Ability

The Challenge

AN: If you want to, listen to the song while you read! Song: The Stars are Mine by Chocolate Puma and Pep & Rash

[JANUARY 8 3046. LOS ANGELES, CA. ORIA'S 19 BIRTHDAY]

Oria.

Did you ever need to lose something to realize it's importance? For me, unfortunately, I had to go through that. I lost something that served as a daily necessity, and I needed it to fulfill my lifelong dream. I never knew how important it was until I lost it in a tragic accident, and I haven't been the same since.

Never, ever, underestimate what you have. You need to see the worth in everything you own, and you'll never know when you'll lose it one day.

•

[DECEMBER 23 3045. OLYMPIA, WA. THE FLIGHT OF CHALLENGE]

Today was the day that I would finally leave this barren wasteland. Earth. That's what everyone seems to call it. To me, this so-called Earth is just a big pile of trash.

I mean, sure, this big, round planet is providing me with food, water, and a place to live, but it's slowly turning into anarchy and chaos.

I slowly blinked awake as the cold, wintery air outside rudely snapped me out of my slumber. I groaned in annoyance and obeyed the fridgid, nose-numbing smell and sat up, my tangled silver hair falling in front of my face.

What a wonderful way to start off my last day here. I groaned again and yawned, a small smile curling on my lips when I realized that the rocket I've built was my most advanced model yet, and it was finally going to get me away from Earth for good.

As I was about to roll out of the bed, a huge paw squished my cheek and pushed me back onto the pillow. Up popped the chubby little face of my dog, Sirius. The big dog slumped down on top of me and began to lick and nudge my face and cheeks.

"Really, Sirius?" I groaned, a small chuckle erupting at the end of my sentence when Sirius pushed his paw onto my face.

I sat up and rubbed his ear. "Who's my favorite little Samoyed?"

Sirius gave me a strong bark in response to my question, making me laugh as I stood out of my bed.

I stretched my arms and turned back toward the dog. "Thanks for waking me up, buddy."

I smiled and then walked to the small dresser on the other side of the room, Sirius silently following me with his amber eyes. While I gathered my cream tank top and loose working jeans, I turned back toward my dog and rolled my eyes.

"Turn around, I need to change," I twirled my finger in a circular motion to emphasize my calm yet stern command.

Sirius politely stood up, took a few steps so he'd face the opposite direction, and lazily plopped himself back down. I tried to contain a giggle because my little Sirius was so cute.

I proceeded to change into the outfit, which was a heavy jacket and a sturdy pair of jeans. January brought cold temperatures, and I had to dress accordingly. Once I fixed the belt on my jeans after putting on my jacket, I reached for my black cap. I secured the right baseball cap over my silver hair and skipped to the other side of my bedroom where Sirius still sat.

"Ready, Sirius?" I asked my furry friend. "We have a long day ahead."

Sirius obediently hopped off of the bed and followed me out into the living room of our small house.

I cheerfully opened the fridge and reached for the frozen mini pancakes.

"Sirius," I said to my dog. "Mini pancakes will power us through our final day on Earth." I turned toward him and waved a floppy pancake in front of his nose. "Ya want one?"