Beyond our masks.

Summary: As far as the Mcduck clan know there are no more secret between them, or at least that's what the triplets and Scrooge thought. Now, shortly after Magica's defeat more troubles arrive, and in the middle of this is a parrot, a rooster, and an android.

Notes: English is not my first language…. So excuse my errors, I will try my best. This fic it's actually a mash up of several concepts of Donald's adventures and alter egos, such as the duck avenger (Paperinik o Pk) or the legend of the three caballeros.

And also I can't write Scrooge's accent.

Post shadows wars.

"When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free."

•Catherine Ponder

Disclaimer: I do not own Ducktales

Note:

Since Panchito, Donald and José have magic I'm borrowing some spell and concepts from J.K Rowling.

But her universe belongs to her.

I got a cover image! All Thanks to Nobody's Silent.

Guess what! The fic got a new fan art, the lovely You Big Palooka! (Tumblr) commissioned a great piece of art made by mariposasky (also on Tumblr)

To see it go to Big Palooka's Tumblr, this chapter is dedicated to both of you.

Notes:

Now, there's something you must know and it will be mentioned in the story in the future.

Every magi is classified in a group, and it depends on what kind of magic they use: White, Black and Grey.

Black magic users: Not all of them are evil, and not all of them are as powerful as others. Most of them are powerful, and their magic is corruptive, letting a small trademark on its user. They're all silver tongues and manipulative, experts on mind control spells. And they're incapable of healing spells.

You must be born with dark magic, since anyone who tried to learn dark while being a White user went mad with power.

Famous users: Magica (her trademark, her green feathers and yellow eyes) José (his trademark, his hands are slightly burned, so he wears gloves to hide them)

Grey magic: They are very unusual users, and it's more like a condition than anything else. A grey user is born when a white user is possessed or cursed. So they are capable of doing black magic, and still being able to do healing magic, they're in the middle of both benefits, but are caught in the middle of the problems too, since the black magic cost them a lot of energy. They must have a lot of training, so they don't go bad, their eyes also change, when they use White magic their eyes glow blue, when they use black their eyes glow purple.

Famous users: Donald, after he was temporary possessed by Felldrake.

White magic: most of the magic users are white users, they can be as powerful as the black and grey ones. They can use healing magic, and protective magic. Their eyes glow White or blue.

Famous users: Panchito.

I'm answering this question.

Q: PixieLight13

What are your opinions on the somewhat mean-spirited nature in DT17? It kind of upsets when the so-call loving family acts needlessly cruel to each other but it's never called out on it because they learned a lesson and hug it out (The House of the Lucky Gander, The Depths of Cousin Fethry, Moonvasion). I'd be fine if it was just harmless ribbing or regular family squabbling, without coming off as toxic to the point of wondering why we should root for this family to stick together.

A: I'm gonna be honest here, I kinda hate this family's dynamic. They're indeed toxic and if you notice, the one who's the most toxic and probably the origin of the problem is Scrooge McDuck himself. And, I mean look at him, even in the comics he's the one who made the rift in his own family. Then, he has a rough relationship with his sisters, then with his nephews, cause if you notice. He only has problems with his nephews since Della blindly follow every command or idea Scrooge says. Contrary to his nephews, whom have a very remarkable personality, different from his.

Feathry, is too electric, airhead softy bun. He follows his heart, his gut and trust his instincts. So, obviously, Scrooge doesn't want someone so unpredictable on his team.

Gladstone, he's too free spirited, lazy and blessed. He lets himself be taken by the flow, fully knowing his lucky would be safe and anything he does would work. Of course, Scrooge doesn't want a slacker while he works so hard.

Donald, he's the most likable in Scrooge's opinion, but not Daring enough. Donald likes to act according to a plan, and team work. Not just follow orders without thinking, like a good mindless soldier. And Scrooge's takes that as mistrust and disobedience.

