"And then they lived happily ever," she sighed cheerfully while closing the book carefully.
She then hugged the book, with me sandwhiched between her and it.
"Mom!" I exclaimed while the air was being squeezed out of me, "Mom! Let me go!"
"Sorry, I can't," she replied while only tightening her grip, "You'll have to try and escape if you want to get away."
I tried, but to little avail. Every time I tried to get an arm or leg loose, she playfully fixed her hold on me. My little hands weren't strong enough to push her off of me either.
"I've been caught!" I would finally give up while falling limp in her warm arms, "I give up!"
This was followed with a tight hug as she shook her head, her long black curls bouncing in the air before they fell over her shoulders. A soft laugh emerged from her beak as she said, "Don't you ever give up, Duke."
"Hmm?" I looked up at her with big brown eyes filled with bewilderment.
"Don't ever give up, my little drake," she repeated while finally pulling away so I could turn around and face her.
She rustled my gray feathered hair, messing up my already pretty wild arrangement. This didn't detur my confusion any, as I asked, "Mama, what do you mean? Do you mean be like the hero in the storybook?"
"Something like that, I guess," she mused while setting the book on the bed between us.
I began flipping through it's colorful pages, taking in every inch of the illustrations and words springing to life before me. It was no secret that it had always drawn me in, the idea of fantasy and wondrous adventures to embark on. I paused at a page that to me, may as well have glistened with the gems pouring out of the treasure chest on the parchment.
"He was pretty clever sneaking by that dragon," I said, "Using it's snoring to walk without being heard! He got all it's jewels, and found the princess trapped nearby."
"He certainly was, wasn't he?" my mother encouraged, "Do you think you could do that?"
"I could try," I said rather determined to prove this as I hopped out of bed.
"Duke, I didn't mean right now!" she laughed as she watched me crouch down and try and to walk as slowly and quietly as possible.
"Go ahead and talk!" I pleaded so I could give it a try.
"Remember, you have to listen to what's around you, or you might miss something important," she mentioned as I nodded my head.
As she spoke, I planned my steps as carefully as my seven year old self could manage. A spike of pride hit me when I thought I'd been able to accomplish the amazing feat in the book.
"So am I the dragon then?" she raised a brow, allowing me to keep practicing as I shook my head.
"You're the princess!" I insisted, drawing out a laugh.
"What's so funny?" I questioned at this reaction.
"You're sweet, Duke," she replied, "So then who's the dragon?"
"I don't know, maybe the bed?" I tried to answer, before tripping over my own foot, "I can't do this while talkin'!"
"Sorry." she winced before looking over the book and sighing, almost under her breath, "You're just like him."
"Like who?" I caught it while turning to her, dropping my supposed practice.
"Oh...well..."
"The hero in the book?" I asked.
"You certainly could be, Duke," she said.
"Then who did ya mean?"
Giving in a little, she said, "Your father. You're a lot like him."
"Really? Then can I see him?" I asked, with a spike of want I'd never known I had.
"I wish you could," she said as I crawled up onto the bed with her, "He would love to see how you've grown."
"Why can't I?" I questioned in growing alarm as this hopeful chance slipped away before I could grasp it.
"It...It's hard to explain," she attempted, "There are choices we've made that we have to stick by for your sake."
"Is papa in trouble?" I asked.
"N-No! No, Duke, he's not in trouble," she assured me, though she sounded a bit troubled at the very notion of my voiced concern, "He just wants us to be safe and happy, and this is how he feels he has to do it."
"Don't you miss him?"
"Of course I do," she admitted with a mist in her eyes she simply couldn't hide.
"Mama...?" I sat up on my knees to reach up and hug her, "Mama, don't cry! I don't like it when you do!"
She choked back a sob as a surprised chuckle blended with it, "Oh, Duke..." she hugged me tight, pulling me to where she was cradling me in her arms, "It's okay. It just means that no matter what, I still love him. I might miss him, but I wouldn't change him either."
"I...I don't understand?" I said, "If you miss him, why wouldn't you change him being here?"
She sighed, "One day, maybe, you'll understand...when you find someone you love like that."
"If I loved them so much, I wouldn't leave them! I would want to be with them, just like the hero and the princess in the book! I'll protect them, and be clever enough to sneak by any trouble for them!" I exclaimed in a surprising outburst, startling my mother as she looked over me.
I pulled free and pointed back at the last page, "I want to be like that! I don't want to make you cry!"
She gave a warm smile, masking the tears that were welling in her eyes, maybe from pride? Then she rustled my hair again, before pulling me into an inescapable hug, "I love you so much, my brave little drake!"
"I love ya too, mama," I promised her while hugging back just as tightly.
My feet pounded the streets as fast as they would carry me. Behind me, I could hear a few "Get back here!"s, or "Stop, thief!" Yet I didn't slow down to look back and check. With the prize tightly in my gray feathered grip, I kept going.
Eventually I would find the right alley, and so duck into it. I quickly made my way down the narrow street, and ducked behind a collection of trash cans, my rather skinny frame making this quite easy to do. I then waited, catching my breath as quietly as I could muster, and hoped they would run by. While I was crouched down, I decided my pocket would be a safer place for the silver bracelet I'd been holding.
"Where'd he go?" I would then hear a gruff sounding duck demand to his friend.
"I could have sworn he ran down here," he replied while scratching his head.
"Look around, we'll find the little viper," the first ordered as I heard them taking their steps into the alley.
My mind raced for an idea, anything to get them off of my trail. Watching through the metal cans, I would see them half way to me. It was a rather tight squeeze for me to contort into, being placed among those trashbins. So I hoped that they would realize that and move on. Yet if they did decide to look, there would be little space for me to try and run.
As they drew near, I held my breath. I barely moved, only shifting my hand to try and feel around for anything that might be able to help. Quickly they would brush against a glass bottle, and I pulled it into my grip.
They got closer, one of them looking over at the bins with a raised brow, "You don't suppose?"
"What's that?" the other asked, pulling the first one's attention just for a few seconds.
Seconds that I quickly took advantage of as I tossed that bottle to the end of the street, letting it shatter upon impact with the brick wall.
"There! Don't let him get away!" they shouted while pursuing the broken distraction.
As soon as they turned the corner, and had run a bit further down, I slipped out from behind those bins and made a break for it. This time I didn't stop until I was pushing my front door open and hurrying inside to lock it again.
Only then did I feel safe enough to slide down to the entrance floor and give my tired legs a break.
However, I nearly jumped out of my feathers when I heard a sharp, but concerned voice, "Duke? Is that you?"
"I-I'm home!" I called back while pushing myself to my feet.
I quickly gathered my composure and found her in the living room. She had been watching the news, but was putting it on mute once I walked in. Were those tears in her eyes?
"Mom?" I couldn't stop myself from asking, "What happened?"
"It's nothing, sweetie...why are you home so late? I was worried about you," she attempted shakily.
"It's not that late, mom?" I pointed out, glancing out the window to still see the sun still up in the sky.
Looking back at her, we both pushed a little,
""What happened?""
She brushed a hand through the front of my feathered hair, "Were you running? You're rather warm, and sweaty...?"
I froze, knowing she'd seen the unease in my eyes. I could full a lot of other ducks...however...with her...
"Duke, please tell me you didn't," her tone changed from gentle worry to harsh concern in that instant, "We've talked about this!"
"Mom, I was careful! They didn't see my face, an' they didn't catch me!" I tried to oddly persuade her.
"Duke, stealing is wrong! Whether they see you or not, it's against the law! Do you want to be caught and locked away?!" she rose to her feet.
"They can't lock me up if they can't catch me!" I insisted for some reason, as though this would ease her concerns.
"What are you trying to prove with this?! That you can just take whatever you want? We have enough here at home, there's nothing we need that should push you to this!" she told me, grasping my shoulders with fatigued, moistened eyes.
"I'm jus' really good at it. I've been practicin', so I can be good enough to not get caught! It's not about any thing that I want..." I tried to reason with her and myself.
"Duke, please! This isn't like that book-!"
"Ya don't think I know that? I know I'm not some hero in a kid's book! I jus'...I don't know...It's fun! It makes me feel like I can do somethin' others can't," I said.
"No one should be doing this! You have to stop! If you keep going, you will get caught! Is that what you want?!" she tried hard not to yell, "Do you think I want to see that happen to you?!"
"I won't get caught!" I swore.
"Duke, you need to promise that you'll stop! Please, I can't take the idea of you being taken away from me...!"
"Mom..."
Why couldn't I promise this? It should have been easy to agree to, and yet it just wasn't. I'd been practicing these skills for a few years now, getting better and better. No matter how much we fought over this, I couldn't just stop. I loved the thrill of it, and I enjoyed being a natural at it. It didn't seem to matter how many times she had to apoligize to stores I'd lifted things from while growing up; snacks here and there, once or twice a toy, and a few other things here and there. And this time...
I slipped the bracelet out from my pocket and opened my hand like a flower for her to see, "I jus' wanted to make ya smile...like ya used to...?"
The pain that filled her eyes in those seconds may forever haunt me, and yet still weren't enough to shake me from the path I was quickly headed towards. I had planned it in my head, that she would take it as a secret, something she could just have, to remind her of something I could never at the time figure out what she was missing so much.
"Do you want to end up like him?!" she shouted after finally finding her voice again, the whole room almost shaking with it.
I stood, eyes wide like a deer in headlights. My stomach dropped, before somehing in me burned and twisted to ask, "Like him?"
She stepped back, seeming to be in shock herself. Her shorter black strands of hair seemed to lack the same bounce in their curls that she normally had as she shook her head. She took the bracelet from me, and I wasn't sure if she would hold it close or toss it aside. She looked unsure of this as well.
"I jus' want ya to accept me...that I'm not goin' to be like other drakes. I want an adventure out of life. A normal life...it's jus' not my style..." I attempted, "Maybe be a bit like dad, even though I know little about him?"
"What's to tell when you're just like him?!" she snapped, her tone tearing with her voice, as though she weren't sure if this were a good thing or not.
"Wh-...What?" my dry throat managed to allow.
She took another step back away from me, her trembling hand hiding her eyes now. She pushed through with her tone shifting to a calmer one...though her voice still shook, "Duke...just listen to me, please? You need to stop with this. You have so much more potential. Focus on something else you're good at, be a hockey star. Anything other than a thief!"
As the word left her beak, I could see the tears falling from her hidden eyes.
"Mom...I've tried to do that...but somethin' in me...I know it doesn't make sense, I know it's wrong. Yet that hasn't stopped me so far, has it? No one's pushed me to it...it's jus' part of me somehow..."
"Then I've failed you...by reading those stories to you and not telling you just why you could never meet him!" she grimaced while glancing back at the television, and then turned back to me, "Duke, your father was nothing but a thief! He couldn't be around because he would have been arrested had he settled down with us! He couldn't stay with me because of who he was! Do you want to do that to someone?! Do you want to break someone's heart because you couldn't just stop this?!"
My eyes went wide as this bombardment hit my core. Shock racked my thin frame, causing me to slump back slightly against the wall I'd been standing in front of. In all these years...I'd never known much about him. Not what he was, not who he was. Just that she loved and missed him.
"Why didn't ya ever tell me?" I asked a bit sharply.
"I couldn't...I didn't want you to think of him like some sort of villain. It was complicated, Duke...please...I-"
Why did she keep saying was? A quiet anger began to boil the blood in my veins, demanding to know.
"Ya couldn't tell me anythin'?! My whole life I saw how much ya missed him. I could see how much ya loved him when ever ya spoke about him, but ya couldn't tell me this?!" I questioned, growing more and more frustrated.
"It was better for you not to know! It was confusing for me to understand, and I didn't want that for you! Neither did he!"
"Don't ya think it was confusin' to not know anythin'?! I was told he'd be proud of me, but when I do things apparently he would, it's wrong?! What else didn't ya tell me?!"
"Duke, stop! Please! Just let this go!" she attempted to rest a hand on my shoulder, "Please, my dear drake...just...just know we did this to protect you."
"Protect me from the truth? Protect me from knowin' anythin' about a father ya clearly care for, despite him not ever bein' around! Despite him bein' a thief! Despite him not meetin' me ever once!"
"He couldn't!"
"Then why were ya with him?!" I demanded, my fist hitting the wall that I was leaning back against.
Her eyes went wide as my voice shook with anger this time, "Why do ya miss him so much if what he was is so wrong?!"
She was stricken speechless it seemed, and she recoiled from reaching out to me. Again she glanced at the television with the news still playing on it. I was too angry to register what words were scrolling along the bottom, or even to register what they were announcing. I think there'd been a jewel heist? Then some sort of accident? I was too blinded to connect things, or perhaps it was denial.
"L'Orange?" I heard myself ask when I read the name shown on the screen.
She fought the tears threatening to fall from her brown eyes at the mention of a name I'd never heard before.
At last she asked me quietly, "Duke...what do you think would happen if you pursued this, and then you met someone you wanted to be with? Not everyone will be as accepting as I was when I found out about your father...in fact, most will toss you to the authorities and not think twice about it. Or...you meet someone who was like me, and then you can't ever be with them. Is that what you want?"
I looked away, unsure of how to answer. I was too angry to think clearly at that point, and too young to manage that sort of confusion and frustration. Finally I did manage in a rather rough tone, "I don't know what I want right now...other than the truth...an' for you to accept who I am."
"Duke...I can't...not like this...I love you, but I can't accept this...not if I want to protect you from that sort of life. Promise me this is going to stop," she pleaded while trying to grasp my shoulder.
I slipped away from her before she could touch me, and said with my tone still soured, "Ya don't know a thing about what I want, do ya? I wanted to know my father...I wanted you to accept me...but now I don't get any of that, do I?! So you can jus' leave me alone, alright?"
With that I slipped away to my room, leaving her to contemplate what she would do with that bracelet she was still holding in her shaking eyes. The last thing I would ever give her...I realize now. However, I didn't pause, even when I heard her starting to cry from down the hallway. Though it tore my chest to shreds to hear her like that, I was too torn up as it was from what I'd just found out.
All the wondering of who he was, the years and years of questions. My natural instinct now made sense. Perhaps a part of me had been honing my skills to catch his attention? I shook my head...that wasn't really it. What I'd said had been far closer.
I didn't know what it was I wanted. I yearned to live my life filled with adventure, to show I couldn't be caught. With or without my father's influence, I had formed these skills on my own. At times it may have been to make her smile, whether it was a treat my mother liked, a plush doll to hug, a ribbon to hold her hair back was among my favorite things to swipe, and of course some nice jewelry,...like the ones I'd seen her wearing when I was very young. Ones he'd probably given her that she now hid away. This only added to my confusion.
Why was it wrong if she loved him? Why couldn't he come around if she was willing to hide his secret like this? Why hadn't he at least met me once? Why couldn't she be proud of me for doing the same thing as him? Was I not good enough yet? I was too young and blind to realize the complications of it all, and far too upset to try and see as I sat there in the dark trying to figure it out.
Even if I couldn't explain it, I certainly loved it. Why did I need to worry about being caught if no one could get close enough to catch me? Why worry about a relationship that I could just avoid? I could just stay away from those that weren't in the same field, or just focus on my choice of career. Maybe I would meet someone that could be my partner in crime if I was in need of a companion. I simply couldn't convince myself that this was a troubled path to turn towards.
How could something so fun and so engrained in me be wrong? How was I supposed to ignore it, when I could be the best? If a hero in a storybook could become famous for his skills and charisma, why couldn't I?
All of these thoughts, and many more, ran through my head as I was resting in my bed. Looking up at the ceiling with the ebony of night now covering my whole frame like a blanket. Outside the window, the moonlight invited me to join it. The desire to oblige pulled at me further, and I drew in a deep breath as I realized this.
I wouldn't get answers this way. She'd kept it from me this long. 15 years of lies and supposed protection. Over 5,000 days of not knowing the truth. If he was a thief, and loved for it. Then I could be too. Heck, I didn't even care if I was loved for it. I was ready to strike out and try.
So I did. Taking a backpack, and emptying it's contents on my bed, I began packing it with what few things I would need. Some clothes, a light blanket to keep warm with, stuff to stay clean with. If I was going to be a dashing rogue, then I would need to keep up my appearance. Even if I wasn't going to be seen. I didn't dare take a photo with me, not wanting there to be any way for my mother to be tracked to through all of this.
I paused as I thought of her...wondering briefly if she would be okay. Something had hurt her today, another thing she'd kept from me.
This brought me creeping through the darkened halls of my home. I hadn't realized just how late it had gotten. I'd been so upset for a good while that night, letting my thoughts run away with me. Now I'd be running away with them. I decided to grab some easy to take food and put them in my pack.
Then...there was the door...or...
I was now in the hall again, slowly opening the door to my mother's bedroom. There on the bed, I found she was sound asleep. Her back was turned to the hall I stood in, so she wouldn't have seen me coming in. Nor did she seem to hear me. She was curled up on her side, clutching something tightly to her chest. Stepping lightly around the bed, I would see her holding onto a frame I had never seen before. Beside her was a collection of letters, a few feathers, and other hidden away treasures.
Reaching out, forcing my grasp not to falter, I picked up some of those papers and began to look over them. My heart raced in my chest, it's pounding nearly drowned out my hearing in the silence around me.
They...they were love letters. Spanning the last 16 to 17 years. All from the same drake, telling her of how much he missed her, and wanted to see her more than once or twice a year. Some of them mentioned meet up points that only meant anything to the two of them. Their favorite little ice park, a tucked away mom and pop resturant that they could eat at unnoticed. Other notes would be asking if she liked the treasures sent to her. Or he would tell her not to worry as he pursued fencing, that he was getting the hang of it with less and less cuts and bruises? Why would he...?
