Frank lived a relatively ordinary life, well, as ordinary as you can get when your world is at war with monsters from another dimension. But when he finds a mysterious girl named Pyra, who claims to be a Blade known as the Aegis, he is forced to take action and fight. Will Frank and his friends succeed in saving their world and Alrest, or will they fail? OCxMythra
I do not own Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Nintendo and Monolith Software does. I only own my original characters. Set in the year 2100. Inspired by the fanfiction Xenogenisis: Closers. Warning: Mythra focused, if you do not like Mythra, or just prefer Pyra, I don't recommend reading this story. Does eventually follow Xenoblade Chronicles 2 story, but with some changes. Reviews are welcome and constructive criticism is accepted.
'Italics'- Thoughts
Italics- Telepathy
( ) - Side Notes
Chapter 1- The Beginning
A young man was laying down under the shade of a tree in a park. He had black hair and golden eyes and appeared to be seventeen years old. His outfit consisted of a black jacket with a long-sleeved blue shirt underneath, blue jeans and brown square-toed cowboy boots. He was aroused from his nap when a female voice called out to him.
"Frank! There you are!" Frank sat up and saw his sister running towards him. She had long black hair and golden eyes as well and looked around sixteen years old. Her attire was a maroon jacket, a black shirt and pants, and blue tennis shoes.
Frank casually waved at his sister as he stood up. "Hey Meg. What's up?"
Meg placed her hands on her waist and glared at him. "I've been looking everywhere for you! Did you forget about a certain meeting that's happening at you-know-where?"
Frank's eyes widened as he remembered that he and Meg were supposed to meet their friends at their usual spot. "Why didn't you call me?!" he exclaimed in surprise.
"I did, but you didn't answer," Meg replied. "C'mon, we'll be late if we don't go now!"
Frank and Meg then sprinted out of the park at high speed. As they ran, Frank reminisced on the past.
'This is Alrest City,' Frank thought. 'Meg and I have lived at boarding school here for seven years. Earth has been at war with monsters for seventy years now. It all started when they attacked the capitals of multiple countries simultaneously. Nothing could have prepared us for it. Hundreds of people lost their lives in the chaos that followed. All the major powers then formed an Allied Force to oppose this new threat. So far, the Allied Force hasn't gained much ground against the monsters. My sister and I used to live with our parents in Houston, Texas before it was attacked. Most of the city was destroyed, leaving many homeless. Dad then chose to join the Allied Force to protect us, and Mom joined soon after. They then sent Meg and me to Alrest City, where we could live in safety. I was told to look after Meg, which I doubt she needed, while we were here. We get messages from them every few months, assuring us that they were alive, but we stopped getting them about five years ago, leaving us wondering what happened to them.
'We ended up attending Fonsett Academy, which had a lot of children whose parents made the same decision as ours. It was difficult adjusting to life here. Meg and I didn't know anyone, but we always looked after each other. Soon, we were able to make friends with some of the students, and life here became easier. I never forgot the horrors I witnessed during the Houston attack. I wish that there was something I could do to end all of the suffering and bring peace, but I can't.' Frank's thoughts were interrupted when he ran into a man with blonde hair. They both fell to the sidewalk from the impact. The man also had a briefcase, which had important-looking papers scattered around it.
"Are you alright, Frank?" Meg asked her brother in worry.
Frank forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah. Sorry about that, sir. I wasn't looking where I was going."
The man waved his hand dismissively. "It's okay. It was partially my fault for being in a rush." He then started picking up the scattered papers.
"Let me help. It's the least I can do," Frank said as he knelt down and gathered the remaining papers before the wind caught them. Once all the papers were picked up, Frank gave them to the man.
"Thank you, young man. You have a kind heart." He looked Frank in the eye and faltered for a moment. "Your eyes, they're filled with hardship. You must have suffered a great deal."
Frank stared at the ground. "I watched my city be reduced to ruin. It's kind of hard to move on from an experience like that."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Might I ask your name?"
"It's Frank. Frank Ladair."
The man gave a light smile. "I'll remember that name. I do hope we meet again." He walked past the teenagers before stopping. "Frank, don't let the past hold you back. A little kindness goes a long way in this dark world." The man then left.
"What was that about?" Meg asked, looking confused.
