Welcome back everyone! This time, out Guest in the Hollow Night will be Marta Lualdi, the main heroine and love internet of Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World.

I feel that Marta gets WAY too much hate for who she. Yes, I can understand why her early character traits can annoy people (especially in regards to her fan girl crush on Emil Castagnier, the main hero of the game before it develops into true love for who Emil really is instead of the fantasy in her mind.), but she does grow as a character if you give the character a fair chance (although her Post-Battle quotes and generic skits like leveling up doesn't help, lol). She even has a good romance with Emil that many fans of Marta can attest too.

Anyway, how does this spunky little flower find herself in the Hollow Night? Let's find out!

Oh, and Marta will be Post-Game from the True Ending, so some End Game Spoilers from ToS: Dawn of the New World's True Ending ahead! Some characterization from Tales of the Rays will be used in conundrum with Marta's character too.

Marta Lualdi

Knight of Ratatosk

Sex: Female

D.O.B.: Unknown

Height: 153 cm/5'0"

Weight: 43 kg/95 lbs.

Blood Type: Unknown

Ability: The "EXS" of Radiant Dawn: Heart's Symphony

Weapon: Iron Spinner

Original Series: Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World (Action JRPG Game and sequel to Tales of Symphonia) from Bandai Namco.

Marta VA: Rie Kugimiya

Emil VA: Hiro Shimono

Tenebrae VA: Houchuu Ootsuka

Appearance: Wears a sleeveless white shirt with a brown collar, brown skirt, back leggings with diamond cuts, brown high heel boots and detached sleeves on her arms with white gloves. She wears two flower barrettes in her hair. Lastly, she wears a travel pouch on the back of her shirt.

Animations

Intro: Marta stands before her opponent as she puts her hand inside her pouch. She than pulls her Iron Spinner out and flicks her arm out, extending the spinner's blade before getting into her fighting stance.

Round Loss: After being knocked out, Marta pushes herself off the ground into a sitting position, not ready to give up.

Time Over Loss: Falls onto her legs while trying to keeping herself up.

Round Victory: Brushes her hair a bit before looking back at the opponent while tilting her head.

Match Victory: Does a pirouette spin before winking and pointing at the opponent.

Victory Screen Quotes

Victory Portrait: Has her hands on her hips as she smiles at the opponent.

Generic 1: "That was easy!"

Generic 2: "And that's that!

Generic 3: "Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. Isn't that right Emil?"

Generic 4: "Hehe! Sorry about that!"

Generic 5: "Wahoo! I'm on a roll today!"

Vs. Hyde: "You sort of remind me of my boyfriend, Emil. I wish there was a way you two can meet each other. The two of you could be great friends."

Vs. Linne: "Whew! You're pretty tough for someone your age, but you could stand to not be so aggressive to everyone."

Vs. Waldstein: "I've seen guys with muscles before, but you're the definition of 'overdoing' it! I don't think any person in my world can get that muscular!"

Vs. Carmine: "What's so fun about hurting people and laughing at their pain!? This is why I don't like sadists!"

Vs. Orie: "You know, I once saw the world in absolute black and white like you do, but after my journey, I realize that I shouldn't always view it like that. I hope you come to understand it too."

Vs. Nanase: "Um... don't you think that maybe your words sound like something else entirely and that you're viewing this guy you're chasing down the wrong way?"

Vs. Chaos: "You sort of remind me of Richter in a way. It must be the glasses and your calm, collected attitude."

Vs. Hilda: "Those who rely only on power will be doomed because of power! That's why you lost!"

Vs. Eltnum: "You seem to know an awful lot about me and my world. What kind of person are you?

Vs. Akatsuki: "Talk about a shocking experience with a soldier. Hehe! Sorry, I couldn't resist. Great, now I sound like Tenebrae..."

Victory Screen Quotes Against Marta

Hyde: "What's a cute girl like you doing all the way out here? On that note, are you some sort of cosplayer?"