To Scrooge, anyone who doesn't think like him doesn't deserve respect, that's why his bad relationship with his sisters and nephews. And since he finds okay to treat badly the slackers he encourage that behavior on everyone influenceable enough. Just notice how the kids started to disrespect Donald more and more as the seasons went on. And the teaching, according to Scrooge McDuck is that it doesn't matter how much your family is hurting you, you must suck it up and give them what they want. Instead of, you know….. work it out.

Chapter 12: Unwilling traitor.

Elvira's eyes snapped open, startled as loud bangs echoed In her house, down the hall where the principal door is. The old lady frowned, wondering who would visit her at this time, she turned her gaze towards her window, wondering if she overslept.

But no, she didn't.

The skies were no longer dark and with Stars, but it wasn't blue either. The few clouds that were in the sky were hit by rays of light painting the sky with all sorts of colors from orange to purple. And there in the distance, at the horizon, was the source of the light. Then again, several and more desperate bangs on the door made her alert, her house is on the outskirts of the city, with nothing but cornfields to see, that's why she had only a very few unannounced visitors. Let alone at this hour, sighing she took a bathrobe and put on her glasses, wanting to silent her visitor before the banging wakes Gus up.

The constant banging was getting on her nerves, whomever is on the other side of the door is going to have it. "Coming!"

Her fragile hand wrapped around the old rusty doorknob, barely holding her temper, but she nearly fell in shock when she opened the door. "Gladstone…..?"

Gladstone blinked back at her, a green car, badly parked by the looks of it, behind him in bad shape. The duck was half dressed, not good for a snowy weather, Only a thin white blanket around his shoulder to cover him, his usually impeccable dress shirt stained with vomit. She felt her rage flare in her stomach, this boy had not only an affair with his cousin's fiancée, bit is also an alcoholic. Maybe it was a consequence of having his little perfect lucky world crumbled beneath his feet, looking more haggard than she remember. His eyes were empty and haunted, he swayed on his feet.

"Grandma…."

With a growl she harshly grabbed his shoulders with more strength that intended, not caring if this man was her grandson or half naked in front of her, all she could see was a liar. She forcedly got the duck hybrid inside her home, closing the door behind. The smell of vomit and alcohol made her furious, she wants to slap that face into oblivion for what he had done to his own cousin.

"Grandma."

His affair is officially over, she knows, but he can't ignore the fact of Gladstone bedding his cousin's fiancée and didn't lose a single night of sleep, with a frustrated sign she turned around, not wanting to talk with him at the moment. But, as she was about to leave but Gladstone grabbed Elvira's hand.

"Grandma…. Please, not you too…."

"Don't touch me!" Elvira's temper got the best of herself, Pulling away from her grandson with a look of anger spreading on her expression. "Do you have any idea of what have you done!?"

Gladstone violently flinched, softly whimpering as he never saw this side of Elvira before. Grandma Duck was so kind and thoughtful toward everyone, even Gus.

Gladstone could never forget her generosity for taking him in, just after his parents died. He remembers the Summers he spent here, along Donald, after they were expelled from the Junior Woodchuck camp.

"Stop crying, Goddamit! Get up!"

"I didn't knew any better!" He crawled towards her, looking indeed pathetic, not like his prideful self. "I'm ruined, I'm helpless."

Gladstone wants to hold Elvira, to feel the warm in her arms, just like before, but grandma firmly pushes herself out of his reach. "No, Gladstone."

Tears were streaming down his bowed face, landing on his knees, his body started shaking. With a howling cry, Gladstone finally lose it, he cries, letting out loud wrecking sobs. He began to beg, incomprehensible for his crying, asking this kind hearted woman to not leave him alone with his uncle, or at the mercy of Donald's friends.

"Please! Grammy, help! I can't….. I can't PLEASE"

Despite not knowing either he was serious or was all of this an act, she let her guard down. She walked closer to him, and Gladstone as soon as she was on his reach, he clung at her legs, hiccupping from his crying.

Inside her, there was a war at morality. She wants to slap and scream some sense into this boy's head. But at the same time, her duty as his grandmother and guardian forces her to at least listen to his side of the story, and have some context of his actions.

But never a justification, there's never a justification for cheaters. "Tell me why, Gladstone."

