#nega steelbeak | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

masked-mallards · 5 years ago

Text

Masked Mallards, The Multiverse, and Everything Else

ch. 8 Whatever happened to Elmo Sputterspark

Sanitatemverse

45 years ago

Posi – St. Canard

Abandon Electrical Plant.

Ma Beagle was used to disappointment. The Beagle Boys were all her children and were a constant failure. She had hoped that their father’s knack for criminal activity would rub off on them and he could lead them to greatness. However, Thick’s influence can only go so far. She was the brains and Thick was the leader, the only one big enough to stop them was Scrooge Mcduck. So, they decided to set up shop in St. Canard, way from the old billionaire’s influence. The Beagle Boys were only successful when Thick led the mission, but Thick couldn’t go on every mission with them. So, Ma Beagle mainly sent him on jobs given by their biggest patron F.O.W.L.

The small beagle had sent her boys to the local Cirque to collect protection money for the organization, and to teach them a lesson of meeting their quota. The Cirque Du Duck have been lacking in recent years, and F.O.W.L wasn’t too happy about it. They do not take kindly to failure and would have dropped the Beagle Boys from their payroll, but F.O.W.L never let anything go to waste. The Fiendish Organization of World Larceny sent one their agents to ensure the Beagle Boys dealt with the problem. He was a hound known as Agent Sneaky Luiseno. Luiseno had accompanied Thick to the Cirque to collect.

The head agent of F.O.W.L had come to check on his progress. Ma looked to the rooster who sat in the dark. He had made himself comfortable on the couch and had surrounded himself with the female members of the Beagle Boys. “Your boys are late,” he said. “That doesn’t look good on you.” Ma Beagle addressed him. “My apologies Agent Talon,” she responded. “Thick had said he let them have a little fun at the circus. Didn’t expect him to actually take them to a show.” In truth Thick had wanted to find Elmo before they attacked the Cirque. Thick and Ma had fought this morning about the loyalties of Elmo Sputterspark and where they lie. Ma Beagle never trusted the grandson of Bart T. Ratcliff.

The old rat had always run the Cirque Du Duck, even when her grandfather Blackheart was a child. You can’t be in business that long and not break a few eggs. Mcduck might beg a differ, but then again he had conned Blackheart out of the deed to Duckburg. Sputterspark had come to live with Ratcliff after his parent were sent to jail. The boy became an excellent pickpocket since he came to live him. Ma only agreed to let Elmo be a part of the attack on Cirque Du Duck, only if Thick contacted Sputterspark after they got there. That way, if Elmo was a spy for Ratcliff, he has no way to warn anyone. Ma had turned on the radio to contact Thick and check his progress. When the iron doors flung open.

Her eldest son Big Time, came running in followed by Bouncer who chased after him. Elmo and Burger were the last to enter carrying Thick. Thick was still unresponsive, and was missing an arm. Burger cleared a nearby table and Elmo laid the large beagle on top of it. Talon got up from the couch to investigate. Ma beagle rushed over Thick, the only beagle aside from Blackheart she cared about, pushing Elmo out of the way. The blood around Thick’s arm was dry, so it had already started to heal and grow back. Agent Talon looked around; Luiseno was not among to party that came back. Ma Beagle shot daggers at Elmo. The fact that Thick was hurt today of all days sent her paranoia in to overdrive.

She grabbed Elmo by the scuff of his shirt and pulled him to her eye level. “Start talking,” she growled. “This was supposed to be a simple smash and go. So why are you back empty handed and with Thick worst for the ware?” Posi- Talon cut in. “Where is Luiseno? Why isn’t he with you?” he asked coolly. Elmo went silent, he knew Ma Beagle never trusted him. Before Elmo could speak, Bouncer came back with Big Time under his arm. The small beagle ran his mouth to save his own skin. “The Cirque knew we were coming,” He said. “They hired some merc with a chainsaw to protect them. He sliced off Pa’s arm and cut Luiseno into ribbons. He called himself Negan. Elmo can tell you; he was with the merc before he attacked us.” Ma beagle tighten her grip on Elmo in rage. “Is this true?” she demanded.

“Yes, I was with him,” Elmo said in a panic. “But I had no idea who he was. I was told he...” Elmo stopped himself from saying anymore. He might be Ratcliff’s spy; didn’t mean he was a good one. “Go on” Posi-Talon said a mock encouraging tone. Elmo didn’t want to tell them the truth, they wouldn’t believe him and not to mention what Magica would do if he threw Drake Mallard under the bus. Besides, Drake had lost enough because of the Beagle Boys. He doesn’t need to lose another family member, even it is Negan. Elmo knew no matter what he said, once Thick woke up and told them that he refused to join the attack, The Beagle Boys would know that he was a spy.

“Never mind,” the rat said defeated not looking Ma Beagle in the eye. “You were right, I am a spy, however I didn’t know about Negan.” Ma Beagle tossed Elmo to the ground. “Damn it!” she raged. Bouncer released Big Time; he was no longer anger at him. He set his sights on the traitor. The broad Beagle lifted Sputterspark off the floor and tossed him into a nearby workbench. Elmo’s weight on the old table was too much and it broke, the table collapsed on top of him. Bouncer picked the rat up with one hand and pinned him against a wall. Elmo’s feet dangled off the ground as he tried to free himself from the beagle’s death grip. Bouncer began to pound Sputterspark’s face in with his free hand. The rest of the Beagle Boys watched smiling and laughing at Elmo’ punishment. However, it was far from over.

”Bouncer that is enough.” Talon said in a professional tone. Bouncer growled at the rooster, but released Elmo. The rat dropped to the floor with a thud. His face was battered, bruised, and swollen. He could barely see. Talon approached him. “Don’t think you are out of the woods yet,” he said. “I do not take kindly to spies in my mist and because of you, F.O.W.L lost a valued agent.” Talon snatched up Elmo by the fur of shoulder. He dug his fingers into the rat’s nervous system. The agent was known to have knowledge of pressure points in the body and use it as a weapon. Elmo’s body went limp and he was at the mercy of Reid Talon.

Talon pulled Sputterspark to his feet. “My superiors will not like to hear about how we had a rat in our operation. I am going to have to deal with the Cirque personally, if they stand up against F.O.W.L. others will follow. They must be made an example of.” He paused and pulled Elmo up to his eye level and forced him to look at the rooster. “But first,” he continued. “I’m going to have to deal with you and send your dear grandfather a message.” Talon eyes darted to his side. “Burger!” he barked. “Get the chair!” Burger disappeared down the hall on his task. Talon turned his attention back to Elmo. The rooster had an unsettling smirk on his face. “I heard you’re a brilliant scientist in the making,” Talon said almost sounding impressed. “To bad you chose the wrong side.”

Elmo’s eyes widen in fear when Burger came back. He was carting an old electric chair. Reid could read his thoughts. “Don’t worry” he said. “I do not intend to kill you with this.” The rooster walked over the device. “This is a special model designed by the engineers at F.O.W.L.” he continued as if he were marketing it. “The amount of electricity can be more easily controlled by a remote.” He procured a small grey machine from his jacket pocket and waved it around. Elmo looked around. Every exit was blocked off by the Beagle Boys. Ma Beagle smirked; she had been looking forward to this for a long time. She looked at Thick. His arm was beginning to grow back. She turned her attention back to Sputterspark. “Get him boys” she commanded.

