A Circus Boy Returns Home

Part 16: Flying for the First Time

"Samantha, please don't tell Dick about this," Barbara pleaded with her sister-in-law. I'm embarrassed that this even happened. And please, stay away from that grove. If there's something evil there . . ."

"I've never sensed it myself," Samantha said. "In fact, I haven't been back to the sunken garden since before the twins were born."

"Sunken garden, I'm talking about the grove of trees with the circle in the center of it. Promise me, you will stay away from that place. That demon sensed in me, something I've got to deal with."

"I'm afraid it's a little late for that,' Samantha stated. "Tim left a few days ago."

"What?" Barbara eyes went wide. "You should have stopped him."

"He was concerned for you. He said your eyes turned red."

Virgil was silent during their exchange, then spoke up when he realized what he had to do. "I should be the one to investigate that area. Apparently, I am able to use magic. I could be able to tell if that is where the evil came from." Virgil at first thought he might have inadvertently opened a portal to a demonic world, but that was impossible. He had been on the Wayne property for less than a week. "Where is this grove?"

"I can show you," Barbara stated. "It's deep in the woods."

"I wish Dick and Tim were here," Samantha said. "I'm not up to this kind of intrigue. I've never dealt with a demon before."

"The demon wasn't that difficult to handle," Virgil stated. "Where that demon came from, that's the real problem."

"You don't fully understand, Tim would have handled that demon."

"How?"

"His aura," Samantha revealed. "Apparently, he was born to fight them, and even he isn't fully aware of it."

"Tim?"

"Yes, but this time, I don't know what will happen if that demon returns."

"Let's hope we don't find out."

TTTTT

"Looks like this is going to work. Are you ready for your debut?" Dick asked his brother.

"I'm a little nervous," Tim had to admit.

"Don't worry, you'll do great. This is a special occasion and you need to be part of this act."

Dick and Tim were waiting at the entrance to the big top, waiting for their names to be called. Once again, eyes were upon the pair, this time, eyes that were friendlier and awaited what was coming. Those particular unfriendly eyes stood farther in the shadows so as not to be seen.

"Ladies and Gentleman!" the ring master began his announcement. "Now that our lovely lady and her father are safely out of the lion's den, cast your eyes up to the center."

Dick patted Tim's shoulder and they moved toward the ring, separating on the edge of the shadow. Dick took the ladder leading up to the performer's bar, while Tim took the ladder that went up to the catcher's bar. Tim got himself situated on the catcher's bar just in time to be introduced to the audience for the first time.

"High above the ring, is none other than Richard Grayson of the Flying Grayson's." The spotlight showed Dick standing on the platform holding the performance bar. "And now ladies, and gentleman, we have a miracle! The catcher who is making his debut, Timoti Grayson! The lost son of John and Mary Grayson! The Flying Graysons live, again!"

The audience cheered, coming to their feet with a standing ovation. Tim did not expect that. He waved to the crowd then got set to catch Dick. When he was ready, Dick took off, swinging through the air. Just as Dick released the bar, Tim calculated the distance and reached out, catching Dick by his wrists. And at the same time, Dick's hands clamped onto Tim's. They did a couple of swings, and then Tim released Dick to catch the performance bar and flew back to the platform. They worked the routine they created, with Dick doing his signature quadruple flip for the finally of their routine. Once they were back on the ground, they took their bows. Tim was overwhelmed with joy to receive such adulation. The ringmaster announced their departure from the big top and mentioned they could catch the sons of the Flying Graysons at the next performance tomorrow afternoon. Theirs was the last act for the evening. Now they were free to do what they wanted.

Dick and Tim rushed to their wagon to change. Tim entered first.

"Oh my god, is that how that feels? That, that was amazing!"

Dick leaned on the open doorway smiling at his little brother. "You did it, Tim. You're a born catcher, just like Mom."

"Mom?"

"Mom always caught Dad," Dick said.

"That's right," Tim replied. "I remember. She caught your father that night. Well, what should we do now?"

"We should get showered and changed," Dick replied. "And head over to the cafeteria tent for something to eat. The kitchen will be closing down at 11:00 and we need to eat. Then we need to check the equipment before going to bed."

"Oh, that's right. You did tell me in the gym that trapeze ropes have to be traded out after so many performances because they begin to fray where the connection is, because of the swinging."

"Old ropes have to be traded out for new ones, even after transport."

"Can you show me how that's done?"

"Sure, little brother, but for now, let's get changed and go eat. I'm starving."

Tim gave his big brother a wide smile, grateful that they were on speaking terms, again. And everything was right with the world, well almost everything. He hadn't heard from Samantha yet about Barbara. 'I guess it can wait until morning.'

Tim grabbed a robe and a towel and headed to the showers. Dick followed not far behind him. After getting themselves cleaned up and their performance clothes were thrown in the laundry, Tim and Dick headed to the cafeteria tent for a well-deserved end of the day meal.

Continues with Part 17