Frank shrugged. "No idea." He checked his watch and panicked. "Oh no! Now we're even later than before! We have to hurry!" Frank then sprinted down the street with Meg close behind.
The siblings arrived at an old unused storage building located in the 2nd District, which served as their hideout. The hideout had a small kitchen, a game room, a tech lab, a small library, even a small basketball court and bedrooms, as well as a functional bathroom. It was a home-away-from-home. Behind the hideout was the Verdant Forest. They entered through a side door and saw their friends gathered around a table. There was three boys and one girl.
The first boy had buzz cut black hair and brown eyes. He wore a black hoodie with a winged wolf on the front, olive green pants, and black combat boots. He also wore glasses and was around seventeen years old. His name was Mika, and he was the first friend Frank made since coming to Alrest. Mika was a nice guy and joked around a lot, but he had impossibly bad luck. He was also Frank's roommate.
The next boy was named Jason. He had dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. He wore a navy-blue jacket, a maroon shirt underneath, blue jeans, and black tennis shoes. Jason was the same age as the other male teens and was also Meg's boyfriend. They first met in band class at school and have been going out for a year.
The third boy was called Ethan. He had brown hair and eyes and shared Frank and Mika's love for video games. He was also a skilled engineer, though he did have a strange project that he wouldn't share with the others. He was the one who found the old storage building and suggested to use it like a base. They all had to use the money they got from the academy to make the storage usable. Surprisingly, the school officials and some of the small business owners pitched in, giving the group things like couches and electronics, with them all paying the bills as long as the teens kept their grades up and helped out around the community.
The girl had tan skin and appeared to be of Indian heritage. She had long black hair that was tied back in a ponytail, and brown eyes. She was around sixteen years old and was called Sonum. She was in band along with Jason and Meg and was also Meg's roommate at the school dorms, as well as her best friend.
"You guys took your time getting here," Ethan said in mock annoyance. "Any later and we would've started without you two."
"Sorry," Frank said while scratching his head sheepishly. "We got a little… held up. But we're here now." Frank took a seat next to Mika, while Meg sat down next to Jason.
"So, how are things with everyone?" Ethan asked, something they do for every meeting.
"Me and the Eagle Scouts built some picnic tables for one of the churches," Jason replied. "And we had a band UIL tournament two days ago. Meg, Sonum and I all got good scores in it."
"Frank and I tutored some of the younger students," Mika said. "What about you, Ethan?"
"I volunteered at the mechanic shop and worked on dozens of cars by changing the oil and tires."
Frank waited a few moments before speaking. "Now that that's out of the way, let's move on to other topics. There's still been no decrease in monster attacks around the globe. The Allied Force are close to being overrun. I wish there was something we could do to turn the tide."
"Sadly, I doubt six teenagers would hardly make a difference," Sonum said sadly. "Monsters are different from an average animal. Normal weapons hardly slow them down, and they tend to attack in large numbers. It's better if we leave it to the adults to come up with a solution. I heard that Omega Industries is close to a breakthrough on new weapons to use in the war."
"That's good," Ethan said. "With any luck, the war will be over soon, and we'll all be reunited with our families." Everyone nodded in agreement.
The meeting went by quickly after that. The teens talked about their social and academic lives, any problems they noticed during the weeks, and other various things. Even though they knew that not many adults would listen to any solutions they proposed, it still brought the teens' comfort to discuss them. The meeting then ended, prompting the teens to scatter around the hideout. Jason and Meg went to the small basketball court for a quick game, with Sonum tagging along, Ethan went to his tech lab and started working on whatever project he was doing, and Frank and Mika played video games in the game room.
At around six o'clock, the group chose to head back to the academy for dinner. Fonsett Academy was a large building, capable of holding hundreds of people. There were also a handful of dorm buildings where the students and teachers lived as well. Behind the dorms was a large forest called Verdant Forest, which students were forbidden from entering without an adult. The cafeteria was filled with students of different ages and races. After the group got their food, they went over to their usual table and ate silently. When they were done, they went to their dorm rooms.
When Frank and Mika entered their dorm. Mika immediately went to the bathroom to take a shower, although he did trip on a sock that wasn't there before. Luckily, Mika caught himself before he hit the floor. Frank, on the other hand, went into his room and crashed onto his bed, clothing and all.
