Chapter Text
A Desert Rose
Chapter 1: Aria of Highwind
There’s a point in everyone’s road to independence where you are forced to decide what to do next. In Highwind, there were few choices: 1. University for Botany, 2. Join Civil Corps in Ethea 3. Get an internship in Highwind Electrical Company 4. Get out. And for Aria of Highwind, the fourth option was looking like the best option each day.
If she was honest with herself she had little to complain about. She was the apple of her parents’ eyes as she had done everything they had asked of her. She got good grades, while shy she made lots of friends and overall was liked in her community. Highwind was beautiful, with its lush greenery and botany in the west and the warm beaches in the east. It had lots of flying transportation making it a hub for most travelers trying to traverse within the Alliance of Free Cities. And it was what many had asked for. However she felt empty.
“You seem deep in thought, care to let me in?”
Aria lifted her gaze to find a cheery green-eyed blonde staring back at her. Nia. She automatically smiled despite her problems. She was always happy to be Nia’s shadow. The blonde was her partner in crime, her confidant (who did not judge her too harshly), and someone who kept her feet planted firmly on the ground.
“Hellooo! Anyone there?!” Nia teased waving her hands around and getting the attention of nearby Highwinders.
“Shh!” Aria hissed, cheeks pink at the action of her extroverted friend. She tugged her to sit down beside her and shook her head “I was just thinking and I got distracted”
Nia sighed. “You’re always daydreaming Riri”
“This isn’t daydreaming Nia” Aria protested. “I’m actually thinking about my future”
She finished her confession with a small smile on her face. Of the two, Aria was the dreamer, the one who often lost her train of thought over the smallest of things. Introverted by nature, she tended to wait her turn, be passive but very pleasant to be around.
“Future? What do you mean future? Aren’t we going to the University of Highwind for Botany? We have those internships with Professor Luo!”
Aria shifted her gaze. Yes, they both had been given the prestigious honor to work under the world-renown botanist that would guarantee a head start in someone’s career. Except.
“Riri…you are taking the internship aren’t you? I thought you wanted this..” Nia’s pitch rose as did her eyebrows realizing that perhaps that was not the case.
Aria sighed and rather than answering, she pulled out a flyer from her satchel. One that she’d been folding and unfolding for the first half of the day since she saw it.
“I was actually thinking about this,” she shyly showed her childhood friend.
“A…builder?”
She smiled at Nia, her eyes just twinkling at the mentioned career choice. Because yes, while flying and working with Professor Luo interested her, nothing could beat tinkering. When Aria was a little girl, her older cousin had taught her how to tinker, to be creative with what resources she had. He was originally from Barnarock and in that city- tinkering was a necessity. The harsh weather bred creativity and so the trade was well needed.
“Sebastian is a builder in Portia and he loves it. By Peach, he’s even decided to settle down there! I heard he is dating a Mayor’ daughter there. A redhead, if I remember correctly.”
“Right…but Sebastian was forced to be a builder by his Pa. You knew he and his mom had little choice. Life is hard in Barnarock and they had few options. Not like you…”
“C’mon Nia, Sebastian had been building things as a kid! Remember the summers he would come down south and would show us Old World tech he had rescued and rebuilt? And how I would love it before. Nia I even have a provisional license” Aria laughed.
“Yeah he was always an odd duck” Nia mumbled ignoring the last bit.
“You’re just jealous he didn’t fall for you” Aria teased, nudging the older girl.
“Hush” Nia smiled despite her tone. “But seriously, Barnarock to Portia is like a dream! Portia is a nice town, lush greenery and everything he desires. But Highwind to…Sandrock?!” Nia exclaimed. “You’re just asking for danger at this point”
Aria laughed.
“Nia, out of the two of us you’re the adrenaline junkie. I keep to myself. Nothing crazy happens in little towns like that” she shook her head. “I want to see new places; brand new places that have no clue who I am. Where I can just be Aria of Highwind. Not the daughter of the esteemed Captain of the Civil Corps. Can you imagine it? No pressure, no history, just me and some tinkering parts.”
“My Light” Nia gasped. “This isn’t one of your hypothetical rants, you’re actually serious”
“I am Nia” she nodded. “I need a purpose, and botany with Professor Luo is not mine…you’re not mad, are you?”
The blonde paused and really took in her childhood friend. Aria was always a bit shy, and leaned heavily into her introverted self. She had a soft spot for animals but feared spladers. Was a good swimmer, but a granny of a flyer. But she was good, kind, loving, and her best friend. Aria was a big contradiction to her father who was the city’s hero. Nia sighed and reached over to grab her friend’s hands in hers.
“I know you’re gonna be the best builder out there. My builder”
The smile and tight hug told Nia all she needed to know. It would hurt to do something apart, but it’s about time the girls separated. Nia knew she would be having a long distance best friend.
“How are you going to tell your Pa?”
…
That Night…
Aria had not enjoyed her meal this evening. While it was always a delicious spread made by her mother; she felt that she could not eat more than a few bites. The nerves were getting the best of her. Especially as her father rambled on and on about what occurred at his work today.
