A Valentine For Launchpad: Revised
By Zachary Foxx
Original Source Completed: 2-14-2009
Conceptualized: 2-13-2022
Completed: 6-28-2022
Content Level 3: Sassy
-=Chapter 01: "New Arrivals"=-
Author Realm Date: 2-14-2022
Visiting Realm Date: February 14th, 1991
A laptop lid was gently shut, a pair of hands laced their fingers and a chin rested upon them.
"Everything has been prepared and is ready for your arrival. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport, he will take you right to the front and drop you off. Your name has been added to the roster and since you are a single invitee you are allowed a plus one, if you should find a fortunate enough soul between the airport and the front door. When you're ready to leave the event, you'll need to find a landline phone to contact your ride home. Unfortunately cellular services aren't anywhere near mass availability as of yet in their neck of the woods, the front desk would be more than happy to call your limousine, or you may use the quicker method. That is, if you haven't charmed your way into someone's passenger seat for an overnight stay." The voice sitting behind the desk smirked.
A blue fox stood in front of a full length set of mirrors a few feet away from the desk, he was dressed in a deep blue kimono patterned with varying types of white snowflakes, a matching pair of hakama pants decorated with a snow-blanketed pine forest scene around the shins, and a midnight blue haori jacket emblazoned with a stark white crest of a fox's head inside the frame of a six-pointed snowflake. He paused in adjusting his azure obi belt, and turned to them, "Says the master to the student?" he playfully retorted to his observer.
"Just keep in mind the guidelines I gave you. You're a guest in the realm, a name on the list, a shadow in the background. No big performances, you can be seen and spoken to, but you need to remain unmemorable."
The icy blue fox turned back to his reflection and feigned a pout, "You tell me to have fun, then you tell me to behave myself. Which one is it?" he asked, fussing with his relaxed blue mohawk and giving the two blooming tails behind him a quick fluffing.
They sighed, "I wish I could ask you to take pictures, but I'll just have to go myself one enchanted evening."
The fox waved a dismissive paw towards the mirrors and they sank into the thin layer of vapor that carpeted the floor. He turned to look at the person behind the desk again, "Why can't you just join me tonight? It'll be better than moping here by your lonesome. You need the socializing, you said it yourself."
"I have reality responsibilities to take care of. Besides, there will be plenty of time to realmwalk when I'm finished with this nightmare in my own world. Now stop fretting over me and go have fun." they waved towards an empty part of the room and a simple metal door materialized.
The blue fox slowly made his way over to the new portal and gave them a look of concern, "Okay, okay, I'm going, but don't you go emptying those bottles of rosé without a drinking buddy, understand? It's worrying enough you're sending off everyone but yourself to enjoy themselves on Valentine's Day." he wagged a gentle finger as he slid his tabi-socked feet into a formal pair of setta sandals nearby.
They sighed and rolled their eyes, "Fine, I'll tip them slowly then and have a big supper."
He smiled warmly "You better. Have a lovely evening, and thank you very much for putting all of this together for me, darling." he said as he blew them a kiss.
The fox pushed the door open and revealed a plain gentle green carpeted hallway with aged cream white walls which sported posters of local attractions and events, he strode down the corridor and pushed through the door at the end and into the baggage claim of a murmuring airport. Casually slipping into the crowd of other anthropomorphic folk, the vast majority of which was made up of members of the avian family, the fox passed through the terminal and a large sign set in the middle of the pathway leading outside. The sign read in big proud font 'WELCOME TO DUCKBURG!' against a green flag sporting a picture of a simple feral white pekin duck in its center.
As he exited the airport, the fox spotted a dachshund in a black chauffeur's uniform holding a white sign, scanning the crowd. He approached, introduced himself, and the driver politely escorted him to a sleek, black limousine. Once seated and comfortable, the driver shut his door and slid into his own seat in front. He looked into the rearview mirror and smiled, "Please help yourself to anything in the cabin. I was informed to make sure you were well aware of the drinks provided as a comfort during our trip to your destination." His voice was smooth like he had years of experience as a late night radio DJ.
The blue fox looked to the ice chest in the compartment nearby, opening it he discovered a chilled bottle of sake ready to pour, nested in the ice next to ornate drinking cups, the cold vapor undulated as it spilled out from the case. He smiled knowingly. "Why thank you. It looks delightful, and I certainly will indulge."
"If there's anything else needed, please let me know." he started the engine with a gentle smile.
The blue fox filled his first cup and raised it, "There is one thing." his driver met his gaze in the mirror. "Please converse freely with me. Your voice is like silk to my ear, and it would be wasted in silence my good man." he gave a rise of his eyebrows to ensure his tone was clear.
The dachshund let out a heartwarming chuckle, "Now, now, sir. My wife would be quite jealous if she heard you flirting with me. The compliment is, of course, appreciated."
His passenger clicked his tongue with coy disappointment, "Rejection wrapped in silk. What a fortunate woman to be wed to such a gentleman. To the many years of joy ahead for your hearts." and the cup was emptied.
-=Chapter 02: "Warm Paws"=-
Following an enjoyable twenty minute drive into town, their destination was one of the most extravagant and exclusive clubs in Duckburg known as Chateau de Plume. One after another, luxury cars paused and let out their passengers to walk the pink carpet, underneath the heated awning, and inside to the biggest Valentine's Day gala in the tri-city area. Members of the press blinded the guests with a storm of flashbulbs as celebrities, nobles, royals, and the extravagantly wealthy made their way inside, pausing briefly for a good close up before seeking shelter inside the club's massive double doors. The air was filled with mirth and decadence, unfortunately not all could join in its merriment, for alongside the building a town car stood parked on the very edge of a line of other luxury cars, the sides stamped with the insignia of the richest duck in Duckburg, Scrooge McDuck.
The person seated inside, and the only soul to be sitting inside a parked car in the bitter cold of the night, was his loyal pilot and this evening's chauffeur, Launchpad McQuack. The burly duck shivered, beak chattering, his usual warm and thick bomber jacket and scarf were hung up back in the garage, as he donned more formal and unfortunately thinner wear of a tuxedo and bow tie for the evening. His pilot's cap and goggles had been swapped for a chauffeur's cap, and despite wearing white gloves, they did nothing against the chill.
"W-w-wow it's so c-c-cold out here!" He rubbed his frigid hands together and puffed into his palms before shoving them into his armpits in a desperate attempt to stay warm. He looked longingly to the key dangling in the ignition and wished he could turn it, but he knew if Scrooge found him sitting with the car idling he'd throw a fit over him wasting gas to keep warm. "This is n-n-nuts! I'm g-g-gonna f-f-freeze to death if Mr. McD-d-dee doesn't come b-b-back soon! I'll turn into a p-p-pilotsicle!"
Launchpad wiped the fog off the driver side window and looked outside, he saw a glow from across the street, a cafe was still open. It was quite busy, nearly every single chauffeur was packed inside, staying warm with conversation and hot black coffee. The pilot thought for a moment, Scrooge had given him specific instructions not to leave the car, but this was turning into a matter of life and death, and surely a cup of coffee could keep him warm if he brought it back with him and was very careful not to spill it.
"I w-w-wonder if they have any sticky rolls left!" Launchpad smiled as he reached for the door handle. Unfortunately it was at that moment that one of the city's snow plows came down the street and turned the corner. The buildup of slush and snow splattered against the driver's side of McDuck's town car, piling high against the door and thick across the windshield.
"Hey! Watch it buddy!" he called out in surprise. Launchpad tried the door but he couldn't get it to budge, the snow was too thick and heavy, and the cold had sapped his energy. He tried again, slamming his shoulder against the door, but to no avail. Launchpad then crawled to the passenger side and with shaking hands tried to open the door, but found that he had unwittingly parked far too close to the next car over, and the door couldn't open more than a mere inch, just enough to let in a frosty bite of air but nothing else. The pilot tried turning on the ignition, but the engine stayed silent.
"N-n-no! C-c-come on! P-p-please!" he begged the old automobile, but it remained cold and still. Launchpad tried rolling down the windows, in hopes of pushing away the snow and calling for help, or at least digging his way out, but the rollers stuck fast, the gears had frozen within the doors. He felt his mind grip with slight panic, he called out for help, hoping someone, anyone would hear him, but the winds outside had picked up and overlapped his muffled voice.
He slid back into the seat and shivered again, he just had to hold out. He rubbed his arms and noticed he could barely feel his fingertips. Launchpad then realized that the gala wouldn't start for another forty five minutes, and it was slated to be a late night. His heart sank, just a few yards away in a big, fancy building, big important people were going to be having the time of their lives, in warmth, decadence and comfort, and here he sat, a small-time pilot never allowed nor invited into such high-society soirees, shivering and scared, and to make it all so much worse he was alone yet again for Valentine's Day. The loneliness that clutched at his heart was colder than the snow freezing over the car.
Suddenly a knock at his window startled him out of his sinking thoughts, he could barely make out the shape of someone just outside the door. "Rrr ouu kyy? Oo oo nnd hhlp?" came a muffled voice from outside. The snow was much too thick and Launchpad couldn't make out what this guy was saying.
"I can't hear you buddy! It's f-f-frozen shut!" he called back. "C-c-can you spare a f-f-flamethrower?!"
The shadow disappeared and for a moment he thought he had been abandoned, suddenly the car began to rock as the winds outside picked up with great force, the snow blowing away in sheets and layers until the windshield and driver's side window were clear, save for a thin layer of frost. Then a warm flickering orange light glowed outside his door, and the frost began to soften. The light suddenly went out and a hand wiped away the slush, revealing the gaze from a very concerned pair of eyes, one of emerald and the other of sapphire.
"Sir, are you alright? Can you get out?" they asked, voice now much clearer, stepping backwards out of the way.
Launchpad gripped the door handle and pushed hard, "Well let's see-WOAH!" the door had swung open easily, sending the pilot tumbling face first into a pile of slush.
"Dog of Mercy, are you okay?!" The voice cried out. He was helped to his feet by the stranger and he wiped the snow off his beak and out of his eyes.
"Th-thanks a lot p-p-pal! I thought I w-w-was gonna f-f-freeze in there!" he said through chattering teeth.
He adjusted his cap that had slid over his eyes and turned his attention to the stranger next to him, a blue fox standing 5'10", of slender build, a cobalt mohawk between two icy blue ears like a freezing river cutting through frozen mountains, a smile that reflected gentleness and relief, dressed as if he had stepped out of a fairy tale from the far east with two very furry blue tails which seemed to float behind him as if they were full of air.
"Thank goodness you're alive, I saw what happened from my ride and got over here as fast as I was able!" the fox said, his voice soft and sweet.
The burly duck kicked the door shut behind him with a knee-high black boot and smiled, "Heh, not g-g-going in there again! Thanks for the helping hand, buddy. The name's Launchpad McQuack." he extended an open wing.
"The pleasure's mine, Mr. McQuack, my name is Nidonemo Nishizawa." The fox took the duck's shivering hand in both of his and Launchpad noticed they were very, very warm. The warmth seemed to wash over him as if he just stepped under a heat lamp, and his shivers melted away.
"It is lovely to meet you. Please, come with me, you look as if you've been fighting off Jack Frost himself and he's been playing dirty, your beak is even starting to turn blue. Come, let's get you someplace warm." he said, gently guiding him towards the heated walkway of the chateau through the sheets of falling snowflakes.
The major A-List guests had all arrived and made their entrances, leaving the walkway fairly quiet and nearly empty of paparazzi, the lingerers ignoring the stragglers and fussing with their cameras, Launchpad shook off the last of the chill as he stood under the heated shelter. "Ohh that feels great, thank you so much Mr. Nishizawa. If it weren't for you I'd probably be frozen to that seat!" he looked at the walkway, the few fancy-dressed guests making their way forward, and then to the big ornate double doors beyond it. He then looked back towards the cafe where he spotted a line of drivers leaving, the sign being turned from OPEN to CLOSED, and the lights blacking out. He sighed sadly before turning back to his new acquaintance, "Well, I uh, guess we part ways here. You're probably headed inside and all."
The fox nodded, "You're most welcome, but Mr. McQuack, if you would pardon my question, why were you sitting in that frigid car and not inside, where it's warm?"
Launchpad stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked down, embarrassed. "Uh, we aren't allowed inside. Plus my boss told me to stay in the car until he came back." he muttered.
