Gift of Renewed Friendship
by: Calandra Drakeler
I'm very sorry that this took so long in arriving. But I'm a junior in high school, and there's a lot of pressure to get into college and have a good GPA. So, needless to say, I had VERY little time to work on my stories. But I did the best I could, and here's the second part. Enjoy!
Chapter Two: Setting the Bait
***
Morning finally came the next day. The rays of the warm sun sped through a window, spreading its warmth across the room. The brightness of the sun stirred Jessica, making her eyes open the slightest bit. She blinked, then, after opening her eyes all the way, she stretched and yawned. She rose halfway out of bed, rubbing her eyes. She pulled the covers off of her, then sat right on the edge of the bed. Pulling one of her legs to her waist, she leaned her head against her knee. Her green eyes wandered around the room, taking in the sight of all that surrounded her. Her lips formed a small smile.
This place's not a dream, she thought. It's real. It's all real.
As happy as Jessie was at that second, it turned to a look of agony and grief again.
It's all real...like mom dying on me. Real like my dad hitting me over and over again. Real like the reality that I'll be leaving soon. Jessie sighed, covering one of her eyes with her fingers as she pressed a hand against her cheek. Is there EVER going to be a lucky break for me?
Jessica layed back down onto the bed, folding her arms across the back of her neck. She stared up at the white ceiling, thinking everything over.
"Is my life EVER going to get any easier?" Jessie said outloud, covering her face with a pillow. As quickly as she pressed the pillow against her face, she tossed it aside, onto the corner of the bed. She sat upright fast, sniffing the air like crazy. Her lips formed a big smile, reaching from cheek to cheek. "I know that smell anywhere! CHOCOLATE!!!!!"
Jessie jumped off the bed and hustled towards the door. When her foot left the ground, she heard a slight 'creaking' sound. Curious, she bent down and knocked on the ground. Hollow. Jessie grabbed the rug that covered it and pulled on it, revealing a loose square edge on the floor. She blinked, and scratched her head.
Why would they leave one of their tiles unglued?
Jessica pressed her fingers inside, pushing the tile slightly. It budged. She then pushed it all the way. Underneath the space on where the tile was previously, there was a floor. Jessie bent down, her head peaking to the hallway below her. She looked left and right, looking for any signs of people coming to or from her way. None were in sight. Nor was a sound being made. Jessie slid her legs down, one at a time, until she was hanging from the ceiling like a monkey on a tree branch. Grabbing the tile with her spare hand, Jessie re-enserted the object in its previous place, careful not to squish her fingers. She then jumped down, knees bending slightly in the proccess.
That wasn't TOO hard, Jessie thought. Now where's that chocolate?!
Jessica sniffed the air over and over, trying to pick up the scent of the dark brown sweet all of the world was addicted to. She turned over and over, trying to find the source of the sweet scent. When she turned her head to the left, she smelled the chocolate air again. This time, it was VERY strong. Stronger than when she was in her room.
Of course! How could I have been so stupid?! THE KITCHEN!
Picking up speed, Jessie raced of to the kitchen.
***
Duke poured himself a large cup of coffee. He reached out and grabbed an oval shaped bowl, filled with white crystals. The gray feathered drake hummed a song from Eric Clapton while he poured the white crystals and cream into his coffee cup, stirring the contents over and over in a repeating circle. But when he brought the cup to his beak and sipped the coffee, his face formed a look of disgust. Quickly, Duke spat the coffee into the sink, then poured the rest of the coffee in his cup in the sink as well.
"Alright! Who put salt in the sugar bowl?! And who let rancid milk stay in the fridge?!"
Nosedive looked down and stared at his waffles, snorting while he tried to hide in laughter. Duke turned his head swiftly to Dive's direction, his face forming a look of anger and annoyance. To hide the smirk on his face, Nosedive brought his glass of orange juice to his beak. The gray feathered drake tried to storm over to the teenage duck, but Wildwing held one of his arms out to stop him. Duke would've opened his beak to say something, but quickly snapped it shut again. He nodded, and smirked. Dive looked back at Duke, then at Wildwing. He scratched his head, but then shrugged and returned to eating his waffles.
As the blonde-haired drake prepared to take a second bite of his breakfast, alarms started wailing. Red flashes filled the kitchen as the alarms were screaching through the air. Wildwing pushed himself from the table and stood up.
"It's a Drake One alert!" he said.
Well, OBVIOUSLY! Dive thought, standing up as well.
The others stood up as well, annoyed that their breakfast was ruined by a blaring siren and lights blinking red over and over. They quickly left the table, silverware clattering and dishes rattling slightly by the thudering of their feet. A few minutes later, Jessica emerged from the other side of the kitchen. She looked around, then scratched her head in confusion.
That's odd, she thought. Where is everyone? And what's with the sirens and blinking red lights?
***
The six ducks raced right into the center of their headquarters, right where Drake One was blaring its alarms. Tanya immedietly sat down and began to type away at the computer's keyboard, locating the problem.
"Drake One says that we have an, um, intruder in our---kitchen?"
"But we were just there a--" Mallory stoped suddenly, then rolled her eyes. "You don't suppose that the little brat snuck in here, do you?"
"If you mean Jessica, yes," Wildwing said. "Turn of the sirens, Tanya. Let's just go back to the kitchen, everyone."
***
Jessica tapped against the kitchen table, looking off into space. Then she looked back at the waffles. After looking into both directions, she took one chocolate chip waffle. Rolling it into a burrito-like state, the young girl stuffed the entire thing into her mouth. Only chewing it for a few seconds, she swallowed the entire waffle down her throat. She layed her head back onto the table afterwards, staring at the door as she day-dreamed.
Where could those over-grown ducks have gone to? Jessie wondered. The alarms are off, as well as that awful red light. What could be keeping them?
"Mallory was right; you ARE here!" somone said.
"Who--" when Jessie turned her head around, she relaxed."Oh; it's just you guys. Nevermind then."
"So YOU'RE the reason the alarms went off!" Mallory said, hands at hips.
"So what?" Jessie asked in a non-caring tone of voice. "It's not a big deal."
Mallory's fists were clenced, shaking in its tightness. But when she tried to storm over to Jessica, Grin held her back. He shook his head, saying he was not happy with the way Mallory was behaving with their 'guest'. Wildwing also gave her a dissaprooving look. Mallory groaned, and crossed her arms across her chest. Wildwing rolled his eyes heavenward and shook his head. Duke, coughing nerviously, skidded away to the side slightly to make room for himself.
"You're hungry, eh kid?" Duke suggested. "Bet you would like some waffles, huh?"
But before Jessica could open her mouth and speak again, Mallory butted in.
"From the looks of my plate, she helped herself to some of MY waffles," she muttered loudly.
"I only took one!" Jessie insisted.
Mallory tried to open her beak to respond, Grin put a finger to the rim of her lips. He shook his head, and looked at Mallory again. She was practically fuming inside, and the fumes were getting ready to spew out of her nostrils. Wildwing grabbed her wrist and pulled her down onto the seat next to him. She crossed her arms across her chest, glaring at Jessie as she pulled her plate away from her.
Duke sighed as he piled a plate with three chocolate chip waffles. He set the plate down right in front of Jessie's eyes. She looked at the plate with glowing anticipation, hands clenching the table. When she tried to grab one of her waffles, Wildwing grabbed her wrist. He shook his head, then pointed to the silverware on each of the plate's sides. Jessie rolled her eyes heavenward, then, with great reluctance, took the fork and knife. Slowly, she started cutting her waffles, annoyed by the supervision given to her. When she was about to take her first bite, Phil entered. Quickly, even though Wildwing shook his head, she rolled the three waffles into one. After stuffing them into her mouth, she quickly chewed, then swallowed. Nosedive fought to surpress a laugh, while Duke smirked slightly. Mallory rolled her eyes heavenward, then leaned against her fist.
I'll know who to call next time the garbage disposal breaks, she thought.
"Hey Uncle!" Jessie said quickly, jumping out of her seat.
"Ah, so THIS is where you went off to. Thank goodness," Phil said, wiping his forehead with a hankerchief. "I thought something might've happened to you."
"Phil, where else could she have gone to?" Tanya asked.
"Thank you for that announcement," Phil mock thanked. "Jessie, I've got some bad news. An assosicate from the Anaheim court called me about your movement here for a last minute appointment. So, I won't be able to take you shopping today."
"But Uncle--" Jessica began to speak.
"I can take her!" Nosedive offered, jumping out of his seat. "Really, I don't mind."
"I'd preffer a grown-up going with you," Wildwing said. "Mallory, why don't you go with the two? Make sure they don't get into trouble. Besides," he smirked. "You can use your fashion knowledge and put those $5000 checks from Macy's and Forever 21 to good use."
"There is no way I am spending MY money on-" Mallory began to argue, voice raising higher with every word she spoke. But then she stopped. She sighed in surrender. "Fine. I'll babysit the two. But if they cause me any trouble, I won't be held responsible for my actions!"
