Sky

***Spoiler Warning:** Plot and/or ending details follow.*

**Sky Strider,** is a female elephant and one of the three main protagonists of *Bravelands.*

By the Second Arc, Sky is Matriarch of the Strider Herd.

## Appearance

Sky is a fairly-sized young elephant with leathery, gray skin and large, floppy ears typical of elephants. Two cream colored tusks protrude from her mouth.[*citation needed*] As is common to her species, she has a thin, rope-like tail[*citation needed*] and a thick gray trunk. She also has short, baggy-skinned legs ending in four hoof-like toenails.[*citation needed*] One of her ears is torn by a lion.[*citation needed*]

## Personality

Sky is a kindhearted elephant. She is grateful that the rest of the herd raised her as their own daughter when her mother was killed by lions. She is also very wise, like her grandmother. She is also very emotional such as when Moon was injured by lions in *Code of Honor*.

## Biography

### Pre-Series

When Sky was just a newborn, her mother was killed by a pack of lions. The rest of her herd, led by her grandmother, have raised Sky ever since.

### *Broken Pride*

Sky is first seen comforting Moon, her younger cousin, when the lions appear. She finds the rhinos and then talks to Great Mother about them. Then she travels to the Plain of Our Ancestors.

Sky reads her mother's bone and saw a vision from before her mother's death, then she had a vision of a baboon riding on an adult lion's back at the Watering Hole. She tries to stop her herd from traveling to the Watering Hole. When they do, she sees Thorn and Fearless, so she tries to leave the Watering Hole, but is stopped by Great Mother.

### *Code of Honor*

Sometime after Great Mother's death, Sky takes Great Mother's tusk and starts her journey to the Plain of Our Ancestors. However, Moon follows, and Sky needs to decide between making him go back to the herd or taking him with her, and she chooses to take Moon with her. One night, Sky begins telling Moon a story about an elephant named Cloud, but Moon wanted Sky to make Cloud a he. The next morning, a young rhinoceros follows them to the Plain of our Ancestors, and Sky finally confronts her and asks the rhinoceros why they're following her. The rhino, whose name is Silverhorn, says that she comes in peace, and that she needs to go to the Plain of our Ancestors because she's done something bad. Sky agrees to take Silverhorn with her. During their travel they are unknowingly spotted by a Titanpride hunting party. When Sky and Moon's herd learns about this, they send Fearless to track Sky and Moon. Before Fearless could find Sky and Moon, A hunting party led by Titan himself manages to get to Sky and co. first and attack them. One of Titan's goons makes off with Moon, but is forced to release the yearling when assaulted by Sky. Silverhorn participates in the duel and fights alongside Sky but they are outmatched until a lone bull around Sky's age shows up to assisted them. With the odds against them, Titan and his cronies subsequently flee, but not before Sky furiously calls Titan out for being a false leader.

The bull introduces himself as Rock Marcher, who reveals to have joined a bull herd lead by an elephant named Thunder, after he was kicked out of his natal herd. When Sky tries to revive Moon she's unsuccessful causing to realize in shock and sorrow that Moon is dead. The Great Spirit begins to inhabit Sky until it finds Sun Strider's official successor. The Great Spirit grants Sky the ability to speak Skytongue, and read memories of any animal she touches. There she learns that Rock was forced to flee from a group of bulls, sometime in the past, and what Silverhorn wishes to atone for. She learns that Silverhorn was a member of Stronghide's Crash and was there when Stronghide, along with several other rhinos, drove Sky's grandmother into the lake, where she was killed by crocodiles. When Sky confronts Silverhorn about this, confirmed that Stronghide is not the Great Father, but a fraud. The latter reveals that Stronghide, like most rhinos, had been jealous of Sun Strider's privilege as Great Parent, and that it served as a partial motivator for the Great Mother's assassination. But Silverhorn reveals that Stronghide's primary motivation for murder was due to a grudge he developed towards Sun Strider when she was unable to save his ailing daughter.

Silverhorn explains that Stronghide was the father to a calf named Brighteyes. Brighteyes was an optimistic member of her father's crash. Brighteyes had great relationships with her herdmates so when she fell gravely ill, the whole crash especially Brighteyes parents were devastated. Stronghide affection for his daughter promoted him to put aside his jealousy for Great Mother in order to seek her for help. Since Sun Strider was the Great Mother, Stronghide thought she could cure Brighteyes. However, not even the Great Parent is all-powerful, so Sun Strider could not cure Stronghide's daughter, much to Stronghide's chagrin. Brighteyes eventually died from her illness, much to the sorrow of her father and his crash. Because Sun did not save Brighteyes from her unfortunate fate, Stronghide's hatred for the Great Mother grew, even though it was not the latter's fault she could not cure Brighteyes, as Sun's inability to save Brighteyes was unacceptable to Stronghide. However, Stronghide did not come up with the idea to murder Great Mother all by himself according to Silverhorn. Silverhorn revealed that an individual came upon the Crash one day and manipulated Stronghide to lead his herd into battle against The Great Parent. Not all the rhinos in Stronghides Crash approved with Stronghide's scheme. Silverhorn was among the rhinos who were against assassinating Great Mother. Some of Stronghide's insurgents managed to escape Stronghide. Silverhorn, however, choose to stay with Stronghide out of obligation. However, Silverhorn states that she now regrets her decision, due to the ethical complications of it. Meanwhile, Fearless is unsuccessful in tracking down Sky and Moon. Fearless fears bad for failing to find the calves on their family's behalf.

