Windborough Venturers Volume 1 Astral-Touched

Sketch 2 Sora's Decision

"No! She cannot go out there!!"

"Father, I understand how much you care about Sora but she is a woman now. Which means she now has the right to make her own decisions."

"Son, do you NOT realize the danger she will put herself in by doing something this reckless!?"

Papa and Grandpa have been at each other's throats for almost 2 hours ever since I made the decision to leave the village to travel our sky world (At least I'm glad that Papa sounded like he was keeping a level head.). After the battle with that Draco guy and the mark appearing on my hand, I kept wondering if the story of the Astral-Touched I read about when I was little was all true or not. Mama was trying to settle the two down but it was no use. Once an argument starts between my father and grandfather, there is no stopping them until one of them agrees with the other.

I managed to get out of the house and head to town to blow off some steam. The village is always peaceful at night. It helps me relax and clear my head. I look up at the stars and silently prayed that Grandpa will finally understand me.

My prayers were suddenly interrupted when I saw my childhood friend, Kazia waving to me, calling my name. I happily waved back and ran to her. "Hi, Kazia," I greeted. 

"Hey, Sora," She greeted back. "Um..is it true that you're actually going to leave the village?"

I nod. "Yeah. It is. Ever since the invasion yesterday, I can't help but feel like I need to be out there, traveling Windborough, to see what other countries are out there. I have always wanted to for a long time now. My biggest problem is my Grandpa."

"Elder Breeze? Y yeah. He is strict and very overprotective of you huh?"

"H he's not overprotective," I stammered. "I mean s sure he can be strict but-!"

"I get it," she stopped me with a laugh. "But if you really do insist on going, I..." She hesitated for a moment. "Actually, my family and I wanted to give you something."

"Really," I perked up. "What is it?"

"Hold on! First please confirm it to me. Are you really sure about leaving? Look, I'm sorry for pressuring you like this but.. you're my friend and well.. you're also a big important person in this entire village. If you're really leaving then-."

I just giggled. "Are you trying to make me feel guilty?"

"Ugh! Fine! I'll admit it! Sora..I really don't want you to go..even if you're doing this just so you can find out about your family's lineage.. you're my friend and-."

I hug her. "Kazia, stop talking," I said. "Look. I'll always be your friend. But I can't rely on the people I love here forever..I think it's time we both act like big girls and make our own decisions. And me going on this journey is something that I've chosen for myself."

After a few moments, I let her go and she finally sighed in defeat. "Come on. It's this way." She took my hand and walked me over to the docks where there was an airship shaped like a sail boat waiting in the wings for me. I can tell it was built out of wood painted in a silvery blue color and iron which looked like it was immigrated from Earth. On each side were a pair of wing shaped oars and one small propeller at the end. And to top it all off, the sails were a light blue with my family's emblem, white and teal feathers flowing through the wind and circling a heart in the middle. I can't help but be impressed and captivated by how beautiful it is. This is exactly what I wanted my own airship to look like. 

"Kazia," I said after a moment of silent awe. "This..this is amazing!"

Kazia chuckled shyly. "I didn't do it alone. My dad helped me out with it."

I hug her tightly. "Thank you so much!!"

Later on, I start packing up and preparing for tomorrow. As I was putting some clothes in my bag, my keychain fell onto the floor. I reached down to grab it and picked it up. I couldn't help but stare at the keychain for hours. It was a gift from my mother for my tenth birthday. It was a beautiful light bluish teal gemstone with the Aquarius sign in the middle and a boomerang made of polished wood on the top right corner. 'The Aquarius Gem,' I thought to myself. 'And this mark on my hand.. Am I really the Aquarius Astral-Touched girl that guy was looking for..I need to know..'

Suddenly, I heard my door open and I turned my head to see Mama standing there. She looked worried for me. "Honey," She whispered. "It's your grandfather. He wishes to speak with you."

I sigh. "Okay. I know I have to face him about my decision sooner or later." I clutch my keychain close to my chest and silently pray to the Aquarius Avatar that Grandpa will finally understand me.

We arrive at the dining room where my Papa and Grandpa are waiting. Taking a deep breath, I try to keep calm before sitting down in front of him. "Y You wanted to talk to me, Grandpa?"

"Yes. I do. This choice you made of actually leaving the village is absolutely ridiculous. You forget you're the granddaughter of an Elder. Pretty soon, you will have to take my place."

I huffed. "That's a lie. I thought you wanted Papa to become the next Elder."

Grandpa grunted in annoyance for a moment before chuckling to himself. "So true. You are just like your grandmother. Although you have your mother's beauty, you have your father's thirst for adventure. That's something he inherited from her."

Papa looked surprised to hear him say that. "Father.."

Grandpa smiles at him before turning back to me and continuing. "Sora, there will be many dangers you will face and tons of tough battles you might be put in. Do you still want to go through with this?"

I was silent at first but I finally mustered up the courage to say, "Yes, Grandpa. If that means connecting to the roots of my lineage and realizing my destiny, then yes. It's totally worth it. I don't expect you to believe me about my recurring dreams but..I must ask that you at least understand me when I say I want to do this."

There was silence between us for a long moment but Grandpa finally stood up and said, "Get some sleep. If you really want to do this then it's best you start early in the morning."

I beam at him with joy, got out of my seat and run over to hug him. "Thank you, Grandpa!!" I ran back to finish packing and get ready for bed. I can already tell that tomorrow was going to be the best day of my life.

I tried to think of a possible way to write it and I sort of let the flow of music guide me which brought me to this point. I'm very happy for Sora. She finally gets to achieve the dream she always wanted. And I hope anyone who reads this will understand the message behind this chapter. ☺️