The Boy in the Glass
Miles from Insomnia on a crowded bus Sitara watched the scenery pass by with wide eyes.
At the bus station she had quickly taken off the black Crownsguard uniform and donned a plain purple t-shirt, black shorts, and sturdy boots along with a black cap and sunglasses. The boots and cap she had acquired from the deep corners of her brothers wardrobes where the clothes he outgrew or forgot about tended to end up.
Out of habit she went to twirl her hair around a finger but then remembered that she had left her shorn locks in the trashcan of the bus station. Where once her hair had cascaded down her back, her waves now ended at her neck in uneven layers.
She was still in disbelief that she had managed to pull off her escape. She hated to call it an escape but that was how she felt. As if she had to escape her own home.
After painstakingly acquiring all that she needed, sleuthing through her brothers room, and leaving her whole world behind, she walked out the front doors as if she did it every day.
For the first time in her life no one told her she wasn't allowed to be there. It had angered her that she had to do this, to resort to this deception just to gain what she wanted. But she wanted this, demanded it. Since no one would give her what she wanted of their own free will, she would take it.
And it was worth it, despite selling one of her necklaces for gil, to now be seated between the dusty bus window and an elderly woman with a young child balanced on her knee, listening to the conversations dancing around her, to see the people interacting.
To see the far off horizon and know that if she wanted to, she could go there.
The bus rumbled into the small town of Hammerhead in order to refuel and Sitara took the opportunity to take her first steps outside of Insomnia.
The sun beat down with a heat she had never felt before but she hardly minded. The little town was spectacular with its old beat up cars, grumpy mechanic, and quaint diner.
Then something caught her eye. Slipping her sunglasses off, she approached a sign advertising chocobo riding. A need to befriend and ride a chocobo became all that she felt at the moment and she quickly checked her map. The bus was taking workers to Lestallum and the chocobo stable was in the opposite direction.
"Pardon me sir… can you tell me if there is a bus that comes through here going to Wiz's Chocobo Post?" Sitara asked the mechanic with the name "Cid" sewn onto his stained overalls.
He studied her a moment, squinting his eyes into hers.
"Nope. Unless you've got yer own wheels, yer gonna be hoofin it. I wouldn't though. The wind's pickin up, gonna bring in a dust storm the next day or so." He said in a gruff voice.
Feeling anxious as he studied her, she slipped her sunglasses back on.
"Thank you."
At that moment the bus driver called for all passengers to board the bus once more and she looked from the bus back to Cid.
"That's me."
He didn't reply but watched her walk away. When she stood in line to board the bus, he shook his head and went back to his work.
Sitara glanced from her map to the chocobo sign, torn between what she should do. When it came her time to step up into the bus she knew what she wanted.
The bus bound for Lestallum left with one less passenger as Sitara was crossing the Three Valleys.
Dearest Father,
I leave this letter out of concern for you worries. Allow me to assure you that I have not abandoned you or Insomnia. I will return, when that may be however I cannot say. Deep within my heart I have long harbored dreams of traveling, of living a life beyond the glass and steel of the Citadel. Of being among my people and forming relationships with them. Of standing equal with them as they are faced with their troubles.
Allow me to give a brief explanation for my unexpected departure. While I harbor no ill feelings for my younger brother, I do envy the freedom that has been denied to me. And rather than waiting for my fate to come to me, I have taken it into my own hands.
Where I will go, I cannot say. Not because I wish to remain hidden, but because I do not yet know. I will go where I am needed, or where I need to be for myself. I would ask that you refrain from sending anyone to search for me. I know you will deny me this request but I felt I needed to make this wish known.
I am not naive, but I am brave just as much as I am frightened all the same. I will miss you as I have always missed you when you would leave me behind. It is now the time for me to leave you behind, even for just a little while.
I write this as a loving daughter who has decided to knock the ice from her bones.
-Sitara Olesia Caelum
With shaking hands King Regis read the letter handed to him by Instructor Gemma. He read it over and over, emotions rising in his chest with each word. The most prominent being panic.