Does she ever do anything else besides threaten people like me? Jessica thought.
***
Jessica stopped at the rim of Nosedive's room. She peeked her head in, getting a better view of his place. Nosedive went through his large closet as Jessie entered, looking around his place. She looked at a pile of freshly wrapped comic books stacked against a cupboard on the floor. Picking one up, she examined the cover. A man in a blue bodysuit, with a white circle surrounding a '4' in the center, looked like a living rubber band. His entire body was stretched out; even his torso. Then, there was a woman with sort hair. Jessie couldn't what her hair color was, because she HAD no color. In fact, the woman was almost....invisible. The only way she was albe to see her was because of the white lining around her body. Next, she saw a young man, covered in flames. But he wasn't screaming in terror, or looking like he was about to die. In fact, he seemed perfectly fine being a walking torch. Finally, right in the center of the of the cover, was another man. If the person in the comic cover could be CONSIDERED a man. His skin looked like granite getting ready to fall of his body; all cracked and chipped. He was a big man, and the only thing covering his body was a pair of ripped blue shorts.
The Fantasic Four, she read, looking over the characters. Strange looking heroes. What else is in this pile?
Digging through what felt like over 200 copies of Fantasic Four, Jessica found something different. A guy with green skin, and dark green hair. His eyes were purple, and so were his ripped shorts. He was also very big and muscular; almost as much as Grin was himself. He stood behind a barren wasteland, or what was left of a bad guy's fortress. He looked angry, holding in his arms a woman in ripped camolflage leggings and a white tank top, who was dead.
The Incredible Hulk, she thought. Must've been someone who he was in love with. But is there anything in here that doesn't look like it was made twenty years ago?
Jessica skimmed through the entire stack of comics, only to be dissapointed. The only comic book that gave her the slightest bit of interest was one of a woman with long, curly black hair, and a red, white and blue unitard with a gold eagle in the center; aka, Wonder Woman. Sad that nothing of interest catching her eyes, she stood up again. She looked back at Nosedive, who was still searching through his closet. When she looked at his dresser, two picture frames caught her attention. Picking one up, she examined the people inside the frame.
The first picture consisted of four alien avians, much like Nosedive himself. On the upper left, a tall male stood. He had short brown hair, the bangs combed out at each side. His eyes were a hazelish color, and his feathers were tannish peach; much like Nosedive's own feathers. At the upper right, stood a beautiful duck woman. She had beautiful chest length blonde hair, and her feathers were a creamy off-white color. The color of her eyes were a rich, deep oceanblue; exactly like Nosedive's. At the lower left was another drake. He looked exactly like Wildwing, except two or three years younger. He held in his hand a rolled up sheet of paper wrapped in ribbon, which Jessie guessed was his diploma from one of Puckworld's colleges. The navy blue square top hat and navy blue robe also gave away that indication. And at the lower right was Nosedive himself. His blonde hair tied back let a distinguised air float around him; so did his clothes. A white, long-sleeved formal shirt, with a blue vest and black neck-tie over it, the tie tucked into his vest. Jessie couldn't help but giggle.
He actually looks kind of cute in this picture, Jessie thought.
The next one caught her attention involved Nosedive with a human girl. Jessica turned it over from side to side, examining the the content of the picture and the details within it. Nosedive, dressed in a Mighty Duck jersey and blue jeans, was holding a teenage lady close to him. She appeared to be of Armenian descent, from the way her face was shaped. But her blue eyes suggested otherwise. She had light brown hair that reached down to her mid-back, with bleached streaks on certain areas. Her body build was very 'voluptuous', to put it mildly. Big breasts, small and thick waist; every man's vision of the perfect female physique. To make her figure even more noticeable, her purple low cut tank clung tightly to her torso, making her breasts larger and firmer. Her dark blue flares hugged her hips snuggly as she clung to Dive, her cheek against his.
Must be his girlfriend, Jessie figured. Pretty, but she looks snobby. And slutty too.
"Veronica."
"Huh?"
"Veronica Hasmalian," Nosedive said, returning from the closet with a small bungle in his arms. "My sweetie. But I'm sure you've already figured that out. Here." Nosedive threw the clothing item into her arms. "I think you'll be needing this."
Jessica looked at the bungle in her arms, then back at Nosedive. She unfolded the shirt in her arms, holding it against her body. The short, black contrast sleeves went very well with the white shirt. To her surprise, the garment looked as though it was just her size.
"What's with the sudden act of charity?"
"It's not charity," Dive insisted. "I haven't worn that shirt in YEARS. I like to think of it more as getting rid of waste."
"Thanks," Jessie said bluntly, turning around. "You mind?"
"Sorry," Dive said, turning around and covering his closed eyes with his hands.
Jessica turned herself around, peeling her gray sleeping shirt off her body. As she did so, Nosedive slumped against one of the posts near his bed. As Jessie was changing her shirt, he couldn't help but see the reflection of her bare back on a close-by mirrior. He had no intention on doing so, but he wasn't able to stop himself. In the process, he fought the urge to cringe in fear. His eyes were on the verge of being as wide as dinner plates, and he had the greatest of sympathy for the young girl in his room.
Jessica's back, tender and once smooth, was covered with belt buckle marks and glass cuts. Nosedive knew that she lived with an over-abusive father, but never knew until now the depth of his abuse. Something in the back of his mind told him to wrap his arms around her, hug her and do what ever he could do to try and take the pain away. But then logic broke in; told him now was not the time. Soon, the time for his compassion would be at hand. But, even though the logical side of his brain told him no, he still felt the urge to. He fought that urge, even though the proposition of compassion nagged at his head over and over.
Even though Jessica covered her scars with her borrowed shirt, Nosedive could still see through the cotton material. Though the scars and marks weren't visible through the clothing, the sight was etched into his brain. He didn't want to imagine how those ugly marks came to exist on her. Nor did he dare ask.
"Why you being so silent?" Jessica asked, rolling her jeans down to her ankles.
"No reason," Nosedive said. "Ready to head to the Mall?"
"Yeah," Jessica said.
***
Jessica leaned against Nosedive's back, her head peering over his shoulder. As they sped along one of Anaheim's roads, every car that zoomed past them seemed to have looked like nothing more than a blur. Brown hair blowing in the wind, Jessie brushed a brown lock out of her face. The daredevil she was, she leaned back to make room for her feet. Then, grabbing side rods on the bike, she leaned forward and stood up on the bike. She waved to the cars passing by, who only stared at her in awe. Nosedive scratched his head as everyone that passed by him looked at his motorcycle in dumbfoundedness.
What's causing everyone to stare at me? he wondered. Is it my hair? Or my clothes?
No sooner did he ask himself that question did he receive his answer. The corner of his eyes looked back, and the rest of his face went frozen in fear.
"WILL YOU SIT BACK DOWN?!"
When Jessica realized he was talking to her, she jumped slightly into the air, then sat down when friction forced her to. She folded her arms across her chest, fuming that her moment of fun had to end so soon.
"You--"
"Could've gotten killed; yeah, yeah, yeah," Jessie waved him off.
"If you knew, then why did you do it?!"
"I dunno," Jessie answered, shrugging her shoulders. "Just felt like it, I suppose."
This is going to be a VERY long day, Nosedive thought.
***
Mallory slipped her nubby turtleneck onto her torso, pulling on the end to stretch out any wrinkles. Grabbing her red purse, she stuffed several dollar bills into her handbag before slipping her feet into her fancy, white, back-strapped sandles. After brushing back the choppy bangs of her firey red hair, she wrapped her purse around her right shoulder. A loud whistle, which men usually used to attract women, echoed through her walls. She turned around quickly, the shocked expression on her face turning to annoyance.
"Quite a figure you have there, sweetheart."
"When were you planning on letting me know you were spying on me, Duke?"
"What can I say?" the aged drake shrugged. "Old habits die hard. Umm, shouldn't you be, oh; I don't know, going with Nosedive and that kid to the mall?"
"We leave in ten minutes," Mallory said. "Why do you ask?"
"Because the two left five minutes ago on one of the duckcycles."
"They WHAT?!"
Mallory grabbed her bike helmet and swiftly raced out the door. Duke, leaning against the wall next to Mallory's desk and mirror, chuckled lightly to himself.
"Hope her speed is a swift as her short-fused temper."
"I HEARD that, Duke!"
Duke, after blinking in surprise for one brief second, smiled sheepishly to himself.
***
Jessica remained silent throughout the remainder of the trip to the mall. Though she was ticked off at Nosedive for making sure she didn't stand on the motorcycle, she couldn't stay mad at Nosedive forever. Deep down, though she didn't want to admit it, she knew he was only trying to protect her.
Maybe I should give blondie boy a chance, she thought. He's not SO bad for an alien duck.
Her hand went onto his shoulders, squeezing them slightly. Logic told her that it was to make sure she didn't fall off, but a small part of her said it was part of an apology to Nosedive.
Nosedive smiled slightly to himself as Jessica leaned forward, laying her head on his back. He knew that she only did so to make sure she didn't fall onto the concrete street, but though he knew, he didn't want to admit to himself that he did know. He allowed himself to enjoy the touch of Jessica's hands as they squeezed his shoulders, her cheek rubbing against his back; though clothed. He loved it. And he knew it. But why?
Why do I feel this way when I'm around Jessie? Dive wondered, eyes narrowed on the road. I mean, she's a human, and at LEAST three to four years younger than me. So, why do I enjoy her company so much?
Nosedive had the motorcycle come to a halt, which jolted Jessie's body. When the motorcycle skidded to a stop, Jessica fell backwards, her back landing on the very edge of Nosedive's motorcycle. Her head hung low as she looked at the road ahead of her, seeing everything in an alternate method.
"Cool. The buildings in front look like they're standing on their heads!"
"Maybe you should set your head UP?" Nosedive suggested.
"You kidding? This is FUN!"
Great. I'm babysitting a four year old in a fourteen year old's underdeveloped body, Nosedive through, his cheek resting on his balled up fist. "So, why don't you just sit up, and we go shopping?"
"Shopping? Why are we here to shop?"
"Because you need new clothes, remember?"
"Oh yeah! Duh!" Jessica said, slapping her head.
My first official duty as Human Babysitter. Nosedive crossed his arms across his chest. This is COMPLETELY bogus!
***
Mallory narrowed her eyes on the road as she zoomed past all the cars along the streets, dodging passing cars from left to right. Her teeth were clenced in anger as she sped up. She didn't care if anything got crushed or ran over as she rode by. She was by far too angry to care. Her green eyes had now turned a deep blood red; darker than her own very hair.
Those no-good little BRATS. DAMN them! Mallory cursed as she continued to drive. What makes them THINK that they can get away with going on without me?! When I get my hands on BOTH of those waifs, I'll--
"GET A MOVE ON, WILL YA!!!"
Mallory blinked, and turned her head to see what all of the commotion was about. An old obese man, between his late fourties and early fifties, honked his car's horn furiously, demanding for Mallory to speed up and not hold up the traffic.
"Alright! Alright!" she screamed back at him. Men! They are so IRRITATING!
***
Jessica's dark green eyes absorbed the scenery around her as she slowly spun around on her feet, absorbing in the sights of the Anaheim Mall. Her mind was in a blaze of awe and amazement as her eyes and body wondered from store to store with Nosedive next to her. One place that amazed her the most was a store that had a classic Superman-like superhero with hair that stuck out similar to that of Elvis Presley. His large, mechanical and musical arms would flex in and out while he was contracting his robotic muscles.
"Hey; what's that joint?"
"Only the BEST comic book shop in Anaheim!" Nosedive proudly stated. "Captain Comics. I hang out there after school a lot. My two best friends Thrash and Mookey work their part time. Hey; since we're here, why don't I introduce you to them?"
"Are they punks that talk like some high-strung valley-kids?"
"No! Of course not!" Nosedive stated. You just HAD to volunteer to babysitt, DIDN'T you, Nosedive? You really ARE a knuckle-head, man! "Well, maybe. Why don't you come in and see for yourself?"
Her little and embryonic body filled with excitment, Jessica pushed open the doors of the comic book store and raced inside. Nosedive tried to follow her, but instead, friction decided to give the blonde drake a present all of its own. When he tried to slip inside, Nosedive's beak met with the fiber glass door.
"Ouff!" Nosedive screeched, his voice muffled by the contact of the glass door. "Stupid kid," he muttered to himself as he pushed himself off the glass door, wiping smeared saliva off his lips.
Nosedive just shook the event off, and gently pushed himself into the comic book store. Upon entering, he shook his head, then allowed the tips of his fingers to touch his temples. Thrash's head was buried underneath a his arms as he listened to Jessica's constant rambling. Nosedive wasn't able to hear from a far-off distance, but he could sense that Thrash was begging Jessica to shut up.
Mookie wasn't having any better luck handling Jessica's non-stop chatter, for Nosedive could see her finger's tensing up and her teeth clenching as she fought to bare the teenager's constant meandering while stacking a pile of Green Lantern comics on top of each other and preparing to sort them out.
"Okay, Jessie!" Nosedive shouted from affar. "I think they heard enough talk about how much better Star Wars is than Star Trek."
"But I wasn't even getting into the part about the lack of different species in--"
"ENOUGH!" Mookie shouted. When she saw the look of awe on Jessie's face, she put on a small and artificial smile. "We know about the differences between Star Trek and Star Wars. You don't need to explain them."
"Hey; Jess!" Nosedive pressed two dollars worth of quarters into the palm of Jessie's hand. "Why don't you keep yourself busy with a video game back there, and we'll get to your clothes in a minute?"
"But--" Jessie tried to speak.
"Go."
"Fine," she grumbled, marching off to the video game machine. "Stupid Nosedive, thinking he can boss me around just because he's older and taller than me," she muttered as she inserted a quarter into the machine slot.
Nosedive smiled sheepishly at Thrash and Mookie, rubbing the back of his neck as the two stared at him with great dissaproval. Removing his hand from his neck, Nosedive twiddled his fingers together, hands behind him.
"So, what do you think of her?" Nosedive asked, trying to sound optimistic.
"You SERIOUSLY need to choose a different girlfriend," Thrash simply stated.
"One that's not, like, midget-sized and annoying," Mookie added.
"First off, she's NOT my girlfriend!" Nosedive whispered in a snake-like hiss. "She's someone who I'm assigned to baby-sit for Phil."
"You mean--she's--that girl's--" Thrash tried to speak.
"Yes, Thrash; that's Phil's niece," Nosedive finished. "I was asked to show her around Anaheim and bring her clothes shopping. And two; even if I DID like her in a girlfriend sense, which I DON'T, I already HAVE a girlfriend. Veronica, remember?"
Thrash and Mookie looked at each other with the "Yeah, right" and "Puh-lease" expressions on each of their faces, then faced Nosedive with the very same expressions on their faces. Nosedive crossed his arms across his chest, and stared at Thrash and Mookie with annoyance and dissaproval. Refusing to argue further with his friends, Nosedive grabbed two comics that were in his file. After stuffing them into a plastic bag he abruptly grabbed from Thrash's hands, he marched off to the game that Jessica had her eyes and body senses glued against the arcade game screen. She was completly oblivious to Nosedive's antics and his staring at her back as she moved the joystick of the arcade machine from side to side, blasting at one space cruiser to another. With every starship that she bluew up made her face glow while she beamed.
"Take that, TIE fighters!" she squealed, pressing buttons next to the joystick. "No one is a match for Jessica Lockheart! Not even the Imperial Empire itself! Where's your high-and-mighty Emperor Palpantine now, huh?!"
There was obviously WAY too much sugar in those chocolate chip waffles she downed earlier this morning. "Look, Jessie? We REALLY need to get going now on the shopping thing. So, how about we leave, huh? You can return to kicking the Imperial Empire's ass later, okay?"
"Uh-huh; whatever," Jessie shrugged, obviously not paying any attention to what Nosedive had to say to her.
"Jessie, come on! I don't have time for video games!" Whoah, that is something I'd NEVER thought I'd say!
"No video games; that's nice."
"Okay; that's it! You leave me no other option!"
Unable to tolerate Jessica's lack of tolerance, Nosedive lifted her her into the air and hauled her over his shoulders. The short brunette gave a short shriek when she was hauled onto Nosedive. She immedietly began striking his back with her hands, curled up into fists. Nosedive whinced slightly when he felt her hitting his back, but the reaction was more out of annoyance than pain.
"Hit all you want, Jessie," Dive warned. "It's not gonna make any difference."
Thrash and Mookie stared at the blonde drake as he dragged the miniature-sized human out of the comic book shop. Thrash, the most surprised, continued to stare as Mookie quickly returned to her work.
"So, like, how long until you think it'll be until they're a couple?"
"A long time," Mookie stated. "A very long time. Probably at least two millenniums."
***
Chameleon sat by the bushes, sitting indian-style while doodling on the dirt covered ground around him with a stick he found lying around on the ground. He couldn't deny what he felt; he was bored. He dragged his drawing stick through the dirt again, doodling here and there to pass the time by. He sighed irritably as he dragged his stick in a horizantal pattern. Next, he made small circles in the center of yet a larger circle, slowly turning them into almond-shaped ovals.
I can't believe the nerve of the boss, Chameleon thought bitterly as he made a slash with his stick. I could be doing something USEFUL. Like...putting a bomb on the duck's secret headquarters. ANYTHING but this; spying on some teenage duck.
As Chameleon sighed irritably once more, the corner of his eye caught a sight most interesting. Highly curious, Chameleon peered through the bushes, his big red eyes bulging widely.
Either that duckie is practicing Tarzan with that human, or..... Chameleon quickly shook his head. No way that little midget could be that blonde duckie's gal. But...then again, she must be. Or else he wouldn't be carrying her like that. Chameleon's thin, lipless mouth formed a smirk. The Boss will LOVE to hear this.
***
"Will you put me down?!" Jessica demanded, pounding Nosedive's back with her miniature hands curled up into small balls.
"Only if you promise to behave yourself."
"Why do I need to promise that?"
"Because I said so."
"Make me."
"Alright." Nosedive bit his lip for a brief moment to think of a simple way to get Jessica to obey him. "Two reasons. One, if I continue to hold you like this, you'll be mocked for the rest of your life. Two, Phil will find out, and you'll be in big trouble."
Jessica remained silent for many seconds, biting her lip as she pondered a way to counter Nosedive's comments. Unfortunately, the fuel in her small yet run-on mouth had run low on fuel. Instead of countering to what Nosedive had said earlier, she merely slumped, resting her chin against his back.
"I'd counter your response, but I'm too hungry."
"Wanna go grab a bite at CPK then?"
"CPK?"
"California Pizza Kitchen," Dive confirmed, flipping her over gently so she could rest her read on his shoulder instead of her back. "I'm sure you'll like that place. They have a delicious dip and great pizzas. Their philly cheesesteak is the best, but I'll let you decide for yourself."
As Nosedive continued to escort Jessica to the pizzaria through himself as transportation, a young Armenian teenage girl stood by the back entrance. She looked at her reflection with a compact mirror while adjusting the lip gloss on her full and pouty lips. She smacked her lips together as she looked at her reflection with great egocentricity in herself.
You are one hell of a sexy bitch, the girl thought to herself as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. No man can resist your full lips. Or your beautiful head of hair. Or, most importantly...this beautiful body of a goddess, she snickered, adjusting her fur-trim of her cheetah-printed tube tank. As she did so, the glass mirror of her compact caught the image of a blonde avian. She licked her lips as she closed her compact make-up kit. And here comes my main squeeze right now. "Hey there Divey-poo!" the voluptious Armenian girl waved, twiddling her fingers as she bashed a flirt- like smile as well as impudent eye-batting.
"Hey Veronica!" Dive called out. "Jessie, do you mind if we make a quick stop for a few minutes? You know; so I can give a quick 'hi' and 'whazzup' to my girlfriend and all?"
"Well, I--"
"Thanks," the blonde drake quickly said, going into a steady jog towards Veronica.
I didn't say he could! Jessie screamed in her head. Eh; what difference would it make. Like blondie boy here would listen.
Nosedive trotted towards his girlfriend, Jessica bouncing up and down from the movement. Veronica, looking at the teenage girl on his back, hid an eye twitch as she put her make-up compact back into her black purse straped around her shoulder and hanging at her right hip. She bit her lower lip gently as her left fist clenched up tightly. Her body tensed up as she felt a swish of jealousy flow through her body when the short brunette teenager tightened her grip around Nosedive's shoulders.
That better NOT be his new girlfriend! she thought bitterly.
"Hey baby," Dive said, wrapping his arms around Veronica. "I missed you."
"Not as much as I missed you," Veronica crooned, kissing Nosedive on the front of his beak. "How was that horrible summer school you had to suffer through?"
"Ugh; AWFUL," Dive grunted. "That physics teacher was basically a prison guard. And American History was awful too. But, I passed each class with an A-, so no complaints here." With that, Dive and Veronica shared another kiss. "But enough about summer school. How was your trip to Europe with your dad?"
"Fun, yet--"
"AHEM!"
Nosedive and Veronica looked up, and noticed Jessica still on Nosedive's back. Her arms were folded across her chest, and she had an irritated look on her face.
"Aren't you going to introduce ME, Dive?"
"Sorry," Nosedive said sheepishly. "Veronica, this is Jessie, my boss's niece. I'm showing her around Anaheim while she's here for the summer."
"And would that method of transportation have to include piggy-back rides?"
"HEY!"
"Okay, that's enough," Nosedive ordered, pulling Jessica off his back. "Go inside the pizzaria and wait for me there, okay? I'll be right with you."
"But--"
"I won't take long, I promise," Dive assured, wrapping his arms around Veronica.
Whatever, Jessie thought to herself while marching towards the entrance.
As she prepared to open the door, the corner of Jessica's eyes caught Nosedive and Veronica in a heavy lip lock, repeateadly giving kisses to one another. Jessica stuck her tongue out in disgust when Veronica blew a bubble with her bubble gum and Nosedive popped it with his own teeth, bringing the gum into his mouth.
That has to be the most DISGUSTING thing I've EVER seen! Before Jessica went in, a smirk went across her face. Wait a minute....all he's doing is playing kissy-face with that slut. Which means...he won't mind if I go off and explore on my own.
With that, Jessica slowly started walking in the oppposite direction. When she was sure that Nosedive wasn't looking, she ran off to the middle of the mall. While there, her eyes twinkled at the one place that had to have gave her the most interest.
A video arcade! Her eyes twinkled with over-enthusiastic joy. The dump comes through for me!
***
Mallory parked her duckcycle at the desired parking lot before slipping off and walking off to the entrance to the Mall. However, her walking was more similar to brisk marching due to her rigid stance and her clenched up teeth.
The moment if I find Nosedive and that little brat, I'm going to strangle the LIFE out of them! Her teeth let out of a hiss, which scared two teenage girls near an ice cream parlor. The NERVE of them! When I--
"Hey! Watch where you're going!"
"Why don't you go to hell!" Mallory shouted back at the blonde boy with the skateboard. "I don't need some punk telling ME what to do!"
Jeez; what a crazy bitch, the boy thought as Mallory marched off.
***
Jessica walked into the arcade, mesmerized by all of the game choices. Lights flashed brightly as two boys were blasting away at aliens at one game counsel, while an African-American boy was putting his basketball skills to use on a basketball timed game. Two girls were playing skiball at the further corner of the arcade, and a boy with black hair and bleached tips was occupying himself on a virtual skatebaord game. Everywhere in that one little corner of the mall was a different type of game. Jessica's eyes widened with great enthusiasm.
I'm in heaven! the girl thought, exploring the arcade. There must be enough video games here to satisfy even the biggest video game junkie. Only problem is...what to choose? There's like, so MANY!
Jessica looked around, her eyes absorbing all of the game counsels that any video-game fan could hope for. Turning around, she started walking backwards, staring at the glowing star-covered ceiling. The patterns and the blinking comet enchanted her small yet wide eyes, amazing her in ways that she couldn't fathom. In fact, she was so mesmerized that she didn't notice an adult man behind her as she bumped into him. The man with black hair and red streaks fell against his game counsel, the buttons having been pushed from his chin. The silver robot on the screen then froze isntantly, leaving a chinese girl with double buns free to break him to pieces. The man instantly turned around, and glared at Jessica.
"Watch where you're going, you imp!"
"Sorry, man," the girl apologized. "Didn't see ya. I'll be more careful where I step from now on." Man, is this guy a bozo or what?!
"See that you do!"
Jeez; what a jerk, Jessie thought, walking past him. Oh well, at least I know he won't be playing video games for much longer.
As Jessica walked past him, the red-streaked man went back to his arcade game. Upon noticing that he lost, he reached into his pocket to pull out more quarters. Sadly, he realized that he had no more. What was worse, the man realized that he had no wallet either. Upon turning his head to his left, he noticed Jessica pulling two single dollar bills out of a black wallet and inserting them into a coin machine. Instead of fuming or racing to the manager for a complaint or Jessica himself, he did nothing. In fact, his lips suprisingly broke into a smile. Making sure no one was paying attention to him, he walked backwards slightly. Then, knowing he was in the clear, ran outside of the arcade. He hid at the back of the building between two garbage cans, snickering slightly. A green light surrounded his body, then consumed his physical being completely. Upon being absorbed into the green light, his physique changed from tall lean, to short and hunched over. His skin turned to green, and his brown eyes turned to blood-shot red.
Chameleon, pleased with the deception he played upon the teenage brunette, brought his left wrist to his lips. Positive that no one would see him, he turned on his com unit and allowed Dragaunus's image to appear on the miniature screen.
"Well? I hope you have useful information for me this time, Chameleon. I grow tired of waiting, and my patience grows thin."
"Oh, I think you'll find this tidbit VERY useful," Chameleon smirked. "I think one of the duckies has a weakness. Related to ladies."
"Don't you think I know that?!"
"No; not the old, gray one. I mean the one with blonde hair; Wildwing's little brother. His human girlfriend's at this place. And she's got a good hand; she managed to swipe the wallet I swiped from some rich business man a few days ago."
"Interesting," Dragaunus smirked, rubbing his chin to confirm his interest. "Keep an eye on her for a while longer. She might prove useful to our plans."
"Sure thing, boss," Chameleon said.
***
Dragaunus turned off his communicator, smiling sadistically for his actions.
Soon, he thought to himself, his evil smile growing. Soon, my dreams of conquest will finally come true. Then, this world and more to come, will belong to me. The Saurian Empire will live on!
With that, Dragaunus broke out into an eerie and bone-chilling laugh that echoed throughout the walls of the Raptor.
