Chapter 9: Childhood Bonds
The Battle with Morag and Brighid left everyone injured and very exhausted, but that didn't stop them from running extremely quickly without looking back. About an hour passed, and the team finally stopped running.
Pyra: I don't think they're following us.
Azurda: Perhaps we're safe for now.
Serena: Yeah, we need to get some rest ...
Serena starts to fall over, but Haze is there to catch her before she could potentially hurt herself.
Haze: We need to stop and camp here, any more and it'll completely drain us.
Tora: Tora agrees with that, Tora is popped as well. *yawn*
Nia: See you later.
With that Nia walks off, this catches Serena off guard while she's still in Haze's arms.
Dromarch: We are eternally grateful for all you've done for us, and we wish you luck on your travels.
Nia and Dromarch start walking away, the sight of that was enough to give Serena enough will to get out of Haze's arms stand back up.
Serena: I want to reach Elysium!
This was enough to get Nia to stop walking and face Serena again.
Serena: I've told you before right, I'm taking Pyra there. She saved my life by sacrificing her own. I need … No, I want to be able to repay her.
Pyra: Aw Serena.
Serena: But these events have taught me something today. Even with Haze's and Pyra's abilities, I'm not strong nor skilled enough to do this alone. Nia you're a…
Serena pushes Tora out of the way, surprising everyone there.
Serena: … You're a driver and an experienced one at that, we can use someone like you. But I won't force you if you don't want to.
Nia: Elysium hm? Do you truly believe that myth has some truth?
Serena: Well Pyra told me she was born there and thanks to her I got to see for myself. So it must exist.
Nia: You seem pretty stern on that, but here's a thought for you Serena. What if Pyra is lying to you? What happens if she eventually turns around and stabs you in the back?
Serena: What a dumb question, Pyra wouldn't do that!
Pyra: Of course I wouldn't do that to her. I don't even have a knife.
Nia: Oh wow, they're both serious. Maybe…
Nia starts laughing and right after her face eases up to the group.
Nia: Alright why not, I want to see if this Elysium actually exists.
Dromarch: My lady, if that is what you wish then I'm with you till the end.
Both Nia and Dromarch walk up to Serena and reach for a handshake.
Nia: Let's see if this Elysium exists, until then we're crew mates.
Serena: *giggles* I hope I don't disappoint you then.
As soon as she shakes Nia's hand, the pain of Serena's left arm comes right back to haunt her.
Serena: Ow!
Pyra: Serena, are you alright?!
Nia: We better get that patched up, don't want it gettin' infected.
Haze: Please allow me.
With that the crew makes a camp and rest. Tora and Poppi were already asleep, but before everyone goes to sleep a conversation sparks.
Haze: And that's done, how do you feel?
Serena: I feel great now, thanks Haze. Hold on Pyra, you're hurt too.
The three women noticed the identical cut on Pyra's left arm.
Haze: She's right, that's really odd, I'll patch it up anyway.
Pyra: Thank you Haze, I'm not sure what's going on either. If I had to guess our twin cores are probably sharing injuries.
Serena: So if I get hurt you feel it as well, and vise versa? That's definitely something to keep in mind.
Nia: By the way Serena, can I ask you something?
Serena: Go ahead.
Nia: Back when we were watching the Driver Recruitment, you mentioned this Xander person.
Pyra: Oh that's right I almost forgot about that. I heard you and Azurda talking about him when that man failed at resonating with the Core Crystal.
Azurda: Oh him, Xander and Serena grew up together at her home village.
Serena: He's one of the greatest people I've ever met.
Nia with a smug look on her face decided to have some fun with that little sentence.
Nia: Oh really? What, is he your boyfriend?
This immediately caused Serena's face to blush, but what wasn't helping was the gasps and very curious looks on both of her blades faces. Azurda was trying his best not to laugh.
Serena: N-No! It's not like that! Me and Him are really good friends, and we've known each other since childhood!
Pyra and Haze didn't seem too convinced and Nia wasn't convinced at all, but they just accepted Serena's answer for now.
Nia: That's not what your face is telling us. Whatever you say Serena.
Haze: Can you tell us more about him?