Linne: "I've seen idealists like you before. You'd rather not take a life if you could help it, but unless you take out that enemy, you and your loved ones will regret it."

Waldstein: "To think a scrawny little girl would challenge me. You're fortunate that I didn't snap you like a twig."

Carmine: "How was that girl!? Not so confident now, aren't you? Come on, why don't you bark some more!?"

Orie: "You have a certain gentleness, yet you're very vibrant and full of life. I wonder if I can be a bit more like you in some regard."

Nanase: "You definitely have great style and looks, but it looks like I came out on top! The light couldn't catch the wind, after all!"

Chaos: "So I remind you of an acquaintance of yours? Something tells me I would have enjoyed having an intellectual conversation with him than with you."

Hilda: "Well little girl, what was that about me being doomed because of power? Why don't you say that to me again while you're on the ground now."

Eltnum: "It's sad that people overlook your good points entirely. If only people could see that more than what little they have seen or what they assume of you."

Akatsuki: "I apologize for retaliating like that miss. If I can do anything to help you, don't hesitate to ask."

Super Attacks

EXS Attack - Remnant Strike: Does a sliding attack and if it hits, the opponent will be launched with Marta swiping her spinner upward for an additional juggling attack before charging up a ball of chi and slamming it into the falling opponent, sending them flying across the screen.

Infinite Worth - Prism Sword: Drops a circle of five crystals where the opponent is at, unleashing a burst of light that causes damage before dropping a sword made out of crystal on top of them.

Infinite Worth EXS - Radiant Roar: Once the Flash Field connects, Marta starts a chant to activate her spell before her spinner flies off, splitting in two and forms a triangle like glyph with Marta standing in the top point. She than floats up and with a faint glow of where Ratatosk's Core used to be on her forehead unleashes a burst of light from the ground on the opponent, causing immense damage. Marta also regains 25% of her Health Meter back as well along with getting 15% Green Health.

Unique Traits

Green Health: As Marta takes damage, there will be some green health ahead of her standard health meter. This indicates how much health will be restored when she activates a Chain Shift, making it important to always be aggressive when trying to get the Chain Shift status.

Healing: When Marta activates a Chain Shift, whatever green health she has in her Health Meter will be recovered through the use of her Healing Arts.

Hilda Arcade Story Interaction

*Hilda is wandering around until she meets a young girl with flower barrettes in her hair alongside a black panther like creature*

Marta: "You! Are you the one the people of this city call Paradox?"

Hilda: "It would appear my reputation proceeds me. To think that a girl like you knows me?"

Tenebrae: "It would this the one causing trouble, Lady Marta."

Hilda: "Did that panther just speak?"

Tenebrae: "I'll have you know that I am a Centurion and that your plot is the reason Lady Marta and I find ourselves here!"

Hilda: "Centurion? I haven't heard about that before, but what your saying is that you and this girl came from somewhere else?"

Marta: "That's what it appears to be. It definitely isn't Sylvarant, Tethe'alla or the Ginungagap."

"In addition, this city is vastly different in addition to people having these bizarre powers, so we may be in a different world entirely."

Hilda: "It's strange, but you might be correct. It is unusual that you can walk around this night, but unfortunately your luck has ran out the moment you came across me."

Marta: "I found out why you're doing this. Trust me when I tell you this, the power you crave will lead you to an unfortunate end."

Hilda: "Hah! You, a girl who looks like they've been pampered their whole life, would lecture ME about power? It's time you learned your lesson!"

Marta: "I'll stop you! I won't let you continue to hurt the people of this city, because I have courage!"

Tenebrae: "Lady Marta, just be prepared to escape if things start to look bad."

Hilda: "Sadly for you two, you both will meet your end here."

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Marta Lualdi Arcade Story

Prologue [Location: Sleeping Fountain Plaza]

*Marta slowly wakes up after a strange sense of vertigo overwhelmed her*

Marta: "Ugh... where am I? What is this this place?"