"What do we know?" he said when he managed to reign in his emotions enough to speak coherently.
Clarus cleared his throat and stepped forward. All eyes in the throne room where on him save Regis' who had his eyes locked on the familiar handwriting of his only daughter.
"At six am yesterday, Princess Sitara informed her maid that she was ill and wished to remain in her chambers in order to recover. She requested her breakfast sent to her room. At six thirty am her request for toast and water was delivered to her chambers, accepted by her Highness."
Clarus attempted to mask his sadness from his oldest friend.
"After that we are unsure of her movements. The theory is that she acquired a guard's uniform and made her exit disguised as a Crownsguard."
Regis nodded and focused on Ignis.
"Ignis, you are her friend. Had she mentioned any of this to you? You must be honest."
Ignis pushed his glasses up his nose and shifted.
"The thing is Your Majesty… I am not close with Princess Sitara. Our conversing is exclusively about our studies. If I'm being honest, as you requested… there are none she would call friend. I included. I feel fondly of her and respect her but we were never beyond students with the same Instructor."
Regis saw the truth in the young man's eyes and felt shamed at how blind he had been about his daughter's happiness. But all the same her actions had put her in grave danger.
"I'm a foolish old man for having turned a blind eye to my daughter's unhappiness and I bear the blame alone. However, she knows not the true danger she is in and must be brought home. Immediately. I want to know her exact movements. Titus, who can we send after her?"
Titus straightened his shoulders.
"We have the new unit preparing to deploy for an assault on the Magiteks in the Disc as we speak."
"Can we spare one to retrieve my daughter?"
Titus nodded.
"I will send our best and cover the unit myself. The safety of the Princess will be our top priority."
King Regis felt a thick blanket of worry settle across his shoulders as he dismissed everyone in the room. Once alone he held his head in his hands and prayed to the gods to watch over his little Sitara.
A cool, early morning breeze awoke Sitara from her first night sleeping out under the stars. She was curled up between a boulder and the small cliff it must have fallen from many years before. With a yawn she pushed her dusty blanket from her shoulders and stretched stiff muscles.
After a quick breakfast of an oat bar and water, she packed her blanket back into her bag and set out back on her way to find the chocobos.
She wore the same clothes as before, there was sand in many places where there had never been sand before but mainly in her hair, and her skin was a touch sore from the sun but she had never felt more alive.
With a content smile she studied her surroundings. In the distance she could make out the green tree line of the forest that stood between her and the chocobo post. With renewed vigor she picked up her pace.
After several hours of cross desert hiking the heat was beginning to sap away Sitara's energy and despite her efforts to ration her water, her supply was quickly diminishing. Seeking to cool her body some she tied her t-shirt above her waist and tucked what was left of her hair into the hat, cooling her neck.
The sun neared its peak when Sitara reached the edge of the desert but she was now faced with a new problem.
Between her and the forest, a sheer rock cliff ran the length of the border, effectively separating her from the most direct path to the chocobo post. Feeling frustrated and tired, Sitara sat heavily on a nearby boulder and stared at the cliff, searching for a way up.
Wind rustled the trees, cooling her heated skin.
"I suppose I have no choice. Around the cliff I go, miles out of my way." She said.
With a deep breath she hopped off the boulder and got back to walking.
After several minuets she detected the distinct sound of a vehicle and looked over her shoulder to see a rusted old truck driving along the dirt road she was on. Instinctively she stepped aside to wait for it to pass but to her surprise it stopped just in front of her and a young man and woman poked their heads out each door window.
"You needin a ride?" the woman called.
Sitara smiled widely.
"I'm going to the chocobo post…"
"Well alright then! Hop into the back and we'll have you there in an hour!"
"Thank you ever so much for your kindness!" Sitara said as she pulled herself into the back of the truck. There were several baskets of some sort of green plants and a stack of burlap grain bags.
"Oh don't sweat it hun, that's where we were headin anyways, so it's no trouble at all. You just sit tight!" the woman called before pulling herself back through the window.
