Welcome back my friends! Previously, Marta battled Scarlet as she took on her former ally from the Vanguard, refusing to be brought back while also taking on the pain she caused her for leaving. The battle ultimately ended with both girls knocking each other out, however Scarlet remembered something important before losing consciousness.
With Scarlet incapacitated and Lavender convinced to stand down, what will become of them? Will they join Marta and the others or will they be shunned? Once we check in on the present, we'll find out.
Grass Field Outskirts [Present Day]
Silence filled the air as Emil and the others heard about Marta's brutal fight with Scarlet, which ultimately ended with them collapsing right next to each other. Needless to say, most of them were on the edge of thier seat, listening to it the whole time. Then there was that little moment where both girls apologized to each other until they passed out, bring them all into stunned silence.
Emil himself felt relief and happiness that his beloved managed to get through to her old friend, something that he wished he could have done with in regards to Richter. Granted, he wished it didn't involve her and Scarlet beating each other senseless to do so, as while he wasn't there to see it, he felt that his heart would break into pieces seeing Marta all banged up like that. Silence fell upon them for a moment until it was broken...
"I didn't think it would go down that way..." Genis said as the tension slowly ebbed away. While he had to fight Mithos, it didn't get near anywhere as vicious as what happened with Marta and Scarlet. Even then, the two girls weren't fighting to the death to begin with anyway.
"I wish it didn't have to go down that way... but it was the only way to get Scarlet to see reason." Marta said somberly as she shook her head, recalling how difficult that was for her and Scarlet. Thinking back on it, it was ironic that Marta could stand up to her friend's rage but not to her own father's ruthlessness until Emil convinced her to stand up to and speak with him.
"If it means anything Marta... I'm glad you got through to Scarlet." Emil said with a genuine smile. He truly meant that as she was able to reach out to her friend. Marta smiled softly in return.
"Thanks Emil... I think Scarlet would have... liked to hear that too..." Marta said in response to Emil's kind words. Genis and Raine, as Tenebrae observed, seemed a little sad hearing Marta say that as he understood why Marta phrased her wording like that, sounding a tad unnatural.
"She didn't have to get violent with you like that..." Sheena bitterly said with a sad expression. Granted, she understood why as she had to deal with Kuchinawa's grief. However, she felt his situation and anger toward her was justified compared to Scarlet's. Yes, Marta should have told Scarlet, but that would have probably resulted in Marta being detained and causing Tethe'alla to be destroyed by the Mana Cannon.
"I know... but in the end... that's what happened. If I could, I would have done things differently if she was willing to meet me halfway on it..." Marta said with a hint of dismay. She ultimately was able to convince Scarlet to stop, but it involved fighting her and she wished it didn't need to come to that.
"But man... to think that Vermillion is an elf? A full blood one at that?" Zelos chimed in, expressing the exact same reaction he and the others thought while trying to give Marta's memory a rest from that savage fight. While he and everyone traveled to Heimdall, the Hidden Elven Village, they never really saw a full blood elf outside of that village apart from Raine's mother Virginia when they found her in Exire, the City in the Sky, where she still resides even now.
"Y-Yeah, I was taken aback myself. I never thought I'd ever meet a pure blood elf. It wasn't until after the fight with Scarlet that Vermillion told us why she hid her face for so long..." Marta replied, recalling how unsual it was. Aside from knowing that she can't treat half-elves as entirely evil despite the teachings and Deisians made them out to be, this also applies to full-blood Elves as well.
"Did she explain that before or after in regards to Scarlet and Lavender?" Presea asked, curious about Vermillion's reasons alongside whether Scarlet and Lavender joined Marta or not.
"She told us her reasons... when me and Scarlet woke up later on..." Marta said as she recounted the aftermath of that intense battle with Scarlet. Vermillion had some laundry to air out... along with deciding what to do with Scarlet and Lavender. Even though Marta forgave them, she wasn't sure about the others when they first talked about it...
