Chapter 3: Knowing From One Look

Sora glided easily through the air, Cloud Castle glistened before her in the distance. She was placed in a pleasant state of calm after a long days visit to the mountains. The sun was setting on the horizon casting rich purples, pinks and oranges across the sky. Looking at her radiant home the castle seemed to be bustling with life. Air speeders zipped around the palace like dragon flies, transporting people from one place to another.

An echoing chime sounded from the highest spire signaling that it was now evening. Sora's eyes widened in a panicked moment of realization,

"Oh no," she said mentally banging her skull in frustration. "I'm late for my lessons again. Ugh, father's going to be so mad."

Folding her arms down by her sides she pressed faster onward towards her home. Sora only prayed that he hadn't been looking for her too long.

Being late for her lessons was nothing new. In fact she had promised her father that she would try to do better many times before. Clearly she had failed once again.

Sora would often go out exploring after she was done spreading the morning winds to the fields and sea. It was in her nature to want to adventure but most air spirits never had quite the fascination she did with the land. There was rarely a day that went by when she wouldn't go out and explore. Usually she would end up not returning home until nightfall.

Once Shou told her that it was in her family's blood to want to be so independent. That was the only time he ever said anything about her real parents. There was a time when Sora would constantly try and get Shou to tell her about her family but he would never budge. However that was my years ago. Children tend to have the courage to ask about those sorts of things, not caring about the consequence of the knowledge gained. Now as an adult, Sora was almost afraid to find out the truth. She considered Shou the only family she ever had or would have. Knowing that he loved her enough to call himself her father was enough for her, she didn't need any more than that.

Sora was flying so fast towards the castle entrance it looked like she was coming in for a crash landing. Grabbing the edges of her long coat she pulled it open tightly to use as a sort of parachute to slow her down. As her feet touched the ground she came to a running stop. Sora smiled to herself as she smoothed out her hair and cloths, proud of her expert landing.

"Sora!" Someone called from within the castle. The spirit looked in the direction of the voice and spotted the silhouette of a crane clumsily running towards her on its long legs. She recognized it was one of the castles' stewards. Sensing the distress in the bird's voice Sora quickly walked inside to meet him.

"Abril?" Sora called to the crane. She knew him well since her childhood. Abril ran over to her in great haste, his three toed feet slipping on the marble as he did so.

"Sora we've been looking everywhere for you." He panted out through labored breaths. "I need you to come with me, there's…" he paused unsure of what to say. His heart was already beginning to break knowing what he had to tell her. "There's something I have to tell you."

Sora was now worried that there was something wrong with him.

"Are you alright?" She asked, solely concerned for her friend. "Did something happen to you?"

"No it's not that." He said a bit clipped, his words caught in his throat. The crane's heart was breaking as he looked at his friend.

"Abril, I promise I'll listen to what you have to tell me but first I need to let my father know I'm here. I swear I'll be back in five minutes." She then began to walk to the door that lead to her father's tower.

"No you can't!" cried Abril as he threw himself in front of the door of the tower. His wings spread out blocking her entrance. Sora now looked at him confused,

"Abril, what's going on?"

Just then three air masters came running in.

"Sora, don't go up there." One of them warned. The master's face was etched with worry.

Sora's eyes looked from between Abril and the door. Slowly the pieces were coming together.

"What's wrong with father?" She breathed, petrified to know the truth.

Abril slowly folded his wings down; the master who had spoken earlier slowly approached her.

"Abril?" She asked reaching for the handle of the door, her fingers shaking.

"Sora please…" begged the crane as he placed a wing on her hand to stop her. Large tears fell from the bird's eyes.

That's when Sora knew her father was dead.

AN: Hope you all lked it! Please review.