Hello all my name is Ethan, and i thought i take the opportunity to start writing fanfiction, and what better way to start then with one of my favorite games of all time, Xenoblade Chronicles 2. This fanfic in question is based on a fanfic i've read called "This time, Girl Meets Girl" by ChaosChris25, a fanfic that replaces Res with a new female protagonist named Serena. there are a few noticeable differences between it and the actual story, but it currently has only 9 chapters and hasn't been updated in nearly a year. This fanfic that i'm writing is based on that fic, but i'm using my own ideas and even including story scenes that were skipped over in the original fic. I will also be using my own OCs named Rhonda and Ronin, what exactly are their stories, well you'll just have to wait and see. With that all being said, let's get into Rhonda's adventure shall we?

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: And Thus, Girl Meets Girl.

Chapter 1: A Big Job that Goes a Long Way

Beneath the endless sea of clouds, a young salvager of the age of 18 was busy diving deep to where her treasure lies. Once she reaches her location she uses her anchor to pull herself to her destination, and activates the spikes on her boots so she can easily walk on the sunken boat. Once she activates the flotation device to lift the treasure out of its location, she proceeds to hook the treasure to the crane, then afterwords she stands on the top of the chain and turns of her lights as she and the treasure are both hoisted out of the cloud sea.

Once she was above the surface and the treasure was lowered on the Titan's back, the young woman hops of the crane, and removes her helmet. This woman has been working as a salvager for six years now, while also working as a freelancing artist. She has grown a lot in the past few years, she's not tall but she has reached the average height of a woman, and her short cut brown hair barely touched her shoulders, something that hasn't changed since she was a kid. Needless to say she had become a very attractive woman amongst most salvagers in the Guild. Considering female salvagers were a rarity, some of the guys had tried their best to hit on her, but all of them failed with varying reactions from this woman depending on what they did. This woman was someone who lived off of the Salvager Code, and if someone were to break any of the rules, they would get quite the earful from her. But back to the task at hand.

??: "sigh" We really do need to buy ourselves a new depth probe… The ping was off by 150 peds to the east! That's not gonna fly at all!

The woman then stepped in her little house to change out of her salvager gear into her normal attire, which consisted of a blue Leftherifan dress with a short skirt that had golden designs on the tips of both the skirt and sleeves, and brown knee-length boots. After she finished changing her clothes she grabbed a crowbar to pry open the crate with.

Azurda: What about the treasure, Rhonda? Was it in line with your expectations?

Rhonda: It seemed pretty solid, didn't have to reinforce it to much. Even with the labor costs we should still be able to make a decent profit.

Azurda: Honestly Young Lady, it takes you two days at most to run the structural analysis… Yet somehow you can gauge the profits in an instant?

Rhonda: Don't go rainin' on my parade Gramps, You and Me both know that i'm only in the salvaging trade for the... CASH! A little business sense, goes a long way... all…right?

As soon as Rhonda opened the crate a giant Crustip came rushing out of it, causing her to fall over in surprise.

Rhonda: Woah! Didn't expect THAT! Have you been living in this thing big guy?

The Crustip did nothing but roar at Rhonda, which of course prompted her to take action.

Azurda: Rhonda!

Rhonda: No worries, Gramps!

Rhonda then proceeds to grab her duel junk swords, and prepares to fight the Crustip.

Rhonda: I think we know what's on the menu for lunch!

The fight between Rhonda and the Crustip commences. Thanks to the sword fighting skills Azurda taught her, Rhonda was able to land major hits on the Crustip. while the Crustip did manage to strike her a few times, Rhonda ended up coming out on top, as with one final dual slash with her swords the Crustip was defeated. After that little fight she then proceeded to cook the Crustip for lunch.

Rhonda(Narration): An entire horizon of white as far as the eye can see. A sea of clouds, and at its heart, the World Tree, piercing into the heavens… This… This is the world we call home, Alrest. The story goes that when the world was young, everyone in Alrest lived on The World Tree, together with our divine father and creator of this world, the Architect. According to legend, it was a bountiful place. The people there held the power to command the heavens themselves. They called that paradise… "Elysium". But then one day, we were cast out. Nobody knows why, and depending on who you ask people have different opinions about the matter, Some say we possibly angered our creator, others say the Architect did it in an attempt to keep us safe, and some people say it could have been something else entirely. But whatever the reason, it didn't change the fact that we we were forced to leave Elysium to live here in Alrest, which was pretty difficult at first since we had no land to live off of. But in the moment where we were sure to die out, The Architect, presumably out of pity, decided to send us his servants, the Titans, as his final gift to humanity. The few of us that survived started to settle on the Titans, and we've lived in harmony with them ever since. But now, in recent times, those Titans, *sigh*… are beginning to die out, and land is becoming more and more limited by the day.