Elmo tried in vain to escape, but he was overwhelmed by his former colleagues. Three beagles nabbed him and forced him to the chair. He pleaded for mercy as they strapped him in and hooked him up with wires on his head. “PLEASE....HAVE MERCY....I’LL DO ANYTHING!” he begged. He was noticeably shaking. The beagle took pleasure in Elmo’s despair. Talon said coolly. “I sure you would, but the thing is, I don’t want anything you could provide.” Burger handed Talon a large textbook and whispered in his ear. Talon’s face light up and he took the book and sat in a chair across from Elmo. “Burger tells me that you were gonna graduate high school soon and start your college career to become an electrical engineer. How sweet.” The rooster said with fake sincerity. “The college you what to enroll in is a major one, you have to past the entrance exam in order to enter.

“The wires attached to your head are hooked up to the part of your brain that manages your long- and short-term memory.” Talon explained. “One zap and who knows what happens. Even the Sanitatem Trance can’t restore memories.” He opened the textbook and thumbed through the pages. “I am in a generous mood,” the roosted continued.” Ill help you prepare for your test. For every answer you get correct, Ill think about letting you go.” He paused. “However, if get the answer wrong....” Talon press one of the buttons of his remote. The electricity crack and popped. Elmo screamed as the electricity coursed through his body. Talon pressed the button again and the chair went dead, but Elmo’s body was still shaking with the voltage.

Talon tapped the grey textbook. “This is a collection of research done by F.O.W.L’s own electrical engineers.” he said. “If you can correctly answer what is in this book, you are a shoe into that school.” He flipped the book open. “Now Let’s begin, shall we?” the rooster said. “Wait wait wait!” Elmo panicked. Talon replied. “Sorry, a pop quiz waits for no one.” Talon made himself comfortable in his chair. “What is your name?” He asked. “Elmo Sputterspark” Elmo replied. A large amount of electricity hit Elmo like a bullet and he yelled in pain. “Wrong,” Talon said waving his finger. “Honestly, how could you forget you your own name?” Talon turned the page of the book. “But it is my name,” Elmo wheezed. Talon raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Maybe a couple of more zaps will refresh your memory.”

“No...wait....please...” Elmo begged. His pleas fell upon deaf ears. Talon turned on the power to the chair again. Elmo’s body shook violently as the power coursed through his body. The fur around his wrists began to smoke and sizzle with heat. After two minute of pumping Elmo with electricity, Talon shut off the power again. Elmo’s mind became hazy. He could feel himself passing out and the Sanitatem Trance trying to take hold. Burger stuck a needle in the rat’s arm, forcing him awake. “Now, now,” Talon tsked. “We can’t have you pass out just yet, can’t have you undoing all the work we’ve done so far.” Talon turned back on the power to the chair. The Beagles snickered in glee as Elmo screamed in agony.

Elmo began to feel the effects of the electrocution to his brain by the time Talon turned of the power again. “Ma Beagle what is going on?” Elmo asked, already forgetting how he got here. “How did I get here? Why am I strapped to this chair?” Ma Beagle shrugged, she delighted in Elmo’s confusion. Elmo looked around and his eyes locked on Thick. Flashes of Cirque Du Duck crossed his head. He could see everything but couldn’t hear what was going on. Drake introduced him to his look-alike relative. The relative attacked Thick and sliced off his arm, or was it Drake? Elmo couldn’t remember. Talon spoke up and snapped Elmo back to reality. “Do you know who Bart. T Ratcliff is?” the rooster asked.

“He is the owner of Cirque Du Duck and my grandfather on my mother’s side” Elmo answered. Talon didn’t electrocute him this time. “Do you know, why you are here?” Talon questioned. “It is because Ratcliff sold you out. It was to prove his loyalty to us.” he lied. Elmo shook his head. “No, I don’t believe you.” the rat said. “Oh, really?” Talon asked smugly. “Tell me how come we found you out then?” Elmo went quiet, he didn’t have the answer for that. The only people who knew about him being a spy was Ratcliff, Magica, and the Mallards. Magica didn’t fear the Beagle Boys or F.O.W.L, no one messed with the old witch. Shera has had no contact them, and Drake was too proud to even consider to get the good gracious of his father’s killer.

Ratcliff was the only one who dealt with the criminal groups on a regular basis. However, it wasn’t enough of a reason for Ratcliff to betray him. “I don’t know.” Elmo said. Electricity ran through Elmo’s body again. “Wrong answer.” Talon replied as he turned off the chair. The electricity pumped through Elmo’s body. His head tilted as he wailed from the pain. When it finally stopped, Elmo looked around confused. His gazed fell upon Talon and Ma Beagle. “Why am I here?” he asked her. “Is this some sort of gang initiation?” Ma Beagle leaned in and whispered into Talon’s ear. “Looks like his long-term memory is damaged,” she said. “He joined us a year ago.” Talon smiled. “Good,” he replied. “At this rate, we can rewrite his memories and send him back to Ratcliff.” Talon turned his attention back to a confused Elmo and zapped him again.

The pattern of questions and electrocution went on for hours. Thick had woken up and had a new arm. A jagged scar formed a ring around near his shoulder were Negaduck had severed the limb. He confirmed Big Times testimony of the events at Cirque Du Duck. Elmo at this point couldn’t even remember Thick or Ma Beagle by name. Only that they had kidnapped him when he was little to get Ratcliff to do their bidding. Anything that happened after that, Elmo could not remember, and Talon could miniplate his memory as he pleased. Talon took note that Elmo’s fur began to spark with electricity, even when the power to the chair was cut off. He pushed it from his mind.” Must be seeing things.” he thought.

Talon filled Elmo’s head with lies. He told Elmo, that Ratcliff had sold him to the Beagle Boys to pay them off. What happen in the years between then Talon said he didn’t know, but give Elmo’s current battered state he had a good idea. The Cirque Du Duck had prospered since then, and all Ratcliff had to do was sacrifice his grandson to the dogs. The more Talon electrocuted him; the more Elmo began to believe that Ratcliff abandon him. Elmo began to show signs of aggression toward the mention of Bart. T Ratcliff. Burger gave him another needle of modafinil, when Elmo’s consciousness began to fade. The rat was made alert and the torture continued.

Eventually, Elmo couldn’t remember anyone from the cirque, not even his own name. However, knowledge about electrical science remain and how to take care of himself. That information was stored in a different part of the brain. Talon never zapped him when he asked about technical things. Talon got up from his chair and walked over to Elmo, who was slumped in the electric chair. Elmo’s eyes darted around. “What is your name?” the rooster asked. After a minute Elmo look at him. “ My....name...is...I...I don’t know.” Elmo stuttered. “Do you know who I am?” he asked in a dazed tone. Talon put his hand on his beak and mused. Elmo’s fur was charged with electricity and had turned black from being burned. “Hmm... I think your name is Megawatt.”

The rooster answered. An unnamed beagle shouted. “That is the name of my favorite band, try something else.” Talon raised an eyebrow. “Dim Bulb?” Talon said trying another name. Another Beagle shouted from the crowd. “That’s my name,” he said. Ma beagle was beginning get annoyed with her children’s interruptions. “Shut up Dim Bulb,” she growled. She walked to Talon’s side and gave Elmo a look over. “Your name is Megavolt and that is final,” she said then turned to the rest of the Beagle Boys. “Right...?” She inquired. Every Beagle Boy in the room answered in unison as if they were soldiers. “Yes Ma!”

Talon rolled his eyes, with the exception of Thick and Ma, the Beagle Boys were idiots in his book. The rooster handed the remote to Burger. “I want you to stay with Megavolt and continue to reeducate him until we comeback.” He turned to the rest of the gang. “In the mean time I want you all to prepare to mount another attack. This time we are not going to collect a debt. The Cirque Du Duck needs to be made an example of, we gonna kill everyone there and burn it to the ground!” Ma Beagle spoke up to rile up her sons. “Do this to avenge Luiseno, to protect the honor of your Pa, do it for dear old Ma!” The Beagle Boys roared and hollered. They were ready and willing. “That’s the spirit, boys!” Thick shouted over them. “Be ready to attack tomorrow at dusk, and teach the world a lesson that they won’t forget.”

