somewhere | b.blake ✔️

Pilot Part 2✔️

"And I was dancing in the rain
I felt alive and I can't complain"

-Runaway, AURORA

*****

For all of Ash's life, the only world she's known is the Ark—the cold metal walls, the monotone black and blue clothing, occasionally brightened by faded reds and greens, and the harshness of recycled air. Her entire existence was confined to the remnants of what her ancestors could salvage and bring aboard the space station.

But Earth—Earth is a whole new experience.

Colors she's only ever seen in old pictures come alive before her eyes. The sky is bluer than the brightest pair of eyes she's ever seen. The trees and grass are so vibrant, it's almost blinding if she stares too long. But what stands out the most is the way everyone's smiles shine brighter than the sun overhead, a warmth so much stronger than anything the Ark ever offered.

The delinquents around her buzz with excitement and happiness. The realization that the air isn't toxic gives them all something they hadn't had in a long time—hope. A chance for redemption.

Ash, Monty, and Jasper spend the day running around, trying to climb trees and making grass angels in the soft dirt that tickles their cheeks. Together, they lie in the grass, staring up at the endless blue sky, dreaming of all the possibilities Earth could offer them.

"Everything could be different down here," Ash says, her voice dreamy as a wide smile stretches across her face. Her cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but she doesn't care. "No more killing as punishment. No more social classes. No more... bad stuff. This planet—it's our second chance."

Jasper grins. "That is if we don't kill ourselves before then."

Ash snorts. "Good point."

After a while, Jasper and Monty venture off into the woods together, but Ash climbs up the drop-ship to get a better view of their new world. The breeze tugs at her dark brown hair, and her green-blue eyes drink in the sights. Everyone, including herself, seems truly happy for the first time in... well, forever. No fighting, no fear, no death. Just peace.

She closes her eyes, enjoying the moment, until a voice snaps her out of her trance.

"What are you doing up here?"

Blinking a few times, Ash turns toward the voice and smiles when she sees who it is. "Just enjoying the view. What about you?"

Finn Collins, the guy who'd been floating around in the drop-ship before they crashed, shrugs. "Same." He gestures to the spot next to her. "Mind if I join you?"

Ash nods, and Finn sits beside her. "Finn Collins, at your service," he says, holding out his hand as a formality.

Ash chuckles, her eyes crinkling at the corners from all the laughter. "Ash Growins," she replies, taking his hand. "Happy to have you at my service."

"What'd you get busted for?" Finn asks casually, clearly trying to avoid any awkward silence.

Ash could easily lie, but instead, she opts for a vague truth. "I broke into Jaha's office. You?"

"I went on an illegal spacewalk. Wasted three months' worth of oxygen."

Ash raises an eyebrow. "There's gotta be a story behind that."

Finn grins. "There was a perfectly good reason, I swear."

Ash laughs, holding up her hands. "Alright, Spacewalker, I believe you."

"Glad to hear it."

They fall into a comfortable silence, taking in the surreal beauty of Earth. After a few minutes, Ash speaks again, her voice curious. "I know this is a weird question, but... what's your favorite flower?"