*Suddenly, a black panther like creature appears before Marta*

Tenebrae: "Lady Marta, you're awake."

Marta: "Tenebrae! What're you doing here? Where are we?"

Tenebrae: "I'm not certain, but it has to do with that strange vortex that suddenly appeared before us."

Marta: "Right... you came to visit me and Emil from the Ginungagap. While we were catching up, a strange vortex appeared..."

"It pulled you in and it nearly got Emil..."

"That's right, I threw Emil to the side and I got sucked in instead..."

Tenebrae: "That would explain why Lord Emil isn't here. The portal must have closed once it got the two of us."

Marta: "Oh, I hope he's okay..."

Tenebrae: "I'm certain he's fine, however, he would be very worried about our well being..."

Marta: "You're right, we need to get back and fast."

"But, we don't know where we even are. This doesn't look like Sylvarant or Tethe'alla."

Tenebrae: "This doesn't appear to be tied to the Ginungagap either, but then again, it wouldn't have a city like this."

Marta: "Good thing I still have my Spinner with me. I'd rather not get into a fight, but it's best to stay on the safe side."

"Tenebrae, can I count on you like I always do?"

Tenebrae: "I will always be here to assist you, like I have for Lord Emil."

Marta: "Then let's get going. First, let's find someone who can tell us where we are."

(To herself) 'Emil, don't worry. We'll be back soon...'

*Marta and Tenebrae leave the area as the 1st Stage, with the first Pre-Set Opponent, loads up*

Stage 1

Vs. Vatista [Location: Riverside Plaza]

*Marta and Tenebrae are exploring the Riverside Plaza, trying to deduce where they*

Marta: "This place... does it feel like a mix of Altimira and Flanoir to you, Tenebrae?"

Tenebrae: "It does in some way, however, these buildings appear to touch the sky and a lot of these structures are made differently. It may be possible we're in a different world entirely."

Marta: "If that's so, than why...?"

*Marta nearly runs into a girl with long white hair and a black dress*

Marta: "Whoa!"

"Oh, I'm sorry I nearly ran into you. Are you okay?"

Vatista: "I am unharmed. No apologies are necessary."

*Vatista looks in Tenebrae's direction as he didn't have the chance to hide himself*

Tenebrae: (To himself) 'Curses! I didn't even notice her, so I didn't have the chance to conceal myself.'

Vatista: "To think a normal human with no EXS Abilities would wander the Hollow Night with an unusual canine like creature. Interesting."

Marta: "EXS? Hollow Night? Excuse me, miss...?"

Vatista: "I am an Autonomic Nerve, Unit 10,076. However, if you wish for my designated name, I am called Vatista."

Marta: "Autonomic Nerve? So you're like a Centurion or a Summon Spirit?"

Tenebrae: "Actually, it would appear that she's an artificial life form, Lady Marta. It would explain why I couldn't sense her very well."

Marta: "No way! An artificial being!? It's incredible that a cute girl like her is something like that..."

"Oh, I'm sorry about bringing that up! Anyway, Vatista? Do you know where we are?"

Vatista: "I assume you are not from here. From what I gathered, we are in the Japanese city of Kanzakai."

"You are currently in the Hollow Night, a supernatural occurrence that occurs once a month. Within this space are beings known as In-Births, who possess the powers to use EXS. There are also Voids, monsters who feed off EXS and are the cause of In-Births being created."

"The mission of an Autonomic Nerve such as myself is to pacify and cull the number of In-Births and Voids. Right now, my current objective it to stop Paradox from misusing the flow of EXS and the Night itself."

"Is that a sufficient explanation?"

Marta: (To herself) 'This is a LOT to take in, but I think I got.'

'I now understand that we're not in our world and this place is full of powerful people.'

(To Vatista) "I believe so, thank you. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Marta and this is Tenebrae."

Tenebrae: "Charmed, I'm sure."