Riverbed Path [Evening]
It was around 6:00 PM as Marta slept peacefully, her injuries healed due to Selene. She woke up to see the stary night sky with the sun setting in the distance. She barely managed to get up...
"Ow..." Marta let out as while her wounds have been healed, she was still tender.
"Good to see you're awake Lady Marta." Tenebrae said with a calm smile as he figured she'd come around eventually. The girls overheard this and immediately came to her aid, including Vermillion, who no longer had her helmet on.
"I-I-I-I-I'm so glad you're-you're-you're okayyyyyyyyy!" Emerald repeated herself as she cried a gyser of tears over Marta's well being as she lighty hugged the young girl.
"Easy Emerald. Marta must still be sore from that fight earlier." Azure placed a hand on the Kunoichi's shoulder, prompting her to let go of her.
"Thanks for looking after me everyone. Where's Scarlet and Lavender?" Marta gave her gratitude towards everyone before asking what became of the Crimson Swordsmaiden and the Virbrant Girl. They all moved aside to show Lavender, who doesn't have her ball, sitting a good three feet away next to Scarlet, who's still unconscious, tied up with rope and leaning against a boulder, deprived of her sword. Like Marta, Scarlet was also healed.
"Why is Scarlet tied up?" Marta asked in shock. Granted, she had a good understanding why Scarlet is tied up, but she didn't like seeing the Crimson Swordsmaiden like this.
"I suggested that we restrain her in case she acted aggressively again Lady Marta. We can't afford to have her attack us again. I even made sure that Vermillion kept her sword away from her. Lavender on the other hand, I was okay with her keeping her ball, but she handed it over to Topaz..." Tenebrae explained his reasons as to why Scarlet is bound this way. Marta saw Vermillion holding Scarlet's blade and Topaz holding Lavender's ball. Despite not liking the idea of Scarlet being tied up, she DID understand why this was necessary from Tenebrae and her friends point of view. Marta than looked towards Lavender, who looked like she wanted to say something.
"Lady Marta... I... I..." Lavender tried to say what she wanted to say, but was having a hard time getting her words out. Eventually, tears began leaking down her face as the guilt got to her...
"I'M SORRY! I... I'm so, so sorry..." Lavender finally said as she cried, finally allowing her fear, grief and sorrow to run free as she covered her face. Marta could tell that somwhere during the fight Lavender stopped assisting Scarlet as Lavender threw her ball at Scarlet, forcing her off of Marta earlier.
"I managed to convince her that the Mana Cannon is not a good idea... it turned out all Lavender wanted was for the violence and prejudice from Tethe'alla to end and saw no other option. She told me that she joined the Vanguard so her parents wouldn't have too and to punish Tethe'alla for hurting the Sylveranti... her own parents doesn't even know that she joined the Vanguard even now..." Selene explained what she heard from Lavender earlier. Marta and the girls' looks were of surprise and sympathy that Lavender, a lively girl, was holding so much pain and frustration in her heart all this time.
"I wanted...! I wanted it to end...! Lady Marta... made it more bearable... than... she left and... Commander Brute... t-told us... to bring her... back... or we... or we...!" Lavender cried as like Emerald said before, Brute threatened the Special Unit with imprisonment or death, all because they didn't do their job at guarding Marta. Marta than stood up slowly and walked over despite the girls concern about doing so. Marta than hugged Lavender as her indigo eyes widened in surprise.
"I'm sorry... for putting you through all of that." Marta said as she cried softly. She clearly didn't think about how badly this would have been for her old Unit. They broke up because of her and all seven of them were dealing with this kind of threat over their shoulders. Lavender just returned the hug, happy to be in her captain's comforting presence once more.
"Lady Marta...!" Lavender cried as she broke down in Marta's arms, no longer worrying or caring about the Vanguard.
After five minutes, Scarlet eventually regained conscious and she eyed everyone (minus Marta as she's still consoling Lavender) as they all stared back with cautious looks. Scarlet can't blame them... for the first time ever since Marta left the Vanguard, Scarlet's mind was clear of the wrath and sorrow she allowed to consume her soul. Marta broke the hug and saw Scarlet is awake, turning to face her.