The fox gasped and put a shocked paw to his lips, "Not allowed inside?! Please tell me you're joking! Dog in Heaven, that is completely unacceptable! Not only denying you basic warmth and dignity after all the hard work you drivers do, but putting you in such a horrifically dangerous situation out of convenience?! These parties go on for hours, what does he expect you to do in that frozen car? Shake off the ice when he raps on the door?" he growled in disbelief, "No, absolutely not! I will not allow you to be treated in such a disgusting manner, Mr. McQuack. It just so happens that I have a plus one on my invitation, and I would like to extend that to you."
The tall duck did a double take, "Wait, are you saying you want me to join you? In there? At the fanciest Valentine's Day party in all of Duckburg?" Launchpad was bewildered, surely he was kidding.
The fox smiled warmly and nodded, "Why of course, I don't see why not. You're already dressed for the occasion, aren't you?" gesturing to his tuxedo. "The booted suit look is one of many favorites of mine, and might I say, you truly do it justice." He said, looking the suited duck up and down, subtly biting his lower lip.
"You think so? I thought I looked like a big doofus." Launchpad laughed nervously, adjusting his cap again.
The fox held out his hand towards Launchpad, "Mr. McQuack, would you do me the honor of joining me this evening at the Valentine's Day Gala at Chateau de Plume?"
"Uhh, like a date?" the pilot asked, scratching the side of his head.
The fox looked as if a thought had caught in his throat, and his mind raced for a reply. "Well, let's simply call it an evening between gentlemen." He managed to reply.
A lightbulb flashed to life in Launchpad's head, "Oh! A guy's night!"
"Er, yes! Exactly!" Nidonemo blurted, "Yes! A pair of gentlemen enjoying one another's company and getting to know each other! No expectations or troublesome social pressures to perform. Just a guy's night." the words came as a hurried rush.
Launchpad beamed, "Sweet! I've always wanted to go to one of these fancy shindigs!" he started towards the door when he stopped himself and playfully offered his arm to the fox. "Shall we?"
The fox smiled and barely hid a blush as he took the gallant duck's arm, "Thank you, kind sir."
-=Chapter 03: "Worlds Apart, Inches Between Them"=-
The pair entered the thick wooden double doors and made their way through a foyer carpeted in a lush ruby red with walls of dark aged wood. Egg-shaped crystal sconces lined the walls, sparkling with intricate diamond texture, matching the elaborate empire style chandelier that hung from the ceiling, beads of sparkling glass hung with crystal teardrop ornamentation dangling from their ends. Long couches lined the wall opposite of the check in desk, between the antique seats stood white marble pillars which held ceramic vases blooming with bouquets of freshly cut roses.
Launchpad looked around the room and pulled at his collar, "Yeesh, it feels like I'm spending a fortune just standing here." he remarked.
Nidonemo hid a giggle behind a sleeve, "You're not too far off the mark, Mr. McQuack. Membership here is very exclusive due to its incredibly steep annual fees and dues. We're quite fortunate to be here without needing a fortune." he said the latter part behind his teeth, keeping in mind how he received his own invitation.
Seeing the line for check in was quite thick with impatient guests grumbling and huffing about the wait, the fox looked towards the paintings upon the walls. "Launchpad, come look at this with me." and guided him to one of the pieces hanging nearby. They approached a portrait of a robin woman in a green dress, seated on a blue bench. "I'm a big fan of the fine arts." the blue fox said smiling.
The tall duck shrugged, "Ehh, I'm not really one of those museum types. I don't really get what's so big about a bunch of pictures."
"Ahh, I know how you feel, I wasn't a big fan of them when I was a young pup, that is until someone taught me how to view them. Sometimes it's not what the picture is about, but how you look at it."
Launchpad tilted his head confused, "What, like standing on my head?" he asked genuinely.
The fox sighed amusedly and playfully swatted his arm, "You remind me of another friend of mine with a similar tone of sass. What I mean is not looking at what's on the surface of the picture, but what's inside of it. Instead of thinking of what you see, think of how the picture makes you feel, or deeper yet, what may have been happening when the portrait was painted." he gestured towards the woman, "This is called 'Portrait of Madame Roubin' and it was painted by Paul Gullguin. Now just take a moment and look at her."
"Uhh, okay." The chauffeur did as he was told and looked at the woman in the painting, but nothing seemed to change. "Is she supposed to move? Is it a magic picture?" he asked, leaning closer and squinting.
A canvasback duck dressed in a cream ball gown holding a jeweled clutch standing within earshot scoffed audibly, Nidonemo shot her a frigid glare that sent a tangible chill through her heart, she quickly looked away, clearing her throat.
Turning back to Launchpad, the fox smiled warmly again, "No, but now I want you to contemplate a few different things. Look at her expression, how do you think she feels? Look at where the light is coming from, what time of day could it be? Look at how she is sitting, what does her posture tell you?" the blue fox pointed at each element as he spoke, and Launchpad listened with curious attention.
"Well, uh, she isn't smiling, so she must not be having a good day. Then uh, she's kind of slouching in her chair so I guess she's tired." he said, crossing his arms and thinking.
Nidonemo beamed, "There you go, how do these things make you feel now?"
"A little sad, I guess. I want her to smile." the booted duck frowned.
The blue fox looked to the next painting and gently guided Launchpad in front of it, "That's a good thing, this means you looked deeper than the surface. Now here's a fun one, it's called 'The Art of Conversation', and it was painted by Révan Magritte." he gestured to the scene of silhouettes of two bird gentlemen standing high in mid air over a landscape of a forest and a hill far in the distance.
Launchpad immediately became confused, "Wait, where's the rest of the picture? Did he forget to paint something? What are they supposed to be standing on?" he asked, pointing to the floating pair.
"Ah, but that's just it! The painting is finished, this is the scene he wanted to show us. This is a style called surrealism. It's actually quite young, starting in the 20th century, it's an avant-garde movement in art and literature seeking to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind! It's one of my absolute favorites, because it distorts the real world into a much more fun way of thinking." Nidonemo eagerly explained.
Launchpad raised an eyebrow and looked back at the scene. "Huh...looks like something out of a dream if you ask me."
"Exactly!" Nidonemo exclaimed. He turned back to the painting, "Now, when I look at this, I feel as if he is trying to convey more of a feeling than an actual message. The two men standing in the air, they're all by themselves, there's nothing but the world far below them. There's no trains, no bustling crowds, no other influencing noise but the two of them. They are so focused on their conversation that the rest of the world has disappeared, haven't you ever felt like that before?" he looked up at Launchpad with an excited grin.
His companion met his eager gaze with a befuddled look, and shrugged. "I, uh, don't know?"
Nidonemo sighed warmly with an understanding smile, "You don't need to, I just wanted to share my feelings with you. Thank you for listening to them." he said, placing a paw on Launchpad's arm, and looked at the picture a moment more before moving towards the check in desk.
An older mallard in his late fifties dressed in a black two piece suit with a pink carnation in his breast pocket smiled and greeted the fox, "Good evening sirs, under which name is the party?"
Before Nidonemo could answer him, Launchpad spoke up, "Wait a minute, you guys are hosting it. Aren't you supposed to know?"
The look upon the maître d''s face was enough to force the azure fox to stifle a laugh and clear his throat to regain his attention, "He's being quite the card this evening." he said, resting a paw on Launchpad's arm. "The name would be Nishizawa."
The elder avian checked them in and gifted them both heart-shaped rose pins, "Compliments of the house, and to show you are esteemed guests to our event." He then gestured to the coat check, "Feel free to leave your excess evening wear with our cloakroom. We only ask you to please keep track of your ticket, as this will expedite the retrieval process later."
Nidonemo thanked him and guided Launchpad towards the coat check, "You can leave your driver's cap and gloves with the young man here, big guy." the fox smirked and attended to his rose pin upon his kimono's front.
The pilot looked to the twentysomething beagle holding out his hand to take his garments, "Oh, thanks kid!" Launchpad plucked off his white gloves and removed his black chauffeur's cap, revealing a large plume of bold red hair that bloomed upward like a flame before he smoothed it forward. Taking his ticket he pocketed it and then pinned his own rose to his chest. He then turned to the fox. "Ready, new buddy? How do I look?"
Nidonemo wasn't at all prepared for the sight of the towering, suited duck with a bold cleft chin, fire for hair, sky blue eyes, a smile like a sunbeam and the posture of a gallant hero. He felt the zing of an arrow fly through his heart as a sigh of awe was drawn from his chest.
"Damn thee, Cupid, you shameless sniper." he whispered wide-eyed under his breath.
Launchpad raised an eyebrow, "What?"
The fox shook his head to try and clear it and with a fluid motion slipped a folding fan from within his kimono's obi and snapped it open, revealing a modestly designed deep blue field speckled with white snowflakes. He hid his lowered jaw and blushing cheeks behind the waving brocade and chuckled, "Ah! You look fantastic! A fantasy, a dream!" he blurted before biting his tongue.
"Wow, thanks pal. You look spiffy yourself!" Launchpad beamed.
As they walked side by side and fell in line with the other guests, Nidonemo regained his composure. "It's just a guy's night out. No falling in love. No getting attached." he thought to himself, his fan slowing as he took a deep breath and steadied himself. He then looked back upwards at the gentleman beside him who took the same moment to meet his gaze and smile innocently. "Je suis baisé!" the fox screamed in his head, gently smiling back, his fan rapidly waving once more.
As they reached the head of the line another member of the club staff, a middle aged cockatoo, bowed gracefully and smiled at the fox, "Titles, good sirs?" His voice was smooth and bold and he carried himself with a puff in his chest.
"Oh..." the fox was caught off guard, but then a small mischievous gleam glinted in his eye before he answered.
As they stepped forward to the edge of the red carpet and onto the marble tiled floor the gentleman swelled his chest and faced the open room, "Introducing His Winter's Grace, Nidonemo Nishizawa, accompanied this evening by McQuack the Gallant!" his voice boomed smooth and bold across the floor, the blue fox bowing slightly, as Launchpad turned to the announcer.
"Uh, heh, nice to meet you, just call me Launchpad!" he said, extending a wing towards the confused cockatoo.
Nidonemo let free an amused laugh as he guided him forward, "Goodness, isn't he just the portrait of adorable?" he said as he looked towards a few guests nearby, who joined in a polite and lighthearted chuckle.
From the third floor landing, an elder pekin duck in a black top hat, red frock coat, and black spats looked down his beak through his pince-nez glasses over the banister at the pair entering the first floor ballroom. He gripped his cane angrily and grit his teeth.
-=Chapter 04: "Winter's Snarl"=-
The fox and duck were struck with awe as they stepped into the main room.
"My goodness..." Nidonemo hid his mouth behind his fan.
"Woah." Launchpad's jaw slowly slid open.
The interior was a set of three grand floors, the first floor being polished marble tiles in a checker of gold-veined onyx and sapphire-veined cloud white surrounding a circular dance floor. The dancing area was a tremendous spiral of wound ruby and ivory ropes set in a depression in the floor beneath a sheet of sturdy glass, upon which dancers turned, circled, and waltzed to the music of the live string quartet nearby. In the center of the spiral sat a jeweled flower of rubies and pearls with leaves of gold. The core of the room was encircled with pillars that stood proudly to the third floor and held the grand ceiling upon their curled shoulders, behind them was a scattering of cloth-dressed dining tables as well as a generous buffet area, absolutely stuffed to the nines with mouth watering delicacies.
Curling from just behind one of the great pillars began a staircase, winding upwards to the second floor, pausing briefly in its ascension to become the landing then continuing onwards to the third floor, completing its curl above its beginning, precisely to the very step. The second floor was halved into two themes of light and dark.
The lighter half was carpeted in a cheerful cherry red, patterned with soft round-winged butterflies, light wood wicker furniture and glass-coffee tables looking towards the outer wall which was made up of floor-to-ceiling windowed white doors, beset by white billowing drapes, tied back by saffron cord. The doorways led out onto a large stone balcony which wrapped the rear half of the building's exterior, and looked out onto the city.
The darker half sported a deep crimson carpet patterned with sharp black ivy winding in elegant coils and swirls. The lighting was dimmer and much more intimate, giving way to mood and shadows that best accompanied the leather lounge furniture in small private clusters and tables, as well as the grandiose fireplace set in the center of the outer wall crowned with a grand painting of the architect and his wife. There were no windows or doors, but rather potted greenery and sconces in their stead.
