Chapter 4: Challenges Big and Small
After leaving his clothes in a secure section where he could come back for them later, he ran in the direction that people were trying to get away from. Upon reaching his destination, he saw that the cause of the commotion stood in the streets. What surprised Aaron was the instigator themselves.
A skinny canine anthro, who appeared to be the same exact species as the Beagle Boys, stood menacingly in front of the small crowd of civilians who were to paralyzed with apprehension to run. The canine was obviously male with short black hair and a stormy gray skin tone, dressed in black, including black fingerless gloves studded with small spikes, combat boots, and a light eggplant purple cape holding on by a skull clasp. The individual even has a black mask like the Beagle Boys and his only other accessory was a small hoop earring on his left ear.
"People of Duckburg, your day of reckoning is here," the black-clothed canine anthro said in a dark and dramatic voice. "For I, Black Arts Beagle, will bring down my full wrath on the Duckburg Police Department, forcing them to release my mother and brothers!"
"Oh great, another Beagle Boy. Now in Punk Rock or whatever," Aaron mumbled sarcastically to himself. "What is he even suppose to be? A pseudo-vampire?"
"That's Black Arts Beagle," Webby explained as she caught up to him and stood beside him, soon joined by the boys. "He and Ma Beagle crashed one of Uncle Scrooge's birthday party awhile back. Like his name says, he's studied black magic and he's a necromancer, though not a very good one. He's the one that summoned Duckworth back from the dead."
"So, he's a poser?" the humanoid inquired which caused the four young anthros to giggle.
"Basically!" Louie guffawed.
"Alright, stay here," the young Kree stated firmly as he began striding over there.
No sooner was Aaron a few feet in front of him did the dark Beagle Boy notice and asked in a threatening and haughty voice, "And who are you?"
"The guy who's gonna help you reunite with your family," Aaron said coldly. "In jail."
Black Arts' eyes widened after a moment before narrowing in hatred, "It's you! You're the one who threw them in jail! This day just keeps getting better! I'll defeat you, free my family, and prove that I, Black Arts Bea-"
He never got the chance to finish his sentence as the auburn-haired young man delivered kick that sent the black magic-user flying into the gravel.
"Hey, you ruined my gloating speech of vengeance!" Black Arts managed to gasp as he shakily got to his legs.
"Then maybe you should learn to fight and talk at the same time," Aaron said acidly before launching himself at his opponent.
Despite the pain from the young Kree's kick, the dark Beagle Boy managed to roll away in time as Aaron's fist connected with the gravel. Just as he began turning to Black Arts again, the criminal in question pulled out a pitch black orb and threw it onto the ground, creating a mist of ash gray smoke that expanded ominously quickly. Remembering his training, Aaron stood still and closed his eyes, waiting and listening. It paid off when he felt a presence behind him. Striking out with a punch, he heard the black magic-user grunt in surprise and pain.
"H-How did you know?" the gray canine grunted.
"You're nothing but smoke and mirrors," Aaron spat.
Opening his eyes, he saw that he was right as Black Arts was once again on the ground, this time rubbing his mouth while staring up at the humanoid with annoyance and anger, like a stubborn schoolyard bully. Both suddenly turned when they heard the sound of police sirens, seeing three police cruisers with two police officers coming out of each cruiser. One of them was Gloria, her eyes filled with concern and fear for the humanoid along with anger towards the Beagle Boy.
Black Arts suddenly bolted up and darted past the auburn-haired young man while reaching into his cape. He pulled out a deck of cards and threw them at the law enforcers with pure viciousness. The cops, not being strangers to the danger of underestimating a criminal, took cover behind their cruisers. There choice proved right when the cards stuck onto the front of the cruisers and the asphalt of the street like shurikens. One managed to slice a tear into the older female Latina duck's pants, fortunately not drawing blood.
"Foolish non-believers," Black Arts bellowed triumphantly. "Did you really think you could stand against me?!"
Aaron was about to charge at the dark Beagle Boy, a white-hot rage he had not felt in a long time bubbling in his chest, when a flash of glimmering white, black, and red landed in front of him. He gapped at the large robotic torso and chassis and arms and lilac visored helmet with a beak sticking out sitting on a single strong-looking wheel. He caught the flash of a dark red symbol that resembled a 'G' and shooting star.
