"Aaah!" Sera was quickly thrown to the side by the brute of a Nightmare as it shambled forward. As much as she stood in its way with her sword drawn, it continued to march forward knocking away both her and her images with ease and no sense of slowing. But she wouldn't give up, she couldn't. Behind her was a young child that couldn't possibly last any longer than she had.

Again, she threw herself against the coming Nightmare; thrusting in with her sword, but only stabbing in tip deep before the foe swung back its arm and brushed her aside with no indication her sword was even having an affect. Tears welled in her eyes as she felt utterly useless, doubled by the pain of being thrown around with such ease and tripled by the thoughts of being unable to protect anyone.

Time was running short and it was now or never if she was going to stop the Nightmare. Once more she jumped into the Nightmare's path, swinging her sword in a mad haze as she gave everything she had. The fist came flying at her as always, but this time she flinched as she let it hit her with full force. The pain hit her whole body at once, but she took the opportunity to grab hold. She was willing to die before she let the monster though. Clinging to the arm, she swung her sword as best she could at the beast; giving it small niks here and there. The Nightmare tired to free itself from the grasp, smashing its arm, and the girl along with it, against the ground repeatedly.

Air sputtered from her lungs and pain wracked her body as she gasped to catch her breath. Her entire body felt like fractured glass; ready to crumble to pieces apart from her will to stop the monster. Though she kept her hold, continuing to swing her sword and jabbing it in the monster's face. Its fist slammed back with full force, pinning the magical girl against the ground and then lifting her into the air. Sera's vision was obscured by the hand that held her into the air, but it was her final chance as her body hanged there to pained to move. She lifted her sword and let it drop with every ounce of force she could muster; slicing the Nightmare in twain as it was finally defeated.

Sera dropped to the ground and peered at the child behind her. He was unharmed, thankfully. Sera stumbled to her feet and offered her hand to the boy. As much trouble as it was, it was worth it.

"No!" A loud slap echoed out as her arm was slapped away from the kid.

But..., why....?

"This is all your fault!" Sera's heart sank into a black hole and her eyes glossed over. A scowl crept over her face as she couldn't take it any further. At once, her latent rage took hold. Powers and fury directed at the young boy without restraint.