Welcome back everyone! Last time while Marta was procuring food with Nova and his family, they were attacked by Alice's monsters, which comprised of Porthos, Athos and Aramis. Despite the difficult battle, Marta was eventually able to defeat them. Despite having to reveal her knowledge of them to Nova, he still puts his trust in the young girl, allowing Marta to open up and reveal her healing artes to heal a wound he sustained.

With the possibility of acceptance, Marta can only keep moving forward. With her and Nova's family heading to Triet, how long can Marta keep her status as a former member of the Vanguard a secret?

With that, a quick look at the present day.


Grass Field Outskirts [Present Day]

Surprise. Dread. Excitement. Anxiety.

These were the feelings everyone felt as Marta and Tenebrae recounted that vicious battle with Alice's monsters. While Marta being here now indicates that she survived the battle, it still worried everyone that she would be put through a grueling battle like, especially against Athos. While all ten of them can handle Alice, Decus and all three of the Half-Elf girl's monsters, they dread to think what would happen if only one had to fight them all of once.

"That was..." Genis said slowly at first, letting all the information set in for a moment.

"INCREDIBLE!" Genis shouted loudly, which surprised everyone, including the ones telling the story.

"Wait? What?" Marta asked in a confused tone. She half expected a strong reaction, but nothing like this.

"Genis, what are you saying!? Marta put herself into a life or death situation!?" Raine scolded her younger brother for this random outburst.

"Oh no, I know she was in a tough bind, but it's just that she defeated three monsters on her own. THAT'S what I find incredible." Genis clarified, understanding his sister's misinterpretation of his wording.

"I... will admit, that's not a small feat that can normally be accomplished..." Raine reluctantly admitted, seeing Genis' point.

"Yeah, no kidding about that..." Sheena added, understanding the idea of doing something incredibly tough on your own.

"That must have not have been an easy to do, Marta." Colette asked in worry for her friend. To think, one girl, fighting against three monsters that can tear a defenseless person apart with no effort? That's not something to take lightly!

"Yes, but as me and Tenebrae said, Porthos went down easily and while Aramis was annoying, he still went down once I understood his movements. It's Athos I was the most concerned about..." Marta explained as she still recalled how vicious the lion like beast was. If it weren't for Tenebrae's teachings, she would be as good dead.

"Yes. The fact you're here shows that you did survive, but hearing you recount that battle made my heart race with anxiety." Presea stated in a calm tone despite not showing any sign of being anxious. Granted, it had to do with what happened to her in the past that Emil heard about. Needless to say, Marta was surprised that Presea is older than she appeared when Emil told her at the hotel in Altimira.

"Marta... weren't you scared?" Emil asked Marta, prompting his beloved to face him. How ironic, when she first met him, Marta was the confident one due to her six month journey while Emil was the timid one before their roles reversed during the battle against the Vanguard in Altimira. Now the two stood on even ground in terms of courage. But if Marta had to admit to one thing, fighting against those monsters back than DID frighten her.

"I was... terrified. Yes, I put on a brave face for Nova and Aduin, but... fighting Athos was nerve racking. I was just lucky Porthos and Aramis weren't too much trouble, but there were moments I thought Athos would have torn off an arm, a leg or even slash my... whole body in two." Marta admitted to her love as she fully knew the risk of fighting a monster like on her own. Everyone understood the risk and fear of fighting a hostile monster.

"But I knew if I didn't fight them off, they would've kept chasing me or put Nova and his family in danger, so I had to stand my ground or die trying." Marta reaffirmed her stance on what she had done back than. Yes, it was dangerous and reckless, but what else could she have done?

"I'm just glad that you're safe..." Emil stated. It was strange for him to say that, considering that again, Marta's alive here and now, but it came from a place of kindness. That's another thing Marta loved about Emil so much. When she started to see for who Emil really was, it was his kind nature that drew Marta to him. Even Ratatosk, for all his bluntness, had a kind side to him and while he didn't care much for other people's lives, grew to care for the safety of others due to Marta giving him the cold shoulder. Looking back, Marta wished she could have handled that better instead of calling him a fake or ignoring him. Yes, they reconciled, but Marta knew she wasn't being fair to him as she loved him just as much as the regular Emil. She wished deep down that he was hearing this, but decided not to say anything.