Sitara sat on the stack of grains while the truck began to accelerate down the dirt road. Once she felt secure enough she turned her head to face the breeze. Bracing her hands on the roof of the truck she closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of flying.
Less than an hour later Sitara learned that chocobos where everything she had ever wanted and more. The truck had hardly rolled to a stop before the newly rested princess dropped over the side, her eyes already locked on the golden feathered beasts.
"Thank you for the help. For payment would you like me to help you unload your supplies?" Sitara said to the couple after they swung out of their seats.
"Sounds fair enough. Grab a basket and follow me." The woman said. "I'm Andie and that's Trey by the way. Wiz is my dad, we'll introduce you after we get unloaded and he'll introduce you to the chocobos."
Sitara paused, she hadn't considered a name that she would tell people to call her. If she wished to remain anonymous then she couldn't very well go about giving out her first name. But her second named seemed normal enough.
Sitara tossed her backpack against a nearby tree and pulled a basket into her arms.
"My name is Olesia."
Trey cocked his head thoughtfully.
"Weren't there a Lucis queen named that at some point?"
Sitara froze for a moment realizing that he was right and she thought quickly.
"My parents studied history…"
Andie smiled brightly.
"Right-O! This way!"
Sitara let out a breath and followed after her new companions.
Anxious adrenaline coursed through Nyxs' blood. The vehicles assigned to deliver him for his first assault as Kingsglaive had arrived and were in the process of parking. He watched as they were quickly inspected and refueled.
Nyx sought out the eyes of Libertus who swallowed nervously but gave a solid nod. The driver gave a shout for them to board and Nyx checked his kukris and secured his Kingsglaive visor before swinging open the door.
"Nyx Ulric, hold." Captain Drautos commanded.
Nyx pulled to attention and glanced toward the Captains voice as the other members of his unit began to file onto the truck.
"You're being reassigned. Report to the Marshall for classified details." Titus said gruffly as he pulled on his armored jacket.
Nyx looked from Titus to Libertus who returned the bewildered look on his face.
"Sir, I want to-" Nyx began.
"You want to do as your King and your Captain command Nyx Ulric." Titus cut him off sternly.
Nyx silently regarded his Captain before setting a hand on Libertus shoulder. "You give them hell for me and live to tell the tale."
Libertus nodded nervously.
"On the truck Glaive." Titus commanded Libertus before doing the same himself.
The moment Libertus slid the door closed, Nyx was left standing in the garage, watching with confusion as his unit left without him.
Pushing his visor back, he made his way to the Crownsguard training room in search of Cor.
"Drautos send you?" the Marshall asked when Nyx entered the training room. The older man had a long sword drawn and was in the process of sharpening the blade with precise swipes of a grit stone.
"He did. Nyx Ulric." Nyx introduced himself as while he was aware of the skilled warrior, they had never crossed paths formally.
Nyx was momentarily surprised by the sudden movement of Cor stealthily drawing a dagger and throwing it directly at him. With only a split second to think, Nyx drew one of his kukris and threw it to the side, warping to where it had embedded in the wall.
Breathing roughly with sudden adrenaline he looked behind him to find Cor's dagger had hit its own mark in the wall where he had been standing just a moment before. He turned disbelieving eyes toward the Marshall, words escaping him.
Cor only gave him a pleased look before standing and retrieving his dagger.
"Very good. Just making sure you know your stuff. Drautos said among the new recruits, you were the best, however untried you are."
Nyx kept his weapon in his hand and lifted his chin.
"Permission to speak freely?"
Cor nodded once.
"What the hell is this about? I'm supposed to be with my unit-"
"I know where you were supposed to be and if I were you I would be feeling pissed off as well. But a… delicate situation has arisen. A situation which must remain classified, the King's orders."
Nyx shifted, his irritation growing as he waited for the Marshall to get to the point.
"It involves Her Royal Highnes-"
"Princess Sitara?" Nyx blurted out in surprise, his thoughts racing to what she could have to do with him. He missed the pointed look that Cor gave him.
"Yes… that Royal Highness. She's missing."
