Chapter 4: The Aegis and her Driver

The first thing Serena see when she reawakens is Pyra with a look of relief. She was concerned that her new Driver was injured, but she still asked anyway.

Serena: *Groan* P-Pyra?

Pyra: Oh thank goodness, are you injured anywhere?

Serena: No I'm good *gets off of Pyra's lap* Do you know where we are?

Pyra: I'm not certain, but it looks like we landed on a titan.

Serena: I don't see Gramps and Nia around, we should go find them. If we're here then they can't be far.

Pyra: Alright then.

As they walked the two ladies continued their conversation.

Pyra: Oh and Serena, do you have the…

Serena: Hm? Oh right that. Don't worry it's here.

Serena takes off her jacket again to show Pyra her half to the Aegis Core Crystal.

Pyra: Okay good, and are you feeling okay? Anything abnormal?

Serena: I am feeling alright and nothing abnormal. You don't have to worry about me in that case.

Pyra: Alright then, thank goodness.

Serena: You don't mind if I keep the jacket on right? It's not like I don't like the crystal, but rather I don't want people … looking at me there.

Pyra: *Giggles* Don't worry, that's completely fine and a fair reason.

Serena puts her jacket back on and thanks Pyra.

Serena: To tell the truth, I'm kinda excited about this, I've never been a driver before.

Pyra: Given the circumstances, I think you held your own nicely in that last fight.

Serena: Maybe, but I know that I can still improve. By the way, can you further explain to me how a Driver and Blade work in combat?

Pyra: Of course, I'd be more than happy to.

And with that Pyra explained the mechanics of a Driver and Blade. The entire time Serena has this look of intrigue on her face.

Serena: I understand, I'll be sure to keep that in mind in our next battle.

Pyra: I trust you, but please be careful.

Serena: Of course, oh and Pyra…

Serena: I look forward to traveling with you, and thank you for saving my life.

Pyra: Don't mention it, I also look forward to traveling with you too.

They both laugh, shake hands, and move on. Not too much later the two get into a fight with a monster. It wasn't too hard, but everyone has to start somewhere.

Pyra: That was wonderful Serena.

Serena: R-Really? Thanks, I'll try even harder next time though.

Pyra: Just remember, don't push yourself too hard.

Serena: I unders-

Serena turns mid sentence and her face goes from calm to terrified. She runs towards what she saw with Pyra running after her in concern, which only got worse when she saw why Serena was scared.

Serena: Gramps!

Azurda: It's good to see you two are alright.

Pyra: *horrified* … How awful.

Serena: You're gonna be fine, I should have some herbs and…

As Serena tried looking through her bag, Azurda let out a weak laugh.

Azurda: You've always been a sweet one, but no amount of human medicine would suffice.

At this point tears are forming in Serena's eyes as she realizes she can't stop Azurda's death.

Serena: But gramps…

Azurda: Weep not young lady, this is merely my fate. But you don't have to worry, we'll meet again if the ether wills it.

With that Azurda starts disappearing which horrifies both Serena and Pyra.

Azurda: Thank you Serena, being with you was the best time of my long life. Until we meet again.

With that Azurda dissipates which causes Serena's tears to stream down her face.

Serena: Gramps… AZURDA!

With that Serena falls to her knees and cries. Pyra looks shocked, before she simply closes her eyes and looks away. Until both of them heard a voice, the feeling of sadness from both ladies vanished as it's replaced with confusion.

Serena: Gramps? I-Is that you?

Pyra: It can't be.

Azurda: Use your eyes, don't you recognize me?

Pyra: Ummm? Not really, no.

Serena: Alright old man, I want answers.

With that Azurda goes into detail about his new form. During the entire explanation, Serena had this really annoyed look on her face.

Azurda: Hold on Serena, are you angry?

Serena: *Scoffs* Maybe, perhaps because I went through that emotional episode for nothing.

Azurda: Fair Enough, it's alright to be angry.

Serena: Alright then, how long will it take for you to be back to normal?

Azurda: Good Question, no more than 300 years if I have to guess.

Both Pyra and Serena jump back in shock.

Serena: 300 Years?! I'd be dead 3 times over by then.

Azurda: Hmm, I suppose you're right.

Serena: And you mind telling me what happened to my house? Do we have to live on the streets now?!

Azurda: This might be a good time to fly the nest.

Serena: *Groan* You mean I have to pay rent now?

Azurda: *Laughs* Miser boots.

Serena: All those expenses will just add up you know. But still, I'm just happy you're alive Gramps.

Azurda simply gives Serena a thumbs up before flying back up to be at eye level with the girls.

Serena: As much as I would love to keep chatting, we still have to go save Nia.

Azurda: Nia? Are you talking about the Driver and Blade from earlier?

Serena: Yeah, they saved our lives.

Pyra: I do hope they're alright.

Serena: They probably are. Gramps, did you manage to see them?

Azurda: Unfortunately no. They must've fell off my back at some point

Pyra: I have an idea, maybe we can follow the path of broken trees.