"Thanks Emil... but I'm here now, safe and sound." Marta reassured Emil as she looked at him. Marta always described Emil as kind and forgiving even though Emil says the same of her in their Travel Journal. Even though they don't think of themselves that way, they still support and reassure each other that they are better than they think they are. That's why everyone is here now to support Emil, because they want to believe in him, both as Emil and the Summon Spirit Ratatosk.

"Yeah, but it's good to know that you still fought to protect Nova and his family. After all..." Emil praised Marta as he was about to say his noticeable mantra but...

"Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. Right Emil?" Marta said it in Emil's place, earning a look of surprise, followed by an endearing smile from the Green eyed boy. When Emil finally told Marta where he got it from, it surprised her considering her complicated stance with the red haired Half-Elf, but it made sense for why Emil trusted Richter the way he did.

"Sorry to interrupt, but you mentioned Triet was the next place you went to next?" Zelos chimed in, hoping to get the story back on track. While Raine felt that Marta and Emil needed to know the difference between recklessness and bravery, she kept to herself for the moment.

Emil, Genis and even Raine did express interest in that as when the four of them traveled to Triet, Marta DID mention she was there months ago when it wasn't snowing. Needless to say, their curiosity about Marta being there was piqued.

"Yes, that's right. It had been a week when I fought Alice's monsters, over the next three days, we traveled to Triet so Nova could buy food and supplies, but with the fruits and vegetables we picked, it lasted us for those three days. I resumed my training on the second day during as we made our way to Triet. It was on my eleventh day with the Caravan when we arrived at the desert town..." Marta explained as she recalled her arrival in Triet.


Tiret Entrance [One week and four days after meeting Nova]

It had been four days since that grueling battle, with Marta, Tenebrae and Nova's Caravan now arriving in the Triet, also known as the Desert Oasis and the Flower of the Desert. As the two names state, it is a desert town with a beautiful oasis.

After fighting Alice's monsters, Marta didn't train that night and Tenebrae insisted she take tomorrow off as well. It wasn't until the second day on their way to Triet when Marta resumed her training, slowly making improvements in her movement, dexterity and her Artes. With the fruits and vegetables they gather, they were able to make enough food for everyone to last them for at least four days while gathering some fresh drinking water when they could. Needless to say, it was a welcome respite after what happened.

Getting off of Tenebrae next to one of the buildings, Marta briefly recalled when she traveled with her father two years ago, this was the third town they passed through and was also around the time when she and Brute began to heal from Lily's passing. She looked around the city to find it still looked the same as it ever did. Despite the heat, Marta had to admit that the warm air felt nice here and despite the occasional harshness, everyone was happy. Although, Marta felt there was a strange chill for some reason, but she brushed it off as her imagination.

"Lady Marta? Is everything okay?" Tenebrae asked the young girl as she stared off into space for a moment.

"Oh, yes Tenebrae. I was just remembering when I first came here with Daddy..." Marta replied in a longing tone. It's been a week and already she missed him dearly. How did her father go from a warm, loving man to a cold, distant tyrant? It was because of that dark change, on top of his plan to exterminate Tethe'alla, that caused Marta to become afraid of him. She didn't say it to his face, but she knew it was true. Even now, she still wished to know the reasons why he changed so much.

'Was it because of the Chosen of Regeneration?' Marta thought for a moment, but she realized it couldn't be. Yes, there are rumors stating that Colette ran away from her task of regenerating the world which caused the Monster Tree to attack and while it's true she resented the Chosen, if Brute had any issues with the Chosen, he wouldn't have formed the Vanguard with his daughter to do so.

'No... even if Daddy hates the Chosen, it doesn't tie in with using the Mana Canon on Tethe'alla.' Marta thought as she was still trying to think what made Brute the way he is now. Whenever she tried to ask him, he stated that she didn't need to know and enforced Marta's 'Special Division Unit' to guard her more often while he was away or when he had an important meeting.

