Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The end was near. An enormous asteroid, a hundred kilometers wide, was about to impact Earth. The last time it happened was about seven hundred years ago, during the golden years of heroism. A young white duck astronomer wearing a red jacket watched through his telescope, noting the object getting closer to Earth.

-Jet? Please turn off the light and get to sleep.

Jet´s brother, Turbo, was sleeping in a blue pajama. He stood up and walked to his brother.

-I can´t. I´m a witness of a cosmological event never seen before!

-Wait. Space, you mean?

Turbo loved space. He pushed his brother apart and started watching through the telescope. His eyes opened wide at the incredible sight of the rock.

-Guys, someone is trying to sleep here- said Rebel, putting his pillow over his head.

Jet, Turbo, and Rebel were triplets, all brothers of the large Duck family. They lived in Acmetropolis in their uncle´s Nash Duck house. Their mother traveled through all the galaxy, so she rarely was with them. The trio also passed their time with their uncle Ebenezer McDuck.

Rebel went with them after his complaints were unheard. He used some green pajamas. He wasn´t so happy about being out of bed.

-Wow, that´s so cool! You never told me a pink lady was flying over there!- exclaimed Turbo, making Jet curious.

-Pink lady? What are you talking about?

Jet pushed his brother and started watching through the telescope, impressed by the phenomenon before his eyes. A strange pink-dressed woman flying near the asteroid fired some kind of ray to it. The meteor was destroyed, although some debris continued its trajectory to Acmetropolis.

-That´s impossible! That is some abnormal event! How is a woman able to fly? What did she fire? Why…?

-Kids. What are you doing?

Another white duck opened the door. He was Nash, the uncle of the ducklings. He seemed mad after seeing his nephews out of bed late at night.

-Nothing, Uncle Nash- responded the three, hiding the telescope behind them.

-You should be sleeping. Remember that tomorrow we´ll visit your uncle Ebenezer.

-Ok, Uncle Nash- the trio responded again in unison.

The ducklings returned to bed, ready for the next day. Although, the strange event they have just seen got them intrigued.

While they were sleeping, some meteor debris fell to the city with some cosmic energy. Fortunately, it wouldn´t affect any individual. Right?

Acmetropolis University

It was a summer day in the city. The people could feel the heat of the day. There was, at least, one person, or animal, without that kind of problem. He was Tech E. Coyote, a Ph.D. student of the Technology Department of the biggest and most important university in the city.

Tech, as his ancient name suggests, was a coyote with brown fur. His green eyes, concentrated on his latest invention, still showed a wild persona, but also wisdom. He was wearing a lab coat. Despite someone’s sound entering into the lab, his concentration didn’t leave the device in front of him. Smith Pierce, Tech’s professor, entered the lab. The coyote did not hear his presence until he felt someone touch the chair where he was sitting.

“You should rest. We’re going to have a meal with the rest of the class at Pizza Fest. You coming?”

“I don’t think so, sir. If I want to investigate the astrological phenomenon of the time, I must finish the intercosmic suit.”

Of course, the genius knew about the asteroid in the direction of the planet and wanted to investigate it closely. Very close. Smith, as much as he wanted to convince Tech to get out, knew he wouldn’t make it. The professor sighed and walked out.

“If you change your mind, we will be waiting for you. Warner Street corner with Mouse.”

Tech nodded from afar, still adjusting the suit’s protection systems. There wasn’t much time, as the asteroid would arrive in a few days.

“You know? If you listened to me, I’d introduce you to my friend the roadrunner. Both could complement each other very well in the lab” asked a female voice. Tech had to start paying more attention to his surroundings while he was working.

“The delivery guy? You know I don’t trust working with anyone since Casey, Lexi.”

After Smith’s departure came Lexi Bunny, a tan fur bunny. She didn’t study anything related to science. Instead, she was an athlete. She had been a cheerleader in high school and was now looking to pursue basketball. Despite this, she had taken some physics and engineering courses (specially to learn more about those subjects than his brother) under Tech’s mentoring. Since then, they have become good friends, although Tech has had confidence issues.

And that’s why Lexi wants to include him in ger close group of friends. In addition to the roadrunner whose name went through Rev, there was his older brother Ace. Rev also claimed to have two friends who would introduce them today. Just the ideal situation to take Tech.

“Today Rev will introduce me and my brother some friends. You should come, it’ll be fun.”

“I can’t. I have to finish this before I miss the opportunity.”

“Then do it as a favor. Remember the time you…?”