Nyx had to admit that while he hadn't expected that answer, he wasn't terribly surprised if the conversation he'd inadvertently listened to was any indication.
"Princess Sitara is missing. Of her own accord?" When Cor nodded Nyx sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "So I'm pulled away from defending my King in order to play search and rescue for a Princess."
Cor lifted a corner of his mouth in a smirk. "You're quick. You're also to leave immediately. She has a nearly two day head start. She was last seen yesterday morning wearing a purple shirt, black shorts, boots and hat, boarding a bus heading for Lestallum. She sold jewelry for gil and carries a black backpack. His Majesty wants her found and returned immediately, for her own safety."
"And if she doesn't want to be found or return?" Nyx lifted a brow.
"The King is aware of his daughter's stubbornness. Bring her back alive and unharmed. Her happiness is not your concern, only your orders and her safety."
"Did she discuss her plans with anyone? Prince Noctis or her friends?"
Cor surprised him once more with the sad look in his eyes.
"No… she did not. In the letter addressed to her father she only said that she would go where she was needed. She did indicate that she would eventually return on her own but the King fears the Empire learning of her in the outlands… alone."
Cor slipped a set of keys out of his pockets and tossed them at Nyx.
"My car. It's no Regalia, but it won't stand out and will keep you both safe. I want regular updates."
Nyx studied the keys in his hand.
"Why not you? Why am I, a kid barely eighteen and never seen real combat as a soldier, being sent after someone so important?"
"Valid question. While I would lay my life down for Princess Sitara, there is a war waging outside of Insomnias walls. And the Empire knows me. If I were seen running around the outlands, their suspicions would raise, putting her life at higher risk. Which reminds me, loose the uniform. To anyone you speak to, you're looking for your rebellious younger sister."
Nyx still couldn't believe the turn his life had taken in such a short amount of time and he held back a sigh of irritation.
"Anything else I should know?"
Cor looked at him pointedly.
"Yes. Don't forget your place with her. The Gods have plans for her..."
Nyx stiffened at the warning.
"I know my place within this Kingdom and it's fighting for my King, not seducing my King's daughter." Nyx said with anger touching his voice.
Cor dropped a hand onto his shoulder and met him eye to eye.
"Dismissed."
Within the hour Nyx had changed into a pair of black cargo pants and gray t-shirt, packed a few supplies, located the Marshalls truck and set out to find Princess Sitara and bring her back home to her father.
By the time he pulled into his first stop, Hammerhead, the sun was setting and a dust filled wind was blowing through his hair. Eyes locked on the diner he hurried inside, brushing sand from his hair.
"Welcome to the Pit Stop, Takka here, what can I get for you?" the man behind the counter said as he wiped the surface down.
Nyx hesitated and quickly searched the diner for other people. To his relief he and Takka were the only occupants.
"Yes actually. I'm searching for someone. A girl, about as tall as my shoulder with black hair and green eyes. Would have been wearing black shorts and hat with a purple shirt…" Nyx tried not to cringe at the next part. "She's my… little sister."
Takka tilted his head thoughtfully before shaking it.
"A bus did stop by yesterday and a few passengers wandered in for a bite to eat but no one that fits your sister. Might check with Cid over at the garage."
Nyx nodded his thanks and left to follow his next lead.
"Are you Cid?" Nyx asked as he stepped into the open garage to find an old man rubbing a greasy rag over a piece of machinery, a teenage girl with bouncy gold hair watched over his shoulder. Both turned to look at him as he approached.
"That's me." The old man said through narrow eyes.
"Takka at the diner said you might be able to help me. I'm searching for someone. She was wearing-
"A purple shirt and black shorts. Pretty green eyes. Yep I saw er."
Nyx paused and studied Cid.
"How did you know?"
"Girls got her father's eyes… and I go way back with him. I figured someone might be makin their way here a-lookin fer her. She poked around the stop fer a few minutes, asked about the chocobos but boarded the bus headed fer Lestallum when it finished refuelin."
Nyx felt a second of relief that he was on the right path and smiled his gratitude. "Thank you." He said and pulled the keys from his pocket.