"Tied up, huh? Not that I don't deserve it a hundred times over..." Scarlet said matter of factly with acceptance. She didn't fault anyone for tying her up. Not after how she acted and behaved. Marta saw a look of remorse in her eyes. She wanted to speak with her, but it may be hard for everyone else. Even so, she wanted Scarlet and Lavender to understand what's going on.
"Scarlet, Lavender... we need to talk. I want you both to hear me out. Same with everyone here. Emerald and Tenebrae may have told you things in my stead, but... it's best for me to add on and explain everything." Marta said with a deep lump in her throat. Tenebrae remained wary about giving this info to Scarlet, but he hasn't doubted Marta's judgement so far. With that, she began to explain her first meeting with Tenebrae up to the point of running into Emerald and fleeing from Richter. This includes revealing the unusual weather and what she knew about Ratatosk from Tenebrae, even though Emerald shared what she knew some time ago.
Additionally, without Marta's input, Emerald revealed her past as Jade Greenwood and Azure her satus as a cyborg. To Marta's surprise and everyone else's shock, Selene also came clean about Soliel's fate, how her fiance died protecting her and that the ring she wore was one of the few momentoes she had left. Scarlet and Lavender, who never heard about this, felt a whole range of emotions in regards to Emerald, Azure and especially Selene. Lavender cried as she heard their backgrounds while Scarlet just listened in stunned silence. Marta couldn't fault them for feeling the way they do. However, Marta is truly relieved that Selene fully opened to everyone, allowing her heart to finally be vulnerable.
"Oh my... Emerald, Azure, Selene... I'm sorry for what happened to you guys..." Lavender said in sympathy toward her friends... at least she still considered them her friends even if they don't think so right now.
"Yeah... I... I don't know what to say about that..." Scarlet said looking down, seeing them in a way she hadn't before. Marta can tell they were equally as saddened by Emerald, Azure and Selene's pasts.
"T-Thanks..." Emerald replied nervously, at least happy that Lavender and even Scarlet understood her.
"Just glad you don't think less of me..." Azure said with a downcast look. Selene remained quiet as she wiped her eyes, with everyone looking at her.
"Hey Selene... sorry I teased you about your ring... I didn't know..." Topaz apologized for her slight teasing yesterday as she didn't know Soliel was dead.
"It's alright... as you said... you didn't know..." Selene reassured her Martial Artist friend. Marta was at least happy that Selene is on the road to healing, but Marta questioned if she herself can heal in regards to losing her mother.
'Mom...' Marta thought back to Lily. These two longs years and the pain still hasn't gone away. She wonders if she can fully heal and move on as well once she confronts Colette. Taking a deep breath, she turns to Vermillion, prepared to ask the Lady Knight about the reveal she and the others got.
"Vermillion? So... this is the real you?" Marta asked the Lady Knight in regards to her being an elf. Vermillion took a deep sigh, standing up and sitting over on a rock.
"Yes. As I said... I'm an elf. Specifically... an elf from Heimdall, the hidden elf village in the Tethe'allan region. I was born there and lived for a good portion of my life in relative peace. As some of you know, we eventually distanced ourselves from humans due to distrust..." Vermillion said, explaining herself to everyone present. However, it was the fact that she said her village is from Tethe'alla that threw everyone for a loop.
"You're a Tethe'allan Vermillion!?" Emerald replied with shock! All this time, they were friends with someone from a country that caused their people so much pain and yet... she helped them and treated them like equals. Even Scarlet was taken aback. Earlier, she'd be screaming in fury, but now... she's quite... speachless and accepting. Marta however, despite her own shock, was deeply relieved and happy that all this time... she was actually friends with a Tethe'allan.
"Yes. That's partially why I hid my face, along with the fact of me being an elf. I wanted people to accept me for WHO I am and not WHAT I am." Vermillion replied with a small smile before her face turned a bit stern. It wasn't shyness like most of them thought. After all, considering how Scarlet reacted, Vermillion's reasons and concerns rang true.
