Chapter 2: The Big Day

  Cayde stepped out of their living pod, nearly bumping into Dr. Lyra, who was waiting by the transport tube.

  "There you are," Dr. Lyra said, their skin patterns flickering with a mix of love and impatience. "Ready for your field trip?"

  Cayde nodded, trying to hide their excitement. "Yes! I can't wait to learn more about Earth's history." They paused, then added with a grin, "Thanks for coming with us... Mom."

  Dr. Lyra's skin glowed warmly – their way of smiling. "Ah, using Earth words again, are we? While I enjoy your interest in human language, remember, there isn't a word in their languages that quite describes what I am to you."

  "I know," Cayde replied, their own skin patterns mirroring Dr. Lyra's warmth. "But it's fun to try them out. Maybe 'parent' is the closest?"

  "Perhaps," Dr. Lyra said. "Though it doesn't capture the full meaning of our relationship as Zenth and offspring. But that's a talk for another time." Their tone grew more serious. "For now, remember—"

  "I know," Cayde interrupted, having heard this warning many times. "Earth is fascinating, but also dangerous. We must be careful."

  Dr. Lyra touched Cayde's shoulder gently – a sign of Xyrillian affection. "Your love for Earth studies makes me proud, Cayde. Just... be careful. There's more going on than you know."

  Cayde tilted their head, curious. "What do you mean?"

  But Dr. Lyra just shook their head, guiding Cayde into the transport tube. "All in good time. Let's focus on your field trip for now."

  As they zoomed through the tube, Cayde couldn't help but ask, "Have you heard from Dad lately? Is their mission on Earth going well?"

  Dr. Lyra's skin patterns shifted to a thoughtful blue. "Dr. Kael's last report was positive. They're learning a lot about human culture firsthand. Who knows? Maybe someday you'll get to visit Earth too."

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Cayde's hearts raced at the thought. "Really? Do you think I could?"

  "We'll see," Dr. Lyra said, their tone careful. "For now, let's make the most of your museum visit."

  The transport tube slowed to a stop at the Academy's docking station. As Cayde and Dr. Lyra stepped out, they were greeted by the excited chatter of Cayde's classmates.

  Cayde spotted their friend Aluna and waved. Aluna's luminous green eyes found Cayde immediately, and their face lit up – quite literally, as Aluna's skin patterns flashed in a dazzling display of joy.

  "Cayde!" Aluna called, bounding over with the fluid grace typical of young Xyrillians. "Can you believe we're finally going to see real Earth artifacts? I heard they even have a primitive communication device called a 'smart phone'. Isn't that an oxymoron?"

  Cayde grinned, their own skin patterns pulsing in sync with Aluna's excitement. "I know! I can't wait to see how humans managed to advance with such limited technology."

  Cayde and Aluna joined their classmates near the museum transport. It was a sleek, silver vehicle that looked more like a giant bubble than a bus. Its surface shimmered, reflecting the colorful skin patterns of the excited Xyrillian students.

  Their teacher, Professor Nix, stood by the transport's entrance. Professor Nix's skin rippled with calming blues and greens as they tried to organize the chattering students.

  "Alright, class," Professor Nix called out, their voice melodious but firm. "Let's board in an orderly fashion. Remember, best behavior at the museum!"

  As Cayde and Aluna stepped into the transport, they gasped in amazement. The seats inside seemed to shift and mold, adjusting perfectly to each Xyrillian's unique form.

  Dr. Lyra boarded last, nodding to Professor Nix. "The new exhibit is ready," Cayde heard their parent say. "I think the students will find it quite... illuminating."

  Cayde's curiosity peaked. They knew Dr. Lyra had been working on something new for the museum, but their parent had been very secretive about it.

  As the transport hummed to life, its walls became transparent. Cayde pressed their face against the cool surface, watching as their beautiful city of Nevelon fell away beneath them. Beside them, Aluna bounced in their seat, skin flashing with excitement.

  "Next stop," Professor Nix announced, "the Earth History Museum!"

  Cayde felt their hearts race with anticipation. Whatever this new exhibit was, they had a feeling it was going to be the most amazing thing they'd ever seen. As the transport soared through the pink-tinged Xyrillian sky, Cayde couldn't help but wonder: how much closer would this bring them to their dream of visiting Earth?