Hikawa Maria

Hikawa Maria (氷川マリア) is Iona's older sister. She was first mentioned in episode 18, but is missing but seen in episode 21. Her alter ego was Cure Tender (キュアテンダー Kyua Tendā).

History
A long time ago, she protected Miyo from a Saiark attack, which had inspired her to create the show Pretty Cure Weekly.

One night, she battled against Phantom, with young Iona watching them. When he attacked Iona, Tender stepped in to take the hit and protect her. Before she was sealed in a mirror, she gave Iona her PreChanMirror. Phantom did not know that Iona was Tender's sister until he picked up her PreChanMirror after defeating her. He added that Tender's kindness led to her downfall.

Appearance
Not much is known about her actual appearance, but as a civilian, Maria has black hair, while she has indigo-colored hair and purple eyes as Cure Tender.

Relationships

 * Hikawa Iona: Her younger sister. When she went missing, Iona began to grieve as she wants to defeat Phantom to avenge her. Maria proved to be protective of her as she took an attack from Phantom intended for Iona. Iona also said that Maria was very powerful and popular with a strong heart.

Cure Tender
Her civilian form is never seen. Her Cure uniform is dark blue along with her hair.

Etymology
Hikawa (氷川): Hi (氷) means "Ice" and kawa (川) means "River". Together, Hikawa (氷川) is "Glacier".

Maria (マリア) has many translations. In Latin it can mean "wished for child" or "star of the sea". Despite the name's non-Japanese origin, it has decent popularity as a girl's name in Japan.

Trivia

 * She shares her first name with Hojo Maria.
 * She is the second relative of a main Cure in a series to be a Pretty Cure, preceded by Hanasaki Kaoruko.
 * Her Cure form is actually given to Cure Fortune, despite her giving her PreChanMirror to her.
 * Cure Tender does not have a LovePreBrace, yet Fortune did when she had her powers, before they were taken by Phantom.
 * Her hairstyle in her Cure form looks similar to Cure White.
 * In episode 22, Iona took her device after being defeated by Phantom as seen in the flashback.
 * Tender is defined by her gentleness, concern and sympathy. In Episode 22, Phantom reveals Cure Tender's downfall was of her kindness trying to protect Iona from his attack.