Serah felt her body become engulfed in the black and purple energy. She could feel its cool touch surround her body, caressing every crevice, but, as if it understood that she was a separate entity, it didn't invade where it shouldn't. Pulled on by a weird gravity, Serah's body continues to fall deeper into the energy as if she was falling into quicksand. She felt as if she was in some sort of womb, embraced by various fluids, until – Pop!

Serah exits the other end of the gate and falls to the ground. The black and purple energy separates from her body and re-enters the gate, leaving her body as dry as when she entered. Serah begins to take deep breaths, gathering her wits, before looking up weakly at the bright blue sky with squinted eyes, like a baby fawn that had just entered the world.

A shadow covers Serah’s vision and as she looks up, Serah sees an armored lady with deep red hair, looking down at her and smiling.

“My baby girl.” The lady says with a smile, her voice gentle and familiar. “You look so vulnerable. I could just eat you up.” She says, her smile beginning to look a little mischievous.

Serah lets out a cough before putting strength into her arms and legs to stand on her feet.

Serah looks to the red-haired lady, getting a little lost in her vision. She’s beautiful… Like a goddess… Well, isn’t she a goddess? Serah’s mind wonders.

Serah clears her throat. “Nice to meet you, deity.” She says with a short bow. She was usually pretty loose with her attitude when it came to the deity of war, but now that they were meeting, she couldn’t help but want to be formal. Serah had a feeling that the deity of war was someone who was leagues above where she currently stood. As for why someone at that level had an interest in her, Serah had no idea.

“Oh, don’t be so formal, baby girl.” The deity says as she presses her hands against Serah’s shoulder. “My, you are beautiful. So young and yummy. But more importantly, that fire is still there. Burning in your soul. Beautiful.” She says as she gets a good look at Serah’s face.

Serah’s eyes widen at the sudden contact before her cheeks begin to blush at the words. Don’t tell me she’s interested in me? Serah couldn’t help but think as heat continues to travel to her face.

The deity of war smirks. “You know, to many people you would be a ripe fruit. But not to me. There’s still room for growth. With some time, you’ll be even juicier.” She says, amused.

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Serah clears her throat again. “About the skill introduction?” She says, hoping to hurry along.

The deity of war widens her eyes. “Ah, yes. You’re a busy girl, I understand. No need for small talk, I guess.” She says with a sigh. “Alright. First, the Reverse Scale technique. This is my take on the technique that all the powerhouses use, so use it as your foundation. Eventually, you’ll probably have your own take on the technique, but to learn the ropes, it will be good enough. Has the Shadow Order taught you the basic sensory technique?” She asks.

“Hmm. Yes? At least I think that’s what it was. It sort of opened up our feelings and connected ideas with different items in the world.” Serah explains.

“Yes, that’s the one. Well, this is a higher level of that. People are capable of experiencing many things, and through these experiences and a little imagination, it isn’t too difficult to understand other people. Some people get too caught up in the tiny differences that they forget, for the majority of the experience, it could be considered shared among various people. That’s the first step of this technique, understanding people. Whether that’s to communicate with them, help them, or harm them, that’s up to you. When you’ve reached the height of this technique, this understanding can be used to completely dismantle someone’s identity, but you don’t have to worry about that. I doubt you have enough enemies to require that.” The deity of war says with a laugh.

Suddenly, the earth began to vibrate.

The deity of war raises an eyebrow and looks to the distance. Space began to warp and a black hole opens up, breaking into this reality, before a man popped out.

The man’s hawk-like eyes quickly scan the surroundings before spotting Serah. His eyes widen and anger flashes across her face. “There you are! You wretched bitch! This will be your end!” He yells, before the image of his body began to flutter and he disappears, before reappearing close to Serah. His hand was raised and a purple energy began to gather before it was shot out like a bullet.

Serah’s eyes widen. Am I going to die? She asks.

**CLANGG**

The man’s eyes widen. His attack had been blocked by the armored lady’s sword. “The Arbiter of War? What are you doing here? Are you connected with this girl?” He asks, confused and a little hesitant that this was a misstep. “No, you’re not the Arbiter yet. Well this is fine. I’ll have you both out of the way while it’s convenient.” He says with an evil grin before lashing out once again.

A purple energy spear was shot out and the deity of war was forced to block again. Unfortunately, the force was too much and her body was pushed back against Serah’s before the deity forced herself to stop.

The deity of war grits her teeth. “Serah, get out of here. The gate’s still open, you need to use a motivation spell to escape.” The deity of war says.

Serah’s eyes widen. “Will you be okay?” She asks, a little worried.

“I’ll be fine. This guys isn’t bad, but he’s not enough to push me into a precarious state. Just go.” The deity says before pushing out with her feet, causing her body to flash forward.

The deity of war reaches the man and slashes down with her sword causing a steel blue energy blade to escape and shoot towards the man.

“Tch!” The man exclaims before being forced to dodge. He takes a moment and frowns as she watches Serah approach the world gate. “No! You dumb bitch! You won’t escape!” He exclaims.

“C’mon! C’mon! Hurry up!” Serah says anxiously as she begins to operate the motivation spell. Motivation, motivation. Motivation for what? Serah thinks before slapping a hand to her forhead. What do you think idiot!? Am I not running for my life here!? She asks herself, a little angry.

Serah suddenly begins to feel the pull and her body enters the black and purple energy. Oh no! Not enough mana! She exclaims before feeling that familiar mana channel open up. Serah looks to the deity of war as she fought against the mysterious man, and tears well up in her eyes. “Don’t die, mom! I’ll be waiting for you!” Serah yells out before her body was completely engulfed by the black and purple energy.