"It's Gizmoduck!" Huey proclaimed with fan-boyish glee.
"Gizmoduck?" Aaron echoed in confusion.
"This one's mine," Gizmoduck hissed in dangerous voice that was terribly familiar.
With that, the suited duck anthro charged at the black-magic user, grabbing him by the scruff of his cape and turning him to face his visor-covered face. Even with the helmet and visor themselves, both Black Arts and Aaron could tell how infuriated the mechanical-suited drake was with the criminal.
"You've crossed a dangerous line, Beagle Boy," Gizmoduck growled. "One that's gonna cross you dearly."
Pushing away a gulp of fear, Black Arts forced himself to unclasp his cape, freeing him from the mechanical-suited drake's grasp. He then used the opportunity to dash around the surprised Gizmoduck and grab onto his back, covering his visor from behind.
"Hey! Get off of me you Howldini wanna-be!" Gizmoduck snarled. "Activate Helmet-Copter!"
A small propeller extended from the helmet and began turning at full speed, lifting both anthros into the air. However, it would appear to be in futile as Black Arts hung on tight to the mechanical-suited drake. Try as he might, Gizmoduck could not dislodge the dark Beagle Boy. No twist and turn, loopy loos, or any other maneuver could get the determined criminal off of him.
Realizing the other would not be able to apprehend the criminal alone, the humanoid began fiddling with a small part of his suit located on his right forearm, muttering, "Please work, please work."
He continued fiddling with it until his suit extended to cover the area over his eyes, thankfully it had eyeholes, and a portion of the back of his head and neck but leaving his scalp untouched so his hair was not covered. But what really caught everyone's attention was the metal extending from either side of his back, shifting and shaping until they resembled jet wings but more sleek and angled. With one more tweak, Aaron was up in the air, just a few feet from the two dueling anthros. A quick thrust allowed him to get close enough to grab Black Arts by the shoulders and yank him off.
"Hey, let me go you-!" the black magic-user was about to snap when he realized just how far off the ground all three of them were. "Eeeep! Too high, too high!"
Seeing the opportunity, the young Kree said in aggressive voice, "It's over Black Arts. Do you wanna go quietly with the police to a nice, safe jail cell on the ground or do you want to keep tangoing with us in the air?"
"Okay, okay, I surrender! Just put me down, safely!" the dark Beagle Boy whimpered, all bravado and malice gone and replaced with fear and defeat.
All three landed and were greeted by the Cabrera matriarch and the five other officers who were more than happy to slap cuffs on the criminal and escort him to one of the cruisers that did not have its tires flattened by Black Arts' little card trick. No sooner did the cruiser door close on the subdued anthro did a bunch of civilians began gathering around the two do-gooders, each person cheering and giving their thanks. It was then that Aaron noticed a van that had the words NEWS on the side.
Immediately, a female duck anthro with pale blonde hair, basil green feathers, and a iris suit with a microphone in hand come up to stand beside the two males and began speaking, "Hello Duckburg, Roxanne Featherly here. I am currently standing beside two brave souls who have just apprehended a rogue Beagle Boy threatening our fair city. We all know Gizmoduck but we also seem to have a new face of heroism to stand beside him. This new arrival, who had just recently stopped a hostage situation the day before aided our beloved Gizmoduck in stopping yet another threat. Who is this alien being? We're about to find out!"
In one snap, the reported turned to the humanoid and asked, "What is your name?"
"Uh," the auburn-haired young man stuttered in confusion and panic as the mic was thrusted into his face.
Meanwhile, on the outside of the crowd, the four ducklings tried to find their way through the crowd to get to the two in the center. While the boys continued shoving, the bubblegum-clothed duckling managed to use her skills to climb and jump over the crowd. A few flips later, she landed in the small space behind Aaron before hopping to grab onto his shoulder. Carefully, the humanoid helped the former spy's daughter to sit comfortably on his shoulder.
"Your name, please," Roxanne repeated, her voice evident that she was desperate and losing patience.
"My name?" the auburn-haired young man repeated. "It's well…"
Even though he knew his suit's mask did not distinguish his face too much from his appearance without it, he did not want to give out his name for the whole town to hear. While he was certain that he could walk on the streets without the suit and still be recognized by people, he felt a bit on edge about saying his name out loud for everyone to hear and familiarize.
Webby's brow furrowed as she too tried to think of a solution, eyeing the star on his chest while wracking her brain. She then noticed that one of the people near them, a female pig anthro with a violet shirted with a magician's hat, wand, and stars on it. Another minute passed before it clicked in her head.
"Starcaster!" she exclaimed.
"I beg your pardon?" the basil female duck anthro said with puzzlement but interest.
Taking a deep breath, the female duckling repeated, "His name is Starcaster."
Turning to face the humanoid, Roxanne spoke insistently, "Really? Is that your name?"
"Yes," Aaron said without hesitation. "Yes, it is. I am Starcaster."
"And are you Gizmoduck's new partner in crime-fighting?" the adult female duck inquired.
Aaron gave the mechanical-suited drake a sideways glance and, after seeing him nod and smile, replied, "Yes, I am."
Turning back to her camera man, the reporter said, "You heard it here folks. Meet our newest addition to Duckburg's defense against crime. Starcaster!"
Soon the crowd began chanting Aaron's-Starcaster's name-in encouragement. The boys had finally made it through and were now pumping their fists in the air while chanting as well. Even Gizmoduck himself appeared to be joining in, giving the young Kree a thumbs up. The only one who wasn't was Webby who had settled with just sitting on his shoulder and smiling sweetly at him which made him smile in return. As he looked towards where the police were all getting back into their cars, he saw that Gloria had yet to leave.
"Starcaster! Starcaster! Starcaster!"
She was shooting both him and Gizmoduck a look that was a combination of what appeared to be motherly pride and concern.
And that's when Aaron's suspicions were confirmed.
Upon returning to work, Aaron prepared for the lecture he was gonna get only to be greeted with smiles from not only Ariel but all the other employees and driving students. As it turned out, the humanoid would not be penalized for being late and was told that he would, in fact, not get punished for any lateness.
"We know you got some obligations outside of work," Ariel while she gestured to the waiting room TV which was on the news channel with a wink. "Better these guys wait than get hurt or lose loved ones."
The young Kree had been flabbergasted but thankful as he continued to do his work, once again met with young adult and adolescent anthros, and a few older anthros, who were ardent to be in his presence. Once his shift ended around five, he quickly headed home which was not hard as he memorized the route. While it took a bit longer by foot, he was happy to see the Cabrera residence in what had taken him almost over ten minutes longer. He would have gotten home in lesser time but he was trying to conserve his energy.
Wait, did he just call the Cabrera house home?
Rolling that over in his head, he grabbed the spare key that was hidden under the small aloe vera plant and using it to open the door. Stepping in, he was unsurprised to find it empty except for Nutmeg who was curled up on the couch armrest. She immediately jumped off and trotted over to him with a pleasant mewl and was rewarded with a scratch behind the ears. It was then that he noticed the case still laying in the living room.
"Well Nutmeg, let's get it over with," Aaron said as he picked up the feline before closing the door behind him.
A few minutes later, dressed in a fresh amethyst colored T-shirt with an aquamarine wolf on it, khakis, and gray sneakers, his suit and case in hand, and Nutmeg on his shoulder, he exited the house while making sure to lock the door and hide the key. He was startled when he heard a close and loud car honk, causing him to twist around to see Scrooge's limo out front. One of the vehicle's windows was rolled down to reveal the richest duck in Duckburg giving him a civil smile and urging him to get in.
Obliging, the young Kree strode over, opened the door and entered the vehicle, settling his things beside him. It was then that he realized how many others were in the limo besides the Scottish drake; there were the kids, Launchpad (of course), Mrs. Beakley, and new face he hadn't met before. He appeared to be older than Launchpad but younger than Beakley, wearing what could only be a sailor's suit, hat, and an aggressively suspicious expression. No sooner did the door close did the drive begin.
"Good evening Aaron," the eldest duck said in a gentle, polite tone as he gestured to the grinning male ducklings. "I believe you've met my grandnephews; Huey, Dewey, and Louie."
The young anthros in question waved excitedly at him which seemed to make the new anthro's frown deepen.
"And this is my nephew, the boys' legal guardian, Donald Duck," the elderly adventurer gestured to the scowling younger drake. "Donald, this is Aaron. We've told you about him."
"It's a pleasure, Mr. Duck," the auburn-haired young man said with kind smile as he outstretched his own hand in greeting.
After a few tense seconds, Donald shook his hand and said, "It's nice to meet you, Aaron."
Aaron continued to smile, ignoring how the sailor-suited drake's voice sounded nearly incomprehensible. He realized that Nutmeg had now left his shoulder and was currently in Webby's lap where the bubblegum-clothed duckling was gently stroking her whilst the other three were watching with cautious wonder.
"Is that your alien cat that secretly has tentacles?" Dewey asked zealously, pointing at the small creature.
"Yup, that's my Flerken, Nutmeg," the young Kree nodded, smiling softly.
"Can we pet him?" Huey inquired enthusiastically but politely.
"Her. And yes you may," the humanoid confirmed.
All three boys immediately began gently petting the cat-like extra-terrestrial, causing the low purrs that were a result of Webby's touches to be amplified.
"She loves being petted," Aaron chuckled. "My godmother's Flerken, on the other hand, only liked being touched in short increments. Thankfully, I didn't have to learn that the hard way but the resident pet harasser did. Flerken scratches are not something to joke about."
The auburn-haired young man instantly regretted saying that when the uncle of three let out an alarmed squawk and reached over, whisking his boys away from the feline while ignoring their complaints of disappointment.
Trying to change the subject, Aaron spoke, "Anyway, she coughed up the weapons. As promised, I am giving them to you so you may hand them over to Flurry."
Beakley reached over and took the case, nodding with a knowing smile, "Thank you."
The kids stared at the case like it held their most desired wish while the sailor-suited drake stared at it like it was a rattlesnake that breathed fire.
"And I'm also guessing you might want this," the young Kree said as he hesitantly offered his suit to the richest duck in Duckburg.
Scrooge blinked in surprise at what was being offered, "What is this? Your suit? But why?"
"Well, I thought you guys would want it since it's advanced and that it would hurt someone," the humanoid shrugged guiltily.
There was paused before Aaron was surprised by the Scottish drake bursting into a fit of laughter. Everyone but Beakley seemed just surprised, including Launchpad who nearly hit a building in surprise at the unexpected burst of laughter from his employer. After a minute or so, Scrooge's laughter began to die down, leaving him gasping for breath while wiping a few tears away.
"You honestly think we were gonna take your suit after you just saved innocent people again so soon?" the eldest duck asked rhetorically before continuing. "No lad, that suit is all yours to keep doing what you're doing. And that's rounding up no-good nitwits like the Beagle Boys or anyone else who makes trouble in Duckburg."
"Really? Thank you," the young Kree said sincerely before tentatively asking. "But what about Gizmoduck?"
"Well, if the media is right about anything, it's this; Gizmoduck cannot do it alone," the richest duck in Duckburg reassured. "He needs a partner and that's you."
"Gizmoduck and Starcaster! Ultimate hero duo!" Webby crowed excitedly with the boys joining in despite still being trapped in their uncle's arms.
"We're here Mr. McD," Launchpad suddenly announced with a bright smile.
Aaron blinked as he realized that the ride had been a smooth one even though something told him it wasn't for anyone bystanders who had seen the buff drake driving. Perhaps talking was the key to getting through the sweet but unconsciously reckless driver/pilot's driving.
Stepping out, he discovered that they stood right before a large, hulking building with a golden dollar sign on it. It was then he realized that they were on a sizable chunk of land surrounded by the sea. Getting out, he began following the rest of the anthros who were heading towards the entrance, taking his suit with him as Nutmeg padded right along beside him.
"What is this place?" Aaron asked with astonishment.
"This is just Uncle Scrooge's money bin," the green-clothed triplet said nonchalantly. "It's where he keeps all his gold and stuff."
"He comes here to do meeting stuff too," the blue-clothed triplet added.
"And it's where his scientists work on the next big things for McDuck Enterprises," the red-clothed triplet put in. "Fenton's in there right now with Dr. Gearloose right now."
At the mention of his house mate and friend the humanoid smiled and quickened his steps to keep up. One long elevator ride later, the doors opened to unveil some sort of underground, or rather undersea, lab section of the bin. The windows displayed nothing but sea water, the undersea beds of sand, coral, and seaweed, and marine life. The lab itself consisted of different tools, desks, and mechanisms, all things needed to brainstorm and invent. But what really caught Aaron's attention was who was stationed at one of the desks.
A creature that had a horse's body and stone replica of Scrooge's head was wearing a lab coat while tinkering with something at one of the desks. A small little light bulb with wiry arms and legs also appeared to be watching his larger companion at work. Immediately, however, they stopped what they were doing when they registered the presence of the visitors.
"Hey Manny!" the youngest triplet greeted. "Hey Lil Bulb."
The stone-headed horse creature only waved back in response.
"Where's Fenton and Gyro?" Scrooge inquired.
As if by magic, the young intern entered the room and smiled upon seeing the group, "Hey guys!"
"Hey Fenton!" the auburn-haired young man greeted first.
Instantly, the young Latino drake was in front of his house guest and friend, asking in a concerned voice, "Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"
Surprised, Aaron shook his head "no" and asked, "I'm fine. Why?"
Fenton seemed reluctant before saying carefully, "I heard about your fight with that Beagle Boy today. Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes, he barely laid a finger on me?" the humanoid soothed. "Besides, Gizmoduck was there. I wasn't alone."
A look of flattery and relief flood the young intern's face, "Oh, good! I know Gizmoduck was there but-"
"INTERN!"
Everyone jumped as an irate looking male chicken anthro entered the lab, an angry scowl on his beak and hands on his hips. Bowing his head and hunching his shoulders in dread, Fenton approached his annoyed lead scientist. No one seemed to acknowledged the appalled look on the young Kree's face.
"Yes, Dr. Gearloose?" the young intern probed quietly.
"Did you amplify the gold magnets so they can attract silver?" Gyro demanded in irritation.
"Er, yes I did. Why?" Fenton asked, growing more nervous by the second.
"Oh, no reason except they caused one of my coin sorting robots to burst open like a pinata stuffed with dynamite!" the rooster anthro screamed. "It looks like some porcupines on caffeine punched their way out of it!"
"Hey, calm down!" the humanoid interrupted with annoyance, a glare starting to form on his face. "There's no need to yell like that."
At that moment, time seemed to freeze as everyone's heads inched slowly to turn and stare at the auburn-haired young man. The kids pressed themselves against their guardians' legs while Manny and Lil Bulb slowly lowered themselves to hide under the desk they were at.
Gyro was the first to speak, aghast voice filled with offense, "I'm sorry, what?"
"You have no business screaming. It's not gonna do any good," Aaron said in a lowered tone as he began making his way towards the two.
"And who are you?" the lead scientist inquired trying to sound bold and challenging despite hi, still being astonished that someone talked back to him.
"Gyro, this is Aaron Vellvett," Scrooge managed to get out, regaining his composure.
"He's staying with me and my mother at our house," the young Latino drake put in cautiously.
"Is that right? And what business do you have telling me how to run this lab, Mr. Vellvett?" Gyro inquired snidely.
"Funny thing, my godmother was in charge of an organization that was using an advanced power source to use for alternate energy which she then used to create light speed engines," the young Kree replied coolly as he came to stop just a few feet away from the lead scientist. "And no matter how stressed she got, she never lashed out at anyone."
"Well, this isn't the Earth you grew up on," the male chicken said snippily.
"I highly doubt that the rules of courtesy towards one's fellows are any different here," Aaron snarked back, taking several steps closer towards him.
"W-Well, that's not for you to dictate, is it?" Gyro tried to snap back, feeling panic arise as he was approached by the much taller, albeit very much younger, being. "What I do in my lab is my business."
"Then maybe it's time someone gave you some proper advice," the young Kree said coldly as he loomed over the other.
The rooster anthro couldn't help but gulp as he was stared down, forcing out a nervous chuckle without smiling while saying, "Easy there. Y-You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses, right?"