Vatista: "I see. While I am pleased to know my explanation helped you, it is too dangerous for you two to be here, therefore I must escort you to a safe zone."

Marta: "I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself. Thank you for the information Vatista and take care of yourself."

Vatista: "Negative. You'll only be putting yourself and your pet in harms way."

Tenebrae: "Pet!? I'll have you know that I am a Centurion!"

Vatista: "Centurion? A new species perhaps? Even more so that I can't let you wander this night."

Marta: "Way to go, Tenebrae..."

Tenebrae: "Hey, you heard what she said..."

Marta: "Yeah, that WAS pretty blunt..."

"Please Vatista, I'd rather not fight you if I can help it, but we need to find our way home."

Vatista: "I refuse to allow a human and a new species to be killed within this Night. I'm afraid I must restrain you in this matter, then."

Marta: "*Sighs* It doesn't look like I can talk you out of this..."

"I'm sorry, but I can't stand around waiting for something to happen. Hopefully, I don't hurt you too much, but you'll find out that this flower has thorns."

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Stage 3

Vs. Nanase [Location: Eastern Area: Children's Playground]

*Marta and Tenebrae show up at a playground*

Marta: "Well, that didn't look like magic or Artes, so we are DEFINITELY not in Aeslia anymore."

Tenebrae: "I also don't detect mana in this world, so we may as well be in another world after all."

Marta: "Oh, Tenebrae! Are you okay!? Didn't you say you rely on mana to sustain yourself?"

Tenebrae: "I appreciate your concern, but it would appear that this "EXS" is substituting my need for mana, so I will be okay for the moment. How about you, Lady Marta?"

Marta: "I'm doing good so far, thanks Tenebrae. I'm glad you're alright too."

Tenebrae: "It is fortunate you and Lord Emil keep your skills sharp through training."

Marta: "Still wish I knew the meaning behind my magic. It comes in handy, yes, but I still wonder since I no longer have the Core on my forehead."

Tenebrae: "I thought you were going to ask your father about that?"

Marta: "Hehehe... I guess it keeps slipping my mind..."

*Suddenly, a girl with brown hair and a green sword nearly attacks Tenebrae. Fortunately the Centurion dodges*

Marta: "Tenebrae!"

Tenebrae: "I am unharmed Lady Marta, but who?"

Nanase: "Darn! I nearly got that Void too!"

Marta: "Void? Those monsters Vatista mentioned... you thought Tenebrae's a Void!?"

Nanase: "How else do you explain a talking dog? I mean, it's strange that you're speaking with one to begin with."

"Perhaps it was trying to get you to drop your guard by pretending to be a cute puppy before swooping in for the kill and turn you into it's lunch!"

Marta and Tenebrae: "..."

Tenebrae: "You must have one overactive imagination. Besides, I am not one of these Voids, I am a Centurion."

Nanase: "A likely story! As much as I want to get back at Hyde Kido, I won't let a Void deceive a young maiden's heart!"

Marta: (To herself) 'Hyde? It must be a boy, considering her behavior. I wonder what he did? Maybe a bad break up?'

'I wish I can help her, but that's not important at the moment.'

Marta: (To Nanase) "Please listen, Tenebrae is not a Void and he isn't out to hurt anyone. Besides that, we're just trying to get back home."

Nanase: "I got it! That Void must be brainwashing you into doing it's bidding! First, I need to incapacitate you before destroying that Void! Once that's done, you'll be able to return to your family safe and sound!"

"Don't worry! I'll save you!"

Marta: "Ugh! Why won't you listen!?"

"Fine! If fighting you will make you see reason, than so be it!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Stage 6

Vs. Merkava [Location: Cafeteria of Movies]

*Marta and Tenebrae arrive at some sort of café like area, only to encounter some sort of creature before them*

Marta: "!? What is that!?"

Tenebrae: "I'm not sure, but this creature appears to be different from the others so far."

Merkava: "Interesting... you appear to be frightened by my visage, yet you choose to stand your ground instead of running away."