Climbing to the third floor, one would find themselves walking past door after door of various rooms for amusement such as billiards and poker, elegant fine dining rooms in which to hold banquets, and private conversation offices reserved as neutral grounds for the conduct of business. At the opposite side of the staircase an entrance cordoned off by velvet rope leading to the coveted Starlight Lounge, said to have the most beautiful view of all, and only opened during very special occasions. Access was said to be so difficult to obtain that reservation passes were often traded as a form of currency and used as mouthwatering prizes among the obscenely wealthy.
From the center of the ceiling and spanning the height of two floors, hung one of the most boastful and eccentric chandeliers in all of Duckburg, it sported multiple tiers, as well as multiple styles. Crystal, waterfall, drum, globe, uplight, downlight, stained glass, and empire all combined into a single magnificent, sparkling, and nearly blinding array of lighting. It was a brilliant centerpiece of interior design controversy.
In addition to all the opulence and luxury, the entire chateau was veiled in layers of holiday decor and frivolity. Ribbons of pink, red, and white silk streamed through the air in carefully coordinated directions from every floor. Hearts of crystal dangled above the dance floor, turning slowly and catching the light and transforming it into prisms of pink reflections. Centered against the staircase wall stood a glass sculpture of a tall and gangly thin, sharp-beaked archer, face frowned in focus, shooting an arrow through the center of a heart held by a petite shyly blushing princess, a scene right out of the popular romantic fairy tale of enduring love conquering hardship 'The Heron and the Hummingbird'.
The buffet tables overflowed with food and drink, a three-tiered fountain generously spilled curtains of punch into a basin where candy hearts and thin slices of strawberries floated upon the surface. Bounties of tarts, cookies, cakes, and miniature pies, all heart-shaped and crowned with pink, white, and red icing crowded the tables, all bursting at the seams with rich triple chocolate, custard, thick cream, or berry jam fillings. Among the guests a hearsay was excitedly whispered that the fare had been prepared that evening to be especially potent aphrodisiacs. Those bold enough to beg the truth from the scarcely spotted kitchen staff were met with sealed lips and sly smiles, only fueling the titterings, curiosity, and skepticism.
The air was filled with soft conversation accompanied by a specific playlist for the evening, classical pieces traditional for such a formal setting as well as covers of well known love ballads and musical confessions of the heart. The blue fox came back to himself when his gaze crossed the dazzling chandelier above, "Ooh, that is quite the installation up there." he said, shielding his eyes with his fan. "I wouldn't look directly at it, Launchpad, I do believe one could go blind without proper eye protection." he smirked.
The pilot patted down his chest and snapped his fingers, "Dang, I left my aviators in my other jacket."
A loon standing nearby in a white slip, sporting two thick golden bangles on her wrists approached smiling, "They say the designer and the architect feuded for so long over details that their wives became so fed up over their stubbornness they forced them to put together whatever was on the blueprints just to put an end to the nonsense. Although they'd sooner tell you it was a matter of honor and principle as well as a statement of defiance against the other's craft." she gushed in a hushed tone as if divulging a juicy well-kept secret.
Nidonemo clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes, "Well it certainly says something when you burn out the retinas of your guests, and I have the perfect name for it, 'Blinded by Pride'."
The loon erupted in a haughty laugh and playfully bumped his arm with her ivory velvet clutch, "Oh, you're a funny one!" she said and went back to her chattering cluster.
Nidonemo guided Launchpad across the floor and towards a fairly empty area near one of the great pillars and out of the radiance of the suspended literal eyesore. "Well, where should we start our evening, my good man?"
"Launchpad!" barked a stern and angry voice from the base of the stairs nearby.
The duck winced as the shout rang through his ears. "Uh oh." he moaned.
"What's the matter?" the fox asked, looking in the direction of the voice.
Launchpad sighed, "It's my boss. Here we go." he said bracing himself.
A very angry and older pekin duck in a top hat, brandishing a cane stormed up to them, he stood a head or so shorter than the blue fox, and significantly smaller than Launchpad, but the taller duck seemed to wilt and bend at the sight of the infuriated avian. Noticing this immediately, Nidonemo kept a sharp eye on him as he approached.
"You better have a darn good explanation as to why you're in here and not out there in the car where I ordered you to stay put!" he snarled. Nidonemo's eyes widened then fiercely narrowed and his grip upon his fan threatened to split the wood.
Launchpad stammered, "Mr. McDee, you see, uh, the door got stuck, and I uh-"
He was cut off, "How in blazes did you even get inside!? This is one of the most exclusive private clubs in all of Duckburg! Not even the owner's driver can get in without an escort!" the old duck ranted.
"M-m-Mr. McDee I'm sorry! I-" The wincing chauffeur tried to get a word in edgewise.
"Sorry?! I'll show you sorry! What do you think everyone would think or say if they knew my good-for-nothing driver and lousy pilot managed to crash one of the biggest events of the year! I'll be a laughingstock, inviting the help inside!" the duck reared back with his cane and stabbed towards Launchpad's chest, "I ought to-"
There was a clap of metal on wood, and the ranting stopped. Launchpad and his boss both looked at his cane, the foot of which was blocked by a folding fan inches away from Launchpad's ribcage. They both looked to Nidonemo, whose gaze was as cold as the winds howling outside. The fox exhaled slowly through his nose. His breath was visible despite the comfortably warm air.
"That's quite enough." he stated coldly. "My name is Nidonemo Nishizawa, and I will not have you assaulting my esteemed guest and companion with words or weapons."
A tense moment hung in the air, the music seemed to have been muffled, and the world around them blurred out of focus. The elder avian frowned at the fox.
"I am Scrooge McDuck, and this is my employee, and I shall talk to him in any manner I wish!" he reared back again with his cane, Launchpad braced for the strike, the cane thrust forward.
With a flick of the fox's wrist, the cane was knocked clean out of the duck's hand and sent careening into the air, the small duck craned his neck to watch it vanish into the bright light above, the light was blinding, everything seemed to get blurry.
A bold, angry voice lassoed his attention back downwards, "Scrooge McDuck, the richest duck in Duckburg, can't even afford basic manners or public dignity," the fox snapped his fan shut and pointed it at Scrooge accusingly, "A duck so wealthy he could afford a fleet of luxury vehicles, yet he refuses to invest a paltry sum into a single one for basic needs and maintenance, such as a modern engine, a heating system, and antifreeze as well as standard insulation for its interior to keep his own driver safe, comfortable, and warm in the bitter winter cold." the blue fox stepped forward, Scrooge stepped backward.
The cane came plummeting down, Nidonemo sheathed his fan in his sleeve, held out an open palm, caught it, and with a fluid twirl pointed the head at its owner. "A man so wretchedly disgustingly selfish, he would order his own employee to sit in the freezing cold as he himself enjoyed the warm lap of luxury, suckling at the teat of decadence, fully aware of the loyal soul a stone's throw away who calls him sir, sits and suffers, shivering and alone, forbidden from even reaching out for a meager comfort, such as a styrofoam cup of lukewarm bitter black coffee with numb shaking fingers!" he snarled.
Nidonemo's eyes flashed and the room suddenly darkened, and a spotlight shone down on the old bird. Scrooge looked around, the building was empty, the music was gone, the chatter had silenced, Launchpad had vanished. He was alone. The temperature in the air plummeted as all the windows flew open and let in the cruel cold. A shiver went up his spine and he whirled around just as Nidonemo walked into the circle of light, pointing his cane at him. The fox's eyes had lost their gentle sparkle and were now piercingly blue, it was like looking into the deepest frozen abyss. Scrooge could see his own breath.
"You called him good for nothing to his very face. You think him worthless? You consider his life so disposable? He could have met with a chilling fate had I not intervened." as he spoke, a layer of ice appeared from the shadows creeping across the floor, cracking as it drew nearer and nearer to the now shivering duck. "This warm, innocent, and delightful spirit whom you blatantly disrespect is now my guest for this evening, and no longer under your orders for today. You will take your leave of us and of the vicinity immediately, and if you so much as breathe another word of malice or contempt towards Launchpad McQuack ever again..." the fox now loomed over him, blocking out the accusing light, but his gaze burned fiercely in his own shadow. The ice now grasped Scrooge's ankles, freezing him to the spot, and creeped steadily upwards. "You will know just how sharp frost's bite truly is."
Scrooge felt a chilling slap across his face, he looked down and saw his beak had turned jet black, a surge of horror gripped him as he struggled to move his shivering wingtips to his face, only to watch helplessly as his beak slowly disintegrated into black dust and swirl away into the darkness, just as the ice enveloped his head completely. He had no mouth, and he desperately needed to scream.
"Mr. McDuck?" a stern voice asked.
Scrooge blinked and he found himself standing in front of Launchpad and Nidonemo, the chateau was full of life and music, guests chatted amongst themselves, and the room was bright once more. He realized he had not been breathing and gasped and caught his breath, touching at his cheeks, his beak was healthy and yellow and firmly on his face. He looked at Launchpad who wore a quizzical expression, then to Nidonemo who fixed him with an unamused stare of disdain.
"You dropped your cane, Mr. McDuck." the fox stated, holding out the tycoon's walking stick towards him. Scrooge hesitated before snatching it out of the vulpine's open hand as if it were a trap ready to spring, he then cleared his throat.
"Th-thank you. I n-need to be going. I have...plenty to think about. You two lads have a good night." he said and hurried to leave. "Mr. Nishizawa." he tipped his hat as he went.
Nidonemo gave the shallowest of bows in return, "Mr. McDuck." His voice was civil, but just barely.
"Wait, Mr. McDee? Don'tcha need me to...?" Launchpad started.
"No!" Scrooge blurted anxiously, catching the glances of several other guests, and adjusted himself, "Uh, I'll, find my own way home. Like I said, you two lads enjoy yourselves now! Don't you worry your little head about it. You, I mean we, uh, I can deal with it later! Uh, uh, sleep in! I'll have Duckworth...er...I'll handle it tomorrow! Happy Valentine's Day, Launchpad! Mr. Nishizawa! Goodnight!" he sputtered as he backed towards the front door before tipping his hat once more and hurrying away.
Launchpad was speechless, and blinked in bewilderment. "Wow...that's not like him at all. I was certain he was gonna give me a good talkin' to, like usual." he scratched the back of his head in confusion.
Nidonemo caught sight of a passing waiter carrying a tray of champagne flutes and urgently waved him over, the fox quickly took one of the vessels, downed the sparkling contents in one gulp, and returned the glass to the astonished server with whispered thanks. He let out a long exhale and snapped his fan open again, waving a breeze at his face in an attempt to cool his burning cheeks. "You'll have to excuse me, my temper is a tad hot. I tend to become out of sorts when good people are treated poorly by those more than capable of-" he caught his tongue when he looked at Launchpad who stared at him even more befuddled. The fox relaxed and the heat left his face as his heart warmed instead at the innocent face of the broad chested duck. He gently cleared his throat. "Would you care to dance?"
Launchpad smiled sheepishly, "I uh, don't know how."
The fox gave a mischievous smirk, "Come on, you'll be fine. I'll even ignore it if you step on my feet a few times."
"Well, I'll certainly need those free passes-woah!" he was taken by surprise as the fox pulled his arm towards the dance floor.
-=Chapter 05: "Dances With Foxes"=-
Nidonemo smoothly wove them between dancers on the massive glass plate until they found a place on the edge, he took Launchpad's arms and positioned him in front. "Dancing is nothing more than a skill, just like everything else, you'll always start off awkward but then you get the hang of it." The duck looked down at his guide who gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder, "Relax, I'll start you off on something very easy, and we'll go nice and slow to get comfortable with each other, just how a good date should be." he winked.
Launchpad smiled and nodded at first but then realized what the fox had just said, "Wait what's that about a da-woah!"
Nidonemo grinned to himself as he whirled him into the lead, "Here we go! Eyes open! Back straight! Move with me now! Forward, now to the side, one-two. Back, and to the start, three-four. Allow your body to flow like wind and water in the spring, slow and gentle. There we go! No thinking, just moving! Once more! Forward and to the side, one-two!"
The plucky pilot stumbled over his boots as the fox patiently taught him the box step, a few guests looked over and quietly laughed to themselves. One bird in particular, a bufflehead duck in her late forties dressed in layers of flashy jewelry and a matching sparkling dress, took notice as her group made light comments of the scene.
"Okay...okay I think I got it now!" Launchpad said eagerly, astounded at his own capability.
Nidonemo beamed proudly, "Well done, my handsome man! You're doing fantastic! Just keep doing this as your legs and feet memorize the steps. In the interim, why don't you tell me what piques your interest?"
The red-haired duck looked up from his feet and gave him a vacant look, "Wha?" he stumbled but then caught himself.
"What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?" the blue fox laughed.
His tall dancing partner thought for a moment, "Uhh, I like comics and action flicks. Lots of explosions and chase scenes, fast cars and stuff."
"Ahh, an adrenaline junkie I see! High octane and breakneck speeds, you live for the thrill of life, am I right? What comics are you reading at the moment?" The fox tilted his head in polite intrigue.
"You really wanna know? No one's ever asked before. Usually I get told I'm some kind of man-child and they stop talking to me." he said, caught off guard.
Nidonemo rolled his eyes in exasperation, "Oh, for the love of...Launchpad, in my pawful of years I've grown to find one very potent truth: There's no such thing as an adult. It's a damn myth. We simply grow older and more skilled with our words, behavior, and how we get along with one another as well as our understanding of the grand world around us. We gain new skills, new responsibilities, come to understand more and more complex systems, but we're still who we are. Anything is a toy if it is a source of amusement and leisure, and everything is a game when everyone plays by the rules we put there ourselves. The idea of adulthood is more often than not simply a poorly-veiled pompous superiority complex over the young and inexperienced, and scientifically speaking it's merely biological reproductive maturity and nothing more. So Launchpad I want you to embrace that which makes you happy, party responsibly, and to hell with the naysayers, they can sit and spin!" He grinned defiantly.
Launchpad blinked, "Wow..." he felt his mind swim with the fox's words as he slowly absorbed them.
Nidonemo slowed them to a halt and opened his fan once more, giving himself a breeze. "Oh my, that was fun! Shall we take a break and see what delectables they have on display?" he smiled. Met with another confused look he smirked to himself. "Let's go find food, you big silly bird."
-=Chapter 06: "Dining With Birds"=-
They approached the long appetizer tables populated by small plates, divided by red paper heart partitions, and each group had a standing card with the food name written in elegant cursive script. A few of the delicacies present were chocolate dipped bacon spirals, cranberry brie pecan pinwheels, whiskey bacon jam on toasted crackers, as well as rum cake pops on rolled wafer cookie straws, each one presented upon a fine china saucer and garnished with an artistic smear of a palatable dipping sauce appropriate for the flavor profile of the morsel.
The blue fox's eyebrows raised slightly in respectful astonishment at the spread, folding his hands behind his back, he leaned slightly forward as if surveying an art installation underneath protective glass. The tuxedoed duck, however, seemed more confused and disappointed.
"Isn't it impressive, Launchpad? Look at all the little lovely delights they've provided for us." Nidonemo said, deciding between a sweet or savory dish to begin with.
The duck put his hands on his hips, "Uhh, it's fancy I'll tell ya that, but where are the cocktail weenies, meatballs, and jalepeño poppers?"
Nidonemo smirked and rolled his eyes to himself, "I do not believe those would go over very well with this crowd." He assured him.
"Why not? They're awesome!" Launchpad protested, crossing his arms, "What, are they too good for these folks?"
Nidonemo bit his tongue before his sass could get the better of him, "I agree, those dishes are very enjoyable in their own right. I simply believe this...demographic would want something a tad more...exotic." he explained gently, picking up a plate of a pecan pinwheel.
"Like that rich folk caviar stuff?" he asked, mockingly raising a pinky in the air.
Nidonemo turned to his guest, "I never did take to that particular delicacy, it's a tad too earthy of a taste for my palate."
"You mean that stuff tastes like dirt? It sure looks like someone smeared mud on a cracker to me." Launchpad leaned his head back slightly in disgust.
The fox did his best to stifle the abrupt laugh that almost caught him by surprise, despite his effort it came forth as a small snort, turning his cheeks pink. He feigned a cough, and he sighed happily, "Oh, Launchpad, please never stop being who you are. I think your curtly blunt commentary on samples of oft-exclusively elitist is absolutely droll!" Nidonemo commented, placing a hand on the pilot's arm.
He was met with a look of confusion yet again.
"I think you're funny." Nidonemo continued, elbowing him gently.
Launchpad's face brightened, "Oh! Well if you like that, I got some knock-knock jokes for ya!"
"Ohh, you're a solid deck of cards, good sir." the fox smiled.
Launchpad looked over the table once more and drew question after question about each plate, the fox was only too happy to answer every inquiry to the end of his best guess before noticing it wasn't satiating the dapper-dressed duck's curiosity, but rather fueling it.
"I have an idea." Nidonemo set his plate down on a nearby table and turned Launchpad to face the opposite direction before taking several plates from the buffet table and shuffling them like a three-card trick. "Now close your eyes, turn to face me, and open your mouth."
"Hey this reminds me of summer camp! Uh, you're not gonna put a worm in my mouth are ya?" Launchpad asked innocently.
Nidonemo's eyes widened and his jaw dropped, "I wouldn't dare! Why on earth would I do such a terrible thing, my good man?" he shook his head and clicked his tongue a few times as he came to realize what must have happened, "You poor thing, children are such terrible monsters. I'm simply assisting you in broadening your horizons considering the culinary arts. Nothing spicy, I promise. Just take your time and savor.'' He gently placed a morsel of a chocolate dipped bacon spiral on Launchpad's tongue.
The pilot crunched and hummed his approval, "Mmmn, really good stuff."
Nidonemo smiled, "Tell me what you taste. No peeking, now."
Launchpad nodded as he sorted out the flavors in his head, "Uhh, salty, kinda meaty, definitely sweet and creamy too." he stopped a moment and figured it out. "Is that chocolate covered bacon?" he guessed.
"Exactly! How do you like it?" The fox eagerly asked, leaning in.
He thought for a moment, "You know it's weird...but I like it!"
Nidonemo clapped his hands together joyfully, "Hah! Fantastic! Just the reaction I was hoping for! The weird and unknown can make one wary and cautious, but there's always the thrill of possibly discovering something new you like!" he gently took Launchpad's hand in his, "You simply need to try."
Launchpad opened his eyes and smiled, "Heck yeah! I'm going to try some more right now." he then went down the buffet line and picked up one plate after another, stacking them along his arm as he went.
Nidonemo watched Launchpad as he navigated the food tables between the shorter guests, plucking up dish after dish, and shook his head with a smiling sigh, "That duck is a wild card in a deck of old maids."
-=Chapter 07: "Difference and Similarity"=-
The blue fox turned and made his way to the punch fountain, along his journey across the floor he spied a trio of well-dressed ladies making their way in a different direction, the people they passed seemed perturbed by their presence, he slowed his pace for a moment as he wondered what the reason could be, but soon resumed, mentally noting what they looked like just in case.
Arriving at the sparkling fountain and taking a glass, he ladled a generous pour, making sure to catch a strawberry slice and a candy heart, and then stepped to the side to admire the display as he enjoyed the first sip of his drink. The flavors of chilled red berries and the subtle mischief of rum behind them flowed over his tongue and relaxed his spirits.
He watched the falls of liquor flowing down each tier of glass with a quiet splashing before a gentle tap of a gloved finger upon his shoulder turned his attention behind him. He was met by a tall, lanky, and bucktoothed-grinning dog with long, drooping black ears, dressed in a faded pink tuxedo with a red heart-print bow-tie, sporting long, white, 18 ½ oxfords.
"Hullo there, the name's Goofy. Nice to meetcha!" the dog generously extended a white-gloved hand.
The kimono-robed fox shook it with a polite firmness and smiled back, "Good evening, sir. My name is Nidonemo, it's lovely to meet you as well. How does the night find you?"
"Well it finds me well, thanks. It's nice to find a smiling face in this crowd." he leaned in and hid his mouth with the back of his hand, "With so many frowns and smug-mugs it's like a sourpuss party in here." Nidonemo stifled a laugh and hid his mouth with his free hand, but nodded in agreement. Goofy cleared his throat and straightened up again, "Say, uh, mind if I ask yuh somethin'?"
"Not at all, please." The fox was only too happy to encounter another positive energy in the room, and Goofy's was quite pure.
"Uh, so, why are yuh dancin' with a fella instead of one of thuh ladies?" Goofy inquired, tilting his head slightly.
Nidonemo took a moment to recall the date, as well as process his new acquaintance's facial expression and tone of voice. He took a sip of his drink as he glanced over the dance floor and the room of guests, he then turned back to Goofy with a gentle smile. "Well, the answer is simple. He is my guest and companion this evening, and I feel it would be rude if I didn't dance with him."
The dog scratched his head thoughtfully, "Oh, that makes sense, huh huh." he laughed at the answer being so straightforward and seemingly obvious.
"Goofy, would you be dancing with someone tonight?" the fox asked, leaning in slightly.
The black dog looked around and spotted someone, and he subtly gestured in their direction, "That there fine lass in the pink dress over there." he pointed out a slender black cow in a bold taffy colored empire dress with matching heels and sporting a corsage of white carnations on her wrist. She was excitedly talking with other guests who seemed to be just as eager to chat as she was. "Her name's Clarabelle, and she's actually here undercover for her uh, journal job, that's how we got them fancy tickets." Goofy then slapped a hand over his mouth as he realized what he just blurted out and hunkered down, pulling Nidonemo in gently and whispering, "Please don't tell nobody, it's a secret. She'll get awful sore at me if she found out I went and did it again." he said, looking around to see if anyone else heard.
Nidonemo chuckled softly, "Don't you worry, Goofy, your secret is safe with me. She's an absolutely lovely sight, and she seems to have such lively energy. So do tell, when you look at her, talk to her, and spend time around her, how does Clarabelle make you feel?" The corner of his mouth subtly curled in a knowing way.
Goofy sighed with a dopey smile, "Like I'm lighter than air. She makes me feel all kinds of warm and nice, and she makes my heart feel like it could lead a marchin' band it thumps so hard!"
"That's absolutely wonderful, I'm very happy to hear that you have someone who makes you feel so fantastic. Now, mind you I've only just met him this evening, but my companion is already making me feel comfortable and welcome. He's polite, he's pleasant company, he's quite funny, and I can begin to feel a warmth growing in my heart when I look at him." Nidonemo looked at Launchpad who was quite focused on the arrangement of dishes he had in front of him. "Some may call him simple, but I feel that they haven't bothered to take the time to look at him from every angle."
"Gawrsh, that's lovely. Do you feel that way about other guys?" Goofy asked, genuinely curious.
Nidonemo smirked, nodded, and looked into his glass, watching the candy heart and strawberry slice float along the surface, "You see, what you feel for a lovely lady, I feel for a fine gentleman. It's just a different version of the same shape and color, and as organic of a feeling as the flowers that grow in the spring."
Goofy thought for a second, "Ohh, well, I guess that makes sense! Say, uh, would that mean I make you feel that way too?"
The blue fox looked back at the black dog next to him and gave him a warm smile.
"Goofy, I think you are a fine looking gentleman, you have a pure energy that I adore, and if I were given the time, I would love to get to know you. I already have the feeling we could be very good friends if not anything more." Nidonemo placed a polite hand upon Goofy's arm.
The dog chuckled and rubbed the back of his head bashfully, "Aw shucks, you're a pretty swell guy yourself."
"Thank you very much. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to return to my companion for the evening, please have a lovely rest of your night. It was wonderful making your acquaintance, and I do hope we meet again." The blue fox bowed and made his way back to Launchpad who was already midway through his collection of appetizers.
"See ya around, buddy!" Goofy waved after him.
-=Chapter 08: "Flapping Wings and Bared Fangs"=-
As the fox crossed the floor he spied the trio once more, their backs towards him, this time he slowed to a subtle stop, and looked carefully. They seemed to be laughing in the circle of people they stood among, but they were the only ones. Others looked irritated, some even wore pained expressions of suppressed disgust, or were smiling along with false faces, one or two looked genuinely starstruck and nervous. Nidonemo narrowed his eyes in thought as resumed his return to his evening's companion.
Launchpad was midway through his fourth bacon jam cracker when the blue fox sat himself at his table. He looked up and swallowed his mouthful before greeting him, "You were so right about all these, uh, delicacies!" he eagerly thumbed at the stack of empty plates nearby.
"I'm so glad you enjoy them so much, I'm only too happy to help broaden horizons in any perspective I can." Nidonemo smiled, he took a moment to watch Launchpad politely wipe his beak with a napkin before continuing. "So where do your interests lie in the department of leis- I mean, what does a man like yourself do for amusement? You mentioned your favorite books and movies?" he rephrased himself before taking a sip from his glass.