'Well, thinking about it right now won't fix anything.' Marta thought as she and Tenebrae went over to Nova. Even though Marta healed Nova with her magic, his leg was still sore, but now he is able to walk on it just fine without a limp.

"Look daddy, doesn't that path lead to the oasis?" May stated as she pointed in the direction of where the oasis.

"That's right May. I'm happy you remember it." Nova said with a smile as May has only been here a few times in the past.

"Have you been here before?" Marta asked Nova out of curiosity. Although, considering they traveled around Sylvarant, it might have been a redundant question.

"Yes we have. Sometimes, it's to find new species here. Other times, it's to restock on supplies." Nova explained to the young girl as she listened.

"Regardless of what we do here, we also stay at the inn when we get a chance to do so as well." Nova added, which secretly pleased Marta. Not that she didn't mind camping, but it would be nice to sleep in an actual bed for once.

Soon enough, Nova untied his wingless dragons from the Caravan while Sarah went to gather their gald to buy some food.

"Where are you taking the dragons Nova?" Marta asked the zoologist, but considering the circumstances of where they are at, it's again, another redundant question.

"I'm taking them to the oasis for a drink of fresh water. They have certainly earned it after carrying us this far." Nova said as he petted both of them before leading them to the oasis.

"I'm going to buy some food for the Caravan at the Desert Rose, would you like to come with us Marta?" Sarah offered the young girl as she was about to head to the market with Aduin and May.

"Thank you for offering, but I think I'll walk around town with Tenebrae." Marta said, politely declining Sarah's offer.

"Okay, just don't wander outside the town. It can get awfully hot out there." Sarah said with a warning. Marta understood why though as many people doe in the desert due to a combination of dehydration and starvation. Sarah and the kids went off in the same direction Nova went as the Desert Rose shop is nearby the Oasis.

"Well, shall we take a look around, Tenebrae?" Marta asked the Centurion.

"It would be a pleasure to see a new town, Lady Marta." Tenebrae replied as they began to walk around the rather small town.


Triet Plaza

Marta and Tenebrae strolled around Triet for what it was worth, aside from an Inn, there were a few shops that sold weapons, equipment and other things like Gels. Marta decided to buy a Apple Gel for 100 Gald at the Traveler's Mate. She also figured that she would need to have at least a 100 Gald to stay at the Inn with Nova and his family. Tenebrae got so,e strange and unusual looks, but considering that monsters can be tamed, the townspeople just assumed Tenebrae was Marta's companion or pet, the latter of which irked the Centurion. Sitting by a shady spot, Marta ate her Apple Gel, which elected a curious response from Tenebrae.

"Lady Marta, what is this gelatinous item you purchased a while ago?" Tenebrae asked as Marta enjoyed her Gel with a smile before she turned to face him. The Centurion was asleep for a 1000 years, so it'd make sense if he had never seen a Gel before.

"Well, Gels as the name implies are gelatinous drops, usually made with natural fruits or other things. The Gel I'm eating now is an Apple Gel, but there are also Orange Gels, Grape Gels, Pineapple Gels and Lemon Gels. Additionally, there's a Melange Gel, which is a mix of Apple and Orange Gels." Marta explained as the Centurion listened. Tenebrae nodded as he listened.

"There are other Gels that don't use fruit too. There's Miracle Gels, which are purely medicinal, but can heal a person immensely. There are also Seafood Gels, which are made from fish." Marta continued as she explained the other type of Gels she knows about.

"I see... so why are Gels made? I thought humans either eat food as it is or make them?" Tenebrae asked Marta in response to why Gels are a thing.

"Well, one reason is because they're meant to appeal to younger kids. I remember when mom bought me an Apple Gel and I really liked it. Still do to this day. Daddy also once got me a Lemon Gel. It was really tart, but in a good way." Marta explained to Tenebrae while recalling her first taste of Gels. Yes, some people don't care for them, but there are others who do like them. Even adults enjoy them too as Lily liked the Pineapple Gels and Brute enjoyed Grape Gel once.