Sirius of Highwind was a popular member amongst Highwind society. He was born to stand out, with his towering height over most of the population, and his strength. He was never known to shrink into the shadows. Headstrong and direct, her father took command of any room he was in. In turn, her mother was in a similar light; Marina was a bright herbologist whose work in salves and soothers made her a pillar in their society. Always doing research on the benefits of plants in health care, she had a solution for any injury, cut or scrape. A typical foil to her husband except when it came to her only daughter. One that was figuring out the best way to break the news to them.
“Did you see Nia today dear?” her Ma asked as she picked up the plates.
“I-I did” Aria mumbled. “We were talking about the future and what we wanted to do.”
“Oh? That’s a change of your usual days spent daydreaming” Sirius grumbled, earning a light slap on the neck by his wife.
“Stop it Sirius” she scolded before turning to her only child. “Aria. I think it’s wonderful you’re looking towards the future. It’s good to get your roots set to succeed. Your father and I are very proud.”
Marina squinted. The half smile in her daughter’s expression made her realize that her daughter was trying to set them up for news. Not a good one based on the way the corner of her lip came up, showing a slight dimple. Oh, oh dear she needed to look into something stronger. As she tentatively lifted the wine, her daughter nodded signaling that some beer or wine might do the trick. Marina shuffled over with the bottle.
“I’m only teasing” Sirius said oblivious to the silent conversation being had. “What’s in that big brain of yours my little cotton llama?”
Taking a deep breath Aria knew this was the best it was going to get and so she slid the flyer towards her father.
“This is what I was thinking about,” she muttered.
Both parents leaned down to take a proper look at the flyer before them. A small gasp from her mother and her father’s reddening face made her realize that perhaps she should have waited for the wine.
“A builder…a builder? Of all things a builder?!” her father exclaimed immediately getting up from the table and beginning to pace.
“Now Sirius” her mother tried to smooth things over “a Builder is a respectable trade.”
“Yes, for someone who doesn’t have as many options like your daughter has”
“Oh so now she’s mine” Marina mumbled.
“What about Sebastian!” Aria interrupted.
“ Oh true!” Her mother jumped back in “Sebbie is a wonderful Builder in Portia. You can’t deny that?”
“It seems that the women of this house have lost their mind. Seb reluctantly took the job. And he’s not like Aria, he’s five years her senior!” Sirius walked to his daughter and caressed her cheek. “This is nonsense, Aria, my sweet panbat, you’re going into botany aren’t you? Your little blonde friend wouldn’t shut up about it.”
“Pa please” Aria frowned. “I want to be a Builder. I want to travel to a new place and make a name for myself. Sandrock needs Builders, and I think I can do it. You told me I could make a difference. Do you still think that or were you lying to me?”
Her father looked gutted, and Aria knew that while she hit below the belt, she would get him to listen. From a young age, Sirius had told her how she was special, how she would make an impact in this world. And despite being the shy meek daughter of the Captain of the Civil Corps, she’d make a difference.
“Of course he wasn’t lying to you Aria! Tell her Sirius”
“No no,” Sirius shook his head. “Of course I meant it. I…was just hoping it was Highwind.”
Marina huffed, finally having enough of all of this.
“Aria, dear, please leave us alone for a moment will you?”
Aria hesitated. Clearly she had her mother on her side, but she felt like she needed to say something and not just bend down to their will. “Before you decide, I want to make it clear, I am going to take this offer with or without your blessing. I care alot about your opinions and I would love to be supported…”she took a deep breath. “But I’m an adult and do not need anyone’s permission.”
Marina and Sirius gave her a stiff nod before they were left alone. The moment the door clicked closed, they were already bickering.
“Marina, I cannot believe you’re on her side! Aria cannot go to a place as dangerous as Sandrock. It’s wild, unkept, dangerous and a girl like her will easily be prey. You cannot think her gentle disposition will be good out there.”
“You’re being ridiculous,” she scoffed. “Did you not hear her? Everything she said, the way she is making this decision on her own without any influence from anyone? I think it’s wonderful. And yes Sirius I am terrified, but my daughter is not as meek as you think she is. She is our child. While not the strongest or biggest, she has a huge heart and a passion to get what she wants. When has she ever failed?”
“This is not the time to test that theory!” He hissed. “What if she fails? She hurts herself, is heartbroken, injured or dead?!”
“She could experience that here and you wouldn’t be able to do anything about it. Do you think I want to see my baby go away? Of course not, but I can’t shield her forever. We cannot shield her from life. You and I were blessed by the Light to follow our passions for success. And I want her to get that opportunity.”
“I don’t approve” he mumbled.
“Whether or not we approve does not matter. What matters is that she is asking us to support her on this and I for one am. You can do what you want but if she refuses to speak with us, that is your fault”
Sirius closed his eyes in frustration. “She is my little girl Marina. The one that was too scared to go swimming in fear of something swallowing her whole.”
“And she got over that fear and is a wonderful swimmer.”
“When the Pensky came into our yard?”