"You don't wanna be doin that now." Cid said. "The suns nearly gone and this dust storm will last a few hours more. Yer better off hunkerin down till sunrise."
"You could stay in Takka's old caravan!" The girl piped up cheerfully. "He sometimes lets stragglers stay a night or two."
Nyx weighed his decisions. His first thought was to push ahead to Lestallum, the quicker he returned Princess Sitara to her father, the quicker his life returned back to the right track.
"There's a whole lot to keep a young lady entertained in Lestallum, she won't be departin any time soon." Cid said.
Nyx sighed and rubbed one of his eyes in frustration. "I suppose you're right. Thank you, you've been… helpful." He nodded at Cid and his companion and turned to leave.
"One more thing before ya go." Cid said, drawing Nyx to look over his shoulder. "When you find her… take the long way home. I have the feelin that it'll be the last bit of the old world that she'll see fer some time. Over protective that father of hers is. Ever since her mother passed on."
"I have my orders sir." Nyx said firmly, steeling himself from acknowledging the truth in the old man's words.
"Mmm I suspected that you'd feel that way… You ever see one of them trinkets with the dancer inside a ball of glass? What were they called Cindy?"
"Oh Pa you must mean a music globe." The girl said.
"That's it. That girl is like the dancer inside that ball of glass. When someone spins her key, she's supposed to spin and dance. What happens when that dancer gets tired of someone else spinnin her key? Tired of seein the world through glass. She's gonna shatter that glass."
"With all due respect sir, we all have a key that someone else is spinning."
Cid gave him an unreadable expression and shook his head.
"I suppose that's the difference between the two of ya. She broke free… even if it was fer a short bit of free livin and yer just content to stay in yer glass ball. You best get back to Takka's."
Nyx left the garage without another word.
After speaking with Takka about borrowing his caravan for the night, Nyx called Cor to update him on his progress. The call was brief and to the point and immediately after it he laid in the small caravan bed, staring at the ceiling.
He eventually fell asleep with a pair of flashing green eyes on his mind.
The next morning Nyx arose before the sun broke the horizon and made his way to Lestallum eating a bit of fruit as he drove the winding road. The drive was uneventful and he pulled into the bustling city before the sun peaked in the sky. After that it was only a matter of walking to the bus station and looking for the bus driver.
He was directed to a food stand where the driver worked in between bus pickups.
"Excuse me are you the driver of the bus that travels between Insomnia and Lestallum?" Nyx asked the portly man.
He studied Nyx suspiciously.
"Who's asking?"
Nyx resisted rolling his eyes.
"I'm looking for my little sister. She road your bus from Insomnia the day before yesterday. Wore purple and black."
The driver studied his nails in disinterest.
"Sounds familiar but I can't be sure."
Nyx glared and pulled a handful of gil from his pocket and dropped it onto the food stand. The man's eyes brightened and he quickly pocketed the money.
"Yea purple shirt, green eyes, cute thing. Yea she got on my bus in Insomnia."
"Do you know the direction she took when she got off your bus in Lestallum?"
The man laughed and shook his head.
"She didn't make it to Lestallum. We stopped in Hammerhead for supplies, long drive ya know. When it came time for her to board she skipped out. Started walking across the dessert."
Nyx felt his heart stop.
"Fuck." He said roughly and the man began to laugh even more.
"Your sister you say? She sure is a wily one."
"She is definitely cleverer than I thought." Nyx said more to himself than the bus driver as he turned away. He walked back to the truck and pulled out a map, his eyes scanning for possible destinations. When he passed over the Wiz's Chocobo Post, he paused as the words of Cid clicked in his mind.
"If she made it across the desert she would have to hike around the cliff in order to get there. I just might make it there before her."
With a pounding heart he quickly sent a text to Cor, updating him on the new information before slamming the truck door and swinging out onto the road, heading toward the chocobo post.
AN-Forgot to mention, don't own any of SE's characters, just giving Sitara a home and Nyx a life worth living. Hope yall are enjoying, chapter 3 is nearly ready!