The Beagle Boys departed leaving Talon, Ma and Thick Beagle, Burger, and Elmo. “Oversee the preparations for the next attack.” Talon instructed Ma and Thick. he grabbed his coat and retrieved a radio from it. “I am going to see what I can find out about this “Negan” and hopefully dispose of him. He shall rue the day he interfered in F.O.W.L business!” Talon started up the radio, and it cracked to life. “I need you to snoop around the camp.” He talked into the radio. “I want you find out what can about Negan, I will meet you at the cirque tomorrow.” A voice came from the other end of the line. “Roger boss,” it said. Talon placed the radio on the couch. The three left the electrical plant. The only ones left were Burger and Megavolt. Burger turned on the electric chair and watched as Elmo squirmed. After a few minutes he turned it off and placed the remote on the table. He picked up the Talon’s textbook and disappeared down the hall to put it away. Elmo was alone. His fur cracked and popped with electricity.

Bang. The sound of the explosion caused Burger to fall to the ground. He looked in the direction it came from. Smoke rose from the main room Elmo was being held. Burger rushed back to check the prisoner, only to find the electric chain was nothing more than a warped piece of metal and wood. Elmo was nowhere in sight. The power to the building went out, yet Burger could see lights from other buildings. Something scurried across the room. Burger was immediately alert. “Elmo is that you?’ He asked weakly. He didn’t know why he was afraid. There was no way Elmo could hurt him. The was no reply. Burger made his way to the exit. He had to report that Elmo had escaped. A blue volt of lightning struck the beagle in back. Burger’s body hit the floor with a thud. He couldn’t move and feel anything past his ribs.

Burger cried in pain until he heard footsteps and the sound electricity approaching. “Elmo?” Burger said not believing his eyes. The rat stood up with a slouch, and had no expression on his face. His fur sparked, and popped like clothes that you get out of the dryer, his clothes were torn, and his fur had turned as black as coal. Elmo looked down at Burger. “Who are you?” he asked. “Why do you call me Elmo? My name is Megavolt.” Elmo’s eyes lock on the grey book Burger had tucked in his arm. “You know what,” he continued. “Never mind, you have something I want.” The last thing Burger saw was Megavolt lift his hand and produce a massive lightning volt. Burger’s screams were drowned out by the electrical pulse.

Megavolt pried the book from Burger’s charred remains and flipped through it. “Interesting,” he mused. “I have to run experiments to prove these theories, but first I have to pay a visit to my dear old grandfather Ratcliff. Can’t exactly remember way, but I want him dead.” The memory of Elmo Sputterspark was gone, all that remained was Megavolt. Megavolt left the old electrical plant taking the book with him. He began to feel weak. “Hmm...” He thought. “Must have used to much juice on that beagle, I guess my power does have its limits.” He wandered around the back alleyway and found a place to sleep. “My biological structure is different now, the Sanitatem Trance should restore me like an electrical battery. I need to learn the limits of my capabilities and what I can do to improve upon them.” Megavolt climbed into a dumpster as the sun set and dozed off. Tomorrow, he’d go see Ratcliff.

Hours earlier at Cirque Du Duck.

Nega – Magica De Spell walked to a nearby window. She sighed, “So let me get this straight,” she said in both angry and annoyed tone. She addressed Drake first. “You went off by yourself to practice forming portals...without my permission or supervision. I was right to send Poe out to look for when you didn’t come home right away. Also, it seems you were planning to confront the Beagle Boys.” She walked to the other end of her caravan, and picked up a picture frame and signed. Drake had seen it so many times he knew what it was. It was a photo of Magica and the Macawbers sharing a meal together. Magica and the Macawbers became fast friends since she joined the Cirque. Within the few years she knew them, they made her an honorary family member. That is why she was the first one in line to adopt Morgana after the family was exterminated by the Beagle Boys.

She put down the picture. “Look,” she continued. “I know it hurts, but you are going to have to move on. Picking a fight with the Beagle Boys won’t bring Sergei back or the others. What it does is put a large target on your back.” She paused and turned stern. “Your actions today had put our operation at risk! If you hadn’t created that portal, Negaduck would be in the Negaverse right now where he should be! Not to mention what the Beagle boys will do once they regroup! As punishment, Morgana will replace you as my assistant during shows for 6 months, and you will be running extra laps for a week! That’s not even covering what your aunt is going to do to you when I tell her.”

Drake was in protest. “Your giving my position to a 7-year-old!?” he exclaimed. “Look, I know I screwed up big time, but this going too far!” Magica rolled her eyes. “Oh, give it a rest Drake,” she responded in annoyed tone. “Your ego could use a reality check anyways.” Negaduck snickered. However, with one look from Nega – Magica, he quickly changed his tune and went silent. Drake clenched his fist. “Be that as it may.” He countered. “I can’t sit here and do nothing. The Cirque can’t even pay rent much less the Beagle Boys. They came here today to do harm. I had to do something!” He looked Magica in the eye. “How am I going to be the Guardian of St. Canard, like you say I ‘m destined to be, if you keep me from protecting my home?” Drake’s voice was thick with sarcasm. He still didn’t believe in destiny.

Magica started at the duckling. Her mouth moved as if she wanted to say something, but decided against it. “It is not time for you take that role yet,” she answered in a calm voice. “All you need to do is trust that I know what I am doing.” Magica could see that Drake still had a hard time believing in magic. He had convinced himself, that his quadworth ability was a mutation. The witch didn’t care wither how he came to terms with it, all that matter is that able and willing to act as her champion. However, it seems that Drake was losing fate in her. He had no motive to go against Nega- Scrooge McDuck.

Magica turned her gaze to Negaduck. Negaduck stood attention and had a slightly worried look on his face. He knew he done it. Unlike Drake, Negaduck had motivation to act as her champion. His father had driven him over the edge and he wanted revenge. Sergei Starling is the current spymaster of Nega- Scrooge McDuck himself. Unfortunately, both Drake and Negaduck shared a stubborn personality and a complete disregard for the rules. Magica put her hand up to her head and rubbed the bridge of her beak. “I am honestly not surprised by you at this point,” Magica started, this was a normal conversation with Negaduck. “You were in trouble again because you were careless. 1st you lose your talisman. Then, when you get caught thieving, you led one of Nega-McDuck’s men to the Posi-Sanitatem.”

“It is not like I had much of a choice.” Negaduck argued. “It was the portal or the guard.” Magica didn’t miss a beat. “Don’t act like this couldn’t be avoided boy,” she barked. “This wouldn’t have happened if you haven’t stolen in the first place!” Magica eyed the bloodied chain saw that Negaduck had in his hands. “Also, you have done a pretty bang up job of keeping a low profile since you arrived in Posiverse.” She continued. “You angered the Beagle Boys by killing one of their own. Again, why do you risk discovery?” Negaduck looked her in the eye, slightly annoyed. “Because I am not going to live my life hiding from everyone! I like my freedom and I want to keep it.” The witch glowered at him “You won’t have free if you’re dead.” Magica retorted.

Magica walked back to the window and put her arms behind her back. “When we get back to the Negaverse, you will be confined to the Muddlefoot residence for half a year, and I will personally see that you stay there. The only time you are allowed to leave is with me. Just like Drake you will be running extra laps for a week. I have to create a new talisman for you and it will take a day to do so. So, you will be doing chores around the Cirque in addition to your punishment.” Negaduck didn’t protest. Yes, he hated the idea of beginning in “prison” for half a year, but he wanted to stay on the witch’s good side. His eyes went wide in surprise. “Wait,” he exclaimed. “I’m stuck in this world!? Douglass is going to flip!”

