22Feeling the blood blooding through his ears, Asher focused on the burly kid in front of him, as Rosco dropped the puck down on the ice. Remembering the moves Nosedive had shown him, Asher nabbed the puck before the other duck knew what had happened.
He skated down the ice towards the goal, dribbling it between the lazy meander of his stick. That was too easy.
His after-thought was only proven correct when he was suddenly slammed into, skiing into the amateur boards. Determination set, he picked himself up and shot after the duck. Around him, his teammates were readying to get the puck away.
The score was 3-3, and it hadn't been long before the opposing team started playing dirty. It pissed Asher off who had been brought up playing by the rules. He guessed that's what he got for having parents and a family who played once as professional hockey players on a distant planet.
Ahead of him, Emilia managed to snag the puck away and toss it across the ice to Fledge who was the fastest skater on their rag-tag team.
"Get goin' L'orange," he shouted on his way by.
Asher circled around and followed Fledge down the ice towards the opposing goalie. Once close enough, Fledge passed the puck to Asher who gave it a powerful slap-shot. It bounced off the goalie's skate at an angle and hit the net.
A junky alarm sounded, ending the game. Sitting by it was Rosco, a nerdy kid who couldn't play too well, but Asher liked. The kid was jumping up and down, his clunky glasses bobbing. "Yea!"
Fledge grinned, "nice shot."
"Yeah," Asher was breathing hard.
"It was luck, that's all. Don't get too excited," the burly duck grumbled.
"You just don't like being second best, that's all Spaulding," Asher straightened.
"Yeah, because everyone wants to be a freak like you, you can't even decide what color you wanna be."
Asher felt his face heat up.
"Just ignore him," Emilia skated up to him and Fledge, followed by Lyghter who played goalie for their team. "He's jealous," she said, sticking her tongue out at Spaulding.
"Sure," Spaulding taunted. "I'm jealous of a multicolored puke that was shit out by a criminal and a whore."
Asher lost it with that comment. "My mother is not a whore." He tackled Spaulding, the two of them crashing to the ice.
"Asher!" Emilia yelled behind him, but he was seeing red.
Spaulding wasn't given the advantage to strike at Asher, who had given himself a plus at taking the kid by surprise. Finally Spaulding booted the irate duck off him, sending Asher who was considerably smaller, across the ice.
"Come on guys," Rosco whined from the safety of the snow. "Knock it off."
Spaulding used his skate as a weapon, swinging his foot around like he was trying to split Asher open with it. Asher was barely missed by it several times, protecting his face with his arm.
He rolled to his feet and slammed into someone taller. He bounced off and glanced up to see his uncle, Drebeer.
Spaulding skidded to a stop, instantly cowed by the sight of the black duck who was glaring at him.
"How would your father like it if I told him you were using your skates as weapons Spaulding Flyght?"
Spaulding's face twisted in fury. "He started it."
"Did not!" Emilia argued. "You called him a freak."
"I don't care who started it, do not let me catch you using blades like that again or I'll break your legs myself."
"Sure." Spaulding skated off the ice, followed by his own team.
Asher watched him go before returning his attention to Drebeer.
"And you know better than to get into a fight with him," the black duck continued.
Asher hung his head, properly shamed.
"Let's go," Drebeer walked off the ice, expecting Asher to follow.
"See you later guys," Asher picked up his stick and followed his uncle.
Rosco made himself small by the bench, peeking out as Drebeer passed by. Once the "coast" was clear, he went to stand by Emilia, Fledge and Lyghter. "He's so scary. I don't know how Asher can be around him."
…...
Asher walked slightly behind his uncle in awkward silence. Drebeer had never been one to cuddle with. Asher liked him even though the duck was rough around the edges.
"I ought to tell your mother," Drebeer finally threatened.
"He insulted her, he deserved it," Asher snapped.
Drebeer swung around, his long leather coat flapping, "and what insult could have provoked you so much to take on a duck two feet taller and at least seventy-something pounds heavier than you?"
Asher muttered something.
"What?"
"He called her a whore."
Drebeer didn't comment at first. "Well, you're going to have to deal with it. People are ignorant, get over it Asher."
Asher's face grew hot again. "And I don't like the obvious pointed out to me...I know I'm a freak, Spaulding didn't need to point it out."
Drebeer surveyed his nephew quietly. "You're not a freak Asher. Who gives a damn that you have two different colors on you? And Spaulding needs to learn to keep his trap shut, much like his old man."