Marta: "What the? Tenebrae, do you feel that? I think I'm hearing the creature's voice, but it feels like the voice is in my head."

Tenebrae: "This creature must be using some form of telepathy, am I correct?"

Merkava: "Indeed. Considering that you came face to face with a Void such as myself, you are able to deduce my speech quite well."

Marta: "Void... the monsters that eat EXS according to Vatista. Yet, you seem different. You're more... human, not the mindless monsters I thought you guys would be."

Merkava: "I do not require your pity. However, you are correct. I was once human until I became this beast, yet I still retain my human mind."

Marta: "Tell me, do you really eat humans?"

Merkava: "It is true, however, I do wish that it weren't the case. While the beast within me enjoys it, my human heart wishes it could turn away from the gruesome sights."

"Even though mankind will never forgive me, I still desire to live despite my sins. I hope that is a satisfactory answer to your plight."

Marta: "Yes... if it means anything, I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. While I can't ignore the blood on your hands, you clearly resent what you became and you wish to get your old human form back."

Tenebrae: "Are there others like you?"

Merkava: "Unfortunately, it would seem I'm the only one to go through this turmoil. Others of my kind have long fallen to savagery and lost their humanity."

"However, if you truly value your lives, you would flee before the beast inside me turns it's fangs upon you. But if you choose to stay and fight, I want you to know that I appreciate the kindness you shown me and that I regret doing this."

Marta: "I'm sorry too, but I don't run away from my problems anymore. I hope that someday, you can fight off that darkness inside you and regain who you were. The fact that you show remorse and wish to be rid of that awful urge shows to me that you can become better."

Tenebrae: "It may be possible for you to be cured of your condition, am I wrong?"

Merkava: "I have not heard of such a thing, but I recall encountering someone who extended that offer out to me. While it's wishful thinking, it doesn't sound too bad to hope... for..."

"A-ARGHHH! I can't hold it back any longer! Run, before my hunger consumes you! ARGHHHHHHHHHH!"

Marta: "If there is hope for you, just hold on and do your best to survive until then! I won't kill you..."

"But I won't let the "beast" inside you kill us either!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Stage 9

Vs. Carmine [Location: Silent Park]

*Marta and Tenebrae show up at a park*

Marta: "Well, we made it well so far, right Tenebrae?"

Tenebrae: "Indeed, however it would appear everyone we encountered so far has to do with this woman known as Paradox, the individual Vatista mentioned."

"According to some word of mouth from the In-Births, Paradox is trying to become an immortal being called a Re-Birth through something called the Gate to the Abyss and attempt to conquer the Hollow Night, starting with the Night Blade and the Licht Kries, two factions who keep the peace and oppose both Paradox and her own faction, Amnesia."

"If I had to guess, this Gate to the Abyss may be the reason why we're here. That portal must have intended to bring Lord Emil here, considering that he is Lord Ratatosk."

Marta: "But I pushed him out of the way and I'm here in his place instead..."

Tenebrae: "Do you regret it, Lady Marta?"

Marta: "Not at all! I did it to protect him, and I know he'd do the same for me."

"Besides, while it has been scary here, Vatista and the wind girl from earlier aren't bad people. Even the talking void still has good in him and he has a chance to be saved."

Tenebrae: "I sometimes forget that your eternal optimism is one of your best traits."

Marta: "Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality, right?"

Tenebrae: "How ironic that the words Richter gave Lord Emil would find it's way to you."

Marta: "Well, it's those words made both of us better people. Besides, I can understand Richter's pain now. While it'll take me time considering what he made Daddy do, I can forgive him in time, because he's Emil's friend."

*Then, a red haired man shows up, apparently covered in blood*

Carmine: "Awwww, that's so sweet! What's next, you going to donate some blood to "charity"?"

Marta: "What now?"

"Ugh! You smell like... blood! Who are you!?"

Tenebrae: "Lady Marta, be careful! This man appears to be dangerous!"