Aaron seemed to metaphorically take a step back, thinking, before he suddenly snatched the glasses of Gyro's face, eliciting gasps from everyone. Fenton looked like he would faint with terror. He then proceeded to fold them neatly before lightly bopping the male chicken anthro on the head with them before tossing them back to Gyro who fumbled to get a grip on them.
After putting them on, Gyro said with a shaky smile, "You hit me with my glasses. T-That's well-played."
Sighs of relief were heard from all around until they were cut off by the sound of a gagging. All eyes fell on the female Flerken who was heaving heavily while coughing at the same time.
"Ew, hairball!" the middle triplet groaned in disgust.
However, as a few of those present suspected, it was not hairball that erupted from Nutmeg's mouth but something else. Actually, two something else. A familiar looking cube and thin metal and square, at least to Aaron, flew out of the quadruped extraterrestrial's mouth. Leaping from his location, the young Kree landed before his pet, scooping up the two objects as she leapt onto his shoulders.
"Is that what I think it is?" Fenton gasped.
"What is it?" Gyro probed, all fear gone now replaced with scientific curiosity.
An idea struck the humanoid as he casually explained, "Oh, you mean this cube? It's just the Protoract which is the advanced alien mechanism that brought me here to your universe. It's got the same energy as the mechanism my godmother was studying."
At the mention of "advance" Gyro gulped and looked at the cube the same way a coyote would eye a unprotected piece of steak, gasping out, "And the other object?"
"Oh, this," the young Kree said as he waggled the square, pressing something on it that allowed it to emit a cyan-colored hologram featuring different algorithms, notes, and blue prints. "They're just my godmother's blueprints that she left behind plus the blue prints of Kree tech and the notes scientific advancements and inventions from Earth M."
"Whoa," the kids, Launchpad, and Fenton breathed in fascination.
Gyro didn't say anything but the wide, begging eyes and gaping beak said everything.
"It's a shame that I have to give both to Mr. McDuck and Mrs. Beakley," Aaron said in mock said tone as he slowly began handing both to the eldest duck who was holding out his hands with a sly, knowing smile of his own.
That snapped the rooster anthro out of it as he threw himself between his employer and the newcomer while screaming a desperate and panicked, "WAIT!"
Hook, line, and sinker the humanoid thought proudly.
"Aaron, right? You don't have to hand over everything, right Mr. McDuck?" the lead scientist looked at the Scottish drake pleadingly.
"Well, Beakley and I promised Flurry, our acquaintance, anything that can be used as weaponry against Duckburg," the richest duck in Duckburg stated before a cunning smile appeared. "But those blueprints, in the right hands, are not technically weapons so I'm sure that we can convince Flurry to look the other way."
"I'm positive we can," Beakley put in a controlled but determined tone. "If that's alright with you, Aaron."
"It's definitely alright with me if Gyro here promises to keep his cool and stop raising his voice at everyone, especially Fenton who will be allowed to also analyze the notes and blueprints as well," the auburn-haired young man confirmed. "It's not good for you or for anyone. My people led through fear and intimidation and it got them was war and hatred in return. I can be your friend but only if you can treat others as equals. So, deal?"
Gyro stared at Aaron's out-stretched hand for a moment before grinning and shaking it, "Deal!"
The moment that the humanoid handed the blue prints over, the male chicken hugged them close to his chest like a child would hug their favorite stuffed animal.
Having come out from beneath the desk, Manny tapped to Lil Bulb, "He's good."
Aaron turned to see Fenton giving him a grateful, astonished, and adoring smile, as he said, "Dinner's on me!"
"I still can't believe you pulled a psychological twist on Dr. Gearloose like that!" the blooming scientists laughed stood in line with the young Kree.
After leaving the male chicken to fond and get acquainted with the blue prints with Manny and Lil Bulb staying to make sure he got some sleep, Fenton, Aaron, and company to the Ram's Corner mercantile. It was a small combined restaurant and store with murals on the interior walls that depicted an ocean that shifted to a desert with a sunset on the horizon before finally changing into a starry sky filled with constellations. While half of the store looked like a café or restaurant, the other half was filled with the sort of food items and toiletries one would find at a grocery store, including a bakery, deli, and even a aisle with eco-friendly products. Since Gloria was working late, Fenton would be paying for his and Aaron's meals while Scrooge had already paid for his family's meals.