### *Blood and Bone*

Sky saves Thorn from Fearless when the lion, under the impression that Thorn was a traitor, attempted to strike him with a killing bite. After Sky knocks Fearless unconscious, Thorn thanks Sky explains that the reason why Fearless tried to kill him was because he was accused of treason when it was actually Stinger. He reveals that Stinger is Bark's murderer along with being responsible for killing Grub. They soon part ways. Sky returns to her herd with Silverhorn and Rock in tow. Sky then reveals to her family about Stinger's involvement in Great Mother's murder and usurpation. This enrages her family who then seek to confront the Baboon. Sky tries to warn Rain Strider not to underestimate Stinger, despite his small size, due to the fact the the wicked monkey is a master manipulator and is charismatic. But Rain and the rest of the Striders brush it off thinking there's nothing to worry about. Then the Striders arrive at Baboon Island to confront Stinger.

Sky's fears are immediately proven the false-parent uses his deception against the Striders by convincing everybody else that the Striders have been driven mad by grief. This causes Stinger's followers to turn on the Striders and Rain gets killed. After the remaining Striders, along with Rock and Silverhorn flee, Comet immediately becomes leader but Sky leaves her herd with Rock and Silverhorn in tow to find the true Great Parent.

During their quest, they hear about other animals claiming to be the Great Parent. They decide to investigate the case about a water buffalo allegedly becoming the Great Father.
they locate the Water Buffalo's herd, and find that the alleged great parent is a water buffalo named Thud. When Sky and co. are interrogating Thud, they find several red flags. Through mind-reading, Sky doubts are confirmed when she learns that Thud, With the suggestion of his herdmates, choose to masquerade as the Great Parent, in order to boost moral for Bravelands. Sky and her group then leave to look into the other Great Parent allegations only to find out that they are also false.

Back at Baboon Island, Fearless regains consciousness, and Stinger immediately arrives to check up on him. Fearless blames himself for not killing Thorn, due to the latter's apparent betrayal. Stinger reassures him that it's not his fault that Thorn got away, but Sky's, for intervening. Stinger then reveals that a few days ago, the Striders accused him of being involved in Great Mother's murderer, but lies, and convinces Fearless that the Striders were wrong, and didn't know what they were talking about, do to supposedly being driven mad by grief of the Great Mother since, she was the Striders' matriarch. After Fearless is done walking around Baboon Island, he returns to Stinger, who reveals to have created another rank, called the "Driftleaves," to survey Bravelands. Stinger claims that placing the animal herds under his surveillance is for the sake of the Bravelands, althouugh, in reality, Stinger wants to root out any creature who stands in his way. Stinger subsequently reveals that he'll be assigning Mud to keep an eye on Sky and her group. Fearless express concern for Mud's welfare, since he is not very intimidating. Stinger reassures him that Mud's harmless build will not prompt Sky's group to attack him since they won't see him as a threat. When Mud hears about his assignment, he becomes concerned, but Fearless tells him that everything will be alright, and that it will be better than "being betrayed" by Thorn. Reassured, Mud leaves Baboon island to track Sky's group. Meanwhile, The The Great Herd parts ways with the Striders to find the true Great Parent. When the Great Herd receives word of a water buffalo claiming to be the Great Parent, they seek out the latter in order to determine his legitimacy. Sky leads the Great Herd to the water buffalo's herd, and learn that the Buffalo who claims to be the next Great parent is a bull named Thud. When Sky and co. integrate him however, they notice several suspicious signs that suggest that Thud isn't the next Great Parent. The Great Herd suspicions are confirmed when Sky reads Thud's mind by placing her trunk on the Buffalo's head. They learn that Thud got the idea to masquerade as Great Father by his herd-mates when they suggest that he could make their lives and the Bravelands better by posing as The Great Father. Realizing that Thud's a fraud, The Great Herd leaves Thud's herd. After concluding that a few other alleged Great-Parent's were frauds, The Great Herd encounter Mud who reveals that he'd been assigned by Stinger to keep in eye on the Great Herd. Rock refuses to let Mud in as he and the Great Herd are well aware that Stinger has no intention on protecting the Bravelands. Sky however allows him into their herd, because she know that if she doesn't, Stinger would actually take advantage of the Great Herd's insubordination causing even more trouble for the group. In order to avoid retaliation from Stinger, Sky reluctantly allows Mud into their group. While seeking out the True Great Parent, The Great Herd, com across Titan chasing a pregnant female Cheetah. Sky saves the Cheetah while Rock captures Ruthless and suggest that the Great Herd ends his life to avenge Moon Strider (Since Titan is Moon's killer), Sky however, spares Ruthless because even though the latter is Titan's son, he didn't do anything wrong. So Sky was unwilling to extend her animosity towards Titan's heir. The Cheetah who has introduced herself as Rush subsequently joins The Great Herd.

