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For the most part, Liquidator didn't have a problem with his mutation and powers. He knew that he had once been a normal dog, but that time was beyond his memories. This was all he knew, and he was content with it.
It definitely made life interesting, and gave him more freedom than he knew most people had. While other young adults were scrambling around trying to figure out newfound jobs, and bills, and responsibilities, he had no such problems. He didn't eat, or need shelter, so there wasn't really anything he needed money for. If there was something he absolutely had to have, or something he knew that his friends wanted but wouldn't get for themselves, he would just take it.
He was still a thief, but what choice did he have? He had no money, and no chance to get some, because nobody in this city would hire a dog that was made of water. If he had no way of getting things the traditional way, was it really his fault when he resorted to more morally gray means? It wasn't like he stole a lot, or did it often. It was just an occasional thing, so what was the harm?
Liquidator was completely free to do as he pleased. The only schedules he had to conform to were for his friends' benefit. Quackerjack and Megavolt's lives were far from traditional, but they were more normal than his and Bushroot's lives were.
Sometimes Liquidator would spend weeks at a time in the ocean, just enjoying the massive expanse of water. It had taken a few years to convince the self-proclaimed guardian of the sea, Neptunia, that he wasn't a threat to her territory. Even now she still didn't like him, but she let him come and go as he pleased, and in return he would sometimes help her if she needed some water manipulation.
Liquidator knew that Neptunia considered Darkwing Duck an ally and a friend. He knew that he would have gained her trust much faster if he had the hero advocating for him, and he probably would without a moment's hesitation, but Liquidator hadn't even considered asking.
He didn't trust Drake. The hero was the reason why he was the way he was. Liquidator may have learned how to adjust to his life, but he was still a freak of nature. He was isolated from all other living beings, being completely different from even other mutants like Bushroot. And what bothered him most was that he still couldn't sleep.
Liquidator was able to find ways to cope. He had learned how to meditate, and spending time in the ocean, losing himself to the waves, could help. He could handle his eternal existence much better than he had as a child, but he still had days at a time where his unending awareness was exhausting, and the thought of there being no relief for it was absolutely terrifying.
There had been more than a few times these past few years where Liquidator was so overwhelmed with it all that he would curl up against Bushroot and seek physical comfort from him. It was a rather intimate action between the two of them. Bushroot's plants and vines sought out Liquidator's water, soaking it up. If Liquidator focused, he could feel his droplets inside of Bushroot. It was like their bodies became one. Plant and water.
Bushroot had theorized about Liquidator being able to control his body through this connection. And if he'd be able to do something similar with someone else. Quackerjack had already offered himself as a volunteer for the experiment, but Liquidator wasn't interested in that kind of thing.
He wasn't a puppeteer. He didn't take pleasure in controlling and manipulating people, and he had no curiosity about if it was even possible. He just enjoyed the connection with Bushroot. That was all he needed from it.
Liquidator had been having a tough couple of weeks. He felt like he desperately needed a break, and normally by this point he would have long since retreated to the ocean and just lost himself to the waves until his thoughts were calm enough that he could manage them on his own. He couldn't leave now though. Not when there was the potential that his friends needed him.
Quackerjack had a bit of a breakdown. Bushroot and Liquidator hadn't been there when it had happened. Megavolt had supposably been there when it had happened, but he had forgotten what exactly had happened. Quackerjack wouldn't tell them a word of what had happened, but it had to have been bad.
Apparently there'd been some talk about whether Quackerjack was more of a danger to others, or to himself. Liquidator knew that his friend wasn't completely sane, but he didn't think he was actually dangerous at all. He just needed someone to stand at his side and remind him to pull back if he let things get too far.
Apparently, that was a big reason why Quackerjack was in a hospital. The people working there had the time and training to take care of him in ways that their group of friends just couldn't. Liquidator understood the theory behind it, but he didn't know the doctors. He didn't trust them with Quackerjack.
He had to stay nearby, just in case something bad happened. They would need his boldness and powers to break Quackerjack out, whether he wanted to leave or not.
Because he wanted to be there for his friend, Liquidator spent most of his time in his little pond in the greenhouse. It wasn't as open as the ocean, but it was calm, so it was good enough to keep him at least sane.
