Dimensional Breach [Pt 1]

Tension filled the air.

The bittersweet smell of tears oozed into the darkness as another pungent odour tickled the nostrils.

It was the stench of blood.

"Are you alright… Maria?" Serah asked, a warm smile on her glowing face.

Her eyes felt heavy, but she felt a genuine sense of happiness and fulfilment since she had just protected her protege from certain death.

But, at what cost?

"M-Master Serah… your legs!"

The protege she just saved had her eyes widened as if they would pop out, with tears gushing out of them like a waterfall. Her eyes were fixated on Serah's two legs which seemed to have been reduced to half of their former size.

"Ah… these old things. They aren't important right now."

"N-no… for me, you… it's because of me…" Maria's sobs were choking her up, as even she could not suppress the emotions she was experiencing at the moment.