1 Author's Note- Hey! Sorry for the delay, enjoy~
It was nine o clock, and finally everyone had awakened. As Canard promised there was a long talk waiting the brothers.
"Sit", said WildWing as his brother found the entire team in the rec room.
"Aw man", muttered Nosedive.
"Okay now there are obviously problems here", said Canard playing the counselor. "We are going to fix them regardless of what either of you want. Now we don't expect the two of you to be all nothing's wrong about this personal topic. It's okay to upset. Now, I'm going to re-cap. Dragounous did this to distract us which means we should all be playing double duty on watch out. Although Dragounous has come dangerously close to prevailing with his new scheme, we're not going to allow that."
"Canard", shouted WildWing, "This isn't any of your business!"
"You're right", said Canard, "It's not. But I'm making it my business, as is the rest of the team. Now since I can't exactly start out anywhere in particular, I have chosen to talk about last night. Nosedive you feel up to talking?"
"No."
"Why do I even ask? Nosedive what happened last night?"
"Nothing."
"You call screaming in fright, drenched in sweat, and over exsessingly apologizing for something that probably isn't your fault nothing", barked Duke. "Are you nuts?"
Nosedive slumped back into the chair.
"That's where we'll start", said Canard, "What were you apologizing for?"
"Nothing."
"Nosedive.'
"What?"
"Truth."
Nosedive's eyes started to well up.
"You said you ruined the family", said WildWing quietly.
Nosedive looked away.
"Why are we talking about me", spat Nosedive.
"Because", said Canard, "I don't' know where to start with WildWing and I'm hoping that conversations with you are going to escalate into our problems with WildWing."
Both brothers rolled their eyes.
"Nosedive", said Canard repeating himself, "What happened last night? I mean that was the first time you talked for a while, and you were screaming in absolute terror and blaming yourself for a lot of things."
"Leave me alone", said Nosedive.
"Dive", said Canard, "I've known you two forever. Back when we were friends I couldn't force the truth out of you, therefore I didn't know about your parents hitting yall until a lot later. But guess what I'm captain now."
"You can't order me to say something", cried Nosedive.
"Try me."
"Oh my-"
"Nosedive", said Duke, "We're just trying to help. Won't it help to talk it out some?"
"I c-can't."
"Yes you can", continued Duke, "You can talk." Then after a few seconds of a pause, he added more quietly, "And you can talk without getting hit."
Nosedive perked his head up immediately and stared at Duke.
It remained a deadly uncomfortable silence for a few minutes before Nosedive started talking so quietly you almost had to strain you ears to hear him. "It's my fault."
"For what", asked Canard still remaining calm.
"Ruining the family", whispered Nosedive looking at the ground.
"Who said you ruined the family", cried WildWing in absolute disgust.
"I never brought in any happiness", said Nosedive once more, remembering his father's exact words.
"I ruined it", said Nosedive as his eyes his eyes slowly started to well up with tears. "When we ran off it was because of a fight, that was a cause of my stupidity. I'm sorry."
WildWing cursed and walked over to his brother and put his hands on his brother's shoulders.
"Nosedive", he said firmly, his brother looked up. "You listen to me. You are not the reason that all of this happened. I'm not going to lie to you and say that the fight was a not an indirect result to that fight, because it was. However I was so fed up that time that it just seemed like a good idea. If we didn't run out because of that fight, than it would have been over something else that would have sent us flying out of the house."
"I don't believe you."
"Our parents were jerks", cried WildWing shaking his brother, "Do you hear me? This was not your fault! You are a very good person! You didn't cause this! Do you hear me? How could you possibly even think something like that?"
Nosedive looked away.
"Ah", said WildWing, "You didn't think that did you?"
Nosedive wiped away tears and held back sob racks.
"Who told you that Nosedive", asked WildWing calmly.
Again no answer for the teenager.
"So that means dad right", said WildWing looking down at his brother.
Nosedive looked up at his brother, and nodded.
WildWing knelt down so they were eye to eye.
"This was not your fault! Nosedive Nicholas Flashblade you are not a screw up, that would be our father, and our mother. Not you. You are a good person, you are good! They were the losers, not you! Dive I don't know what to say to make you think otherwise, except this. I have never blamed you for that night, heck I haven't even thought that! Whenever I think about that, which isn't much, I didn't even remember who started the fight. I don't remember what incident caused it. But if I had remembered that you were the indirect cause, I would have come up to you and taken you by the shoulders."
Nosedive winced, he thought his brother was mad.
"And hugged you, and thanked you."
Nosedive had a puzzling look on his face. "What?"
"Dive I never regretted what happened. I'm glad we ran out, it was a good idea."
"Really?"
"What do you think?"
WildWing looked at Canard for it was Canard a few nights ago who had said the same words to him. WildWing winked at his best friend.
"Nosedive", said WildWing, "I have not once ever regretted running off like that. Do you hear me?"
"Liar. You probably regretted when we first moved into our apartment!"
WildWing registered what his brother had said and started laughing.
"I'm so glad you find it funny", cried Nosedive.
"Remember when we moved into our apartment Canard", said WildWing laughing, "And our boss came over?"