He let out a whine, as her slim hand caressed his head, soothing his pain, almost like magic. "I wanted to feel alive… w- everything in my life is fake."

"Your magic always provides you." Elvira said flatly.

"In a way, yes." Gladstone whispered, wiping his tears. "But, like I said….. nobody likes likes me for the real me, All they wanna do….. All they wanna do, grammie."

"What, Gladstone? I don't understand."

"Grandma, I think we can all agree I'm a ten amongst these threes."

She doesn't need Gladstone to clarify who's referring to. Gus too lazy to try anything, Feathry too airheaded to hold any interest, Abner too strict and Donald too temperamental. She rolled her eyes, but said nothing, just letting Gladstone talk.

(All you wanna do)

(All you wanna do, baby)

"Ever since I was a child, I'd make the girls go wild." He said, remembering those days. Where he only needed the attention, and the… benefits. "Take my music class partner, Clarabelle Cow, we were young, it's true but even then I knew…. The only thing they wanna to do."

Now, Elvira raised an eyebrow, dreading were this conversation was going.

"Tall, dark, sexy Mannox, she taught me all about dynamics, we were seventeen but we acted like thirty." He explained, blushing a little as he spoke. "We'd spend hours strumming the lute ... Striking the chords and blowing the flute."

Now, Elvira was a pretty strict person, one who like to talk property, but even her can understand those innuendos.

"She plucked my strings all the way to G, went from major to minor, C to D." He casually said, not looking a bit ashamed for sharing such private matter. " she even asked what I needed, What I wanted, you don't need to plead."

He paused, his words struck on his throat, his tears freely falling from his eyes. " I felt the chemistry, Like I get her and she get me."

Gladstone stood, resting his body against the wall, looking at the photos on the telephone table. Among them, one of his mother and uncles.

"And maybe this is it, she just cares so much, it feels legit." He said dreamily. "We have a connection, I think this gal is different."

"But it wasn't." Elvira said, noticing his grandson demeanor. "all she wanted to do was touch me, love me, can't get enough, see."

(All you wanna do)

(All you wanna do, baby)

"Is please me, squeeze me, birds and the bees me. Run your fingers through my hair, tell me, I'm the fairest of the fair." He let out a sob. "Playtime's over se said. The only thing you wanna do is…"

"She left you after that." Gladstone nodded, hugging himself.

"She even went to prom with another guy, Horace… She wanted to get him jealous enough to ask her out."

"Oh….. Gladstone."

"But then there was another girl, Magica DeSpell." As soon as the name left his lips his grandmother swore, her fingers fiddling with her marriage ring.

"Serious, stern and slow. Gets what she wants, and she won't take no." Gladstone explained, this time, he blushed and his smile was genuinely longing. " Passion in all that she touches, the sexy mercenary to the title of shadows."

Elvira was a very patient woman, and consider herself a compressive one as well. But having his grandson admit he was with a very powerful witch was another level, not to mention she's his uncle's mortal enemy. "We in her castle, had a duty to fulfil, she even used my favorite quill. Spilled ink all over the parchment, her wrist was so tired."

And more innuendos, this boy had been busy it seen. She wonders if Donald is like that as well, then shook her head at that stupid idea, even at his rebellious phase he was a pretty obedient boy.

"Still I came back the next day as she required….." the younger duck, fresh tears appeared on his eyes. "And this time, I'm the one what she need, all she want, she don't need to plead. Cause I feel the chemistry, like I get her and she get me."

Elvira felt her headache getting worse, but at least Scrooge apparently doesn't know about this. Heck, even her that doesn't really know the witch wants to punch Gladstone for that kind of behavior.

"And I know this is it, she just cares so much, this one's legit. We have a real connection, I'm sure this time is different." He forced a smile, his voice was raw at this point. "Again, she touched me, loved me, couldn't get enough see. Please me, squeeze me, birds and the bees me, we couldn't wait a second more to get her corset on the floor…. But then, Playtime's over."

"She used you to get to Scrooge, didn't she?" Elvira asked with a frown.