The greenhouse had been quiet lately. Bushroot had a new project that he was obsessing over. Liquidator didn't know whether he preferred the quiet and isolation, because it made it a little easier to try to calm down and focus, or if he would rather be at Bushroot's side, so he'd be distracted.
Liquidator sat at the edge of his water, dangling his feet into the small pool. He couldn't imagine how it would feel to have normal skin, to actually feel wetness. He was made of water. He was constantly wet, so he didn't have anything to contrast it to. He didn't actually know what water felt like to normal people.
"Liqui," Bushroot smiled as he came out of his little lab. He came to join Liquidator, sitting next to him. He dangled his roots into the water, making Liquidator wince and giggle slightly. It tickled. "I think I've finished it. I've tested it, and worked it over, and improved it, and I think I got it perfect."
"That's great." Liquidator said, because he was nothing if not a supportive friend. "What is it?"
Bushroot beamed broadly at him, though there was a slight unease in his eyes. He was excited, but nervous about something. "I think I found a way to help you." Bushroot said. "Do you trust me?"
"You are the first on a very short list of people I can trust." Liquidator said. Bushroot gave him a nervous smile. He held up a large vial. "It's a little hard to explain. It'll be easier if you just try it."
Liquidator accepted the vial. "What am I supposed to do with this?" He couldn't drink anything."
Bushroot blinked and stared at the vial. "Oh. I didn't…I didn't think about that." He looked so disappointed and frustrated with himself. Liquidator stared at the liquid in the vial.
"If I just absorb this, would that still work?" Liquidator asked. Bushroot thought about it for a moment before he gave a small, cautious smile.
"I think it might." Bushroot said. Liquidator nodded and opened the vial. He reached the water from his hand into the vial, pulling the odd solution into his being. In a moment, there was no sign of the contents of the vial, and Liquidator himself felt no different.
"What's supposed to happen?" Liquidator asked. Bushroot watched him anxiously.
"You'll see in a minute." The duck said. He fiddled his hands together. "I hope. I mean, it didn't take long for me at all. It was pretty instantaneous. I don't know wh…wait!" Bushroot sat up straight and leaned closer to him. "I think it's started."
"What?" Liquidator looked down at himself. He didn't see anything at first, but he definitely felt something. It was at his feet. There was an odd feeling. It felt like something was wrapped around his feet, and yet he could move them just fine. There was some odd resistance though. A drag he wasn't used to.
Liquidator pulled his feet out of the water, and shuddered at the chill he felt. He felt cold, and wet. He'd never felt wet before. Liquidator was so focused on the feeling that it took him a long moment to even notice that his feet had a solid form. He never had a form in his feet. His legs just came out of a puddle of water.
Not only did he have feet, but they weren't watery. They were flesh and fur.
Liquidator blinked harshly, his eyes feeling an itching warmth to them, and then he felt a wetness drip down his cheeks, similar to the water on his new feet. Was…was he crying? Was that what it was? It felt terrible.
It felt amazing.
"I-I'm normal?" Liquidator rubbed his hands on his fur, smiling at the soft texture. He had never really known what the feeling of 'soft' was. "W-what? How?"
"It's a bit of a cure." Bushroot gave him a small smile. "This version of the serum only lasts up to six hours, and it can give you quite a headache if you take too much of it, but it's something."
"It's amazing." Liquidator beamed at Bushroot. "You really created this? You're a genius!"
Bushroot's smile broadened. He looked relieved, which was one of the ways that he normally looked when he was given praise. The other most common reaction was for him to get embarrassed and try to brush off any compliment. No matter how much sincere praise Liquidator aimed at him, his friend still had a hard time accepting it.
I'm glad you think so." Bushroot kicked his feet slightly in the pond. "Quackerjack didn't think it was a good idea."
Liquidator tapped his finger on his leg. It felt really weird. He felt so much more than he had before, but at the same time he felt so much less. Without his connection to the water, he felt so small and isolated. But he'd never been able to physically feel things before. It was weird.
"Quackerjack has to tell himself that you shouldn't cure freakishness." Liquidator said. The duck wasn't a mutant, but he was far from normal. Liquidator didn't think there was anything wrong with him. Different didn't mean bad, but it was so hard to remember that when the whole world was screaming at you otherwise.
Quackerjack was sure of himself and who he was, but Liquidator knew that it bothered him that nobody understood his mind. "If he tries to focus on fixing his differences, he's going to drive himself mad. His situation's different from ours though, and it makes him a little biased."