"To be honest... I just don't understand why my people lost trust in humans over. We may have magic and have longer lifespans, but despite what my parents and the people in my village said, I just don't buy that we're that much different from humans." Vermillion contined, expressing disappointment at her own race for not trusting humans so much. This surprised Marta when she heard elves don't trust humans all that well.
"Furthermore... I also find it deplorable for how Half-Elves are treated... it's as Scarlet said, my people treat Half-elves for having "tainted" human blood and... it's true that elves even view themselves as "superior" to humans. Despite these teachings, I couldn't bring myself to hate the few Half-Elf children who lived in Heimdall and I even played with them. Eventually, I was ostracized for sympathizing with them and their parents." Vermillion continued as she clutched her knees. Marta and Tenebrae can tell she's feeling pretty angry at recalling this. This made Marta feel bad as the slight fear of half-elves due to the teachings she was taught along with witnessing the Desians actions still lingered within her.
"In fact, when I was 12, a grown man was belittling a half-elf boy for who he was and... I intervened. Half-elves born in Heimdall were allowed to stay as long as they didn't cause trouble or leave. However the man insisted on harming him and when he was about to harm him, I prevented him from doing so. He slashed me across my mouth with a bladed weapon in response..." Vermillion continued recounting as she touched the scar around her mouth's right corner. It nearly went across that part of her lip. It was faint, but still visible. Marta and the others, even Scarlet was appalled that an elf would treat a half-elf so badly and that Vermillion was hurt for doing the right thing of protecting that boy.
"Eventually, I grew tired of living there and when I turned 16, I made the decision to head out and leave against my parents wishes. I wanted to see the world with my own eyes and truly see if humans are truly undeserving of our trust. However, that fear must have taken root in me for I crafted a suit of Armor to hide my face... and joined the royal guard in Meltokio. Although half-elf prejudice still existed, I found out that there are humans who feel sympathy for their plight, especially the Heroes of World Regeneration in particular..." Vermillion continued, explaining why she left Heimdall and became a part of the Imperial City's most elite.
"I realized there are good and bad humans, just like there are good and bad elves. It doesn't matter what you are. Human, elf or half-elf... what matters are your actions and how you treat those around you. In fact, that is why it surprised me to hear those rumors about Colette abandoning her duties as Chosen and especially when I heard that Lloyd led that awful Blood Purge as I actually saw all eight heroes of World Regeneration with my own eyes. All eight of them are exemplary individuals and... I took their views to heart." Vermillion said as she explained her thoughts on life in general. All the girls, Scarlet included, were in awe at how open minded the Lady Knight is. She must have seen awful things done by humans and she chose to view all life as equals. Marta felt that out of all of them, Vermillion may as well be the best among them.
"But why does that explain you joining the Vanguard?" Tenebrae chimed in, asking what everyone else thought. Why would she, a Tethe'allan, join the Vanguard, who is supposed to defend Sylverant?
"Because of how the Tethe'allans, specifically the nobles, in how they treated the Sylveranti. I took a leave of absence from the royal guard and even altered my armor before I traveled to Sylverant. I then heard about the Vanguard and how they fought for their people in spite of their growing military prowess. I managed to join thanks to meeting with their Chief in Staff, Richter Abend. In the end, I fought against my own country because I sympathized with Sylverant. Eventually, I became a part of Brute's personal unit until I was sent to become a part of Lady Marta's unit." Vermillion said, revealing her motives for why she joined the Vanguard. Like in her own childhood, she didn't like the persecution and prejudice that was going around. She sided with half-elves over full blood elves, her parents included, and now, she's siding with the other world over her own world of birth. The Lady Knight is truly an outsider in every sense of the word!
"Gosh..." Emerald simply let out, as she said the same thing on everyone's mind. Everyone was left with this massive bombshell. By this point, everyone was carrying heavy baggage on their hearts and minds.
