest of the day, Marta, Tenebrae and the girls all traveled through the grasslands until they found themselves going through another forest. Eventually, around noon, they managed to make curry thanks to procuring some ingredients from a traveling merchant while out in the grasslands. Emerald made sure the curry was mild as everyone didn't care for it spicy, although Topaz seemed to be the only one who wants her's spicy. And once again, Vermillion ate away from the group, making her true face a mystery yet again...
Around the time the sun began to go down, they all found a nice lake where the girls took a nice dip to clean the sweat of themselves. Vermillion strangely bathed elsewhere where she couldn't be seen. Marta always found it strange that Vermillion never showed her face a single time at all. Perhaps she was shy deep down or is hiding something like Azure did. Regardless, whatever it is, if Vermillion wants to come out, Marta will wait. If one thing is certain, Marta's at least happy that Topaz wasn't able to grope her compared to everyone else...
It was around 8:30 PM when Marta walked into an open clearing where she and Tenebrae waited by themselves...
"Why are we over here from the campsite? There's no reason to hide our training sessions anymore Lady Marta." Tenebrae inquired, wondering what's going on through Marta's head.
"I asked Selene earlier if she can teach me more about magic. There must be some other healing Artes I can use outside of First Aid and other spells I can use. Who else would be better to teach me magic then her." Marta answered, explaining her reasons for calling Selene out here. She had to learn other types of Healing Artes and other spells if she were to have a chance to get stronger. Especially sense Alice and Richter can use magic somehow, it would be helpful to have that kind of knowledge...
'How are Selene, Alice and Richter able to use magic? I know some humans can use it, but could they be Elves or Half-Elves... maybe?' Marta theorized to herself in regards to the three. Until someone said so, there was no to prove they are Elves of Half-Elves. For now, Marta decided to assume them human until otherwise, not that it would change what Marta thought of them.
'After all, there are bad humans too...' Marta thought, recalling the lesson that Half-Elves are evil. However, Marta does know deep down that it isn't the case. However those lessons along with the harm the Desians caused didn't help in that regard. Despite her fears, she's willing to put them aside if it means getting to know any half-elf wanting to know her better. The rustling of the bush snapped Marta out of her thoughts to see Selene coming.
"Oh, Selene! You scared me!" Marta replied as the bush rustling startled her a little bit. Tenebrae chuckled a little bit to himself at Marta's little jump scare.
"Sorry about that. So, what kind of magic would you like to know about?" Selene apologized before cutting straight to the point as she always does.
"It's alright. I know you didn't mean it. Well, I do know I need to learn spells besides First Aid. You know, something that can help me and my friends. Maybe an attack spell too?" Marta replied, reassuring Selene that she didn't need to apologize while also requesting other forms of Spells.
"Well, first, you need to understand that casting spells isn't easy as it seems for you need focus to pull off some stronger ones, especially Attack Type Spells. However, there are at least five spells I can teach you going forward. Just remember that you will to perfect them as you grow stronger, understand?" Selene explained before revealing that she does have a couple of spells to teach her light haired counterpart.
"Sure thing Selene!" Marta replied while jumping for joy. Selene couldn't help but chuckle a little bit at a human wanting to learn magic so much. Then again, it's rare for humans to be able to do so...
"Let's begin with the easy stuff..." Selene replied with a small smile as they began Marta's Magic Training.
One Hour Later...
Around 9:30 PM, Marta gained a better understanding of how to cast spells, slowly honing her ability to focus and concentrate than just throwing out the spell haphazardly. She just had to close her eyes and channel the mana flowing through her in order to cast the spells. As for the five spells she learned, these included;
Charge, which allowed Marta to transfer some of her strength to another ally. It left her a little tierd, but she knew it would be helpful if her allies need it, especially sense she felt she could get the hang of it quickly.
Barrier, a spell that increases an one's defensive abilities, allowing her or an ally to withstand more damage than they normally can. Another spell she can easily learn in a short time.
Recover, a spell that cures any sort of physical aliments like paralysis, weakness, burns and even poison from herself or any ally! A really handy spell to have on hand that Marta can learn without too much difficulty.
The next two spells were a bit harder however due to lack of experience on hand...
The first of these advance spells is Dispel, a spell similar to Recover, expect it removes magocal ailments from herself and her allies. These general remove negative effects of other spells cast on them. And for the recnt one...