"They're also used for substance too. While they're not home cooking, it can keep one satiated for a while, so they can serve as a food and not just a candy. They also have some medicinal properties, meaning they can pep up and heal you to some degree." Marta continued with her explanation on Gels."

"Ah, so that's why the Miracle Gel you mentioned is purely medicinal." Tenebrae replied in response to one of the non-fruit Gels.

"Yeah, it tastes awful just like regular medicine, but it can help out in a pinch. I would buy some, but they only have Apple and Orange Gels and I only have so much money. Plus, I need at least 100 Gald to stay at the Inn here. Nova's already done so much for me, I can at least pay for my stay at the Inn." Marta explained as she had to keep track of her money. If there was a way to make and earn some gald, she would do so.

"Why buy a Gel then?" Tenebrae inquired the young girl as she knew she had little money. Granted, she didn't spend it all, but still.

"I wanted to treat myself to something I didn't have for a while, that's all." Marta replied as she continued to enjoy her Gel. Tenebrae noted that whenever she isn't training, Marta's usually in good spirits, yet he noticed a heavy burden on her shoulders. Not just because of his Lord's core on her forehead and her mission to wake up his fellow Centurions, but also because of her father, Alice and Richter. The Centurion really hoped that this green eyed boy will become Marta's Knight once they meet him.

After finishing her Gel, the two looked around the plaza some more until they saw a rather... peculiar hole in the side of the wall. When she first came here with Brute and was told what it was, Marta wasn't too happy to know who made this hole.

"Lady Marta, what is with that hole there? It's shaped like a person." Tenebrae asked Marta in response to the bizarre damage to the wall in question. Tenebrae wondered why no one bothered to path this up.

"That... is "The Shape of the Chosen". When the Chosen of World Regeneration, Colette Brunel, and her companions came through here, she supposedly tripped over something and crashed through this wall. Ever sense then, the people kept this here as a tourist attraction." Marta explained bitterly while also wondering why the people here would even want a hole of a person here as a tourist spot to begin with. Granted, Palmacosta was the one city that was attacked, but did the people of Triet not hear about that and how the Chosen was tied to it? The Centurion noticed the bitterness in Marta's voice when she mentioned the Chosen and Alice suddenly came to his mind...

"Lady Marta... do you really despise the Chosen that much?" Tenebrae asked Marta in concern. He sincerely hoped that it wouldn't be as bad as Alice's malicious behavior toward her.

"I... I don't know to be honest... I know that there must have been a reason why everything happened... and I'm well aware that I am taking my sadness and anger out on the Chosen by blaming her... but how can I move on from that?" Marta replied while trying to hold back her tears and anger, knowing full well that breaking down in public wouldn't look good on her or the people she's traveling with.

"Hence why you wished to confront her. But... what is it you intend to do when you encounter her? I won't stop you if it's case, but I hope that it's nothing drastic..." Tenebrae questioned seriously, hoping she won't confirm what he's thinking. Marta seemed to have a good idea at what Tenebrae was insinuating as she had a look of shock for a moment before turning toward the Centurion with a soft expression.

"Tenebrae... it's true that I'm angry with the Chosen of Regeneration... but I would NEVER wish death upon her, nor do I intend to do anything awful to her..." Marta responded truthfully to the concerned Centurion. Yes, Marta would still be upset with the Chosen if the rumors turned out to be true, but she had no desire to see her killed or take her life either. Needless to say, Tenebrae regretted bringing up a dreadful topic with the young girl upon hearing her say that.

"I... I apologize for assuming such things, Lady Marta..." Tenebrae apologized for his assumption on the matter, prompting Marta to kneel down to face him directly.

"You have nothing to be sorry for... you only asked me that because you were concerned about me, especially after you saw what Alice tried to do to me a week ago, right?" Marta questioned the Centurion, believing the question to be from a place of worry. Marta knows that Alice hates her so much that she's attempting to murder her for some reason and she figured Tenebrae must have thought that Marta would feel the same toward Colette.

"Yes, but I have also seen first hand in the past of what hate can do to someone. It can turn them into someone they are not and make them do something regrettable. I should have known better concerning how you reacted toward Richter, Alice and her monsters well being." Tenebrae explained and while acknowledging Marta's character as he seen first hand so far. She may have her flaws, but Marta is ANYTHING but a bad person.

