Chapter Text
He stood outside in the street, watching the sky. Up above, a star twinkled brightly in the east. It seemed to be staying in the same place, despite the earth’s rotation. He’d never seen a star so big or so bright before. It caused something to rise up inside him. A longing. A yearning. The familiar urge to explore. To go on an adventure.
A hand touched his shoulder.
“Hey Bro.” His brother stood next to him, following his gaze. “See that star?” His brother nodded as he pointed to it. “What do you think it means?”
Ferb shrugged.
“Yeah, I don’t know what it means either. But one thing’s for sure; I’m going to find out. Ferb, I’m going on an adventure.” His brother blinked. “I’m going to find out where that star is and what it means. Because, it has to mean something right?”
Ferb nodded, putting an arm around his shoulders. “I’m ready to help.”
Phineas shrugged it off. “Gee Ferb. I was kinda gonna do this, well…alone.” His brother stared at him. “I know, I know. It’s ridiculous that I would go on an adventure without you. But this star. It’s just…I dunno. I kinda feel like I have to do this on my own.”
His brother nodded. “I understand. All adventurers must strike out on their own. It’s natural.”
“Thanks Bro. I knew you’d understand.”
“Of course. But before you go, I request that you take him.” He bent down, picking up their platypus, who had just wandered into the street.
“You want me to take Perry?”
“For companionship.”
“Well…”
“Solo journeys get lonely. You should have at least someone if not me.”
Phineas looked at his pet. “Whaddya say boy? Wanna come with me?” The platypus growled. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Phineas zipped up his jacket, making sure his mittens, scarf, and boots were tucked around him properly to prevent snow creeping in. He placed a hat on his head. “How do I look?”
Ferb gave him a thumbs up.
“Great!” He turned to Perry. “You ready boy?” The platypus growled. “Good. Now all we need is a few provisions and we’ll be set.” He set his backpack on the counter. “Now let’s see…”
Perry skittered underneath the dining room table and climbed into his bed. He didn’t like the thought of being out in the cold; for once in his life, Doofenshmirtz was on an actual holiday with his daughter, so there was a week free of scheming.
The last thing he wanted to do was spend his time on all fours trudging through the snow. But if Ferb insisted Phineas have companionship for the journey, then he would go along with it.
Sometimes acting like a mindless animal had its drawbacks.
“You ready to go boy?”
He growled in protest, but followed Phineas to the front door anyway. As the boy stepped onto the porch, he placed a paw on the snow and shivered, pulling it back immediately.
“What’s the matter Perry?” The boy was silent for a moment, regarding his pet before snapping his fingers. “Your snow boots! I forgot!”
Perry could have groaned as Phineas left the room. He hated those snow boots. They were big, red rubber ones that looked ridiculous on him. Still…
“Here you are boy.” Phineas knelt down next to him, picking up one of his paws and gently stuffing it into a boot before doing the same with the other paws. “How’s that?”
He placed a boot covered paw on the snow and smiled. He hated the boots, but at least his paws would stay dry.
Phineas wrapped a scarf around Perry’s neck. “There. Now we’re ready.” Perry growled. As he stood up, Phineas felt himself wrapped in a tight hug from behind.
“Please be careful.”
He turned around, returning the hug. “No worries Bro. It’s all good. I shouldn’t be gone too long.” He gave his brother another squeeze, and then turned toward the door. “Come on Perry.”
The platypus skittered down the steps after him, paws hitting the snow with a soft crunch.
Phineas watched Ferb slowly close the front door before turning towards the street. His breath appeared before him in the cold air. “Come on boy. We better get moving.”