Gladstone nodded slowly, not saying anything else. Elvira's frown deepens, hating that he wasn't giving a further answer she had hoped. She's growing both, frustrated and worried about Gladstone, but it was the closest she has to a lead in regards to her grandson's reasoning.

"Gladstone, listen… Just tell me your story, I will listen until you're done. And then we will talk about it, like the mature adults we are, and you will listen. Does that sound fair?" she asked gently.

Gladstone licks his dry lips, curtly nodding. "see, that didn't work out, so I decided to have a break from girls and you'll never guess who I met."

'Are you serious!?' The older duck exclaimed on her head. "Tall, slim, Roxanne Featherly, Supreme head of the Duckburg press."

Gladstone paused, Elvira glared, expecting some kind of compliment for the journalist, but he said none, shrugging he continues his tale.

"Commonly revered, although you wouldn't know it from the look of that hair." Elvira grimaced at the roast, but like promised, she just stood there.

"Made me her assistant in charge, our relationship hurled me and her up in the top. Gave me duties in studio and she swears it's true that without me, she doesn't know what he'd do." Elvira remembers that time, the whole family thought Gladstone finally would set head, and take the responsibility of an adult life. But according to the Mcduck pamphlet, that was during the time he and Daisy started flirting.

"She said I'm what she need, all she want, we both agree. This is the place for me, I'm finally where I'm meant to be." Gladstone explained, didn't dismiss Elvira's questioning look. Fully knowing soon he will have to tell his most intimate moment, but right now he's just enjoying the venting.

"Then she starts saying all this stuff, she cares so much, she calls me love. She says we have this connection…I guess it's not so different" Gladstone said dismissively, as he looked at his grandmother with a deep frown. "All they wanna do is touch me, when will enough be enough? See, all they wanna do is squeeze me, don't care if they don't please me, we bite our lips and pull our hair. As they tell me, I'm the fairest of the fair….. The only thing you wanna do is…"

She can hear the bitterness in his voice, and somehow, deeply, she wants to feel empathy for him. But, in the end, does this kind of suffering a free pass to cheat with your cousin's fiancée so close to the wedding. "Gladstone, I….. never mind, continue."

The hybrid let out a shaky breath, his tears drying and his cheeks burning with shame. His breathing getting harsher, turning around, resting his face against the wall. The green clothed hybrid began to talk, what he knew.

"So after a while we got engaged…..Woo." Roxanne never made that public, wanting to throw a big broadcast, we even have several rehearsal. He explained, unlike the others cases, he's going to tell something he swore he would never tell. "With Roxanne, it isn't easy. Her temper's short, and her gals are sleazy. Except for this one girl, she's a really nice gal, just so sincere."

His shoulders were shaking slightly, and the old lady can tell he's crying. "The working life isn't what I planned, but Daisy is there to lend a helping hand. So sweet, makes sure that I'm okay, and we hang out loads when ours partners are away."

Gladstone sighed sorrowfully, his words struggling to leave his beak. His heart was beating against his chest, and he watched as Elvira's eyes widened in a slight anger. But, before she could make a temper tantrum scene that would make too much noise, loud enough to wake Gus up, Gladstone spoke. "This girl, finally… Is what I want, the friend I need. Just mates, no chemistry, I get her and she gets me."

Gladstone's eyes locked onto Elvira's and each of his carefully memorized moments were thrown in his face by the look he briefly caught on Elvira's face.

"And there's nothing more to it, She just cares so much, she's devoted. She says we have a connection…" His beak trembled as he was trying very hard to not cry. "I thought that time was different. Why did I think she'd be different?."

Elvira walked forward, the distress evident in Gladstone face, and despite her anger, she held out an arm to him. He launched at her, holding her as his life depended on it, his fingers pressing the fabric of her robe.

"But it's never, ever different, 'Cause all they wanna do, grammie….. Is seize me, squeeze me, birds and the bees me. There's no time for when or how 'cause you just got to have me now… Playtime's over."

Playtime's over. Horace Horseshoe.

Playtime's over. Scrooge McDuck.

Playtime's over. Donald Duck.