Asher perked up as Drebeer began to walk again. "He's a blade member isn't he?"
Drebeer shrugged, "I don't know, is he?"
"Come on, I know about the Brotherhood, Dad is in it, you're in it. You all can't keep holding out on me."
"I can hold out on you and I'll continue to hold out on you. Your mother doesn't want you apart of the organization and sadly for you, neither do I or your father."
Asher grumbled, annoyed.
"You're home," Drebeer jumped onto the low-rise wall bordering the yard, lowering himself to his haunches. "I'm not going to tell her, but you will."
"And if I don't?" Asher challenged.
Drebeer glanced at him, "Kiss knowing anything about the Brotherhood goodbye."
Asher opened his mouth to argue but Drebeer left him, his long strides taking him away from Asher and his house faster than usual.
…...
Mallory McMallard was home early from her job, these days she worked as a civilian weapons specialist. At first the Puckworld military had told her she needed to reenlist in order to have the job, but after she refused a half a dozen times, they gave her a special pass.
Sitting at the kitchen table, she heard the front door open. She waited to see her twelve-year-old son come into the kitchen, his expression sullen. She almost laughed, he looked so much like Duke when he was in that kind of mood.
"Okay, what's up?" She asked, amused. Her amusement faded when she saw his hand was bruised and his left cheek was slightly a brazed. "What happened?"
He shrugged, "-got into a tif with a kid. Drebeer brought me home."
Mallory leaned to see into the hallway, looking for the black duck.
"He isn't here."
She glanced back at her son, "I see. Want to talk about it?"
He shook his head and sat down at the table, across from her. "Not really."
"Ash, you know what I said about fighting."
"I know," he avoided her gaze.
She sighed, "I'm not going to punish you. But the next time, something will have to be done. You can't keep fighting Asher."
He nodded, still sullen.
"Besides that, how was your day?"
"We won the game," he said. "Four to three."
Mallory smiled, "well I wouldn't expect any less." She reached out and ruffled his messy hair.
"Mom," he whined, smoothing it down unsuccessfully.
…...
Asher took the stairs two at a time to his room. Tossing his stick on to his bed, he spun around to kick his shoes off. Upon doing so, he caught his reflection in the mirror and slowed his actions. His hair stuck up in all ends like his father's, no order. But unlike any other duck he had seen, he had grey patches mixed in with his light peach feathers; Spaulding was right, his body didn't know what it wanted.
Overcome by sudden anger, he threw his bathroom towel over it, covering it.
…...
Later
Duke didn't bother with the gate of the fence, instead he jumped it, the thought of getting old scaring him. Even now at forty-three, he was seeing silver hair that he didn't want to even think about. When ever it was mentioned at the Brotherhood, he simply blamed it on his son.
Mallory looked up as he entered the kitchen from the back door. "Hey," her face lit up at seeing him.
He smiled back at her, pulling her towards him.
"My hands are wet," she let go of the plate she was washing.
"I don't care," he ran his hand up her spine and rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed.
Mallory took a breath, "Ash got into a fight today, I guess Drebeer broke it up."
Duke opened his eyes, "I know, he told me. It's the same deal as before."
She tilted her head, "what deal? he wouldn't tell me."
"His feather colors," Duke let go of her, removing his long coat. "A couple of the kids give him shit for it."
"Oh, I didn't-" she stopped herself, she had known it bothered him that he was different. "Who are they?"
"Mostly kids whose parents aren't exactly in my favor."
"Blade members' kids?" She hissed.
"Yeah," he let his coat hang on the back of a chair. "So I know where its comin' from."
Mallory crossed her arms, "I'll tell you right now, I'm not going to stand for a Blade member bullying my son."
"And I'm not either," Duke agreed quickly. "It pisses me off, don't think it doesn't." He watched her, "I don't want fight Mal...I'll take care of it."
She took a breath, "okay."
…...
The Brotherhood of the Blade
Drebeer didn't bother with knocking as he savagely kicked open Boron Flyght's apartment door. The duck jerked upright from his desk, "what the hell Drebeer!"
Drebeer yanked him from his chair, slamming him into the wall. "I'm telling you once and only once, if I catch that sleazy arrogant little shit pounding on my nephew again, I'll kill him."
"What?" Flyght tugged himself free and straightened his shirt front. "L'orange's kid? I'm sure he's fine."
"That's not the point!" Drebeer snarled. "You and I have no idea what goes through his head every time someone makes fun of him. And your kid is the biggest perpetrator of the bunch."