"Don't remind me! Actually that was probably the funniest interview in all of PuckWorld."
"Guys", said Mallory, "What happened?"
"Well", said Canard, "WildWing and I had just turned eighteen, so Nosedive was still twelve, and…mute. Anyway we were recommended to join the city's department which is a huge honor considering all of the crime up there. All we had to do was move to the city and pass the interview. So we got a run- down apartment-"
"For we didn't have much money", said WildWing.
"Yeah basically", said Canard, "My dad helped pay off for the beds and a couch but that was basically it."
"Yup one room bedroom", said WildWing,
"And that tiny little attic", said Nosedive.
"That was not an attic", said WildWing.
"Yeah well it might as well as been, for we put all of our junk in there!"
"What was it really", asked Tanya.
"Vents", replied WildWing and then quickly added, "Don't ask."
"Well anyway", said Canard, "We had just moved in, I think we lived there for a week, anyway it was the day of our interview. However to make sure we good enough for the job, the boss decided to come to us an hour early, with a few associates to see how we lived since we were only eighteen."
~Flashback~
A twelve-year-old Nosedive is on the bus coming home where a few kids give him a hard time.
"I can't believe our teacher paired us up with the new kid", cried Frank.
"I know", shouted Zed, "I can't believe we have to work with the silent kid."
Nosedive looked down.
"Maybe he's so dumb that he doesn't understand what we're saying", mocked Frank.
"We'll meet up at your house", said Zed, "Do you understand that?"
Nosedive nodded, and got off the bus, thankfully it was his stop. He walked up into the building along with another child who fat, and rude. His mother was the queen gossiper and very obnoxious, and most of all she always looked down and you and had a complaint.
"Well lookie here", said Billy, "I'm going home to MY MOMMY. I guess you don't know what's that like, do ya?"
Nosedive glared at Billy. WildWing had said no fighting, but man Nosedive just wanted to get one shot in. However Nosedive continued to walk. Billy continued to torment Nosedive about his living conditions.
"Does your brother love you or did he just feel bad for you since your parents hate you?"
Nosedive stopped dead in his tracks. No one was allowed to talk like that. Nosedive might not be allowed to fight him, but he sure as well was allowed to intimidate, which is exactly what he did. He threw his backpack off and walked over to the portly child, and flexed his muscles and hovered the brat. He started to breathe down on Billy causing Billy to run off screaming. Nosedive smiled and picked his belongings back up.
He entered an apartment that was not occupied by anyone, pure silence. "Well I'll fix that up", thought Nosedive as he turned on the T.V. and radio.
"Much better" he thought to himself. Than he noticed a note on the table.
Dear Dive,
Canard and I are going to go get some things for the apartment and maybe work a few hours in at a restaurant. We'll be back a little bit later, don't worry. Start your homework, oh yeah don't change stay in your school clothes. We have that interview today remember? Okay well thanks Dive.
Love,
WildWing
P.S. There are some snacks in the fridge.
Nosedive re-read the note and then headed toward the fridge.
~*~
"Canard", said WildWing, "I'll meet up with you later, if we split up we can get this stuff done quicker."
"Oh fine. Man I don't want to though. I'm sick of shopping."
"Don't you think I am too? Fine you big baby, you go bring these home and set them up while I finish."
"Tank you!"
"You're so annoying, you know that?"
Canard smiled and left, and headed toward the apartment. Outside his apartment he found three officers.
"Can I help you", asked Canard.
"Are you WildWing Flashblade", asked one of the officers, "Or Canard Thunderbeak?"
"Thunderbeak."
"Hi I'm Mr. Ricksay."
Canard stopped, "As in Mr. Ricksay as the dude I mean officer in charge, like our boss if we get in?"
"Yup. I decided to come early, and see how you guys live."
Canard gulped.
"No its okay don't worry. These two are other officers, this is Hendrix and Mantel."
All of the officers shook hands as Canard opened the door.
"Please don't hold anything against us", he muttered.
The walked in where the music was booming, and the T.V. was thriving. Nosedive was sitting in the kitchen eating and doing homework.
"Hey there Dive", said Canard.
Nosedive waved but did not look up. Canard turned the music and T.V. Then Nosedive looked up, and then Nosedive saw the officers causing him to flinch terribly.
"Relax Dive", said Canard, "It's okay. These dudes are going to interview us."
Nosedive brought his head up in understanding. He picked up his school books and headed towards their room.
"Hey hold up Dive", said Canard, "I want you to meet these people. This is Mr. Ricksay, this is Mr. Hendrix, and this is Mr. Mantel."
Nosedive waved. Canard put a hand on Nosedive's shoulder. "This is Nosedive."
The officers greeted him, however seemed confused when they received no response.
WildWing then walked in.
"What happened to you", asked Canard as he examined his best friend, and held back a fit of laughter.
WildWing was covered in suit, and sopping wet.
"Can it Canard", snapped WildWing. "Um hello who are you?"
Canard fell on the floor rolling with laughter. Nosedive felt bad for his brother, and so communicated to his brother who the men were.
He started moving his hands up and down and make a serious face.
"What Dive?"
Nosedive pointed at the men and then pointed at WildWing and then clasped his hands together.
