Prompt 2 (Paint the Night Sky): Destiny City has already had its fair share of snowfall but for the past week it’s just been constant. There hasn’t been a clear sky in days, and even when it’s not snowing it’s still too cloudy to see anything. Finally, one night, the clouds have finally thinned--only to reveal something more surprising than the suddenly good weather. A glorious display of colorful light dances over Destiny City. Auroras are uncommon in this area, but it’s something unique to see. Especially because it almost seems like the colors blend like watercolors, and look like they’re deliberately weaving around each other.
It was unnerving how seamlessly one day bled into the next. Everything was covered in a wash of white. Thick clouds above blocking most of the light and all of the stars while snow blanketed the streets, vehicles parked along the sides of the road, even homes seemed to disappear behind the wall of slushy grey pushed up against the walkways.
He did not much care for this version of Earth. So cold and full of irritable people who were oftentimes sick with some illness. It made him less inclined to explore more of Destiny City. Not only was it difficult terrain to trod upon but Cypher was not willing to compromise his own health or safety for the sake of curiosity. Surely Lyndin would understand if not agree.
Still, this evening was unlike all the others since the storm creeped in upon them. For the first time in over a week, the sky was clear. Void of all clouds or wisps of falling snow, Cypher could finally see the stars. A plethora of deeply saturated colors with little pin-p***k lights shimmering in the far off distance. Ribbons of green and teal danced across the horizon and he looked up in awe as a feeing of peace washed over him.
Albiero had mentioned that he might enjoy the lights, but he suspected that she wasn’t referring to the display he was witnessing. The ones on buildings perhaps, or maybe the explosions that lit up the sky the other day. Both were lovely in their own right but neither had the same effect on him as the aurora.
Standing out in the silence, where cold air wrapped around him nipping his nose and fingertips, making his lips feel dry. Out here he watched in quiet observation, reflecting on the sacrifices made, the losses they had suffered, and how much of an outsider he felt even within the Vanguard.
While he’d never admit it out loud, he missed home
Although he and his father didn’t see eye to eye, Cypher wanted to make both his parents proud. He studied hard and pushed himself and at the end of it all he was here. Stuck on a planet, disconnected from most of his comrades, no doubt his parents would feel nothing shy of shame if they learned of his lack of achievements. Made him wonder if perhaps it would have been better if he had been a casualty of the ambush if only to cover his failings.
The one time he chose to speak out was the one time he should have kept his mouth shut. In most of the meetings he was a silent observer, sitting back letting others ask their questions while taking notes. But in the throne room, with the Queen and that irritatingly coy smile; she had invited questions but he didn’t realize that the offer was not meant for anyone of the Vanguard.
One would think it was her reaction that bothered him most, having the Vanguard leave the castle to stay in some building to be guarded by beasts. But they’d be wrong. Cy couldn't care less what she thought of him.
Lyndin, however, was another matter altogether.
For years he had looked up to his Commodore. A strong leader worth all the admiration he’d received as the one chosen to lead their people. Lyndin held all of his trust and in the aftermath of it all, Cypher felt… abandoned.
There were no words of criticism or an admonishing tone for his behavior. No measure of understanding aside from blanket statements to calm everyone after the battle had ended. Not that he ever needed anything like that before. But it left Cypher feeling more than a little lost.
“I don’t know what my purpose is here…” Was there anything he could do that someone else couldn’t have done better if they had been selected for the Vanguard instead? What qualities did he possess that had him picked to join the original team to travel through space, through the Surrounding, to this enigma of a planet? Questions he’d likely never receive an answer to because it was not his place to ask them of the ones who granted him the privilege of becoming a Cadet.
Disheartened despite the festivities of the New Year, he opened his ComTech and began recording the sky , the stars, the lights that were so unlike what were back home. Small things he could share with his family when finally he returned home.