...Then...I began to see my name. I'm going to be a father? Duke can't know. Neither can the brotherhood. I don't want Duke caught up in this. I don't want Duke to end up like me...We will have to keep what I am from Duke. Is Duke doing okay in school? Are you worried about Duke finding me someday? Teach Duke hockey, and he'll take to that instead. I wish I could see you and Duke.
Every mentioning of my own name made my core twist more and more. I wanted to yell. I hated how tight my chest was from all of this. Why couldn't I know? Why did she love him so much if what he was seemed so wrong? If anything, didn't this prove me right?
Finally I noticed at the end of one of the letters, a name. The one I'd read before on the television screen that evening.
L'Orange.
I placed the letters back where they were beside her. As I did, I would see the bracelet I'd handed her set on the nightstand. I also noticed the necklace she clutched tightly in her hand as she slept, it's silver chain catching the moonlight. It's reflective light then fell on a scrap piece of paper tucked near her sleeping frame. One more letter from before I was even a thought.
The Brotherhood of the Blade has accepted me among their ranks. All that practice was worth it. I can only trust this with you, my love.
The Brotherhood of the Blade? L'Orange?
It was more than I'd had before to go with.
So I returned the parchment to her, and then looked to my mother one more time. Maybe one day, it would be different between us? Perhaps she would accept me as I got better? Either way...I'd made a choice, and I wasn't willing to back down from it.
This decision would bring me out onto the snow covered streets, with me placing my steps carefully. I was thankful that it was basically powder, so no one would hear the crunch under my heels. Though I would have to be careful not to leave a trail, and a mess. These would be my first steps taken into the life I'd chosen, and I wasn't turning back.
It had been a few weeks since I'd left home. To my surprise, there had been no sign of a missing person report placed for me. Perhaps she knew that this would only get me caught, with what I'd set out to do. Or maybe she didn't want me to come back now. Either way, I was sticking to this.
I'd already been practicing about every where I went. Food, combs, some wallets pick pocketed here and there for any loose funds. Though when you were honing your skills to be a master thief, currency wasn't really an issue. At least not for items I could just take. Shelther on the other hand, or at least a place to wash up took some of it. At least until I got better at slipping by security and staff unnoticed. Once that was mastered, I walked in and out like I owned the places I visited. My thin frame made this fairly easy.
Though I also realized that I would need to build myself up a bit to be able to take on bigger, real jobs. Fire escapes were an excellent work out for me. Darting up and down them, climbing the sides of them, dropping from them to build strength in my legs and learning how to take a fall. I would swipe some rope at a hardware store to then begin practicing scaling the walls of buildings. When I fell from higher up it would certainly hurt, and I wound up having to nurse wounds and rest battered muscles. Going to a doctor wasn't an option unless it was serious. Even then I had to be careful not to hang around too long. I began giving alliases so my mother wouldn't be tracked down, saying I got hurt on odd jobs helping out folks. Some of which was true.
Just because I was training to be a thief, didn't mean I wasn't going to be a bit social. To get good jobs, I needed to know how to meet and talk to people. I needed to know the streets, and their layout as well. If I ever was spotted, knowing where to lay low was critical in a tight spot. An abandoned apartment can even make a cozy place to stay when it's too cold for a random rooftop. I jusrt to make sure I left no trace of being there, or it might have gotten harder to use the room again later.
As I began to build up muscle and a budding reputation, I started thinking on how to get the kind of attention I needed to.
It started with odd jobs alright. A disgruntled store clerk would want something that was taken from him. This would lead me to a string of items I was asked to aquire, as they couldn't as such under legal means.
I would also find myself swiping things when I saw fit too. Such as to charm and sway a young lady when I was feeling lonely and wanted someone to talk to. It's easier to do that with a bracelet or a charm. This would begin another part of my growing reputation. Even if I couldn't settle down with anyone in the future the way my mother wanted me to, I was not going to close myself off from the world. With a playful smile, a sincere compliment, or an offered bit of jewelry, I became quite the heartbreaker.
I spent about two years doing this, just getting by and building my skill set. Doors quickly became windows, locks were a game to play until I won...which would be rather quick. I would even practice with odd things, as I didn't have proper lock picks to work with. Bobby pins, safety pins, paper clips, even tooth picks. Eventually when I got my hands on a set of actual tools, I was estatic, but more so for the officalness of having them.
I'd also gone from a skinny 15 year old kid just leaving home, to a rather lean built young adult. I'd remained rather thin, but had worked on my muscles so I could get up places and quickly. I could take a fall without injuring myself, knowing how to either roll with it, or brace for it. Whether with a rope, or the mortar spaces between brick and stone, or any other means, there weren't many places I couldn't climb up and down. If there was a necklace to unclasp, my charm became my best skill set to get the job done.
I didn't stick around places for very long either, using different names when I dwelled in a particular area for a short while. My actual name I was saving, not ready to use it to claim my infaoumy just yet. Though a bit of pride would hit me when I would see my work being announced on the news.
Even cameras and other parts of security were becoming my play things at this point. It was a game to see how each system worked, and how to shut it down.
Above all else, simply breaking in wasn't going to be my style. While I certainly could have done it, I felt it was far too easy. It took the game of slipping in and out unnoticed out of the equation. What was the point of that?
No, I was going to be the best thief there ever was.
And so, it was time for me to begin proving it.
"Alright..." I breathed out into the frigid air that night.
My first calling card had been sent out earlier that day. The news casters had discovered it, and had thus warned the officials, as well as the owners of the museum I was standing atop of. I'd found a way up to climb, and now crouched down so not to be spotted. Then I crept over to the skylight of one of the main rooms, and took a good look down into the darkened space. A smirk crept over my beak as I made note of the officers and their patrolling patterns.
Making sure my gloves were securely pulled over my hands, I made my way back to the side, and scaled the wall downward. Finding the window I'd spotted on my way up, I began to jimmy it open. In seconds I had a slim space to slip through, and did without so much as a thread of my black clothing being snagged. Yes, I was indeed covered from the throat down in the ebony fabric. A spalsh of color might have been nice, but it was too early for me to be that confident. I needed to prove my skills first. The rest would come soon enough.
Then I began moving through the darkened rooms, planning my steps with the utmost care. I'd decided boots weren't helpful for the task at hand, and had gone with leggings that covered my feet. This made my footsteps near silent as I crept along the hallway, sticking near the wall so not to be noticed too easily. I was mindful of camera positions in every room I entered, making note of how to get under them, or move them slightly without sounding an alarm. When I heard guards drawing near, I would duck into a corner, or behind another display or shelf. Holding my breath, I would wait for them to go by.
For I'd made another rule. I wasn't going to hurt anyone if it wasn't absolutely needed. Even then, I would rather evade them than fight. My only bit of self defense was a sap I'd aquired just in case. Though I realized that would do little against firearms.
Well...a thief shouldn't be spotted in the first place. If I could manage that, then I wouldn't get shot. This gave a little comfort as I slid past the next guard making his rounds.
"No sign of this "so-called" master thief," he chuckled to one of his fellow guardsmen.
"It's probably a hoax," the other duck scoffed.
"Unless the Brotherhood's trying to make a bigger scene? Don't count this as over until daybreak," a third ordered more gruffly, "We're not going to get careless!"
This did little to shake my resolve. I'd set out on a job, and I was going to finish it. The chance to change everything, to begin carving my mark, was at my fingertips. I wasn't going to slip up now.
So I waited for them to go on by, back on their respective routes through the hallways. I allowed a very careful breath to slip from my beak. Then I began creeping soundlessly after one of them, or rather to continue down the hall he was guarding. I stuck to the wall as much as possible, using the shadows to hide my thin frame. My dark feathers and clothing seemed to aid me in this endeavor.
Despite how my heart pounded in my chest, I couldn't deny the certain thrill pushing me forward. A bit of a smirk curved my beak as I neared my prize undetected. As he turned the corner to continue his rounds, I snuck up to the large door he'd stood at guarding for a good few numbers. This was the true sign that I'd found my target, figuring, "Where there's a guard, there is loot."
I said this with a breath of a voice to myself while retrieving my tools and using them for my first real job. All the practice and strain on my fingers had been worth it as I heard a rather quick click within the lock. With this I was able to soundlessly slide the door open just enough to get through, and then close it behind me.
Inside the main room were a few cameras, a large window towards the back, and a number of displays lining the walls. The jewels and precious metals within glistened as they caught the moonlight in them. Rubies, emerals, crystals, gold, silver. It was all there to admire as I stood nearly triumphant. I even smirked at the window towards the back, realizing, "No need to go out the way I came."
Now came the test. Double checking my gloves were on tight, and fixing the cameras to face one another, I walked up to the first display. Within it, a deep blue sapphire caught my attention. Holding my breath, I unlocked and lifted the case with the incredible care. It didn't slide from my grasp once, as I knew an alarm would sound if I did. I could hear the sensor buzzing, and see the motion detectors trying to catch any out of place movement. Taking something from my pocket, I placed a costume jewel piece of equal weight and made the trade.
It remained silent as I pocketed that sapphire, and set the case down. Then I went to the other displays and made similar exchanges. I wasn't clearing it out, but I was certainly taking a good few of them.
Confidence threatened to trip me at one point however, as I went for the diamond in the center of the room. After taking about 5 gems, I'd turned to take what I'd sent the calling card out for. When I heard a commotion from the outside. Was that the clashing of blades? Then blasters were being shot. Shouting began trickling down the halls, as well as pounding footsteps getting closer and closer. Someone else was here?
In my cloud of pride and confusion, I'd nearly gone straight for it without checking. That's when I'd noticed another sensor right at my feet as I almost stepped into it. I paused, piveting my other foot just enough before I set it down. Behind me the door was being unlocked, about as quickly too. Trusting skill and instinct, I slipped up to the display and swiftly picked the lock on it. Then I tilted the case just enough to allow my free hand to slip in with a shiny bit of display glass made to look like a diamond, and took the real thing in the same instant. With a gentle clasp, the glass case was set back in place, and I made my way to that window.
I found a latch on the left side and got it open just enough. With this, I was out the window just as I heard the door opening behind me. Quickly grabbing for the wall, I clung to it as I listened for whoever it was inside. There were two voices, neither of which were the guards from before. Both sounded much older than me.
"They've already been lifted?" one questioned in disbelief, "These are all fake!"
I couldn't help but smile as I clung to the windowsill now.
"They couldn't have gone far. If they're this good, then we need to find them before they cause the brotherhood any problems."
At this I paused, the name echoing painful and familiar.
"Do you think it's wise?" one asked.
"Do you want to deal with competition?"
"Fair enough, I suppose."
"You go out the window, I'll head back out the other way to cover more ground. The guards should be out for a while."
"Alright."
One was coming my way, and so I had to try and move fast. It would have been faster with a rope, and probably safer. This wasn't the time to freeze up, even hanging off the side of a rather tall building. I took a quick breath and began climbing down as quickly as I could. Yet it wasn't fast enough.
"Hey!" he yelled after me as he slipped out where I had.
I didn't wait for him to catch up. I continued my decent until I found the streets below, and began to run. I didn't hear the sirens drawing closer as my heartbeat raced in my ears. The flashing lights ahead are what caught my attention as I paused in my sprint and tried to think on where to go. Making note of a nearby alley, I darted down it, with the drake following too close for comfort.
Now both sets of footsteps were heard. One behind me, and the other...above? I glanced up just in time to see him leaping down before me. He landed well, crouching down with the impact. Then he stood, drawing his saber while blocking my way. He was dressed in attire similar to mine, but with some deep blue that matched the midnight sky. His dark green feathers showed only on his face, as the rest of him was covered up. He had a few knicks in his beak that I could only guess as to why he had them. Beneath a black eye mask, an eye of icey blue, and the other of emerald green, gleamed with intrigue. The saber he held by it's silver hilt, sparked to life with some energy wrapping around it as long as it was activated.
Behind me I could hear the other drawing his blade as well. Looking over my shoulder I would see another drake, this one with long ebony hair pulled back. His feathers were a soft brown shade, noticed with the aid of the light of his own saber. He wore ebony as well from the neck down, but also had a forest green trenchcoat over top of his shirt and slacks. He went with soft soled boots, while his partner chose footed leggings as I had. His saber's hilt looked like the carving of a strong tree, with detailed vines spiraling down to the base and blade, which glowed as the moonlight did in shade and effect.
My hand went to reach for the sap I was carrying, figuring it was better than nothing. Blade or no blade, I wasn't going down without a fight.
"Good eye, Trent," the first said to his partner.
"I need that to patch you up all the time," the other retorted, sounding more fatigued than amused, "What should we do with this one, Aster?"
"You've got quite the fire in you," Aster then noted to me while catching the unfaltering look in my eyes, "Two blades against that sap, and you're not scared?"
"You'd be surprised what I can do even without a blade," I commented.
"Big talk, but can you back it up?" he raised a brow before preparing to lunge, "En guarde!"
I quickly side stepped the attack, not bothering to say how unfair this supposed duel was. I turned to the slight left and hopped away from the next swing. Taking a brief look around the alley, I was able to grab a narrow metal pipe, and used it to try and block the oncoming attack. To my surprise, I managed to catch the biting blade in it's metal base.
"You're quick, I'll give you that," Aster laughed, "but that won't be enough. Especially against two oppenents? What do you say, Trent?"
"I'd say that hardly seems fair, and we're running out of time," Trent commented dryly while glancing over his shoulder.
The brown feathered drake then looked to me and gave a slight smile, "Why not make it more fair?"
"What?" I stammered as he tossed his saber towards me without another warning.
Afraid Aster would catch it to then use against me, I used what forced I had in me to push him back. Then I reached out and managed to catch the saber by it's elaborate hilt.
"Let's see what you can really do?" Trent then prompted.
Not much was the answer, at least not with anything that resembled an official stance or strike. I'd only practiced as a boy with a wooden sword before, playing a pirate or knight to defend my mother from a pretend monster. Yet I'd always had an interest. So it was a blend of vague memory, and perhaps a bit of dumb luck, that guided me through those first motions. Blocking, and giving a warning slash when I managed to make him step back.
However, his years of experience would begin to show with his smile. He started instructing me as we fought, making note of my stance and technique being rather raw at this point.
"We really need to be wrapping this up, Aster," Trent warned as sirens grew louder outside the alley.
"Just a sec!" he assured while twisting his blade with mine, until the hilt was wrenched from my grasp.
The saber went clattering against the wall as Trent noted, "If it's damaged, you're fixing it Aster,"
"Fair enough," Aster chuckled as he swung his blade once more.
I held my breath, my eyes wide before narrowing into a steady expression of acceptance. If this was it, I wasn't going to show that I was scared.
Then...the end of that blade paused just before slitting my throat. I would catch the gleam of interest still in the drake's eyes as he laughed pleasantly, "It would be a waste, spilling the blood of such a good thief. Especially one whose career had just begun."
"You believe so, Aster?" Trent questioned, sounding vaguely amused, "Is this one a keeper?"
"That all depends on him, now doesn't it?" Aster replied while looking to me, "What do you say, kid?"
I looked to him in blinking bewilderment, "What do ya mean?"
"You've got raw skill, but that can only get you so far," he noted while keeping the blade to my throat, "And I bet you don't have anywhere to store those gems you took?"
"I had a place," I assured.
"Maybe so," he commented, "but wouldn't a hideout be more secure?"
"Ya mean where you can take 'em an' get rid of me?" I asked.
He blinked now, before giving a laugh, at last pulling the blade away and sheathing it, "I suppose I can't blame you on that one. Let me try with this put away."
This time he held out a hand towards me, and offered more officially, "Why not join us, young drake? The Brotherhood of the Blade could use a young rogue like you!"
"The Brotherhood of the Blade?" I asked, my eyes widening this time, "You're...?"
"Yes, all two of us currently," Trent commented from behind his partner.
"We're lookin' to recruit as it were," Aster corrected sharply, but held his good natured tone and smile.
"An' ya want me?" I questioned in near disbelief.
"I'd rather have you with us, then compete against you. You did well for your first job, and certainly gave us a run for our money for once," Aster replied.
Then he added, "However, beginner's luck really doesn't get you far. Neither does raw talent and even careful preperation. You need instinct, improvising, and honed skills to become a true master thief. A blade would do you wonders as well. If you join us, we can mentor you, and you can help us in return."
From what I could tell, his offer seemed on the level. If he'd wanted to kill me and take what I had, he could have by now. That, and just maybe...with this offer, I could finally get some answers, as well as a more secure path to being who I wanted to be.
With a smirk curving my beak, I gave a nod and shook his hand, "Okay!"
"Welcome to the Brotherhood of the Blade, young drake!" he declared, before asking, "What is your name by the way?"
Now seemed as good a time as any to finally say, "Duke-" I paused, before deciding firmly, "L'Orange. Duke L'Orange."
"L'Orange?!" Neither of them could hold back from exclaiming.
I didn't so much as step back from this, giving a nod to confirm what I'd said. Though before we could discuss further, those sirens grew quite loud.
"Follow us!" Aster instructed, "We have much to talk about, Duke!"
With their guidance, I would find myself running alongside them until we came to an old dormitory tucked further into the city. As we made our way inside, we made sure we hadn't been followed.
My first job, and it had gone off nearly without a hitch.
Though now that it was calm, I took in my new surroundings and found myself trying to give my first few questions.
"What is this place?" was the first.
"It's an old school dorm. When they built the newers ones as the city was developed, this one sort of got forgotten. Though it is also privately owned by one of my aliases, so there's no worry of it getting torn down or investigated," Trent informed as though it were common knowledge.
"An' it's just the three of us? Why trust me with all of this?"
"The Brotherhood of the Blade tends to cycle through members. They come and go through the years, whether they are arrested, killed, or simply retire," Aster shrugged, "And why? Call it intuition."
"That's it?"
"Well..." Aster sighed.
"Aster, we should really let the boy rest after his first heist. Questions can be answered in the morning, and much clearer," Trent advised.
"You're probably right," Aster noted.