The pilot sat back and smiled, "Well I just finished issue #134 of The Adventures of Captain Major General and the Galactic Goons, I've been reading those since high school! Never missed a single issue! Except that one month when I forgot to renew my subscription and I had to race out to a newstand to get one! I also love seeing action flicks, just last week I saw Three Explosions and a Wedding for the fourth time! It never gets old!" Launchpad gripped the tablecloth with excited fists.
Launchpad then stopped himself abruptly and sheepishly looked down, letting go of the cloth. "Uhh, but I'm sure a fancy guy like you doesn't like comics or movies." he chuckled nervously.
Nidonemo blinked in the lurch of energy, "Now why would you think that, my good man? You were just getting so excited, I was looking forward to hearing about what was so amazing." he leaned in closer, "Now few may think it, but I actually do enjoy a good stack of illustrated novella on a lazy weekend, and I have been guilty of drinking up to an entire gallon of tea and polishing off a brand new tin of biscuits alongside it when things really start getting juicy!" he admitted with a wink.
Launchpad's smile returned like a lightbulb slowly glowing to life, "Hey that's rad! Here I thought you'd call me a total dweeb for liking that kinda stuff."
The blue fox shook his head reassuringly, "Nope! I think it's quite gnarly." he hid a look of concern behind his smile. It hurt his heart to consider how so many people were unkind if not downright nasty to such a nice soul such as his.
"Hey, where'd you get the juice?" Launchpad asked, noticing how enticing the punch in Nidonemo's glass looked and feeling the pangs of thirst at the corners of his mouth. "That stuff looks great!"
Nidonemo was broken from his thoughts, "Oh, it's right over there in that beautifully ostentatious punch bowl that looks like a repurposed garden fountain. Did you want me to get you one?"
Launchpad stood proudly and puffed his chest, "No good sir, it is my turn to serve you." he bowed with a flourish of his arm. "I'll be back in half a jiffy!" Gently taking the fox's glass he made his way to where a line of people crowded the punch fountain.
Nidonemo sighed with a daydreaming smile as he watched the duck walk away and noticed how gentlemanly he looked in his nice suit and polished boots. Like a serviceman of high rank, humble and dignified. The fox bit his lower lip as bawdy ideas of other fitting outfits the avian would be well suited for began to rise into his imagination.
The fox's ears suddenly perked, he felt a group energy approaching from behind, he straightened in his seat and put his hands in his lap. He subtly glanced over his shoulder to see a bufflehead duck in her late forties, sporting a sparkling dress, wearing layers of flashy jewelry, steadily approaching. Along with her attention-demanding attire, she wore a look of smug superiority. She was flanked by two northern shoveler ducks, both dressed luxuriously albeit a great deal more modestly and far less sparkling than her, they very well could have been twin sisters. Their faces mimicked their older lead.
Nidonemo stood, clasped his hands in front of him, and turned to face them just before they stopped at his table. He smiled politely, "Good evening, ladies. How does the night find you?" His tone was genteel, but his instincts were on guard.
"Quite dull, that is until your company entered the establishment. I have found myself verily amused by following your evening." she replied in a haughty-laced tone. "I am Livia Dazzleworth, and this is Brookite and Bornite Costlie." she glanced at each sister out of the corner of her eyes respectively.
The fox bowed ever so slightly and nodded, "I am Nidonemo Nishizawa and it is lovely to make your acquaintances." Livia barely raised her eyebrows in response, while each Costlie sister seemed to smile a little warmer for a moment. "I am flattered that my presence here would be so interesting to someone else. To what do I owe the gratitude of being so entertaining without intention?"
The ladies glanced among themselves amusedly, and Nidonemo felt the first wave of conviction, but kept his expression soft. "Well, for starters, we are quite impressed with your generosity. It's not every day one sees someone so...charitable with the help. Especially the noteworthy incompetence of a pilot who can barely fly, or drive by the look of things. Bringing such a subject of mental simplicity, I'm sure he is quite dull and you're just suffering through the evening with an eye on the clock."
Brookite and Bornite giggled as Livia smiled, the fox smiled with closed lips and grit teeth.
"On the contrary, my guest, Mr. McQuack is quite intellectually entertaining, much like a geode, what appears rough on the surface may be harboring sparkling, priceless brilliance within. One only has to look." Nidonemo responded gently.
Livia wasn't impressed and showed just as much with a not-so-subtle roll of her eyes. "Yes, most dusty old books would contain a fairly entertaining story or two. Do tell, what would catch his fascination and interest?"
"He is quite taken with the realms of graphic novella, the pyrotechnic arts, and high-adrenaline cinema, if you wish to know." the fox replied.
The bufflehead duck scoffed, "So comic books, explosions, and action films?" her entourage giggled behind her.
Nidonemo's allowed his smile to drop like an unwanted rock and his gaze sharpened, "If you needed me to simplify it for you, all you need is ask." he said flatly.
At this Dazzleworth was surprised by the sudden retort, several guests who had been listening in had to stifle their laughter. A glance about the vicinity revealed people had slowly gained curiosity in their conversation and were undoubtedly eavesdropping. Livia resumed her stature.
"Well, with interests such as those, I'm sure if you lose track of him he'd be easy to find, wandering close to anything bright and shimmering, under the chandelier would be a good place to look." She quipped.
The fox narrowed his eyes curiously, "Quite an interesting surmise from one who drenches herself in ostentatious jewelry. I take it you're speaking from experience?"
Livia was taken aback, Brookite, Bornite as well as several other women nearby subtly put their palms over their rings and hid their bangled wrists behind their backs as a few gentlemen chuckled amongst themselves.
She cleared her throat and did her best to retain her composure, the fox remained stoic and cool. "It can't be helped, it seems, if one wishes to keep the company of uncouth and barbaric individuals such as grease jockeys and metalheads who barely understand the better side of such basics as table manners and social etiquette, then it's simply a reflection of who they must be. Judge a man by the company he keeps, as the saying goes." Dazzleworth sneered.
"For once, we can agree upon something." the fox began, Livia began to smile confidently. "In only a few minutes of meeting you I can see you keep the company of those obsessed with appearances, high airs, think themselves part of some better bred, higher elite class because they can buy nearly anything they please. I take it you hunt for those less confident than you see yourself so you may dazzle them into flocking closer around you, before verbally beating them down into the mud with the mental poison that they could never shine or survive in the big leagues without your help. I assume that's how you met your husband, if you weren't arranged into marriage, because I know it's certainly not your personality nor physique which would attract."
Livia's hand clutched at the jewels around her neck as a peppering of audible gasps rose from the group around them. Her entourage was speechless, she gave him a look of utter shock, which he returned with a cold glare.
"H-how dare you?!" was all she could sputter, stepping backwards.
Nidonemo took the opening, "Quite as easily as you look down your beak, don't think I've not noticed you in the eaves, gesturing at guests and having a laugh with your companions. Those that mock others seem to most often push the spotlight anywhere but on themselves, most likely in worry that the cracks in their facade will show and crumble to reveal the hideous person hidden beneath. Pray tell, how many layers do you have to peel away every night before you see your real face?" His eyes narrowed with faux curiosity.
Jaws dropped, and a champagne flute fell from a hand, meeting its shattering death upon the floor.
The fox kept his cold glare fixed upon Dazzleworth, who could scarcely believe her ears. Her face began to burn. "D-do you have any idea of who I am?!"
"It's a shame your advanced age has robbed you of your memory so soon, let me hazard a guess from my observations alone. You are a woman in her late fifties," the word sliced through the air like a throwing knife, "who has done nothing but mock, insult, manipulate, intimidate and threaten everyone around herself into either wishing to be acknowledged by or fearing her eyes spotting them when she steps foot into a room. You've been this way your entire life and for so long gotten everything you've ever demanded because whenever you are met with the tiniest ounce of resistance it absolutely floors you. Am I close?" Nidonemo looked at her as if she was an obvious reveal in a poorly-written mystery novel.
She could barely speak, the blood rushing to her head was hazing her ability to think clearly, she felt her own body seem to shake with rage. "Why...I never..."
He didn't give her a chance, "Oh, of course you haven't, and why should you? I've only spoken what I can gather people have yet to dare say in front of you."
Livia Dazzleworth had never heard such insolence before, in front of so many people, all eyes seemed to stare at her, jaws open, whispers and giggling in the darkness of the crowd, and then this fox standing firm, giving her that look! She felt her arm twitch, she had to punish, had to put down this upstart! Her arm lifted upward, the air was so thick it was hard to move. She reared back, her face burned like an angry sun. Her hand opened wide, she needed to show him his proper place, and that it was beneath her. She flung her arm forward, her palm flew through the air!
A gigantic white-gloved fist grasped her wrist. It was like her arm was suddenly stuck in dry concrete, her remaining inertia threw her slightly off balance. She looked up and met the hard stare of a 6'2" chocolate labrador retriever in a tuxedo and black bowtie, an edelweiss and a sprig of thyme in his breast pocket, wearing sunglasses and an earpiece. A security guard, and one of the best in the business. Highly trained martial artists, stealth operations, and marksmanship in a multitude of firearms, they were famous for being invisible at high profile functions until absolutely necessary. People often forgot they even existed. He glared a hole through her skull, even behind his sunglasses she could feel his burning gaze was one of merciless apathy. She then looked at her hand, her palm was inches from Nidonemo's cheek, and the fox hadn't shown a fraction of a flinch.
Nidonemo clicked his tongue and narrowed his eyes "Physical violence? Really, how uncouth and barbaric." hissed the blue fox, who calmly stepped backward and allowed the chocolate retriever to step between them, "It truly is a shame we could not have been better strangers." He then turned from the gathering and walked away, vanishing between passing guests.
"MRS. DAZZLEWORTH!" Roared a flabbergasted voice, everyone turned their attention to the swan in the white tuxedo storming towards the scene. People made way for him to pass and approach.
She tried to put a casual smile on, grasping at any shred of innocence she could quickly powder her face with, "M-M-Mr. Cobfeather!" her voice betrayed her, quaking in her throat that had gone dry. She looked around for the fox, he had disappeared completely, all who remained looked at her with disgust, shock, and disappointment. The Costlie sisters were nowhere to be found either, she was alone, trapped in the spotlight of judgement and could barely speak on her own behalf.
-=Chapter 09: "Whimsical Demonstration"=-
Launchpad was finally next in line for the punchbowl, it had become somewhat popular in the last hour for chatty gatherings and old friends to discover one another with an excited calling of names, air-kissed greetings, and abrupt conversations of what they had been doing for the winter holidays since their last rendezvous. He was incredibly thirsty at this point, quite bored with overhearing who was on whose yacht in the tropical paradises of somewhere far away and incredibly expensive, and the silken falls of liquor infused fruit juices called to him to quench the parching of the salted hors d'oeuvres he had consumed a generous amount of the hour prior, which had his mouth watering.
The blue fox darted silently and deftly between guests like a shadow, barely raising their notice, and fortunately for their sake, as the look on his face could have frozen flame. Along his path a waiter did a double take at his tray, he was absolutely certain he had picked up seven full champagne flutes from the kitchen just a moment ago, and here he stared at six and an empty glass which was curiously beginning to freeze over.
"Mr. McQuack?" a gentle voice rose from behind the tall duck, who turned to see the blue fox approaching, "Mind if I join you in line?" His smile was soft, and his eyes sensual.
"Uh sure, I was about to come back to our table." Launchpad looked to where they had been seated and saw a group of people gathered around in tight formation. "What's going on over there? Someone doing a magic trick?" he smiled hopefully.
The fox glanced quickly behind him, as if to make sure he wasn't followed, "Oh, that, someone was making a fuss, something about local economics. It was getting a tad heated and negative so I left." he dismissively explained. "I'd much rather be in more sunny company." Nidonemo looked up at him, admiringly. "Has anyone told you that you have the sweetest smile?" The fox bit his tongue as he realized what he just blurted out, and cursed himself for letting his drink get ahead of him and fueling his flirtatious nature.
Launchpad felt his cheeks warm, "Aww, that's awful nice of you to say, Nid. Thanks. You've got a nice face yourself."
The blue fox cleared his throat with relief as Launchpad filled their glasses, and they walked away from the fountain. "Why don't we see what the second floor is like? It's getting a tad stuffy down here and I'm just brimming with curiosity to see the rest of this splendid place!" he suggested, placing a gentle paw on his companion's back and guiding him towards the grand stairwell. "Oh yes, you were just about to tell me about what Captain Major General was doing when the...what were they again, the Galactic Grunts attacked? You also must tell me what you loved most about Three Explosions and a Wedding to have seen it so often."
