[i][/i][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8r0P3g1.jpg[/img]
[@Sonnambula][/center]


[color=fff79a]"Valeria asked that of you? Hmm... I would have thought you would have preffered to be at the school. I trust in Miss Weizenbaum abilities, but this worries me nonetheless."[/color]

Maria said just as she was adjusting her gown's sleeves at the wrists, the dusty remains of the Apex pageless still evaporating behind her.  [color=fff79a]"Yell at you? Please, Lady Clementine, I believe I do not strike as the type or at least hope I do not. Although, it is true I find your course of action to have been... rash, perhaps even unprepared? To say the least."[/color]

It was not long after they left the ruins of the mall behind them as Maria accepted Ozma's offer to ride with her. The trip was short back to the Academy, although quite uncomfortable for Maria, who was not used to flying on brooms... 
Maria witnessed the same sight as Ozma did, internally wishing she could have had been here to help, but also wondering if it truly would have been for the best. Finally spotting Valeria, who carried Roma, Maria took a step towards them but was stopped by the Crimson Comet who, with a serious glance, told the teacher to help the students. Now, Maria truly did wish to see if Valeria was fine and also have a talk with this Tsubasa, but Ozma was right. [color=fff79a]"Very well."[/color]

Maria turned around, fully intending to thoroughly ignore the Grand Minister and leave that business to Ozma and Valeria while helping the students - but she couldn't take a step before young Nessie came almost tackling her into a hug. 

[color=fff79a]"Oh!"[/color] A surprised Maria looked down to the red head and gave the feintest smile, both hands lowering on her shoulders. [color=fff79a]"Miss Burns, how awfully kind of you. I merely remained behind to make sure you all could retreat to safety - there is no need to worry about all of that now. Are your classmates saf--"[/color]

As she looked down to Nessie, it suddenly washed on Maria just how much the student was filled with anger and indignation. Most of the students were, she reckoned. There was a small silence before she went on, carefully replacing Nessie's messy hairs with a motherly look;

[color=fff79a]"Do not fall too quickly into anger and evil thoughts, Nessie. Lest you end up being controlled by your darkest feelings, as Miss Tsubasa is. Energy spent on anger is wasted when so many people need our help, is that not so? Come, let us see to the others."[/color]

As she pushed Nessie forward, intending to go assist the help effort and whoever still needed help, despite what she just said Maria still sneaked on glare back at Ozma, Valeria, their prisoner and the Grand Minister - a hint of hellish red in her eyes sparkled for a mere second.