Avian

Fly

Ava was overjoyed to feel the familiar surroundings around her! Although she still had to escape this place, it seemed well worth it to be obedient if this was the reward.

Ava fluttered to the very top and basked in the sun's warmth. It felt like forever since she had been able to breathe fresh air. Even though this was still a room, it teemed with life and brought her a feeling of peace.

Curling up in the leaves of the tree, Ava drifted off. 

"Ava!" Warren called.  "

Warren?!"  She called back.

"Ava!"

In an instant, she woke, and a sharp pain in her neck radiated.  On the ground near the door awaited the soldier, Peter, from yesterday.  He put a small device in his pocket,  and reached out his hand. 

  Rolling her eyes, Ava murmured.  "Oh no, here we go again."

She resisted the urge to go back to sleep, and was about to stretch a little when another sharp pain rand near the base of her neck. "Fine!" She huffed, understanding where the pain was coming from.

She stretched out her wings, feeling confident in their ability to glide a short distance.  She jumped of the branch and let her clipped wings carry her towards Peter.   He knelt down and aloud me to drift onto his palm.  "Hello.."  He gestured, greeting me with a smile.

I hesitated and looked up at him and oddly, felt impressed to smile back.

"I'm sorry I never got to properly introduce myself.  My names Peter."  He waited, and when Ava didn't respond, he continued.
"what's yours?" He asked quietly. 

"Ava." She replied.

"Thank you, it's Beautiful." He said kindly. 

—-

This time it was an obstacle course.  All kinds of large and small obstacles scattered the room. 

'Here we go again...' Ava thought.

-----

Four weeks went by.  The tests got harder and Ava became stronger.  Every day she managed to return to the Avery and every day her wings slowly healed.  When she wasn't in the Avery, she was with Peter.  In fact, Howard was almost non existent when they were together, except when she would receive check ups.  Assistant Waters was always present for any training and tests, clip board in hand.

Ava was given an an outfit that included a black shirt and shorts with a camp vest that had her name written on it. For once in this facility she actually kind of liked having Herself addressed as Ava.

The communication became better between her and Peter.  He was actually quite nice to be around.  Ava felt safer with him, compared to the others.

—-

Finally, Ava's wing tips had fully grown back in.  It was time for flying!  She had been able to explore more of her Avery, mainly trying to find some sort of exit, but she had no luck finding anything.  However it was still a nice feeling to finally feel the air under her wings. 

She waited for Peter impatiently.  He was a little later then normal and when he came through the door Ava was quick to land on his shoulder. 

"Look at you?!" He said surprised.  "Are you ready for your big test today?" He asked cracking a smile.

"I'm ready!" Ava replied with confidence. 

"Make me proud!"

When they entered the training room, Ava gripped tightly to Peters shirt.  The room was filled with wind. She had to keep her wings tucked to prevent flying like a kite. 

"You alright?" He asked, hands reaching for Ava.  " I'm fine!" She replied.  He nodded and put his hands back down. To stabilized herself she leaned closer into his neck.

They walked across the room where Waters stood, trying to keep his clipboard and paper from flying away.  It was rather silly to see him struggle.  Sometimes Ava pitied the poor man. 

The wind forced Waters to speak loudly.  "We need Ava to fly to that landing pad and bring back the object!" He yelled, pointing at a small black landing shelf on the highest point of the room. 

"You got that Ava?" Peter asked. 

I nodded. This was going to be cake. Of course Ava had flown in tough turbulence before and new exactly what to do.

Peter walked to the opposite side of the windy room, with hands outstretched. Ava climbed down his shoulder and leaped into his palm, crouching, ready for action.  He tossed her up into the air and Ava's wings took care of the rest. 

Beating against the storm like breeze, she pushed upwards. Her wings were strong, Ava had to thank Warren for that.  It took a bit, but she finally managed to grab hold of the platform above.

She pulled herself onto it and took a few seconds to catch her breath. But when she looked up at the 'object' her heart sank. 

"TYNON!"