"Mar-Vell taught me a lot of things and I was quite the avid reader when I was in my pre-teens," the auburn-haired young man replied modestly. "I wasn't really gonna strike him, I was just giving him the taste of his own medicine."
"Well, I'm grateful for that but I also feel a little bad," the young intern admitted slowly. "I'm biologically older than you and it was my idea to mess with the magnets but you ended up having to fix it."
"It's no problem," Aaron insisted in a reassuring voice. "You're my friend and I'm not gonna stand by while you get demeaned."
Fenton smiled before turning to the counter as they finally arrived at the counter to get their food which they had pre-ordered while in the car, a perk of the mercantile, saying, "Hi, we're here to pick up our order. Two foot long hot dogs, both with mustard and ketchup, a pepperoni pizza with extra cheese, two glazed donuts, and two medium Peps!"
Aaron waited patiently alongside Fenton, exchanging smiles with the young Latino drake and other customers, when he saw the man bringing their food to the counter and his jaw dropped in surprise.
"Here ya are," a familiar old drake said as he brought them their food before accepting their money. "Enjoy boys!"
Both nodding in gratitude, they began to head towards a table but not before Aaron whispered in astonishment, "Stan?"
"What?" Fenton probed in confusion as they set their food down.
"That was Stan from Sugar Blush, the new sweet shop I went to with Webby today. The very same guy," the humanoid said in a half-whispered tone, gesturing discreetly.
"Huh," the young intern breathed. "You know, now that I think of it, I have seen him working at different businesses all over town. In fact, I'm pretty sure he's a janitor at the bin."
"Really? Either he's the most wanted employee in Duckburg or he really needs a lot of these jobs," Aaron murmured, a sympathetic frown on his face. "We should have given them a bigger tip."
"We will next time," the blooming young scientist nodded in understanding.
As they ate, Aaron saw the boys, who were sitting with their uncles and others at the other table where Nutmeg was napping on Launchpad's shoulder, shooting friendly smile his way which he returned with a wave. However, the moment Donald saw how the auburn-haired young man's eyes were on his nephews, he used one arm to hug them closer, causing Aaron to wince while the boys frowned in annoyance.
"I guess not everyone is happy about me being here," the humanoid said dejectedly as he turned back to his meal.
"He's just overprotective," Fenton said softly though he shot a sideways glare at Donald. "He's raised those three since they were eggs."
"Really? No wonder the guy is so jumpy," Aaron muttered. "What happened to their parents?"
The young Latino drake swallowed hard, "Well, from what I heard their mom decided to be a single parent so went through a process. But then she went missing."
"Was she kidnapped?" the humanoid whispered in alarm, praying the kids didn't hear them.
"All I was told was that she took a trip and never came back," Fenton shrugged, obviously wanting the conversation to end.
Deciding to change the subject, Aaron was quick to say, "I wish I had a brother or sister growing up. I know Mar-Vell was trying to do her best and I'm not saying the babysitters weren't good company but it felt weird being the only other Kree on Earth M."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," the blooming young scientist nodded.
There was a silent pause though it was strangely warm, not cold or tense.
"So, how long?" Aaron inquired in hushed voice so low that it was nearly unheard by the one he was addressing.
"How long what?" the young intern probed back in confusion.
"Gizmoduck," the young Kree stated knowingly.
Fenton nearly fell out of his seat but thankfully managed to keep himself from screaming, "How did you know?"
"I was trained to depend on my sense of hearing over any and then I saw the way your Mom looked at the both of us," Aaron stated simply.
The young Latino drake blinked in shock before sighing and whispering, "Several of months. Almost a year."
"And you're sure you want me fighting alongside you?" the humanoid questioned carefully.
"You've already proven you can," the blooming young scientist responded encouragingly. "This city doesn't just need people like Gizmoduck. They need something more. They need Starcaster."
Aaron couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and pride well up in his chest as they continued with dinner. As they got to their glazed donuts, the auburn-haired young man blinked as he felt a presence beside him. He turned and was greeted with the grinning face of the middle triplet.
"How come your nose isn't bruised and broken from when Ma Beagle hit you with her cane?" Dewey asked expectantly.