"I am right," Trent retorted flatly.
"Well, Duke, I'll show you to your bunk and you can make yourself at home. Normally we'd celebrate the initiation of a new member with much more flare, but this night has worn us out," Aster instructed while guiding me through the hall.
"I'm jus' supposed to trust that?" I questioned while still following along.
"That's up to you, kid. However, there is such a thing as an honor among thieves, and I've seen it first hand a number of times," he paused in step, as though pondering over whether to add to this statement or not.
Then he decided, "Your father was one of the best examples of this."
He knew I was looking to him with widened eyes when he turned around. He gave a knowing nod and said, "I swear on my best friend's life, Great Mother rest his soul, that you are safe here, You will get your answers, Duke. Rest easy knowing that."
Trent gave a reaffirming nod to these words, allowing me to comfortably accept the room they were now offering me. Then they bid me a good night while I absorbed all that had just happened that night. So many thoughts whirled around in my head as I tucked away my stolen treasures and went to sit on the long ago neglected bed. These rooms really hadn't been touched in some time. There was quite a bit of dust on the left behind furniture. I decided I would clean it up properly in the morning.
Morning found me before I realized it. I'd fallen asleep in mid thought going over the the information I had thus far. I hadn't noticed how tired I was until I'd slept in a bit. In fact, I jumped when I didn't recognize where I was at first. After two years on my own, hopping place to place, I certainly wasn't used to a steady location, nor a bed really.
From my pack I retrieved a more casual set of clothes, having slept in my make shift stealth suit. Though my attire remained rather form fitting, the fabric clinging comfortably to my thin frame. A long sleeved teal turtleneck and black leggings. Up to my knees with my pant legs tucked in were a pair of tabi boots. The soles were special made to let me move without sound if I chose. In the last two years I'd been able to aquire these and my first set of tools that I'd used on the job the night prior. However even with the boots, I found that I trust my own feet more than them.
It wasn't long before I tracked down Trent and Aster in the infirmary. The former of the two looked rather annoyed as he said to his partner, "Why did you ignore that hit? You're lucky you didn't get hit closer to home there."
He was dabbing the green feathered drake's shoulder with a medicine dampened cloth. Aster was wearing a sleeveless shirt to make this easier, though this also showed a great number of scars along his arms.
"It's part of the life of a master thief, I'm afraid," Aster winced with another firm jab of the cloth in his open wound.
"It wouldn't be if you'd be more careful," Trent stated while retrieving the bandages on the table beside the infirmary bed.
"Anyway, I hope you slept well, Duke," Aster shrugged with a cheerful grin.
"Better than I thought I would," I admitted.
"Sorry about the room, this place has been rather unkept with only the two of us to tend to it," Aster replied.
"Food, then questions," Trent stated as I went to open my beak.
"How did ya -?"
"It's natural, but you'll think better after getting some food in you. That and I can show you where the galley is," Trent answered while doing just that.
"We just got some food and supplies, so there should be plenty stocked," he added while opening a cabinet to retrieve something, "Do you cook?"
"I can," I replied, and then demonstrated.
"Tending to your body's needs will help you be in tune with it on a job. If you take care of it, your stomach won't growl during a high stakes heist, and your head won't spin when listening for a combination. Don't neglect your health, and it won't fail you," Trent explained as I finished cooking breakfast.
As we ate, I listened to the two banter back and forth. It was hard to tell which one was the determined leader of the brotherhood. Aster seemed to fill the role in spirit, but Trent definatly had the better head on his shoulders.
"So..." I finally ventured, "Ya both knew my father?"
"We could only avoid it for so long," Aster sighed, before asking Trent, "Has it really been two years?"
"It appears so," Trent replied solemnly.
They both looked to me. Finally Aster said, "Your father was a good man, and a great master thief. Drakes are hard to come by like him."
"What happened?" I asked,
"A heist went south, and fast. He did his best to get me out of there, covering for my mistakes," Aster admitted as though ripping off a bandaid, "As he often did..." he sighed as though he were watching it all unfold before him, "Next thing I knew, he was shot, and I tried to go back for him. However, he purposely tripped an alarm so I couldn't get back in...letting himself be the distraction."
"You can't keep destroying yourself for that night," Trent said in a lighter tone than I'd heard him use thus far, "L'Orange made his choice, and you need to honor that."
"I am, but I can still wish he were here, can't I?" Aster insisted.
"You see, Duke, we have a code here in the Brotherhood of the Blade. We look out for one another, and we protect our leader...it was a rule put in place well before me. A group can not function without a strong head, otherwise it crumbles into pieces. Your father knew that, and thus made his choice based on it. He died with his honor and dignity intact," Aster told me, looking me eye to eye.
Even though I'd well guessed by this point that he had died that night, I still wasn't prepared for the truth of it. To know how and why it had happened, without ever getting to meet him even once. A pit began to form in my stomach that I tried to mask the emptying pain of. Though not very well it seemed.
"I'm sorry, Duke. If I could bring your father back, I would in a heartbeat," Aster swore.
"I-Is that why ya accepted me so quickly las' night? Ya felt guilty?" I asked.
He tilted his head in puzzlement, "I believe our offer was extended before we knew your name."
"Was there a family resemblance?" I ventured.
Trent gave a light chuckle, "I'd say so. His feathered cheek bones for one. I don't often see ducks with that trait. Though his were a shade of white, you must take after your mother in that regard."
I nodded.
"He spoke of her often, your mother I mean," Aster encouraged.
I didn't say anything.
"I did want to ask if she was doing well, but I'm sure that's complicated for both of you if you're here," Aster added carefully.
"We had a fight the night it happened, an' that's when I left home to pursue this career," I admitted with that twist in my core trying to tear my stomach apart, "Ya see, I never got to meet 'em...still I found my way into followin' his footsteps it seems..."
"I see," Aster replied softly.
"He did mention having a son, that he could only see from afar due to the nature of our career," Trent offered, "he hoped you might take to hockey, as he saw you skating once and said you were a natural on the ice."
"Wish I'd seen him once," I allowed myself to slip.
The both of them went silent for a few moments, letting the sting of those words waft through the air between us. Then Aster ventured forward, "Duke, it was his choice. Fair or not, understandable or otherwise, it's what happened. You chose this road without him, regardless of whether others would understand, right?"
I nodded.
"After last night, there's little chance of going back. Granted no one knows it was you, but if you have the pride in you that he did-"
"I know what I chose to do. That hasn't changed. I'm goin' to be the most notorious jewel thief on the planet, an' I'm goin' to have quite the thrillin' life to get there," I declared with a hardening resolve causing me to give a bit of a smirk.
"I jus' wanted to know a bit of what he was like, to hear how it happened. While I wish I could have at least met him once, I made this first mark without him. Maybe I'll make him proud now that I'm here, either way..." I looked to the both of them, "I want to learn what I can to reach this goal."
Aster gave a proud grin as he laughed, "And that is why I wanted to celebrate tonight! I knew he'd be a good one!"
"He needs to do more than talk about it and have a lucky first night," Trent warned.
"I know that," I insisted, "but I've practicin' these skills since I was a kid, an' I don't intend to let them grow dull now."
"We'll start with that tomorrow," Aster assured, "Tonight, we rest and have a good meal!"
"Please don't be like this one," Trent grumbled with his fingers messaging his temple.
"Nah, I have my own style," I said with certainty, "but I will uphold that code nonetheless."
So my real apprenticeship began. I spent most of my time around the two of them at the start, picking up tricks of the trade and far better tools.
After becoming well versed in fencing with a practice blade, I got to forge my own saber. I'd been told to go with whatever spoke to me, and that this one item would be my best defense, and one of my best tools to utilize. A saber's hilt had a strong cord to turn the blade into a grappling hook when I otherwise didn't have one. The blade without fully unsheathing could heat surfaces and make them easy to break, like a vent or window frame.
I'd decided on a gold blade and hilt, unified in with the same fetching shade, When drawn, it's blade could be a brief light, like a warning from within the dark, and yet heroic in it's own way, so I thought anyway.
With the right materials, I was also able to make my own stealth suit. Over some time, I decided that a splash of a deep color would be more my style than straight black. Though I didn't want to go with the dark blue or green of my mentors. Instead, I chose a shade of burgundy, and it worked well still to blend into the shadows. The suit was mostly made up of this color, but with some black to accent it.
"Quite striking, I'd say," Aster encouraged when I wore it the first time, "And that saber would make anyone think twice on challenging you for certain."
"What are we after tonight?" I asked.
"We're keeping an eye on things this time around, sorta like how we found you," Trent replied, "It seems there's been a calling card sent out and we want to scope out the competition."
"What's the plan then when we find them?" I inquired.
"Not sure exactly," Aster admitted.
We then waited by the museum the calling card had lead us to. Perched on the nearby rooftop, we waited for some sign of a presence there. Besides the guard of course.
However, as we waited, I felt an itch stirring in me.
"I don't want to jus' sit back an' wait," I said, "Let me check things out a bit?"
By now Aster knew better, and said, "Just be careful, Duke."
I gave a nod and headed in. Finding a vent to crawl into, I opened it with the base of the saber's hilt, and went inside. This winding air duct would bring me to a side room where I began to investigate. Upon doing so, I found something odd about the locks on the doors. Rather, they weren't there at all. Each one I came across had been cut out, and some still locked doors had massive holes carved into them. Rather than following through them, knowing the jagged wood might catch the fabric of my clothes, I opened the doors my way and followed the trail.
This would bring me to a room with a fairly large safe towards the back corner of it. The guards were knocked out and lying in a tied up heap on the floor. Luckily they were, for there was a fair bit of grumbling coming from the other corner, "I almost had it! It must be broken!"
Looking in from the hallway, I would find a tan feathered avian with a beak that hinted at his raptrin heritage. Though ducks seemed to make up a good deal of Puck World's population, there were a number of other birds. This falcon was a first for me to see though. He was dressed in a black muscle shirt and dark pants. On both wrists were gauze wrapped to be bracers. At his hip was a crowbar, and at the other a very large knife that explained the doors. He looked to be a few years older than me, maybe just hitting his early twenties though.
He was still ranting under his breath as I slipped into the room and made note of the camera that I cut the power to. When I hopped from this, he finally looked over his shoulder. His eyes went wide as he began stumbling in words and movements, "H-How did you get in here?! You're not after it too are you?! Y-You won't get by me! I was here first!"
"Easy there, buddy, I jus' came to see who got this far without-"
I'd spoken too soon.
An alarm he'd tripped by backing into the safe and tripping it's sensor shattered the silence. Both of us jumping to alert, listened to hear the thundering steps echoing from further down the hall. He stepped away now, making a break for the nearest window and looking to break it. I had little choice but to follow him, as where I'd come from was comprimised. However, I did pause briefly beside the safe, looking over it and it's contents in the seconds alotted to me. I then heard a smash as the glass of the window was struck by his crowbar.
"Not much for subtlty are ya?" I couldn't help but chuckle as I quickly made my own opening in the lower frame and slipped out after him.
"Like you could do better!" he scoffed, "Why are you even following me?"
"To make sure ya don't get caught, an' leave a trail that could make problems for other hard workin' thieves," I said as we climbed up to the roof.
However, I managed to look up in time to see a search light being kicked on just above us. As I did, I climbed up in time to grab the avian by the ankle to stop his ascent, "Watch it!"
I looked around quickly, and nodded for him to follow me. To my surprise, he did. We scaled along the wall, and were able to hop onto a nearby roof across the side alley. Using the shadows by some of the taller buildings, we were able to slip away before anyone got there. Soon after we were met up by Aster, who was already sweating through his feathers as he approached me, grabbing me by the shoulders, "You almost gave me a heart attack, L'Orange! What on Puck World happened in there?"
"He happened," I pointed with a thumb behind me at the falcon that was still following me.
Aster looked over and raised a brow, "This kid caused all that commotion?"
"To be fair, he'd gotten pretty far before that," I shrugged.
"I'm not a kid by the way!" the tan feathered raptrin balked in an air of annoyance, "I am one of the greatest thieves this planet will ever see! That silly safe was just too rusted to get it open the quiet way. Had this drake not shown up, I would have gotten in and out without a hitch!"
"Are ya kiddin'?" I couldn't help but laugh.
His eyes narrowed at me, but I chalked it up to embarrassment from having almost been caught. So I did feel a little bad for then holding up the jewels from within that safe after scoping out it's contents, "Maybe ya loosened it up for me?"
Now his eyes went wide again, and he tried to save face by looking away and saying in a collected tone, "That must be it."
I shook my head with an amused smile. Then I offered one of the gems to him, tossing it like a ball in fact. He caught it with some show of instinct kicking in as he did.
"Ya did half the work, so you should get your cut," I stated while walking up to him and offering a hand to shake, "It might not be my style, but I'm a bit impressed."
He raised a brow as I offered to shake hands, "Is this some sort of trick?"
"If I wanted, I could have kept all of 'em. Besides, this gave me some good exercise, makin' sure my skills don't grow dull," I said, "Though if you'd like, I could show ya a trick or two?"
"Are you mocking me now?" he exclaimed with his hands at his hips.
I folded my arms smoothly over my chest, shaking my head as I replied, "Not at all, friend. I think ya have potential. We got the prize, an' we had some fun, didn't we?"
"You have an odd idea of fun," he retorted sourly at first, before easing up upon looking at the diamond in his palm, "What exactly are you getting at then?"
"Well, we're lookin' for other members of our gang," I mentioned while glancing at Aster, who'd leaned back to watch me negotiate.
I realized now I had sort of taken charge of this without meaning to at first. Going with it, I asked, "Have ya heard of the Brotherhood of the Blade?"
His eyes went wide again, "You're a member of the Brotherhood of the Blade?! Any thief worth his salt would give all his feathers to be in that mob!"
"Well, no need for that," I laughed at this discovery of how lucky I seemed to be, "Jus' shake my hand, an' maybe we can work somethin' out? Friend?"
"It's Falcone," he replied at last while accepting my offer.
"Welcome to the Brotherhood," I said with Aster giving a nod of his approval, "the name's Duke L'Orange by the way."
"L'Orange? That name sounds familiar," he mentioned in vague bewilderment.
Rather than letting him think I would mention why this was likely, I said, "It should be, 'cause I'm goin' to be the most notorious thief on Puck World, an' I'm already at a great start."
He let out a laugh of his own now, "I don't know about that! For you see, I have the very same goal. Though it may be fun seeing who actually accomplishes this."
"Use that to push one another then. Skills grow dull when gone untested," Aster finally said as he approached us, "I'd be lost without Trent encouraging me to better myself at times."
"Alright then, it seems the universe has given us both a fair shot, and a good rival," Falcone shrugged with a friendly enough smile over his beak.
"Or maybe a partnership?" I suggested.
"Even better," he agreed.
Falcone was the first of the recruits I'd help find along the way. Over the next few months or so we pushed each other to sharpen our skills, even if it meant practicing how to get away a bit more than I would like. Over all we seemed to work well together. Being taken in by the Brotherhood of the Blade, he was able to aquire a saber of his own, designing it to where the blade always has electricity charging over it. He also reworked his outfit as he continued building his frame up, gaining a fair bit of bulk in upper muscle. Sometimes he would try and advise me to do the same, not that by now I was exactly hurting in shown strength. However I preferred a leaner frame, one that could slip in and out of places. Agility and precision were just as important for me as raw muscle, if not more.
"Besides, the trick is not to get caught," I mentioned to him while he was lifting his weights one time in the gym of the dorm.
"You need muscle to wield that saber, dear boy," he chuckled.
To this I drew the blade and made a quick slash at one of the bigger training dummies. In that instinctive swipe, the wood fell to sliced up pieces upon the floor. Giving a smirk as I sheathed the blade, I said to him, "I don't think that's an issue."
To which he shook his head, but I'd already seen him take a slight step back. I gave a light chuckle, "No need to worry, friend. Jus' provin' a point."
"Very funny," he chuckled while putting down the weight and retrieving the gold cuffs he'd had made to place at both wrists.
His outfit had more of a quick intimidation idea behind it. Falcone wanted to make sure that those who saw him would think twice before challenging him. His black slacks were belled at the bottom as the ends tucked into his dark tabi boots. The top of the form fitting leotard had no sleeves, and was clasped together with a crest of the bird of his heritage, and held up in place with the aid of crimson cape.
"Ya may as well have a sign sayin' catch me," I warned in jest, "An' where are your gloves?"
"Duke, I want to make sure that when others notice me, they know who they're dealing with. I have no fear of leaving a trace, because they still won't be able to catch me. Anyone who tries will meet the end of my blade," he assured with a hand to his chest.
"To each their own, I suppose?" I shrugged while leaning back against the wall with my arms smoothly folded over my chest, "I jus' think these are needless risks. You can leave your mark without temptin' fate."
"Are you scared of being caught, Duke? That's not very becoming of a master thief," he pushed.
"Of course not," I said a bit sharply, "I jus' use a different approach. My name will be all they need to know."
"Oh, so you can still show your face to the ladies you encounter? Better watch it, my friend, that's another way to get caught," he laughed.
"Nothin' wrong with knowin' how to be social. Lonely cold nights can be warmed with the briefest of smiles," I insisted with a confident smile, "An' all I have to do is be a stranger that came in an' out of their life for jus' that moment."
"Until one finds out who you are, and then there you are; either behind bars, or with one after your head herself for leaving her. Unless you steal the heart of a lady who lives our sort of life, and even then it's a high risk," he warned with what felt like genuine concern, "Can't be partners if you're locked away because of some scorned woman."
"I'm not sayin' I'm lookin' for love," I chuckled myself now, "I know full well that findin' someone who would understand is far from possible. Still, a dance here or there isn't askin' too much, an' keeps my skills sharp as well."
"How so?"
"To dance, ya have to hone swift movements, an' carefully placed hands. You'd be surprised what practice you can get in the oddest places," I replied, "As well as treasures one can swipe."
