Test Flight

The next morning was Sunday, offering the group one final respite before resuming the intense routine at EarthCorp. Tim stirred awake slowly, his mind heavy with confusion and remnants of vivid dreams. He swung his legs off the bed, planting his feet on the cool floor, and sat there momentarily, gathering his thoughts. With determination, he pushed himself up and quietly walked toward the bathroom, hoping the familiar comfort of a shower could ground him.

Gabe, who had slept lightly through the night, immediately woke upon hearing Tim's movement. Without hesitation, Gabe jumped down from his bunk and silently followed Tim to the bathroom, concern etched clearly across his face. Inside, he found Tim frozen in front of the mirror, eyes wide in shock as he stared at his transformed reflection.

"What's wrong, Tim? Are you okay?" Gabe asked gently, stepping closer but careful not to startle him.

Tim spoke hesitantly, his voice shaking with uncertainty. "It wasn't a dream, was it?"

"No, Tim," Gabe responded softly, moving close enough to place a reassuring hand on Tim's shoulder. "It wasn't."

"So, I'm really a...?" Tim's voice trailed off, as if fearful that saying the word would make it even more real.

"Yes," Gabe confirmed gently, watching Tim's expression closely.

Tim continued staring into the mirror, inspecting every detail of his new form. His reflection revealed subtle yet defined musculature in his previously lanky frame, and his once-plain eyes now held a deep, mesmerizing violet hue. His skin emitted a gentle luminescent glow. Removing his shirt, Tim cautiously extended his wings, noticing their soft pale lavender tint, smaller yet beautifully proportioned compared to Gabe and Ethan's. Even his once-bitten fingernails appeared flawlessly manicured.

Gabe smiled encouragingly. "I'll give you some privacy. If you need me, just call out, okay?"

Tim nodded, managing a small smile in return. "Thanks, Gabe."

Gabe left the bathroom door slightly ajar as he stepped out, listening for any sign Tim might need assistance. He crossed over to Ethan, who was still sleeping deeply, oblivious to the morning's revelations.

"Ethan, wake up," Gabe gently shook his shoulder.

Ethan groaned softly, stretching before finally opening his eyes. "What is it? Is Tim alright?"

"He's coping," Gabe replied reassuringly. "But listen, I need to talk to you before he comes back out here."

With a curious nod, Ethan sat up. Gabe sat next to him and began recounting Jimmy's revelations from the previous night.

"Jimmy came to me late last night," Gabe started quietly, leaning close. "He said Admiral Levine instructed him to spy on you."

Ethan's brow furrowed deeply, concern quickly surfacing. "Spy on me? Why me?"

Gabe took a slow breath before answering. "He suspects something about you is different, potentially dangerous. Jimmy doesn't want to betray us. He feels caught between loyalty and fear."

Ethan laid back on the bed, feeling heaviness in his chest. "Do you trust Jimmy?"

Gabe contemplated briefly before responding. "I do. I think he genuinely wants to change. He's had a rough life, and I believe his intentions now are sincere."

Ethan sighed deeply, his voice tinged with worry. "Things are getting complicated."

Gabe nodded solemnly. "We just need to stay alert and support each other."

After finishing their conversation, Ethan and Gabe stood and made their way into the bathroom. When they entered, Ethan spotted Tim standing near the mirror, still damp from his shower, wings rustling softly as he studied his reflection. Ethan offered Tim a subtle, reassuring smile as he passed, his gaze lingering for a brief moment. He couldn't help but notice how striking Tim had become, with his newly defined physique. Though he was still tall and thin, he had more refined features and deep purple eyes.

Ethan and Gabe showered quietly, letting the hot water wash away some of their physical and emotional tension, each lost in their own thoughts. Afterward, they dried off and dressed in comfortable silence, preparing themselves for whatever the day would bring.

Stepping back into the main dorm area, Ethan noticed Tim sitting quietly on his bed, dressed and staring thoughtfully into space. Ethan approached gently, sitting beside him with a careful, comforting presence.

"How are you holding up?" Ethan asked softly.

Tim drew a slow breath, his gaze distant but steady. "Overwhelmed, confused… but somehow stronger."

Ethan placed a reassuring hand briefly on Tim's shoulder, silently acknowledging the strength he'd already shown.

"That's good," Ethan said softly. "I was worried about you."

Gabe approached the bathroom door but could hear a private conversation taking place, so he quickly backed up. His curiosity did get the best of him, though; he leaned against the wall silently, eavesdropping. A subtle smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he listened.

