The rising sun bathed Griffin Rock in a golden light, heralding a perfect day. Dani woke to the sound of her digital alarm and stretched slowly, her muscles still a little sore from her exploits the day before. She pulled on a light bathrobe before heading to the kitchen, where the atmosphere was already lively with her family's discussions.

Charlie, sitting at the table with Kade, Graham, and Cody, was discussing the day's plans. Dani poured herself a cup of black coffee and a slice of toast, sitting down with a determined smile.

- So, Dani, are you ready for a new adventure ? Charlie asked, looking up from her newspaper.
- More than ever. She replied, biting into her toast. Today, I'm finally going to test out the skysurf board I ordered last week. It's perfect for practicing on the flight simulator this morning, and if all goes well, this afternoon will be my first time outdoors.
- Are you going to use the simulator first ? Good idea, it will allow you to adjust your balance and posture. Graham agreed.
- Exactly. It's a whole different challenge than traditional skydiving, and I want to be ready before launching myself from 14,750 feet. But the weather is on my side today, so it's the perfect time to try something new.

Cody, his eyes shining with excitement, asked : Is that the red board with the flame patterns you got the other day ? It looks so cool !

- That's the one. Dani confirmed with a smile. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, so this is the perfect opportunity. Once attached to my equipment, it will transform the sensation of freefall into something completely new.

Kade, raising an eyebrow with a smirk, added : And if you end up getting caught in a gust of wind and finding yourself spinning, what do we do ? Do you want us to prepare a giant cushion ?

- Don't worry, Kade, the simulator is there for that. I prefer to practice taming turbulence in a safe environment before testing it in real life.

Dani finished her coffee and stood up. After clearing her plate, she rushed to her room, located on the ground floor, to get her things. Before getting ready for her session, she decided to take a quick shower to freshen up and relax. The hot water did wonders on her still slightly sore muscles, and she emerged invigorated.

Back in her room, Dani put on a fitted navy blue skydiving suit, which ensured both comfort and freedom of movement. She added a pair of goggles around her neck, ready to be pulled back into position as soon as she started training.

She picked up her skysurf board and headed to the flight simulator located in the barracks, a few steps from her room. This facility, well maintained by Graham, allowed you to recreate the sensations of freefall flight in a completely safe environment.

Cody was already there, adjusting the simulator settings. When he saw his sister, he smiled.

- Ready to surf the wind ?
- Ready and eager. Dani replied as she placed her board on the ground. She climbed onto the simulator platform and carefully fastened the straps around her feet to secure the board. She quickly tested the bindings by bending her legs and simulating a few movements to make sure they were solid.
- Everything is good. She said with a thumbs up. You can activate it, Cody.

Cody nodded and activated the simulator. Immediately, a powerful airflow rose, lifting Dani and her board into an unstable balance that she gradually mastered. The first few seconds were hesitant, but she quickly adapted, adjusting her weight and posture to maintain control.

- Wow, that really feels different ! Dani exclaimed, her voice slightly muffled by the sound of the wind.

Cody, from the console, watched attentively.

- You’re doing great ! Try leaning a little further back to simulate a downhill turn.

Dani followed the advice and was delighted to see her board respond immediately. She practiced for almost twenty minutes, testing different maneuvers and adjusting her balance. By the time she was done, she felt confident and ready to move on to the next step in the afternoon.

She removed the board and stepped off the simulator with a beaming smile.

- Thanks, Cody. This session was just what I needed to get ready.

Cody winked at her.

- Always here to help you, big sis. This afternoon, you're going to rock like a pro.

Dani nodded, more motivated than ever to take on her new challenge. She exited the flight simulator with boundless energy, her excitement for the afternoon palpable in every movement.

She picked up the skysurf board and carefully placed it near her bedroom door, ready to take it for her jump with Blades.

A few hours later, Dani then headed to the closet where she stored all of her skydiving gear. The closet, carefully organized, was full of well-maintained equipment. The young woman took out a black and red harness bag, an altimeter, and a lightweight headset with a built-in microphone, essential for communicating in case of unforeseen events in mid-flight.

Cody, who had followed her, leaned on the door frame, curious.

- You prepare seriously, huh ?
- Always. Dani replied with a wink. But this is special. My first skysurf at this altitude, with perfect weather. I want everything to be perfect.

She put the harness bag in front of Cody and motioned for him to come closer.

- Want to help me put it on ?

Cody raised his eyebrows, flattered.

- With pleasure ! What should I do ?
- It's simple. Look, I put the shoulder straps on, and you check that everything is adjusted and tight.

Dani put the shoulder straps on the harness while Cody adjusted the straps, pulling them carefully to avoid any kinks or twists.