"I'll stick to my own practices," he said as he rolled his eyes.
With a shrug, I dropped the conversation.
We went on doing jobs assigned to us together. Often we would strike out as a group with our newer recruits. Silver and Diana, two ducks, were a well suited couple to work with, relying on one another quite a bit to look out for the other. Both were friendly enough, though he was far more of a free spirit as it wre, making light of situations to try and get a laugh from the others. She seemed to delight in his well meant humor, and took extra care when needed to make sure he was safe. Though when it came to more dire moments, he would focus and make sure the job was finished without a hitch. His main skill was in speed, once he was moving there was little chance of catching him. He had a saber that matched his name sake. While Diana carried mutliple knives to throw as her signature in battle.
It was also around this time that Aster had begun dropping hints that he was watching all of us closely. Making note of who brought back what loot, what talents were shown, and who handled the tougher situations of our job easier. Combat was a factor, as was keeping a cool head. Yet he wouldn't mention what it was he was looking for. That, or I was too focused on getting jobs done and gaining infaumy of my own.
Though the name of the Brotherhood of the Blade was helpful to have, I was beginning to make it known that a particular thief was among their ranks. Calling cards over the years carried some weight to them now, much to the annoyance of my best friend.
However, if he went with me on jobs, I always made sure he got his fare share...no matter the work or risk given from him. While better than when we'd met, Falcone still had things he seemed to always get caught up by. Cracking a safe with a carefully found combination was never going to be his strongest skill, nor was telling the difference between my forged glass and the real gems they were meant to replicate. Every so often he thought I'd gone and done a job without him, when I would just be prepping for it.
This had been the case the night of a job we were heading out for. This time it was an emerald that a secret buyer desperately wanted in their possession. A supposed heirloom that should have been made there's a long time ago. Whatever the reason, we were going for it.
With luck, and careful attention given when things almost went south, we pulled it off. Falcone was grumbling about how I didn't give him long enough to crack the safe, "I only needed a few more seconds!"
"We didn't have 'em with those guards startin' to catch on," I retorted as we walked along a side street heading to the hideout, "Jus' be happy we got it, an' are goin' to get paid well for it."
"How can I be happy when I don't have a chance to show what I can do with you around?" he questioned.
"Falcone, if I wasn't there to keep a look out, they might have found an' caught ya. Look at it that way," I said in abit of surprise from his odd remark, "I'm not tryin' to upstage ya if that's what ya think. We're partners."
"Only one of us can be the most notorious jewel thief, Duke, while the other will be seen as second best to the master. I think you're afraid of letting that chance to be the best slip if I can show what I'm made of," he replied a bit sourly.
"Or maybe I jus' wanted to get the job done?" I mentioned.
"Then why are you taking on more solo missions lately? Some without telling anyone, even me?" he questioned.
I paused briefly, but not from his question. Something sounded off as we passed by a jewelry shop along the street. Hearing his remark, I answered with a shrug, "I jus' get a bit restless an' decide to get some exercise."
"This isn't like going for a jog, Duke! You're using those extra jobs to rise to the top! The cities of Puck World are starting to memorize your name, and dread it when you're after something. I won't be upstaged by you!"
"Falcone, if you try to do those jobs alone, you'll-"
"I'll what?!" he snapped, "Get caught?"
"Not exactly, though I do worry at times," I admitted, "Look, I don't use those solo jobs to ruffle your feathers!"
He gave a scoff, his eyes narrowing as he spoke with rising contempt, "You think you're better than me? That you don't need a partner to get in your way?"
"Would ya knock it off! You're my friend, an' if I felt that way I wouldn't have gone with ya tonight! I'd have gone alone, an' opened that safe in a quarter of the time you were takin'!" I finally snapped myself.
Hearing what I'd said, as well as the movements I heard from the shop still, I began to regain my composure. Taking a breath, I looked to my friend and said, seeing his widened, angered ebony eyes, "Look. I do prefer havin' a partner. It helps to look out for one another, ya know I'm about takin' care of a group. All for one, an' one for all remember?"
He folded his arms over his chest, giving another short laugh in disbelief, "You are rather hopeless in that regard."
"If ya really need to know, I use those jobs to sort things out. When somethin' gets in my head that I can't answer, I go lookin' for another problem to solve instead. Whether it's a combination, or a floor plan of a museum an' it's traps. This is jus' my life, a thief through an' through, okay?"
His rather tight stance had eased up as I said this, and he replied, "You could always spar with me instead, old friend."
I gave a soft chuckle, "Maybe I'll try that sometime. Here," I tossed the emerald to him, "Speakin' of exercise, I kinda want to hang out here in the night air for a little while. You take this, an' I'll meet up back at the hideout later. I'll use the thieves' highway."
"Odd timing given what we'd just talked about?" he pointed out with a raised brow.
"It's not related," I assured, "You go ahead an' finish the job by gettin' that back to the hideout. Tell Aster I'll be back in a while."
"If I hear your name on the news, I'll find you and drag you back by that ponytail you're growing out," he warned.
"Fair enough I guess," I shrugged as he turned to leave.
I waited until he was well out of sight and sound before turning to the jewelry store. From inside, the shifting movements were still heard here and there. Displays were sliding open and clasping shut again. This drew me towards it as I found the front door unlocked, making it easier to slip inside and crouch down to make note of the already turned off cameras.
"Not bad," I remarked, "Maybe Diana an' Silver are out shoppin'?"
I shook my head, they would have heard Falcone and I outside, and come out to greet us. When we'd been having our loud discussion, I'd heard whoever it was pause in motion. Then they'd gone back to their task while we settled things for the time being.
Looking around, I could see a few emptied out display cases. Then, in the corner of the room, going for the register, was a thin figure cloaked from the shadows draped over us. She was trying to get the device to unlatch and spill it's contents, but was having trouble while holding the sacks of jewelry she'd already taken.
It didn't take long to realize she wasn't a bird of any sort. Rather than a beak, she had a narrow muzzle, and fur rather than feathers. Bright orange fur when the moonlight caught it, with splotches of black, brown, and white. She had dark umber hair that went to her shoulders, and a fluffy tail that swayed eagerly as she stood.
"Need some help?" I asked, causing her to jump.
She immediately went for the blaster I had already noticed on her, aiming it directly at my chest, "Back off, buddy!"
I quickly raised my hands up, showing I was not drawing any sort of weapon. At least not one of a blade or bullets or otherwise physically harmful. Instead, I went for a more subtle approach by giving a smile, "Easy there, sweetheart. I'm not tryin' to hurt ya."
I noted how she blinked in surprise at the remark towards her. Then they narrowed as she curled her lips in warning, "I don't intend to share with you, so I suggest you step back!"
"Then how do ya intend on gettin' that open?" I asked with a slight tilt of my head.
She glanced over me, raising a brow now at my slim, but strong physique. Then I saw as she noted the saber I carried on my belt.
"I jus' want to help so you can be on your way before someone else hears ya," I assured while not daring to take a step forward just yet.
"You just want what I've already stolen," she snarled.
"Not really, though if that were true I wouldn't have offered to help. I'd already be on my way with those jewels to hand out as I pleased," I assured with a confident smirk.
"You're not really convincing me," she mentioned.
"Then I guess we're at an impass," I said, "'Cause neither of us want to get caught here, I'm sure; but I also don't want to get shot. Though somethin' tells me ya don't want a body to deal with, capable or not."
Only then did she lower the blaster, but didn't put it away just yet,"What do you want then?"
"To help," I insisted while taking a careful step forward.
She allowed me to reach the register, her blaster trained on me still as I looked it over.
"I can work under the pressure, I suppose," I shrugged while slipping out a couple of picks and tumblers.
With that I opened it within seconds, the drawer popping out to reveal it's large quantity of contents. Then I stepped back, showing I had little interest in what she clearly wanted more. For she wasted little time pocketing it, only now lowering her blaster. However, she kept a weary eye focused on me.
"Is it enough?" I asked.
"For a good while, it will be," she admitted with a shrug, "I still have to sell of some of these."
"Impressive," I said while eyeing the rather full, large sack she then hoisted over her shoulder.
She raised a brow, giving another warning, "I don't like to share."
"Not askin' ya too," I insisted.
"So you just came in here to help a complete stranger crack open a register? You're not here for anything else?" she questioned.
"I needed to clear my head, an' it helped, as is the interestin' company," I remarked, "I've only seen birds here on Puck World."
"I sortof crashed here a few weeks ago," she commented, "And I'm trying to get the parts to fix my ship, which are very costly."
"Ya didn't think of another way first?" I asked curiously.
She shrugged, "I don't like to linger around others long. Too many questions, which you're sort of proving. So why don't you mozy along, and I'll do the same?"
"I might be able to help if ya let me look over your ship," I ventured instead.
"Did you not hear me?" she snarled, "I don't need anyone's help! This is how I've gotten by before when things are tight, and that's how I'll handle it now."
"What a shame," I shrugged, "I think you'd accomplish more with someone who knows the streets here, an' the best places to get parts for your ship. I've had to help fix a few of our stealth ships over the last few years. I mean, there's nothin' ya can't tell a duck about flyin'."
"Is that so?" she snarked, "And a fellow thief, my competition if you will, is just willing to help, with no strings attached?"
"That's a rather harsh way of puttin' it, but I guess so?" I replied.
"Why should I trust you?"
"I'm not sayin' ya have to, but I could have easily gotten ya caught if I'd been inclined too. Instead of helpin' ya clear the place out?" I mentioned.
"I suppose there's a ring of truth to that," she gave in while finally putting her blaster away.
"Alright; but one wrong move and I'll have your heart torn out and beating in the palm of my paw!" she growled.
"Understood," I replied clearly.
With this, she lead me to her tucked away ship on the outskirts of the city. I vaguely recalled seeing something shoot across the sky a few weeks back, but had been distracted by Falcone telling me of a job he wanted to go on. Looking it over, I noted, "It's not too bad. I can help ya find the parts easily enough, an' you're right about them not bein' cheap."
It was a small ship, built to carry two people at most. Though there was a fair bit of a cargo area, with a cot in the back, and a small living space.
"It's mainly exterior, the inside looks rather intact," I told her after being allowed a quick, but well investigated look.
"Do ya know how to fix it once ya have the parts?" I asked.
"Of course, I do!" she snapped, "Do ya think I traveled through space not knowing how to handle a ship?!"
"All I know is that ya crashed it, sweetheart," I replied.
"Stop calling me that! I'm not your sweetheart! I'm about to show you yours if you don't knock it off! Now tell me where I can get the parts I need so I can leave this place!" she snarled.
"Well there's the shop near my hideout, they don't ask too many questions about where the funds come from. All they care about is that you have it," I answered thoughtfully, "They open rather early too, so we can see about sellin' off those gems first to get the money."
"Why are you so insistant?" she about snarled.
"Do ya know where to go?" I pushed back with a playful smirk.
She grumbled something about my being a viper or some other slippery critter she wanted to shake off, but couldn't. Her fur bristled a bit when she saw me waiting for a clear answer, "I guess I could head back an' see what happened to ya on the news when you're caught with all those hot rocks."
"W-Wait!" she grabbed for the sleeve of my suit as I went to walk off.
"So, will ya let me help?" I asked smoothly.
"What do you want in return?" she bit back.
I gave a shrug, "Someone different to talk to is all I wanted out of it. Not every day ya meet a lady as spirited as yourself, an' one that has an eye for fine jewels as I do."
"Really, you just want a friend to talk to? You don't have enough hens begging for your attention?" she raised a brow with a scoff.
I gave a shrug, "Hard to notice in my line of work. Besides, none of them would be able to hold my attention for very long. Nor would I want their attention for that long. It tends to be a bit risky stayin' around for more than one dance."
"So then why stick around me so long?" she hissed.
"Well, sometimes it's nice to not stay around too long with someone else, at least for a little while. Ya don't have to explain to the other why it was time to move on. You can share an adventure an' then be on your way again," I explained a bit casually.
Then I added, "It jus' seemed like ya needed help, does there have to be more to it than that?"
"Well," she glanced over my attire, "Based on what you're wearing, and how quickly you cracked that lock, you could be after what I've already taken?"
"Then I'd already have it an' be on my way," I finally said rather flatly.
"Is that so?" she raised a brow.
I held up a necklace I'd slipped from her belt when she'd grabbed my arm just moments ago. I'd tucked it into the pouch of my belt until now. It was a cat's eye emerald necklace, set with gold clasps and a braided chain.
"How did you?!"
I raised a brow at this exclamation, and she folded her arms over her chest in a huff of irritation. Her pointed ears folded back, the right one twitching a bit, and her tail swishing back and forth.
Finally she glanced up at me as I offered the necklace to her, and she sighed, "Alright. Let's get going. I want to leave this place, and your smug smirk as soon as possible."
It was something at least. However, I paused as I held the necklace. She narrowed her eyes, "Your payment I suppose?"
I shook my head while placing it in her held out hand, commenting, "Nah, you should keep this one, though. Ya must admire it if it wasn't with the others. It'll look nice on ya."
Her fur fluffed up as her green eyes widened.
With this she took the necklace rather quickly from my offered hand and went to march away. However, she paused a few feet away as she realized, "You need to lead the way, don't you?"
I gave a light laugh while taking the lead. Though at one point I did glance over my shoulder when I heard her footsteps in the snow come to a pause. She was clasping the chain of that necklace behind her neck. With this she eyed me and snarled, her lips curling a bit, "What?! I may as well keep something for all my trouble!"
I shrugged, "It does go with your eyes."
Then I paused and asked, "What's your name by the way?"
"Why should I tell you?" she hissed.
"It'll make it easier to talk, an' ya don't seem to like nic names," I mentioned as though this were common knowledge.
"Mine's Duke, by the way," I offered.
"Vulpina," was her short response.
"It's nice to meet ya, Vulpina," I said with a genuine smile that seemed to throw her a bit off guard.
"I'll be the one that decides that," she snarked as I shrugged.
With this began a very give and take sort of deal. I gave, and she took. Directions, advise, extra gems I'd stolen to try and help her finish paying for the parts, conversations, etc. Over the next week or so I would meet with her after jobs, and then help her repair her ship. With this, I noticed her gradually easing up, or at least threatening me a little less. I suppose this was a good sign?
On the final night of this, I was sliding out from under the propped up ship. She had been working on the last bit of the bent up wing. I'd looked over when she started talking, for once unprompted, "You know, this arrangement hasn't been awful. Unless you're planning to swipe my ship and leave me here instead?"
I just gave her a look at this spur of the moment accuasation that I'd grown a bit used to. She actually laughed a bit, "You are a stubborn drake, but I guess it worked out that you are. The ship doesn't look half bad."
"So where will ya go now?" I asked when we'd finished, and were looking over the ship.
"I hadn't really figured that out yet. I don't tend to decide before leaving. I just go," she admitted, "And I see where the stars will take me. This time it landed me here."
"An' you'll be happy to leave, I'm sure," I said what I'd heard a number of times throughout the last several days.
She then tilted her head, as though pondering over something for a few moments. Then she said, "You know, I don't think the time is quite right for me to ship off just yet. The stars don't seem bright enough to guide me."
"So what will ya do then?" I asked, a bit surprised by this.
"If you don't mind me sticking around a bit longer," she shrugged, "I might do something to repay the favor of you fixing my ship?"
"Don't let me tell ya what to do, but what did ya have in mind?" I ventured.
"Maybe I could help you on a job, maybe just for one adventure, you and I could be partners?" she put forth, causing a smirk of intrigue to curve my beak.
"That might be fun, actually," I admitted, "Did ya have somethin' in mind? Another keep sake to go with that necklace you've kept hidden away?"
"Any job will do," she replied.
Though I knew it would probably annoy my usual partner further, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the opportunity. By the next night, we were heading out on my next job. Aster had told me of a diamond that someone desperately needed for a lense on their equipment. Without thinking much about it, I took the task, and went to meet up with my temporary accomplice.
I found her on the rooftop nearby the musuem. She was clad in form fitting ebony from the throat down, her tail swishing back and forth in rythem with her steps towards me.
"I was worried that you'd keep me waiting," she mused while slinking around me, her tail wrapping around my lean waist a bit.
"I wouldn't do that to a lady," I assured her with a charming grin, "Ya ready then?"
"Are you?" she quipped while looking over me in my stealth-suit of burgundy and black, "I'll get to see you in action."
"Heh, the idea is usually not to be seen," I chuckled as I walked over to the ledge to take in the scenery of the cityscape for a moment.
The adrenaline of the task at hand was already kicking in. Guards could be seen posted in response to my calling card. I gave a confident smirk, "Where there's a guard, there is loot."
While I was crouched down looking for the best way in, Vulpina stood at the ready with a hand on her hip. It was set near the blaster she carried at all times. At her back was a whip that I'd noticed it before.
"See something you like?" she asked when she caught me looking up at her.
I just gave a playful smile as I said, "Not sure yet?"
She folded her arms over her chest with a raised brow. Though she seemed to notice the light nature of my remark and played back, "The feeling's mutual."
Not long after, we were slipping into the museum without a hitch thus far. Any guard we came across we either slid by, or we knocked out and hid away to be found later.
"Why not make sure they can't wake up and follow?" Vulpina asked.
"Not my style. Besides, why should they have to die because someone wants the rock they were charged with keepin' watch over?" I retorted.
"A thief with a code then?" she asked.
"Somethin' like that," I admitted before we ventured into the next room.
"My usual partner makes fun of me for it too," I shrugged after shutting down a camera, "To me, it's not any fun if someone gets really hurt."
"You are an odd duck, considering what you do," she mentioned, "Then again, there is something to say about someone with the skill to back up such ideals."
I gave a smile, not hiding my pride in the least, "That I certainly have."