Launchpad then went on to gush over his favorite parts of the movie, as well as intricate details about the comics he had been reading with great enthusiasm. Regardless of not being able to understand plots taken so far out of context or unexplained character relationships, as well as the topic jumping from one subject to the next, Nidonemo listened with full attention, paying focus to just how thrilled Launchpad looked as he poured on about them, and feeling that welcome warmth he experienced while witnessing someone sharing a heartfelt interest of theirs.
They drifted upward the curling stairwell encircling the grand dance floor below, and reached the landing. Nidonemo took a subtle look over the balcony at the ground floor below where a very indignant woman was being forcefully escorted out of the establishment, he turned his attention back to Launchpad and smiled as he continued on with his explanation of the inner subterfuge of Captain Major General's strategy against the enemy. They walked at a relaxed pace towards the lighter half of the second floor, towards the window walls that looked out over the balcony patio.
"Well it looks like the storm has passed us, would you like to join me for some fresh night air?" Nidonemo offered Launchpad, who happily agreed to follow him outside. The patio balcony was empty, the outdoor furniture was hidden under a thin layer of snow, umbrellas folded and clasped shut, the outdoor fireplace cold and empty. They were the only souls outside.
"Would you just look at that? Our lunar lady is just stunning this evening." Nidonemo gasped softly as he walked out towards the stone railing, transfixed by the sky.
Launchpad looked around for someone, "I uh, don't see anyone but the moon sure is pretty." he pointed upwards. The blue fox looked at him and sighed to himself, sinking just a little deeper in admiration than he may have intended.
The harsh winter winds had finally calmed outside and the night sky was open and clear, only a few clouds hung in the sparkling darkness complimenting the gorgeous full moon, pale as the snow-topped cityscape it shone down upon. The chilly night air was refreshing, the calm city streets held only a handful of cars to the entire urban sprawl, whose distant street lamps twinkled like grounded stars. The various skyscrapers lined the horizon, and the Audubon Bay Bridge lights pulsed with a gentle glow, like the heartbeat of a sleeping giant. The pair made their way to lean upon the thick stone railing of the balcony, Nidonemo breathed in deeply with a hum of satisfaction.
"I always loved city life at night, as does a dear friend of mine." The blue fox sighed happily.
Launchpad looked over at him and realized he really didn't know anything about this mysterious person who brought him here, other than he liked art and had complicated ways of talking. "So, uhh, what do you guys like about it so much?"
"Oh, well, there's many things to like about a city at night. The quiet for one, the hustle and bustle of stressful daytime obligations is long gone, the streets are empty save a car or three, so you can feel safe in being a tad naughty and walking down the middle of one." he scrunched his shoulders with a mischievous grin. "Then there's those places that are open long into the night, there's just something about going to a diner and getting a cup of coffee and a slice of pie at two in the morning that has a unique energy and feeling about it. The people who are still awake in the deep of night, they're strangers, but you almost sense a faint bonding element between you and them. Like members of the same nocturnal pack, or a secret society you both belong to." The fox's eyes seemed to be looking beyond the horizon as he spoke. "Then there's the wonderful sensation of having the entire world to yourself, you're the only one awake while the rest of the realm sleeps soundly in their beds. You walk the roads in silence, it's all yours to have and explore, but there's no one to share the feeling with. It's a beautiful loneliness." His words drifted off like snowflakes fading into the darkness.
Launchpad listened with rapt attention, Nidonemo's words seemed to soothe and beguile him, he looked out onto the city of Duckburg and saw it truly sparkle for the first time in a long time. It took on a new appearance, even though it was the same old city he'd known for years and years on end. It seemed almost new again. "Wow...that was...really nice." he replied, his own vision off beyond the distance. Nidonemo looked over to him and a smile glowed upon his lips and grew brighter, did he manage to connect with him? Did he say everything so clearly that the gallant duck saw what he saw? Launchpad snapped back and met his gaze with his own eager eyes. "What else do you like?"
Nidonemo felt his cheeks flush with warmth, he was truly interested in him. "Well, I enjoy a lot of relaxing and calm things because I like to take my time to enjoy them and all the small parts of the experiences about them. For example, I like to drink many different types of tea."
Launchpad tilted his head curiously, "Tea? That can be exciting?"
The fox nodded happily, "Yes, there's the wonderful smell of the loose tea leaves in the tin when you first open it, there's the soft crunchy resistance you feel with your spoon when scooping just the right amount for the teapot, there's the careful pouring of the boiling water and getting to select your favorite cup or mug from your collection, and choosing what you're going to enjoy it with. A lot of people would quickly skip through these steps, but when you slow down and take your time, you can find that every step can be an experience to be looked forward to." he explained.
The tall duck rubbed the back of his head thoughtfully as he tried to imagine it, but he never really drank tea. Nidonemo thought for a moment before he came up with something. "Tell me, Launchpad, how do you feel when you find a brand new comic book in the mail?"
Launchpad lit up like a surprise party, "Oh! Oh it feels amazing! It's like Christmas! First there's the brown paper bag it comes in, then the amazing cover! I can look at them for hours, but I can't wait to start reading from where last month's chapter left off! There's all the colors, and the heroic poses, and all the-" Launchpad stopped himself, he looked at the fox who smiled back at him knowingly. "...the little things everyone else just doesn't understand are so cool." he trailed off.
"We come from two completely different worlds, Mr. McQuack, and here we share so much in common." Nidonemo said, gently placing a hand on Launchpad's.
The blue fox in the elegant azure kimono, and the tall duck in the tuxedo shared more than simply a brief moment when they joined gazes, they felt something further, like a deeper grasping of hands. A vague understanding of depth. Nidonemo was familiar with the feeling, however it was slightly new to Launchpad, he hadn't known he could feel this way towards someone like the fox. Then something surfaced on the duck's mind.
"Hey, Nid. I just remembered something." He started, his companion tilted his head and smiled in patient wait for the question. "How did you get me out of the car? In the parking lot?"
Nidonemo slowly withdrew his hand and put it in his opposite sleeve, closing them together. "Oh, that?" He glanced away, hiding the look of concern on his face.
Launchpad pressed a little further, "I mean, I'm really grateful! You saved my life, and then you brought me to this fancy party, I can't thank you enough. I just...can't figure out how you did it."
The blue fox closed his eyes and took a breath, "Honest people don't hide their deeds." he whispered to himself, then turned and faced the red-haired duck with his hands clasped in front of him. "The honest truth is that I'm a practitioner of spellcraft, I use the natural elements and energy to create changes in my environment. I use it for the benefit of those around me, and to assist others in need. I take my skill seriously, and do not use it-" he stopped suddenly and put his hand to his lips as he realized something, then after a moment he refocused and regained his composure. "I do my best to keep from using it flippantly and unnecessarily, and never in a malicious way."
Launchpad stood quietly, Nidonemo studied his face nervously, looking for any signs of fear, disgust, or negative reaction. After a few tense moments, the duck finally blinked, "Wait, you use magic? Like, wizard stuff or card trick stuff?"
"Well, when you put it that way, wizard stuff would better describe-" the fox started.
"Wow! That's awesome! Can you turn people into frogs, or brew potions, or fight dragons with lightning?!" Launchpad was practically bouncing with excitement.
The blue fox smiled with relief, and looked around the patio. "How about I show you how I got you out of the car? You just need to keep it a secret, it's less...complicated when fewer people know what I can do."
"Like a superhero with a secret identity! You got it buddy! My beak is sealed!" The pilot proudly put a hand over his heart and held up his free hand as if swearing an oath.
Nidonemo blinked, "Uh! Yes! Exactly, and thank you. So, allow me to demonstrate."
The blue fox checked inside the windows for a moment to make sure no one was looking before heading to the edge of the patio, taking Launchpad by the hand and guiding him to the side. "First, I had to get the snow off the car." he said as he walked to the center of one end of the patio and faced the long stretch to the opposite side.
He breathed in and slowly exhaled before slowly sweeping his arms broadly into his chest and holding them to himself, winds began to swirl about him in a gentle steady breeze, picking up snowflakes that spiraled upwards. He then let his arms fall forward in an offering gesture before he swept them in an outward circle, his palms side by side, he pushed forwards and the swirling winds drove forth. The snow that blanketed the patio was vacuumed upward into the magical breezes and thrown into the sky, sweeping the floors clean, and sending the snowflakes high into the night air, where they fell thin and dissipated in the darkness. The fox turned to Launchpad, smiling gently, and was met with a look of bewilderment which made him blush.
Nidonemo cleared his throat politely and walked over to a nearby table, picking up a glass candle globe with a white votive candle set in the holder and brought it over to Launchpad. He set it down between them on the balcony railing. "Then, I had to melt away the frost keeping you inside."
The blue fox cupped his paws together and blew softly into his palms, from within them a small glow began to flicker. He slowly spread them apart and revealed a tiny flame floating in the air. He gently guided it onto the candle where it hissed softly as it took the wick. From there it grew into a modest size and glowed brightly. Launchpad drew his face as close as he could, his eyes sparkling wide, and let out a quiet word of astonishment.
"That's incredible, Nid!" Launchpad beamed as he stood up and put his hands on the fox's shoulders, "Thank you so much!"
Nidonemo felt himself blushing, it'd been a long time since someone was so impressed by his ability, and shied his gaze away slightly. "Well, you were in trouble, of course I'd help you."
"No! I mean it! You really saved me back there!" The large duck then hugged the fox close and tightly, "You saved my life, I'd have been frozen solid if you didn't use your hocus pocus!"
Nidonemo felt the embrace threaten to suffocate him, yet his squeeze was so comforting, the warmth of gratitude enveloping him made him forget they stood in the frosty theater of the February night. He wanted to melt into it, to be held by it for hours. He wondered what lucky soul would have his embrace every evening for the rest of their lives, he envied that person deeply.
As Launchpad's arms fell away and he felt a fresh breath dive into his lungs, the realm around him returned to focus, and the fox noticed someone coming towards them from inside. The patio door swiftly slid open and the pair was greeted by a very fretful-looking swan in a white tuxedo.
"Good evening, gentlemen! I do hope the night has found you both well and that you've been enjoying this evening's festivities! Allow me to introduce myself, I am Epitomus Cobfeather, and I am the manager of Chateau de Plume." He began, as he clasped his white-gloved hands together before turning to Nidonemo with a very remorseful look. "Mr. Nishizawa, please allow me to officially apologize for the absolutely reprehensible behavior of our former member. I have absolutely no idea what possessed her to act in such a repulsive manner."
Nidonemo smiled warmly, "Why thank you, of course it is not at all your fault I wouldn't expect you to be in control of someone else's actions like that, and I've been called worse things by better people." he remarked lightheartedly.
"I do thank you for your merciful perspective, sir. We here at Chateau le Plume pride ourselves on keeping a respectable environment for our cherished guests and valued members to enjoy while visiting our establishment. The decorum of the individual in question is absolutely beneath our standards of what we deem appropriate, and you may rest assured she has since been removed from not only the premises but our member registry as well. By way of apology, we humbly request you accept our gift of a complimentary full dining experience for two this evening in our coveted Starlight Lounge." Epitomus gestured to the rooftop above them.
"My goodness, that is incredibly generous of you, thank you very much Mr. Cobfeather, we graciously accept." The fox bowed, smiling warmly.
The swan's face brightened with relief, "Splendid! Allow me to show you to your table."
-=Chapter 10: "Roses and Wine"=-
The pair were led back inside and towards the staircase leading upwards, as they ascended the party seemed to fall away below them, the music softening, the idle chatter and dancing blurring more and more. The third floor greeted them with a mural of cloudscapes drifting from morning, midday, evening, and night, all flowing naturally and endlessly into one another seemingly behind the multiple white doors which led to other rooms of business, rest, and amusement. The manager approached another staircase, this one of plush deep admiral blue bordered by subtle embossed geometric pattern, steps underlit by soft white light, curving upward into the ceiling along with a polished chrome plated banister. Between the three and the next level were a velvet rope partition accompanied by a modest standing sign reading "Private Party", of which the manager separated and allowed access past with a polite gesture of his arm.