“She cried but later befriended it!”
“The thorny jumper incident?”
“She got stitches and was all better”
“The flyer she was using breaking?”
“She managed to fly it to safety.”
“The rocket rooster?!”
“She managed to take a few swings in defense before we came!” Marina again defended. “My point is being made here you know! All these things happened under our watch and she came out fine! She has always had a talent for problem solving and tinkering with things. If these poor people of Sandrock need a builder I think Aria is the perfect person.”
“I don’t know…”
…
“She’s asking us to believe in her. Don’t you?”
Aria closed her eyes as she eavesdropped on the conversation. She knew she wasn’t the most aggressive person, or someone that thrived in the spotlight, but she had no problems facing challenges head on. She was introverted, not incompetent yet it seemed her mammoth father saw her as made of glass. Now, more than ever, is when she needed this change. And if her father did not support her…well this would be the first step into being independent. She didn’t need their approval or blessing. Desperately wanting something and needing it were different things. And she was going to decide whether they liked it or not.
Tired of snooping, she walked to her room and slammed the door closed. Aria needed to pack. One suitcase seemed like enough; when applying the papers stressed to pack lightly. They would be providing a place to stay, and one needed just one large bag of absolute necessities. The first thing was her provisional license; the Sandrock recruiters explained that they would have a commissioner there to assist in supervising their work so their official license would be given when they arrived. She packed pictures of Nia, her parents, and sweet mementos she would need. Clothes was a bit of a hard pick as she had read the desert could be hot on most days but blindingly cold at night. A mixed bag was sufficient and with one scarf she was done.
“You’re serious about this aren’t you” at the corner of her eye she saw her father leaning against the doorframe. She huffed, shoving another sweater before turning around.
“Yeah I really am and despite what you might think, I know what I want Pa”
Seeing how upset she was forced the patriarch to come forward and really take her in. His sweet panbat was now an adult, who wanted to do things away from all she knew. It was painful and despite it all he knew he could not crush her dreams even if he dreaded her leaving.
“As much as it kills me, just know you do have my blessing”
As soon as Sirius said this she launched herself to hug him. He laughed, and pulled her closer, realizing that she was not going to change her mind. The most admirable and frustrating thing about his daughter was that once she set herself to do something, it was a lost cause.
“How soon do I have to say goodbye to you?”
…
Three Weeks Later…
Aria could not help but feel a jittery as she took in the hubbub at the train station. She knew that despite all her planning and lists, it was inevitable that she would forget something and that she would be unprepared. But wasn’t that the exciting part? She dug her nails into her knees refusing to let her anxiety get the best of her.
“Don’t hurt yourself” Nia hissed, pulling her friend’s hand away from her knee only to intertwine them with hers. “Do not get lost in that big brain of yours. You’re gonna get cold feet”
“I-I already have cold feet” Aria muttered as she noticed her parents checking her packing to ensure nothing was missed. “I have to do this.”
“But that’s it Aria, no you don’t. You don’t have to leave, and move somewhere new. You want to, and you know what? I commend you for it. Remember what you said - you’re no one there, no pressure of promise, nothing handed to you.” Nia chuckled and squeezed her hand. “Your soft dainty hands are gonna become rough and cut. Ooo, these pink nails will not last long”
Aria giggled at her friend and felt her shoulders relax. Nia was right; she wanted this so badly that she would not let fear get the best of her.
“And Aria…you’re going to be my Builder, the best builder Sandrock has ever seen. And I’m going to visit you, as soon as my semester ends, you hear me? And if you go out there kick ass and realize that you hate it, you can always come back, with no judgment and lots of promise in another specialty.”
“You think so?”
“I know you have promise, and I know that as much as it sucks for me, it might be unlikely that you’re going to come back. You tend to get what you want in life. It's the most infuriating thing about you.”
The girls smiled at one another. That is until the train arrived. The time had come. Sheepishly Aria walked to her parents knowing the most painful part was going to happen. Saying goodbye. Her mother immediately burst into tears which caused her to tear up. She promised to eat, to write and to do her best. Soon after being let go, her father engulfed her into a hug of his own, as he tried to not get choked up at knowing she was leaving.
“Do good out there Aria of Highwind. Make me prouder” he gruffly mumbled before almost shoving her towards Nia.
“My Builder…promise to write”
“I promise Nia”
“Promise me that Sandrock will realize what a gem they have in their grasp. And don’t take anyone’s crap. Got it?!”
A choked laugh was all she got as a response.
“I promise”
With a pinky promise and well wishes, a teary-eyed builder climbed onto the train.
Shoving her bags above her, she sat down and made sure to take up the window seat.
“Doors closed, Destination - Sandrock’
That was the last thing that Aria of Highwind heard before the train began to move. She popped her head out and waved as Nia ran to the end of the platform, waving like crazy.
“Kick Ass Aria! “
“Nia!”
“Sorry Miss Marina”
Those were the last words that Aria heard from Highwind. For her life was going to be all about Sandrock. She didn’t know what to expect, but she did know that it would change her for the better.