After inspecting the treasure, practicing her drawing skills, and rearranging some things in her little house, Rhonda noticed that the Crustip was about done cooking, and began to sit down to eat.

Azurda: A-Ah… The brazier does my weary old bones much good…

Rhonda: Would you like me to move it Gramps?

Azurda: No, that's quite all right Rhonda. Leave it right there- a-ah…

Rhonda: All right then!

With that being said, Rhonda began to eat her lunch, which she did enjoy. That was, until both her and Azurda witnessed a Titan dying out and falling beneath the cloud sea.

Rhonda: Oh no, not another one… That's been happening a lot lately…

Azurda: More so than ever, it seems.

Rhonda: You think there was anyone living on it?

Azurda: It's not likely, even if there were, they would have all left by now.

Rhonda: Makes since.

After that little conversation, Rhonda begins to think about something truly heartbreaking to her.

Rhonda: Hey Gramps, you think Fonsett Village could disappear like that too one day?

Azurda: It would not happen today or tomorrow, But yes, one day it will fall.

Rhonda: And you too?

Azurda: That's just how it works with us Titans… There's no way around it.

Rhonda: Eventually… There'll be nowhere left to live… When that happens, we'll all be back in the same position we were in when the Architect casted us out of Elysium…

Azurda: Sadly…

Rhonda then took the opportunity to quickly look at The World Tree, something she had been fascinated about since she was young.

Rhonda: Say Gramps, You and all the other Titans in Alrest were born up there, in The World Tree?

Azurda: So the legends say, for what it's worth. Mind you, I was born here, in Alrest. As for my ancestors, who could say where they were born…

Rhonda: Can everything that people say about it really exist? This Elysium? and our creator who's said to live there?

Azurda: A land of plenty, atop The World Tree… If such a place did really exist, perhaps we could all live in peace. With no more need for fighting for land that will vanish over time.

Rhonda: Sure would be great… For everyone, even everyone in Fonsett. I wonder what the Architect would think of us if he could see us today…

After that conversation, Rhonda decided she should get back to business.

Rhonda: All right! Time to get back to making money! Oi, Gramps, Fancy for a little swim over to the Argentum Trade Guild?

Azurda: You're planning on selling it now? It's nearly my bedtime…

Rhonda: Don't go playing the lazy old man act on me Gramps, There's still plenty of sunshine left in the day, plenty of time to earn the money for this haul even!

Azurda: "Groans" Kids these days, no respect i swear.

Rhonda and Azurda made their way over to the Argentum Trade Guild, the largest trade guild in Alrest, and where Rhonda would often send money home to Fonsett. Once she and Azurda arrived at the guild, they were greeted by a familiar face.

Hirkham: Why, if it isn't Rhonda! How's the salvaging business treating you?

Rhonda: So far it's going well, if it wasn't i wouldn't be here.

Hirkham: Fair point. So, what am i unloading?

Rhonda: We can hold that off until i'm done negotiating with Melolo, all right?, i shouldn't be gone for too long!

Hirkham: Well, mooring is 15 gold per half-day.

Rhonda: I'll have your gold after i sell all this stuff, all right Hirkham? Later!

With that Rhonda began running towards the entrance to the Guild, eager to see how much she'll make from her latest haul.

Hirkham: Hey hold on! You know i can't do credit… "sigh" She does this every time too…

Hirkham then looked at Azurda, as if he expected him to pay the fee.

Azurda: No wallet, i'm afraid…

Hirkham: …Figures…

As Rhonda walked to the entrance of the guild, she saw a giant metal ship, one unlike any she's seen before. Needless to say she was very impressed by it.

Rhonda: Awesome… That thing's huge, and it's not even a Titan ship!

Once Rhonda was done looking at the ship with huge awe, she then proceeded to negotiate the profits with Melolo. Needless to say it didn't turn out well.

Rhonda: What, That's all I made from this?!

Melolo: Is life, meh! This still more than i give to non-friend! If you bring military weapons, then you get good price for salvage. Ceasefire between Mor Ardain and Uraya not keep for too much longer, methinks. So weaponry hot item right now! Well? What lady friend think? I make it worth your while!

Rhonda: I told you before Melolo, I try to stay away from that sorta stuff.