Tim turned to Ethan, sincerity evident in his eyes. "Ethan, there's something I've wanted to say. You've done so much for me, more than anyone ever has. I've had feelings for you since the moment we met, but I never thought you'd ever feel the same."

Ethan's heart quickened, emotion flooding through him. He reached for Tim's hand, gripping it gently. "Tim, I do feel the same way. I'm still figuring things out, but I want to figure them out with you."

Tim smiled warmly, eyes glistening with emotion. "I'd like that."

Gabe cleared his throat gently as he entered the dorm area, smiling softly at the tender moment shared between Tim and Ethan. The three friends exchanged understanding glances, silently agreeing to continue their conversation later, and prepared to head to the mess hall to join the rest of their group for breakfast.

As they left the dorm together and made their way toward the mess hall, an easy camaraderie settled around them, comforting amidst the lingering uncertainty. Upon entering, they quickly spotted Frank, Jimmy, Eliza, Kelly, and Steph gathered at their usual table.

Their friends greeted them warmly, expressions of genuine sympathy evident in their eyes as they immediately offered heartfelt condolences to Tim, enveloping him in a quiet circle of care and support.

"Tim, we're here for you," Steph said softly, sincerity filling her voice as she hugged Tim.

Jimmy, looking noticeably uncomfortable but genuine, added, "Yeah, Tim, really sorry about your mom. I can't even imagine how tough this must be."

Tim nodded gratefully. "Thank you, everyone. Your support means a lot."

Breakfast passed with friendly banter and occasional laughter, providing Tim a momentary distraction from his grief. As the meal ended, Ethan turned to Gabe, whispering discreetly, "Tim needs to learn how to control his new abilities. Any ideas?"

Gabe nodded, already prepared. "There's a secluded spot outside, away from cameras and drones. It should be perfect."

A gentle chime resonated in Ethan's mind:

System Notification: New Assignment: Teach Timothy Crane basic flight and celestial control. Reward: 75 XP

Ethan acknowledged the assignment silently, determination filling him.

The trio excused themselves from the group, explaining that they needed some alone time. They navigated across the bustling EarthCorp campus, finally reaching a secluded, hidden clearing nestled amidst dense trees and vegetation.

"This looks safe enough," Gabe confirmed, scanning their surroundings carefully.

Ethan suddenly had an idea. "Halo, can you scan for any technology nearby and continuously monitor for drones or surveillance equipment?" he asked quietly.

"Scanning now," Halo responded calmly. "No immediate technological threats detected. Continuous monitoring initiated."

Gabe nodded approvingly. "Good thinking, Ethan. Better safe than sorry."

"Okay…," Ethan said walking up to Tim. "Its time to learn to fly."

Tim stood quietly, eyes closed, taking a deep, steadying breath and preparing himself. His fear of heights prominently at the top of his mind. He felt Ethan step closer, the warmth of his presence bringing Tim's heart to a rapid flutter. Tim opened his eyes, meeting Ethan's gaze directly, his pulse quickening at their sudden closeness. For a brief, hopeful moment, Tim believed Ethan might lean in, making this an intimate, meaningful exchange.

Ethan reached gently for the hem of Tim's shirt, slowly pulling it upward and over his head. Tim's cheeks flushed deeply as his hair passed through the top of his shirt and onto his forehead. Tim closed his eyes and readied himself, gently leaning forward when Ethan casually stepped back, neatly folding the shirt and setting it aside.

"You'll ruin your shirt if you open your wings with it on," Ethan said, completely unaware of Tim's racing heart and hopeful anticipation.

Gabe shook his head with amused disbelief, quietly laughing at Ethan's complete obliviousness to Tim's reaction. Still smiling, he gently reminded Tim as he walked over to him, "He's right, Tim. Before you unfold your wings, always remove your shirt so you don't tear it."

Tim's wings unfolded smoothly at first, then suddenly flared out, knocking Gabe backward into a bush.

"Ow! Watch the wingspan, Tim!" Gabe laughed, pulling leaves from his hair.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Tim apologized, mortified but smiling sheepishly.

Ethan chuckled. "Alright, let's start with basic movements. Try moving your wings slowly, forward and back."

Tim concentrated deeply, wings flapping awkwardly at first, causing gusts of wind that blew dirt into Ethan's face.