WildWing eyed the men, as Nosedive pointed to the officer's stars, those meant they were officials. Then WildWing picked up.
"Canard", said WildWing, "Please tell me that these aren't the interviewers."
From the floor Canard answered, "Wish I could buddy. See I think we've already blown this so I'm just going to laugh at ourselves.
WildWing's jaw dropped open as Nosedive played mother for WildWing. He went over to his brother and took his jacket, and started WildWing on taking his shirt off.
"Don't worry boys", chuckled Ricksay, "You're doing fine. You have excellent recommendations, and your work is magnificent. Mr. Flashblade I'm Mr. Ricksay and these are my partners Hendrix, and Mantel.
"I would shake your hand", said WildWing, "But I don't think you would appreciate it with my hands all, you know."
Mr. Ricksay laughed. "Don't worry."
Nosedive took his brother's shirt from him, and then took his hand into the bedroom. Canard was still rolling on the floor with laughter.
"CANARD", hollered WildWing, "Where are my clothes?"
"You don't want to know", responded Canard.
"Aw man Canard! I don't have anymore left, my others are drying what did you do with them?"
"Don't ask, just trust me they won't be wearable for a while."
WildWing groaned and collapsed onto the bed. Nosedive walked out with his brother's shirt, and headed toward the door.
"Dive", said Canard, "Where ya off to?"
Nosedive held up the shirt.
"Laundry?"
Nosedive nodded.
"Got ya."
Nosedive departed the room.
"Well let's start this interview without your buddy", said Mr. Ricksay, "Hopefully his clothes will be dry." Then with a chuckle, "Poor guy."
All of the men took seats.
"Okay", said Mantel, "Let's start out with the kid. Who is he?"
"Nosedive."
"What's his relationship to you?"
"WildWing's brother."
"Oh wow. So what's he doing here?"
"He lives here."
"Why???"
"WildWing is the legal guardian."
"Wow. Death in the family?"
"Not quite. Child abuse, and that is all I would like to get in for now thank you."
The gentlemen nodded.
"So why doesn't he talk", asked Mantel, "That's kind of weird."
"Don't make fun", said Canard. "He talks all right, just not much. I mean he only talks to me and Wing on occasion."
"Has it always been this way?"
"No, it's a side effect of child abuse."
The men stopped as if they understood.
"Did Nosedive get back yet", called WildWing from the other room.
"Nope", yelled Canard.
"Could you go check on him?"
"Why?"
"Because something must have happened!"
"What?"
"He should have been back by now!"
"Oh come on!"
"GO! You owe me! This is your fault!"
"Oh? How do you figure that?"
"You did something to my clothes!"
"Oh yeah! Okay I'll be right back gentlemen."
Canard exited the room and quickly went after the young child.
"Flashblade", yelled Ricksay, "You have pants on?"
"Yes sir."
"Then come on out, and we'll start interviewing you."
"What?"
"It's all right, we don't mind."
"Sir please", begged WildWing.
"A little modest?"
"No but…"
"Then come on out."
WildWing dropped his head and came out of the room. The men gasped.
"My gracious", cried Hendrix, "Where did you get those marks?"
WildWing looked away, "I'd rather not say."
It was true his chest had
"Hendrix, Mantel", said Ricksay, "Why don't you go get us some food, I saw a store. Go get some cokes and chips."
The men left without hesitation.
"Sit down Flashblade", said Ricksay.
"Yes sir."
"You get those marks from your father son?"
WildWing perked his head up. "How in the world?"
"Your buddy, he's a good guy. Got into questions about that brother of yours. So you feel you can take care of him?"
"I do. I mean he's my brother and all, but I'm his brother and all get it? We both need each other, so we got to make this work."
"You worried about him?"
"Well I'm worried I'm not going to get this job. I need this job. We took a big risk moving out here, spent all of our money. If we don't get this than my brother and I have nothing, Canard can go back home to his parents, I can't."
"You're awfully young to be worried about this kind of stuff."
"True, but there's a lot of fun living with your best friend, and your brother. So it evens itself out."
"But I meant are you worried, worried about your brother?"
"You mean the whole mute thing?"
Ricksay nodded.
"Well I know why he's doing it. And he talks around me, and sometimes Canard, just not in public. He's pretty good at telling us what he wants, and we're pretty good at interpreting his thoughts and movements in the air. He's just a little shy for now. I mean he used to be loud and crazy, and I dunno. Now he just seems scared. So that scares me, but he's been making a lot of progress. He talks to me and Canard a lot more. He'll get there eventually…or so I hope."
Then Hendrix, and Mantel opened the door with the goodies.
The started chatting and eating.
"Where is Canard", muttered WildWing, "We're never going to get this job now."
Finally Canard and Nosedive walked in.
"Oh my gosh", cried WildWing as he raced over to his brother whose shirt was ripped and had a black and blue on his arm. There was dirt on his face, and all over the pieces left of his clothing. "What happened?"
"Dive got in a fight", said Canard flatly, "Can't ya tell?"
Nosedive offered his brother the shirts, but WildWing through them on the ground and started checking Nosedive over. He picked his chin up; made him turn around and then examined his bruises.
"What happened", cried WildWing.