~To Be Continued
by: Calandra Drakeler
I'm very sorry that this took so long in arriving. But I'm a junior in high school, and there's a lot of pressure to get into college and have a good GPA. So, needless to say, I had VERY little time to work on my stories. But I did the best I could, and here's the second part. Enjoy!
Chapter Two: Setting the Bait
***
Morning finally came the next day. The rays of the warm sun sped through a window, spreading its warmth across the room. The brightness of the sun stirred Jessica, making her eyes open the slightest bit. She blinked, then, after opening her eyes all the way, she stretched and yawned. She rose halfway out of bed, rubbing her eyes. She pulled the covers off of her, then sat right on the edge of the bed. Pulling one of her legs to her waist, she leaned her head against her knee. Her green eyes wandered around the room, taking in the sight of all that surrounded her. Her lips formed a small smile.
This place's not a dream, she thought. It's real. It's all real.
As happy as Jessie was at that second, it turned to a look of agony and grief again.
It's all real...like mom dying on me. Real like my dad hitting me over and over again. Real like the reality that I'll be leaving soon. Jessie sighed, covering one of her eyes with her fingers as she pressed a hand against her cheek. Is there EVER going to be a lucky break for me?
Jessica layed back down onto the bed, folding her arms across the back of her neck. She stared up at the white ceiling, thinking everything over.
"Is my life EVER going to get any easier?" Jessie said outloud, covering her face with a pillow. As quickly as she pressed the pillow against her face, she tossed it aside, onto the corner of the bed. She sat upright fast, sniffing the air like crazy. Her lips formed a big smile, reaching from cheek to cheek. "I know that smell anywhere! CHOCOLATE!!!!!"
Jessie jumped off the bed and hustled towards the door. When her foot left the ground, she heard a slight 'creaking' sound. Curious, she bent down and knocked on the ground. Hollow. Jessie grabbed the rug that covered it and pulled on it, revealing a loose square edge on the floor. She blinked, and scratched her head.
Why would they leave one of their tiles unglued?
Jessica pressed her fingers inside, pushing the tile slightly. It budged. She then pushed it all the way. Underneath the space on where the tile was previously, there was a floor. Jessie bent down, her head peaking to the hallway below her. She looked left and right, looking for any signs of people coming to or from her way. None were in sight. Nor was a sound being made. Jessie slid her legs down, one at a time, until she was hanging from the ceiling like a monkey on a tree branch. Grabbing the tile with her spare hand, Jessie re-enserted the object in its previous place, careful not to squish her fingers. She then jumped down, knees bending slightly in the proccess.
That wasn't TOO hard, Jessie thought. Now where's that chocolate?!
Jessica sniffed the air over and over, trying to pick up the scent of the dark brown sweet all of the world was addicted to. She turned over and over, trying to find the source of the sweet scent. When she turned her head to the left, she smelled the chocolate air again. This time, it was VERY strong. Stronger than when she was in her room.
Of course! How could I have been so stupid?! THE KITCHEN!
Picking up speed, Jessie raced of to the kitchen.
***
Duke poured himself a large cup of coffee. He reached out and grabbed an oval shaped bowl, filled with white crystals. The gray feathered drake hummed a song from Eric Clapton while he poured the white crystals and cream into his coffee cup, stirring the contents over and over in a repeating circle. But when he brought the cup to his beak and sipped the coffee, his face formed a look of disgust. Quickly, Duke spat the coffee into the sink, then poured the rest of the coffee in his cup in the sink as well.
"Alright! Who put salt in the sugar bowl?! And who let rancid milk stay in the fridge?!"
Nosedive looked down and stared at his waffles, snorting while he tried to hide in laughter. Duke turned his head swiftly to Dive's direction, his face forming a look of anger and annoyance. To hide the smirk on his face, Nosedive brought his glass of orange juice to his beak. The gray feathered drake tried to storm over to the teenage duck, but Wildwing held one of his arms out to stop him. Duke would've opened his beak to say something, but quickly snapped it shut again. He nodded, and smirked. Dive looked back at Duke, then at Wildwing. He scratched his head, but then shrugged and returned to eating his waffles.
As the blonde-haired drake prepared to take a second bite of his breakfast, alarms started wailing. Red flashes filled the kitchen as the alarms were screaching through the air. Wildwing pushed himself from the table and stood up.
"It's a Drake One alert!" he said.
Well, OBVIOUSLY! Dive thought, standing up as well.
The others stood up as well, annoyed that their breakfast was ruined by a blaring siren and lights blinking red over and over. They quickly left the table, silverware clattering and dishes rattling slightly by the thudering of their feet. A few minutes later, Jessica emerged from the other side of the kitchen. She looked around, then scratched her head in confusion.
That's odd, she thought. Where is everyone? And what's with the sirens and blinking red lights?
***
The six ducks raced right into the center of their headquarters, right where Drake One was blaring its alarms. Tanya immedietly sat down and began to type away at the computer's keyboard, locating the problem.
"Drake One says that we have an, um, intruder in our---kitchen?"
"But we were just there a--" Mallory stoped suddenly, then rolled her eyes. "You don't suppose that the little brat snuck in here, do you?"
"If you mean Jessica, yes," Wildwing said. "Turn of the sirens, Tanya. Let's just go back to the kitchen, everyone."
***
Jessica tapped against the kitchen table, looking off into space. Then she looked back at the waffles. After looking into both directions, she took one chocolate chip waffle. Rolling it into a burrito-like state, the young girl stuffed the entire thing into her mouth. Only chewing it for a few seconds, she swallowed the entire waffle down her throat. She layed her head back onto the table afterwards, staring at the door as she day-dreamed.
Where could those over-grown ducks have gone to? Jessie wondered. The alarms are off, as well as that awful red light. What could be keeping them?
"Mallory was right; you ARE here!" somone said.
"Who--" when Jessie turned her head around, she relaxed."Oh; it's just you guys. Nevermind then."
"So YOU'RE the reason the alarms went off!" Mallory said, hands at hips.
"So what?" Jessie asked in a non-caring tone of voice. "It's not a big deal."
Mallory's fists were clenced, shaking in its tightness. But when she tried to storm over to Jessica, Grin held her back. He shook his head, saying he was not happy with the way Mallory was behaving with their 'guest'. Wildwing also gave her a dissaprooving look. Mallory groaned, and crossed her arms across her chest. Wildwing rolled his eyes heavenward and shook his head. Duke, coughing nerviously, skidded away to the side slightly to make room for himself.
"You're hungry, eh kid?" Duke suggested. "Bet you would like some waffles, huh?"
But before Jessica could open her mouth and speak again, Mallory butted in.
"From the looks of my plate, she helped herself to some of MY waffles," she muttered loudly.
"I only took one!" Jessie insisted.
Mallory tried to open her beak to respond, Grin put a finger to the rim of her lips. He shook his head, and looked at Mallory again. She was practically fuming inside, and the fumes were getting ready to spew out of her nostrils. Wildwing grabbed her wrist and pulled her down onto the seat next to him. She crossed her arms across her chest, glaring at Jessie as she pulled her plate away from her.
Duke sighed as he piled a plate with three chocolate chip waffles. He set the plate down right in front of Jessie's eyes. She looked at the plate with glowing anticipation, hands clenching the table. When she tried to grab one of her waffles, Wildwing grabbed her wrist. He shook his head, then pointed to the silverware on each of the plate's sides. Jessie rolled her eyes heavenward, then, with great reluctance, took the fork and knife. Slowly, she started cutting her waffles, annoyed by the supervision given to her. When she was about to take her first bite, Phil entered. Quickly, even though Wildwing shook his head, she rolled the three waffles into one. After stuffing them into her mouth, she quickly chewed, then swallowed. Nosedive fought to surpress a laugh, while Duke smirked slightly. Mallory rolled her eyes heavenward, then leaned against her fist.
I'll know who to call next time the garbage disposal breaks, she thought.
"Hey Uncle!" Jessie said quickly, jumping out of her seat.
"Ah, so THIS is where you went off to. Thank goodness," Phil said, wiping his forehead with a hankerchief. "I thought something might've happened to you."
"Phil, where else could she have gone to?" Tanya asked.
"Thank you for that announcement," Phil mock thanked. "Jessie, I've got some bad news. An assosicate from the Anaheim court called me about your movement here for a last minute appointment. So, I won't be able to take you shopping today."
"But Uncle--" Jessica began to speak.
"I can take her!" Nosedive offered, jumping out of his seat. "Really, I don't mind."
"I'd preffer a grown-up going with you," Wildwing said. "Mallory, why don't you go with the two? Make sure they don't get into trouble. Besides," he smirked. "You can use your fashion knowledge and put those $5000 checks from Macy's and Forever 21 to good use."
"There is no way I am spending MY money on-" Mallory began to argue, voice raising higher with every word she spoke. But then she stopped. She sighed in surrender. "Fine. I'll babysit the two. But if they cause me any trouble, I won't be held responsible for my actions!"