De Spell made her way to the center of the caravan and sighed. “Now that I have that out of the way,” she said. “I can make a new talisman, but there is a slight complication.” She paused. “Do any of you remember my lesson in how the Multiverse remains balanced and how it keeps quadworths from traveling around without limitation?” Both boys answered. “yes.” Negaduck answered shrugging. “No” Drake responded. Magica sighed. “You’re gonna get a lecture when this is over,” Magica said slightly annoyed. She recomposed herself and addressed Negaduck. “Negaduck, please explain the harmony between worlds.” Negaduck went quiet for a minute. “Actually,” he responded. “I lied; I don’t know how it works. I was hoping Drake had the answer.” De spell did a facepalm and ran her hand down her beak in annoyance. Drake snickered. “Kids.” Magica thought.

She swatted the both of them atop their heads. “Every migraine I get comes from the both of you.” she growled. “Anyways,” Magica continued. “The Harmony between Worlds is what keeps the multiverse stable and quadworths like you in check. If quadworths travel around the multiverse freely, it would tear up The Void causing a massive blackhole that would suck everything in around it. In short, the multiverse, and everything in it would end via being squished into a pebble.” She tapped her staff on the ground. It was her way of making sure she had their attention, especially Negaduck.

“So, to prevent its total destruction, the Multiverse limits the number of organisms traveling through the Void. It does so by not allowing any anyone to stay without someone taking their place. Same number in, same number out.” Negaduck gave her a confused look. “What does that have to do with getting back to Negaverse?” He asked. Poe flew over to Negaduck, “You didn’t come here alone.” The raven said. Poe reached under his wing and produced a Doberman puppy. Negaduck snatched up the small dog. The tiny hound opened his eyes and the first thing it saw was Negaduck. “I guess I need to name you, don’t I?” Negaduck asked. He had completely forgotten about it since he came to Posiverse. The pup gave him a confused look. Negaduck thought for a moment. “Killjoy.” He said. “From now on your name is Killjoy.” Killjoy didn’t have a clue as to what his name meant. He stuck out his tongue and kissed his “parent.” This caught Negaduck off guard, he even smiled a little. He quickly frowned. “We are going to have a talk about your cuteness.” Negaduck said sternly.

The duckling’s heart almost skipped a beat. “The soldier back in the alley!” he exclaimed. Magica nodded “Reid Talon must be sent back to the Negaverse with you.” she replied. Negaduck frowned “Wouldn’t it be safer to just kill him and you go in his stead?” he asked Magica. Drake interjected. “Is you first answer to every problem to kill it?” Negaduck faced Drake. “Hey, I might not have the greatest track record with thinking things through, but I am not stupid,” Negaduck shot back. “Powerful people in the Negaverse want me dead, and Nega - Talon works for them.” Drake still looked unconvinced. “Look, do you have a better idea?” Negaduck said in a slightly annoyed tone. He was getting tired of Drake’s biased mightier- than- thou- attitude. “Well,” Drake started. “Since, according to you, Talon doesn’t know what a quadworth is or that the Multiverse exist. I have practiced hypnotism; we can make him think the was dreaming or the like and he never left Negaverse.”

“We could do that,” Negaduck answered. “Provided the chicken hadn’t gotten himself arrested for being armed. You said it yourself. The possession of arms is not permitted in St. Canard.” Magica listened to the ducklings go back and forth on how to get Nega – Reid Talon back to Negaverse without him being the wiser. Each plan became less unintelligible than the last. Magica eventually interjected, when they had come up with a plan involving a kangaroo, a Viking helmet, and a jar of peanut butter. “Unfortunately, boys” the witch said, trying not to laugh at them. “Poe has already gone back to the alley and Talon was gone. We have to find him first before we even think about going back to the Negaverse. Finding Nega- Reid is our top priority right now.”

Magica walked over to her desk and went to work. She placed a blue saucer on top of it and open the drawers of her desk. From it, from it she retrieved a vile, claw clippings from some animal, and lastly a newt. The witch mixed the ingredients together and whispered incantations. She opened a box on the table contain various objects. Magic pulled out a green feather from the box and dropped it into the saucer. Orange smoke rose from the saucer and took form of St. Canard. It lingered for a minute before changing into a rooster then it dissipated back into the saucer. Drake watched as Magica peered into the dish. De Spell had often tutored him in the science of Alchemy. She picked up a scrap of paper off her desk and jotted down an address.

“Negaduck,” She said, handing the note to him. “Tomorrow you and Drake will go to this location. Talon should be here.” Negaduck took the note read it over, then showed it to Drake. Magica tapped her staff again and the boys looked at her in attention. “I know this bird’s path,” she said, tapping the note. “If you do not seem him at this spot tomorrow, come back to the Cirque immediately. He will come here.” Negaduck spoke up. “How do you do know that he will come here?” he asked. “Because I am a fortune teller.” Magica answered as if she had been waiting for the question. The curtain, that acted as Magica’s front door to her caravan, was flung to the side. A lanky female duck marched in, she had long grey hair and thin limbs. Morgana hid behind the entrance.

“Aunt Shera!” Drake exclaimed. “What are you doing here!?” he asked. Shera rushed him and gave him a hug like a frightened mother, nearly knocking Negaduck over in the process. However, she quickly released Drake and scowled at him. “Where have you been?!” Shera demanded. “You know to check in with me when you get home. Especially on the day the Beagle Boys come!” her expression turned back to fear. “When you didn’t come home, I drove to the school to see if you were there and Instructed Elmo to have you go wait for me at our trailer until I came back. When I did return. I found the trailer empty and your crossbow gone, and I knew what you planned to do.” Shera became angry again. “What were you thinking?! They could have killed you!” Shera pulled in Drake in for another hug.” Hell, if you scare me like that again, I’ll kill you myself!” she said in tears.

Negaduck watch the little family moment. He hadn’t had that kind of closeness with his own. The only family he had left was trying to kill him. Negaduck shook of a feeling of envy, he had to remind himself that he wanted nothing to do with Nega – Sergei. Drake got off luckier than he did. Shera broke herself away from Drake. “Who are you, and why do you look like Drake?” she asked Negaduck. “This is Negaduck,” Magica responded. “He is Drake’s counterpart from the Negaverse.” Shera gave him a look of concern. “I’d ask what happen, but news travels fast through the grapevine in Cirque Du Duck.” Shera Anyway, Morgana said you were here, Ratcliff is holding an emergency meeting at the fire pick regarding the Beagle Boy attack. He wants everyone there.” Magica escorted everyone out of her caravan. “Very well,” she said. “We shall finish this discussion later.

”The fire pit was filled with people, everyone looked scared. They had buried Luiseno, well what was left of him. There was no sign of Elmo Sputterspark. The crowd was a buzz, frantic stages hands muttered about possibly leaving town. Others thought to beg for forgiveness. Negaduck never understood why these people didn’t finned for themselves like they did in the Negaverse. Come to think of it, there wasn’t even a Cirque Du Duck in the Negaverse. “Did something happen to it during the Anasian War?” Negaduck thought. It was certainly a place to check out after he got back. Negaduck to notice of Drake slipping away as if he didn’t want to be follow. So naturally, Negaduck tailed his counterpart out of the crowd.

Drake was sure he was alone. He reached into his pocket and retrieve raw beef he had bought from the market earlier that day. The duckling made his way to the open field at the back end of the Cirque’s property. Hidden amongst the grass, was a trapdoor. It led to a cellar the cirque used in case of a tornado. Drake opened the door. “What are you doing?” a voice aske behind him. Drake nearly jumped out of his skin. He whirled around to see Negaduck standing on the other side of the trapdoor. Killjoy poked his head out from Negaduck’s coat and let out a small yip. Negaduck pushed his head back him in. Something down in the cellar barked. “No, stay!” Drake said in a command voice. “What’s down there?” Negaduck asked. Drake shut the wooden trapdoor with a slam. “Nothing.” he replied.