Serena: Oh, of course. He's a very kind and strong soul who would stop at nothing to help people, especially those close to him. Me and Him, like I said known each other since we were kids, and did a lot together. Training, swimming in the clouds, exploring, being older siblings for the younger kids, and even putting bullies in their place. He might be a bit of a dork sometimes, but he wears his heart on his sleeves.
Azurda: He was a very dependable kid, even for his age. Showed great potential with the weapons I trained him with, so it's no wonder he joined a Mercenary Group.
Pyra: He sounds like a great person, have you two seen each other recently?
Serena: No I haven't, we haven't seen each other since we went our separate ways.
Haze: Really? So then why if you don't mind me asking?
Serena: Simply put our schedules clash. That Mercenary Group that Gramps mentioned should be somewhere in Uraya, going a round trip would take an extremely long time. Traveling on Gramps may have been free, but he certainly wasn't the fastest thing alive.
Azurda: As much as I want to retort to that, I'm afraid she's right about that. Traveling from titan to titan would've taken weeks at the earliest.
Nia: That long?! I can see your point now Serena, since that's like a few days on a real boat.
Serena: Anyway, Doing so would've most likely killed my schedule and caused issues for both of us at the time. We still send and receive letters from each other, as well as everyone from our home. It's how I know he's still doing fine without having to physically be there.
Pyra: That's still unfortunate.
Haze: Xander sounds like a wonderful person, I hope we get to meet him eventually.
Nia: Same, I wanna see what Serena's little boyfriend is like in person too.
This once again caused Serena to blush, and Nia was trying her best not to laugh. Even Haze and Pyra were giggling this time around.
Serena: HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND! That's it, I'm going to sleep. Goodnight to you all.
Haze: Goodnight Lady Serena.
Pyra: Sweet Dreams.
With that Serena lays on the ground and drifts off before eventually falling asleep.
-2pm Tardy Gate: Uraya-
This is not a pretty sight, a group of Ignas now have an injured and very scared woman cornered along with a man who's unconscious right beside her.
Woman: No please, stay away!
But the monsters didn't listen, they inch their way closer and closer until...
?: Shadow Burst!
A powerful blast of Dark energy hits the leader of the Ignas in the back, the entire group immediately swing back too see who dared disturb them. To their anger it seemed to be 3 people, 2 men and 1 woman.
?: Ozaru, me and you will deal with these pests! Crossette, I want you to speed your way to the woman and get her to safety.
Crossette: You gotcha, with my speed it'll be a piece of cake.
Ozaru: Hmph, I bet we can take these guys out in less than 30 seconds.
?: Wow, not feeling confident today huh?
Ozaru: Very well, less than 10 seconds it is! Go ahead Xander, punch the hunger out of them.
Xander: With Pleasure.
With that Ozaru handed over his "Shadow Gauntlets" (His Knuckle Claws) to Xander and immediately the trio got to work. The Driver quickly shot another blast of dark either toward the group of ignas getting their attention and giving Crossette and opening.
Crossette: Don't worry miss, I'm going to get you to safety. Can you walk?
Woman: Yes, I'll manage. But my boyfriend...
Crossette checked on the young man in question, he was alive but he was hurt quite a fair bit. With that being said Crossette picked up the man, and guided the woman to safety.
Xander: Good, now we don't have to hold back.
Despite having fewer numbers, each one of the Ignas went down thanks to the extremely powerful punches Xander was giving the each of the monsters. One by one they all fell, until all that was left was the leader.
Xander: Seems like that's the boss, you wanna do the honers Ozaru?
Ozaru: It'll be my pleasure!
Xander handed over the gauntlets to his blade and stepped out of the way.
Ozaru: Alright ugly, say your prayers! Nightshade Onslaught!
Ozaru with a powerful roar unleashed a Barrage of Punches and Kicks each fulled with his Dark Energy, with one last slam to the ground the Igna is quickly defeated.
Xander: Huh, I was kinda expecting the thing the dissipate into the air.
Ozaru: The stuff the goes through your head I swear. C'mon lets go check on Firework girl.
Xander: Alright.
And with that the Driver and Blade duo make way to Crossette's location, where they see the woman patched up and the man awake but still sluggish.
Xander: How are you two feeling now?
Man: Far better now thanks to the three of you. I hate to admit this but those things were far too tough for me.
Woman: Next time don't be so reckless, seriously you almost gave me a bloody heart attack!