As the fox and the duck ascended the soft stairs they rose into a grand sight which took a whispered gasp of delight from Nidonemo's lips and an impressed whistle from Launchpad's beak. The carpet formed a ring around the room, populated by black-clothed intimate cocktail tables lit with candle globes, walls of windows formed the arc, interrupted only by black velvet curtains tied back by soft silver cords, giving a full 360 degree view of Duckburg and the distant city of St. Canard from the proud chatau's rooftop. Waist-high partition planters overflowing with lush, deep green ivy, spilling over their black ceramic walls encircled the center of the room, a floor of polished black galaxy granite tiles that seemed to sparkle of their own volition. Looking down upon the entire arrangement, a dome of glass, allowing an unobstructed view of the sky, of which many admirers had enjoyed clear blue skies, gorgeous sunsets, and breathtaking stargazings. Tonight, a lone dining table stood out from it all, set left of center of the tiled floor, a blushing pink tablecloth, two heart-backed dining chairs of soft velvet, a glass globe housing a red twin-wicked candle, and an ice bucket of that evening's selection of champagne with a pair of glasses.
"My goodness...it's so...opulent!" Nidonemo said in awe, marveling at the entirety of the room.
Launchpad was transfixed on the dome above, "Sure is fancy, too!"
The blue fox shared a knowing smile with the manager. They were seated comfortably and handed menus, "This evening's arrangement begins with soupe au champignons, your choice of ratatouille, quiche Lorraine, or tomates farcies, and finally dessert this evening is la merveille accidentelle, la Tarte Tatin!" Mr. Cobfeather announced with pride, chest swelling.
Nidonemo was happily surprised with the selection, but Launchpad seemed to be confused and he looked to the fox for help, speechless. The blue fox smiled reassuringly, "It is a lot to take in, he's letting us know that we'll be having a mushroom soup for our starter, and you have a selection of entree between a seasoned and baked country garden vegetable arrangement, a rich and savory cheese tart, or slow-roasted stuffed tomatoes, and dessert is a famous and quite delicious accident involving an apple tart."
He blinked and thought for a moment, "Uh! I'll have the cheese pie, uh, dish...thing! Please!" Launchpad answered.
"I've always wanted to try ratatouille, I simply adore French cuisine, especially du-" the fox froze, a look of shock upon his face. Both Launchpad and Mr. Cobfeather looked at him, puzzled. "Du jardin! Framboises du jardin!" He finished, barely hiding the nervousness in his following laugh. "Who doesn't love raspberries?! It's wonderful to just sit in the sun and go through a whole basket of them!"
The two birds agreed and the fox sighed with relief as the manager took their menus and left. "You okay? You look like you saw a ghost." Launchpad asked, noticing the fox's break in composure.
"Oh! No, it's nothing! Just...something on my mind!" he deflected.
"Did you forget something important? You didn't leave the iron on or the stove did you?" the duck asked, trying to be helpful.
Nidonemo recalled biting into the first forkful of the crispy flesh of a well-roasted meat dish garnished with orange slices, savoring the flavor and enjoying every juicy bite "Just...irredeemable sin." he muttered, a look of horrified realization on his face.
The tuxedoed duck tilted his head, "What?"
The fox shook himself out of the thought and reached for his glass, raising his champagne flute. "To lovely new experiences and encounters." he smiled quickly.
Launchpad picked up his own, "To guys night!" he smiled back.
The glasses clinked and sips taken, and eager to change the subject, the fox continued, "Launchpad, I heard several times around the party downstairs that you happen to be a pilot." Nidonemo gently swirled the drink in his glass, "Do tell, what is a pilot's life like? Do you fly for a major airline?"
"Yep, that'd be me! I don't fly any of those big fancy passenger planes, though. I fly my own, I even built it myself." He said, smiling proudly. "I named her the Sun Chaser."
Nidonemo's eyes widened, "Really? You built your own plane?! That's remarkable, and what a lovely name. That must have been a grand undertaking! So you'd be a private pilot then?"
Launchpad nodded, "Yep, I work for Mister McDee. My usual rate was ten cents per mile, but for him it's a penny per mile. I've flown him all over the world to lots of different places! We've had all kinds of adventures looking for lost treasures, lost worlds, even lost dinosaurs!"
The glass in the fox's hand began to quiver ever so slightly and frost crept up the stem as he did his best to calm his aggravation, "Those sound like amazing adventures, I'd love to hear about them."
"Well the last one we went on, we actually found the actual golden goose, but uh, turns out it was more trouble than it was worth. That...uh...that was a while ago. We haven't really done much in the meantime. Life's actually been kinda slow." Launchpad traced a circle with his finger on the tablecloth in thought.
It was then that the waiter, a well-dressed mallard in a black bowtie, approached with a food cart. He placed a large covered silver platter upon the table, and gracefully picked up the dome, revealing a pair of steaming bowls of soup. He then topped off their champagne flutes, wished the diners a lovely meal, and left.
The pair enjoyed each course, the rich and hearty flavors of the mushroom soup, the delightfully earthen tastes of vegetables roasted in herbs and drenched in olive oil, as well as the comforting nature brought on by warm cheeses and a flaky crust. The champagne flowed freely, and both diners were fairly tipsy by dessert, sharing jokes and funny anecdotes.
As the waiter took away the empty dishes of the main course, Launchpad watched him walk back to the kitchen elevator downstairs. "Wow! That was amazing! I've never had cheese pie before! I didn't even know cheese could be a pie!"
Nidonemo laughed to himself, "I bet you're ready for dessert."
Launchpad turned back to the fox excitedly, "Oh yeah! You said there was a story?"
The fox nodded, his graceful decorum had slipped a noticeable bit, "You know how some of the best things in life are caused by accidents? Well, the Tarte Tatin is a lovely example. There's a number of stories told, no one really knows which one's the most accurate, but the gist of it is that these two sisters, Stéphanie and Caroline Tatin, ran this hotel south of Paris. Stéphanie was working herself to exhaustion one day, and started putting together an apple pie. Well, the poor woman put the apples in the butter and sugar, and then forgot about them." Nidonemo sipped and then leaned in, "She probably didn't forget, some important order must have come through, or something else pulled her away from it, you know how it is in kitchens when it's busy. Never enough hands, never enough time, never enough space, the poor souls." He sat back up in his chair, "Well, she smells something burning, probably exclaims 'Ah merde! Les pommes!' and tries to salvage it. She throws a pastry crust over the pan, shoves it in the oven for a bit, then pulls it out and turns it out on a serving plate, most likely praying no one notices it, and her guests fall in love with it."
Launchpad gently slapped the table laughing, "That sounds like something that could happen! So she invented a new dish?"
"Well, to be more precise, the dish already existed, she just intended to make one and made the other by accident, but the story is fun to tell. Kind of like how it's more fun to think a giant dragging his axe behind him made the Grand Canyon rather than centuries of winds and flowing river water eroding the rock down." He explained, gesturing before sipping again.
Launchpad tilted his head, confused. "You mean Paul Bunyan didn't do that?"
Nidonemo looked at him and shook his head smiling, "You really have absolutely no idea just how adorable you are, do you?" He blurted freely.
Before Launchpad could process the comment, the waiter had already reappeared and set down two plates holding generous slices of Tarte Tatin, garnished with artful swirls of caramel sauce before the diners who were pleasantly surprised and hungrily picked up their forks.
As they dug in, marveling at the sweetness and juiciness of the dish, Nidonemo dared a question that had been on his mind all night, "Launchpad," his guest looked up, fork still in his beak, "Are you seeing anyone at the moment?"
The bird swallowed, "Like, a girlfriend? Nah, I'm a bachelor. Could never find the right gal I suppose." He shrugged.
"I can't see why, you're a real catch, big guy. You're sweet, you're a gentleman, you're fun-loving, and you just have this..." the fox searched for the word as he tapped an apple slice with the tines of his fork, "Glow about you." He said, smiling at him.
The pilot blushed, "Aww you're gonna make me all bashful if you keep going on like that."
As they finished their plates, Launchpad leaned back in his chair and dusted the crumbs off his chest, "Whew! That was a meal! So much more interesting than a burger and fries, and that's a favorite of mine!"
"I'm thrilled you enjoyed it so much, Launchpad." Nidonemo smiled, placing his napkin on the side of the table, and arranging his plate to be easier to take away.
A moment later Mr. Cobfeather approached the table along with the waiter who began to clear it, "Gentlemen! I do hope your dining experience was satisfactory!" He said, hands clutched in a hopeful gesture, "We have a lovely surprise which is about to begin! At the stroke of midnight, we shall have a fabulous fireworks display to end this lovely romantic evening with a real bang!" The swan explained, excitedly. He then gestured to the center of the dance floor, where the moonlight had created an almost perfect beam to highlight it. "In my humble opinion, the center of our ballroom floor is just the best location to enjoy the show!"
The blue fox nodded, "Thank you so very much for this generous gift, sir. We've been having an absolutely lovely time, and I definitely will take you up on that suggestion." Nidonemo rose from his seat and looked to Launchpad, holding out his hand. "Launchpad McQuack, may I have one more dance with you this evening?"
"Sure thing, buddy!" He said, rising and taking the fox's paw.
The fox and the duck made their way to the center of the floor and as they did so a few staff members appeared to take away the tables and chairs to make more room. The moon was like a spotlight, and the lights seemed to dim away. Nidonemo looked up at the tall bird and gently led him in a slow dance, smiling gently, and taking in all the features of his handsome face. The sound of the orchestra downstairs seemed to be audible once more, and the delicate music of the strings rose from beneath them, swirling about the dancers like the snowflakes that gently fell outside.
"This...this is really nice. I never knew how sweet a guy's night could be. Thanks a lot Nid." Launchpad admitted.
The blue fox smiled back in response and gently let his partner take the lead as the song faded out, and another began. He allowed himself to relax further, and wondered what the feeling of his embrace would be, he was so close. The music was the only sound, they swayed slowly, stepped quietly, and drifted on the song of the sliding bows. As the song reached its beautiful finish, there was a streak of light that shot past the broad windows and high into the night sky, surprising the pair and pulling their eyes upward.
A burst of red fire exploded outwards and scattered particles of light in every direction, another streak, and another, more and more bursts of beautiful blooms of red, pink, and white in a lovely cacophony of pops and bangs. The dancers marveled at the display in the sky, whispering awe and astonishment as bursts of color bloomed within others. Nidonemo's gaze fell from the sky and landed softly on the face of Launchpad who was absolutely entranced by the show.
The fox took in the expression on his face, it was so pure. It was complete and utter astonishment in the undeniable glow of joy. He saw the brightness of his soul in his sparkling eyes, the spirit of innocence and love, something that he had not seen in what felt like centuries. A rare flower blooming right in front of him, every petal lovely and full of life, opening wider to bathe in the light of the universe. He was touched so deeply, warm tears welled in the fox's eyes. As they streaked down his cheeks, his expression fell slightly.
"Oh no..." he thought to himself.
His mind was pulled backwards, yanked through time to the start of the evening, long before his feet touched upon Duckburg soil.
-=Chapter 11: "Grounded Memory"=-
The blue fox entered the office through the sliding shoji screen door, dressed in a red casual graphic shirt of a large white heart, white socks, and distressed blue jeans. The floor was white carpet awash in the usual undulating vapor, the walls and ceiling weren't visible, but rather an infinite white void, and the door he had entered through seemed to hang in the middle of space by itself. The desk was in the usual spot, in the center of a marble floor which spread the entirety under a pavilion of four greek cream colored pillars, the silk drapes which usually billowed between them had been tied back. The chair was occupied, and the laptop was open.
A large german shepherd of black and gray fur was also present, sporting a natural gray lightning bolt down his right arm, dressed in a navy blue t-shirt with the text "If you're still alive, that means I'm tolerating you." in yellow stencil across the chest, blue jeans, and black combat boots. He was reclining across a comfortably worn-in couch of old brown leather, his purple eyes in a bored gaze, scrolling through his smartphone.
"Code blue on the main deck." The shepherd casually announced, not looking up.
Nidonemo smirked, "Always lovely to see you too, Thor."
The fox approached one of the pillars nearest the desk and leaned against it, "You summoned, sweetheart?" he asked the desk's occupant.
"Yes, my dear!" He was greeted, they spared a quick smiling glance as they typed away. "You will be going to a lovely party this evening for the holiday. I'm just putting together the last major details now."
Thor looked over, "That's the nicest order I've heard you bark at anyone." He raised an eyebrow.
"So far." Nidonemo added, pointedly.