"Great, Tim," Ethan joked, spitting dirt out. "We might need helmets!"

They laughed, relaxed, and continued training. "Alright, Tim," Ethan began encouragingly, "your wings are smaller, so your flight will be a bit different. You won't be able to reach high altitudes easily, but low-level flight should be manageable."

Tim nodded nervously, flexing his wings cautiously. "Any pointers before I attempt this?"

Gabe laughed, patting Tim's shoulder reassuringly. "Just push off and flap gently. You're not trying to take off like a rocket."

"Easy for you to say," Tim muttered humorously, taking a deep breath. "Okay, here goes nothing."

Tim focused intensely and began flapping his wings, slowly lifting a few feet off the ground. His face lit up with excitement. "Hey! I'm flying! I'm actually fly—"

Just as he celebrated his achievement, Tim lost control, wobbling comically mid-air before plummeting face-first into a soft patch of grass.

Gabe burst out laughing, unable to contain himself. "Graceful as ever, Tim! That was the shortest flight in angel history!"

Ethan grinned, shaking his head. "Don't feel bad, Tim. Gabe literally pushed me off a cliff as my first flying lesson."

Tim stared incredulously. "Wait, what?"

"Oh yeah," Ethan continued, laughing. "We were standing on the edge of a huge ravine in Alaska. Gabe said, 'The shortcut is right down there,' then just shoved me right off. Talk about motivation!"

Gabe shrugged unapologetically, smirking. "Well, it worked, didn't it?"

Tim chuckled, feeling slightly better. "At least the grass is soft here. No cliffs, please."

Tim rolled onto his back, groaning. "Remind me again why I agreed to this?"

Ethan chuckled, kneeling beside Tim. "Okay, now let's test your healing. Concentrate on the bruises, Tim. Focus your energy."

Tim sighed, closed his eyes, and concentrated. Within moments, the scrapes and bruises faded, leaving his skin pristine once again.

"Impressive!" Gabe applauded mockingly. "Now let's aim for a flight longer than three seconds."

Tim stood back up, brushing himself off with a determined glare at Gabe. "You're enjoying this way too much."

"Just keeping you humble," Gabe smirked.

Ethan stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Tim's shoulder. "You've got this. Just relax and take your time."

Tim nodded, composed himself, and took off once more. He wobbled slightly but corrected quickly, maintaining a low, steady altitude. Gabe and Ethan cheered enthusiastically as Tim completed a circle around the clearing, landing triumphantly albeit clumsily.

"See? You're a natural," Ethan praised sincerely.

A gentle chime resonated clearly within Ethan's consciousness:

System Notification: Assignment Complete: Timothy Crane successfully trained in basic flight and celestial control. Reward: 75 XP awarded.

Tim grinned widely, catching his breath. "Thanks, but let's keep the flights low. I'd rather not draw attention.

"Agreed," Gabe laughed. "Keep it low."

Ethan and Gabe, eager to spread their wings, pulled off their shirts and leapt up to join Tim in the air. The hot sun reflected off their bodies as they playfully teased each other, trying to knock one another out of the sky.

Tim continued practicing throughout the afternoon, each attempt growing smoother and more controlled. The training session was filled with laughter, friendly teasing, and genuine encouragement, strengthening their bonds as friends and allies.

The trio was fully immersed in their training, wings extended, laughing and enjoying the newfound freedom in their hidden clearing. The air was filled with their joyful shouts and playful teasing, momentarily forgetting the constant vigilance required to conceal their true nature.

Suddenly, Halo's holographic form materialized abruptly, urgency pulsing in its voice. "Alert! Life form detected," it announced sharply.

Their laughter died instantly, replaced by a tense, stunned silence. Gabe, Ethan, and Tim spun around simultaneously, eyes widening in shock and horror as they saw Steph standing frozen at the edge of the clearing. Her eyes were wide with disbelief, mouth open in a silent gasp, her face pale as she stared openly at their fully revealed angelic forms.

For a heartbeat, no one moved or spoke, the tension palpable in the quiet. Ethan felt his chest tighten painfully as a sharp, urgent chime echoed distinctly within his mind:

System Notification: Alert: Identity revealed to a human. Penalty: 50 XP deducted.

System Status: 

User: Ethan Blade 

Current Level: Archangel Level 3

 System Mode: Training Mode (Active) Total XP: 400 of 1000 (Progress toward Archangel Level 4) (50 XP recently deducted due to identity exposure to a human.)