"What do you think?" Bushroot asked. "If I could cure us permanently?"
Liquidator shrugged. "I like who I am." He liked being one with the water. Being cut off from it felt like having countless limbs all cut off at the same time. "It's nice to have a taste of being normal though."
"I know you don't have the desire to fit in that I have." Bushroot said. "That's not why I made this for you." The duck looked at him with wide- earnest eyes. "I wanted to give you what you've been desperate for for so long."
Liquidator didn't understand, and his confusion showed on his face. He wasn't used to how open and easy to read his expressions were. Bushroot gave him a gentle, understanding smile. He stood up and held his hand out to Liquidator. He accepted the hold and let himself be pulled to his feet.
As weird as his feet looked, they were even weirder to stand on. He felt like he was as unsteady as a baby, but holding Bushroot's hand helped him to steady himself. They walked out of the large room full of plants and into their small living space in the back. The two of them would have been content with just their water and plants, but they liked to have their friends visit.
Their living space wasn't extravagant. It had a couch, some pillows, and a cabinet of food. Quackerjack and Megavolt, and occasionally Gosalyn, didn't complain.
Bushroot brought Liquidator to the couch and the two of them sat down on it. The duck encouraged him to lie down and rest his head on his lap. Bushroot ran his hand through Liquidator's hair and fur. It was an odd experience, and Liquidator didn't know how he felt about the sensation itself, but he found his body relaxing anyways.
It was a slightly sinking feeling. He let out a deep, slow breath as he closed his eyes and just let the comfort surround him. He let his mind drift. It felt very similar to when his mind would wander when he became one with the sea. The closest thing to true rest that he ever got.
Liquidator's thoughts were calm, slow, and casual. He felt almost dazed, except it was a very pleasant feeling. He was so unfocused that it took him everal minutes to consider how odd it was that he was drifting so easily now when it could take him hours or days to get anywhere near this point in the sea.
A sudden thought came to Liquidator's mind and all of his relaxation vanished in an instant. He sat up with a jolt, aware and excited. He looked at Bushroot, who seemed startled at the sudden movement.
"I was dozing." Liquidator said with realization. Bushroot just blinked at him. "I was falling asleep!"
"Yeah, that was the hope." Bushroot gave him a slightly scolding look. "And now you've gotten yourself worked up."
"I can sleep?" Liquidator looked at his body in awe. That was even more amazing than all of these new sensations thrown at him at once. Being able to feel stuff was interesting and all, but the one thing that Liquidator had truly envied about those who weren't mutated like him was that their bodies had normal functions. They needed food, and water, and shelter, and sleep. Liquidator didn't need any of that, other than water, though since it wasn't for drinking it didn't really count. But what he'd always craved was sleep. For the chance to just shut his brain off for a few hours and let go.
Bushroot gave him a soft look. "Yeah, sleep."
Liquidator had never appreciated anybody more than he did at this moment. This was the greatest gift he could have ever been given. A small reprieve.
"You didn't have to do this." Liquidator said quietly. He appreciated it, and he knew how much work it would have taken for Bushroot to accomplish this. He's been working on this project for years. He probably spent a fair amount of time questioning his self-confidence as a mutant. And he'd done it all for the sake of Liquidator's comfort.
Bushroot took his hands and gave them a squeeze. It was weird to touch something and not have to focus so it wouldn't go right through him.
"I wanted to." Bushroot said. "I'm not really going to ask for anything in return, but if you want to do something to repay the favor, I just ask that you consider something. That's all I ask. A consideration. No obligation past that."
The assurance told Liquidator all he needed to know. Bushroot could be a timid guy sometimes, but he wasn't normally so shy about asking his friends something. Especially not Liquidator. For him to be hesitating like this, he was going to ask about something that he knew Liquidator wouldn't like, and there were only so many things that he would say no to.
"You want me to talk to him." Liquidator growled.
"Just to clear the air." Bushroot said. "You haven't said a word to him in ten years. I'm not saying what he did was okay, or that you need to forgive him, but as much as you try to ignore it, I know it bugs you."
Liquidator hated it, but he knew his friend was right. He had been trying to forget about Drake, not even wanting to think about him, but for ten years there was just one thing that he wanted to talk to Drake about. Just one thing he wanted to say to him, but saying it would mean not just talking to him, but making himself vulnerable.
He'd been keeping himself away from Drake for ten years, coming up with any reason and excuse to keep his distance. He was scared to talk to Drake, but he knew he needed to. Now that he had the chance to sleep, and eat, and just pretend to be normal, then he also had the chance to pretend that all the hurt and anger he'd been feeling wasn't there.
Liquidator swallowed thickly, feeling a brief bewilderment at the new sensation. "You're…you're right. You're right." He gave Bushroot a sheepish look. "Will you go with me there?" He'd have to do this alone, and they both knew it, but he wanted a friend to at least walk with him there.
Bushroot gave his hand a squeeze. "Whatever you want."
Liquidator smiled and pulled Bushroot to his feet. "Let's go."
"Wait," Bushroot stumbled as he was nudged along. "Now?"
Liquidator nodded. He'd waited long enough, and he knew that if he waited a second more he would just come up with another reason to chicken out. He needed to do this. Pausing just long enough to grab some clothes so he wouldn't get in trouble for indecency, they left.
He could normally travel across the city in just a few minutes. He just had to go into the sewer system, navigate to the right place, and he was there. Now, that wasn't an option. They ended up walking, which didn't take very long at all. Or maybe it just didn't feel like too long because he was dreading it.
He wanted to turn around and go home, but Bushroot kept a hold of his hand, keeping him from running off. It was the middle of the night right now. The neighborhood was basically dead, but the Mallard's house was the exception. The lights were all still on.
Liquidator knew that there was the possibility that it was Gosalyn. By this time of night she was usually out at work, but according to Megavolt it wasn't unusual for her to get a late start. Liquidator didn't know whether he hoped it was her or if he would rather she was gone.
Bushroot squeezed his hand. "You'll be okay."
"I'll try." Liquidator said. He gave Bushroot a grateful look. "I'll take it from here. I'll see you at home later."
Bushroot nodded. They both knew that he needed to do this alone. "Good luck."
Liquidator took a deep breath and walked up to the front door. He hesitated for just a moment before raising his fist and knocking. He heard a thump inside and a yelp of alarm. He couldn't help but smirk. He knew exactly who was responsible for that. Drake was far clumsier than he would ever admit he was.
The door was opened by a tired and cautious looking Drake. He stared at Liquidator, and there was no recognition in his eyes. "Little late for soliciting, don't you think?"
Liquidator shrugged. "I don't know, I've never really paid attention to what time it is." He raised an eyebrow at the duck. "That's what happens when I can't sleep for ten years."
Drake's eyes widened. He looked like he had just seen a ghost, and Liquidator realized that in a way maybe he had. It had been so long since Drake had seen him in the first place, but especially like this. The last time Drake saw him with this flesh and fur was when they had first met, before Liquidator's form had changed.
Drake had been there when it happened. If Liquidator remembered correctly, Drake had briefly thought that he'd died that day. To see him standing before him, just like he once had, it would be disconcerting.
"Liquidator." Drake said breathlessly. "You're here." He blinked and seemed to take a second look. "You're normal."
"Thanks to Bushroot." Liquidator rubbed his arm. He felt very uncomfortable standing here, and he hated how that discomfort was probably showing on his face. How could people stand to be an open book all the time? "He did some science stuff. It's not a permanent cure, and I don't know if I would want it to be, but…well…" He was just feeling worse and worse, and he wished that he could just turn into a puddle and slide away. He didn't want to be here.
Either Drake didn't recognize how uncomfortable and nervous he looked, or he was ignoring it. The duck opened the door wider and stepped back.
"Come in, come in." Drake said with awkward and forced cheerfulness. He felt just as uncomfortable as Liquidator did. Scowling to himself, the dog went inside. He hadn't been in this house since he'd been a kid. He hadn't lived here for very long, but it still felt like coming home.
"How have you been?" Drake asked slowly. Liquidator hated every second of this. "Neptunia says she hasn't seen you around lately."
"I've been hanging around." Liquidator said. "Just in case." He gave Drake an odd look. "You've been talking to Neptunia about me?"
Drake looked a little sheepish. "I just wanted to know how you were. Megavolt usually knows, but if he doesn't hear from you for weeks at a time, well, it could get concerning."
"Y-you're worried about me?" Liquidator felt his chest tighten. It felt like it was trying to squeeze his heart right out of him. His watery form never did anything like this.
Drake looked right at him, and Liquidator averted his gaze. "Kid, I haven't stopped worrying about any of you. I know I'm really bad at showing it, but I do care."
Things were quiet between the two of them for a long moment before Drake quietly continued. "And I felt bad about what I did to you. I still do. I never meant…I didn't want to hurt any of you. Even when you were villains. Even when we were fighting, I never went with the intent to cause harm. I wasn't good enough at preventing it though, and I'm sorry."
Liquidator's eyes grew wet, and that was one form of water that he could do without. "I've been so mad at you for so long. I tried to hate you." He sunk his claws into the table. "But it was so hard, because you saved us. You didn't help us before, but you helped us with Negaduck, when we needed you most. Even when you knew who we were, and what we had done, you gave us a chance, and I don't think I could have done that."
Liquidator squeezed his eyes shut tight to prevent his tears from falling, and so he wouldn't have to chance seeing Drake. "For ten years there have been so many things that I've wanted to say to you, but there's one thing that has shoved itself in my head, and I can't get rid of it, no matter how much I want to."
"Well, uh, maybe you'll feel better if you just get it out?" Drake said awkwardly, but still encouragingly. Sometimes he reminded Liquidator so much of Bushroot.
"I-I've missed you." Liquidator choked out. He felt like he'd been shrunken down to a child again. His shoulders shook as he tried to keep himself from sobbing. He felt Drake's hold on his shoulder, and he immediately leaned against him. He cried against Drake's chest, and the duck held him close. It was an awkward hold, because he was now so much bigger than Drake. As a child he hadn't realized how short the duck was.
"I've missed you so much." Liquidator sobbed. He'd been so mad, and distraught, and it was devastating. He still didn't forgive Drake, and he didn't know if he ever could, and even if he did he didn't know if he'd be able to fully trust him again. But he still missed him. He wanted to feel comfortable enough to let him back in his life, but he couldn't, and he grieved that loss.
"I've missed you too." Drake said. He sighed. "I miss all of you." Liquidator didn't know what he meant. He and Bushroot may not be around a lot, and Quackerjack had been in the hospital these past several weeks, but Gosalyn still lived at home, and Megavolt visited all the time.
A small part of Liquidator wondered if Drake was saying that he missed their villainous selves. That he missed the sense of purpose he felt with fighting villains. That he missed the thrill and the game. Liquidator knew it probably wasn't the case, but he couldn't help but be worried. And that doubt was the reason why he couldn't trust Drake.
The duck held him for several long minutes. It wasn't as relaxing as he'd felt back at the greenhouse, but Liquidator found himself dozing off the way he had before. He sighed and nuzzled against Drake. The duck just held onto him
"How're you feeling, kid?" Drake asked.
"Tired." Liquidator muttered. "I'm so tired." For once it wasn't just a longing in his soul. This was a physical feeling. He didn't know he could feel the same on the outside as he did on the inside.
Drake stroked his hair, and Liquidator sighed in relief. It felt so nice. He could easily fall asleep in just a matter of minutes.
"Bushroot said I could sleep like this." Liquidator said tiredly. "It seems too good to be true."
Drake took in a harsh breath. He put his arm around Liquidator's shoulders and led him towards the couch. He laid him out on the cushions, and he nuzzled against the soft surface. "If you can sleep, you should. You deserve it." Drake started to step away, but Liquidator grabbed his arm, stilling him.
"Don't leave." Liquidator muttered. He may not know how he felt about Drake, but that didn't mean that he wanted to be left alone again. He wouldn't always allow himself the duck's comfort, and he wanted to enjoy it while he could.
Drake gave him a small look and settled on the couch next to him. "I'm not going anywhere." Liquidator adjusted his position to get more comfortable and rest against Drake.
"This doesn't change anything." Liquidator said, though he didn't know how much he really meant it. "This doesn't mean I'm coming back for good."
"I know." Drake brushed his hair out of his face. Liquidator sighed contently and just let his eyes slip closed. He didn't know what he would want tomorrow, or if he would ever feel comfortable enough to just come home. He just let himself enjoy the here and now. That was all that mattered.
Liquidator's eyes eased close as he began to doze. A few short minutes later, for the first time since he could remember, Liquidator fell asleep, and he was at peace.