"I... do apologize for keeping my identity a secret, but as you saw earlier, there are people who don't care for elves..." Vermillion followed up with a sincere word of apology while noting that people like Scarlet would react in rage. Marta took this all in stride in spite of this secrecy, but she wasn't going to turn Vermillion away, not now, not ever. After spending so much time with the Lady Knight, there was no way she was going to lump Vermillion in with those terrible nobles, truly happy she and the others met a kind Tethe'allan.
"I can understand why you did what you have too. I mean, it was the same with Azure in a way." Marta replied with a small, yet understanding smile. This prompted a look of surprise upon the Lady Knight'sface.
"Does that mean... you forgive me for my deception?" Vermillion asked in an equally understanding tone. Marta simply walked over and hugged her.
"There's nothing to apologize for. To be honest, it's nice to be friends with someone from Tethe'alla for a change." Marta replied with an accepting, not once being angry. Vermillion was touched by this act of kindness and hugged her captain back. They than broke away. Now, it was time to discuss the two girls in front of them.
"So, what now? What about Lavender and Scarlet?" Topaz asked as she pointed a thumb at the two. Marta can tell they are all still divided on this. She truly wanted them both back with her, but she does know it has to be a unanimous decision, regardless if they no longer want to be with the Vanguard. Eventually, Lavender spoke up...
"L-Lady Marta... can... can I come with you...?" Lavender spoke up, prompting the girls and Tenebrae to look toward her. Scarlet however, didn't lash out like she did before and just looked away in shame.
"I... I want Tethe'alla to stop hurting Sylverant, but not if it means potentially killing innocent people over there. I also don't want to be threatened by Commander Brute anymore either. And... I want to make it up to all of you... and my parents..." Lavender asked with a resolute look. It was obvious to Marta that Selene managed to talk some sense into the Virbrant Girl. Marta, Tenebrae and all of the girls shared agreeing looks. After that tearful apology and Lavender spilling her heart out, there was no way they can refuse her, so Topaz tossed her ball back with a grin.
"Welcome back Lavender." Topaz said as Lavender squeezed her ball and cried a little.
"T-Thank you..." Lavender said with a thankful smile. She than turned her head to face Scarlet with a hint of sadness.
"I'm sorry Scarlet... I just can't do this anymore..." Lavender apologized to the Crimson Swordsmaiden, knowing full well this will truly leave her alone. Scarlet turned to face her...
"It's fine... I deserve this. After how I treated Marta and everyone else... I don't blame any of you for not wanting anything to do with me anymore." Scarlet said with a degree of self loathing. Marta felt bad for her friend in spite of Scarlet's violent behavior. Unlike Brute, she clearly didn't know how to handle her own pain and Marta felt that she could reach out to her. As Marta looked around, the others felt uneasy. Not that she can blame them. Eventually, Marta spoke up...
"Scarlet... why do you hate Tethe'alla so much? It must be something if you were willing to keep following Daddy..." Marta asked Scarlet a question she never really asked her. While Scarlet admitted she didn't have good experiences with Tethe'alla, there had to be more than what was going on. Even more so especially since it appeared to be more than fulfilling a debt of gratitude to Brute for saving her life. Scarlet took a deep breath before she revealed her reasons...
"As you know already, I never knew a single thing about my mother and my father died from an illness he hid it from me. After I buried my father, I traveled Sylverant as a Wanderer, mastering my skills with the sword to make my father proud. One day, I got homesick and I returned to Palmacosta to visit my father's grave... but I found it a pile of rubble instead. The "Giant Tree Rampage" as we know it now... as I wandered the ruins of Palmacosta, many people were injured or killed..." Scarlet explained to Marta, and by extension the others, about what she did after her father's passing and even mentioned that she saw the aftermath of The Giant Tree Rampage. Marta's eyes widened upon hearing what Scarlet bore witness too. While the Crimson Swordsmaiden wasn't there when the tree attacked, she couldn't help but feel awful to know that she came home to find it destroyed. The other girls were all surprised to hear this as well.