Man: I know sweetheart, I'm sorry.
Woman: Thank you all for risking yourselves to save us.
Ozaru: No problems, but please be more careful around here. Ignas usually swarm the place, it's not a good spot for a date.
Xander: Ozaru, don't just assume...
Woman: *giggles* Don't worry, lesson learned.
Man: Let's just head back home. Thanks again, I will repay you all someday.
With that the couple left.
Xander: It always feels nice to help out the people who can't defend themselves.
Crossette: I know right, I wish I could've done a bit more though.
Xander: Don't worry Crossette, if we ever get in this situation again I'll lead with you instead.
Crossette: You mean it?!
Xander: Of course, you don't mind do you Ozaru?
Ozaru: Of course not. We should head back to base, probably get some more stuff done over there.
Xander: Sounds good, let's head back.
And with that the trio head back to their home, who knows maybe they'll do something special later.
-1.5 hours later-
The trio finally make it back to their home "Garfront Village" and they're immediately met by their big leader and His Blade.
Vandham: Xander, perfect timing! You wanna join me and the gang for something?
Xander: Depends on what it is. What d'you have in mind Vandham?
Roc: Y'know how the Urayan titan likes to eat anything it see's?
Ozaru: I see where this is going, we're gonna get free supplies over there.
Vandham: Exactly! Up for check'n it out?
Xander: Sure I don't see why not. Crossette? Ozaru?
Crossette: I'm in.
Ozaru: I'm always down for free stuff.
Vandham: Alright then, let's move.
As they move forward, Crossette noticed that her Driver was making an un-decipherable looking face.
Crossette: What's wrong Xander?
Xander: Huh? Oh, nothing's wrong. I just get the feeling this trip is going to be far more interesting than we're going to give it credit for.
Crossette: Really? What makes you say that?
Xander: I don't know.
Crossette: Only one way to find out then, right?
Xander: *Chuckles* Yeah.
We catch with Serena and her crew inside the Urayan titan after making the most un-graceful entrance ever. Luckily no one was seriously harmed in the fall.
Serena: Does anyone know where the nearest town is from here?
Dromarch: If I recall correctly, the Urayans live on the titan's back. There must be a way from here to reach that point.
Haze: I don't know why, but this location is unsettling to me.
Serena: It doesn't help that it's really dark in here.
Nia: Yeah. Can't hang around here, that's for sure.
Poppi: Over there. Poppi see something over there. Someone coming this way.
Nia: For real? You sure you're not seeing things?
Poppi: Poppi is certain. Something is flickering over there.
Serena: Flickering? You don't think it's some kinda ghost sneaking up on us right?
Serena says with some trepidation in her voice, Nia jumps when Serena says this, but right when Nia was about to say something she noticed that Haze was gripping Serena's shoulder very tightly. Serena also noticed too obviously, but she also felt how much Haze was trembling.
Haze: My Lady, you're just joking right? Ghosts don't actually exist.
Nia: You should listen to your blade Serena.
Serena: Of course I was joking Haze. You're completely right. There's no need to be scared.
Haze: Wh-Who said I scared. There's no reason to be if they don't exist.
Serena: Excellent point.
Nia: Wait hold on a second, where's Pyra?
Serena: Huh? She was ... right next to me? Pyra? Pyra?!
?: Hey What's...?
Immediately when both Haze and Serena heard that they quickly stepped back, gipped each-other tightly and screamed to the heavens with pure fear.
Pyra: Serena! Haze! Relax it's me!
Serena and Haze stopped their screaming to notice that they were staring at Pyra with a flame in her hand looking very concerned. Not to mention Nia was on her knees trying her absolute best to not laugh. The girls in question let go of each other and blushed out of sheer embarrassment. Haze remained quiet while Serena kept talking.
Serena: *Clears Throat* Pyra, thanks for lighting this place up. But please don't scare us like that!
Haze: I agree, you almost gave us a heart attack!
At this point Nia was just laughing which made Serena and Haze feel worse.
Pyra: For what it's worth I apologize for startling you two. I was just checking the surroundings.
Haze: We understand, but...
Serena: Let's just go already.
Nia: That was easily the funniest thing I have ever seen.