"Heal!" Marta shouted as she focused her attention on casting the spell on Selene. While Selene wasn't injured, it was better to have a person to focus the spell on. As for Heal, as the name suggests the spell is a more potent versions of First Aid. As a result, it can heal more injuries than Firat Aid can. However, it left Marta exhausted upon casting it. While she can learn it with more practice, it felt a little hard to use it so soon.
"H-how did I do...?" Marta asked Selene as she placed her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.
"Not bad for your first go. When you get a chance, try to practice those spells. They should help out when you challenge Vermillion again. Once you manage to best her, I might teach you an Attack Spell." Selene complimented her former captain in her own way while encouraging her to keep on practicing, while giving her another small smile and promising to teach Marta an Attack Spell should she win.
"Thanks Selene... I really appreciate it and I look forward to learning that spell... once I win a sparring match with Vermillion..." Marta replied somewhat enthusiastically. Who knows if she'd be able to best Vermillion, but Marta would rather win fairly instead of the Lady Knight letting Marta win. It was then Selene began to look down somewhat...
"Selene...?" Marta asked her dark haired counterpart as Selene took a deep breath and turned to her...
"Marta... I... I... want to tell you something... something that Alice mentioned the other day..." Selene managed to get out after some hesitation. Marta knew where this was going...
"Selene, you don't need to say anything about that..." Marta replied. While she wanted Selene to come out on her own, she didn't expect it so soon, nor did she wish to see another friend cry in front of her.
"I appreciate your respect toward my feelings, but you deserve to know the truth at least..." Selene replied back as she took a deep breath, before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a photo, lookin at it tenderly before showing Marta. As she and Tenebrae observed it, they saw Selene with a wide and bright smile, hugging the arm of a boy wearing white clothes with a brown strap belt that held his sword along black gloves and boots. His hair was ash blonde, eyes were pale green and his skin was tanned. He almost looked similar to the boy Marta saw back during the Blood Purge, but the differences were obvious. He had a fond smile as he looked at Selene, with love in his eyes.
"This was you...? And the boy with you...?" Marta asked in surprise at how much lively Selene looked. So happy and full of life.
"Is my boyfriend... Soleil. He met when we were both eight years old. His family, his father being a renowed soldier, were old friends of my parents when we met in Palmacosta. Despite fear of the Desians, the two of us lived in relative peace. We grew up together, playing together and just having a good time. Our bond grew until I turned fourteen, when out of the blue, I realized that I was developing feelings for him. Before I could say anything, he asked me to meet him and he told me that he loved me before asking me to be his girlfriend. I was so happy that I began to cry tears of joy..." Selene explained as she revealed her history with the boy in the picture. To Marta and Tenebrae's surprise, Selene had a childhood friend in this boy, growing closer together as they grew up together despite the threat of the Desians. It was rather suprising thatMarta never saw them as Marta was only a year younger then her spltting image. At first, Marta's heart was delighted about childhood friends becoming lovers, but considering what Alice said, it quickly went away as she knew what would happen...
"However, a year later, tragedy struck when I was 15. During was The Giant Tree Rampage... me and Soleil were away from Palmacosta running errands when it happened. By the time we came back, both of our parents were killed in the process. It was horrible... but we were able to survive and keep going..." Selene continued, revealing how her and Soleil's parents were also victims of the The Giant Tree Rampage that took Lily's life. This shook Marta to her core and yet, this made her wonder what she thought of Colette in regards to the rumors...
"When I turned 17 years old, a few days after my birthday, Soleil got down on one knee and proposed to me, saying that I was the reason he kept on going after our parents died. We would begin living as husband and wife... but then... then THEY came..." Selene said, recalling what should have been the best day of her life. Marta's heart began to ache as she shook her head in disbelief while Tenebrae could only listen on with a sense of dread.
"There were a couple of Tethe'allan nobles who appeared before us... ever sense the two worlds merged, as you already know, they come to Sylverant to either torment people or take us away as slaves... There was this one noble who stared at me... wanting me as his own personal maid and... other disgusting things. Before I could use my magic to frighten them, Soleil stepped up to defend me... his fiance. However, he refused to listen, so he and his two friends began to assult us, determined to take me. That was when I use one of my spells to ward them off... afterward, they described me as Half-Elf scum and then the same noble who wanted me drew his sword and attempted to run me through and then... Soleil... s-shielded me..." Selene continued as she explained what happened. Nobles from Tethe'alla once again came to cause trouble for Sylvarant and to Marta's surprise and disgust, killed a man. While there were no fatalities she saw or witnessed, this was the first she heared something so dreadful happened. Even Tenebrae couldn't help but be appalled.