Frank dreamed that he was in a dark room. No matter where he looked, he couldn't find an exit, or anyone.
"Frank," a voice called out. "I need your help, Frank." A girl suddenly appeared before the teen, however, the only thing he could make out about her was a green crystal on her chest and her blazing red hair.
Frank woke with a start and found himself back in the dorm. He could hear Mika snoring in his room. 'What was that about?' Frank thought. 'Who was that girl? And why would she want my help?'
Frank chose to exit the dorm and get some fresh air. The cool night air greeted him as he leaned on the railing that overlooked the forest. Frank looked up at the sky and gazed at the stars. It was quiet and peaceful, as always. Much to Frank's surprise, he saw a shooting star. However, before he could make a wish, the star crashed somewhere deep in the Verdant Forest; a soft boom echoing in the distance.
"What the heck?" Frank quickly ran down to the edge of the forest. He looked around and saw that no one else had heard the crash. He mentally debated on what to do. He could go to the headmaster and tell him about it, but Frank doubted that he would believe him; or Frank could investigate himself, despite it being forbidden to enter the Verdant Forest alone, especially at night. Besides, it was like something was calling to him from the forest, only he didn't know what it was.
Before he could change his mind, Frank entered the forest, running in the direction of the supposed crashed star. It was difficult for Frank to see under all the trees, but shades of moonlight managed to shine through the branches. After around ten minutes, Frank reached a clearing in the trees. In the center of the clearing was a small crater. Frank immediately approached the crater where he found a strange metal pod right in the center of it. Inside the pod was a girl with red hair, wearing futuristic-like red armor of the same color, along with a gold tiara with a green crystal and crystal earrings of the same color. There was another green crystal on her chest, but it resembled a cross. In front of the pod was a strange red sword with the same green crystal in the hilt. Frank quickly realized that she was the same girl from his dream.
Frank slid down the crater to investigate the pod. The Omega Industries logo could be clearly seen on the sides of the pod. Suddenly, Ignas came out of the forest and surrounded the crater.
"Monsters?! Here?!" Frank shouted in shock. His instincts told him to run, but he couldn't abandon the sleeping girl. Hastily, Frank grabbed the sword with both hands and readied for battle, which was difficult since the sword was heavy.
The first Igna charged at the teen with its spear raised. Frank barely managed to block it in time with his sword, before swinging it towards the Igna's side, but the Igna simply jumped out of the way. Soon the other Ignas joined in and Frank was struggling to hold them off. He was cut from various places and was unable to land a single hit on the monsters.
One of the Ignas managed to slip passed Frank and prepared to strike the girl, but before it could, the pod suddenly ignited in flames, sending the monsters into a panic. The girl, now awake, emerged from the pod and looked at Frank with her red eyes.
"Where am I?" she asked.
"You're in the Verdant Forest outside of Alrest City," Frank said hastily. "Who are you? And what were those flames?"
"My name is Pyra. I'm a Blade. You're Frank, right?"
"How'd you know my name?"
"When you touched that sword. Thank you for trying to protect me."
Before Frank could respond, he saw the Ignas recover from their shock and charge at them. "Oh no! They're coming back!"
"Quick, place your hand on my chest!" Pyra said. "It's the only way to save your life!"
Frank reeled back in surprise. "A-are you sure? That sounds a little perverted." He saw the monsters were almost on them. "Oh, what the heck. I'll do it." Frank quickly placed his hand on the crystal on Pyra's chest. Suddenly the crystal began to glow with green light as it resonated with the teen. Frank's outfit then morphed into a white overcoat with green trimming, a silver metal chestplate, black pants with gold trimming, white gloves and black boots with green highlights. On his chest was a green x-shaped crystal. Coincidently, Pyra's crystal was now missing that same shape. The sword then opened, and a beam of flames came out of it. The sword also felt a lot lighter in his hands.
"Whoa. What just happened?" Frank didn't have time to wait for an answer as an Igna charged at him. Unlike last time, Frank easily knocked the Igna's weapon away with his sword and slashed across its chest, causing the Igna to dissolve into red light.
Another two Ignas tossed axes at the teen, but Pyra protected him with a defensive barrier.