"Well, along with inhuman strength, Kree are also more durable and are faster healers," Aaron explained patiently.
Suddenly, Dewey's eyes drifted to the right sleeve of the humanoid's shirt and without warning, pulled it up and gasped, "Whoa, cool! You have a crescent moon-shaped scar!"
Fenton, who was about to scold the blue-clothed triplet for encroaching on Aaron's space, saw what the male duckling was looking at. A whitish-pink scar in the shape of a slim but visible waxing crescent moon marred the upper right arm of his house guest, almost reaching Aaron's shoulder and was larger than a quarter.
"How did you get that?" the young intern asked with concern that he did not bother to hide.
"Oh, this? Well, it's kind of an embarrassing story," the young Kree started as he rubbed the back of his neck with his left hand. "I was ten or eleven and I found this baby robin on the ground, just chirping. I figured it must have fallen out of the tree while trying to fly. I didn't want to leave the poor thing there and I didn't want to leave it to go get help in case a predator got to it so I did the only thing I thought was right. Picking it up and putting in my shirt pocket, I climbed the tree."
So invested in his story, none of three minded how the rest of the group came to listen.
"You think I would have found the nest when I was about six feet up but no. That robin must have either somewhat flew/fell down or been a fighter because I didn't find the nest until I was over halfway to the top," the young Kree continued. "When I found the nest, I put the robin back with its siblings and was about to climb down when I saw that the Sun was setting and the Moon and star were becoming more apparent."
Suddenly, Aaron made an embarrassed sound that was a cross between a sigh and a chuckle, "I don't know why I did but I stood on the branch and outstretched my hands towards the Moon as if I could touch it. I wanted so badly to be in the air like my mother had been. Like the Airforce pilots my godmother interacted with. Then, before I knew it, the branch broke and down I fell."
The kids and the buff drake gasped, Nutmeg only yawning and stretching, before the humanoid said to them, "I hit the ground arms first. Don't ask. When I woke up, I was in my bedroom and Mar-Vell was right beside me. When she asked what was I thinking, I just said this; I wanted to touch the sky. That was the first time she laughed and cried in front of me. Of course, she told me to never do that again. And I had a sprain wrist that healed within five days or so."
Everyone was quiet for a moment, letting that sink in before Louie loudly announced from under the table, "Look! He's got a tattoo too!"
"Louie!" Donald began to reprimand but it was too late.
Immediately, his older brothers dashed beneath the table to look as Fenton also ducked his head in attempt to scold them for once again being too invasive. He was stopped when he saw that the youngest of the Duck triplets was correct. On the inner side of the auburn-haired young man's left leg was tattoo that depicted what looked like a golden bronze sparrow with outspread wings and a indigo music note.
"When did you get that?" Huey asked.
"I got it for my seventeenth birthday," Aaron stated casually. "My godmother let me get it. It always seemed that any Earth culture that defied Kree social expectations and restrictions, she let me partake in. I got a bird because of the story and to symbolize my love for the skies. The music note was because of my love for Earth music."
"And because you can play the guitar and sing, right?" the young Latino drake added quizzically.
"You can play an instrument and sing, too?!" Webby gasped excitedly.
"Alright kids, leave him alone," the sailor-suited drake said in exasperation as he swooped up all four of the kids.
"Be honest; is your mom gonna be mad?" the young Kree asked nervously.
"Not after you tell her that story," the blooming young scientist reassured. "Besides, you got it a long time ago with the permission of your godmother."
"Though I do recommend keeping your marks from prying eyes," Beakley put in kindly and wisely to which the auburn-haired young man nodded.
Unknown to the group, someone was taking particular interest in the newcomer from afar.
In a corner with phone and a small fountain drink, Mark Beaks murmured slyly in a husky voice and a predatory grin, "Mmmm, hello hot stuff."
Sorry if Chapter 4 took too long but here it is! So yeah, Stanley Howards' name is also for Howard the Duck but he mostly resembles Stan. And Ram's Corner's name is based a little on Sam's Club but more like the mercantile from Pioneer Woman. And yes I put a Wreck-It Ralph reference in there. Anyways, I hope those of you reading enjoy this chapter and leave comments. Those who are not fans may move on but do not leave any hateful comments, please and thank you.