ตอน 13: Ch-13: Meeting a Legend
Alfred appeared in an alley, his gaze meeting his master's flaming blue eyes. Somewhere in those cold flames, Alfred believed there were expectations—expectations for him to be successful in this endeavor.
"Rest assured, Master Blackett," Alfred intoned, his voice steady and reassuring. "I shall complete this task and return to you forthwith."
With that, Alfred closed the cover, and for the first time since he had appeared in this world, he and his master were separated.
Initially, when Alfred had first appeared before the being cloaked in black with blue flames for eyes, he had thought the guide had deceived him, when it told him his master was human or human equivalent.
The being before him did not resemble any human Alfred had ever seen, at least not until he had shared the being's memories.
Though most of the information had been necessary for their survival, some of Master Ethan's personal memories had slipped through, perhaps because they were tied to those scenes.
It was through these glimpses that Alfred finally believed that the person he was to serve had indeed been human once.
The memories of Master Ethan's past life made Alfred quite sympathetic to him. It wasn't because the memories were cruel, but because they depicted a human, full of life and possibilities, who had now been transformed into a monster hiding in the sewers to survive.
Alfred surmised that the same entities responsible for bringing him here had caused Master Ethan to lose his human life.
With a renewed sense of duty, Alfred resolved to help his master to the best of his abilities.
To meld seamlessly into the crowd, Alfred took off his bow tie and placed it in his morning coat's pocket, which he also removed to carry in his hands.
He then removed his white gloves, folded the cuffs of his shirt up to his forearms, and wrinkled his immaculately ironed shirt in places to make him look like a normal man down on his luck.
Alfred scanned his surroundings, noting the details about his environment, the people, and the vehicles on the road. From their attire, he guessed that the current era was around the 1930s or 40s, but it was the vehicles that confirmed it for him.
He saw multiple cars that were only available in the 40s roaming the streets, some luxurious ones too, like the 1941 Cadillac Series 62 and the 1942 Lincoln Continental. When Alfred was a child, he had always dreamed of sitting inside a Lincoln Continental, a dream he fulfilled when he returned from his military service. Seeing it again reignited his passion for the car, but he quickly refocused on his task.
After walking some distance, he spotted a newsstand. Moving swiftly through the crowd with practiced ease, he reached the stand and picked up a newspaper. His eyes went to the date: 23rd May 1943, which confirmed his prior assumptions.
Then Alfred proceeded to ruffle through the paper, his eyes catching an eye-catching headline.
---
New York Daily Tribune
May 23, 1943
Experience Tomorrow Today: The Stark Expo 1943!
Innovations and Wonders Await at Howard Stark's Spectacular Event!
Join us for a groundbreaking exposition featuring the latest in technological marvels, wartime innovations, and family entertainment. Don't miss the chance to see the future unfold before your eyes at the Stark Expo, coming this May!
Location: Flushing Meadows, Queens, NY
Dates: May 1 - May 31, 1943
Tickets on sale now! Visit your local ticket office or call 1-800-STARKEXPO for more information.
---
Before he could look further, the vendor's voice rang out. "Hey buddy, ya can't just read without buyin'. That'll be three cents."
Alfred politely handed the paper back, "My apologies, sir. Unfortunately, I don't have any money on me at the moment."
The vendor eyed him skeptically, noticing his attire and the disheveled look he had adopted. "Ya down on yer luck, huh? There's a pawnshop a few streets over, if you got somethin' to sell. 'Briggs & Sons Jewelers' on 5th and Main."
"Thank you, sir," Alfred replied, nodding with a courteous smile. "Your assistance is much appreciated."
With that, Alfred started to make his way towards Briggs & Sons Jewelers.
After walking for some time, Alfred noticed the crowd thinning out, and the roadside becoming lined with parked cars. The atmosphere was more subdued, the hustle and bustle of the city giving way to a quieter, almost serene environment.
As he continued towards his destination, a cinema theater came into view. A movie poster adorned the theater's boarding, and Alfred mentally added watching a film to his growing checklist of things to explore in this new world.
As he walked past the theater, he heard commotion coming from the alley beside it. Intrigued, he recalled a memory from Master Ethan and decided to investigate.