"That Billy kid was giving Nosedive a hard time again", said Canard. "Then he started shoving him around and all, so Nosedive shoved him back. And then well…"
"Then what?"
"Well Billy swung at Dive and missed, so Nosedive got his swing and punched him", then his voice rising excitedly, "Man he flew across the laundry room! It was great! You should have seen it!"
Then WildWing staring at his friend, Canard quickly shut up.
"We're never going to hear the end of this", muttered WildWing.
"From who", asked Mantel.
"Billy's mother", chorused WildWing, and Canard.
"Boys sit down, WildWing put your shirt on", said Ricksay, "I'm going to give it to you straight. Today was a disaster."
The two teens looked at the ground.
"However", said Ricksay smiling, "You have done an excellent job in trying to replenish yourselves. You have the jobs."
The boys jumped up, "Thank You!"
After the endless thanking was done, there was a knock on the door and very high pitched voice.
"Mr. Flashblade we need to talk!"
"Guess who", said Canard.
They opened the door and found Billy's mom, or Mrs. Potter.
"Hello Mrs. Potter", groaned the boys in unison.
"Your brother", said Mrs. Potter, "Punched my Billy!"
"Well maybe your Billy shouldn't be messing with my brother."
"Are you yelling at me?"
"Not at all Mrs. Potter, quite the contrary. Your son started a fight with my brother, and my brother happened to win. It's not my fault it turned out like that."
"How dare you!"
"Mrs. Potter please we have very important guests over", chimed in Canard.
"So does that excuse your brother's behavior", snapped Mrs. Potter.
The teens sighed.
"Where is that miserable brat anyway", cried Mrs. Potter.
"He's in his room, and do not refer to my brother as a miserable brat."
"Well than get him", cried Mrs. Potter.
"Dive", called WildWing, "Can you come here a minute?"
Nosedive walked out of his room, where he found an angry Mrs. Potter.
"Get over here", cried Mrs. Potter.
"He's scared of everything" thought Ricksay, "He's scared of everything. That's what Flashblade had said, and now this lady ain't going to help none."
Mrs. Potter started screaming, as Nosedive took refuge behind his older brother.
"I have decided that you two should not be allowed to live together. WildWing you are not responsible enough to be taking care of your brother so I have informed child authorities."
Nosedive and WildWing screamed. Canard gagged on his food.
Then a man and woman walked in. "Let's go Nosedive", said the woman, "We have a family waiting for you."
Nosedive screamed and ran into his room, locking it.
"Overruled", said Ricksay, "I'm captain of the NA, and I can assure you that this boy is more than capable of taking care of his brother."
"Mr. Ricksay", said the two officers in disbelief, "Well okay than."
They soon left, leaving a ghostly pale Mrs. Potter.
"Well I never".
"Well now you have", said Canard and shoved her out the door, "Bye!"
"T-thank you" exclaimed WildWing, "T-thank you so much!"
"Don't worry about it", said Ricksay. "Now get your brother, I believe he's in there."
"Oh my gosh that's right." WildWing fled over to the bedroom, which he found locked. "Dive honey it's okay, they're gone. They can't take you my new boss, man doesn't that sound nice, told them off. Dive it's okay."
No answer.
"Nosedive", said WildWing a little firmer, "I wouldn't lie to you. Now come on out."
The door opened slowly as Nosedive peeked to make sure there wasn't a guy holding a gun to his brother's head to make him say that stuff.
Nosedive smiled and hugged his brother. Then the door was knocked on.
"Now what", muttered Canard.
"Would you all like to stay for dinner", asked WildWing. "You've done so much for us."
"I will", said Ricksay, "These two can't they have meetings to attend to. See you two later bye."
The two of them left, as two boys Nosedive's age walked in.
"Let's decide to order out", said Ricksay, "I doubt you two can cook."
The teens laughed.
"Nosedive", said Canard, "Some boys are here to work with you on a project."
Nosedive smacked his head he had forgotten about them.
"Is that your brother", asked Zed in amazement.
Nosedive shook his head, and pointed to the other one.
"Wow", said Frank, "Man look at all them muscles!"
"Whose this than", asked Zed.
"I live here", said Canard.
"Dive dude", cried Frank, "You get to live with these two?"
Nosedive nodded.
"Where are you parents", asked Frank.
WildWing stepped in, "Nosedive lives with the two of us."
The boys jaws dropped open.
"That is awesome", exclaimed Zed. "So if you get in trouble they call your brother, like this brother? Man you must have the time of your life living with these two!"
And that's basically how the night went, Nosedive made friends with Zed, and Frank who repeatedly said they were sorry for making fun of him. At the end of the night their project turned out great, the ordered out pizza was great, Ricksay was very much impressed with his new employees, which was great, and Nosedive had made friends which was really great.
"Dive", said Zed, "If anyone picks on you at school you just come to us okay?"
"Yeah", said Frank, "We'll deal with them for you okay?"
Nosedive smiled.
~Reality~
"You know what", said Nosedive, "I don't care if my father was a jerk. You guys are right."
WildWing's eyes filled with joy, "Yeah."
The brothers hugged one another.
"So do we still have a problem with Wing now", whispered Duke to Canard.