Melolo: Oh, is shame! Rhonda good salvager on top of being good artist, could be good way to earn pretty penny! Waste of salvaging talent if ask me! Anyhoo! where were we?

Rhonda: Alright, i'll take your offer. 200 now, and you know what to do with the rest.

Melolo: Okie-doodles! Sending monies to Corinne of Fonsett Village, is right?

Rhonda: Yep!

Melolo: Is beautiful thing! Sending money home to financially support them. I touched! Wish my own dum-dum littlepon did same!

Rhonda: It's 'cos Gramps doesn't charge me rent, hehe. All right Melolo, i'm counting on you.

Melolo: Roger! Pleasure doing business Rhonda.

Rhonda then proceeded to head back to Azurda to get back to salvaging and hopefully salvage something that will get a better payout then what she got today.

Rhonda: I mean, it's not a bad payout but it could be better. After all, compared to the money i got from that art commission i did the other day, the payout is even less then that. Oh well, maybe i'll have better luck next time….

Pupunin: Ah, Hello Rhonda.

Rhonda: Oh, Hey Pupunin! It's been a while!

Pupunin: Rhonda looking high spirits! Ah, no, how say… Yes, peppy!

Rhonda: Been worse! So, you got something for me Pupunin? A new job maybe? or a new art commission?

Pupunin: Something like that. Ah, by the way, Rhonda used to live in Fonsett Village in Leftherian Archipelago, yes?

Rhonda: That's right. Why d'you ask Pupunin?

Pupunin: You should go straight to boardroom of Chairman!

Rhonda: Boardroom of the Chairman? Wait, what's going on?

Pupunin: Well, it because Chairman Bana ask for Rhonda by name.

Rhonda: The Chairman wants to see me?

Rhonda proceeded to make her way to the Chairman's boardroom with a feeling of both curiosity and dread, hoping she wasn't in any sort of trouble since Bana usually only needed to see people if either he needed them for a big job or if they were caught doing something they shouldn't be doing. Once she entered the office she noticed two other women who were both dressed in a very skimpy way standing in front of Bana, but she didn't take to much time to think about that and tried to focus on the task at hand.

Bana: Thank you for accepting summons young lady! I Bana, Chairman of Argentum Trade Guild.

Rhonda: P-pleased to make your acquaintance Chairman…

Bana: Me hear from Pupunin that lady friend is salvager of some renown. That being case, i have one teensy weensy thing to ask of Serena!

Rhonda: A job straight from the Chairman himself?!

Bana: Reward is 100,000 gold.

Rhonda: Really?! A hundred thousand?!

Bana: Lady Friend hear right! But that just the advance. Another 100,000 gold provided upon completing job.

Rhonda could feel her heart racing at the thought of such a large amount of money.

Rhonda: 200,000 gold?! That's more than i make in about 9 months and this is from only one job?! What moron would refuse something like this?!

Rhonda: Consider this job done Chairman! I'll use every skill i posses to ensure that this job is done both skillfully and efficiently! I promise i won't let you down! *Laughs*

Bana: You agree without even hearing details of job?

Rhonda: O-oh, right, got a little ahead of myself there… anyway, what kind of job is it?

Bana: You sure you have skills for this?

Rhonda: There's no way i'm letting a job with this big of a payout slip by my fingers! Of course i do, i'll be fine!

Bana; Meh, if you say. Here, crew will explain details of task. Bring them in.

Dancer: Sir.

The dancer then proceeds to summon the crew that requested the job. To say Rhonda was in shock at who they were would be an understatement, as it happen to be two sets of drivers and their blades, one looked to be a Gormotti woman around Rhonda's age with silver grey hair, a yellow jumpsuit, and white face paint markings, while her blade looked like a white tiger. The other driver had spiky black hair with black armor all over his body, as for his blade, well, Rhonda couldn't try to describe it even if she tried(in other words I don't know how to properly describe Sever's appearance). The last member of the group was a man dressed in white with a mask on, who looked pretty intimidating to say the least.

Rhonda: I can't believe it! Drivers…? And… Blades?! I mean, I have seen some before but not this close, wow they look so cool and strong!

Jin: So… There were some current shifts. What we want to haul up is in an uncharted area. But it's a long way down. You think you can help us out with it?

Rhonda: Sure, i do enjoy a good challenge after all!

Jin said nothing from this, he just stared coldly at Rhonda, which in turn caused her to smile awkwardly.

Bana: Bana offered to assemble team of veterans for this job. But this crew very picky. They wanted team of Leftherians for this job. When Bana heard Leftherian, Rhonda immediately popped into mind!