What he saw next was a scene straight out of those memories: a frail, small boy trying to hold his ground against a bigger man, using the lid of a trashcan as a shield. The man yanked the lid out of the boy's hands and threw a punch, sending the boy sprawling backward.
But the boy, undeterred, stood back up, making fists with both hands. The man, clearly frustrated, said, "You just don't know when to give up, do you?"
The boy, in response, delivered his most iconic line, "I can do this all day." He then threw a punch, which was easily caught by the man. Before the man could retaliate, however, his hand was caught by Alfred.
Alfred's eyes narrowed as he intervened, "I believe the young man has had enough. It would be wise for you to leave now."
With a swift motion, he punched the man in the stomach, causing him to double over in pain. "Now, scramble."
The man, clearly outmatched, scrambled away without another word. Alfred turned back to the boy, who was catching his breath. "Thank you, sir," the boy said, his voice filled with gratitude.
Alfred offered a small smile. "You have a commendable spirit, young man. You remind me of a child I once cared for—unyielding, determined. What is your name?"
"Steve. Steve Rogers," the boy replied, still a bit winded but standing tall.
"Well, Steve," Alfred said, his tone warm and approving, "your courage is admirable. It takes a special kind of resolve to stand up for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you. What do you aspire to do in the future?"
Steve's eyes lit up with determination. "I want to join the army and fight for my country. I know I'm not much now, but I can't stand by while others are risking their lives."
Alfred nodded, impressed by the boy's conviction. "A noble ambition, Steve. Your determination will take you far, I am sure of it."
As they spoke, a figure entered the alley. He was tall and broad-shouldered, wearing his olive drab U.S. Army service uniform, which included a neatly pressed jacket adorned with military insignia, matching pants over polished brown formal boots, a khaki dress shirt with a tie, and a garrison cap perched at a slight angle. His demeanor exuded confidence and strength. This was James "Bucky" Barnes, Steve's closest friend, as Alfred remembered from the memory.
Bucky looked concerned as he approached. "Steve! Are you alright?" He glanced at Alfred, his eyes wary but not hostile.
"I'm fine, Bucky," Steve assured him. "This gentleman helped me out."
Bucky extended a hand to Alfred. "Thank you for looking out for him. I'm Bucky Barnes."
Alfred shook his hand firmly. "Alfred Pennyworth. It was my pleasure to assist. Your friend here has quite the spirit."
Bucky smiled, pride evident in his eyes. "That he does. He just needs to learn when to pick his fights."
Alfred chuckled softly. "A lesson many of us need to learn. But sometimes, it is the smallest of us who teach the greatest lessons."
Bucky, still holding onto Steve's shoulder protectively, said, "Well, Steve, let's get you out of here before you find yourself in another scrap."
Steve nodded, but his eyes were still fixed on Alfred, filled with gratitude and curiosity. "Thanks again, Mr. Pennyworth. I won't forget this."
Alfred gave a small nod. "Take care, Steve. And remember, it's not the size of the man in the fight, but the size of the fight in the man."
Bucky, sensing the conversation was winding down, gave Alfred a respectful nod. "Thank you, Alfred. You've done us both a good turn today. We won't forget it."
Alfred watched as the two friends walked away, Steve limping slightly but still holding his head high. Bucky's arm was around Steve's shoulders, a protective and brotherly gesture that spoke volumes about their bond.
Alfred felt a pang of nostalgia, thinking of Bruce Wayne and the similar sense of duty and protection he had once felt towards the young master in his care.
As they disappeared into the bustling streets, Alfred turned his attention back to his mission. He glanced around the alley one last time, ensuring no one else was lurking in the shadows before stepping out into the daylight.
The sun was beginning to climb higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the buildings and adding a golden hue to the morning. The city was fully awake now, the sounds of car engines, vendors shouting, and people conversing creating a symphony of urban life.
Alfred straightened his posture, smoothing out the wrinkles he had deliberately put in his shirt earlier. He adjusted his grip on his morning coat, now folded neatly over his arm, and set off down the street with purposeful strides.
As he walked, he mentally reviewed his plan. The encounter with Steve and Bucky had been a detour, albeit an enlightening one, but now it was time to focus on gathering information and resources.
___
A/N: How was this? Was the interaction between Alfred and Steve upto standards?
Comment and Vote guys…
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง