Shattering Mirror - Chapter 15 sneak peek
Tim has to learn how to roller skate for a mission, that's- yeah that's the context...
Over the next couple days, Tim's roller skating skills rapidly improved, their determination fueling their progress. Hours upon hours were spent in the mobility gym, with the sounds of wheels rolling across the polished floor echoing throughout. They started by perfecting the basics: maintaining balance, gaining speed, and turning with precision. Each repetition brought greater control and confidence and a rush of adrenaline they hadn’t realised they’d been missing. An excited grin grew tugged loose their lips as all the responsibility hushed quiet at the back of their mind.
As the sun rose and set, they soon incorporated agility exercises, deftly weaving through obstacle courses, ricocheting off inclines and performing daring acrobatic maneuvers on skates. Their body moved with grace and purpose, adapting to the newfound challenges.
With a firm grasp on movement, Tim advanced to wielding various weapons. Swords sliced through the air, and bo staffs spun with deadly accuracy as they honed their skills, seamlessly blending martial prowess with the fluidity of skating.
Finally, sparring sessions with Kon put Tim's abilities to the test. Blows were exchanged, and strategies were refined, all while balancing precariously on their skates. Through trial and error, Tim quickly adapted and before the hour was up they’d successfully kicked Kryptonian butt to Jupiter and back. As Kon glared at them from the floor, they snickered with a slight feeling of pride.
“Hey,” Kon pouted, taking their hand to help him to his feet, “ don’t get cocky, I got you like twice today,”
Humming non committedly in reply, Tim didn’t point out that it was 2/37, because really who was counting? Instead, they checked the time, finding only 4 minutes until they had to be across the mountain for the final mission briefing.
A playful smile slid on their face as they powered off the combat sensors for training. “Hey Kon,” They readied themself, angling toward the door. “Race ya,”
And then Tim was out the door, speeding down the halls and leaving Kon spluttering behind them. Cackling and knowing they had mere seconds until Kon was on their tail, Tim used every shortcut they could think of and closed every door in Kon’s way.
Rounding a corner they got to a long hallway with Arsonal and Green Arrow, arguing and blocking the way. With their speed, Tim made a quick calculation as inspiration struck; Kon would win otherwise, and they were –maybe, debatably– competitive so with Newton on their side Tim gave it a shot.
They built up speed, and jumped– bracing their legs on the walls in a spilt they pointed their toes at and incline. And like holding their hand out in the wind, they rose to the ceiling –soaring over the two screeching heroes below– before they tilted down to build back speed and rocketed down the hall; using their momentum to launch off another wall and change direction around the next corner.
They could hear Kon gaining on them as the entryway to the briefing room glowed a blue light down the dimly lit hallway. With a straight shot, they left an opening for Kon, reaching for their bow staff. They hooked it in the pocket of Kon’s leather jacket when he passed, slingshotting themself into the room and across the finish line.
At the crazy speed of flying Kryptonian and then some, Tim was forced to jump the meeting table even as they skidded to a stop.
The room fell into a stunned silence as the squeal of Tim’s rubber wheels echoed off the walls. Nightwing's domino eyes widened momentarily before a smirk appeared on his face. "Looks like you had fun," he commented, amusement clear in his voice. “And you were complaining…” Tim couldn't help but return the smile with a shrug, still breathless from the exhilarating race.
Batman looked at Tim like they were the reason he was getting gray hair, giving Tim a long, suffering sigh as he gestured for them to take a seat. “I’m going to have to ban roller skates as well as skateboards in the manor.” He clicked, glaring at Dick who shrugged in response.
"We have a debriefing to start. Take your seats." He ordered, sweeping his cape in a tired way that meant Bruce was questioning why he ever had children.
Tim felt a wave of adrenaline ebb away, replaced with the familiar focus that came with the task at hand. They carefully maneuvered around the table, taking a seat beside their fellow teammates. Kon, red-faced and trying to hide a grin, settled into a chair next to Tim and Bart was vibrating in his chair on Tim’s otherside.
As everyone settled, Batman stood at the head of the table, his commanding presence filling the room. "Now that we're all here," he stated, his gaze sweeping across the assembled heroes, "let's–
Green Arrow burst into the room, giving Tim a haunted expression. “Batman! I think that one’s possessed” He accused pointing a finger, cupping his hand in a way that seemed to make him think Tim couldn’t hear he added in a whispering tone “...It can fly”
Bruce gave Tim a flat look that said ‘why are you like this?’ and Tim answered with an innocent shrug.
kianamaiart
blakekathryn
theartofmadeline
gummygunk
tangentwithtanner
yousharknotpass
titsay