- Are you okay ? Not too tight ? He asked.
- Perfect, Dani confirmed. Now help me with the leg loops.

Cody knelt down to secure the straps around his sister's thighs, taking care to tighten them.

- Here you go ! Legs are good. He said, standing up.

Dani nodded, quickly checking her movements.

- Thanks. Last step, the chest strap.

Cody threaded the strap through the buckle at Dani's chest and pulled gently to tighten it.

- Are you breathing okay ? Isn't it too tight ?

Dani tested it, taking a deep breath.

- It's perfect. Not too loose, not too tight. Good job, Cody ! You're really good at this and you're a really competent skydiver assistant !

Cody burst out laughing.

- Thanks. If you ever start a skydiving school, you know where to find me!

They exchanged a knowing smile as Dani grabbed her altimeter and attached it to her left wrist. Then she placed the headset on her head and adjusted the headband and microphone so they stayed in place.

- Test, test. Can you hear me ? She asked, speaking into the microphone.

Cody gave her a thumbs up.

- Loud and clear, Dani. Everything works.

Dani, satisfied, did one last spin to check all her equipment, lingering for a moment on the skysurf board placed next to her. The adrenaline was already rising in her at the thought of what awaited her.

- Thanks for your help, little brother. It was nice to share this moment.

Cody gave her a proud smile.

- Always there for you, big sister. And honestly, you have a way of challenging yourself, it's inspiring.

Dani laughed softly and ruffled her hair.

- And you help me not to lose my footing. You're the best, you know that ?

With her harness securely fastened, her helmet in place, and her skysurf board ready to go with her, Dani was ready for the big moment. The sky was calling, and she was determined to show that nothing could stop her.

Cody, still excited after helping his sister put on her gear, had an idea as he looked at the skysurf board.

- Hey, Dani, you know what would be super cool for your landing ?
- What ? Dani asked as she adjusted her helmet and altimeter.
- We could put a colored target on the landing pad. Like in the opening of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie ! Remember ? The Rangers were skydiving and had to hit the red center of the target to score points.

Dani burst out laughing, her eyes shining with excitement.

- Oh, I remember that so well ! I loved that scene. It was so iconic. Honestly, that’s a great idea, Cody. It’ll give me an extra challenge for the skysurfing landing.

Cody puffed out his chest proudly.

- Then I’ll take care of that. Give me five minutes, and I’ll prepare the best target you’ve ever seen !

While Cody was busy looking for a large synthetic canvas and colored markers to draw the famous target, Dani took the opportunity to make sure one last time that all her equipment was in order. A few moments later, Cody returned with a perfectly drawn circular canvas : concentric circles in bright colors, with a bright red center in the middle.

- There, mission accomplished ! Cody said, proudly brandishing the target.
- That’s perfect ! Dani replied. Thanks, Cody. This will be a memorable landing.

Cody took the canvas and carefully placed it on the landing platform. Then he turned to his sister, who was ready to take off.

- All set. He said, an amused smile on his lips. I’ll carry the board and join you right away.

He grabbed the skysurf board and headed for the ladder leading to the platform where Blades was waiting. Dani, already ready, climbed up at a brisk pace, her heart pounding with excitement. Halfway up, she turned to glance at her brother. He held the board tightly, his expression focused.

- Everything okay ? Dani asked, her gaze full of concern.
- Yeah, it’s good. I’m good. Cody replied, a little out of breath under the weight of the board, but determined.

Dani made it to the top of the ladder and went through the hatch first. She quickly turned to extend her right hand to Cody, helping him to cross the last few rungs more quickly.

- Come on, Cody, you're almost there ! You're getting there !

Cody, with a small smile of gratitude, grabbed his hand to pull himself up to the platform. Together, they found themselves next to Blades, the helicopter ready to take off.

Blades didn't have a door like a classic helicopter. Instead, a dome lifted on top of the craft, like a box opening. Dani didn't wait another second, hoisting herself inside with agility.

Inside, she made sure to adjust the belt around her pelvis, checking that it was well secured for the flight. As soon as she settled in, she extended her hand to her brother to grab the skysurf board that he carefully passed to her.

- Thank you ! She said, a smile of gratitude on her lips.

Cody looked at her for a moment before stepping back.

- Good luck, big sister. Make the family proud.

Dani replied with a wink and a confident nod.

- No worries, I’ll aim for the red center like a pro.

Blades, ready to take flight, waved at Dani.

- Are you ready, partner ?
- Ready as ever. She replied. And thanks for the challenge, Blades. We’re going to make this an epic landing.

Blades’ blades began to spin, and the helicopter rose into the air, carrying Dani into the sky. The challenge was on, and Dani felt ready to dominate the skies in style.


To be continued...