"Thanks," Frank said.
"You're welcome," Pyra replied. "Now don't let up."
Frank nodded in acknowledgement before charging at the Ignas, the clash of their weapons echoed through the air. Soon, all the Ignas were killed.
"Glad that's over," Frank said before facing Pyra. "What are you? And what did you do to me?"
"I'm a Blade, a sort of weaponized artificial life form," Pyra explained. "I resonated with you to save your life and infused you with my power. I've made you my Driver. The Driver of the Aegis. What you're wearing is a sort of… Driver armor, it'll allow you to take enemy attacks much easier."
"Driver? What do you mean by 'Aegis'? Is that another word for Blade?"
Pyra shook her head. "No. Aegises are legendary Blades that are far more powerful than other Blades."
"Am I able to change out of this at will? I doubt I can wear this at school."
"You can if you focus hard enough."
"That's good to know," Frank said. Suddenly an Arachno (basically a giant spider) emerged from the woods. The Aegis Driver instinctively readied his sword with one hand. "Oh, great. How are we gonna beat this?"
Pyra then grabbed the Aegis Sword with her left hand. "We can do this together. Just follow my lead." Frank, although confused, acknowledged as a golden aura enveloped them. Pyra waited until the Arachno was in front of them before she and Frank shouted, "Burning Sword!" Together, they raised the sword skyward and a pillar of red flames burst out of the blade. They then brought the Aegis Sword down at the monster, cleaving it in two.
Frank was awestruck at what they did. "Whoa! That was awesome!" Then dozens of smaller Arachno appeared out of nowhere. "Oh, come on!? Don't these things know when to quit?!"
Frank turned towards Pyra, who seemed to be talking to herself. "He saved our lives, that's why I'm helping him. …What? You want to switch? Okay…" Suddenly Pyra was enveloped in blinding golden light. When the light died down, Pyra's hair became blonde and eyes were now golden, and her attire changed to a short white-green dress with gold and black highlights, long white gloves then went up to her shoulders, black leggings, and white and gold boots. Frank's sword then changed to a broadsword with the same color scheme and opened to reveal a blade of pure light energy.
"The sword changed? Pyra, what's going…?"
"I am not Pyra," the Blade rudely interrupted. "I am Mythra. Pyra, she's a different self that I constructed."
Frank looked at his Blade in confusion before returning his focus to all the screeching Arachno. "Uh, I'll ask later."
"Good answer," Mythra said with a small grin. "Now, if you want to survive this, do what I say!"
"O-okay," Frank said in slight fear.
Mythra held the Aegis Sword together with her Driver and raised it skyward, a golden aura surrounded them both. "Sacred Arrow!" they shouted in sync. A beam of light shot out of the Aegis Sword before raining down on the Arachnos as arrows of light, killing every single one of them.
Once again, Frank was awestruck at their power. "That was cool! We should probably get out of here before we get attacked again."
"Agreed."
Frank sheathed his sword on the back of his waist before he and Mythra hurried back to the academy. Unbeknownst to them, a camera in the pod had watched everything they did.
Meanwhile
In a lab at an unknown location, the blonde-haired man from before smiled as he saw Frank and Mythra together on his computer. Suddenly a man with black hair ran into the lab.
"Klaus! What did you do with the Aegis?!" the black-haired man demanded. "She and the other Blades are missing. Where are they?!"
"I'm sorry, Percy, but I released her and the other Blades because I couldn't ignore the risk of them discovering them," Klaus explained. "Don't worry. I've made sure to put them in good hands." Klaus looked back at his computer screen and saw that the other Blades were leaving with their Drivers.
Percy looked over Klaus's shoulder and gasped in shock. "Children?! You placed the most powerful weapons in history in the hands of children?!" Percy shouted. "Have you lost your senses?!"
Klaus remained composed and said, "A Blade's true power will only awaken when they bond with a person that fully understands them. I believe these 'children', as you put it, are the best fit for the Blades' Drivers. I've had eyes on these teenagers for weeks now. I know they can handle this."
Percy sighed in defeat. "I hope you know what you're doing, Klaus. The board won't be happy once they find out what you did."
"They won't find out, at least for a while." Klaus looked at his computer screen one last time before shutting it off.
To be continued