Carmine: "You should listen to the floating dog, girly! The last thing you'd want is for me to mess up that pretty little face of yours."

Marta: "Are you trying to threaten me? I hate to break it to you, but I don't have time to deal with you."

Carmine: "Who says you can walk away? You may not be an In-Birth, but you have some power that caught my eye, so I came here to see if you have some bite."

"Unless you want to run home to your old man or your mommy. Hahahaha!"

Marta: "This is why I can't stand people like you."

Carmine: "Huh?"

Marta: "I met someone like you before. She always felt the need to hurt others just because she could as captain."

"Granted, it was because she was hurt by people who treated her wrong in her childhood, so I can at least understand and sympathize with her, even though I don't like how she treats soldiers under her command in addition to how she treats me and my friends."

"Despite everything, I still wish I can take back what I did to her. No matter how bad she was, she didn't deserve that..."

Carmine: "You're pretty vague about what you did to this chick, but it sounds like you know how to handle yourself."

"So, you gonna run? Whether I beat you to a pulp here or chase you down, I'm gonna enjoy this!"

Marta "*Breaths deeply* I won't run, but I can assure you things won't turn out like last time between me and Alice!"

"I may have been a weak, spoiled brat in the past who would run away and cling to others, but that's not who I am anymore. I have courage on my side and I have people who love and care about me waiting for me."

"For their sake, I won't lose here!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*

Final Stage

Vs. Hilda [Location: Altar of Light and Dark]

*Marta stands before Carmine before she heads to the building where Hilda is at*

Marta: "It's over now."

Carmine: "Not bad girl, despite how you look, you actually hurt me pretty bad. You did pretty well despite not being an In-Birth."

Marta: "..."

Carmine: "Don't stare at me like that, why don't you just get it over with?"

Marta: "No, I won't. Not again... not EVER again..."

Carmine: "!? Wait, so that Alice girl you mentioned before? D-Did you really...?"

Tenebrae: "Enough, you have caused Lady Marta enough emotional pain for one night."

Marta: "Goodbye. I hope that someday, you'll find something worth living for that doesn't involve hurting others."

*Marta and Tenebrae leave a stunned Carmine behind before arriving at the Altar, standing before the Gate to the Abyss*

Marta: "So this is the Gate to the Abyss we heard about?"

Tenebrae: "Apparently so. The pressure coming from this gate rivals that of the Gate to Niflheim, the demonic realm."

Marta: "So if we destroy this gates, we'll foil Paradox's plans to become immortal and conquer this world while also being able to return home, right?"

Tenebrae: "Hopefully that will be the best case scenario. Worst case is that we may need to find another means to return home."

Marta: "That's a chance we need to take."

*Than Hilda appears before the young girl and the Centurion*

Hilda: "I don't think so!"

Marta: "Oh great..."

"If I have to guess, you must be the one the people of this world call Paradox, am I right?"

Hilda: "So you've heard of me? Indeed, I am Hilda the Paradox, leader of Amnesia."

Tenebrae: "Lady Marta, there is something off about her. Her powers are... intense and unstable."

Hilda: "So you're this "Centurion" that has been accompanying this little girl I've heard reports about? You seem to sense my "EXS" powers quite well."

Tenebrae: "It isn't difficult to tell that your powers are a mix of light and darkness, but it would appear that your powers have long sense been corrupted."

Hilda: "I don't care what you say about me as long as I have the power to become a Re-Birth and wrestle the Hollow Night from both the Night Blade and the Licht Kries. All I need is the Insulator and I will succeed."

Marta: "You're forgetting one thing in regards to your plan: me."

"If you think that I'll let you do this, think again."

Hilda: "Oh, what do you think you can do? You don't have any EXS Abilities and you think you can stop me? That's rich."

Marta: "It's obvious no good will come of you becoming immortal."

Hilda: "And what would you know? I seek to liberate the Hollow Night from Night Blade and Licht Kries, what's wrong with that? Not to mention that once I become immortal, no one will stop me!"