"Well while threats are being made, I'll give you one. If you use this against Spaulding in class, I'll have your hide."
Drebeer glared at the duck in front of him. "I'd like to see you try. Spaulding stays away from Asher. End of story."
"Maybe if he was a Blade member, he wouldn't be so weak. He could take it like the twelve-year-old that he is. Duke's making a mistake."
Drebeer faced Flyght, "I don't recall you being Asher's parent, it's Duke's call and what Duke wants, I want."
"No, it's what that frickin red-head wants."
Drebeer took a breath, killing Flyght would put him in a tight spot, so he couldn't afford to lose his temper.
"Leave her out of this, this about your son being an aggressive prick."
Flyght's feathers ruffled at the insult about his son. "Drebeer-" he began. But the black duck was already gone.
…...
Duke found Asher sitting on his bed in the dark, staring at the floor. He didn't bother with the lights and sat down next to the kid. Gently, he turned Asher's head so the glow from the hallway light shined on his face, he took in the abrasion and let him go.
"You wanna to explain?"
"No."
"Okay, then I want you to explain."
Asher let out a rush of air, "Spaulding and I got into a fight."
"-About?" Duke leaded.
Asher refused to look at him. "He called you a criminal and mom a...a whore."
Duke rested his elbows on his knees, "that's it?"
Asher glanced at him, surprised, "that's it?" He echoed. "I didn't like it!"
"Hey calm down kid, I expected more from Spaulding. His ability to express his words must be declining along with his good language."
It took Asher a moment to understand Duke was poking fun at the kid. He cracked a smile. Duke reached out to mess with his hair.
"Knew I could get ya to smile. Just stay away from Spaulding, alright?"
Asher nodded.
Duke stood, "come one. Dinner's almost ready."
…...
It was around seven when knocking interrupted the quiet. Mallory disentangled herself from Duke and went to open the door.
Standing in the doorway were Wildwing, Nosedive and Canard. "Hey."
"Hi, is something wrong?"
"No, we were going to go to that get-together down at Tri-Pond, you know the Annual fair or something, whatever it is," Wildwing explained. "-Thought you, Duke and Asher would want to come. Tanya and Grin are coming and Regla."
"Oh, um I-"
"Yeah, we'll go," Duke appeared at her shoulder.
"But-Asher has sch-"
"So we won't be out late," Duke countered. He turned to Asher who was behind them, watching. "Go get your coat."
"Yeah sure, we'll go," Mallory agreed suddenly, she hadn't been out in months.
…...
Tri-Pond
Every year, Ducaine City held an annual fair. Asher had never been to one so he was soaking up everything he saw. Regla was leaning against a fence post, waiting for them with Tanya and Grin.
"Long time, no see," he greeted.
"I know right?" Duke clapped him on the shoulder, "you forget where we live?"
"I've been busy, hey kid," Regla tapped Asher on his way by.
"Hi," Asher paused to wait for the adults.
"Adults," Nosedive mock grumbled, knowing Asher was feeling the same way.
"You're one," Asher pointed out.
"Only physically," Dive replied with a grin.
…...
The Tri-Pond was large, the biggest in the city, it was where many hockey games were held. The crowds gathered close to the iced pond, surveying and talking as a regular street hockey team who claimed to be the best around suited up for a game. It was tradition for a few different groups to play while the other ducks watched and cheered.
Canard was watching the street team thoughtfully. "We should have a go."
"What?" Mallory asked immediately, "I think I need a little more Flo in order to even begin to think about that."
"Not such a bad idea Can," Dive looked up for it, yet again he was up for anything. "We should."
"Yeah, I've never seen you guys play, come on Mom," Asher was rejuvenated, his eyes bright.
"I-I-"she paused, "I don't care," she finished defeated. "Duke?"
"I think I can get around a few more times on the ice," he said with a smile.
"So you're going to play?" Asher asked eagerly.
"I guess so," Mallory set her beer down next to Regla, "hold that for me."
Tanya gave a forced sigh, "just like old times."
"I know right?" Mallory followed the guys as they made their way to the ice.
"I feel that we are reuniting as a team," Grin murmured. "It is what makes us a good team, we are one."
"We'll play you guys," Canard faced the leader of the other team.
The street player glanced at them, taking in the two females mostly. "We don't hold back, especially for girls."
"I'll sit out so that way its even," Tanya offered.
"You sure?" Mallory asked.