When Lexi pursued an objective, she usually made it. That’s what he admired her. Well, he had to admit that, from the few times they’d come out, he’d had more fun than usual. Maybe he’d do the same this time, even though there’d be more people outside of her brother and herself.

“All right, all right. I ’m going. Just help me put some things in store” the most he tried to hide his smile, he just couldn’t. He really enjoyed the company of the bunny.

As they both began to pack the objects Tech used, Tech recalled a recent comment from the bunny. That would serve to kill the silence in which they were involved.

“And… are you sure you want to do it?”

“I don’t know. It’s a big step and, so far, Ace hasn’t taken it well.”

“We can postpone it so you can think about it better, discuss it with him and, well, with me. We haven’t decided everything.”

“Doesn’t it bother you? It’s a decision that’s yours too.”

“Not at all. I’d rather you be comfortable, specially.”

Lexi felt unsure of the action to take, but at least she was happy to have Tech’s support. It was comforting to some extent.

Once they both finished storing everything, they left the University and walked to the city subway, from where they took transportation to downtown. Tech felt somewhat uncomfortable about being in such unhygienic, crowded environments, but at least having Lexi by his side giving him conversation took those thoughts out of his head. Soon they arrived and took to the streets of the metropolis. A short time passed, and they entered the Pizzarriba establishment.

Pizzarriba was a pizza restaurant created in the 21st century, miraculously afloat after losing almost all its establishments to Pizza Fest. Luckily, the original restaurant was still standing. It continued to maintain the same style as in its founding years, specially to attract customers.

Lexi, followed by Tech, walked through the door. It was Tech’s first time on the establishment. Lexi quickly ran to one of the tables. Tech recognized her brother, Ace, whose grey fur was unmistakable for the coyote. He wore a jacket and jeans, his typical outfit after finishing his auditions. He was the only one on site, probably saving space for the group. The table was big. How many friends would the roadrunner bring?

- What’s up, Doc? Ace asked Tech after hugging and greeting her sister.

-Hi, Ace.

Ace gave room for both of them to sit down. Lexi sat next to him and Tech was left next to her. Before they could start chatting, the three of them heard the door of the restaurant open with an unusual sound of someone talking.

“… a-robot-commissioned-by-my-dad-so-I-had-to-look-for-a-replacement-and-you-know-how-difficult-it-is-to-find-a-modulator-at-the-middle-of-desert-so-I-improvised-putting-together-several-remnants-of-old-inventions-with-something-of-cheese–which-reminds-me-have-you-proven-this-pizza-is-delicious-and-look-there-are-my-friends-hello-Ace-Lexi-and-you-should-be-Tech-is-a-pleasure-Lexi-told-me-a lot-about-you-and-your-inventions-sound-awesome…”

Tech started to feel dizzy. He didn’t know what it could be, but it started a little after the roadrunner arrived. By focusing on his problem, he failed to hear the last words of him, at least until Lexi interrupted him.

“Hello Rev. Tech, he is the friend I have told you about.”

Tech tried to return to his posture and reached out to say hello. He didn’t expect a loud, quick handshake from the roadrunner. He heard that he continued to speak with the same speed and joviality, which caused the coyote more dizziness. It was nothing to his liking. Rev was the typical roadrunner one could find in the desert, with blue plumage on the body and violet on the tail. He was wearing a sports suit because he probably was used to run a lot. After the introduction, Rev returned with his friends and introduced them.

“He-is-Slam-the-Tasmanian-demon-and-he-is-a-professional-fighter-and-very-good-at-it-I must-admit…”

Slam was a little bigger than the average Tasmanian demon. He was huge in Lexi’s opinion, but behind his smile she saw the personality of someone friendly rather than intimidating. They hoped it would, even though Lexi didn’t hesitate. Tech failed to understand Slam’s growls, but by his raised hand he suspected it was a greeting.

“… and-he-is-Duck-and-between-him-my-brother-Rip-and-I-we-are-best-friends-practically-brothers-or-what-do-you-say?”

The black duck was crossing his arms, without saying a word. Everyone noticed that he looked coldly at Ace, who looked back at him the same way.

“Rev, I didn’t know you knew the duck.”

“Umm-yes-why-do-you-know each other?”

“Unfortunately,” Duck replied.

“And this got awkward,” Tech said louder than he wanted. Slam made sounds agreeing.

The three newcomers sat in front of those who were already there. The large size Slam occupied in the chair explained the size of the reserved table. Lexi was the first to break the tension when she saw Duck’s shirt.

“Where did you get that? I’ve been looking for that shirt for centuries!”

Duck watched his shirt. He changed his expression of discomfort to a smirk. He looked at the bunny pointing at his shirt.