I proceeded to prove this as we went along. That night I was very much on point. Alarms never went off, guards were eluded or taken care of, and prizes were won. Along with the diamond we were sent for, I took a few extra trophies while in the midst of this hot streak. One of which I slipped onto her wrist, it's glittering rubies and amythests catching the moonlight when we walked under a window. She looked up at me with widened, vibrant green eyes, "Are you sure?"
"I have to take care of my partner, don't I?" I said casually, "Everyone gets their fair share."
"So what do you get then?" she asked.
"Some pleasant company for once," I chuckled with an appreciative grin on my beak.
Soon after we were long gone from the museum and anyone that might try and catch us. Next was the rendevou point with the buyer. On an outer part of the main city, we waited quietly for them to arrive. Right on point, a dark painted van drove up. It didn't look much different from others I'd seen on jobs. Yet the outward dent on one of the doors did raise a brow from me. Getting to my feet, I walked up, but told Vulpina to hang back.
Out of the vehicle, a dark brown feathered drake emerged. He was a well built duck with short buzzed black hair, a midnight shaded suit, and shades tucked into his front shirt pocket. He gave the meet up code, holding up his shades, "I would like to see more clearly, perhaps new lenses would help?"
"I have just the thing to assist with that," I assured while we met in the middle.
I was relieved not having to walk up to the van itself. Something about all of this made the feathers on the back of my neck stand up. Slipping a hand into the pouch on my belt, or rather near it, I waited for him to make his move. My hand hovered between the diamond and my saber as his ventured into the satchel carried over his shoulder. Relief only crept up a little when he held up the funds promised and I was able to take them off his hands. As I did, I produced the aqcuired gem and made the tray. My other hand remained casually at my hip, slightly around the back of it just in case.
"You're quite a useful asset to us, thief," he stated, "We may require your services in the near future, if my employer sees fit."
"I aim to impress," I replied, "Ya know how to contact us then."
I began to step back, but didn't turn around just yet. He, in turn, gave a nod and went to head back to the van. I waited for a blaster to be drawn, or for someone to jump out of that veichle. Yet neither of these happened. Still I couldn't shake the odd twist in my stomach from that exchange. Thief or not, there were some things I never wanted to take part in, and hoped to the Great Mother that I wasn't.
I didn't relax until they were out of sight, and out of sound. We were far away, up on another rooftop by then, and glad to be there.
"Are you okay?" Vulpina asked.
"Yeah," I assured with a nod.
"You looked ready for a fight back there," she noted.
I gave a shrug, "Jus' a good practice when doin' a trade. Ya never know when the buyer might get extra greedy. Some think they can jus' take their prize, an' no one will miss the thief they murder to get it."
Vulpina seemed to nod in understanding to this, "It's a dangerous life you live, Duke."
She then gave a smile as she added, "That's what makes it thrilling though, to know you're truly alive when every moment is a risk. I felt that tonight when we worked together, the adrenaline, the racing heart beat, oh it was fun!"
"Yeah?" I said as she drew my attention back to her.
Her hands rested against my chest as she smiled up at me, "Do you have any other jobs coming up? You could use a woman's touch to get them, if you like?"
I gave a bit of a soft laugh, "Is that so? I thought you were gunnin' to go back to space?"
"When I'm ready, I will," she shrugged, "For now though, the stars seem much brighter here on this rooftop, and with you."
"I'm flattered, but there is my gang to take care of. I'll have to share my jobs with them too, remember?" I pointed out.
"I suppose in this situation, I'll have to share a little. Though just tell me when, and I'll mark it as a date," she insisted with a playful pout.
"Have I stolen that heart of yours without realizin' it?" I teased her.
Her tail swished back and forth as she leaned forward against me. She then whispered, "Now let's see if I can steal yours?"
"No one's caught me yet, sweetheart...though I might like to see ya try?" I allowed myself to slip a little.
"My prize is set then," she insisted while kissing my cheek before stepping back.
Over the next few months, and into a year, Vulpina remained on Puck World. I continued doing jobs for and with the Brotherhood, as well as some with her here and there. It was nice to have someone to spend some time with, even if it was doing more heists. It's what I lived for anyway.
However, in this time, things began to get a little more intense between my usual partner and I. For Aster had finally made clear to us what he'd been looking for. Over his time spent watching our group, he was trying to make his decision.
"The next leader?!" Falcone exclaimed from beside me.
We'd just gotten back from a job, and it had gone off without nearly a hitch. The adrenaline was still running through me from the chase we'd escaped, cause by no small part played by the falcon I called my best friend.
"Surely it would be me," Falcone pushed a little eagerly, "I am the oldest of our group besides Trent and you, Aster. I will gladly accept, and bring the Brotherhood of the Blade to new hights!"
Apparently the concern for this was all over my face, as Aster gave a chuckle, "The position is not just given based on age, and the supposed experience that comes with it. There are far more important qualities I am looking for."
"Such as?" Falcone asked with a clearly souring tone.
"Well, you have to be able to lead," Aster said rather bluntly, "You must not only have an eye on the prize, but the other on the group that looks to you. If you want them to fight for you, you have to fight for them. It is the Brotherhood of the Blade."
"I am quite capable of that," Falcone still insisted with his arms folded firmly over his chest.
"From what I have seen thus far, Falcone; while you may get a job done, it is often others looking out for you. Did you even notice that Duke was injured tonight?" Aster questioned while glancing at my leg.
"It's not that bad," I assured.
"That is not the point," Aster said, "You got hurt looking out for him, didn't you? The alarm was tripped, and you made sure you both got out? Am I right?"
I gave a quiet nod. Though I knew this was rewarding me with daggers glared at me by the falcon at my right.
"I'm still considering some things," Aster then said, "However, I will be making my decision soon. It's high time that I retire and hand the reigns over to another. Someone who will look over the group, and bring The Brotherhood of the Blade to wealth and glory. It won't be an easy job; so think carefully before stating you want that on your shoulders."
"There's nothing to think about," Falcone scowled.
I listened to all of this rather quietly, thinking over our group at this point. I'd grown to know Silver and Diana. Falcone was my best friend, all things considered. This seemed to be showing when Aster looked to me, "Why don't you go see Trent to get your leg taken care of?"
"I can do that, but the supplies are in the infirmary, aren't they?" I gave a light smile as I went on my way, still deep in thought.
I could still hear Falcone when I'd turned the corner of the hall, and I rolled my eyes at his insistance. Trent noticed me coming in and gave a light laugh, "Same old?"
I nodded while getting the med kit and hopping up onto a bed to start looking over my banged up leg.
"Nothing left behind, fabric or anything?" Trent asked while tossing me an ice pack for a particularily bad bruise that was showing up.
"Nah," I shook my head, "I just slammed into somethin' when I was shovin' Falcone out of range of their fire."
Trent looked to me with already weary eyes, and I knew what he was about to say, "Duke, please don't end up like-"
"I'm not!" I insisted quickly, "I'm not goin' to get shot. Not with my whole career ahead o' me!"
My tone had grown sour as I tried to avoid the topic and tend to my leg. Our medic sighed and walked over to double check the bruises and shuffled feathers, "You've got a bit of a gash here under your knee, probably from a display case or windowsil."
"I checked to make sure no blood was left on the floor," I assured.
He nodded, "Your suit and feathers most likely absorbed it. It doesn't look too bad. Does it hurt?"
I ran a hand over it and shook my head, half lying, "Not really."
"Here's some bandages," he set them on the bed, knowing I wouldn't let him help at the moment.
After I'd cleaned and dressed the wound, I slid the fabric of my pant leg back in place. Hopping off of the bed, I gave a nod to Trent and went to try and toss my thoughts aside to relax. It didn't work too well. Not with the shot for leadership possibly in my grasp.
"You never were," I said to no one, "I can be."
I had said this while lying down in my bed, looking up at the ceiling with my thoughts racing. Tilting my head slightly, I would see some of my favorite prizes along the shelf. A small variety of gems resting with a silent shine to them. Looking over them, I thought over the last few years. I was just now hitting my stride in my career, not wanting to slow down. Yet I'd also seemed to find my place among this group, looking after them to make sure no one was caught. Knowing this, my nerves began to jump a little, thinking of what could change with me in Aster's place if he so chose. Though in a good way. I craved the challenge. However, I knew it was far more than wanting it. I would have to earn in. We had another job coming up, and I would be ready for it.
However, morning would find me rather early when I heard a knock at my door. Life as a thief had trained me to be a rather light sleeper, so it was easy to roll out of bed. Though I did wince a little when the foot of my bandaged leg hit the floor, as I'd forgotten about it. Still, I went to the hallway to find both Aster and Trent there waiting for me.
"Come with us," Aster said, giving little room for questions.
Quickly closing my door, I followed after them as instructed. Soon I would find myself up on a roof, looking out over the city.
"I'm sure you have a lot on your mind with what I mentioned last night," Aster stated, "However, Trent has brought more things to my attention."
"What's that?" I asked.
"How you got hurt last night," he replied with a glance at my leg.
"What about it?"
"You were looking out for the others, and made sure your friend got out. Even if it meant you didn't-"
"I'm not goin' to end up like-"
"I know you're not, Duke!" Aster assured swiftly while meeting me eye to eye.
He then let out a sigh as he looked out over the cityscape before us. Then he admitted in a softer tone, "I'd made my decision a long time ago. Possibly shortly after we took you in, Duke. I've been trying to train you since, not that you always needed it."
I held my breath a bit as I listened to his confession, "I said that I would do right by your late father. That if you were going to be a thief, despite his wishes, I would honor yours. You've surpassed me, my young friend. More than that, you look out for the group, just as we have for one another." he gave a nod to Trent, "Just as we did with your father."
"It's not a bad trait to pick up," Trent mentioned, "No matter your feelings towards him."
"You can think on your feet, keep an eye on where everyone is, and get the prize with everyone's freedom in tact. However, the group needs to keep that steady head on it's shoulders, and as such, must look out for it in return."
He looked back to me, "You do know what this means, don't you?"
I nodded, trying to swallow the lump that had formed in my throat, "Are ya sure?"
"I've been sure for a while, Duke," he smiled, "And I have no doubt you're what the Brotherhood of the Blade needs."
"I'm honored, Aster," I replied.
"What will ya do now? I mean, is this official?" I asked.
He laughed, "I've never been one for big ceremonies. I'd rather hand over the reigns while the time is right, and I figure it's that time now. As for me, I'm more than ready to retire somewhere."
"Trent, are you goin' with him?"
Trent, to my surprise, shook his head, "I'm not the sort to lie around and do nothing. Not while I'm still able. I'll remain here as the medic until I'm ready to move on."
"You mean this is goodbye?" Aster half laughed and winced at the same time.
Trent nodded, "It's been fun, Aster; but I feel I'm needed here still." he glanced at my leg, "Until I can find someone to take over for me. Otherwise our young leader will have too many holes in him and no one to patch him up."
"Very funny," I retorted while folding my arms over my chest, but with a good natured smile still over my beak.
I opened my eyes to another morning that started deep within our hideout. It wasn't too late in the morning surprisingly, I thought I might have slept a little later considering the job from the night before. Perhaps it was because of the night before that I had decided to wake up then.
I had been leader of the brotherhood for quite a year at this point. Most of the other members seemed to respect me, after climbing my way up and making sure everyone was satisfied. What good was a leader if his gang wasn't happy? Yet despite that, I knew some just couldn't be pleased no matter what I did. My now rival had made this quite clear during our heist the previous night. Falcone had asked me why we weren't going after a few more high risk treasures. When I told him it was too much of a risk at the time, he questioned my courage, trying to coax me into a hasty job.
"What is he trying to prove?" I asked myself as I got up and dressed.
We were already rather infamous. I was now known as the most natorious jewel thief on the planet, never leaving a trace. I made sure we had plenty of food and drink in the hideout, and that we were well supplied with whatever else we needed. My fellow thieves got enough adventure out of hte jobs we accomplished. Besides, there was a difference between being adventurous and just proving to be reckless. I didn't just have my own self to worry about now, I had to think of our group and what would be at stake if we ever pushed too far, especially all at once.
Even Vulpina had seemed to understand this as I did less jobs with her, focusing on my posistion as a newly established leader over that last year.
I looked in the mirror as I finished suiting up, pulling the black color to my throat. I tucked my gloves into one of the pouches on my belt for the time being. My saber was also secured to my belt just in case. Something about how Falcone had acted was making me feel like I should be more cautious. Yet another part of my head tried to assure me that he was still the friend I'd had all these years. Disgruntled about my being the leader or not, he still stuck with us.
Once I was ready, I decided to try and get some breakfast. In the galley I found a few of my fellow rogues, preparing and eating their meals. One of the more recently joined girls in the gang looked up when I came in, blushing as I waved at her. In spite of the worries in the back of my mind, I kept my usual charm on the surface so not to worry the others.
Diana and Silver asked me about upcoming jobs. The ebony haired lady that was beside me now, mentioned news of a sapphire necklace that had caught her eye.
"Is there somethin' special about it?" I asked curiously.
The ebony haired duck beside me pulled a photo out from the pocket on her hip. I could see right away what was catching her eye. The sapphire had been cut into a heart and hung from a gold chain. It seemed so simple, and yet intricate at the same time with it's braided chain. No doubt many of the girls eyeing it could easily picture it around their necks.
"Are ya plannin' ta go after it yourself?" I inquired.
She folded the photo up and put it back in her pocket. Her cheeks had become a deep crimson as she looked up at me.
"If one were to steal that and give it to someone special, it would be quite the gesture of romance," she admitted to me.
I'd had a feeling something like that may have been the idea. It was a sweet thought, but not though not one I was too interested in at the moment. Despite having become quite the elusive heart-breaker since I'd joined the brotherhood, I wasn't willing to break the promise I'd made to myself. Even Vulpina hadn't quite pulled me in, despite our playful flirting back and forth.
"Is there anyone you would go to such lengths for?" She asked me, a tinge of hope failing to be hidden in her voice, "Anyone you would give such a treasure to?"
"Sorry, sweetheart," I told her carefully, trying to let her down gently, "but I'm sure romance isn't far from your future."
A look of discouragement flashed in her eyes, causing me to wince a little. It wouldn't surprise me much to see her go like others had. For not one of them had been able to tie me down. For a moment, I felt a pang in my chest while thinking about it. Yet that promise I'd made the night I left home, even if I hadn't realized it at the time, stung me back into my reality. I would not be like him. I wasn't going to leave ties where someone could be hurt like my mother had been. No one would get that close to me if I could help it.
"Sorry," I apologized again, before getting up, grabbing an orange, and slipping out of the galley.
"That was a bit harsh," he said from behind me, "but it's best not to be lured to the side by some love sick girl."
I turned around quickly on my heel, bracing for a fight for some reason. I tried to shake off the concern, knowing Falcone was one of my comrades. I relaxed slightly, reminding myself that this was my best friend expressing his usual calous sounding concern with this topic.
"Is there somethin' ya want?" I questioned.
"Bigger and better jobs," he said flatly.
"You're gonna get caught pushin' it too much. We don't need that kinda heat on us right now, Falcone. Besides, we're already doin' rather well," I told him again, "Our name is known, but we're not found."
"Sure, The Brotherhood of the Blade is infamous; but we could be so much more than that. We could be so much richer, ifyou would only think bigger!" He pushed.
"We're playin' it safe for now, Falcone. We jus' did a big job, an' if we try to go after another too soon, our whole gang will be at risk. As leader, I will not let that happen," I repeated firmly.
"Then maybe someone else should be leader? Someone with a better vision? Someone who could propel us to greater heights and make us quite wealthy!" He laughed proudly.
"Someone like you?" I questioned, rolling my eyes at his lack of subtly.
"Look, Falcone, I have no intention on handin' over my position as leader, so let this go. We're goin' ta play it safe for a little while to keep the cops off our trail. Then we'll go after another big job."
"I thought you liked the thrill of the chase? The feeling of slipping out of the grasp of the authorities?" He taunted, "When you joined the Brotherhood, you didn't seem to mind a little more danger."
"I wasn't the leader then. I wasn't responsible for the whole group then," I reminded him with a souring tone, "An' I don't need to prove myself to ya!"
Falcone laughed, mocking me, "You've become quite a coward since becoming leader, haven't you?"
"I'm not a coward!"I glared at him.
"Then prove it, dear boy!" He pushed, knowing he had my attention now.
"I don't have anythin' to prove!" I spat, trying to reign in my temper.
"I think you know that you do, and I have a way."
"What?" I asked, taking the bait to hopefully shut him up for now.
He smirked, "That necklace she was going on about. Which ever one of us steals it tonight on their own is the winner."
"An' what is the prize?" I asked dryly.
"Respect, and if I win, I become the next in command."
"An' why would I agree to that?"
"Because if you don't, then I'll know how afraid you really are," he laughed.
While trying to maintain my collected demeanor, I offered a hand in agreement of sorts. I had no doubt that I could accomplish this job. After this, I could focus on the group again and put his pushing to rest. He eagerly shook my hand as I said, "When I win, you accept me as leader, an' understand that I have the group's best interest in mind."
"So we have the stakes," he agreed.
It was close to midnight now, as I stood at the top of the roof across from the museum. The night air wrapped around me like a cloak. I looked down at the streets below to see what information I could gather from my surroundings. A few guards patrolled the perimeter of the ground level. Inside the windows, I noticed a few more officers making their rounds. I decided that my best chance was to descend from the glass windows atop of the museum.
I hadn't told anyone about this challenge, for I figured it wouldn't matter. The job would be done, and then I could get back on track. I hadn't even told Vulpina about this, not wanting to involve her and let Falcone see it as cheating. I didn't need anyone else to do this, and I would prove I was the leader Aster had trusted me to be. While being the thief I'd promised myself I'd be.
I carefully made my way to the other roof, keeping to the shadows as much as possible.