"Sometime after that, it was then that I heard about Tethe'alla. At first, I thought it to be a whole other place worth exploring. So, I took a boat and traveled there. I even visited Meltokio myself and learned that Tethe'alla's Chosen was one of the eight heroes of World Regeneration alongside Sylverant's Chosen. But... my expectations slowly but steadily got shattered. They treated me like a savage for being born on the "wrong" side of the planet. I always hated how half-elves were treated, but being ridiculed and scorned made me empathize with them more..." Scarlet continued, explaining how her hatred of Tethe'alla started. Like the others, she both witnessed and became a victim of the prejudice they sent her direction. Vermillion had a look of shame for how her fellow Tethe'allans treated Scarlet.
"But... I should say instead that it was those black hearted nobles I truly hated. Now that I look back... not every Tethe'allan treated me like the plague and either left me alone or gave a simple greeting. However, my views of them all got bad, especially when I saw a noble dragging a woman with him through the forest. A Sylveranti stolen from her husband... it drove me into a rage so much that I snapped his arm in two. Sent him running for the hills and brought her home. It was than that I decided to protect my people from these men. I would eventually encounter him again along with three other men, trying to kidnap more women. Disgusting pigs. Every time they came, whenever I was around, I'd chase them away. For two whole years, I've done it again and again." Scarlet continued her exposition on her views of Tethe'allans. How the nobles painted her an ugly picture despite knowing not all of them were out for her or Sylverant. Marta's eyes shook and the others were mortified to hear this. They've always known about these horrible nobles and yet... to know they've been at this for this long...
"One day, I came back home to Palmacosta to find it repaired again. As I was enjoying myself, I found those men again, trying to kidnap more women. As usual, I rescued them, but my luck ran out as one of them caught me off guard by wacking my head with a wine bottle before the four of them tied ropes around me. Said they've been waiting to gut me like a fish. It was that moment when Commander Brute and Chief Richter came to my aid. They saved my life, something that no one else did for me before..." Scarlet recalled as she remembered that day with a fond smile. It suddenly made sense to Marta now about why one of the nobles from her first mission wanted their men to snap Scarlet's neck. Scarlet had been on this one mission crusade against them time and time again. As for her loyalty to Brute, it explained everything to them.
"It was than I learned about the Vanguard and what they tried to do; make ourselves equals to Tethe'alla. I figured I could do more good as part of a group than on my own and I wanted to repay my debt to Brute in anyway I can, so I enlisted, joining his own Unit for a while to get an understanding of things. Whenever I spoke with him, when we weren't talking about business, he spoke about you quite a lot. I always wondered what kind of girl this Marta is... especially when I learned she helped in founding the Vanguard along with her father. *Sigh* Then, it was about when I was going to be transferred to the Combat Unit. I could have easily wiped that smirk off the slutty sadist's face and take her position as Combat Unit Captain, but than I realized the best way to repay my debt to Brute was to protect and assist his daughter, so I asked to be part of the Unit he was building for her instead. After finding six more people, we got to know each other a little bit before we went to the Mess Hall and... you know the rest..." Scarlet finished up her explanation to Marta's question. Ultimately, her hatred of Tethe'alla was not unfounded and her reasons for trusting Brute made sense.
It was than Marta realized that she could have been a LOT like Scarlet. Her own hatred of the Tethe'allan Nobles will never go away, but knowing there are innocent people living there, on top of four of the heroes of World Regeneration hailing from Tethe'alla along with Vermillion herself being one, it made Marta understand that it's not that simple in spite of her viewing things in absolutes. Maybe... just maybe it's not so black and white after all...
"However, while my hatred for Tethe'alla and my loyalty to Brute are genuine, I'd have to admit I was growing somewhat concerned over his behavior changing. But, when I learned you left without a word, it just broke me... it felt like a betrayal to your father... and to me. I always thought a child should always support their parent and that the parents always know best. Then... I believe my loyalty to Brute intensified, mostly to bring you back. But... I was just lashing out in rage. The past month... I made things difficult for everyone, but I didn't care. I felt hurt and took it out on everyone else, the people I called my own family. In the end, I became no better than the men I fought against..." Scarlet said as tears escaped her eyes, her voice cracking and filled with remorse. With that, Marta placed a gentle hand to her eyes and wiped her tears away.
