The Sky Demon: An Autobiography

by RyuuNoOkaasan

Izark has grown up being told he will some day be the Sky Demon of Destruction. He enters the Sea of Trees to kill the Awakening - that which will make him into that which he doesn't want to be. When Noriko is an intellectual, what does that mean for his future? A retelling of The Dangers of Being Intellectual, from Izark's perspective - because the world needs to know *his* story.

45. A2: Izark's Song - Gratitude

My mother

- Bore me. Taught me gentleness, desire, longing, compassion.

Miss Letia

- Nurtured me. Taught me an appreciation of nature, to be who I really am, tenderness, kindness, courage.

Gaya

- Protected me. Taught me persistence, strength through gentleness, swordsmanship, purpose.

Noriko

- Changed me. Taught me faith, hope, trust, unconditional love.

Barago

- Teased me. Taught me the strength of repentance, the freedom of true forgiveness, loyalty.

Agol

- Tested me. Taught me fathership and husbandship, companionship with others and the world, fortitude.

Geena

- Delighted me. Taught me joy, caution that doesn't immobilize, capability despite handicap.

Grand Duke Jeida

- Mentored me. Taught me inner peace, contemplation, the strength of gentle honest words, nobleness.

Banadam

- Pushed me. Taught me rivals have a purpose, jealousy and how to overcome it, how to demonstrate love to others.

Rontarna and Koriki

- Brothered me (Little Brothers). Taught me the purpose of steady companions, patience, family bonds.

Zena

- Encouraged me. Taught me to make my own destiny, encouragement, living true to myself without stressing myself too much.

Anita and Rottenina

- Sistered me (Little Sisters). Taught me the fun of steady companions, relaxation, patience.

Tazasheena

- Tempted me. Taught me the difference between outer beauty and inner beauty, caution, honesty with myself, that even people who choose to do evil have a purpose.

The Mayor of the Flower Festival town

- Led me. Taught me how to encourage others gently, strength in right doing, how to enjoy life even while carrying heavy responsibilities.

Kizak

- Uncled me. Taught me that there is a future, and it can still be good if it changes; not to fear commitment; humility.

Ninya

- Aunted me. Taught me new ways to see strength, generosity, fellowship.

Doros

- Served me. Taught me the power of gratitude, determination, how to use chimos!

The farmer and his family

- Housed me. Taught me hard work, contribution, simpleness, the value of rest.

Niana

- Mothered me. Taught me fortitude, sacrifice, the power of optimism, the uses of gossip.

Glocia

- Sistered me (Big Sisters). Taught me the value of continual education, what leadership looks like from the outside and how it affects us inside, patriotism.

Alef

- Used me. ...Oh, sorry. Brothered me (Big Brothers). Taught me directness, negotiation skills, proper levels of protectiveness.

The Grey Bird Tribe

- Challenged me. Taught me community, solidarity, tactics, honor.

Doctor Clairgeeta

- Strengthened me. Taught me I could achieve my dreams and desires, thinking outside the box, about the world of light, there are two sides to every story.

The Mayor and City of Ennemarna

- Welcomed me. Taught me to lean on others, there is light in the world in many people, gratitude.

Keimos

- Rivaled me. Taught me how shallow strength is alone, single mindedness, self-improvement, continuing forward in the face of defeat.

Rachef

- Mirrored me. Taught me how all my lessons in life led me to be what I am today, but how my own inner heart mattered from the beginning, just like Miss Letia told me it did; the dangers of greed, avarice, and obsession; empathy.