“You were just talking to a door; you are a terrible liar.” Negaduck deadpanned. Negaduck walked to the other side of the trap door and opened it up. A flurry of white fur jumped out of the cellar and forced Negaduck to the ground. Negaduck was met by the snarling teeth of a large white wolf. A low growl came from Negaduck’s coat. Killjoy crawled from beneath it and put himself between the wolf and Negaduck. The tenacious pup stared down his elder. “Snow,” Drake said raising his voice. “Heel!”. The wolf calmed and walked over to drake. “I am sorry,” Drake apologized. “She’s about to have a litter, and is a little territorial. She picked the cellar as her den.” Negaduck pulled himself up. Killjoy was still glaring at Snow. “Killjoy!” Negaduck hissed. “Unless you want to become her dinner, stop challenging her.” The pup bowed his head and went back under Negaduck’s coat.

Drake unwrapped the raw beef and tossed it in the cellar. Snow went after it, knocking Negaduck down again, and disappeared into the cellar. Drake closed the trapdoor and locked. “So, why do you have a wolf in there.” Negaduck asked, getting up and dusting the dirt off himself again. “I suppose, someone would have found out about her eventually,” Drake said. “Just please don’t tell Shera. She’s –“ Negaduck cut in in a deadpan. “Is an overprotective parent.” Drake sighed. “Yes,” he answered. “She’ll have a cow.” Negaduck could somewhat relate to Drake on this. Douglass would always flip out anytime Negaduck would not come home for days, though he knew the duckling could take care of himself. The old goose is going to have a heart attack when finds out that Negaduck got stuck Posiverse for a day and half. Negaduck will never hear the end of it.

”Anyway,” Drake continued. “A few months back, she escaped from her transport confinement on a train. Snow was on her way to join some rich guy’s private zoo in Rio De Squawk. However, the train had an accident, causing Snow’s cage to fall out of its boxcar. She was injured in the process. Long story short, I found her, treated her wounds, found out she was pregnant, and set her up here.” Negaduck frowned. “So, it didn’t occur to you to call to call the local zoo?” he asked. “It did at first,” Drake responded. “But they don’t have the greatest track record. They have been caught red handed smuggling diamonds in animals for the Beagle Boys.” Drake went quiet for a moment. “That gang has their hand in everything in St. Canard, even the police, you have to be careful who you trust.”

“It wouldn’t be so bad if you eliminated the problem” Negaduck retorted. Drake turned to Negaduck; he was still upset over Negaduck’s brutal attack on the Beagle Boys. “Because,” Drake growled. “I not about to kill someone, even it would make me no better than the Beagle Boys.” Negaduck knew he hit a nerve. “So.” Negaduck responded. “They only speak one language, best to learn it, otherwise they will continue to terrorized St. Canard, because they can. Trust me, I would know.” Negaduck paused. “I’m not a stranger to people like them.” Drake started to make his way back to the fire pit. “I just can’t determine someone’s fate like that.” Drake said before he turned around back to Negaduck. “Why should you?” Negaduck thought for a moment. “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it much,” Negaduck responded. “I guess it’s just instinct to hack a guy to pieces when he threatens you with a machete.”

Drake,” a voice called from across the field. “We are about to start, who is that with you?” An elderly rat came into view. “Mr. Ratcliff,” Drake said. “This is Negan, my cousin.” Drake grabbed Negaduck’s arm and dragged him in the direction of the camp. Drake didn’t want the old man to discover Snow. “Sorry,” he said. “We will see you at the fire pit.” Ratcliff put his hand on Drake’s shoulder. “Hold it young man,” Ratcliff instructed. Ratcliff handed a dog bag to Drake. “Your friend in the cellar is eating for more than one.” Ratcliff continued. “Be sure to give this to her.” Drake and Negaduck looked dumbfounded. “How did you know Snow was down there?!” Negaduck asked. “My boy, there is not much around here that I don’t know about.” Ratcliff answered. Ratcliff approached Negaduck and looked him over.

“Magica had told me that everyone had a counterpart in the Negaverse,” He said. “Just didn’t expect the them to look exactly like us.” Negaduck didn’t know what to make of the old man. He was close enough to Magica for her to tell him about the Multiverse, and knew exactly who he was. “But where are my manners,” Ratcliff continued. He took off his hat and bowed. “As already well know, my name is Bart T. Ratcliff, owner and proprietor of Cirque Du Duck.” Ratcliff stood up again and put his hat back on his head. “Come now boys,” he said. “Everyone is waiting, go find Shera at the fire pit.” Ratcliff escorted the pair back to the crowd were Shera was waiting.

“Where did you two go?” she asked. “We went to let Killjoy go do his business.” Negaduck lied. Drake gave a sigh of relief, he was afraid Negaduck would rat him out after Snow jumped him, or that he was just as bad as liar as he was. Then again, Negaduck was his opposite. He wasn’t a bad person, at least Drake had no reason to believe he was, but his “act – first- ask – questions - later” way of thinking was definitely going to be a problem in the long run. Drake thought it best to be wary of his yellow-clad counterpart for the time being. However, Negaduck right about one thing. The Beagle Boys will never learn until someone says no more to their bullshit. If nobody did, things won’t get better for anyone.

The crowd grew quiet when Ratcliff appeared near the center of the fire pit. “I assume we all know why know why I have called this gathering” Ratcliff began. No one said a word, but Negaduck could feel the eyes of the camp peer into him. Negaduck could recognize some of the faces from the crowd, they were present when he had attacked the Beagle Boys. His mind began to race, Negaduck had killed may times before, but only benefited from it until now. “Earlier today,” Ratcliff continued. “The Beagle Boys came to Cirque Du Duck. However, as I was told, they left in a hurry after one of their own was killed. This place seems to be a beacon for death isn’t it?” A voice shouted from the crowd. It was Goose Lee. “It was that Negan kid,” he said pointing out Negaduck from the crowd.

Ratcliff stopped his speech and eyed Lee. “If you ask me, we should give the little monster to the Beagle Boys, maybe they will forgive us.” Lee continued. Negaduck slide his hand on to his chainsaw, he wasn’t going down without a fight. “Now, now Lee,” Ratcliff said as if Lee was a child. “We can’t make any rash decisions here. We don’t even know if the Beagle Boy think we are responsible for this.” Ratcliff scanned the crowd before continuing. “It seems that Elmo has yet to return, until then we cannot say for certain what the Beagle Boys plan to do.” Lee glowered at the ringmaster. “Even so,” Lee shot back “This kid killed someone without reason, he is dangerous we need to get rid of him.” The crowd began to murmur in agreement. Several people surround Negaduck, he wrapped his hand around starter.

Shera grabbed Negaduck's shoulder and pulled him close to her protectively. “Lee don’t you dare lay a hand on him!” she barked. This took Negaduck aback, Shera barely knew him and yet she was ready to face a potential mob to defend him. “Besides,” she continued. “Everyone knows you have been pining after Ratcliff’s job for years. This is just another stunt to make him look bad.” The murmuring continued and Lee turned his menace to Shera, who had called him out. Ratcliff chuckled. “It’s true that the child did kill one of them,” Ratcliff said. “However, the Beagle Boys came to do more than just pick up protection money.” Ratcliff gestured to the crowbars, bats, and other weapons on the ground. “According to witnesses, Thick threaten to harm the boy, so this is a matter of self-defense.”