"Yeah," the blond female smiled, "I'll stand with Regla and Asher, cheer you guys on."
"Okay," that made Mallory slightly nervous, she had always played with Tanya on the ice. Two "girls" was better than one.
Tanya guess her thinking, "you'll do good."
Mallory nodded, picking up a helmet that someone had lend for the game. Duke handed her a stick.
"This one's good, the rest are pretty warped."
"Thank you." She took it, pausing to stare at him and he her.
"Almost like Earth," he finally said.
"Almost," she laced up a pair of skates and pushed out over the ice.
…...
Asher watched with growing anticipation as he watched his family skate out onto the ice. He had never seen them play, only heard the stories. He could barely hold back the impatience. They didn't even communicate, just skated to their positions. Wildwing as Goalie, Dad as left forward, Mom as Right forward with Dive in the middle as Center followed by Grin and Canard as defense.
Somewhere an alarm sounded, and a random duck dropped the puck, before high-tailing it out of the way. Dive instantly claimed possession of the puck, zig-zagging around the opposing team who shot after him.
Just as one of the opposite team members checked him, Asher searched the ice for the puck, only to see his mom in control of it, her face set in determination. She passed it to his dad and watched as he scored a point.
A smile spread across his face, the stories were true, his family really was amazing on the ice. Dive slapped a high-five to Canard and quickly got back into position, readying.
"So I guess the talent hasn't wavered," Regla stated, his hands in his pockets.
Tanya glanced at him, grinning, "not a chance."
One of the opposing team members stole the puck from Duke and shot towards Wildwing who straightened, waiting.
"Wildwing is the best goalie anyone could ask for, right Asher?" Tanya nudged him.
Asher bobbed his head, "I've never gotten a puck past him."
The duck sent the puck spinning at Wildwing who blocked it, sending it skiing down the ice where it was quickly recovered by Canard.
…...
A hour later, Asher was barely feeling the cold as his eyes stayed glued to the ice. It was getting close as the two teams stepped up their game. The score was 2-2, tying them. The next point was the winning point.
Asher felt Regla wince when Mallory was checked by a brawny duck. Her petiteness sent her off kilt, slapping her into the boards.
"Hey! That should be a penalty!" Asher yelled, his voice lost as the crowd watching booed.
"This is street hockey kid, the rules are a bit different," Regla's expression grew pained as he watched Duke skate over to her and help her up.
Despite the hard impact, she still appeared ready for anything.
"Defense!" The crowd chanted in unison as the two teams got into position. The puck was dropped and Dive took it, quickly sliding it to Duke who sent it to Grin who passed it off to Mallory before checking two ducks who made a beeline for her. Mallory gracefully out smarted another duck as he tried to check her. He ended up spinning himself into the boards, instead of her. She shot the puck back, behind her to Canard who had angled himself in the center of the ice. He zipped by another duck before being whacked by the leader of the opposing team. He went down hard, but not before giving the puck a powerful slap-shot.
Nosedive skated up incase the shot didn't make it and at first it appeared Canard had missed, but then the puck slid under the goalie's outstretched arm and hit the net.
"YEA!" Asher yelled as the crowd cheered.
On the ice, the Mighty Ducks circled around and threw their sticks in the air, touching. The leader, clearly out of breath, skated up to Canard and offered his hand. He said something that made Canard smile and nod.
…...
"I'll be feeling that tomorrow," Canard rubbed his hip as they made their way off the ice. "how you holding up? You took quite a hit." He nodded at Mallory.
"I'm not feeling a thing," she said with a smile.
"Liar," he grumbled.
"Here's your alcohol," Regla handed it back to her.
"Thanks, I'll need three more of these to feel completely normal again."
Asher watched the adults in quiet admiration. If he could play hockey half as good as they could, his life would be set as far as he was concerned.
…...
Duke studied the sleeping form of his son, before shutting the door. He crossed the hall and entered his and Mallory's bedroom.
She was already under the covers, beating the degree of -23 outside. Duke pulled the blanket back to sit and was visually drawn to the dark black and blue bruise on her back.
"Jeez Mal, are you okay?"
She turned over to face him, half-asleep. "Wha?"
"Your back has one hell'va bruise."
"Oh," her hand reached down to carefully feel for it, she winced upon finding it. "I'm fine."
He didn't question her further, knowing it would only irritate her. He slid down to a laying position and wrapped an arm around her.
She shifted and intwined her fingers in his.