Rhonda: *Giggles* Well you were thinking correctly, I won't let any of you down!

Nia: *Chuckles* Really, this is the girl you were talking about? The one that's acting like a 14 year old?

Rhonda: Hey, what the hell?! At least unlike you i actually look like i'm 18 years old.

Nia: And just what's that suppose- *clears throat* At least i'm not about wet myself over a measly hundred grand!

Rhonda: Why you little-

Before she could even finish that sentence, Dromarch steps between them, causing Rhonda to stagger a bit.

Dromarch: *Ahem* Lady Rhonda was it? i implore you to forgive my lady's discourtesy.

Nia: Dromarch! What have i told you about speaking for me? Shut your-

Malos: Drop it, Nia. Though, i do see your point about her not being skilled enough… In any case… It should be easy enough to check…

Without warning Malos attacks Rhonda, but thanks to her quick reflexes she was able to backflip out of the way. With no time to think she takes her two swords and attacks Malos back with a quick X-shaped attack, which he quickly blocks.

Rhonda: What the hell?! Kinda rude don't you think?! Attacking someone without warning?!

Malos: Well, well, well…

Nia: Malos, what's the point of attacking the woman out of nowhere?

Malos: You said it yourself didn't you? What if the girl's not up to it?

Nia: I said nothing of the sort!

Malos: You were thinking about it though, right? Well, now we know. You're not half bad yourself, but you don't look like a driver… Where'd you learn those arts?

Rhonda: Gramps showed me a thing or two about sword fighting. Even when i was little it was always his idea of playtime. Plus i've been in a few fights before myself, even trained with a childhood friend of mine.

Malos looks impressed by Rhonda's skills, not to mention how she knew all those arts when she was only 18.

Malos: Well, you've got some skill and potential, i'll give you that. Guts, too. You better work hard lady.

With that the team walked away to make preparations for the mission.

Bana: Meh-meh-meh! Friends are such rowdy bunch! Here is advance. Use to buy what gear you need, then go to starboard! Bana has arranged excellent vessel for you there.

Rhonda: You got it!

Rhonda then took the money and went to talk to Azurda about the job.

Rhonda: …and that should cover it. All right Gramps, i'll see ya later! I should be back in a day or two so you can take it easy until then.

Azurda: That does not cover it in the slightest Young Lady! Why would you take a job you know nothing about? You don't even know who you're being employed by!

Rhonda: This is a job that came straight from the Chairman, what more do you need? Anyway i'm off to buy supplies for the trip! You can take a nap while you wait for me to get back Gramps!

Azurda: H-hey! Come back here, will you?! Rhonda!

Once Rhonda finished buying the supplies she needed, she made her way to port where she found the ship they were going to be departing on.

Rhonda: They're wheeling out the Maelstrom for this? Bana sure has deep pockets if we're using something this expensive…

Nia: Gawking at a boat? What are you, twelve?

Rhonda: I told you before, i'm 18! And what's my age have to do with anything? I can tell a feat of engineering when i see one!

Nia: If you don't close your mouth soon, you're gonna swallow a fly.

Rhonda: What's your problem? As far i can tell we're both around the same age. Also, you might wanna watch where you're standing, otherwise when we cast off, that rope might pull your leg off.

Upon hearing this, Nia jumped and immediately backed away from where she was standing, then she saw Rhonda chuckling and the fear went away, with annoyance replacing it.

Rhonda: Gotcha!

Nia: Why you little-!

Salvager: Rhonda, we're heading out now. There's no one seeing you off right? You got the night watch. Until then, rest up inside.

Rhonda: Aye aye! Later!

Nia: Hmm…

As soon as dusk came, the crew departed for their location. While on the night watch, Rhonda noticed something that looked vaguely familiar to her.

Rhonda: I think that's the huge ship i saw at the harbor. Is it… following us…?

Nia: Ugh, it's way to cold up here.

Rhonda: Oh, it's you.

Nia: I have a name you know, it's Nia.

Rhonda: Alright then, do you need something Nia?

Nia: They've started boozin' below decks. You should join them.

Rhonda: *Groans* I'd rather not, i've drank before, and needless to say i won't be doing it again anytime soon. Why aren't you down there?

Nia: It's not that i hate it, i just don't need a headache right now.

Rhonda: *Chuckles* Well then, good thing you're not a salvager.

Nia: Why's that?

Rhonda: "Swim like a fish, and drink like one too." That's the first rule of the Salvager Code, and the one i tend to avoid the most.