"Not a chance", replied Canard.
It was nine o clock, and finally everyone had awakened. As Canard promised there was a long talk waiting the brothers.
"Sit", said WildWing as his brother found the entire team in the rec room.
"Aw man", muttered Nosedive.
"Okay now there are obviously problems here", said Canard playing the counselor. "We are going to fix them regardless of what either of you want. Now we don't expect the two of you to be all nothing's wrong about this personal topic. It's okay to upset. Now, I'm going to re-cap. Dragounous did this to distract us which means we should all be playing double duty on watch out. Although Dragounous has come dangerously close to prevailing with his new scheme, we're not going to allow that."
"Canard", shouted WildWing, "This isn't any of your business!"
"You're right", said Canard, "It's not. But I'm making it my business, as is the rest of the team. Now since I can't exactly start out anywhere in particular, I have chosen to talk about last night. Nosedive you feel up to talking?"
"No."
"Why do I even ask? Nosedive what happened last night?"
"Nothing."
"You call screaming in fright, drenched in sweat, and over exsessingly apologizing for something that probably isn't your fault nothing", barked Duke. "Are you nuts?"
Nosedive slumped back into the chair.
"That's where we'll start", said Canard, "What were you apologizing for?"
"Nothing."
"Nosedive.'
"What?"
"Truth."
Nosedive's eyes started to well up.
"You said you ruined the family", said WildWing quietly.
Nosedive looked away.
"Why are we talking about me", spat Nosedive.
"Because", said Canard, "I don't' know where to start with WildWing and I'm hoping that conversations with you are going to escalate into our problems with WildWing."
Both brothers rolled their eyes.
"Nosedive", said Canard repeating himself, "What happened last night? I mean that was the first time you talked for a while, and you were screaming in absolute terror and blaming yourself for a lot of things."
"Leave me alone", said Nosedive.
"Dive", said Canard, "I've known you two forever. Back when we were friends I couldn't force the truth out of you, therefore I didn't know about your parents hitting yall until a lot later. But guess what I'm captain now."
"You can't order me to say something", cried Nosedive.
"Try me."
"Oh my-"
"Nosedive", said Duke, "We're just trying to help. Won't it help to talk it out some?"
"I c-can't."
"Yes you can", continued Duke, "You can talk." Then after a few seconds of a pause, he added more quietly, "And you can talk without getting hit."
Nosedive perked his head up immediately and stared at Duke.
It remained a deadly uncomfortable silence for a few minutes before Nosedive started talking so quietly you almost had to strain you ears to hear him. "It's my fault."
"For what", asked Canard still remaining calm.
"Ruining the family", whispered Nosedive looking at the ground.
"Who said you ruined the family", cried WildWing in absolute disgust.
"I never brought in any happiness", said Nosedive once more, remembering his father's exact words.
"I ruined it", said Nosedive as his eyes his eyes slowly started to well up with tears. "When we ran off it was because of a fight, that was a cause of my stupidity. I'm sorry."
WildWing cursed and walked over to his brother and put his hands on his brother's shoulders.
"Nosedive", he said firmly, his brother looked up. "You listen to me. You are not the reason that all of this happened. I'm not going to lie to you and say that the fight was a not an indirect result to that fight, because it was. However I was so fed up that time that it just seemed like a good idea. If we didn't run out because of that fight, than it would have been over something else that would have sent us flying out of the house."
"I don't believe you."
"Our parents were jerks", cried WildWing shaking his brother, "Do you hear me? This was not your fault! You are a very good person! You didn't cause this! Do you hear me? How could you possibly even think something like that?"
Nosedive looked away.
"Ah", said WildWing, "You didn't think that did you?"
Nosedive wiped away tears and held back sob racks.
"Who told you that Nosedive", asked WildWing calmly.
Again no answer for the teenager.
"So that means dad right", said WildWing looking down at his brother.
Nosedive looked up at his brother, and nodded.
WildWing knelt down so they were eye to eye.
"This was not your fault! Nosedive Nicholas Flashblade you are not a screw up, that would be our father, and our mother. Not you. You are a good person, you are good! They were the losers, not you! Dive I don't know what to say to make you think otherwise, except this. I have never blamed you for that night, heck I haven't even thought that! Whenever I think about that, which isn't much, I didn't even remember who started the fight. I don't remember what incident caused it. But if I had remembered that you were the indirect cause, I would have come up to you and taken you by the shoulders."
Nosedive winced, he thought his brother was mad.
"And hugged you, and thanked you."
Nosedive had a puzzling look on his face. "What?"
"Dive I never regretted what happened. I'm glad we ran out, it was a good idea."
"Really?"
"What do you think?"
WildWing looked at Canard for it was Canard a few nights ago who had said the same words to him. WildWing winked at his best friend.
"Nosedive", said WildWing, "I have not once ever regretted running off like that. Do you hear me?"
"Liar. You probably regretted when we first moved into our apartment!"
WildWing registered what his brother had said and started laughing.
"I'm so glad you find it funny", cried Nosedive.
"Remember when we moved into our apartment Canard", said WildWing laughing, "And our boss came over?"
"Don't remind me! Actually that was probably the funniest interview in all of PuckWorld."
