[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Rj0mRLw.png[/img][/center]

Maria had said her piece and there was nothing to add. Valeria or the students may add as they pleased, but Maria was done. Just like Roma mentioned how there was no convincing them, Maria so too noticed there was no getting to her. Instead, the teacher was fully focused on being ready to react should anything happen. 

However, she failed to predict what [i]would [/i]actually happen. In a grand show of theatrics, Roma took her true form and attempted to trap them in the mall in some twisted game of hers while she herself, or the image of her rather, disappeared. When all was done, Maria had not the time to speak before Ozma took over the leading role. The teacher was none too pleased since Ozma was the one to put them in this situation, but nonetheless recognized the necessity. She was right. Ging back to the school was a priority especially fi it was under attack. As Ozma and Oros attempted to breach the barrier Maria, like the others, was readying to leave when they all heard a bestial sound coming from behind them.

Maria looked back at Ozma as she addressed her; [color=fff79a]"Are you certain? The safety of the student..."[/color] she stopped mid sentence, looked to Valeria before taking a step back towards the creature. [color=fff79a]"They are in good hands. So be it. Be safe."[/color] Maria then politely bowed to them and gestured a farewell before turning back to the Apex as everyone was leaving, thanks to Ozma's magic. She especially gave a rather warm smile at Nessy, the kind that said 'You'll be fine'. 

The air around Maria grew hotter and hotter as the Apex approached her. She gave it back the same emotionless stare before having one last look back and making sure everyone was gone. Only then was she completely engulfed in a torrent of flames that seemed to burn her from the bottom up. When the flames disappeared from her body, she was changed into her alter ego boasting a completely new form; looks, hair and , seemingly, slightly different personality. 

[color=fff79a]"Alright - now we can go."[/color] her usual mask of controlled emotion was gone, replaced by a smirk of anticipation for the action to come. Her fists suddenly caught fire as she herself adjusted her pose as if she was about to begin running, molten cracks appearing on the floor. 

[color=fff79a]"It's been long since I got to cut loose. Let's see what you..."[/color] out of her back sprouted two great bat-like wings made of fire and, with one large flap, she launched herself forward with such force it left behind a small charred crater where she once stood [color=fff79a]"...GOT!"[/color]

She aimed directly at the Pageless, a wall of flames following her dash and incinerating anything around her be it would be ambushed pageless that remained behind or the Mall's floors and walls. 

[color=fff79a][i]I need to end this quick.[/i][/color]