Goose Lee didn’t miss a beat. “You may be right,” he said. “But there is a difference between self-defense and hacking a guy to pieces.” Ratcliff rolled his eyes at the old goose. “Negan, is member of the Mallards family,” Ratcliff said. “The Mallards have been a part of Cirque Du Duck for generations and we protect our own.” Ratcliff’s tone turned serious. “Besides, if Negan and Drake didn’t act and the Beagle Boys attacked, it would have been a lot worst.” The crowd grew quiet again. “Elmo is not here,” Ratcliff continued. “It is most likely that he is with the Beagle Boys.” He paused. “Though Elmo is a member of their gang, he works as my spy.” The murmuring started again, very few knew of Elmo Sputterspark’s involvement with Beagle Boys.

“We will wait until his return figure out a course of action.” Ratcliff instructed. “Until then we stay put. However, I would advise that we lock all our doors tonight and travel in groups.” Silence fell among the cirque troop again. “This concludes our meeting,” Ratcliff said calmly. “Have a nice evening.” After a few minutes the crowd began to disperse. Negaduck, The Mallards, Magica, Morgana, and Ratcliff remained. Ratcliff’s eyes fell upon Negaduck. “Magica had filled me in on your predicament.” He said. “Since you are stuck here, do you know where you will be staying the night?” Morgana chimed in. “We have the guest tents; he could stay there.” Ratcliff shook his head. “No,” he said. “I might have said that the troupe couldn’t lay a hand on him, doesn’t me they will listen.”

“He will stay with us,” Shera said. “We have the extra room.” Magica spoke up, “Than it’s settled. Negaduck will stay with Shera. In the meantime, I will begin working on a new talisman.” The witch’s gaze fell upon Drake and Negaduck. “This doesn’t change anything,” she said. “The both of you will go into town tomorrow, find Reid Talon, and bring him back to the cirque.” The boys nodded and followed Shera back to her trailer. Morgan skipped back to Magica’s caravan. Ratcliff waited until the trio was out of sight. “Do you think it wise to lie to them like that?” he asked Magica. “When they learn the truth of Nega- Reid Talon, you might lose their trust, at least Negaduck’s.”

Magica sighed. “I need to see how they work as a team,” she answered. “They won’t have a choice down the line, and I need to know if they can do it. Counterparts are notorious for fighting one another.” Magica went quiet. “It won’t matter in the long run. At some point down the line, they will be on their own. Certain events will happen, and both ducks will want to bring down Nega-Scrooge McDuck.” Magica began to walk back to her caravan. She turned to face Ratcliff. “The Cirque is lost and you know it.” She said. “Why do you stay?” Ratcliff sat on a nearby log and pulled out a pipe to smoke it. “I have hope that the cirque will pull through,” he answered. “It has for so many years. However, I am not about to put everyone in danger if that is what you’re thinking. If Elmo is not back by tomorrow evening, I’ll have everyone pack up and leave.”

Magica left. Ratcliff was alone smoking his pipe and watching the fire die out. Unknown to him, he was being watched. Goose Lee hid behind a nearby stand and had heard Ratcliff’s backup plan. “Sorry, Ratcliff, he said barely above a whisper. “Elmo will not be returning, not after I report this to F.O.W.L.” The criminal organization had paid Lee handsomely to keep an eye on Ratcliff and the Cirque Du Duck. Posi – Talon had already radioed to him that Elmo was taken care of, and ordered Lee to make sure nobody left the Cirque. By the time Ratcliff realizes that his grandson is not coming back it will be too late. Lee had hoped to get in touch with Talon regarding Negan. However, the radio wasn’t able to pick up his line. Lee thought it was weird, the line they used usually worked. The goose figured he try again in the morning. He snuck away and left Ratcliff alone at the fire pit.

Meanwhile

Negaduck instantly felt sick when he entered the trailer. There was nothing wrong about the home, in fact it was completely normal, and that was the problem. Negaduck was used to living in war torn St. Canard, and was reminded that the Anasian War never happen in Posi – Sanitatem. The dwelling was covered in family photos, some were of Sergei Mallard, a duck that actually cared for his family. Negaduck shift his gaze back to Drake. A feeling of envy surged in his mind. He wondered, that if Sergei Starling was a good man, and didn’t take Nega – McDuck offer’s, would his mother still be alive? Would he actually be happy? Negaduck shook the thought from his mind. What could have been didn’t matter. “I need to focus on my main goal” he reminded himself. Sergei Starling was going to die by his hand for his crimes, and nothing was going to change that.

Shera went to the far side of the trailer and opened a cabinet. She proceeded to unloaded several bowls and a large pot. “We are having beef stew tonight,” she said. Shera opened the small fridge next to the cabinets and frowned. “Looks like I forgot the milk again.” She continued. “I will need to run to the store and get some.” Shera grabbed her purse and headed to the door. The parent eyed her charges as she put her hand on the knob. “Don’t leave the trailer under any circumstances.” She said sternly. “I mean it.” Shera took the key on the hook next to the door and left. Drake and Negaduck were alone in the trailer. Killjoy wiggled his way out of Negaduck’s jacket and hopped to the floor. He sniffed around his new surroundings. The pup eventually made himself comfortable in a pile of laundry on the floor.

Negaduck could hear Shera start the car, and listened. Once he was sure she was gone, he bolted to the door and looked out its window. He grabbed Drake’s crossbow and shoved into Drake’s hands. “Come on,” Negaduck said making his way to the exit. Drake looked a little confused and annoyed. “Where are we going?” Drake asked in a concern tone. “Why do I need to bring my bow?” Negaduck checked the windows, he had a paranoid looked his face. “I might be under Ratcliff’s protection, but that can only go so far.” Negaduck replied. Drake placed his crossbow on the floor. “Don’t you think that maybe you're taking this a little too far?” He asked. Negaduck stood by the door with his hand grasped around its handle. “I’ve got a way of reading people,” Negaduck said. “I don’t trust Goose Lee; he was way too quick to go against Ratcliff.” Drake interjected. “Lee is always like that.” he said with a hint of annoyance.

“It is not the fact that he went against Ratcliff that worries me.” Negaduck said in a serious tone for once. “It’s that people were ready and will to follow him. It seems he has been persuading some of the cirque.” Drake crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow. “Look,” Negaduck “You said it yourself, the Beagle Boys have their hand in everything, even the police. If they are that organized, then they probably have eyes and ears everywhere. Including the Cirque.” At this point Drake was getting fed up with Negaduck’s paranoid behavior. However, he wasn’t wrong. Lee was constantly running against Ratcliff, and came close to taking control of Cirque Du Duck. The only reason he wasn’t able to was because Posi - Scrooge McDuck owned the land it was on and would have kicked the Cirque Du Duck from the property if Lee took over.

“We can’t trust him or anyone other than your aunt, Magica, Poe and, Radcliff.” Negaduck said. Drake approached his uneasy counterpart. He slowly reached for Negaduck's chainsaw, and relieved it from him of his blade. “True, we can’t trust most people,” Drake responded. “We can’t just sit here hold the fort all night.” Negaduck slammed his hand into his fist. “Your right,” he said. Negaduck grabbed his chainsaw from Drake. “It’d be much simpler to get rid of the problem permanently.” Drake moved between Negaduck and the exit. “No!” Drake exclaimed. “If you do that, it will warrant Lee’s point, and Ratcliff won’t be able to stop him.” Negaduck groaned in defeat. “I hope I don’t regret listening to you.” he said. Negaduck went to over to the nearby couch and slumped right in.

