Shinrai was aware of her majestic reputation as a dragon and she hated to make a fool of herself. But EVERYONE knew that if you left the sky islands you could never come back. Soldiers had been sent specifically to test it out and never returned. Others had flown too far down and specifically tried to return but not had the energy. That was known as the "point of no return" and everyone knew where it was, although of course, it varied somewhat from dragon to dragon. Shinrai blasted past that point without a thought, all her attention focused on Hieri and the Orb and getting it back. But she hadn't gotten it BACK. She'd only gotten it away from him! And now she was stuck down HERE!

But then the cat cut in. Her long ears swiveled slightly toward him, listening. She began to control her sobs. She glanced at him over her shoulder, then she folded one sandy sleeve and used the inner side to wipe away her tears. She turned back to the cat and flashed him a watery smile. 

"You're right.  He somehow got up there so I can too." She put a little steel in her voice. She would search until she found a way!

Then she gave him a quick, geniune smile. "If you forgive me for crying, I'll forgive you for philosophizing."