“This shirt? Please, the biggest fans of Duck Dodgers are the only ones who can carry them.”

“I-didn’t-know-that-you-were-fan-of-Duck-Dogers-too-Lexi-I-mean-it-is-fantastic-other-thing-that-we-have-in-common.”

“Well, lady, it is your lucky day. I´m the Duck Dodgers fan club leader so I may allow you to join us. Do you know where we are?”

“Please give me something easy. Here was Dodgers’ first fight in 2021 during the concert of a famous band of the time.”

“2021? Wasn’t he a hero in 2500?” Ace asked, intrigued or her sisters´ knowledge of the character. He knew of her love for the hero, but not how much she had dived into his history.

“Actually, no. It’s a common mistake. Duck Dodgers debuted at this restaurant in the 21st century but is best known for his heroics in the 25th century. Besides, it wasn’t at a concert by a famous band of the time. The Caballeros were not popular when they played in the incident” corrected Tech. Everyone looked at him and Tech felt uncomfortable. “What? You can’t be the only ones interested in superheroes.”

“Told you” bragged Lexi to her brother with a big smirk.

“Sure, I already knew that.” Duck bragged too, though everyone distrusted his sincerity.

“Wouldn’t-it-be-amazing-to-have-superpowers-or-what-do-you-think-guys?” Rev asked with his speaking speed. “I-mean-I-already-run-fast-but-I-wouldn´t-be-annoyed-if-I-was-faster-or-which-powers-would-you-guys-like-to-have?”

“Definitely jump higher, be able to reach places I couldn´t.” Lexi replied, already knowing the answer.

“Besides the intellect, which I already possess, probably some form of technokinesis. It would be helpful to me when working.” Tech replied, showing off and being honest at the same time.

Slam made incomprehensible sounds to others again, but Rev interpreted them as the ability to eat more.

“I don’t want superpowers. With my agility I could kick any thief” said Ace confidently.

“Finally, you share my opinion, Ace. I wouldn’t need either. Duck Dodgers never needed. I just need my natural duck strength.” Duck added.

“Where was that strength when you needed my help moving a ladder in the supermarket, Duck?” The others couldn’t help but laugh a little bit about the anecdote.

“The ones with wheels to move around, Ace?”

“Nice deduction, Tech.”

“You are despicable…”

————————————————————–

The afternoon passed quickly and was fun, even for Tech or Duck, who were the most apathic. After eating the pizza and getting to know each other a little better, everyone returned to their homes. Everyone had their own responsibilities to attend.

Rev was the first to get home thanks to his speed, despite being the one who lived the farther away. The roadrunner arrived at his parents’ house. Ralph, his father, greeted him immediately, diverting the little attention paid to his son Rip. He asked his favorite son to help him build his new Robo-Amigo as Rip was too “inexperienced” in the robotics area. Without hesitation the roadrunner arrived to the garage, where he began to work.

Slam, after lunch, arrived at the arena where he had a contract to fight. At the moment his fights were against unexperienced players, as his sponsor, Pierre Le Pew, still kept him to fight the great cup champion for later. The demon didn’t want to serve just cheap entertainment because he wanted to have fun with the fights, besides being able to have an extra income if it wasn’t too much, because the economy wasn’t going well lately for him.

Duck came to his apartment, which was extremely messy, with dirty laundry all over the place. It looked like a homeless man lived there. And, honestly, it was near the truth. Despite the ducks´ confident and arrogant behavior, Duck was nothing but a drag on society. Not even that house was his: it was an unpaid hotel room for four months. Duck’s life was miserable, and he knew it very well. Only his job of picking up trash from a public pool said it all. Duck threw himself in his bed and looked at a photograph of his adoptive parents, dead at that point. Duck missed them and would do anything to bring them back. It was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Tech returned to college, to the same lab where he spent the rest of the week working. He was already late and had to continue with his armor. He had Lexi’s insecurity in mind. The coyote hoped she could solve the problem. But the voice of the roadrunner didn’t go out of his mind either. In truth, listening to him speak so much, with that force and speed caused him a terrible headache. He didn’t dislike him, on the contrary, they were almost “birds of a feather”, but that voice detail was still there.

Lexi and Ace returned to their apartment. It was humble, the best they could get. With Lexi’s scholarship and Ace’s salary as a stunt, it was the best they could rent. It was cozy, but Lexi wanted to change. Between the two brothers several discussions had been emerging and Lexi thought the best was to take some time apart. Luckily, she had found support in a coyote, who was willing to share the same roof with her. It was a possible way out.