"Guys", said Mallory, "What happened?"
"Well", said Canard, "WildWing and I had just turned eighteen, so Nosedive was still twelve, and…mute. Anyway we were recommended to join the city's department which is a huge honor considering all of the crime up there. All we had to do was move to the city and pass the interview. So we got a run- down apartment-"
"For we didn't have much money", said WildWing.
"Yeah basically", said Canard, "My dad helped pay off for the beds and a couch but that was basically it."
"Yup one room bedroom", said WildWing,
"And that tiny little attic", said Nosedive.
"That was not an attic", said WildWing.
"Yeah well it might as well as been, for we put all of our junk in there!"
"What was it really", asked Tanya.
"Vents", replied WildWing and then quickly added, "Don't ask."
"Well anyway", said Canard, "We had just moved in, I think we lived there for a week, anyway it was the day of our interview. However to make sure we good enough for the job, the boss decided to come to us an hour early, with a few associates to see how we lived since we were only eighteen."
~Flashback~
A twelve-year-old Nosedive is on the bus coming home where a few kids give him a hard time.
"I can't believe our teacher paired us up with the new kid", cried Frank.
"I know", shouted Zed, "I can't believe we have to work with the silent kid."
Nosedive looked down.
"Maybe he's so dumb that he doesn't understand what we're saying", mocked Frank.
"We'll meet up at your house", said Zed, "Do you understand that?"
Nosedive nodded, and got off the bus, thankfully it was his stop. He walked up into the building along with another child who fat, and rude. His mother was the queen gossiper and very obnoxious, and most of all she always looked down and you and had a complaint.
"Well lookie here", said Billy, "I'm going home to MY MOMMY. I guess you don't know what's that like, do ya?"
Nosedive glared at Billy. WildWing had said no fighting, but man Nosedive just wanted to get one shot in. However Nosedive continued to walk. Billy continued to torment Nosedive about his living conditions.
"Does your brother love you or did he just feel bad for you since your parents hate you?"
Nosedive stopped dead in his tracks. No one was allowed to talk like that. Nosedive might not be allowed to fight him, but he sure as well was allowed to intimidate, which is exactly what he did. He threw his backpack off and walked over to the portly child, and flexed his muscles and hovered the brat. He started to breathe down on Billy causing Billy to run off screaming. Nosedive smiled and picked his belongings back up.
He entered an apartment that was not occupied by anyone, pure silence. "Well I'll fix that up", thought Nosedive as he turned on the T.V. and radio.
"Much better" he thought to himself. Than he noticed a note on the table.
Dear Dive,
Canard and I are going to go get some things for the apartment and maybe work a few hours in at a restaurant. We'll be back a little bit later, don't worry. Start your homework, oh yeah don't change stay in your school clothes. We have that interview today remember? Okay well thanks Dive.
Love,
WildWing
P.S. There are some snacks in the fridge.
Nosedive re-read the note and then headed toward the fridge.
~*~
"Canard", said WildWing, "I'll meet up with you later, if we split up we can get this stuff done quicker."
"Oh fine. Man I don't want to though. I'm sick of shopping."
"Don't you think I am too? Fine you big baby, you go bring these home and set them up while I finish."
"Tank you!"
"You're so annoying, you know that?"
Canard smiled and left, and headed toward the apartment. Outside his apartment he found three officers.
"Can I help you", asked Canard.
"Are you WildWing Flashblade", asked one of the officers, "Or Canard Thunderbeak?"
"Thunderbeak."
"Hi I'm Mr. Ricksay."
Canard stopped, "As in Mr. Ricksay as the dude I mean officer in charge, like our boss if we get in?"
"Yup. I decided to come early, and see how you guys live."
Canard gulped.
"No its okay don't worry. These two are other officers, this is Hendrix and Mantel."
All of the officers shook hands as Canard opened the door.
"Please don't hold anything against us", he muttered.
The walked in where the music was booming, and the T.V. was thriving. Nosedive was sitting in the kitchen eating and doing homework.
"Hey there Dive", said Canard.
Nosedive waved but did not look up. Canard turned the music and T.V. Then Nosedive looked up, and then Nosedive saw the officers causing him to flinch terribly.
"Relax Dive", said Canard, "It's okay. These dudes are going to interview us."
Nosedive brought his head up in understanding. He picked up his school books and headed towards their room.
"Hey hold up Dive", said Canard, "I want you to meet these people. This is Mr. Ricksay, this is Mr. Hendrix, and this is Mr. Mantel."
Nosedive waved. Canard put a hand on Nosedive's shoulder. "This is Nosedive."
The officers greeted him, however seemed confused when they received no response.
WildWing then walked in.
"What happened to you", asked Canard as he examined his best friend, and held back a fit of laughter.
WildWing was covered in suit, and sopping wet.
"Can it Canard", snapped WildWing. "Um hello who are you?"
Canard fell on the floor rolling with laughter. Nosedive felt bad for his brother, and so communicated to his brother who the men were.
He started moving his hands up and down and make a serious face.
"What Dive?"
Nosedive pointed at the men and then pointed at WildWing and then clasped his hands together.