"Scarlet... what would you have done if I told you what I was doing?" Marta asked the Crimson Swordsmaiden what she would have done if she heard her plams to leave with Ratatosk's Core. Scarlet's face was of confliction as if she didn't have an answer to it.
"I... I don't know... my loyalty toward you became as strong as it was to Brute... I'm not so sure now..." Scarlet replied with uncertainty, with Marta's expression lowering as if she expected this answer. She than saw Emerald come up to Marta...
"I would try to help you Marta. Especially if it means saving the world." Emerald replied with a sincere and honest answer, showing her absolute trust and faith in her former captain as the Kunoichi smiled deeply.
"I would aid you as well. All for one and one for all, right?" Azure said as she adjusted her glasses with a small smile as well.
"Emerald... Azure..." Marta replied with a degree of surprise. All this time, she thought they would try to stop her from leaving and instantly felt guilty for assuming so.
"Me three. I could never leave you alone and if you had a good reason to leave, so be it!" Topaz replied while patting her chest with her fist and a confident grin.
"Same with me Marta. My loyalty has always been to you, above all else. Even with Brute increased "protection" orders regarding your safety, I still trust your judgment." Vermillion added with a look of faith in her eyes. Her ephemeral smile shining through once more.
"Same here..." Selene simply said, her smile deep and genuine. No more words needed to be said from her.
"Topaz... Vermillion... Selene..." Marta said as her eyes began to get misty. She felt she didn't deserve them after hearing their heartfelt answer. They would have left the Vanguard and helped Marta all this time. Tenebrae noted how Scarlet and Lavender's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing this. They were okay with defecting from Brute and the Vanguard if it meant helping Marta. It was than Lavender bit her lower lip slightly and spoke up...
"I... I would want to understand your reasons... and help out too..." Lavender spoke with uncertainty, and yet meant every word of it, crying slightly. Scarlet than closed her eyes as if trying to search her mind for a clear answer and than she said...
"I... I would want to understand why you were going against your father... and if it provided merit... I would choose to follow you until my dying breath..." Scarlet said with uncertain yet sincere honesty as if she finally spoke with her heart for the first time as tears clung to her eyes. Marta's covered her mouth in surprise before she cried herself. She was deeply touched that all of them would trust their captain's judgment over their Commander, her own father. She couldn't have asked for a better unit. Marta hugged Scarlet, surprising the Crimson Swordsmaiden as Lavender and eventually everyone else hugged Marta. For the first time, in spite of the awful battle that happened hours ago, the eight girls are together once again.
After they broke the hug, Marta wiped her eyes and turned to Scarlet...
"Scarlet... what will you do now?" Marta asked the Crimson Swordsmaiden. While she wanted her to be with her, she ultimately knew that it's her choice. She'd rather not fight her again if she returns to the Vanguard, but she respected Decus' decision and she has to respect Scarlet's. At least they can... no, Marta knew it wouldn't be right to deprive her of her sword. A moment or two passed until Scarlet finally spoke...
"I can understand that I lost your trust... but deep down... although I denied it... Brute is not the same man that saved my life. I still wish to repay my debt to him... but I don't need to be in the Vanguard if it means protecting you. I... I want to help you if you'll allow me. Besides... I can't... I WON'T allow Richter, Decus or that scumbag Alice take your life." Scarlet replied with sincere honesty, but before anyone can say anything...
"Besides... I want to make it right by everyone I hurt. I meant what I said that your all like a family to me and all I've done is take it my grief out on you. I won't ask for your forgiveness, but I don't want to fight Marta anymore..." Scarlet continued, making her wish to help Marta and make amends clear, Marta looked around for a moment.
"Everyone, what do you think?" Marta asked the others, keeping her own answer hidden for the moment until she hears everyone's thoughts. Eventually, Emerald spoke up...