Drake gave a sigh of relief. He grabbed a chair, placed it front of Negaduck, and sat in it backwards. “While we are on the subject of who can and can’t trust.” Drake said, his tone turning serious like Negaduck’s. “We both know we can’t trust Goose Lee, that is a given. It’d be wise to keep an eye on him for the time being. However, there is another person we should be wary about, and probably investigate.” He paused. “Nega - Sanitatem Magica De Spell.” Negaduck sat up from the couch. It was his turn to be skeptical. “Why do you suspect her of foul play?” he asked. “Doesn’t she need us to fulfill some prophecy?” Then again, she is very reluctant to share any information, regarding the supposed dooms day. Any time he or Drake asked about it her reply is always the same. All you need to do is trust that I know what I am doing.

“You might be able to read people, but I can see the environment and facts.” Drake responded. He got up from his chair and picked a book from the bookshelf. Drake return to his seat and showed it to Negaduck. It was an old leather-bound book filled with loose papers and sealed shut with a leather buckle. On the books cover was a silhouette of a raven and a female duck. At the bottom of the illustration was “Property of Clan De Spell”. “Magica lent it to me,” Drake started to explain. “Said I could use it to study alchemy.” Negaduck took the book from Drake and flipped through the pages. “What does this have to do with Magica?” he asked. “Why are you even studying alchemy? I thought you didn’t believe in magic.”

Drake took a slight offense to Negaduck's remark and took the book back. “Alchemy is not magic!” he said. “It is a science of changing matter from on stage to the other. To answer your other question, I’m only learn the science because I think it can add a certain flare to my act.” Negaduck wanted to argue that alchemy was a form of magic, but decided to agree to disagree. Drake thumbed through the old book. Once he found the page he was looking for, he showed Negaduck. “This is what worries me.” Drake said pointing at the page’s title. “Tracker’s Potion”. Drake handed the book back to Negaduck. “Earlier, back at her caravan, De Spell made this potion to track down Reid Talon.” Drake explained. “However, in order for it to work, you need something that belonged to the thing you’re trying to track.”

Negaduck read the page that listed the ingredients needed to create the potion. Magica had followed the recipe to the letter. The only thing she used that was not listed was a green feather. “Do, you see the problem?” Drake asked. Negaduck shook his head. “I assume that it is green feather she used,” he replied. “And the feather belonged to Nega – Reid Talon.” Drake took the book from Negaduck and put it back on the shelf. “Don’t you find it odd that she had it in the first place?” Drake pressed. “Or that she knew his name before you told her?” Negaduck got up from the couch. “Come to think of it,” he said. “That’s true, and once more she was quick to answer as to how she knew where he be. “I am a fortune teller,” she says.” Negaduck said, imitating her voice.

“Yet there was nothing in her book that could explain how she knew where he was going, and going to be.” Drake continued. “Negaduck looked to the floor. “Who even is Reid Talon anyway?” Negaduck asked. “Why is Magica so sure he will come back here if we don’t find him first?” Drake shrugged. “I don’t know,” Drake said sadly. “What I do know is that there is more to this than she is telling us.” Both ducklings grew quiet. Negaduck went to the couch and sat back down. He thought he knew the witch, but now with what Drake has revealed, he began to wonder if he knew at all. “Now what?” Negaduck asked his host. Drake produced a cardboard box from a compartment underneath the table, and placed it on top. “Now,” Drake answered. “All we can do is wait until morning.” Negaduck read the name on the box “SORRY”

1 hour later

Drake and Negaduck were on their 3rd round of the game of sweet revenge. It was a nice distraction from the day’s events. It was also used as an opportunity to learn about each other’s world. Drake got a real prospective of just how bad it is over in the Negaverse. Magica wasn’t kidding when she said Nega -Scrooge McDuck was a vile man. Negaduck seemed very interested in the technological advancement of Posi-Sanitatem. He said the Negaverse was behind because of Anasian War, and any that were made, were used by Nega – McDuck’s forces or the rich. Drake pondered if the mysterious patron of the Beagle Boys were to continue with their corruption, would Posiverse head the same way as the Negaverse? Drake shook the thought from his head. He told himself he was over thinking it.

Shera entered the trailer with groceries and set them on top of one the counter. “O.K.,” she said, washing her hands. “I will start cooking, while you two clean yourselves up. You reek.” Drake cringed; it was the first time he realized since the fight with the Beagle Boys, that he was covered in dirt and grim. The Duckling cared very much for his appearance. “Dibbs on the first bath!” he exclaimed and ran down the bathroom. “It’s just a little dirt Drake,” Shera said annoyed. “It’s not like you preforming anytime soon anyway, your grounded remember?” Drake stopped in his tracks. “I still have to work the concessions stand during the next show,” Drake replied. “I still represent Cirque Du Duck, and I doubt costumers want dirt in their food.”

Shera frowned. “You might have a point there,” she said. “However, tonight’s show is cancelled due to the Beagle Boy attack. We are not about to endanger costumers if they decide to attack again.” Drake went silent. “I see,” he said. Then disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Negaduck alone with Shera. “Take your coat off and I wash it for you. Just put in that bin by the couch.” She instructed. Negaduck did as she asked, it was nice to for someone to do something for you without wanting something in return. That kind of generosity, or any generosity in general, was rare in the Negaverse. Negaduck placed his yellow coat in the bin, and a bag with two syringes a smaller bag of powder fell out the pocket. Negaduck had completely forgotten he had drugs on him.

Shera’s eyes flickered. She snatched up the bag before Negaduck could react. Negaduck was used to getting a chewed out by Douglass anytime he caught him with the drugs. Yet one looked at Shera’s furious face and he knew she was going to be worst. The exit was blocked off by Shera. Negaduck braced for what was to come. The yelling, the screaming, and what- the-were-you-thinking. “What is this?” Shera asked in an inquisitive tone as she waved the bag in front of his bill. “It depends on how bad it looks.” Negaduck replied trying to play coy. “Negaduck,” Shera said in a warning tone. Killjoy emerged from his nest to see what was going on. “Drugs,” he replied not even trying to cover it. Negaduck might like the idea of getting pinched, but if he was gonna it caught, he was going to own it.

“Heroin?” she asked, examining the bag in the light. “Yes.” Negaduck answered. Shera walked over to a chair adjacent to the couch. “I haven’t seen this in ages.” She said sniffing the bag. “Well not since Sergei cut me off.” Shera eyed Negaduck who hadn’t moved. “Why do you have this anyway?” she asked. Negaduck was prepared to answer that. “Because it is an addictive chemical,” He deadpanned knowing a lecture was coming. He was used to the same song and dance from Douglass Muddlefoot. “It is bad, I know but I don’t care.” Shera gave a hurt and confused look. “That’s why you refuse to stop.” She responded in calm tone. “I asked why you took it in the first place.” Negaduck couldn’t understand it. He was prepared for a shouting match. Not to be quizzed on his life’s choices.

“Back when I was beginning high school; Sergei and I were in a car accident that killed our parents.” Shera continued. “Sergei got off with a few bruises, I however, suffered broken bones, and cuts from the windshield. They kept me in the hospital under a lot of morphine until the Sanitatem Trance did its job. Unfortunately, the trance can’t heal the mind, and I got hooked on morphine.” Shera looked at the small bag as if she was tempted. She put the bag on the table. “I wanted more,” she said. “When the hospital didn’t give it to me, I found heroin as the alternative. The only way I could get the drugs was through the only people that would deal the drug with the cirque.” She sighed. “The Sputtersparks.”