Serena: Good Idea Pyra. Hey Gramps, how fast can you move in that form?

Azurda: Decently fast actually, my wings are bigger than I thought they were going to be. So at least I shouldn't be able to slow you down.

Serena: That's good to hear. C'mon team let's go.

With that the trio kept moving forward until they had a little roadblock.

Serena: How did that tree get there? I don't see another way around either.

Pyra: I can take care of this, you might want to stand back.

With that Serena steps back and Pyra incinerates the tree.

Serena: Whoa, that was awesome Pyra! You didn't even burn the bridge either, not bad at all.

Pyra: Oh really? It was no problem, now then let's keep moving.

With that Serena and Pyra kept waking but they stopped when they suddenly heard something.

Serena: What was that?

Pyra: I felt a tremble in the Ether, that usually happens when a blade and driver are in combat. I'm certain of it.

Serena: Then let's go check it out, it might be Nia.

Pyra: Okay.

With that the girls ran and they noticed a giant monster attacking 2 people.

Pyra: Serena look, It's Nia!

Serena: Finally, it looks like they need help.

With that without hesitation Serena launches a fire blast towards the Wormeater Brog.

Serena: Hey Nia, we're here to help!

Nia: Serena? What are you doing here?

Dromarch: My Lady, now's our chance! Let's Attack!

Nia: Alright then! Hey Serena, do you know what a Blade Combo is?

Serena: Pyra told me earlier. It's that thing where we use a blade special attacks in an order, and depending on the elements a different attack or effect will happen right?

Dromarch: Precisely, I advise we attempt to use one so we can finish the enemy quickly.

Pyra: Sounds like a solid plan, let's do this everyone.

With that Serena and Nia successfully pull off their blade combo and defeat the monster with relative ease.

Nia: So why are you girls even … Well, I guess that's a stupid question isn't it?

Dromarch: Indeed.

Serena: It's good to see you two are alright. Had us worried for a second.

Nia: Right back at you. Hold on what happened to the big thing that saved us? The titan…

Azurda: Are you talking about me?

Nia: What the hell? How?

Serena: That's a whole different story there. Why don't we find a spot to set up camp? We can keep talking then.

Dromarch: Sounds like a wise decision my Lady.

Nia: Sure, lead the way.

And with that the team managed to find a spot and they all chill out there. For food they managed to find some fish and cook that over the campfire.

Nia: So you titans can regenerate, that sounds pretty handy.

Azurda: Only one as advanced as myself can…

Serena: You know that line is already getting old.

Azurda: Excuse me?! I'd like less of that attitude! If you weren't so reckless and got the job in the first place, we wouldn't be in this mess. "Go take a nap or something" Like I'm some doddery old man.

While Azurda was having his little rant, Serena took the time to lie down with complete disinterest in what Azurda was saying. And when he was finished she decided to share her thoughts.

Serena: *Sarcastically* Okay Okay, you don't have to sugarcoat it. I'm a terrible disappointment. Just look at the sorrow in my eyes.

Azurda: Can you not muster a single shred of sincere remorse.

Serena: Nope, especially since I'm not sorry nor do I regret it.

Azurda: What? Why?

Serena: Because if I didn't take their job, they would've gotten Pyra. And who knows what they were going to do.

Pyra: … Serena.

Serena: I cannot allow that to happen. They will never take her, not on my watch. Especially because we have somewhere to be.

The group remained quiet for a while, with Nia and Dromarch being the first to fall asleep. Serena pulled out a book from her bag and started writing in it. Curious, Pyra decides to ask.

Pyra: Hey Serena, what are you doing?

Serena: Oh, I'm writing down notes.

Pyra: Notes?

Serena: Yeah, basically pretty much everything you said about being a driver is here so I can make sure I don't forget something.

Pyra: Wow, you're quite the model student aren't you?

Serena: *giggling* Well I wanna be able to make my new partner proud and not mess anything up.

Pyra: Thank you Serena, but I bet you'll do just fine.

Serena: Mhm, you wanna take a look? It would be helpful if you correct some things and offer advice.

Pyra: No problem at all.

*Around 30 minutes later*

Pyra: It's important to not use too much of my power at once.

Serena: I'll make sure I remember that one. *yawn*

Pyra: Well looks like someone's sleepy.

Serena: Mhm, time for us to get some rest. I'll see you in the morning.

Pyra: Alright then, Goodnight Serena.

Serena: Sleep well Pyra.

However Pyra doesn't fall asleep for a bit, which gets Azurda's attention. The two talk for a bit so Azurda can tell Pyra that she has his full trust and support. He flies away and Pyra is left to think to herself.

Pyra: I sense a lot of potential in Serena. She has the drive to improve and her ability to adapt is going to come in handy. With her maybe, just maybe, we can accomplish our goal after all.

With that train of thought done, Pyra finally lies down to sleep for tonight. Their next stop, Torigoth!