They were both waved off dismissively, "Ah, ah, ah! Don't make me self-conscious right now, I'm in a groove and I haven't had a good streak in a while!"
"It's fine, Chad had plans to visit some old friends of his in town, and I didn't hear of anything that perked my interest. What about you?" The blue fox asked Thor.
The dog shrugged, "Ehh, can't be arsed this year. Just not feeling it. Other half is doing his own thing too."
The person behind the laptop paused to sip at their mug, "I could put something together, you know I haven't used that tri-reality ballroom in a while, I-"
Thor cut them off with a raised paw, "AH! No! The last time I went into that thing I got car sick standing still, and I had weird Escher dreams for a week!"
"Fair enough, I'll adjust it tomorrow, I knew the dimensional seam looked a tad sloppy. Anyway, back to the subject." They clapped their hands together, turning in their chair and pointing both clasped pointer fingers at Nidonemo. "Tonight, when you do go, we need to follow a bit of protocol."
The fox looked curious, "Okay, what kind of protocol are we talking about?"
"Besides the legal, federal, illuminative..." Thor started listing.
"Shush." They smiled at Thor, "You will be visiting a world of someone else's, and you need to be subtle. Like a gentle ripple in the pond, your waves must barely rock the leaves on the water's surface." They explained.
Nidonemo crossed his arms thoughtfully, "Okay, well I can make educated guesses as to why this is important, but let's skip to the exact reason."
"Basically it's like being a guest at anyone else's house that you barely know. You want to be polite, reserved, enjoyable company but not the center of the party. You'll be visiting someone else's realm entirely, and it's just a precaution and a courtesy. If your presence and actions are much too broad, loud and impactful, it could throw the entire wavelength of their crafted reality completely off the rails. It could be the difference between just another passenger on a humongous cruise ship, or another mouth to feed on a liferaft." Their voice was casual, despite the severity of their words.
"Dog of Mercy, that's quite the difference, if you ask me." The blue fox didn't break eye contact and started to fidget with one of his tails as he listened. "If it's that risky maybe I should stay home."
They gestured dismissively, "Nonsense! You're responsible in social situations, and-"
Thor snorted and started laughing, nearly dropping his phone.
"Oh, hush you." the desk occupant and the blue fox said simultaneously. They turned back to Nidonemo, "I trust you will make dignified and responsible choices and you won't cause too much of a splash this evening. In addition, we're not exactly...asking permission to go inside this particular realm, the original designer may not approve of visitors, but in this case it's one of those things where you could ask permission but that request would take ages to even get to the right person to talk to, then they need to ask someone else, then it's all 'oh no that's not the right department I need to get my manager', you know the nonsense, and it's such a little matter you may as well be asking for the price of three grapes." They leaned back and dismissively threw open their hands.
Thor rolled off the couch, put his phone in his pocket and clamped his paws over his ears, "I'm not hearing this, I'm on my day off, I didn't hear that, la la la la la!" he walked out of the sliding door as the other two shot a knowing smirk after him and went back to their discussion.
"So to have half a failsafe, the moment you come back, everyone will forget that you were even there. Go ahead and enjoy yourself with little worry." They gestured reassuringly.
Nidonemo tilted his head, "What does that protect against exactly?"
"Well let's say someone remembered, they could get it into their head that they want to find you, then spend an unknown amount of time looking for you, and that could take them away from important events in their predetermined lifepath, key events may not happen, and it slowly dissolves their future away." The person behind the desk explained, sadly.
"Okay, but what if I do make friends? Could I return as long as I don't spend too much time in the limelight, if at all?" the blue fox asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, it's probably best we keep our visits seldom and brief. A passerby on the sidewalk, a customer in a long line, a face in the crowd. Visible, but easily forgotten. The gentlest ripple in the pond. You plop the pebble in often enough and you won't be allowing the pond to come to rest, right?" they asked.
Nidonemo nodded, "Yeah. I can see your point."
The last words echoed in the fox's mind as he gazed at the duck, who was still transfixed on the fireworks above. He let himself sigh and join him, but his mind kept going. "I've been as subtle as a boulder thrown into a children's wading pool." he thought, wincing at himself, clenching a fist behind his back. "I'm going to get such a lecture when I get home."
He then felt the gentlest hand slowly slide up his back and around his shoulder, it pulled him into a friendly clutch. Nidonemo looked at Launchpad who glanced down, smiled and nodded, and looked back at the fireworks once more. Another warm tear slid down his cheek.
"I'd endure the whip to my last breath for him."
The fox leaned into the hug and the sky seemed even brighter.
-=Chapter 12: "Petals and Snowflakes"=-
The guests streamed out at a steady social trickle, limos came and went, goodbyes and regards were said, tables cleared, dishes washed and put away, each floor began to darken as it was cleared. The blue fox and the tall duck walked back into the night air as the large double doors gently closed behind them and the front lights turned off.
"That was one heck of a party!" Launchpad grinned, replacing his chauffeur's cap and pulling his gloves back on. "I can't remember the last time I had such a blast!"
Nidonemo smiled with a chuckle, "You are quite a party yourself, big guy. I'm so very happy we met."
"Yeah, I've never had that much fun on a guys night before, usually it's tv and snacks or cards. I never thought about going to a restaurant or dancing or anything." Launchpad laughed.
Nidonemo stiffened a little, "I'm so thrilled you had such a wonderful experience, I'm only too glad to have shared it with you. I'll certainly look back on this night and..." his voice caught in his throat. "...and remember it very fondly."
"We should hang out a lot more! Bring it in, new buddy!" The tall duck opened his arms for a big hug.
It was too much, he could not hold back his feelings any longer. Nidonemo rushed into his arms and embraced him with everything he had, surprising Launchpad with the intensity. The tears came full force, but he still held back a sob burning in his chest, gripping the duck as tight as he dared. As the hug came to an end, he reached up and held the duck's chin with both hands.
Nidonemo looked over Launchpad's face, as if memorizing a painting he was forbidden to look upon, and the pilot finally saw the tears, but before he could open his beak, the fox spoke and firmly held his attention. "May the sun find itself blessed to shine on your path, may the winds fight to be the one at your back, may the yarns you spin be long and of great demand, and may we walk again...hand in hand."
The blue fox then kissed him earnestly. It was a gentle explosion of energy, like a field of flowers bursting open in bloom, their petals flying off their faces, being swept into the swirling winds and far off into the deepest blue of the sky. Visions flew through both their minds, Nidonemo saw Launchpad flying high over the grandest cities and the deepest oceans in a bright red biplane, he saw him laughing, he saw him diligent, he saw him alone and scared, he saw him standing in an open field at sunset looking out over the never-ending meadows of wind-swept grass as he leaned against his plane, he then looked over his shoulder and smiled as he spotted him just as the vision faded to white. Launchpad saw Nidonemo walking alone through a deep pine wood blanketed in snow, he saw the fox smiling, he saw him angry, he saw him impassionately explaining something, he saw him devastated, he saw him excitedly running up to him to grab his hand and lead him somewhere, and just as they were turning a bend everything went white.
Their lips parted, the taste of wildflowers on the fox's tongue, and the taste of mint on the duck's. The blue fox gazed at him smiling, "Goodnight, Launchpad McQuack the Gallant." Nidonemo then hurried off across the street.
Launchpad was left dazed a moment before he realized what happened, "H-hey! Wait! Nid! I can drive you home, it's no problem!" He called out, starting to walk after him.
The blue fox walked faster, gripping his kimono robes tightly, tears streaming freely. "To keep balance, to keep order, even if it rips my heart out...what did he tell you?! Foolish dreamer! You damned freeheart! You brought this on yourself!" He berated himself as he turned and slipped down an alleyway.
The pilot ran to catch up to him, he saw a glow come from the alleyway, the shadows from within stretched, there was the sound of a slamming door, and the glow faded just as he reached the bend, "Hey Nid! It's not a big deal, I can totally-" Launchpad turned the corner and was met with a dead end. Nothing but a brick wall, a few discarded boxes, and a trash can. "...give you a ride home."
He stood there stunned, then felt the chilly wind sweep by him, fluttering snowflakes landing on his warm cheeks. He felt confused, he felt soft, there was a wave of blurriness that seemed to wash through him, like a dock pillar standing in the waves, it all washed by him. Launchpad looked around, confused. Where was he? What time was it? He remembered going to an amazing party and having an incredible time, but everything was out of order and starting to fade like he just woke from a long dream. He remembered there was someone important, they helped him, but the details were so light it was like a sketch in his mind that was sun faded. He felt his heart ache, but he couldn't figure out the reason.
He shook his head, and started to walk back to where he parked the car, and he stuffed his hands in his pockets. He stopped and pulled out a palm-sized disk of frosted cobalt blue glass an inch thick, as heavy as a coffee mug, and in the center was the beautiful shape of a six-pointed snowflake, etched in great detail and care. It sparkled in the moonlight and he marveled at it with big curious eyes. He had no idea where this odd disk came from, but he knew it truly belonged to him, and looking at it made him feel warm deep in his heart.
-=Chapter 13: "Cold Beds, Warmed Hearts"=-
Nidonemo slowly walked down the long hallway in his socked feet, still dressed in his formal azure kimono, he wiped his tear-stained muzzle and took a deep breath. He stopped at the large circular window looking out on the late night sky, the moon wasn't as bright, and barely showed her face through the thin clouds that slowly swept by her.
The night's events drifted through his memory, clear as the day. He smiled as he recalled Launchpad's laugh, his questions, and his innocent way of looking at the world around him. The fox's smile faded with a sigh and he continued on through the corridor, past a number of shoji sliding doors until he came upon the office. The door quietly slid open and two kobold servants, one red and the other green, both dressed in basic light blue kimonos slipped out of the room carrying wine bottles in each fist. They took notice of the fox, smiled and bowed respectfully before continuing on down the hallway. A small, ball-shaped white rabbit in a red shirt with "Love Bunny" in white text across the chest followed them out of the room, sliding the door shut behind him and smiling at the blue fox.
"Welcome back. Don't worry, I got a good bit of water into him before he fell asleep. Went through two bottles of rosé before I got to him. We went through a moscato and a riesling and a tray of those strawberry heart tarts together before he nodded off a half hour ago." he whispered followed by a tired sigh. "So, how was the party?" he noticed the fox's eyes were misty and his smile faded into concern, "Oh no, what happened?"
Nidonemo shook his head, "Don't worry, I just met a real sweetheart tonight and..." he trailed off.
The rabbit nodded knowingly, "I get it. Well I'm certain he's a lot better off after meeting a nice guy like you, even if he doesn't know it."
The blue fox inhaled deeply and let it out, "It was so worth it, Bunbun." he said breathily, looking up and smiling. He looked back at him and bowed slightly, "Thank you. Goodnight, see you in the morning."
"Night, and don't worry there's plenty of tarts left for breakfast." The rabbit said after him.
The fox walked to his room and slid the door open, he disrobed and performed his nightly routine. Entering his bedroom he found his large bed empty and recalled Chad was with friends that night. He slipped under the cool blankets and looked to the open window, moonlight spilling over his face. "I'll miss you, handsome." he whispered before turning onto his side and drifting off to sleep.
Launchpad was wide awake, he looked over at his nightstand where the alarm clock ticked away. It was half past two in the morning. He looked back up at the ceiling, sighed, and slipped out of his hammock. Running his hand through his thick, bright red hair, he walked over to the messy dresser where he had put the strange glass disk and picked it up again, looking over its sparkling blue opaque face and through the transparent snowflake in the center.
He looked out his window, through the broken and barely-closed venetian blinds at the snowy moonlit night, he was awash with so many questions. Where had he been all night? Where did he get this strange object? How did he get out of the car when it was sealed shut and buried under all that snow? Then there was this feeling that washed over him every time he looked at this glass disk...this feeling of being wanted, of being loved for who he was, that he wasn't all those bad things people would say of him. He was smart, he was cool, he was handsome, all in his own unique way that they could see. He wanted to know who made him feel this way, he wanted to be around them.
The pilot sighed again and put the disk back down on the dresser, he fell back into his hammock and pulled the blanket back over his chest. As he finally drifted off, he could hear a voice in the distant reaches of his mind, a voice that sounded as close as if it whispered right at his ear, "Goodnight, Launchpad McQuack the Gallant."
Launchpad smiled in his sleep, "Goodnight...Nid." he mumbled.
-=END=-
Story written by Zachary Foxx
June 2022
www,bluefoxden,com