Chapter 1: Serena & Her Backstory

-16 years ago-

?: A-A village? Good, almost there sweetheart.

An unbelievable sight came out of nowhere for the usual peaceful time of Fonsett Village, a woman who was gravely injured while holding her daughter who was the spitting image of her, for dear life.

?: P-Please… help us…

As soon as she said that, the woman fell to her knees completely drained of whatever strength she had left. All of the villagers who were close came to her aid, and Corrine specifically picked up the child to make sure she wasn't hurt. Miraculously, the little girl didn't have a single scratch on her, but on her was a note that said.

Corrine: "Serena Celeste, 5/20/4040"

?: P-please, take care of Serena. she's … she's going t-to do great thingss in the fu-futrue.

That was the last thing she said before she passed out, the doctors did their best but there was nothing they could do for her. She was buried a few hours later, by then the child woke up and now she was all alone. Some of the villagers tried hunting down for her father, but their search ended up empty-handed. Corrine is obviously sad for the little girl who couldn't even speak, but she does say this.

Corrine: Don't worry little Serena, we'll do our best to take good care of you.

Serena obviously doesn't say a word, but she at least feels a bit better.

-10 years ago-

Serena: Wow Xander, the way you did that sword slash thing was super cool.

Xander: Yeah I know, I've been practicing. But you're not so bad yourself for an 8 year old girl.

Serena: Says the 10 year old boy.

Azurda: Alright you two, enough bickering for now. That was a good attempt from the both of you, but both of you need some work. Xander, your stance is still a little sloppy. And Serena, keep a grip on your sword before you drop it.

Serena: I know Gramps, I know. Say Xander, I bet Auntie Corrine made us something really good.

Xander: Now that you said that, I am kinda hungry. Azurda, can we finish this later?

Azurda: Fine, go and get something to eat you two. And when you're done you can come back here.

With that the two children ran off toward their Auntie Corrine's house. Serena has grown a lot since her arrival in Fonsett. She's usually very cheerful and lively and gets along with everyone, except bullies. Then there's her best friend Xander who she met 4 years ago. He came to the village on his own due to him losing both his parents thanks to the war. Despite that, he never disliked fighting for fun and protecting others because of that. He was seemingly a very gifted warrior, it was no wonder why Azurda suggested training the boy with Serena tagging along. Both of them had hearts of gold and would do anything to help out, getting the respect of the even younger kids because of that. However…

Serena: Auntie Corrine, what's wrong?

The two kids when they entered the house seemed confused by what they saw, Corrine was sitting on her chair with a list in her hands looking distressed.

Corrine: Oh it's nothing for the two of you to worry about, no come and get some lunch.

Xander: Are you sure Auntie? If something's bothering you we would like to know.

Corrine looked touched thanks to the boy's comment, but in the end she didn't say anything about the topic. A few hours pass and Xander and Serena are outside again sitting on a bench, both of them share a look of mutual sorrow, as they can guess what Corrine was worried about. Money, it's been no secret that funds for the village have been dropping fast. If something didn't happen fast, there might not be a village left to live on anymore.

Serena: We've got to help the village make money!

Xander: Read my mind, but how are we gonna do this? We're just kids after all.

Both of them think and they both agree to think of ideas later as they went their separate ways for now. Serena headed back to Azurda for advice.

Serena: Hey Gramps, how do people make money?

Azurda seemed puzzled by the question coming from the little girl.

Azurda: In many ways, some people fight as mercenaries, sell their own artwork, Salvage, Cook, and many other ways. Why do you ask, young one?

Serena: I saw Auntie look very sad today about us running out of money, so I want to help. I don't want to stand here playing when I could be helping the people who helped me.

Azurda: Y'know Serena, at your age that's an admirable thing to think. But remember you're still a child.

Serena: So what if I am, I'll just be skilled at those things and make money so I can help the village right.

Serena's eyes were somehow resolute but also very innocent at the same time when she said that. Azurda thought to himself...

Azurda: She seems serious about this, well … there surely isn't any harm in letting her at least attempt to do this right? Alright, Since you're actually good at swimming in the clouds I suggest Salvaging. Not many girls do it, but that'll only make your chances higher at getting the job.

Serena: *Excited* REALLY?! WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?!

Azurda: Woah, calm down there! Just hop on my back and I'll take you somewhere to get started.

With that the two of them headed off, but unknown to them Xander listened in to their conversation thanks to him hiding behind a tree. Now with even more determination to train he makes a silent promise to himself.

Xander: Get strong, and become a mercenary!

-6 Years Ago-

We see both Serena and Xander (Ages 12 and 14 respectively) saying their final goodbyes to each other at Rigitte Harbor. Xander will be taking a ship too Uraya to join a group called "Garfront Mercenaries", while Serena is going to ride on Gramps to head to Argentum to further her salvager skills. They've already had their heartfelt goodbyes to everyone in the village with some tears shed from Corrine, proud of the people they've become.

Serena: Well Xander I guess I won't be seeing you for a long time, you stay safe you hear me.

Xander: The same goes for you, you better keep in touch too. Azurda, thanks for training me and for giving me the Core Crystal.

Azurda: It was a pleasure Xander, you don't have to resonate with the blade now. But I hope you awaken an incredible blade.

With that Serena and Xander hug for probably the last time for years. However, for a few seconds that Xander noticed, Serena just stared at his face looking into his blue eyes. Oblivious Xander just says…

Xander: What's wrong Serena, is there something on my face?

Completely embarrassed by the fact that Xander caught her staring at him, Serena's face went red and she immediately stopped looking at him completely to avoid him noticing her blush too.

Serena: Umm, … no it's not that. I was trying to think of something to say … and couldn't. Just do your best out there!

With that Serena ran back to Azurda, this confused Xander still but he shook it off and just yelled.

Xander: THANKS! YOU TOO!

Serena climbs on the titan's back, signaling to Azurda that she's ready to go. With that being said, Serena and Azurda head off to Argentum where their new lifestyles will begin. Little did the three of them know that their fates will be involved in one of the biggest challenges of all time in a few years.