Flicker Sparkleaf and the Cloud Castle
by

Thomas

A story about Where does rain come from?
for your 5th Grader.

Flicker Sparkleaf perched on a narrow ledge near the peak of the Misty Mountains, gazing at the clouds below. She had heard whispers of a wondrous Cloud Castle hidden among those foggy spires, and her mischievous eyes gleamed with curiosity. She felt certain that, somewhere in this swirling mist, she would uncover the secret of rain.

Down the rocky path, Ember Flare hopped across the stones, humming a cheerful tune as she went. The curious Dragon loved exploring new places, and the rumors of a hidden castle made her breath come out in excited puffs. “I can’t wait to see what we find up here!” she said aloud.

Within a shallow cave, a faded map lay spread across the ground. Trails and dotted lines twisted up the mountainside, ending at a grand cloud-shaped symbol near the top. The corners were torn, hinting at many forgotten attempts to uncover whatever was hidden high above.

Flicker Sparkleaf lifted the fragile map, smoothing its creases with gentle hands. “It looks like we’re on the right track,” she whispered. Even though the wind howled around her, she refused to be discouraged, determined to discover the mystery that lay ahead.

Ember Flare soared up to a higher ledge, scanning the wide horizon with bright, watchful eyes. She tried to sense any unusual shifts in the air. Her wings twitched with excitement as she called down, “I can feel something in the clouds, almost like a hidden door waiting to be opened!”

At last, an enormous Cloud Castle loomed in the distance, its spires gleaming like silver. A soft glow encircled the lofty towers, and delicate walkways of pure cloud connected each section, swaying ever so gently with the breeze.

Flicker Sparkleaf stepped carefully onto a fluffy bridge, amazed that her feet did not sink right through the surface. “This castle is more beautiful than anything I’ve imagined,” she said in awe. The air felt electric, as if brimming with magic.

Ember Flare landed on a curved balcony, peeking through clouded archways and listening for any sign of movement. “There’s a hum in the air,” she murmured. Her scales seemed to tingle, telling her that something powerful slept deep in the castle’s heart.