"In my anger, I used my strongest magic to break that man's legs to shrapnel, forcing his men to take him away. I held Soleil in my arms, desperately trying to use Healing Wind to heal him, but his lung was stabbed and he was losing too much blood for my Artes to do anything... before he died... we pledged our love for each other and put the ring on my finger before he passed away... ever sense then, my heart died with him and I swore to make Tethe'alla pay for what they done. When I found the same noble in a wheelchair trying to take another maiden away, I tired to kill him... but... but I couldn't do it... I couldn't bring myself to murder him, no matter how awful he was..." Selene finished as tears began to run down her face as Marta began leaking her own tears. Like Emerald, she lost her family, but she also lost the boy she loved on the day he proposed to her. Tenebrae only closed his eyes as not even he expected Marta's look alike to have suffered so much. Despite feeling so much sorrow for Selene, Marta was happy that she didn't kill the noble in revenge. As much as Marta hated the nobles in question, she believed Soliel wouldn't want Selene to murder him in cold blood. After all, Marta had no desire to have revenge on Colette and even if she felt that way, Marta knew her mom wouldn't want her to do that.
"This photo... and this ring are all I have left of him..." Selene continued as she pulled out a wedding ring. It was a small silver ring with an Amethyst in the center. The two noticed Selene closed her eyes as if not wanting to look at it.
"So... you joined the Vanguard because...?" Marta asked Selene while wiping the tears from her eyes.
"I joined them about four months later to ensure no one ever suffered the way I did. I thought if I could scare them, the persecution would end. But it didn't, yet I kept going. When I met all of you, it filled me despite my dried out heart... and yet... I couldn't blame the Chosen of Regeneration for my misfortunes..." Selene explained before revealing she never blamed Colette for what happened. This took Marta by surprise as Selene held no resentment whatsoever as this made her either very forgiving or not wanting to blame her. Marta couldn't even do that much and yet, she couldn't bring herself to argue it with her. After all, Selene understood her, saying she wasn't wrong to feel that way and that everyone's opinion's are different back when they first met. Marta wanted to go and comfort her, but held back in case she didn't want to... but Selene walked up and hugged her.
"Marta... just why...? Why do these things happen this way...?" Selene asked in sorrow as she cried with Marta returning the hug back, crying with her as she did for Emerald and Selene. Despite her own dark feelings, the compassion she showed shined through. The two girls, who looked aliked and yet walked different paths. Marta to seek the truth, Selene to seek retribution. Now, Marta is out to save the world while Selene is seeking to protect people. In a sense, they're two sides of the same coin, doing the opposite of what the other woukd do.
"Selene... I know we can't replace your family or Soleil... but you don't need to be alone. You don't need to close your heart." Marta said to Selene and by extension, herself as well. Like she and Brute discussed, Marta could have been just like Selene if she lost her father as well.
"I know... I know... thank you... for listening..." Selene said with sincerity as she took the time to weep, allowing the walls she built to finally come down. Tenebrae just watched, expressing his happiness that even though Marta is no longer with the Vanguard, she really is acting like a true captain to those under her command.
"You're welcome... Selene..." Marta replied back as she hugged Selene. In any event, Tenebrae could tell this served to do them both good as they were the other possibility the other could have taken and coming to terms and peace with it.
Eventually, the two girls and Tenebrae decided to head back after Marta and Selene calmed down. As they prepared to settle in for the night, while Selene didn't tell the others what she told Marta and Tenebrae, she told them stories about the adventures Selene and Soleil went on as well as their bond. Despite knowing the tragedy it ended in, Marta felt happy that Selene had someone to love so dearly and the fact that she's now talking about him is a sign that Selene is starting to finally heal after years and months of pain. Marta took solace in the fact that she was able to help out another member of her old Unit until she and everyone drifted off into a peaceful slumber. As Marta fell alseep, she noticed the wedding ring held in Selene's grasp...
To Be Continued...
Phew! Another long chapter in the running!
With that, the truth of Selene's past has come out and once again, Marta was able to help out her old teammate while accepting the mirror of possibilities she could have taken through her.
Next time, we will see the efforts of the magic training Marta learned through Selene as she still has to win her sparring session with Vermillion.
Till next time everyone!