Azure rushed through the forest at speeds she never thought possible before, she felt stronger than ever before, and she felt faster than ever before.
She could not have noticed it before from the exhaustion, but the moment Aqua healed her she felt her stamina, strength, and speed rise exponentially.
As she was now, she felt not even the full-scale ambush from before could even scratch her.
And yet she wished to not dwell on the past as much, her mind was consumed by only one thought 'Find Sheira and escape back to her country'
She pushed her body to the limits, using the trees to launch herself further and more.
And yet the red-haired girl from before was effortlessly keeping up with her newfound speed.
Her pride would not allow her to fall behind someone so she pushed herself to rush even faster.
She turned her head for a split second as she noticed the girl right behind her, following her closely but still letting her take the lead.
Her pride was hurt, but she still was happy that someone as powerful as this girl agreed to help her.
It was only a matter of time before they reached the road, as the forest cleared two girls arrived at the dirt road, after a moment of investigation Azure noticed a track showing which way the enemy went.
'These tracks are fresh, they will surely lead us directly to the enemy' she thought to herself.
She turned to Aqua before asking "What do you think, is it likely that the enemy took Sheira this way, or would they still be holding her at the camp"
Even if the girl was practically a stranger to her she still wanted to hear her opinion.
Aqua shook her head before answering "It is likely that they would try to transport her as soon as possible to their destination, especially after learning about the destruction of their strike squad but it is quite likely that the wagon is a diversion and she is still held at the camp"
What Aqua said made sense to Azure, they surely would try to distract the pursuers while transporting the captive princess to wherever they wanted.
She rubbed her face as she groaned, she was unsure of how to proceed.
The wagon would already be many hours away at best, and at worst it could already be out of the Ebon Forest.
'If they reach the main road we won't be able to track her, and my shame would be too great for me to bear…' Her thoughts gnawed at her so much it started to hurt her in both body and spirit.
She felt a gentle hand touch her on the shoulder, making her snap out of her thoughts.
Azure turned around and saw a smiling red-haired girl, Azure thanked the gods for having someone that could help her snap out of her destructive thoughts.
If she were to fall into depression alone, the chances of rescuing Sheira were slim to none.
If Aqua didn't appear when she lost her dear friend she would most certainly taken her own life by now.
She did not speak with her much, but just having the presence of someone else was enough to at least keep her cool.
"I know how you feel, you lost someone very important to you," Aqua said solemnly
Aqua stood in front of her and gently whispered "I too have lost all that I help dear, that is why I will help you find your friend with all of my strength, I promise we will find your friend"
Aqua stretched out her hand before pulling Azure back to her feet.
Azure could only nod at her words, she had no strength nor will to speak, and yet she felt her suspicion of the red-haired girl drop, she felt that she could trust her.
Azure smiled before muttering "Thank you, After all of this is done I will make sure that you are properly rewarded"
Aqua shook her head before casually answering "There is no need for a reward, I wish to help you out of my free will"
Azure smiled warmly as she finally had the will to stand proud as she was before "Well what are we waiting for then, let's go after that damn wagon, with our speed we should be able to reach it!"
"Indeed, let us go lady Azure" Aqua responded as both women rushed to the direction of the tracks.
As both women ran at breaknecking speeds Aqua only had one thought in her mind 'She finally trusts me, I promise you no harm will come to your little friend or you'
Aqua smiled warmly as she felt that she finally had gained a friend who wouldn't be taken away by the evil of the divine.
'Perhaps I should make sure that the goddess couldn't reach her again…' she dismissed the thought as soon as it came.
After all the blessing Azure had obtained was a true blessing, and she felt no malice behind it, but she still must be wary of the divine behind it, no matter how benevolent they appear they will always be horrible creatures that have the capacity for mass destruction.