"I have no intention of turning out like Alice. You have my word that I won't let these awful feelings take me down a dark path." Marta stated as she held firm in her resolve. After all, she knew revenge wouldn't solve anything in regards to the Chosen and Marta believed that her mom wouldn't want her to do something so terrible to begin with anyway. Tenebrae nodded in silent appreciation and the two stared at the hole a while longer before leaving the site.


Triet Entrance [Caravan]

It was around noon when Marta decided to wait by the Caravan. While she wanted to head to the oasis, she figured that could wait until everyone got back. After all, she wouldn't want to interrupt some quality family time they were having. As Tenebrae rested, he instantly perked up in alarm.

"Tenebrae, what's wrong?" Marta asked Tenebrae while raising her head out of her hand.

"Something... smells really bad. Do you not smell that?" Tenebrae replied while noting about a bad smell. Curious, Marta took a couple of sniffs before instantly covering her nose with both of her hands.

"Ugh! That's awful!" Marta cringed in disgust, but at the same time, she recalled that scent. It smelled like an attempt to take a masculine fragrance and strengthen it to ludicrous levels. Marta knew only one person who smelled like that to her knowledge, causing her to lower her hands in a dark realization...

"Tenebrae... I think the Vanguard may be here..." Marta noted darkly as she got off the rim of the Caravan and snuck to the side of the building and peeked without revealing herself. Tenebrae, shocked that Marta believed the Vanguard might be here, followed her, but how would she know this? Sure enough, Marta saw a young adult man in his mid twenties with long purple hair tied into a long ponytail and with him was a big Iron Maiden he always carried around with him.

"Decus..." Marta said the name of the man in question, confirming her suspicions.

"Do you know him? Is he with the Vanguard?" Tenebrae asked in wonder about him.

"Yes, he was an acquaintance of mine back when I was in the Vanguard. While Alice is the Captain of the Combat Unit and Richter is The Chief of Staff, Decus is the Captain of the Espionage Unit." Marta explained what she knew about Decus' position and rank.

"Espionage? Him? I highly doubt he'd get very far smelling like that!" Tenebrae noted as he can now tell that the awful scent is coming from him, causing Marta to look slightly embarrassed.

"I think it's probably my fault he smells like that. What he's wearing is a cologne he mail ordered called "Eau De Seduction". He stated that according to the cologne's description, it's said to give you a smell so wonderous that it'll attract both men and women alike. However..." Marta explained, but before she could finish her sentence.

"It smells terrible instead of having a pleasant scent." Tenebrae finished what Marta was going to say before looking at her again.

"Wait, how would it be your fault he smells like that?" Tenebrae asked as he wondered about what the young girl said.

"Well, you should know that Decus is love with Alice first and foremost." Marta revealed to Tenebrae, causing the Centurions eyes to widen somewhat.

'What!? Oh... love must be as blind as they say if he's in love with her...' Tenebrae thought to himself in shock. What did that guy see in a murderous witch like Alice?

"You see, one day, I got hurt standing up for a boy from a Tethe'allan noble treating him badly and while Richter fought off the noble and healed us, he didn't heal me completely and Alice started playfully touching my injuries before telling Daddy what happened. I was so focused on her mistreatment of me that I didn't notice Decus asking me if he should order "Eau De Seduction". I wasn't paying attention when he asked for my input and I just nodded in confusion. It's only when Decus thanked me after he got it and put it on that I realized what I did. If only I knew what would have happened..." Marta explained with a slight blush of embarrassment and regret. Yes, it was because of that putrid cologne that Marta was able to get away from the Blood Purge due to Decus having ordered so many bottles of it and Marta asking him for a favor, but she didn't intend for Decus to put on something that awful. What made it worse is that Decus actually LIKES the cologne and despite what Alice, Marta, Hawk, Richter and even Brute say to him in regards how bad the cologne is, he refused to listen to reason, with Decus believing the cologne was working. No matter how many times Alice and Brute asked him to dispose of it, that was the ONE thing he refused to do, causing them to give up and deal with it.

