Duck Knight rises

Chapter 4

Jim tailed behind a group of Darkwing Duck fans who were being escorted in McDuck studios. He used them as his forest, knocking out the security, right under their beaks. Once the fans were afar, he managed to drag the security one at a time into a room then one of them came to.

He slammed the door repeatedly, against the resistance, he didn't have much time if he were to get where he needed to be. He set a chair underneath the knob, jamming it, and relaxed. Now, he was doing okay. He lowered his head, relaxing, losing all the tension and gradually the adrenaline.

"Mr Starling!"

Jim turned toward the source of the voice, jumping, startled.

"There you are!"

Jim stared at the young duck who approached him and gave him a hug.

"Ooof." he was tightly hugged. "Nothing personal?"

"Nothing personal!" the younger duck withdrew, clenching the side of the actor's arms, beaming. "I'm sorry, about genuinely everything, I got your body in my torture chamber!"

Then he shook his head, nervously smiling, apologetic. Jim's brows raised as he tilted his head.

"I sure hope you mean a toy in a action figure collection."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I do!" was the younger duck's reply. "Hell, if I were in your shoes, I would be protective of a silly character like that," he set his arm on the side of the actor's shoulder. "and I mean it in the most affectionate way when I say silly."

"He is a very stubborn character."

Jim looked aside, chuckling, fondly, then back. Remembering all the fun that he had as that person.

"That's why I like him as a foe."

His brows raised at once then lowered as he smiled.

"Hell, I imagine Darkwing Duck to be the kind who's hard to pin down when sick."

The younger duck lifted a brow.

"Isn't it unwise to leave the bed when it's very difficult to speak with a cough?"

"It is, I am afraid." Jim wore a fond smile. "But St Canard being a template of what it is now, miserable, no electricity, no water, no grass, a very poor city, and knowing that he is going to come back and stop their madness, leaving open the door to turn on the water, to get new lightbulbs, to put their money into the bank without being worried that they won't see it again."

He gazed toward the sky thinking it over.

"Being so used to his existence that it's hard to imagine a life like that was what they led." Jim continued then faced the younger duck. "He would have to show up."

"Peeh yeeweh." He shook his head. "That's not really appealing." he nudged the older actor with a smirk. "I can't see him doing that. Sounds more like the guy would never cut."

"And showing up despite that, getting the supervillains sick, and being unable to do any crimes afterwards until it passes." the young duck withdrew his hand from his shoulder as his head bobbed up. "My headcanon, at least." he looked aside before making the admission. "So yes, I, project a lot of myself into him. He was. . ." he looked aside as his features eased. "always a better me."

The younger actor withdrew his arm off the older actor's shoulder

"Come work on the film with me," the actor began to offer. "And we can inspire the next generation," then he did air punches. "and make the next best Darkwing Duck, EVER!"

He stepped back, falling into the chair, notably stunned as his eyes widened.

"It's the highest honor, but. . ." he got up to his feet. "But this is your spotlight."

"You're even in costume! Is it that same costume from thirty years ago? Like how Peter Falk took care of his raincoat so well he could reappear in the later mini-movies as Columbo?"

Jim nodded in return.

"The very same one."

He was older, not as young, now fonder of his youth. The costume still fit after all these years.

"Wooooow." The kid was impressed then whistled.

Jim looked down toward his uniform then laughed as it occurred to him.

"No, no, no," he shook his head then looked up. "just LARPing."

"Acting for the fans."

"Somethings can't be let go easily." He let go of the cape.

"That's awfully adorable and sometimes pitiful."

Jim looked relieved to hear that. Which surprised the younger actor.

"I. . . It occurred to me that in order for Darkwing Duck to get new fans, something very flawed has to come out." then he quickly began to correct the course as he realized how bad that came out. "But, there will be an entire generation of kids who'll love your Darkwing Duck's story."

The young actor smiled as his shoulders lowered.

"Don't take to heart what Launchpad said, he's wrong." Jim rested his hand on the actor's shoulder. "Kids need a antihero."

"Launchpad?" The young actor lifted a brow. "Who's that?"

"You have no idea how good that is to hear." Jim laughed, relieved as all the tension dissipated.

The young actor could only smile as he lowered his hand.

"At least make a cameo." was the offer.

Jim spun then he were out of costume and stretched his arms out.

"Showtime!"

The young actor had a evil glint in his eyes upon the older duck then the duo walked away from the blocked door. The young actor halted in his tracks as Launcher approached him.

"Find the duck called Launchpad and kill him,"

"I have been dying to have a very good reason to fight my clone!"

"He's your clone? Perfect." he grabbed a handful of Launcher's shirt then brought him closer. "He's going to ruin the climax by spoiling the surprise running on set!" he brought him closer. "We need a cold read."

"Got it." Launcher's shirt was released. "Hey, that leaves you on set!"

"Oh, yes, it does." He looked aside as he began to smirk then back toward him. "Hmm, this might be a better arrangement."

"The birth of a villain and a hero caught on film!" Launcher turned away then began walking on leaving the smirking duck behind. "This is incredible!"

"Incredible, it is!" He grinned, deviously, with sharp teeth, then began to laugh, sinister, clenching his hands. "Oh, making movies, is soo fun!"