Soaring Eagle

Chapter 7: My Real Past

As I follow Tim through the tunnel I try to hold in the questions that are racing through my mind. Finally, I can't help it anymore and ask, "What did you mean when you said I could be myself here?"

Tim kept crawling through the tight space, "I helped Batman watch you to assess your abilities. I saw how you behaved when you were alone or with people you truly trust. I hope you trust me enough to be that version of yourself when we get where we're going."

I blush, "So how long until we get there?"

The tunnel suddenly opened into a small cavern-like room. There was a hole in the ceiling about five feet above my head. Tim points up at the hole, "That's our exit." He leaps up and catches the edge. Pulling himself out he looks down at me, "Come on."

"Uh... I can't jump that high without my wings and this room is far to small for them." I reply, staring up at him.

I see him lay flat and reach his hand down to me, "Try to reach my hand and I'll help you up."

I nod and leap up. I somehow catch his hand in mine and he hoists me out of the cavern. "Thanks, Red."

He nods, "When we get back I'm going to start helping you train so you don't rely on your wings as much." Then he gestures behind him, "But for now let's enjoy this place."

I look past him and gasp, "Wow!" We're standing on a cliff overlooking a beautiful valley that has a variety of wildflowers and, "Are those horses?" I ask pointing to the creatures grazing peacefully.

"Honestly, I have no idea. This cliff is as close as I've ever gotten." Tim replies.

"Would you like to get closer?" I ask.

"How?" asks Tim, "There's no way down. I've checked."

I laugh and spread my wings, "How about I grant you temporary flight?"

"You can do that?!" he gasps.

"Yep!" I grin pointing at him. A whirlwind of golden magic swirls around his back. When it clears he has a pair of wings the same color as his hair sprouting from the back of his uniform. "Oh and my magic prevents your clothes from getting ripped by the wings so don't worry," I add.

I take off and hover waiting for Tim to follow me but he doesn't, "Uh I don't know how to fly."

I facepalm, "Oh right." I swoop down and take his hand, "I'll help you, come on." Then I pull him into the air. Tim starts flapping his wings frantically and I laugh, "Flap less," I suggest, "The wind plus my powers allow us to fly without flapping that often. The only time we really need to flap is when hovering."

Tim stops flapping and looks up at my wings. I can tell he's studying the movement in an attempt to learn what to do. He begins to copy my movements and in a few seconds, he lets go of my hand and soars along next to me. "This is pretty cool," he admits.

"I know but the hard part will be the landing," I reply and then I go into a dive. I glance over my shoulder to see Tim following me. I level out and swing my legs forward so that I land lightly in a standing position. I turn and see Tim attempt to copy me but I can tell he's going to hurt himself so I catch him with my magic and set him down.

His wings vanish in a burst of golden sparks, "That was so cool," Tim says, then he notices me doubled over breathing hard, "Hey, are you okay?"

"I'm alright. Just tired. That spell takes a lot of magic and the longer it's in effect the more magic I use." I reply as I steady my breathing.

"Oh jeez, I'm sorry Em, I should have remembered that you aren't at full strength!" Tim exclaims.

"It's fine," I straighten up, "Besides seeing all this up close makes it worth it. Let's go check out those animals we saw."