Does she ever do anything else besides threaten people like me? Jessica thought.
***
Jessica stopped at the rim of Nosedive's room. She peeked her head in, getting a better view of his place. Nosedive went through his large closet as Jessie entered, looking around his place. She looked at a pile of freshly wrapped comic books stacked against a cupboard on the floor. Picking one up, she examined the cover. A man in a blue bodysuit, with a white circle surrounding a '4' in the center, looked like a living rubber band. His entire body was stretched out; even his torso. Then, there was a woman with sort hair. Jessie couldn't what her hair color was, because she HAD no color. In fact, the woman was almost....invisible. The only way she was albe to see her was because of the white lining around her body. Next, she saw a young man, covered in flames. But he wasn't screaming in terror, or looking like he was about to die. In fact, he seemed perfectly fine being a walking torch. Finally, right in the center of the of the cover, was another man. If the person in the comic cover could be CONSIDERED a man. His skin looked like granite getting ready to fall of his body; all cracked and chipped. He was a big man, and the only thing covering his body was a pair of ripped blue shorts.
The Fantasic Four, she read, looking over the characters. Strange looking heroes. What else is in this pile?
Digging through what felt like over 200 copies of Fantasic Four, Jessica found something different. A guy with green skin, and dark green hair. His eyes were purple, and so were his ripped shorts. He was also very big and muscular; almost as much as Grin was himself. He stood behind a barren wasteland, or what was left of a bad guy's fortress. He looked angry, holding in his arms a woman in ripped camolflage leggings and a white tank top, who was dead.
The Incredible Hulk, she thought. Must've been someone who he was in love with. But is there anything in here that doesn't look like it was made twenty years ago?
Jessica skimmed through the entire stack of comics, only to be dissapointed. The only comic book that gave her the slightest bit of interest was one of a woman with long, curly black hair, and a red, white and blue unitard with a gold eagle in the center; aka, Wonder Woman. Sad that nothing of interest catching her eyes, she stood up again. She looked back at Nosedive, who was still searching through his closet. When she looked at his dresser, two picture frames caught her attention. Picking one up, she examined the people inside the frame.
The first picture consisted of four alien avians, much like Nosedive himself. On the upper left, a tall male stood. He had short brown hair, the bangs combed out at each side. His eyes were a hazelish color, and his feathers were tannish peach; much like Nosedive's own feathers. At the upper right, stood a beautiful duck woman. She had beautiful chest length blonde hair, and her feathers were a creamy off-white color. The color of her eyes were a rich, deep oceanblue; exactly like Nosedive's. At the lower left was another drake. He looked exactly like Wildwing, except two or three years younger. He held in his hand a rolled up sheet of paper wrapped in ribbon, which Jessie guessed was his diploma from one of Puckworld's colleges. The navy blue square top hat and navy blue robe also gave away that indication. And at the lower right was Nosedive himself. His blonde hair tied back let a distinguised air float around him; so did his clothes. A white, long-sleeved formal shirt, with a blue vest and black neck-tie over it, the tie tucked into his vest. Jessie couldn't help but giggle.
He actually looks kind of cute in this picture, Jessie thought.
The next one caught her attention involved Nosedive with a human girl. Jessica turned it over from side to side, examining the the content of the picture and the details within it. Nosedive, dressed in a Mighty Duck jersey and blue jeans, was holding a teenage lady close to him. She appeared to be of Armenian descent, from the way her face was shaped. But her blue eyes suggested otherwise. She had light brown hair that reached down to her mid-back, with bleached streaks on certain areas. Her body build was very 'voluptuous', to put it mildly. Big breasts, small and thick waist; every man's vision of the perfect female physique. To make her figure even more noticeable, her purple low cut tank clung tightly to her torso, making her breasts larger and firmer. Her dark blue flares hugged her hips snuggly as she clung to Dive, her cheek against his.
Must be his girlfriend, Jessie figured. Pretty, but she looks snobby. And slutty too.
"Veronica."
"Huh?"
"Veronica Hasmalian," Nosedive said, returning from the closet with a small bungle in his arms. "My sweetie. But I'm sure you've already figured that out. Here." Nosedive threw the clothing item into her arms. "I think you'll be needing this."
Jessica looked at the bungle in her arms, then back at Nosedive. She unfolded the shirt in her arms, holding it against her body. The short, black contrast sleeves went very well with the white shirt. To her surprise, the garment looked as though it was just her size.
"What's with the sudden act of charity?"
"It's not charity," Dive insisted. "I haven't worn that shirt in YEARS. I like to think of it more as getting rid of waste."
"Thanks," Jessie said bluntly, turning around. "You mind?"
"Sorry," Dive said, turning around and covering his closed eyes with his hands.
Jessica turned herself around, peeling her gray sleeping shirt off her body. As she did so, Nosedive slumped against one of the posts near his bed. As Jessie was changing her shirt, he couldn't help but see the reflection of her bare back on a close-by mirrior. He had no intention on doing so, but he wasn't able to stop himself. In the process, he fought the urge to cringe in fear. His eyes were on the verge of being as wide as dinner plates, and he had the greatest of sympathy for the young girl in his room.
Jessica's back, tender and once smooth, was covered with belt buckle marks and glass cuts. Nosedive knew that she lived with an over-abusive father, but never knew until now the depth of his abuse. Something in the back of his mind told him to wrap his arms around her, hug her and do what ever he could do to try and take the pain away. But then logic broke in; told him now was not the time. Soon, the time for his compassion would be at hand. But, even though the logical side of his brain told him no, he still felt the urge to. He fought that urge, even though the proposition of compassion nagged at his head over and over.
Even though Jessica covered her scars with her borrowed shirt, Nosedive could still see through the cotton material. Though the scars and marks weren't visible through the clothing, the sight was etched into his brain. He didn't want to imagine how those ugly marks came to exist on her. Nor did he dare ask.
"Why you being so silent?" Jessica asked, rolling her jeans down to her ankles.
"No reason," Nosedive said. "Ready to head to the Mall?"
"Yeah," Jessica said.
***
Jessica leaned against Nosedive's back, her head peering over his shoulder. As they sped along one of Anaheim's roads, every car that zoomed past them seemed to have looked like nothing more than a blur. Brown hair blowing in the wind, Jessie brushed a brown lock out of her face. The daredevil she was, she leaned back to make room for her feet. Then, grabbing side rods on the bike, she leaned forward and stood up on the bike. She waved to the cars passing by, who only stared at her in awe. Nosedive scratched his head as everyone that passed by him looked at his motorcycle in dumbfoundedness.
What's causing everyone to stare at me? he wondered. Is it my hair? Or my clothes?
No sooner did he ask himself that question did he receive his answer. The corner of his eyes looked back, and the rest of his face went frozen in fear.
"WILL YOU SIT BACK DOWN?!"
When Jessica realized he was talking to her, she jumped slightly into the air, then sat down when friction forced her to. She folded her arms across her chest, fuming that her moment of fun had to end so soon.
"You--"
"Could've gotten killed; yeah, yeah, yeah," Jessie waved him off.
"If you knew, then why did you do it?!"
"I dunno," Jessie answered, shrugging her shoulders. "Just felt like it, I suppose."
This is going to be a VERY long day, Nosedive thought.
***
Mallory slipped her nubby turtleneck onto her torso, pulling on the end to stretch out any wrinkles. Grabbing her red purse, she stuffed several dollar bills into her handbag before slipping her feet into her fancy, white, back-strapped sandles. After brushing back the choppy bangs of her firey red hair, she wrapped her purse around her right shoulder. A loud whistle, which men usually used to attract women, echoed through her walls. She turned around quickly, the shocked expression on her face turning to annoyance.
"Quite a figure you have there, sweetheart."
"When were you planning on letting me know you were spying on me, Duke?"
"What can I say?" the aged drake shrugged. "Old habits die hard. Umm, shouldn't you be, oh; I don't know, going with Nosedive and that kid to the mall?"
"We leave in ten minutes," Mallory said. "Why do you ask?"
"Because the two left five minutes ago on one of the duckcycles."
"They WHAT?!"
Mallory grabbed her bike helmet and swiftly raced out the door. Duke, leaning against the wall next to Mallory's desk and mirror, chuckled lightly to himself.
"Hope her speed is a swift as her short-fused temper."
"I HEARD that, Duke!"
Duke, after blinking in surprise for one brief second, smiled sheepishly to himself.
***
Jessica remained silent throughout the remainder of the trip to the mall. Though she was ticked off at Nosedive for making sure she didn't stand on the motorcycle, she couldn't stay mad at Nosedive forever. Deep down, though she didn't want to admit it, she knew he was only trying to protect her.
Maybe I should give blondie boy a chance, she thought. He's not SO bad for an alien duck.
Her hand went onto his shoulders, squeezing them slightly. Logic told her that it was to make sure she didn't fall off, but a small part of her said it was part of an apology to Nosedive.