Sometime later, Mud leaves the Great Herd to update Stinger about the Great Herd. Stinger then order's him to inform Sky that he [Stinger] is hosting another Great Gathering to give The Great Herd (Particularly Sky) an opportunity to "Atone" for their "Sins".

After The Great Herd, receives Stinger's invitation. They debate on whether or not they should accept it. Sky decides that they should accept Stinger's invitation out of hope that they could convince the other attendants that Stinger is not The Great Father. When The Great Herd arrives at Stinger's Great Gathering, they are unable to win over the other animals. However Mud begins to grow suspicious of Stinger's motives after Sky confronts Stinger as she pointed out that The Great Spirit is still unwell and no bird made any attempt to to communicate with Stinger even thought Great Parent's are gifted with the ability to speak Skytounge. This causes Mud to realize that Thorn was not to blame for the death of his [Mud's] mother nor is he a criminal in general. Mud informs Sky of his realization and laments blaming Thorn for actions that weren't technically his fault. Mud also thinks that he'll never have the chance to tell Thorn that he is sorry for accusing him of treason since Stinger never told Mud that Sky saved Thorn's life allowing Thorn to believe that Fearless succeeded in killing his former friend. Mud also reveals that Stinger adopted a despotic demeanor shortly after proclaiming himself as The Great-Father. Sky reassures him that Thorn is not dead as she had intervened before Fearless and the 3 Strongbranches could end the latter's life. Sky also informs Mud that Stinger was responsible for sending Stronghide's crash after Sun Strider. Sky then declares Mud that he's is no longer a Driftleaf but a true member of the Great Herd.

Somtime later Sky, teams up with Loyal Prideless, in attempt to convince Fearless that Stinger isn't a creature to be trusted and that Sky is the one current carrying the Great-Sprit until the next true Great Parent is found. Loyal also reveals that he spotted Stinger conspiring with Titan. Fearless however, stubbornly refuses to believe them and order's his pridemates to attack Loyal. After Sky and Loyal escape from Fearlesspride. Loyal follows Sky back to the Great Herd and reminds them that Stinger had been manipulating Fearless for as long as they've [Fearless and Stinger] had known each other.

Later Several other animals have seen Stinger's true color's and seek out Sky. Meanwhile, Mud Throws Stinger off by pretending to remain oblivious and disinforming the latter the Sky's allies are only looking out for themselves to give Stinger the impression that he has the upper hand. Stinger sends Mud to inform Sky that he wants to meet up with her. Sky agrees to meet up with Stinger who had brought Titan with him. Sky Mentally notes that Stinger and Titan are far more dangerous as a team before placing a trunk on Stinger's head. They're Sky discovers disturbing information about Stinger and his psyche. She learns that Stinger was a member of Crookedtree Troop 7 years ago. However Stinger was forced to flee after he was found guilty of Killing Marula Crownleaf in attempt to usurp her but not before abducting is then infant daughter. By reading Stinger's mind Sky not only discovers the full extent of Stinger's greed but finds That Stinger sees himself as above The Code.

### *The Venom Spreads*

Sky attends the great gathering with her herd. When Thorn asks her about her calves, She explains that Dawn is with her while Typhoon has left for the bulls after Rock died. Later, Sky and Dawn tell Bramble and Moonflower where to find Thorn.

## Kin

**Mother:** Mist

**Father:** Unknown elephant

**Brother:** Boulder

**Cousin(s):** Moon, Creek, Horizon, several unnamed elephants

**Grandmother:** Sun Greatmother

**Grandfather:** Flint

**Aunt(s):** Comet, Twilight, Rain, Star, Timber, Mirage, Breeze

**Mate(s):** Rock

**Children:** Moonbeam, Dawn, Typhoon

## Gallery

### Canon

Sky on The Spirit Eaters cover with Nimble and Livley on the bottomSky one the *Blood and Bone* book cover with Thorn and Fearless on the leftSky on the *Broken Pride* cover
## Trivia

* Sky is the first known elephant that can see into the future.
* Sky, along with Fearless and Thorn, have lost at least one parent.
	+ Sky lost her mother while Fearless lost his foster father, his mother and biological father. Thorn lost both his parents to unknown reasons.
* Sky is the only main character that is female.
* She's the second of the three protagonist characters to have lost a family member to Titan, with Fearless being the first.
* Sky is revealed to have the gift of reading the bones of other animals, confirmed to her by Great Mother.
* She is the only known animal to have had inhabited the Great Spirit without being the Great Parent.

* She is implied to still be alive in Shadows on the Mountain

### Mistakes

* In *Broken Pride* and *Code of Honor*, Sky is mistakenly stated to be twelve years old.

## References

1. ↑ *The Spirit-Eaters* pg. ???

**End of spoiler.**