WildWing eyed the men, as Nosedive pointed to the officer's stars, those meant they were officials. Then WildWing picked up.
"Canard", said WildWing, "Please tell me that these aren't the interviewers."
From the floor Canard answered, "Wish I could buddy. See I think we've already blown this so I'm just going to laugh at ourselves.
WildWing's jaw dropped open as Nosedive played mother for WildWing. He went over to his brother and took his jacket, and started WildWing on taking his shirt off.
"Don't worry boys", chuckled Ricksay, "You're doing fine. You have excellent recommendations, and your work is magnificent. Mr. Flashblade I'm Mr. Ricksay and these are my partners Hendrix, and Mantel.
"I would shake your hand", said WildWing, "But I don't think you would appreciate it with my hands all, you know."
Mr. Ricksay laughed. "Don't worry."
Nosedive took his brother's shirt from him, and then took his hand into the bedroom. Canard was still rolling on the floor with laughter.
"CANARD", hollered WildWing, "Where are my clothes?"
"You don't want to know", responded Canard.
"Aw man Canard! I don't have anymore left, my others are drying what did you do with them?"
"Don't ask, just trust me they won't be wearable for a while."
WildWing groaned and collapsed onto the bed. Nosedive walked out with his brother's shirt, and headed toward the door.
"Dive", said Canard, "Where ya off to?"
Nosedive held up the shirt.
"Laundry?"
Nosedive nodded.
"Got ya."
Nosedive departed the room.
"Well let's start this interview without your buddy", said Mr. Ricksay, "Hopefully his clothes will be dry." Then with a chuckle, "Poor guy."
All of the men took seats.
"Okay", said Mantel, "Let's start out with the kid. Who is he?"
"Nosedive."
"What's his relationship to you?"
"WildWing's brother."
"Oh wow. So what's he doing here?"
"He lives here."
"Why???"
"WildWing is the legal guardian."
"Wow. Death in the family?"
"Not quite. Child abuse, and that is all I would like to get in for now thank you."
The gentlemen nodded.
"So why doesn't he talk", asked Mantel, "That's kind of weird."
"Don't make fun", said Canard. "He talks all right, just not much. I mean he only talks to me and Wing on occasion."
"Has it always been this way?"
"No, it's a side effect of child abuse."
The men stopped as if they understood.
"Did Nosedive get back yet", called WildWing from the other room.
"Nope", yelled Canard.
"Could you go check on him?"
"Why?"
"Because something must have happened!"
"What?"
"He should have been back by now!"
"Oh come on!"
"GO! You owe me! This is your fault!"
"Oh? How do you figure that?"
"You did something to my clothes!"
"Oh yeah! Okay I'll be right back gentlemen."
Canard exited the room and quickly went after the young child.
"Flashblade", yelled Ricksay, "You have pants on?"
"Yes sir."
"Then come on out, and we'll start interviewing you."
"What?"
"It's all right, we don't mind."
"Sir please", begged WildWing.
"A little modest?"
"No but…"
"Then come on out."
WildWing dropped his head and came out of the room. The men gasped.
"My gracious", cried Hendrix, "Where did you get those marks?"
WildWing looked away, "I'd rather not say."
It was true his chest had
"Hendrix, Mantel", said Ricksay, "Why don't you go get us some food, I saw a store. Go get some cokes and chips."
The men left without hesitation.
"Sit down Flashblade", said Ricksay.
"Yes sir."
"You get those marks from your father son?"
WildWing perked his head up. "How in the world?"
"Your buddy, he's a good guy. Got into questions about that brother of yours. So you feel you can take care of him?"
"I do. I mean he's my brother and all, but I'm his brother and all get it? We both need each other, so we got to make this work."
"You worried about him?"
"Well I'm worried I'm not going to get this job. I need this job. We took a big risk moving out here, spent all of our money. If we don't get this than my brother and I have nothing, Canard can go back home to his parents, I can't."
"You're awfully young to be worried about this kind of stuff."
"True, but there's a lot of fun living with your best friend, and your brother. So it evens itself out."
"But I meant are you worried, worried about your brother?"
"You mean the whole mute thing?"
Ricksay nodded.
"Well I know why he's doing it. And he talks around me, and sometimes Canard, just not in public. He's pretty good at telling us what he wants, and we're pretty good at interpreting his thoughts and movements in the air. He's just a little shy for now. I mean he used to be loud and crazy, and I dunno. Now he just seems scared. So that scares me, but he's been making a lot of progress. He talks to me and Canard a lot more. He'll get there eventually…or so I hope."
Then Hendrix, and Mantel opened the door with the goodies.
The started chatting and eating.
"Where is Canard", muttered WildWing, "We're never going to get this job now."
Finally Canard and Nosedive walked in.
"Oh my gosh", cried WildWing as he raced over to his brother whose shirt was ripped and had a black and blue on his arm. There was dirt on his face, and all over the pieces left of his clothing. "What happened?"
"Dive got in a fight", said Canard flatly, "Can't ya tell?"
Nosedive offered his brother the shirts, but WildWing through them on the ground and started checking Nosedive over. He picked his chin up; made him turn around and then examined his bruises.
"What happened", cried WildWing.
