Cloud Association: Pretty Boy Psycho

Home Truths

Flight.

I jump up and down on the spot gearing myself up to mount Sunshine. Being tragic at combat means I'd like to be a strong flier. For two mornings straight, I've gotten up extra early to practise. Morning one I screamed as Sunshine galloped across the bridge, held onto him way too harshly so we had an extra bumpy fly round. Morning two I screamed again but managed to loosen my over-tight grip so Sunshine was able to breathe easier. Too bad it didn't help his balance though.

With mini griffons jumbling round my stomach I get onto my ride. Hold onto a tuft of feathers, on the back of Sunshine's neck, real gentle. I refuse to throw my arms round his neck today no matter how nervy I get. "Third time lucky, right?"

Shoot we're off. The scream forces its way out as wind whips through my hair, wrapping at my shirt. Sunshine's talons clatter over the bridge, he springs, I go, "WAAAH," and wings flap. Sitting up straight is so hard when full instincts tell me to hunch over and cling tight. I close my eyes trying to remember how exhilarating flying above the clouds was with Geordie. Hey, didn't I fully let go then? That was different. I had Geordie to grab hold of me if need be; must be the thought of being alone and falling which scares me. I'm sure Sunshine wouldn't let me fall.

I keep my spine straight. Open my eyes. Loosen my grip some more. Sunshine shunts to the left. I yelp. After the shunting he hovers a moment then flies forwards, slow but smooth. Sitting straight is helpful. No more silly noises leave me. Smiling I watch the clouds as we drift through them.

After a slow successful flight we drop several feet. My stomach lurches. I spoil our progress on descent as I pretty much strangle poor Sunshine. He lands with a massive crash which has me fall off despite my grip.

From on my back I stare up at Sunshine; he nudges my face with his beak "I thought that flight went rather well." I give him a reassuring pat as I sit up. Flick my hair about hoping I don't look too weather swept. As I reach for my comb I realise the sun has gotten quite high, well past dawn. My heart gives a startled jolt. I'm gonna be late for my first class with Clover since the choosing.

Jumping up I make a mad dash for Cloud High, sweeping my comb through my hair as I go. Grab my satchel from where I dumped it by the bridge. Make for the main doors however spin round to see if Sunshine is following me. He sure is.

"Sorry I don't think you're allowed in room one hundred and one. You'll have to wait out here for me."

The other three griffons leave to do their own thing. We don't see anything of them at night. When I went for my first secret lesson with Master Hugo I found Sunshine lurking round these main doors as though waiting for me, then he followed me to my midnight lesson. When done he took to lurking round the main doors again. Feeling guilty leaving him on his own I invited him inside and took him to my room. I'm guessing griffons aren't allowed inside the fortress. Luckily no one's noticed me sneaking him in at midnight and out at dawn. He doesn't do any harm. Just curls up in the middle of my floor on a rug to sleep.

Wishing Sunshine could come to class I carry on without him. I run through reception, hurtle down corridors, burst through our classroom door, and skid into my seat.

"You missed breakfast again. Where were you? I gave your door a knock," says Danny.

"Hanging out with Sunshine," I say as Clover sweeps into the room.

The classroom feels ever so empty seen as only us and the logistics team are here. Logistics is made up of Tanya, Lee, and Collette. Looks like the two girls are getting close as they have their heads together whispering.

"Has anyone seen Charlie this morning?" Clover nods her head at Charlie's empty seat. When no one answers she glares at us.

Geordie rocks on his chair. "What? We don't know where he is. Snubs us, don't he?"