“I spent my life savings up that point on the White China, and thought I kept a well-guarded secret.” Shera started to cringe of the thought the subject, but pressed forward. “Naturally, Sergei found out and he confronted me.” Shera continued. Negaduck wondered why she was telling him her sob story, but didn’t interrupt. Anything to avoid a lecture. It was unusual to hear of Sergei in a good light. “He pleaded with me to stop, I was a mess and in deep with the Sputtersparks. When I refused, he took matters into his own hands.” Shera pick up a framed photo of the wall. It depicted a younger Shera and Sergei; they look old enough to be teenagers. “Sergei reported the Sputterspark’s underground business to the authorities, before the they came under the Beagle Boy’s influence.” Shera continued.

“He didn’t tell them that I was buying their product.” Her tone turned somber. “My brother also waited until after the Sputterspark’s had their son Elmo, so the child wouldn’t be born in jail. It was at Elmo’s mother’s request. Even in the end, Sergei Mallard wanted to help people, even criminals.” Shera put the picture back and wandered back to the counter, picking up the bag. “The whole experience was enough to for me to learn to hate the vile drug. I haven’t touched it since then. Serge on the other hand, wanted to help people like me, so he decided to become a doctor.” Shera picked up the bag then looked at Negaduck. “However,” she carried on. “You and I both know that Nega – Sergei would never have done that. Magica told me all about what kind of man he is.” Her voice turning to disgust.

Magica had been sharing information about him with her, he wondered if Douglass knew anything about Drake. “He abandoned you,” She said. Negaduck could feel his blood boil at the mention of his name. “I never needed my fath- that man.” Negaduck said angerly, he was trembling. Shera raised an eyebrow. “Of course not,” Shera responded. “He does seem to scare you though.” Negaduck’s face went red. “I-I m not scared of him” Negaduck said in a foul tone, but he couldn’t look her in the eye when he did. “Oh, really?” Shera replied. “You still wear a mask, yet you know his quadworth capabilities can’t take him out of Nega Sentitatem, you ran from a guard because he could have exposed you to Nega- Sergei.” Shera stood up. “You have been uneasy since you set foot in this trailer. Is because you see the face of the man who took everything from you, upsets you?”

Tears began to burn down the duckling’s face. For the first time in years, he was going to have to relive the day his mother was taken from him and he was powerless to do anything. Had nothing really changed since then? Was he still the weak boy he was before? “I’m going to ask you again, and this time I want a straight answer.” She said sternly. “Why do you have this!” Negaduck wiped away his tears. “It started out as way to easy the pain after I got into street fights and illegal boxing rings.” Negaduck began, it was the first time he had been honest with himself. “Medical supplies, is hard to come by in Nega – St. Canard.” He explained. “At first, I took it as need, but then...” his voice trailed off. Shera urged him to continued. “Go on.”

“It became an escape,” Negaduck went on. “Magica’s Prediction has everyone in the Muddlefoot Syndicate watching my every move. Douglass wants me take over when I older. They think I’m some born leader, but I’m not! I am just scared kid, who wants nothing to do with it!” At that point Negaduck was shouting. “My greatest fear is that, despite how hard I train, or no matter what I do. I’m still the same weak child that should have died in the Void!” Negaduck was breathing heavily. Shera tossed the bag to the floor and knelt down. She wrapped her arms around him. “Its O.K.” she said. “It is not weakness to remember or to have doubt.

”Negaduck fell silent. He didn’t know how to react. He used to being treated like the trouble maker he was. He mostly had to fend for himself in the Nega – St. Canard after N.S took over. Sure, he had Douglass, but the goose only cares about N. M’s prophecy and keeping Negaduck alive to do it. Herb was his best friend, but even he began to distance himself from him. No one had really cared about him in years until now. Negaduck held on to Shera, slumped to the floor, and cried. He hadn’t done so since he lost his mother. After several minutes, Shera brought Negaduck to his feet and wiped his face. “Sometimes a little catharsis can go a long way,” She said. “Feel better?” Negaduck nodded and even cracked a smile.

Shera picked up the bag of white powder. “Do you still want this?” She asked. Negaduck stared at it for a moment and took the bag. “No,” he answered. “but Douglass is going to want it back. Besides, I don’t need a crutch.” He shrugged and looked off in a different direction. “Negaduck...” Shera said in a warning tone. Negaduck told the truth. “Fine, I was going to use it to drug Reid Talon, and drag him back to Negaverse.” Shera rolled her eyes. She didn’t approve of Drake and Negaduck going to look for this man tomorrow, nor the fact that Negaduck wanted to drug him. At least it was better than the boys’ idea of a kangaroo in a Viking helmet. However, if getting this Reid Talon into Negaverse was the only way to get Negaduck home she was onboard with it.

“You know,” she said. “You and Drake have a tell when you lie. You shrug and avoid eye contact.” Negaduck look surprised. “Really?” he asked. “I’ll have to remember that the next time I talk to Douglass.” Shera changed the subject. “Let’s get back to making dinner.” She said. “I assume you know how cook meat?” Negaduck caught himself before he shrugged again. “No,” he answered. Shera however, wasn’t fooled. “Then there is no time like the present to learn.” She replied grabbing the ingredients and a large pot and made her way to the door. “Come on.” She instructed. Negaduck followed and opened the door for her. Killjoy could sense that everything was going to be ok and went back to sleep.

15 minutes later.

Drake exited the trailer. Negaduck and Shera were talking as the stew cooked. They greeted him as he made his way to the small fire they had started. Drake noticed that Negaduck wasn’t in a hurry to get back to the Negaverse anymore, and he had was in better spirits. Negaduck went inside the camper to take his shower. He had told them this the first time he’s had hot water in years. Killjoy came outside as Negaduck came in, the Doberman smelled the pleasant aroma of dinner. “Ratcliff came by.” Shera said. Her tone changed to that of worry. “Elmo has still not come back yet. He is worried about him.” Drake was also concerned by this. It wasn’t like Elmo to not check in with him. The rat loved Shera’s cooking and never miss out on dinner with them.

Negaduck returned 10 minutes later. Drake scooped him a bowl and handed it to him. “Really!?” Negaduck exclaimed. “I can have this much?!” Drake was taken aback. He had briefly forgotten that Nega – St. Canard was a war-torn area. “Negaduck must find first world problem really annoying” Drake thought to himself. Once they had finished their food and fed the scraps to Killjoy, they return to the camper for the night. There was still no sign of Elmo Sputterspark. Drake wondered what could have happened to him. He shook his head. There was valid reason for Elmo not have made contact, given current events, he might be trying to be extra cautious, so he would get found out. Drake had known Elmo for years, he was fine.

Back at the Electrical Plant.

Posi- Reid Talon couldn’t comprehend it. He sat across an empty lot at café, smoking an overpriced cigar. The empty lot was once the electrical plant. The Electrical Plant had caught fire had burned down in the afternoon. Agents he had in the force said it was caused by an electrical discharge, but it wasn’t the electric chair. That was destroyed before the fire. Megavolt and Burger Beagle were missing to. Ma Beagle had reported that Burger hadn’t returned to the junkyard and Thick hadn’t seen him either. Talon didn’t know if Megavolt was alive or dead, which concerned him. The rooster might have brainwashed him, but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t still loyal to Ratcliff. Sure, it was obvious that Megavolt hated the old rat, but Talon didn’t deal with maybes. Talon couldn’t contact his agent in the Cirque Du Duck either. The radio that they used to keep in touch was lost in the fire. Talon blew out smoke. “I guess it can’t be helped.” he thought. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Chapter 7

https://masked-mallards.tumblr.com/post/190919389774/masked-mallards-the-multiverse-and-everything

Chapter1

https://masked-mallards.tumblr.com/post/190578269234/masked-mallards-the-multiverse-and-everything

#Negaduck #negaverse #darkwing duck #megavolt #nega steelbeak #Steelbeak #oc #fanfic #Beagle Boys #ma beagle #negawing duck #nega magica de spell #morgana macawber #Goose lee

7 notes · View notes