Then I quickly jimmied the window open, secured my grappling hook to the roof, and slid down on my rope to the museum floor. It didn't take long for me to find the display case holding the sapphire necklace.
Seeing this gem before me, I could really appreciate the deep blue shade of it. As well as the craftmanship of the necklace. It truly was a work of art, and one I didn't mind adding to my collection for the time being. Though I did internally wince a little at the disappointed women that had been eyeing this one, as I knew I wouldn't be giving it to them as they wished. Not with the idea of romance attached to it anyway.
In mere moments, I lifted the case with my gloved hands, carefully took the necklace, and left a replica in it's place that I had crafted in preparation. Tucking the real necklace into the pouch on my built, I then slipped back into the shadows. Soon enough, I was on the rooftops again, feeling relieved from a job well done as I took the thieves' highway to get to the established finish line.
When I was those few buildings away, I stopped as I heard an alarm break the silence. The museum was now alive with activity, as guards and police alike searched for an unknown intruder. I shook my head, knowing full well who had tripped the alarm. Falcone's style had always needed more finesse in my book. No doubt, he'd just carved himself open a new door and let himself in.
I stayed by for a while, debating about whether I should try and see if I could find him and get him out safely. Yet something told me to stay back and watch a bit longer.
After a few minutes I watched as the police emptied the building, still searching for the intruder. New reporters were now on the scene as a calling card had been left behind. A butchered door from Falcone's saber had been left behind to let his pursuers know that it had been him to take the fake necklace.
"I see you just got here, dear boy! Did you get scared off from all the excitement?" Falcone taunted when he found me waiting there.
I couldn't help but laugh smoothly, "Ya think ya got there first?"
Falcone looked at me puzzled as he showed me the fake necklace, like a hard won trophy held up in his hand, "It's right here, Duke!"
"Look at it a bit closer," I told him with a bit of a smug smirk creeping over my beak.
Falcone examined the necklace closely, "What about it?"
"While I would say it's one of my better pieces, it doesn't quite match the real thing does it?" I said while producing the true sapphire in my opening hand.
Falcone's eyes shot wide open as he stammered, "Th-There's no way you swapped it like that! You're just trying to fool me to get the real one!"
"I don't need to resort to tricks like that to get what I'm after," I assured with a spike in my confidence, "It's not my fault ya can't tell glass from the real thing."
Then I carefully tucked it away again, "I'm not sure what I'll do with it for now, but it is quite the treasure, isn't it?"
Falcone was seething with anger now as he glared at me.
"Now we're goin' back to the hideout an' lettin' things cool down before we plan another mission," I told him, my ego admittedly soaring a bit from this, "Besides, ya need to work on your skills before headin' back out after the mess ya made for yourself back there. How many times have I told ya not to go in like that?"
My mistake was turning my back towards Falcone while I watched the streets below, trying to find a safe path back to the hideout without being noticed by nearby cops. Before I could react he had rushed me as I looked over the edge of the roof. I barely had time to react as he charged at me, stepping to the side as he drew his saber to strike me in that sudden motion. I quickly slipped to the left of the ledge and drew my own saber out of instinct. Yet I paused out of shock.
"Have ya lost your mind?!" I demanded as I blocked his attack without decision.
"Not at all!" he growled, "If anything, I'd say I'm finally seeing what I must do to be the best! It's time your career came to an end, old friend!"
I deflected the next swipe with my own blade, acting more on the defensive as I tried to wrap my head around what was suddenly happening.
"Ya call me friend, knowin' we've risked our necks for one another for years, an' you're pullin' somethin' like this?" I questioned as I parried the next blow.
"How can a softhearted coward like you be leader of our gang? Your name grows more infamous when I think bigger than you!"
"A coward wouldn't look out for others over himself, Falcone! Nor would they lead!" I snapped as I pushed him back a bit, and then ducked down to avoid another slash aimed for my throat, finally advancing a bit.
"You won't be leader for much longer!" Falcone insisted as he saw he was suddenly on the losing end, with our blades entangling until I was able to twist his out of his grasp.
"Sorry, but I'm not ready to take my bow jus' yet!" I about hissed, the blood pumping fast through me from the adrenaline of the fight I was trying to navigate through.
He tried to back up slightly, his hands up to show he had way of causing harm that I could see. I kept my saber held out, but out of lingering disbelief lowered it just a bit.
"Ya can't go back after this one," I told him with a distraught glare, "No matter how many times I've stuck my neck out for ya-"
"If it were the other way around, Duke, you'd have been done with your career a long time ago," he scoffed, "That's where you and I have always differed. I don't need you holding me back! I don't need you to tell me what prizes to go after! The brotherhood of the blade doesn't need a soft hearted duckling chasing after the shadow of his dead father, that will die just like him! Sticking his neck out someone instead of taking care of himself!" With that he moved quickly, taking the chance when I was stunned by the sting of those words, and revealed the blaster at his side.
He quickly aimed it at me as it grazed my shoulder when I barely moved in time. I growled with a sharp grimace twisting my face as blood trickled down my arm. As I tried to stop the blood with pressure from my hand to assess the damage, he began to advance,kicking me right in the stomach, and elbowing me in to chest to knock me down. Before I could try to get up, he'd run over to grab his saber. As his blade flew down towards me, I managed to hold mine still and blocked the attack. With this chance, I managed to swipe my foot under both of his, tripping him and trying to make a break for it. Scrambling to my feet, just as he grabbed my shoulder and yanked me back.
Another shot burned along my left side now when I tried to get up from being tossed aside. Forcing me to drop my saber from the seering sensation, my hand trying to feel how deep the burn was. As I did, I failed to notice his saber raised over me. I barely managed to duck as the blade flew towards my head; but he managed to knock me off balance once more by chipping my beak when he caught it.
Then, I found myself looking up at him when it happened. Just after rolling forward and turning in twisted pain to try and see if I'd gained any ground away from him. Yet also being disoriented from the pain and the alarm as I heard sirens drawing nearer.
In mere moments, that felt slow and fast at the same time, his saber was swung towards me. Before I could move in any way, a scream of agony ripped from my throat as the blade ran across my right eye. Instinct and adrenaline rushed through me as I tried to stop the bleeding and sheer anguish that was now emerging from my face, but Falcone wasn't giving me the chance.
Perhaps it was in this moment that I truly knew there was no going back. Not from internally understanding, but from the lack of in that instant shock from what had just happened. There was no stepping back from what he'd just done, other than taking a moment from how unclean his attack was, and was still trying to proceed. Nor could I afford to linger in disbelief any longer. Not if I wanted to survive!
He rushed up to me now, swinging his blade again, "Now then, I will be the leader of the Brotherhood of the Blade! I will be the number one thief of all time!"
Just before he could strike, I hastily rolled out of the way, causing him to run passed me just as I managed to trip him, sending him off the ledge. In a panic he dropped his saber as he started to fall. I heard him grab a hold of the roof's snow covered ledge. He yelped for my aid as he nearly slipped from the ice, but I could barely see at this point. Though something tugged at my conscience nonetheless as I heard him yell again. Perhaps a second of remorse for a past friendship I'd thought I'd had. Just as his fingers slipped off the ledge, I turned around and shot out a grappling hook, as it looped around his legs and caught him. Then he waited there tangled, hanging upside down as I secured the rope and left him there to be found by the quickly approaching cops.
I waited in the shadows for the police to find him. They all shared a laugh at how he had seemingly caught himself during his escape. Then they untied his legs, arrested him, and took him away. I could only distantly note that he hadn't mentioned me being nearby, nor anything about the Brotherhood. Not when he wanted to get back at me. That he would find a way to do himself once he busted himself out.
By the time they were gone I found myself growing light headed and weak from the loss of blood. Adrenaline was the only thing pushing me at this point as I tried to fend off as the pain from my injured eye now taking over. If I allowed myself to collapse then I would too be caught, or possibly bleed to death. So I forced myself to press on as quickly as I could, using back alleys and lonely streets to make my way to the others. Taking brief breaks to catch my breath and manage the .
Somehow I made my way back to outside the entrance of the dorms. I vaguely remember hearing someone call out in alarm when they saw me collapse from exhaustion. Blacking out just barely inside the door.
All I remember between then and waking up were flashes of my gang finding me, rushing me to the infirmary, and Trent working over me. Then it was black again for a long while.
I woke up in my own bed, but this time only one eye opened. Panic gripped my chest as I tried to recall what had happened. My head darted around, as I realized I had to move differently to see now. It was the adjustment to turn my whole head to observe my surroundings, and who might be there. No one was at the moment. I tried to sit up, but found myself to be a bit unsteady. Eventually I got to sitting up, and then braced myself as my feet slid over the bedside and met with the cold floor. Shakily forcing myself to stand, I stumbled over to the mirror. Once there, I looked to find a bandage wrapped around my head, with a temporary gauze patch over where my right eye should have been. My hair had also gained a premature white streak through it from the stress of losing my eye and so much blood. I also had a chip in my beak from the fight.
A little while after this, I decided to try and make my way to the galley. As I realized how hungry I was. I vaguely wondered how long I'd been out.
My steps were unstable the whole way there, but I eventually made it, briefly pausing along the wall of the hallway as needed. Once there I found most of fellow thieves chatting away or eating, as I had many times before. Yet instead of carrying on with their talks of missions and other topics, they all fell deathly silent when I stepped in. A few of them tried not to make it so obvious, but most of them failed to ignore the bandages now covering half of my face. Causing me to nearly step back, as it was not unlike the fear of being spotted by a camera while on a heist. Both made me want to vanish from sight.
However, pride pushed me to step forward. Eventually getting over to Silver and pulling up a seat beside him, I asked, "How long was I out? Ya all are actin' like I'm a ghost?"
"It's been three days since you stumbled home," Silver replied rather seriously for him, "We heard about Falcone's arrest, and figured he'd had something to do with it."
I would have glared at the memory of the fight if it weren't for the pain still radiating through my face. Coulped with a phantom agony where my eye should have been.
"Why didn't you tell any of us about this, Duke?" he then asked, "You're lucky you came back at all between that pompous pigeon and the cops looking for that missing sapphire."
"To be fair, I didn't trip the alarm that sent them out," I mentioned dryly.
"Still, you knew how aggressive Falcone was, and he was only getting worse," he pushed.
"I guess I didn't see it," I half grumbled, stifling a growl at the bitterness of the words chosen.
"Well, he's behind bars now. So we shouldn't have to worry about him for a while," Diana commented as she joined us.
Eventually Trent found us, and began to inform me, "You shouldn't be up and about yet."
"Never stopped me before," I retorted.
"You've never been this close to death before," he shot back, barely masking the anger in his tone, "You've always had your scrapes, but this was far beyond that, Duke!"
"Ya don't think I know that?" I snapped back, forgetting I was infront of everyone for a moment.
"What were you thinking going out like that?! You always knew how reckless Falcone could be! How could you not tell anyone-?!"
"'Cause I'm the leader, an' I made a call! I jus' wanted to shut him up, an' didn't think he'd pull somethin' like this alright?! I paid for it! I don't need everyone treatin' me like I can't handle myself all of the sudden!" I shouted, letting the anger of the other night be drawn out.
"You didn't handle yourself, man! You almost died! We were scared you weren't going to make it!" Silver quipped back.
"Silver, easy," Diana urged from beside him, "Duke just woke up. He doesn't need two drakes scolding him like a duckling!"
Silver took a step back, as well as drew in a deep breath. Before saying, "Yeah..."
However, Trent was not doing the same. In his eyes, I could see the fear he'd probably shown in them once before. And I hated it. So much, that I made my way out of the galley, not caring how ungraceful I looked for a moment. I managed to not hit a wall or anything, but I knew my direction was a bit off. Still, I began to walk down the hall as fast as my strenth would allow for the time being.
It wasn't fast enough, as I heard his footfalls shadowing me.
"I'm not him!" I growled in warning.
"I never said you were," Trent said in a stern, but more settled tone.
"Ya don't have to say it! Even with one eye I can see it!" I snapped while spinning back around on my heel, "You're thinkin' he's gonna end up jus' like his father! He's gonna die jus' like he did! Well at least I don't have ties to anyone I could hurt like he did-"
"Yes you do, Duke," Trent said firmly, striking me where it was more sore than my eye or burns were.
I could feel the fury on my face as I tried to look away. Which was easy at the moment. Horribly so.
I heard Trent take a breath, before speaking calmly, "I may have let my own fears get the better of me when I saw you that night, and then just a moment ago. I've watched you grow up from a young pickpocket to the leader of the gang one of my best friends took care of before you. In a lot of ways, I can see how you are like my other best friend, and how you're very different. Some ways I wish you weren't."
I risked a look over at him, the anger still driving me, but quietly.
"I thought we'd lose you, more so from the shock than the blood loss and injuries. In a way, I fear we have. However, you can't let Falcone's betrayal change you, Duke. I feel on some level, you always knew he was this reckless, violent, and selfish. It's why you'd never let him be leader. Though you've always been one to try and look out for those you feel connected to all the same. That's why you're the leader. We all know you have our best interest in mind, even over your own," he continued.
"I thought we were like brothers," I admitted to him, "Even if we didn't always get along. Then again, some brothers don't."
"And he used that, and your ego, to get under your feathers to draw you out to trying something so reckless," he replied.
I didn't say anything. I was too angry with myself.
"Duke," he attempted with a step forward, "You are not a copy of your father. However, being like him is not at all the horrible thing you've let it become in your head. Your father was a good drake, thief or not. I understand where your hurt comes from, given his abscense in your life; but to Aster and myself, he had a strong moral code-"
"Larceny aside?"
"Yes. He never hurt the innocent, he looked out for us, and did what he could to provide for you and your mother," he replied, "Even though he couldn't risk seeing you."
"He still hurt her," I said sourly, not willing to listen to this right now, "An' look where bein' like him got me? I almost followed after him, stickin' my neck out when I shouldn't have!"
"Then you really wouldn't be you, now would you, Duke?" he quickly retorted.
I shook my head, still far too angry, and left him standing there in the hall. Retreating to my room for a while to try and calm down. Passing by uneasy expressions as I passed by other ducks that saw my bandaged face.
Once in my room, I asked no one, "Where's my suit?"
I only now realized that I was in casual clothes, wearing a button up shirt and slacks that I'd been changed into. Though I would note the scars showing along my frame and made sure to fasten the buttons to where they were all hidden. Except the marks made on my face...
Giving up with growing aggravation, I looked around the room until I found my stealthsuit, cleaned and folded on my dresser. Alongside it was my belt and satchel, and inside...the sapphire. Blood had not stained it, nor had it been damaged at all. Even with one eye, I could see it's calming depths of blue trying to console me on some level. At least I'd won the prize, despite what I'd lost to get it. Then I tucked it back away to keep in my satchel. Still unsure just what I would do with it. Until I decided to just keep it.
In a matter of days I was given a cybernetic eye and a patch to wear over it. It would take time to get used to the device, and how it looked. The same was said of the others as they saw me wearing this. The girl that had previously flirted with me had left, possibly being shown how dangerous our chosen careers could be. Or perhaps from not being able to stomach looking at the bit of robotics I now had on my face. Either way, she didn't even say goodbye. Though I found I wasn't too worried about it.
Even Vulpina hadn't been sure what to say when she'd first seen me with it. Her eyes growing wide with shock, and then her face twisting into a sickened grimace, as she probably imagined the pain I'd gone through. She attempted, "It makes you look dangerous." She gave a bit of a smirk, but I could see it had shaken her more than she was willing to admit.
In one night, I'd gone from the reliable leader to the one who'd slipped up. And badly. Perhaps I was too naive, even with all these years as a thief? Maybe my ideals were a bit odd for a master criminal. And yet, I couldn't bring myself to change them.
However, I also couldn't find myself letting my guard down at all after that night. While I still worked with others, as well as Vulpina, I never relied on them quite the same. I'd noticed I'd begun keeping everyone I could at my left side, refusing to depend on them or it if I didn't need to. I wasn't going to be in the same situation. Though I knew I couldn't act coldly or entirely withdrawn, as time passed, I would only let those I truly knew wouldn't turn on me, mainly Trent, at my right. Even as a year went by with this eternal scar on my face.
"We've got another job tonight," I mentioned to Trent after finishing up the details on the deal itself.
"We also need supplies," he retorted in mild irritation as he looked at our limited stock on gear.
"We'll have to split our crew then. Silver an' Diana can go get supplies, an' I'll handle this one," I replied.
"Do they have to be on the same night?" he asked.
"This is a big job to say no to," I noted, "but one I can handle jus' fine."
"I could go with you," he offered.
I shook my head, "I am not lettin' ya risk yourself at your age."
He raised a brow, "I've still got fight in me, L'Orange. At least enough to keep you out of trouble."
"Save it for when ya really need it," I pushed back more playfully.
He sighed, "Are you sure you'll be alright?"
"I'll be fine. I've learned a lot more in the last year," I assured.
My plan was to head out alone, grab the prize, and meet up with the buyer later that night. It would be done and quick. That was the plan.
However, plans have a way of going arry. Starting with Vulpina insisting on going along when she'd spotted me that night. Despite my protesting, she wouldn't hear of it.
Though as we went along, I would begin to pick up on other hints of what she was after that night. While I was getting the requested diamond, I would hear her looking over the other displays with a slick snicker, as I'd already cut the power for us to slip in, "Anything could really be ours if we wanted, couldn't it?"
"I suppose?" I whispered back while exchanging the diamond with a glass one, complete with my signature engraved in it.
Slipping the diamond into the pouch, seperate from where I kept the sapphire, I turned back to her, "Ready?"
She stepped over to me, a look of intrigue and want in her green eyes, "Don't you want a bit more than these jobs? To truly be free and take what ever you desire?"
"Vulpina, I appreciate the interest, but I have to focus on this," I repeated.
She gave a bit of a chuckle, "Duke, you don't have to do anything. You can do whatever you want with the skills you have. We could do anything we want, and take any treasure."
"Vulpina, we need to get goin'," I reminded her as I began leading us out of the museum.
She tried to follow behind me, but I made sure she stayed at my left. Once we were out, she attempted again, "Think of the treasures we could find through space. There isn't a world out there we couldn't rob blind-" she tried to word more carefully, "A prize we couldn't swipe to call our own. The two of us, partners?"
I turned to look at her, the moonlight cast over her slendor frame. Her tail sweeping around her to try and draw me closer to her. She rested her hands against my chest, looking more to my left eye to gaze into. Or would have, had I not stepped back out of her grasp. She looked to me, quite thrown off from this reaction, "What are you doing?"
"I'm flattered, Vulpina; but I can't leave my gang," I told her, "An' I've told ya...our partnership isn't like that."
"We work so well together," she protested, "And we could-"
"Vulpina, I have to focus on this," I said still distantly, very unwilling to venture closer in any way still.
It had only been a year, and though more like myself...I'd not allowed some things to slide. Including, "I'm sorry, but that part of me hasn't changed."
It was then that I noticed the van I was supposed to look out for at the meet up point driving down a nearby street. Heading a good bit away from it in fact.
"What is it?" Vulpina asked in a harshed tone I distantly noted.
"Doesn't it look familiar?" I inquired while using the thieves highway to look down along the roads.
"It's just another dented up van, guess they couldn't afford an upgrade like other ducks," she shrugged with a bitter stance, her arms folded over her chest and her tail swishing back and forth.
"Yet they can afford diamonds to be stolen from a museum?" I mentioned as I thought back to when I'd seen it a few years prior to this.
"If they're buying hot rocks, they probably wouldn't buy a new vehicle," she quipped.
"I guess you're right," I said, but felt the need to follow nonetheless, especially when it stopped long enough to hear a voice yell out from inside it.
"Let me out-!"
"Quiet!"
"What are you doing L'Orange?" Vulpina questioned as I continued.
I didn't answer as I hopped into our own stealth ship and followed. We'd acquired it over the last year with the funds from recent jobs. In a short time I'd picked up a lot on piloting it, including how to keep out of sight while following behind someone. Vulpina quickly jumped in as well, as she realized I was just going off of quiet instinct at this point.
"This is a well tucked away part of the city, isn't it?" I noted as we found ourselves among many buildings that had been long forgotten about from development spreading out.
"Why are you so curious about fellow criminals whereabouts?" she asked.
"'Cause I didn't like what I heard back there," I replied.
"Duke, we have no idea who that was. A lot of others in our line of work don't adhere to the same policies as you do," Vulpina stated, "Just stick to the plan and get the money. Then let them be on their way while we go on our own!"
"Is that really who ya think I am?" I asked when we were stopped for a bit, waiting for their next move to follow.
"I think you're an amazingly skilled thief that needs help refocusing on things," she retorted, "I've known you for years, trying to get close to you, but you always push back."
"Not right now, Vulpina. Please," I requested.
"Let's just get out of here and go back to the meet up point they set up with you!" she insisted.
Too late. We were parked outside a large office building. One well hidden away from any onlookers that could cause issues. We would then see a blonde duck hen step out from the driver's seat, and the drake I'd met with on the previous deal pop open the back doors. With him was a young duck with white feathers and shoulder length dark hair. She was fighting and kicking to get free.
"Let me go-!" she attempted before he clamped her beak shut.
"Let's go, Ice!" the woman instructed in a sharp, hushed tone, "You have an appointment to make in a less than an hour!"
He nodded while dragging the woman with him still.
I glanced at Vulpina to see her looking more uneasy, her arms tightly folded over her chest as she sat in the passenger's seat.
"I'm goin' in," I stated.
"Have you lost your mind?!" she exclaimed, "You can't go in there! They've seen you, you'll be risking your career and your neck! Let's just get out of here!"
"This is wrong, even for us!" I parried back, "You can stay here if ya want."
"You're not some hero, Duke! You're a wanted criminal!" she reminded me, the words stinging more than I thought they would.
"Even still," I replied, before slipping out and using the shadows to get closer to the building.
Slipping in took little effort, and I was able to keep pace with them undetected. The drake had a bulkier frame compared to my own. Though he was a little shorter. Still, I knew I didn't want to be spotted by him if I wanted to avoid a fight. Though watching him drag this poor girl along didn't make that desire easy to ignore.
I followed them up to a lab with lined doors in a narrow hallway connected to it.
"Put her in next to the our main project. It'll be good to have two test subjects," the woman stated as though they weren't sentient to understand this.
"Understood!" he nodded while tossing the girl into the windowless room and locking her inside.
He'd made sure she was tied up and unable to get out if he left her there. Only boiling my blood further.
"Now, go meet with L'Orange to pick up the piece we need for our rays. Make sure you don't let on to what the diamonds are being used for. Not that he should care given his own job," she said coldly.
"Yes, Dr. Shells," Ice affirmed before taking the envelope and heading off, "I'll go get things started for when you get back."
She then went into the lab while he headed back down the stairs. With both gone, I slipped over to the door and began doing what I do best. Get into places I'm locked out of. As well as finding what's hidden away behind those closed doors.
As I would find the young duck, who looked at me with fearful eyes. I quickly undid the cloth gag, using the dark to to mask me while whispering, "I'm goin' to get ya out. When I give the signal, you make a break for it."
She nodded as I freed her. Then she followed me to the door, As I glanced down the hall to make sure it was clear, I began to make my way to the neighboring door. Hearing the doctor in the lab, preparing whatever it was, I waved for the duck to head down the steps. With Ice gone, it would be a clear shot for her. She hurried by me as I got to work on this next door.
Inside, I would find another young feathered lady, but this one was not a duck. Her beak was like that of a raven, and her feathers quite dark. She looked straight at me with anger in her tired lavender eyes. Yet she didn't say a word. Even as I drew nearer. I knelt down beside her and began getting her free, "Let's get ya outta here, kid."
"Who are you?" she hissed.
"Don't worry about that," I whispered, "Jus' focus on gettin' home after I get ya out."
"There's no home for me to go back to," she retorted, "They robbed me of my family and took me to this nightmare."
Hearing this, knowing she had no where to go, I heard myself offer, "Then you can stick with me, if ya want."
She raised a brow, and I said, "At least until ya figure out what ya want to do."
"What are they doin' here?" I then asked while getting her binds undone.
"They're experimenting on those the world won't miss...it's easy to say that when they pick them off the street or get rid of what family they have to try and find us," she retorted.
I then felt a twist in my stomach, as I began to wonder how long she'd been here. Had she been captured during the time of the last deal made with them? Had I had a hand in this? Either way, I was going to try and do what I could to fix this.
Once she was free, I told her, "I want to find out a bit more, to see if there's anythin' else I can do about this...stick with me, an' I'll make sure ya get out okay."
She gave a reluctant nod as I helped her to her shaky feet, "It's goin' to be okay."
"What's your name?" I asked.
"Avarin," she replied carefully.
"Duke-"
"As in?!" she started before I put a finger to my beak, "Shh!"
She closed her beak, and proceeded to follow behind me. For the first time in a while, I didn't mind. Then again, I wasn't worried about her attacking me, as much as I was concerned about being found by anyone else.
"Stay here," I instructed as I waited for the doctor to march off, down another hall, murmuring something in irritation.
Not realizing what it was she was annoyed with, nor that the van was still outside. So I didn't hear them looking for the first escaped duck, or Vulpina outside of the ship.
Slipping into the lab, I found a few folders upon a desk. One I opened to find notes on the raven I'd found locked away. Test Subject: Raven. What can the body endure when put through...I read on in growing quiet anger. Just what were they trying to do? Worse yet, I felt sick to my stomach as I realized while seeing, " They've been usin' the gems for rays to experiment with...the ones I..."
"We're gonna take care of this place an' get outta here," I then swore while glancing at the young raven beside me.
"What are you going to do?" she asked, "We don't have that much time."
"Follow me, but if I say run, go without me. I'll handle the doc an' her thug." I instructed firmly.
Then it was a matter of fighting the right ignition, as we had plenty of fuel. With a spark of my saber, the energy catching the papers on the table, it was a matter of moments as I kept the fire going through the lab. I was going to undo what I'd done in any way that I could, and make sure no one else was hurt from it. Seeing how I couldn't go to the authorities for what I did for a living, they couldn't either.
"What's going on?!" I suddenly heard Dr. Shells exclaim from the ground below, "Is she still inside?! Hurry, it's coming from the lab!"
"Time to go!" I said as lead the raven back to the other hallway.
What I didn't count on was how quick that fire would spread, as it was a very old building. Flames began to lick the walls, glass cracked and shattered from the rising temperature, and smoke billowed up and along the halls. We instinctively ducked down and began creeping our way along.
"The rays, they're ruined! All our work! Check the rooms!" Dr. Shells coughed.
"Go, now!" I ordered quickly as Avarin picked up her pace to run ahead.
While I hung back to hold them off if needed. Behind me I could hear the muscular drake kicking down doors and yelling back to his boss, "They're both gone!"
"It's the owner of the stealth ship we've found outside!" I winced as I heard the woman yell this.
"Find them!" she then yelled, "They couldn't have gotten far!"
I was still igniting places and here and there, causing the flames to rapidly spread to make it harder for them to find her. However, I would hear suddenly, "Dr. Shells, I cough found him!"
"Duke?! Where are you?!" I heard just after this, as Vulpina searched the fire for me.
"Vul-cough- Vulpina?!" I coughed while trying to hurry over to her, "What are ya doin' here?!"
"I saw the smoke and knew you hadn't come in! What are you doing?!" she questioned as she saw me ignite one more door.
"This place needs to go, an' we need to get out of here before it does!" I informed as I began trying to lead her out, "Did ya see the kid?"
"The raven? She ran outside as I ran in, but I didn't see where she went!" she growled while trying to keep her throat clear.
"L'Orange?!" the voice from behind yelled out suddenly, "What are you doing here?!"
"I should ask ya the same thing," I growled while avoiding the smoke as best as I could.
"Run!" I then ordered Vulpina, who immediately turned around and did as ordered.
I began to follow after, but didn't anticipate the shorter drake catching up as quickly as he did. Grabbing me by the shoulder and slamming me into the wall. As my back collided with it, the wall gave way, causing me to crash back through it. Dr. Shells was hurrying to catch up to us, a breathing piece over her beak to get through the smoke with. Her pale blue eyes shot wide open when she saw me there, "What are you doing here?!"
"Stoppin' whatever it is you're doin' here!" I growled while glaring up at her.
When Ice went to grab for me, I quickly hoisted myself up and backwards, rolling a bit until I was on my feet again. My saber drawn as I kept their attention on me, "I've done a lot of wrong things in my life, but this...you're lucky I can't go to the cops with this!"
"What did you see?!" Dr. Shells demanded.
"Enough to burn this place to the ground-"
"You think we won't go to the authorities?" she scoffed.
"Go ahead, an' be sure to tell them what's burned down, an' be sure to tell them about those ya plucked off the street to experiment on," I said with a smug smirk.
"Then I'll take care of you right here!" Ice cracked his knuckles as he marched towards me, "Shells, try to catch the girls before they get too far! We'll start from scratch!"
She nodded and went to leave, while I stepped back to avoid the now lunging forth drake trying to duel me fist to blade. The smoke was growing thicker, and I hoped everyone had made it out alright. As he advanced towards me, I would notice the creaking of the floor under us. Getting an idea, I waited for him to strike, leaping to grab hold of me, just as I used the base of my saber to clear the jagged glass behind me that made up the window. As he stomped his foot forward, it would go through the floor, and him with it. A yell of fear was abruptly cut short as he hit the ground floor. There wasn't anything further I could do, other than wince slightly at the idea of causing this. All I could do was focus on getting out and getting the captives to safety.
Heading out the window, I shot my grappling hook to wrap around a lamp post across the way, and swung down to safety. Coughing out smoke as I did.
"Duke?!" a young voice exclaimed, and I turned quickly to see Avarin running up to me.
"Avarin, I told ya to run!" I said while still coughing.
"You told me to stick with you!" she reminded me.
"Right," I winced.
"Get your rear in gear, L'Orange!" Vulpina yelled from the starting up ship.
Taking Avarin by the hand, I rushed her over to the stealth ship and helped her up into it. As she climed inside, I would turn just in time to see Dr. Shells looking after us. To this I said nothing, and noted as she didn't either. It was a stalemate between the both of us. If she went to the authorities she would have to admit what had been destroyed, or risk it being found out. While I couldn't without risking how I knew about it.
Yet this didn't stop the fury in her eyes as she swore, "I'll get you for this, L'Orange!"
I didn't say anything. Instead I hopped in after Avarin, fastened us in, and told Vulpina to fly. With that we were gone well before anyone showed up to put out the now raging fire. Not daring to stop until we were near the hideout, where it was finally calm and quiet again.
Though it had been very quiet inside our little ship. All three of us seemed to be holding our very breath as we took in all that had just transpired. Glancing over at Vulpina, I would see the fuming of barely held back irritation in her eyes. Despite her refusing to look at me for the moment. Until finally I broke the silence a little, "That was an interestin' adventure-"
"Have you lost your mind?!" Vulpina snapped.
"I don't believe so?" I shrugged.
"She saw you! What's to stop her from going to the police with your image?! She could say you stole something else of hers and have you found and dragged off!"
"They'd have to find an' catch me first, an' what else could I do? Ya saw what they were doin'," I retorted.
"We're thieves, L'Orange! We're not detectives or heroes! You can't be risking your neck like that!"
"Thief or not, I couldn't walk away from that!" I snapped back, "An' everythin' turned out alright. We're out an' safe, right?"
"Duke, you just made things so much harder for yourself!"
"I'll be fine, an' so will my gang an' you!" I assured before catching a glimpse of the now shaking young duck sitting behind us.
Pushing my own irritation aside, I took a breath and said to her, "You'll be alright too, Ava. You can stay with us if ya want?"
"You're going to let some little duck join your gang just like that?" Vulpina raised a brow.
"If she wants to. Either way, she's safe while she figures out what she wants to do," I replied.
Looking to Avarin, I said, "What do ya say, kid?"
"I...I want to stick with you for now," she nodded, "I don't have anything else to go back to..."
"Welcome to the gang," I said with an offered smile, ignoring Vulpina's glare for the moment.
Avarin turned out to be a rather helpful member to join us. With some training, she took to a blade very quickly. She also had very little trouble stealing from the society that had let her family be taken from her, as well as let her get experimented on. Even though she knew there was more to it than that, point was she'd made up her mind. She especially got along with Silver and Diana, the three of them proving to be quite the team to send out on jobs.
Taking her under my wing had a number of reasons behind it though. For I'd been unable to shake my own guilt from knowing I'd had an unknowing hand in her circumstances. By stealing the diamonds used for the rays they'd experiemented on her with, and by not catching on earlier. It also helped me to have somoene to look after like that, and I found myself treating her veyr much like a younger sister as time went on. Until she became my own hand picked choice for next in command if something were to ever happen to me.
However, there was still someone who was quite unpleased with how much time I spent with her and our gang. Vulpina had begun to show more and more warning signs since that night. Reminding me that I now needed to be far more careful, despite Dr. Shells not having gone to the authorities. As I had guessed she wouldn't. It would take her a while before she could really do anything to get back at me. In the meantime I kept on with my career, only growing in infamy. Yet this still wasn't enough to convince my vulpine friend.
"Just come to space with me! You have someone to take over for you now!" Vulpina insisted one night after a quick job.
"I'm not leavin' my gang, Vulpina. We've been over this," I reminded carefully while securing the recently taken gems in my satchel.
She slipped over to me, slipping her hands over my chest as she made me look over her, "Duke, we've known one another for so long. We could have anything we wanted; treasures, freedom, world after world, each other!"
"Vulpina, I'm sorry, but I've told ya before...I can't give ya what ya want from me," I attempted in a continued calm tone.
Her tail flicked behind her in quick irritation, her claws slightly digging into the front of my shirt. Her lip curled a bit as she questioned, "Why's that? You can call me sweetheart, wrap me around your finger, lure me in with stolen treasures; but you can't let me steal your heart away in return?"
"I can't jus' up an' leave my gang, an'-"
"It's that little duckling, isn't it?! Are you leading her on the same way?!" she demanded with a growl in her throat.
"I'm not leadin' Ava on, an' I never meant to do that to you either!" I snapped, "Vulpina, ya know I can't do this! Ya know why I-!"
"Because you don't want to be like your dearly departed father?" she snarled in a bit of a hurting taunt, "You don't want to leave ties to anyone? You don't want anyone to get hurt because you can't be with them? Even another thief?!"
Before I could answer, she furthered, "I've got news for you, L'Orange; you've already done far worse damage! You're worse than him! Who will be the next girl you charm? Avarin? Diana? Or some new girl that finally leads you to getting caught?!"
I tried to think of how to reply, but found myself just growing angry from the words hitting me. I took a deep breath and stated, "Ya know, this isn't changin' my mind any. Vulpina, I've considered ya a good friend, an' a partner; but-"
"But what, I'm not good enough? Is that it?" she pushed, "Is it because I'm not a duck?!"
"No!" I insisted, trying to calm down.
"Then what is it?! Why after all of these years can't you let me be with you?!"
"I can't trust ya!" I finally shouted, my usually cool demeanor now shattered.
Her green eyes went wide as she stepped back. Before they narrowed into a glare, her ears pointed back.
"What...?" she hissed.
"Ya heard me, an' you're showin' jus' why," I said, my voice a bit cold now, "I can't trust ya. You're a jealous, possessive viper of a woman, an' I've seen it more an' more!"
"Is that so?" she growled, "You can't trust me after all this time?"
"I've been fooled before," I stated before I could reign myself in.
Her eyes narrowed into a piercing, hurtful, angered glare. Then she surprisingly eased up as she scoffed, "You just don't know what you want, do you? You want to flirt to your heart's content, and the freedom to get away? You want someone that will watch your back, but also want to be left alone? You lured me in, and there will be others, right? Until they see you're a better heart breaker than the very drake you're trying to avoid becoming!"
"Goodbye, Vulpina," was all I could think to say in my own growing anger.
"Run while you can, L'Orange. The next time we meet, I'll have your heart one way or another-!"
I was already gone by the time she finished her threat. Luckily, I'd never shown her where the hideout was. So I didn't have to worry about her following me there, and made sure of it with careful steps into the shadows.
Over the next couple of years, I spent my time building my career. Keeping my gang close, but no one else. Even they were kept at a distance as I sort of went through the motions at this point. Stealing gems, getting paid, the occassional duel against a rival thief. Including Falcone when he'd broken out of jail. Yet I remained the now most famous jewel thief on the planet, and I was quite proud of this. I'd not heard from Vulpina since that night, and I figured she'd just given up and left for the stars as she'd always wanted. After that night, I'd tried to be more careful how I talked with other ladies, though I still slipped up from time to time. Flirting briefly with a lady for a night on the town, and then disappearing from their lives with their jewels in hand. Over this time I'd also taken Avarin more and more under my wing, treating her more like an adopted sibling to help her own skills emerge and sharpen.
She was quite stern at first after meeting her, wanting to get jobs done and over with almost as soon as they'd begun. She spent most of her time training, or helping Trent with upkeeping the dorm. Though over time of getting to know her, I would find her beginning to crack very dry jokes. It was then that I began to realize how much she paid attention to the others, taking in their personalities and how they work off each other. Over that time, she was practicing how to best utilize our skills as a whole with her own, to make note of who worked best in what manners. Not just to just get the job done, but to make sure no one would be caught while doing so. She was looking out for us, holding the code we'd taught her close to heart. With this appreciation, I often appointed her the lead of the secondary group when Falcone and I would go ahead.
This was my life, the one I'd built bit by bit, taking each step. Climbing the ranks and sharpening my skills. All while keeping who I needed to close enough, and yet everyone at a distance. My gang relied on me, and I did my job as leader to keep them rising in infamy; but made sure not to get too close again. There were few in this life that I could truly trust at this point, after being proven wrong so badly at least twice before. Though Trent tried to remind me from time to time that ties couldn't be prevented from being formed all the time, and now I understand the concern he had for me as I look back on things. On how distant I was growing to be.
Nonetheless, I continued sharpening my skills. And I quite enjoyed doing so. Loving the rush of a heist, and even enjoying the chase a bit when I allowed a cop to catch a shadow of a glimpse of me. Only for me to swiftly evade them.
However, one night, I found myself on a quick job, as I felt the need for a small adventure to try and clear my head a bit. As I stepped into the cool night air I looked around for something to catch my interest. Yet nothing called to me at first. I then found myself shrugging, until I noticed a rumbling overhead. To my surprise, I would see a thunder storm brewing. The first time I could really remember us having in about a decade. Though this one seemed to come out of nowhere. Causing me to find and slip into the window of an apartment for the fast heist I was looking for.
Despite my needing little effort to swipe the jewelry from the slumbering ducks inside the apartment, I found myself just going through the motions of it all. The storm masked my steps and sifting through the wife's jewelry went very smoothly. I tucked a few pieces into the satchel, but not the one holding the sapphire even still. With this, I made my way back to the window and watched the storm as it quickly rushed through.
Then it was calm once more, and as I crept back out of the window, I happened to look out over the streets. For a moment I thought I was seeing things, and I watched carefully to make sure it wasn't my mind playing tricks on me.
As I looked to find a young lady, who looked nothing like Puck World's people seemed to be wandering the city.
She was alone, and seemed to be very lost. Her frail form looked unstable as she tried to gain her bearings. Yet she didn't have much time to do just that, as a pair of thugs grabbed the girl, and pulled her into the alley she'd been walking by.
Something odd came over me, as I quickly slipped through the shadows to try and reach them. To try and help her...?
For there wasn't time to debate, or even think. If I didn't get to her in time, she might be... It didn't matter what I was in that moment, or who I was. Thief, hero, duck, alien. She needed help, and I was the only one there that night that could try and do anything.
"Let her go!"
Despite how fateful this moment now seems to be, back then it raced by. The scuffle taking mere moments to transpire. With her ending up lying upon the ground very hurt, and bleeding from it.
"Hang in there, sweetheart," I told her as I dressed those wounds and lifted the woman up into my arms.
I couldn't risk bringing her to the hideout; but I also couldn't bring her to a hospital without being caught. So I found myself wandering into a neighborhood, and finding somewhere in which she might be safe. With those that could take far better care of her than I could.
I remember then looking over the strange girl in my arms. Vaguely wondering why was I even getting involved? I was risking a lot just being out like this, and now in such a secure neighborhood. There was also the concern that she might wake up while I was still carrying her. Yet still I did just that.
As she rested in my arms, I felt as her hand clutched the front of my shirt, seemingly seeking comfort. Despite having seen her attempt to fend off her attackers, she now appeared to be so frail and small. She wasn't like any of the girls on the planet, lacking feathers, a beak, and other avian features. It would be a while before I learned about humans and Earth. Yet her appearing different didn't really phase me. I just wanted her to be okay. Even if she would never see my face, know my name, or ever speak to me. This is what I told myself, as I knocked on the door for her, and waited nearby to make sure she wasn't left alone.
Once she was taken inside by the two brothers, I gave a secret smile and slipped away back into the night.
When I returned to the Brotherhood of the Blade, I had gotten quite the earful from my crew.
"It's nearly sunrise, what took you so long getting back?" Silver questioned.
"Well...I..." I wasn't sure how to answer.
I couldn't really tell them about the girl I had saved, or the risk I had taken trying to take care of her.
"I jus' wanted to be out for a bit," I finally told them with a shrug.
"Is that so?" Trent raised a brow when noting the odd coloration trying to stain my gloves.
I gave another shrug, "Either way, I got some extra treasures to help sell off. So it was a good thing I went out."
"Did you see that crazy storm while you were out?" Diana asked.
I nodded, "It's been a long while since we had a storm like that. I wanna say about ten years?"
I then noted Trent looking over at me still, looking as though he wanted to give some sort of comment. Yet he never did. I wondered if somehow he knew, or at least could guess I'd been involved in something a bit different that night. Though he simply shrugged and went back to his notes. Leaving me to my quiet thoughts, as I wondered if she'd woken up by now. With a shrug I went about getting myself cleaned up and then decompressing for a bit. What would this mean for Puck World, I wondered? Then again, our planet wasn't really a stranger to aliens popping up here and there. Such as Vulpina, and other sorts of birds from neighboring worlds.
As these thoughts came and went, I found myself drifting off to sleep after a long, strange night.
Though this would only be the begininng of a different nature that would take hold of me, or rather a different direction than the one I thought I would take. For how was I to know that this was only a hint of what sort of drake I'd be? After growing up to be the thief that I was? Who'd have ever thought that this one moment in the dark, would spark in me more and more as time went on? I certainly didn't see it coming.
Yet when those ships attacks, I recall making the choice that moment without really making one. With Silver and the others telling me to hide, that I was risking my neck for a world that had already condemned me for my long standing career. However, there was nothing they could tell me that would change my mind. As I found myself slipping through the torn apart streets and answered what was calling me, more than any treasure ever had. Perhaps this is what I'd been training for all along, and simply never knew it?
I'd begun causing all sorts of trouble for our invaders, sneaking what folks I could out of camps to find refuge in hidden away bunkers, stealing food and supplies back for them, and dismantling any drones I found along the way. For a month I spent doing this, until I apparently caught the attention of Dragonus and his forces.
"Get goin'!" I yelled as I deflected a blast aimed for one of the drakes running from the fight I'd stumbled upon.
Only vaguely did I notice that it was one of the same drakes I'd seen with that human girl briefly after saving her. The tan feathered one that didn't live with the two brothers, as far as I knew anyway.
"What are you doing?!" he exclaimed when I dodged another blast and lunged forward to slash the drone in two, succeeding in my strike.
"Givin' ya a chance to get what ya need an' run! Now go!" I yelled back as I went to fend off another crimson bot that was taking aim at his small crew of ducks and him.
I would hear as they grabbed the supplies they were after and then hurried away. With me giving what cover that I could. Until every last droid in the small troop was nothing but sparking bits of metal upon the ground at my feet.
As I stepped away from the heap of scrap metal I'd just taken care of so a small group of ducks could make a break for it, I'd just barely heard the seering blaster go off. Just in time to avoid being hit as it struck the brick wall behind me. Turning around, my remaining eye shot wide open to see who was aiming a blaster straight at me. I didn't dare move as she stepped closer, her high heeled boots set firmly in the ground when she paused, as she stood before me in her new ebony stealthsuit.
"I had a feeling it was you, L'Orange," Vulpina snickered as she kept her blaster trained on me, "When they said there was a thief causing trouble that I needed to deal with. Then again, maybe I just hoped it was."
"Been a while," I replied dryly.
"It has, hasn't it? A few years since you lead me on to break my heart?"
"I never meant to-"
"Sure ya didn't!" she scoffed, "Anyway, I'm here to make good on my promise. Your head is going to fetch me a whole heap of cash, and your heart will be the perfect trophy to put in my case."
"I'm not goin' to be that easy to knock down, Vulpina," I assured, "You outta anyone should know that."
"That's why I took the job, so I can make sure it's done right!" she insisted with a dark scoff in her throat, "It was nice seeing you this last time!"
She went to pull the trigger, just as I quickly ducked down and rolled forward into a lunge with my saber. With this one chance, I slashed the blaster clean in half, forcing her to step back with a glare in her green eyes and a growl in her throat. Immediately drawing out her whip, I began a reluctant dance with my former friend, avoiding each of her strikes and trying to find a way to disarm her again.
"Just hold still!"
I gave a bit of a glare as I retorted with another deflection of my saber against the end of that whip, "Sorry, but I have more important things to do than humor this for much longer! Have ya looked around? Or is my head really worth the title of traitor?!"
"I have no loyalty to this planet, and I'm rather surprised to see you trying to be!" she scoffed, "You do realize if you won than you'd be thrown behind bars when all is said and done? You're a thief, L'Orange! Remember?"
"Maybe, but I can't stand back an' hide," I replied firmly, "Not with my home in the clutches of these lizards!"
"Than you're a thief and a fool!" she insisted while landing a stinging blow to my side.
Gritting my teeth a bit to shake it off, I took my chance and grabbed the end of that whip. Yanking her towards me as I tried to wrench it out of her grasp by wrapping it around my forearm. She smirked as she looped it around once more, letting the now charged up whip bite into my sleeve, feathers, and even a bit of skin. Up close to me, she laughed, "Give it up, L'Orange. In fact, why not be the thief you really are?"
"What?"
"Give your skills to the winning side," she offered with a flattering tone emerging as she looked up at me, "Join me, and we can be partners again. Don't throw your lot in with a lost cause! Let go of that silly code that's going to get you killed, and be who you really are!"
I gave a bit of a chuckle to see and hear this. Looking into those treacherous eyes, and seeing the reality that was my life it seemed. Then, shaking my head, I replied, "I already am!"
As I severed the whip in half with my saber, I would feel her slash from what I now saw were drawn out claws racing across my chest. With this I would unfurl the whip from my arm and react in defense. Ignoring the pain with adrenaline in it's place, I gave a decent kick to knock her back, not allowing those razors to catch more than a bit of my leg as she tried to keep herself from falling back. It was enough to knock her back against the streetlight that I shot a bola puck at, tying her to it as she yelled out in a fury, "L'Orange get back here! I'll have your head and your heart yet in my claws! Just wait 'til I catch you!"
"Sorry, Vulpina," I half laughed with a bitterness in my tone.
Before I took off down the street. Only when I was a block or so away, did I realize how I was bleeding a bit. Both from the injury in my chest and my legs, not to mention the burns on my arm now catching my attention as well. Causing me to stop and try to ease the pain.
"I guess I jus' don't learn," I laughed at myself as I assessed the burns in my feathers and flesh.
""So it seems you've turned into quite the crusader for good, Duke L'Orange?" a voice spoke up from the other end of the street, causing me to look up with a start.
Before me stood the drake I'd rescued just a bit ago. Stepping forward with some of the supplies I'd helped him to liberate. Eyeing the wounds I was trying to tend to, he offered the medkit in his hand to me, "Here, we can't have you bleeding out. You're far too valuable a fighter, not to mention a skilled thief."
"Yeah?" I raised a brow at this odd remark, "That's a first."
"Well aren't you?" he asked.
I gave a confident smirk, for pride would allow no less, "I'd certainly say so."
Though I did accept the medkit, as I admitted, "Thanks. Can't really do much if I'm sliced up an' such." I gave a chuckle to show that it wasn't too bad.
"The name's Canard Thunderbeak by the way," he told me after giving a nod to my remark, "Thanks for saving my neck back there."
"No problem," I assured, "We're all in this together."
"Really?" he inquired with a bit of a surprise, "I'd heard you'd made a switch since the invasion, but until I saw it for myself, I wasn't so sure."
I shrugged, "This seems more far more important than some rocks. Though I guess the experience from my ol' line of work has strangely prepared me?"
"I see?"
"Somethin' up?" I asked.
"I guess I'm just pleasantly surprised," he admitted with a smile, "And I wanted to let you know you've really helped with something important."
"I have?" I replied as I now noted his military garb, "You're plannin' on fightin' back somehow? Is that what the supplies was for?"
"Something like that," he assured, "I'm heading out on an expedition of sorts. If I find what I'm hoping to, we'll have what we need to face the Saurians and take back our home!"
I raised a brow, "What are ya after?"
He gave a confident smile of his own as he answered, "The mask of Drake Ducane. If it's where my map says it is, then I'll be able to lead the resistance I'm forming to take out Dragonus!"
"Ya really think the legendary mask is out there?" I inquired in a bit of surprise, "Not many believe in the stories anymore."
"The same sort that didn't believe that the Saurians were still around, locked away in limbo. The same ducks that look at my alien friend and think she came out of nowhere-"
"Your friend?" I asked, with an unexpected tug of curiosity now pulling at me.
"She's not from around here," he replied, "Though that's all I can for certain with her."
"I see?" I attempted to mask it, before then asking, "So then you're lookin' to form this resistance with fellow military, or what? Or do ya need other sorts of fighters?"
"You're interested?" he asked.
I nodded, "I won't see my home enslaved by a bunch of lizards."
Canard nodded in understanding before speaking, "Good; but before we start, we have some more teammates to pick up. I'll be in touch once we're ready. For now try to do what you have been and survive. Help those you can and be ready to answer the call."
"Who else is joinin'?" I asked our captain.
"If things go well, a few of Puck World's special forces and a good friend of mine"
It was only now that I realized how vaguely familiar this tan feathered drake was. When I remembered I couldn't help but stiffen in my stance a bit. I masked it quickly by asking, "A friend, ya mean a civilian?"
"What's the matter?"
"What about the other two?" I slipped anyway.
"The other two, but you've never met-Wait." He paused as he looked at me a bit surprised, "We've never met, so how did you know that...?"
I looked at Canard, trying to act as though I didn't know what he was talking about. Though I had feeling a it was too late to hide anything. Giving in I admitted, "I've seen ya around before all of this, just in passin' of course. Though I recall you bein' in a group with some friends, one of them bein' a bit different?"
"You know about Heart then? I plan on asking her to join us too actually," he replied thoughtfully, "I think she may have some abilities tucked away that could help our cause."
"She could get hurt," I pointed out with surprisingly defensive tone.
"Duke, she's shown that she wants to fight. Maybe in doing so she could find some answers along the way."
"Answers?"
"When she woke up the morning we found her she had lost most of her memories."
I winced as I recalled her head hitting the ground, "I was hopin' she'd be okay..."
"What?" he began piecing things together, "Wait...?"
I gave a casual shrug, "No sense in hidin' it now. I'm the one that brought her to your friend's door. When she got here that night some thugs jumped her an' I couldn't reach her in time to keep them from knockin' her out. Her head hittin' the concrete must have been how she lost her memories. I got them away from her an' had to bring her somewhere safe. I figured a quiet neighborhood was that safe bet."
"You took quite a risk that night Duke," Canard gave a smile.
Again I shrugged, "I couldn't turn away from someone in trouble like that. Even then I had a code."
"I see," Canard replied with a hand beneath the chin of his beak, "Even still, I'm sure she'd be grateful."
I fell silent at this comment. Though I had saved her, she didn't know I was a thief. If she knew who I was, or what I was like before all of this, she most likely wouldn't see me as a hero like a part of me oddly hoped. She probably wouldn't trust me with anything of the sort. Maybe a part of me didn't want to risk that being true and wanted to keep her at a distance.
"You should at least meet her, Duke; but I'm not leaving my friends in that camp either way."
Finally I spoke up,, "I will join this fight, but I want to earn her trust before I tell her anythin'. Send the message out when you're ready, friend; an' good luck."
"I'll be in touch when we're ready," Canard nodded understandingly. Then he headed out to retrieve the mask he was seeking.
I wouldn't meet him again until he had it in hand, and he had his friends standing beside him. The two brothers, Wildwing and Nosedive, and their sister, Heart. The woman I'd saved that night. When things had truly begun to change for me, though I could have never guessed it at the time.
Now as I reflect on all of these memories, these chapters and moments that lead me to where I am presently. That night seeming almost fateful as I look back on it. When I took a chance and stepped out from the dark, to risk everything for someone that may never have even known it. And as I hold her in my arms now, with my teammates sitting around us nearby, in our secure headquarters in the home we've built for ourselves...I am so very happy that I did.