Nosedive smiled slightly to himself as Jessica leaned forward, laying her head on his back. He knew that she only did so to make sure she didn't fall onto the concrete street, but though he knew, he didn't want to admit to himself that he did know. He allowed himself to enjoy the touch of Jessica's hands as they squeezed his shoulders, her cheek rubbing against his back; though clothed. He loved it. And he knew it. But why?
Why do I feel this way when I'm around Jessie? Dive wondered, eyes narrowed on the road. I mean, she's a human, and at LEAST three to four years younger than me. So, why do I enjoy her company so much?
Nosedive had the motorcycle come to a halt, which jolted Jessie's body. When the motorcycle skidded to a stop, Jessica fell backwards, her back landing on the very edge of Nosedive's motorcycle. Her head hung low as she looked at the road ahead of her, seeing everything in an alternate method.
"Cool. The buildings in front look like they're standing on their heads!"
"Maybe you should set your head UP?" Nosedive suggested.
"You kidding? This is FUN!"
Great. I'm babysitting a four year old in a fourteen year old's underdeveloped body, Nosedive through, his cheek resting on his balled up fist. "So, why don't you just sit up, and we go shopping?"
"Shopping? Why are we here to shop?"
"Because you need new clothes, remember?"
"Oh yeah! Duh!" Jessica said, slapping her head.
My first official duty as Human Babysitter. Nosedive crossed his arms across his chest. This is COMPLETELY bogus!
***
Mallory narrowed her eyes on the road as she zoomed past all the cars along the streets, dodging passing cars from left to right. Her teeth were clenced in anger as she sped up. She didn't care if anything got crushed or ran over as she rode by. She was by far too angry to care. Her green eyes had now turned a deep blood red; darker than her own very hair.
Those no-good little BRATS. DAMN them! Mallory cursed as she continued to drive. What makes them THINK that they can get away with going on without me?! When I get my hands on BOTH of those waifs, I'll--
"GET A MOVE ON, WILL YA!!!"
Mallory blinked, and turned her head to see what all of the commotion was about. An old obese man, between his late fourties and early fifties, honked his car's horn furiously, demanding for Mallory to speed up and not hold up the traffic.
"Alright! Alright!" she screamed back at him. Men! They are so IRRITATING!
***
Jessica's dark green eyes absorbed the scenery around her as she slowly spun around on her feet, absorbing in the sights of the Anaheim Mall. Her mind was in a blaze of awe and amazement as her eyes and body wondered from store to store with Nosedive next to her. One place that amazed her the most was a store that had a classic Superman-like superhero with hair that stuck out similar to that of Elvis Presley. His large, mechanical and musical arms would flex in and out while he was contracting his robotic muscles.
"Hey; what's that joint?"
"Only the BEST comic book shop in Anaheim!" Nosedive proudly stated. "Captain Comics. I hang out there after school a lot. My two best friends Thrash and Mookey work their part time. Hey; since we're here, why don't I introduce you to them?"
"Are they punks that talk like some high-strung valley-kids?"
"No! Of course not!" Nosedive stated. You just HAD to volunteer to babysitt, DIDN'T you, Nosedive? You really ARE a knuckle-head, man! "Well, maybe. Why don't you come in and see for yourself?"
Her little and embryonic body filled with excitment, Jessica pushed open the doors of the comic book store and raced inside. Nosedive tried to follow her, but instead, friction decided to give the blonde drake a present all of its own. When he tried to slip inside, Nosedive's beak met with the fiber glass door.
"Ouff!" Nosedive screeched, his voice muffled by the contact of the glass door. "Stupid kid," he muttered to himself as he pushed himself off the glass door, wiping smeared saliva off his lips.
Nosedive just shook the event off, and gently pushed himself into the comic book store. Upon entering, he shook his head, then allowed the tips of his fingers to touch his temples. Thrash's head was buried underneath a his arms as he listened to Jessica's constant rambling. Nosedive wasn't able to hear from a far-off distance, but he could sense that Thrash was begging Jessica to shut up.
Mookie wasn't having any better luck handling Jessica's non-stop chatter, for Nosedive could see her finger's tensing up and her teeth clenching as she fought to bare the teenager's constant meandering while stacking a pile of Green Lantern comics on top of each other and preparing to sort them out.
"Okay, Jessie!" Nosedive shouted from affar. "I think they heard enough talk about how much better Star Wars is than Star Trek."
"But I wasn't even getting into the part about the lack of different species in--"
"ENOUGH!" Mookie shouted. When she saw the look of awe on Jessie's face, she put on a small and artificial smile. "We know about the differences between Star Trek and Star Wars. You don't need to explain them."
"Hey; Jess!" Nosedive pressed two dollars worth of quarters into the palm of Jessie's hand. "Why don't you keep yourself busy with a video game back there, and we'll get to your clothes in a minute?"
"But--" Jessie tried to speak.
"Go."
"Fine," she grumbled, marching off to the video game machine. "Stupid Nosedive, thinking he can boss me around just because he's older and taller than me," she muttered as she inserted a quarter into the machine slot.
Nosedive smiled sheepishly at Thrash and Mookie, rubbing the back of his neck as the two stared at him with great dissaproval. Removing his hand from his neck, Nosedive twiddled his fingers together, hands behind him.
"So, what do you think of her?" Nosedive asked, trying to sound optimistic.
"You SERIOUSLY need to choose a different girlfriend," Thrash simply stated.
"One that's not, like, midget-sized and annoying," Mookie added.
"First off, she's NOT my girlfriend!" Nosedive whispered in a snake-like hiss. "She's someone who I'm assigned to baby-sit for Phil."
"You mean--she's--that girl's--" Thrash tried to speak.
"Yes, Thrash; that's Phil's niece," Nosedive finished. "I was asked to show her around Anaheim and bring her clothes shopping. And two; even if I DID like her in a girlfriend sense, which I DON'T, I already HAVE a girlfriend. Veronica, remember?"
Thrash and Mookie looked at each other with the "Yeah, right" and "Puh-lease" expressions on each of their faces, then faced Nosedive with the very same expressions on their faces. Nosedive crossed his arms across his chest, and stared at Thrash and Mookie with annoyance and dissaproval. Refusing to argue further with his friends, Nosedive grabbed two comics that were in his file. After stuffing them into a plastic bag he abruptly grabbed from Thrash's hands, he marched off to the game that Jessica had her eyes and body senses glued against the arcade game screen. She was completly oblivious to Nosedive's antics and his staring at her back as she moved the joystick of the arcade machine from side to side, blasting at one space cruiser to another. With every starship that she bluew up made her face glow while she beamed.
"Take that, TIE fighters!" she squealed, pressing buttons next to the joystick. "No one is a match for Jessica Lockheart! Not even the Imperial Empire itself! Where's your high-and-mighty Emperor Palpantine now, huh?!"
There was obviously WAY too much sugar in those chocolate chip waffles she downed earlier this morning. "Look, Jessie? We REALLY need to get going now on the shopping thing. So, how about we leave, huh? You can return to kicking the Imperial Empire's ass later, okay?"
"Uh-huh; whatever," Jessie shrugged, obviously not paying any attention to what Nosedive had to say to her.
"Jessie, come on! I don't have time for video games!" Whoah, that is something I'd NEVER thought I'd say!
"No video games; that's nice."
"Okay; that's it! You leave me no other option!"
Unable to tolerate Jessica's lack of tolerance, Nosedive lifted her her into the air and hauled her over his shoulders. The short brunette gave a short shriek when she was hauled onto Nosedive. She immedietly began striking his back with her hands, curled up into fists. Nosedive whinced slightly when he felt her hitting his back, but the reaction was more out of annoyance than pain.
"Hit all you want, Jessie," Dive warned. "It's not gonna make any difference."
Thrash and Mookie stared at the blonde drake as he dragged the miniature-sized human out of the comic book shop. Thrash, the most surprised, continued to stare as Mookie quickly returned to her work.
"So, like, how long until you think it'll be until they're a couple?"
"A long time," Mookie stated. "A very long time. Probably at least two millenniums."
***
Chameleon sat by the bushes, sitting indian-style while doodling on the dirt covered ground around him with a stick he found lying around on the ground. He couldn't deny what he felt; he was bored. He dragged his drawing stick through the dirt again, doodling here and there to pass the time by. He sighed irritably as he dragged his stick in a horizantal pattern. Next, he made small circles in the center of yet a larger circle, slowly turning them into almond-shaped ovals.
I can't believe the nerve of the boss, Chameleon thought bitterly as he made a slash with his stick. I could be doing something USEFUL. Like...putting a bomb on the duck's secret headquarters. ANYTHING but this; spying on some teenage duck.
As Chameleon sighed irritably once more, the corner of his eye caught a sight most interesting. Highly curious, Chameleon peered through the bushes, his big red eyes bulging widely.
Either that duckie is practicing Tarzan with that human, or..... Chameleon quickly shook his head. No way that little midget could be that blonde duckie's gal. But...then again, she must be. Or else he wouldn't be carrying her like that. Chameleon's thin, lipless mouth formed a smirk. The Boss will LOVE to hear this.