"I say let her come with us. It's true that she hurt us, but... I don't want to hate her. Besides, everyone deserves a second chance." Emerald said with a soft smile. Scarlet could only look in surprise as the Crimson Swordsmaiden would have beaten her up weeks ago.
"Since you put it like that Emerald and seeing that Scarlet appears to be sincere, I'll allow it." Azure said as she smiled wistfully, pushing her glasses up.
"You're gonna need to work hard to get back on my good side Scarlet... but I'd be lying if I said I missed having you with us..." Topaz said, making it clear that Scarlet needs to prove her words, but still smiled while addressing her absense. Scarlet nodded with understanding.
"It's fine with me. But if you double cross us, I'll do more than punch your face again. But... I don't want it to come to that, okay?" Selene said with a stern warning, but than made a solemn plea to her friend.
"I can respect your hatred of elves, but I hope we can reach an understanding as individuals. I... hope we can still be friends..." Vermillion said with a sad look in her eyes, yet still wanted a connection with her as the two were good friends during their time in the Vanguard.
"Yes... but... I'll do my best to be a better friend..." Scarlet said with a nod and a soft smile. The Lady Knight smiled in return.
"To be honest... I want Scarlet with us too...! Leaving her alone... is just as bad as taking a life! No one should ever be an island." Lavender said with resolution on her face, wearing the smile she had back than, but with feeling.
With that, Emerald gave Marta her kunai and the young girl cut Scarlet's ropes loose. Marta than hugged both Scarlet and Lavender with all she had as tears clung to her eyes.
"Welcome back... Scarlet... Lavender..." Marta said with a smile. The two could only return the hug as they cried too.
Tenebrae can tell that Marta is happy that all eight of them are fully reunited, but he hoped Scarlet will be true to her words.
Riverbed Path [30 Minutes Later...]
It was decided that they would all make camp and sleep tonight due to not traveling very far. Scarlet took up watch duty to start making amends now. She used her own jacket for comfort despite Azure wanting to give her a blanket like she did for everyone else, Lavender included. Scarlet kept her sword, which Vermillion gave back to her, by her side. As everyone else fell asleep, Scarlet looked up at the sky until...
"Mind if I sit with you?" Marta asked with a small smile.
"Kids shouldn't be up late..." Scarlet joked with Marta as she sat next to her as the young girl chuckled in response. Marta knew that was Scarlet's favorite way of messing with her whenever they stayed up late, only to get an earful from Brute one time. An awkward silence filled between them for a moment.
"Marta... I'm sorry for my awful behavior... I truly am..." Scarlet said with her voice slightly cracking. Marta simply placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry too Scarlet... I just hope we NEVER fight like that again." Marta replied in kind. It's strange that she can't forgive Colette for what happened two years ago yet she forgave Scarlt, granted Marta knew Scarlet wasn't out to kill her or her friends. Deep down, Scarlet was a lost girl in a woman's body as she had to live without her father after losing him. Marta honestly wouldn't know what to do if she'd lost both her parents that tragic day. Marta doesn't think she could bare it...
"I can understand if you can never forgive me... but I want to say I'm sorry regardless. But... please know that you don't need to apologize anymore... for I forgive you..." Scarlet said with a soft voice she hadn't used in a while. Marta could only look at her square in the eye.
"I accept your appology and... I forgive you too..." Marta said as tears went down her face again. Scarlet could only smile weakly in kind as tears began to wet her eyes.
Tenebrae watched this and smiled to himself... these humans were quite perplexing indeed, but maybe that's what makes them so unique. He watched them until Marta fell alseep next to Scarlet. As he closed his eyes, Scarlet gently adjusted Marta to rest in her lap as she placed her jacket over her.
At long last, Marta's Unit was whole once more...
To Be Continued...
Marta's Unit from the Vanguard is whole once again! Will Scarlet and Lavender be able to help out going forward? Will Scarlet be able to redeem herself?
We'll find out as we proceed into the next part of the story! See you than!
Update: Grammer and Spelling errors fixed.