Nia: Ugh, sounds terrible. I don't think i'll be changing careers anytime soon.

Rhonda: That's probably for the best. I bet you drivers make a hell of a lot more money then us salvagers do! So i'd say it's a smart choice.

Nia: Your name's Rhonda right?

Rhonda: Yep.

Nia: If you don't mind me asking, why did you choose to become a salvager anyway?

Rhonda: Three reasons actually. To support myself and my home village of Fonsett, give something new a try, and you see that over there?

Nia: The World Tree? I don't get it.

Rhonda: You know, when you're a salvager, you find all kinds of things in the cloud sea. Some of its trash, some of its treasure, but all of it came from people from long ago… Have you noticed how there's fewer Titans each day? I saw one die out out earlier today. It was a pretty big one. There must have still been some animals living on it that died out with their land. Living space is becoming more limited by the day. Sooner or later, we'll be the ones sinking into the cloud sea, just like the Titans we used to live on. But something tells me that up on top of The World Tree, Elysium is waiting for us. Maybe it might even have the answer to the problem with the dying Titans we're all going through.

Nia: *Laughing* Seriously?! "Elysium?" Don't tell me you actually believe those fairy tales! So that's… one of the reasons why you're a salvager? Please! It's just a fairy tale that people tell to children, and that there is just an over glorified overgrown shrub!

Rhonda: Well, The World Tree alone must be some proof of it existing, why else would it be there? Is it really that hard to believe? There'd be no more reason to fight over dwindling land and resources, no need to worry about our homes sinking beneath the cloud sea and being nothing but distant memories. Everyone could live in peace, harmony, and security. Shouldn't something like that be worth believing in?

Nia: Well i can't tell you what to believe, but… "Everyone," huh…?

Rhonda: Pardon?

Nia: I always thought most people were just selfish by nature. But you actually seem different…

Rhonda: What's that suppose to mean?

Nia: D'you have parents Rhonda?

Rhonda: Unfortunately no. When i asked Gramps about them, he told me they died when i was little. My Mom died not long after me and her arrived in Fonsett, while my Dad's body was found a few weeks later.

Nia: Gramps? Oh you mean the one who taught you those arts?

Rhonda: Yep, he basically raised both me and a close friend of mine.

Nia: Ah, i see. But honestly, after seeing you display those skills Rhonda, i'm actually surprised you're not a driver.

Rhonda: Me? A driver? To tell the truth, given how busy i've been with salvaging, i've really never given being a driver much thought. But if the opportunity ever came i wouldn't pass up on it. I love the thought of being able to protect the things i love with a partner.

Nia: You know Rhonda, you sound like a very well put together woman.

Rhonda: Hmm?

Nia: What i'm trying to say is you sound like a good person with a good heart. Perhaps me and you aren't that different after all.

And that's the first chapter, what do you guys think? For my first time writing Fanfiction, i'd say this came out pretty good for what it's worth. Feel free to give me feedback, tips for what i can improve on, and your opinions on the fic in general. I'd love to know y'all's thoughts. I really look forward to writing more of this to give my own take on Xenoblade 2's story from Rhonda's perspective, and i can't wait to show the changes i made to the story, one of which i'm really looking forward to sharing. I also want to give a huge shoutout to ChaosChris25, as his fic, "This time, Girl Meets Girl" (which i highly recommend giving a read) is what inspired me to write this fanfic. With all that being said, see y'all next time for Chapter 2. But before go i want to give a brief description of Rhonda.

Rhonda: An 18 year old woman who works as both a salvager and a freelancing artist who one day wants to become a full time artist. Just like Rex she's a relatively easygoing person who tries to see the good in everyone and has a strong since of justice, but she's also a lot more sarcastic and quick to anger. Break any rule of the Salvager Code, and you're gonna get an earful from her. She's around the same height as both Pyra and Mythra, and has the same gold-yellow eye color as both Rex and Addam. She has short brown hair in a style similar to Makoto Niijima from Persona 5, the only difference being she doesn't have a braid in the middle of her hair. When she's not salvaging her normal outfit consists of a blue Leftherian styled dress with a short skirt that gives her enough mobility to fight in, and golden patterns are on the ends of both the skirt and sleeves of the dress that are similar to some of the gold patterns on Rex's salvager gear. She also wears brown knee-length boots. I also like to think that if Rhonda was a real character, she would be voiced by either Skye Bennett, who also voices Pyra and Mythra, or Kitty Archer, who voices Eunie in Xenoblade 3.