***
"Will you put me down?!" Jessica demanded, pounding Nosedive's back with her miniature hands curled up into small balls.
"Only if you promise to behave yourself."
"Why do I need to promise that?"
"Because I said so."
"Make me."
"Alright." Nosedive bit his lip for a brief moment to think of a simple way to get Jessica to obey him. "Two reasons. One, if I continue to hold you like this, you'll be mocked for the rest of your life. Two, Phil will find out, and you'll be in big trouble."
Jessica remained silent for many seconds, biting her lip as she pondered a way to counter Nosedive's comments. Unfortunately, the fuel in her small yet run-on mouth had run low on fuel. Instead of countering to what Nosedive had said earlier, she merely slumped, resting her chin against his back.
"I'd counter your response, but I'm too hungry."
"Wanna go grab a bite at CPK then?"
"CPK?"
"California Pizza Kitchen," Dive confirmed, flipping her over gently so she could rest her read on his shoulder instead of her back. "I'm sure you'll like that place. They have a delicious dip and great pizzas. Their philly cheesesteak is the best, but I'll let you decide for yourself."
As Nosedive continued to escort Jessica to the pizzaria through himself as transportation, a young Armenian teenage girl stood by the back entrance. She looked at her reflection with a compact mirror while adjusting the lip gloss on her full and pouty lips. She smacked her lips together as she looked at her reflection with great egocentricity in herself.
You are one hell of a sexy bitch, the girl thought to herself as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. No man can resist your full lips. Or your beautiful head of hair. Or, most importantly...this beautiful body of a goddess, she snickered, adjusting her fur-trim of her cheetah-printed tube tank. As she did so, the glass mirror of her compact caught the image of a blonde avian. She licked her lips as she closed her compact make-up kit. And here comes my main squeeze right now. "Hey there Divey-poo!" the voluptious Armenian girl waved, twiddling her fingers as she bashed a flirt- like smile as well as impudent eye-batting.
"Hey Veronica!" Dive called out. "Jessie, do you mind if we make a quick stop for a few minutes? You know; so I can give a quick 'hi' and 'whazzup' to my girlfriend and all?"
"Well, I--"
"Thanks," the blonde drake quickly said, going into a steady jog towards Veronica.
I didn't say he could! Jessie screamed in her head. Eh; what difference would it make. Like blondie boy here would listen.
Nosedive trotted towards his girlfriend, Jessica bouncing up and down from the movement. Veronica, looking at the teenage girl on his back, hid an eye twitch as she put her make-up compact back into her black purse straped around her shoulder and hanging at her right hip. She bit her lower lip gently as her left fist clenched up tightly. Her body tensed up as she felt a swish of jealousy flow through her body when the short brunette teenager tightened her grip around Nosedive's shoulders.
That better NOT be his new girlfriend! she thought bitterly.
"Hey baby," Dive said, wrapping his arms around Veronica. "I missed you."
"Not as much as I missed you," Veronica crooned, kissing Nosedive on the front of his beak. "How was that horrible summer school you had to suffer through?"
"Ugh; AWFUL," Dive grunted. "That physics teacher was basically a prison guard. And American History was awful too. But, I passed each class with an A-, so no complaints here." With that, Dive and Veronica shared another kiss. "But enough about summer school. How was your trip to Europe with your dad?"
"Fun, yet--"
"AHEM!"
Nosedive and Veronica looked up, and noticed Jessica still on Nosedive's back. Her arms were folded across her chest, and she had an irritated look on her face.
"Aren't you going to introduce ME, Dive?"
"Sorry," Nosedive said sheepishly. "Veronica, this is Jessie, my boss's niece. I'm showing her around Anaheim while she's here for the summer."
"And would that method of transportation have to include piggy-back rides?"
"HEY!"
"Okay, that's enough," Nosedive ordered, pulling Jessica off his back. "Go inside the pizzaria and wait for me there, okay? I'll be right with you."
"But--"
"I won't take long, I promise," Dive assured, wrapping his arms around Veronica.
Whatever, Jessie thought to herself while marching towards the entrance.
As she prepared to open the door, the corner of Jessica's eyes caught Nosedive and Veronica in a heavy lip lock, repeateadly giving kisses to one another. Jessica stuck her tongue out in disgust when Veronica blew a bubble with her bubble gum and Nosedive popped it with his own teeth, bringing the gum into his mouth.
That has to be the most DISGUSTING thing I've EVER seen! Before Jessica went in, a smirk went across her face. Wait a minute....all he's doing is playing kissy-face with that slut. Which means...he won't mind if I go off and explore on my own.
With that, Jessica slowly started walking in the oppposite direction. When she was sure that Nosedive wasn't looking, she ran off to the middle of the mall. While there, her eyes twinkled at the one place that had to have gave her the most interest.
A video arcade! Her eyes twinkled with over-enthusiastic joy. The dump comes through for me!
***
Mallory parked her duckcycle at the desired parking lot before slipping off and walking off to the entrance to the Mall. However, her walking was more similar to brisk marching due to her rigid stance and her clenched up teeth.
The moment if I find Nosedive and that little brat, I'm going to strangle the LIFE out of them! Her teeth let out of a hiss, which scared two teenage girls near an ice cream parlor. The NERVE of them! When I--
"Hey! Watch where you're going!"
"Why don't you go to hell!" Mallory shouted back at the blonde boy with the skateboard. "I don't need some punk telling ME what to do!"
Jeez; what a crazy bitch, the boy thought as Mallory marched off.
***
Jessica walked into the arcade, mesmerized by all of the game choices. Lights flashed brightly as two boys were blasting away at aliens at one game counsel, while an African-American boy was putting his basketball skills to use on a basketball timed game. Two girls were playing skiball at the further corner of the arcade, and a boy with black hair and bleached tips was occupying himself on a virtual skatebaord game. Everywhere in that one little corner of the mall was a different type of game. Jessica's eyes widened with great enthusiasm.
I'm in heaven! the girl thought, exploring the arcade. There must be enough video games here to satisfy even the biggest video game junkie. Only problem is...what to choose? There's like, so MANY!
Jessica looked around, her eyes absorbing all of the game counsels that any video-game fan could hope for. Turning around, she started walking backwards, staring at the glowing star-covered ceiling. The patterns and the blinking comet enchanted her small yet wide eyes, amazing her in ways that she couldn't fathom. In fact, she was so mesmerized that she didn't notice an adult man behind her as she bumped into him. The man with black hair and red streaks fell against his game counsel, the buttons having been pushed from his chin. The silver robot on the screen then froze isntantly, leaving a chinese girl with double buns free to break him to pieces. The man instantly turned around, and glared at Jessica.
"Watch where you're going, you imp!"
"Sorry, man," the girl apologized. "Didn't see ya. I'll be more careful where I step from now on." Man, is this guy a bozo or what?!
"See that you do!"
Jeez; what a jerk, Jessie thought, walking past him. Oh well, at least I know he won't be playing video games for much longer.
As Jessica walked past him, the red-streaked man went back to his arcade game. Upon noticing that he lost, he reached into his pocket to pull out more quarters. Sadly, he realized that he had no more. What was worse, the man realized that he had no wallet either. Upon turning his head to his left, he noticed Jessica pulling two single dollar bills out of a black wallet and inserting them into a coin machine. Instead of fuming or racing to the manager for a complaint or Jessica himself, he did nothing. In fact, his lips suprisingly broke into a smile. Making sure no one was paying attention to him, he walked backwards slightly. Then, knowing he was in the clear, ran outside of the arcade. He hid at the back of the building between two garbage cans, snickering slightly. A green light surrounded his body, then consumed his physical being completely. Upon being absorbed into the green light, his physique changed from tall lean, to short and hunched over. His skin turned to green, and his brown eyes turned to blood-shot red.
Chameleon, pleased with the deception he played upon the teenage brunette, brought his left wrist to his lips. Positive that no one would see him, he turned on his com unit and allowed Dragaunus's image to appear on the miniature screen.
"Well? I hope you have useful information for me this time, Chameleon. I grow tired of waiting, and my patience grows thin."
"Oh, I think you'll find this tidbit VERY useful," Chameleon smirked. "I think one of the duckies has a weakness. Related to ladies."
"Don't you think I know that?!"
"No; not the old, gray one. I mean the one with blonde hair; Wildwing's little brother. His human girlfriend's at this place. And she's got a good hand; she managed to swipe the wallet I swiped from some rich business man a few days ago."
"Interesting," Dragaunus smirked, rubbing his chin to confirm his interest. "Keep an eye on her for a while longer. She might prove useful to our plans."
"Sure thing, boss," Chameleon said.
***
Dragaunus turned off his communicator, smiling sadistically for his actions.
Soon, he thought to himself, his evil smile growing. Soon, my dreams of conquest will finally come true. Then, this world and more to come, will belong to me. The Saurian Empire will live on!
With that, Dragaunus broke out into an eerie and bone-chilling laugh that echoed throughout the walls of the Raptor.
~To Be Continued