Ace, meanwhile, was saddened by the constant conflicts with his sister. He understood that she needed her space and was no longer a child, but he was the older brother and their parents had commissioned him to protect her. Was he wrong to want to do his job?

But, despite each other’s problems, the same event brought them together. It wasn’t their meeting at Pizzarriba. At about 6:30, they all fainted without any apparent explanation. It was only a matter of time before someone noticed and they were taken to the hospital.

Chapter Text

Slam woke up comfortable. He felt a soft sheet over his body, and a soft mattress under him. Where was he?

His mind quickly remembered what happened. He was in the ring ready to face a couple of squirrels. They were best friends and always fought in duo. It might seem like cheating, but Le Pew cared little. But shortly after entering the ring and starting the match, Slam had no memories. Why? What happened? Always, after a fight he returned to his house with pain, tiredness and perhaps a new scar. Not this time. He felt rested and in good condition.

When he opened his eyes, he did not recognize the place where he was. That wasn't his room. The room was large, with a comfortable bed. Everything looked clean and white, completely taken care of. Even if he tried to keep his things in order, he had never reached a perfection of that style. And what was those clothes? A hospital gown?

Immediately the door opened, and a chicken in a doctor's suit entered the room. She carried in her hand a pen and several papers with something written on them. She took a few seconds watching her patient, and then spoke.

"I see you're awake. Not bad. My name is Elena and I must talk to you.”

“Ace, we need you to calm down!”

Dr. Weisberg had been in the room with Ace for several minutes. He had been his doctor before, but this time was different. He and his sister were apparently found unconscious in their apartment. They were immediately taken to the hospital. But this case was extremely strange.

Removing the chance of having fainted at the same time as his sister, the tonality of the rabbit's fur became yellow. It was not a strange color in rabbits, but you could not explain the sudden change of coloration after having been all his life gray.

But that wasn't the worst. After making several diagnoses, the rabbit acquired an unexplained ability. From his eyes he released a very powerful caloric ray. When Ace opened his eyes, his ability immediately activated, and the rabbit was unable to stop it. He nearly split one of the nurses in half. Ace, frightened, closed his eyes.

“How do you want me to calm down if I can't see anything!?”

Weisberg proposed that the rabbit should wear special glasses, which should contain the heat, and also let him see without the need to hurt someone. Ace was doubtful, and when he opened his eyes, he did it very carefully. There was no harm. That should serve as long as he got used to it and a cure was found.

That was the last thing he needed. Not being able to see without hurting someone, let alone taking off those glasses, would ruin his career. How the hell did that happen? Why had fate made such a cruel joke to the rabbit?

But, after worrying about all his new problems, something else went through his head. Someone under his care, and who Ace hoped would be well: his sister Lexi.

A day had already passed since the accident. Lexi was also experimenting changes. Her fur changed from a yellow to pink, and somehow her ears grew twice her original size.

From the first day in the hospital, she was also treated by Dr. Weisberg, who was so confused by both cases. They had already hired experts to investigate the case. Four other individuals were affected in an equally strange way. But for the next day, after analyzing those affected and seeing that they weren´t that dangerous to society, they were discharged from the respective hospitals, with a certain vigilance and need to continue attending medical consultations.

Lexi left the hospital aware of her newly improved hearing ability. She could hear things at enormous distances. Also, several sparks came out of her ears, although it was not yet explained. For the time being, she had to use a special contention device over her ears.

As she went outside, she saw her brother, who waited patiently for her. Seeing that they were both doing well, they hugged. Instead of taking a taxi they walked home, as it was not that far away. It suited Ace, because one day in a hospital without exercising displeased him.

Once they reached the door of their building, Lexi heard something strange with her ears. They looked like screams from someone in the middle of the street. His brother couldn't hear them. Lexi had to go find out, but she knew she couldn't tell her overprotective brother. She had to leave with an excuse.

"Hey Ace, I just remembered that there are no carrots in the fridge. I'll go for something to the store.”

“Good! Let´s go! It would be useful for me to walk more.”

“Don't worry about it. Go home and tell me if anything else is needed.”

Lexi didn't give Ace a chance to respond, and she ran away. Her brother had no choice. The rabbit kept running, as there wasn't much time. The screams didn't come from that far away. Maybe she could help someone. She turned around in an alleyway at the middle of the buildings and was surprised to see what was happening.

An old woman was struggling to keep her valuables and a bag from an assailant. But Lexi knew the thief.

“Duck?”

Duck had been released several hours earlier from his hospital. Unlike the others he had not received any physical changes. It was still the same duck as before. Sure, there were new things. It was very difficult to keep him in bed, as he accidentally teleported everywhere. In the end he managed to learn to stay in a place, but once he got tired of being there and was discharged, he teleported to his house.

When he arrived at his apartment building, he received some unpleasant news. Apparently, the manager of the place was looking for him after his attempt to pay with false money the overdue rents. They threatened him. In case of not paying his debt, they would take him out.

That's when Duck, far away from any way to get money, decided to use his new skills to get the money quickly and easily. He walked the streets for a while until he found someone helpless. He found an old woman with a wallet full of money. It was perfect. He approached her and asked her help under the assumption of finding a lost cat on the alleyway.

Of course, that was a lie. Once they were both alone, he tried to steal the old woman's belongings. He didn't like doing it, but he needed the money. He didn't want to be left on the street. Surely, she could survive without that cash she was carrying.

But that's when he heard someone calling him. When he was about to steal her belongings, a few meters from him was Lexi, that rabbit with whom he had already become familiar. Upon being discovered by someone with whom he already felt affection, the only move he decided to make was to escape. Thanks to his power, he disappeared instantly. The duck ended up on top of a building to the side, but suddenly realized his great mistake. He hadn't taken the money.

Lexi was surprised by the duck's sudden disappearance. Had he gained powers like her brother and her? What were the opportunities? He had given her a bad vibe at first. She wanted to get those thoughts out, because after talking to him the day before she wished for the possibility of friendship. What she saw that moment proved it all. Duck was a thief, taking advantage of whatever happened to him to get easy money.

The rabbit walked to the poor lady and helped her lift the objects that fell.

“Are you okay?”

“Better than I expected. Luckily that criminal didn't take anything.”

Lexi's phone started ringing and she picked it up. It was her brother. She wished he wasn't worrying about her disappearance. Fortunately, it wasn't. She called her because they still lacked food in the refrigerator. In the surprise of the day, she forgot what she needed to look for. After making sure the old woman took a taxi to her house, she ran to the store to get the food.

“I´m-so-proud-of-you-son! With-this-we-can-accelerate-production-to-incalculable-levels! Meep-meep!

Rev, after being out of the hospital, returned home where his parents greeted him worriedly. After learning of what happened and those new skills, they stopped worrying about the new reddish color of the road runner to celebrate. Of course, Rev felt uncomfortable. His parents saw in him the fortune they could make.

He couldn't tell them anything because he didn't want to disappoint them. Perhaps, with the increased speed, he could be of great help to the family. Sure, they already lived in a luxurious home and had a lot of technological benefits, but maybe this new money could be used for other charitable things like helping the city. Rev was thrilled by the idea and became anxious about it.

Meanwhile, his brother Rip watched them from a dark hallway of the residence. He was fed up. Today, after working hard at school and getting a perfect A in all his subjects, his parents ignored him completely. Rev had never achieved such high notes. He was smart, yes, but he didn't show it in school. But when Rip introduced them to his parents, they didn't hear him. But when his brother arrived they looked like bees on a flower. That was intolerable!

Rip left the house, and as expected, no one noticed. He needed to take a walk, away of everyone, and fix his ideas. While kicking the ground and the rocks on it, an object in the distance crashed.

Tech returned to the lab. His green fur and uncontrollable electromagnetic powers were his least concern. He missed it!

The other night, before he fainted, the meteor was still there in space, and he was in good time to finish his suit so he could go and examine it closely. He had already gotten a transport even. But now, when he came back, he couldn't see it anywhere. The news spoke of an explosion and a subsequent beam of energy leaving the object. How could it have happened? Tech was aware of all astronomical movements. It was impossible that another object collided with the meteor!

Of course, that strange explosion happened moments before he fainted. Tech didn't believe in coincidences and believed that the asteroid somehow altered his DNA, but he didn't want to be green or control magnetism! He wanted to explore the asteroid!

The coyote was so frustrated and constantly banging his head in the university lab. His big opportunity had been lost. Now what would he do? His thesis was based entirely on the study of the celestial object, but without it, it was likely that he would not even be able to finish his studies. His life was going down the drain.

It was at that time that his teacher, Smith Pierce, entered the lab. He had bad news that the coyote should hear.

“Tech?”

“Keep your sorrows, doctor. I need to think about how to overcome this obstacle.”

“It's not that Tech... it's something else.”

Tech had terrible social skills, but upon hearing his teacher's pause he felt fearful. Surely they were going to get him out of college for being a complete failure. Still, he kept listening to the professor.

“It's Mallory. She has escaped...”