"That Billy kid was giving Nosedive a hard time again", said Canard. "Then he started shoving him around and all, so Nosedive shoved him back. And then well…"
"Then what?"
"Well Billy swung at Dive and missed, so Nosedive got his swing and punched him", then his voice rising excitedly, "Man he flew across the laundry room! It was great! You should have seen it!"
Then WildWing staring at his friend, Canard quickly shut up.
"We're never going to hear the end of this", muttered WildWing.
"From who", asked Mantel.
"Billy's mother", chorused WildWing, and Canard.
"Boys sit down, WildWing put your shirt on", said Ricksay, "I'm going to give it to you straight. Today was a disaster."
The two teens looked at the ground.
"However", said Ricksay smiling, "You have done an excellent job in trying to replenish yourselves. You have the jobs."
The boys jumped up, "Thank You!"
After the endless thanking was done, there was a knock on the door and very high pitched voice.
"Mr. Flashblade we need to talk!"
"Guess who", said Canard.
They opened the door and found Billy's mom, or Mrs. Potter.
"Hello Mrs. Potter", groaned the boys in unison.
"Your brother", said Mrs. Potter, "Punched my Billy!"
"Well maybe your Billy shouldn't be messing with my brother."
"Are you yelling at me?"
"Not at all Mrs. Potter, quite the contrary. Your son started a fight with my brother, and my brother happened to win. It's not my fault it turned out like that."
"How dare you!"
"Mrs. Potter please we have very important guests over", chimed in Canard.
"So does that excuse your brother's behavior", snapped Mrs. Potter.
The teens sighed.
"Where is that miserable brat anyway", cried Mrs. Potter.
"He's in his room, and do not refer to my brother as a miserable brat."
"Well than get him", cried Mrs. Potter.
"Dive", called WildWing, "Can you come here a minute?"
Nosedive walked out of his room, where he found an angry Mrs. Potter.
"Get over here", cried Mrs. Potter.
"He's scared of everything" thought Ricksay, "He's scared of everything. That's what Flashblade had said, and now this lady ain't going to help none."
Mrs. Potter started screaming, as Nosedive took refuge behind his older brother.
"I have decided that you two should not be allowed to live together. WildWing you are not responsible enough to be taking care of your brother so I have informed child authorities."
Nosedive and WildWing screamed. Canard gagged on his food.
Then a man and woman walked in. "Let's go Nosedive", said the woman, "We have a family waiting for you."
Nosedive screamed and ran into his room, locking it.
"Overruled", said Ricksay, "I'm captain of the NA, and I can assure you that this boy is more than capable of taking care of his brother."
"Mr. Ricksay", said the two officers in disbelief, "Well okay than."
They soon left, leaving a ghostly pale Mrs. Potter.
"Well I never".
"Well now you have", said Canard and shoved her out the door, "Bye!"
"T-thank you" exclaimed WildWing, "T-thank you so much!"
"Don't worry about it", said Ricksay. "Now get your brother, I believe he's in there."
"Oh my gosh that's right." WildWing fled over to the bedroom, which he found locked. "Dive honey it's okay, they're gone. They can't take you my new boss, man doesn't that sound nice, told them off. Dive it's okay."
No answer.
"Nosedive", said WildWing a little firmer, "I wouldn't lie to you. Now come on out."
The door opened slowly as Nosedive peeked to make sure there wasn't a guy holding a gun to his brother's head to make him say that stuff.
Nosedive smiled and hugged his brother. Then the door was knocked on.
"Now what", muttered Canard.
"Would you all like to stay for dinner", asked WildWing. "You've done so much for us."
"I will", said Ricksay, "These two can't they have meetings to attend to. See you two later bye."
The two of them left, as two boys Nosedive's age walked in.
"Let's decide to order out", said Ricksay, "I doubt you two can cook."
The teens laughed.
"Nosedive", said Canard, "Some boys are here to work with you on a project."
Nosedive smacked his head he had forgotten about them.
"Is that your brother", asked Zed in amazement.
Nosedive shook his head, and pointed to the other one.
"Wow", said Frank, "Man look at all them muscles!"
"Whose this than", asked Zed.
"I live here", said Canard.
"Dive dude", cried Frank, "You get to live with these two?"
Nosedive nodded.
"Where are you parents", asked Frank.
WildWing stepped in, "Nosedive lives with the two of us."
The boys jaws dropped open.
"That is awesome", exclaimed Zed. "So if you get in trouble they call your brother, like this brother? Man you must have the time of your life living with these two!"
And that's basically how the night went, Nosedive made friends with Zed, and Frank who repeatedly said they were sorry for making fun of him. At the end of the night their project turned out great, the ordered out pizza was great, Ricksay was very much impressed with his new employees, which was great, and Nosedive had made friends which was really great.
"Dive", said Zed, "If anyone picks on you at school you just come to us okay?"
"Yeah", said Frank, "We'll deal with them for you okay?"
Nosedive smiled.
~Reality~
"You know what", said Nosedive, "I don't care if my father was a jerk. You guys are right."
WildWing's eyes filled with joy, "Yeah."
The brothers hugged one another.
"So do we still have a problem with Wing now", whispered Duke to Canard.
"Not a chance", replied Canard.