"It... it's not your fault Lady Marta. You couldn't have possibly known that it would smell this awful... it's just a natural disaster. It happens. No one is to blame for this except for the people who made it. Neither you or this Decus person are to blame... it's just an accident..." Tenebrae reassured Marta as he continued to observe the man in question. Decus appeared to be wandering around town asking people about something. While Marta and Tenebrae didn't know what he was asking about, they had a dreadful feeling what he was asking.

"Tenebrae, can you lure him over to me?" Marta asked the Centurion, prompting him to look in shock.

"Are you sure that's wise? He might be looking for you." Tenebrae asked Marta. What good would it do to lure Decus toward her?

"Just trust me. Decus isn't like Alice and Richter. Just lure him over behind the building where the Shape of the Chosen is." Marta stated firmly on the matter. Decus was one of the few people she's on good terms with, so maybe he could be reasoned with. There was only one way to find out...

With a reluctant nod, Tenebrae concealed himself and walked over to where he heard Decus talking to one of the elderly women. Marta took the chance to head to the spot she arranged for.

"Excuse me ma'am? Can I ask you something?" Decus politely spoke to the woman in question. She looked like she was going to vomit, but kept a straight face for the sake of being nice.

"S-sure, what is it young man?" The old woman replied, staying strong despite the foul stench coming off of Decus.

"Thank you. To be honest with you, everything seemed to be avoiding me for some reason and I'm not sure why, so you're actually the first person to speak with me." Decus said in relief, prompting the invisible Centurion to face palm with his front leg. He and Marta didn't have to worry after all if she was the first person speaking with Decus...

"First of all, have you heard anything about Lloyd Irving?" Decus asked the women in regards to the swordsman who attacked Palmacosta.

"Why are you looking for him?" The women questioned, wondering why a stranger is seeking out a hero like Lloyd.

"Apparently he attacked Palmacosta along with the Chruch of Martel. He massacred the city and the Vanguard barley held them off." Decus explained what happened during what he called, 'The Blood Purge'. Tenebrae overheard it and decided to relay this to Marta later. This sounded VERY important.

"Forgive me for being blunt, but I find it difficult to believe that Lloyd Irving would do something that dreadful. Besides, I'm afraid he hasn't been here lately anyway..." The old lady replied while making sure to not lose her temper with Decus, who stood down without provoking her.

"I understand your opinion, so I will say no more. Thank you for your time..." Decus respectfully bowed before he turned away, but before he left...

"Ah, one other thing. Have you seen a young girl around here? She has long brown maple hair, ocean blue eyes and wares a pair of flower barrates in her hair?" Decus asked the woman a quick question with Tenebrae knowing that he described Marta in full detail. Now he was concerned...

"Why yes... I saw her walking around town for a while with a black dog like creature before they walked out the entrance." The woman replied, causing Decus to ponder for a moment.

"Are you a friend of hers?" The old women asked again, wonder what his relation with her is.

"You could say that. Thank you and take care." Decus said as he turned and headed to the entrance.

'Huh... he's surprisingly well mannered...' Tenebrae thought as he began to head in Marta's direction while dragging his tail on the ground creating a dust trail, which Decus picked up on real quick.

"What in the...?" Decus said in confusion as he followed the strange trail flying up until he was behind the building with the trail vanishing, prompting Decus to scratch his head in confusion.

"It's been a while Decus..." Marta said as she came out of her hiding spot to face Decus face to face for the first time since the day Palmacosta was attacked.

"Marta!? So you are here!?" Decus replied in shock while making sure not to trip over himself.

As the two stared each other down, Marta only hoped that Decus will understand what's going on. If not, than Marta will have to accept that her old acquaintance will become another enemy...

To Be Continued...


Marta and Tenebrae seemed to have ran into a new battle of a different kind. This time it's with Decus, a foul smelling goofball who is Captain of the Vanguard's Espionage Unit and is also Alice's closest (and only) friend. How will this surprising reunion turn out? Will it end peacefully or will conflict fall upon Triet?

Stay tuned to find out!