Marta: "You're just saying that to justify your motives. There are few things that rub me the wrong way, but two-faced people are the worst..."

"Besides, those who rely only on power will be doomed because of power."

Hilda: "You, who knows nothing about power, would lecture me about power!? You're just a little kid who looks like they got whatever their heart desired like a princess."

Marta: "I'm well aware that I used to be weak, spoiled and selfish back then..."

"It may have been true before, but I have changed."

Hilda: "Like words will convince me. Regardless of who's right, if you and your little friend intend to interfere with my plans, I will end you."

Tenebrae: "This is it Lady Marta! Are you ready?"

Marta: "Ready as I will ever be! It's time to show her what my courage can do!"

*The scene transitions to the final fight*

Aftermath

[Location: Altar of Light and Dark]

*Marta has managed to overcome Hilda, with Amnesia's leader growing with anger that she lost to someone she believed to be weak*

Hilda: "Impossible! Me!? Beaten by a little girl!?"

Tenebrae: "Like with so many others who underestimated Lady Marta and Lord Emil before you, your own hubris and confidence proved to be your own undoing."

Marta: "As I said, relying only on power will bring you nothing but sorrow, pain and loneliness..."

"This battle is over."

*Marta then turns away from the weakened Hilda as she prepares to destroy the Gate to the Abyss*

Hilda: "Stop! Don't you dare destroy that! Just who do you think you are!?"

Marta: "There once was a girl, a girl who grew up during a journey with a boy, who she once thought to be her protector and her prince, but in reality, they protected each other instead and the girl, after taking what the boy said to heart, grew to love and accept him for who he is, including his other half. She didn't care that he was a Summon Spirit, she knew that thr boy tried his best and believed in both sides of him until they became one."

"I am that girl... Marta Lualdi, the Knight of Ratatosk."

"Farewell, Paradox!"

*The screen turns white as Marta unleashes a powerful Remnant Strike on the Gate to the Abyss, destroying it and ending the Hollow Night. When the screen clears, Marta and Tenebrae are gone*

Hilda: "No... my plans... ruined... by a girl... like her!?"

"ARRGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Ending

[Location: Palmacosta]

*Marta slowly wakes up, now finding herself in a familiar place*

Marta: "Huh? Where am I?"

"Am I... back in Palmacosta...?"

Tenebrae: "It would appear that we are."

Marta: "Then... did we save Kanzakai?"

Tenebrae: "It's nice to know you care about the other world, but yes, you did."

"Besides, even if that world is threatened again, there are good people who'll protect it, like Vatista and the wind girl."

Marta: "You're right, thanks Tenebrae."

*Suddenly, Emil Castagnier, Marta's boyfriend, shows up, having finally found Marta and Tenebrae after they disappeared*

Emil: "Marta! Tenebrae!"

Marta: "Emil!"

Tenebrae: "Lord Emil."

Emil: "Guys... I... I'm so glad your both safe..."

"What happened... you both got sucked into that portal and..."

Marta: "I'm sorry that we made you go throug that again, Emil...

Tenebrae: "Lady Marta, we should explain to Lord Emil what happened to us in that other world..."

Emil: "Other world...?"

Marta: "You may want to sit down for this Emil, you see..."

*The screen fades to black. When it reappears, Emil has heard from Marta and Tenebrae about their adventure in Kanzakai*

Emil: "So, this Gate to the Abyss and by extension, Paradox's plan was the reason that portal opened?"

Tenebrae: "That would appear to be the case."

"I believe that the portal meant to suck me and you inside, but Lady Marta kept you away from it."

Emil: "Marta, I'm sorry you got pulled in and went through all of that."

Marta: "No Emil, it's not your fault. I chose to save you because I want too."

"I did it because I love you Emil. A partner must always be willing to help each other out, through good and bad."

Emil: "I feel the same way too. I would do anything to keep you safe too, because I love you too."