With some light thanks to both Poppi and Pyra, the team were finally ready to make some progress. Before Serena could move she was stopped by Haze, who still looked somewhat scared, but her feelings of both guilt and embarrassment were overpowering it.
Haze: I want to apologize for what just happened my Lady.
Serena: Haze, let me stop you right there. While I'm grateful that you felt responsible for us getting ... scared. The blame is one me for bringing up ghosts at all. So don't blame yourself for that.
Haze: Either way, I still apologize for embarrassing you like that.
Serena: The feeling is mutual. Now lets get out of here, I'd rather not give Nia something else to laugh at.
Haze: *Giggles* Agreed.
While the two did start walking, Haze still did look scared which didn't go unnoticed by her Driver.
Serena: Will it help if you held my hand.
Haze: *quietly* y-yes...
And so the pair did just that, they'll walk together hand in hand until they get out of their current location. The others noticed as well, Nia snicked, Poppi and Tora interpreted it as "Ser-Ser and Haze are having each others back in the dark like good friends", and Pyra was admittedly a little jealous but still found it very endearing.
Serena: I wonder if she was like that with her previous driver. Well either way, if this helps Haze then I'll gladly do this for her.
After 30 minutes of walking, the team finally made out and can finally see light.
Haze: The light still seems rather dim.
Azurda: That's because the Urayan Titan has a translucent hide. I bet that'll be the light filtering through it.
Serena: If that's the case, than the titan must be above the cloud sea now.
Azurda: Most likely.
Pyra: If we can make it to the source of the light, maybe we'll find a way out of here.
Vandham: Hold it!
The group look up to see Vandham and his team on a platform, all of them jump down to get a better look at the group of Drivers and Blades. But one of them is eying one specific person. The reverse isn't true since Serena's eyes are on Vandham since he seems to be the leader from her perspective.
Xander: No, that can't be her.
Vandham: Looks like a bunch of mushes I've never seen before. You've got some bad luck to end up in this titan's guts. Hold on, that blade ... An emerald Core Crystal.
As soon as Vandham says that, Serena is immediately on guard.
Vandham: *Laughs* So, the rumors are true.
Serena: They are rumors now, you mind telling me what they're about.
Xander: Yeah, there's no mistaking it. That face and voice, it's her! Vandham, hold up a sec! Let me see something really quickly.
Vandham: What do you have planned kid?
Xander steps forward, and Serena can't help but think...
Serena: I've seen this guy before, c'mon memories you choose now to not help me. And why is my heart pounding?
Xander: The girl in the dress, you must be the Aegis' Driver right?
Serena: So what if I am?
Xander: What's your name?
Serena: *Sigh* If you must know it's Serena. Serena Celeste.
Xander: I KNEW IT! I just needed to confirm that! It's good to see you again Serena!
Serena looked confused for a brief moment, but right before she says something...
Ozaru: Wait hold on, Xander that's her?!
Serena: XANDER?! Oh my Architect, it is you! I...
Haze, Pyra, and Nia were all shocked but remained quiet to give the two their moment. The same applies to Xander's team as well. Serena smiles, thankful that she finally gets to see an old companion again.
Serena: It's so good to see you again.
Xander: Right back at you.
The two share a hug, earning some cheers from all their friends.
Azurda: It's good to see you again my boy. You're looking well.
Xander looked confused at the small creature, before suddenly realizing...
Xander: Gramps?! Is that you?!
Serena: Yeah, That's a long story.
Finally my other OC has finally made his presence known to Team Aegis. I'm honestly looking forward to writing the interactions between him and the others.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter in Serena's Story. While I'm not sure when Chapter 10 will come out, I still look forward to sharing it with you all some time later. As always everyone, Happy Reading!
Next Time...
Chapter 10: Meetings and Reunions
-Character Notes (In case anyone is curious):
- Ozaru is a Dragon Ball reference in both name and Appearance. His name comes from what the call the Great Ape form in Japanese, and his design is loosely based off Super Saiyan 4 Goku. The difference being the fur is black, he has no eyeshadow, his eyes are purple, and his outfit is similar to Vegeta's saiyan armor.
- Xander is slightly taller than Shulk (so around 5'9), his hair is a messy style looking similar to both Rex and Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia), he has blue eyes. Him and Ozaru are the same in terms of height.