Marta: "Besides, what kind of Knight would I be if I didn't protect you?"

Emil: "Knight?"

Marta: "Don't get me wrong! I'm not fantasizing us or anything! It's just while I was there, I think it made sense that I was the true Knight of Ratatosk, sense you are Ratatosk."

"After all, I kept you safe and I tried to always look out for you.

Emil: "Huh? I never thought about it that way, but you always did try to protect me even before I remembered who I was in addition to always being there for me..."

Tenebrae: "That is an interesting thing to think about."

Emil: "But wouldn't you have wear armor or something? Can girls even be knights?"

Marta: "Hey 🎵! Don't be a jerk now ❤. Besides you didn't wear armor yourself when you were the Knight of Ratatosk."

Emil: "Hehehe, you got me there."

Marta: "Hehehehe.

Tenebrae: "Hahahaha.

Marta, Emil and Tenabrae: *Laughing*

*Marta is then shown holding hands with Emil as they and Tenebrae are at a party at Zelos' mansion with Lloyd, Colette, Genis, Raine, Sheena, Zelos, Regal and Presea all attending*

Marta: (To herself) 'It never occurred to me that I would find myself in another world, let alone end up saving it all in one day, or night, as well. Even though you weren't there with me, I knew you were still by my side because you're always in my heart.'

'I know that one day you'll probably be alone when me and the others pass on, but I know that you'll still have Richter, Genis and Raine to keep you company, not to mention that Tenebrae and Aqua will always be by your side.'

'We'll cross that bridge when we get there, and I plan to tell you this later after the party, but I want you to always remember this...'

'That you will always be in my heart and that I will always be in yours Emil, until the end of eternity where we will meet again beyond the blue skies above us. After all...'

Marta and Emil: (To themselves, in regards to the other) 'There won't be anyone but you. You will always be with me.'

The credits roll as "Three-Legged Race" Plays

Translated Lyrics:

Three-Legged Race

Just like my favorite shoes, we were together no matter when

When I wore them, they always turned pitch black right away

Each time I washed them, they'd get clean, but in return they got wrecked quickly

And now I can't wear them at all

I tried wearing other shoes

And for the first time, I understood how comfortable those shoes were

At long last

Because there's no one who can replace you

The time in the future I'd planned on spending with you

Meanwhile, if there's something, I compare it to you, and I can remember you right away

No matter what I do, I won't fill up—I just can't

You tell me time will settle everything? And here you're steadily building a forcefield!

"I knew it—it can't be anyone but you, and..."

We can't go back anymore to what we were back then, so rather than doing it over again,

Let's now start from the beginning as who we are

The ultimate partner, my precious partner

You're forever my partner, without changing, my partner

With that, Marta's journey through the Hollow Night has ended. While it's true that Emil will outlive everyone, including Richter, Genis and Raine, Marta will always live on in his heart as he does for her.

Could the game have improved on some things for her? Yes, but no character is perfect and it's not fair to blame the character for how they're written unless we give them a chance. There are characters I like that have flaws (like Laharl from Disgaea) and characters who are unfairly hated (like Big the Cat from Sonic The Hedgehog). Marta is both (along with Emil and to a lesser extent, Richter), yet the fans who like her and/or ship her with Emil should be respected and not bashed on. Please know that I'm not forcing my views on you, I just want to let you know to never judge a book by it's cover and understand them on a deeper level.

I'm just happy the Japanese fanbase like all three characters equally, but if you guys don't like Marta, I can understand and respect that. Just don't force your views on me or the other fans who love Marta and Emil X Marta by extension.

Anyway, next time when we venture into the Hollow Night, an feisty S Rank Butei (Armed Detective) will embark on a mission into this place. See you next time.

Special Thanks to Naekane for their friendship, patience and support as a fellow Marta Lualdi and Emil X Marta fan as well as for the 'Perfect Partner' Title description as the last line of dialogue in this chapter 😊.