The only thing….. Getting her boyfriend back.

The only thing….. Getting her revenge at.

The only thing you wanna do is… Playing back.

"What happened to you is sad, Gladstone." Elvira admitted, adjusting her glasses. "But…. That doesn't excuse what you did to your cousin."

"Of course not, doesn't it?" he said, trying hard to keep his emotions under control. "He was always your perfect little boy."

Elvira didn't say anything, since he was right in some sense. She always had a soft spot for Donald, and there's even a silent agreement within her grandsons that is Donald the one who inherit her wedding ring.

Gladstone folded his arms, briefly enjoying his victory, then lowered his gaze at the floor and let out a small sigh. "He always wins what really matters….. he had real friends, real lovers not only Daisy and Donna, but also that weird chick, Herneae."

"That's the problem, isn't it?" Elvira asked with a flat tone in her voice. "First time you don't have your way, you destroy Donald's happiness."

Gladstone's scowl deepened and he clenched his fists. "Why Are you so mean!? Don't I deserve a bit of sympathy?"

Elvira sneered, her eyes hard. "Are you really that high on your own hype that you really think you deserve sympathy?"

"I was being used!" Gladstone stepped back, surprise and hurt by his grandma sudden outburst. "Why can't you just understand, I loved her…. I love her…. And–"

"Why are you always blaming him for everything?! Why can't you just leave him alone, Gladstone?!" Elvira interrupted as she threw her hands in the air and glared at her grandson. "Why can't you accept your part of the blame and try to apologize."

Gladstone squeaked, chewing on his bottom lip until it bled as Elvira frowned back at him angrily.

"I'm sorry…."

"It's not me you should be apologizing to….." She sighed, crossing her arms across her chest. "Gladstone, I'm sorry too…."

Gladstone's eyes focused on her, his mouth wavering a little. "What? Why?"

"Ever since your parents died…." The older duck hesitated, the pain of losing not only one, but the three of her children still fresh in her heart. She had lived the nightmare of every parent three times too much, and had to come on top to raise the children. "I tried to give you the best household, support and love I could give. And maybe, that's what it doomed you…"

Several memories flashed through her mind, remind her of the time she should had put her foot down and told Gladstone off. Not doing his chores, making everyone else's chores more difficult by not helping or even convincing Feathry and Della to ignore their duties to go and play. Leaving all the work to Donald and Abner, which lead to a lot of resentment from both of them. Donald, bless his heart, put his feelings aside for the sake of the family, swallowing that resentment down, waiting to explode. Abner, on the other hand was very different. He was always disciplined, and could barely tolerate his mother and brother's loony behavior, and since his brother always left him behind to play never got over it. As soon as he could he left, and cut contact, only giving his number to Donald and herself, making them swear they'll never share it with anyone.

"I wish your parents had been a little stronger." She whispered sadly. "I wish they stayed around a little longer"

Yeah, he too.

"I wish your family were good….. I wish we grown-ups understood!" She half sobs, half yells. "I wish we'd talked before life convinced you love is war! I wish you could've trusted me…."

Gladstone just stood there, he opened his mouth to say something, but suddenly a new voice broke the tension.

"Gladdie….?"

Both ducks jumped, heads snapping towards the stairs, where a sleepy looking goose stood, frowning. "What's going on?"

Much to Gladstone's credit, he reacted faster than his grandma. He walked towards the goose, putting his hands on the larger Bird.

"Hey, sleepy bean." He said, his voice uneasy. "What are you doing awake? It's way too early for you."

Gus didn't say anything, he just kept looking into nothingness. Gladstone even suspect he's sleep walking, but suddenly he spoke.

"You hurt Don."

It was awfully direct, sharp and even though the words didn't held any malice, it hurt as if they were. Gladstone could feel fresh tears threatening to fall, but before they could fall Gus took Gladstone's hand and started to guide him towards the bathroom.

"Come, Gladdie." He muttered. " You smell."

Elvira watched as the cousins went through the hall, heading towards the bathroom. She signed, and decided she wanted to sleep a little more before making breakfast.

[••••]

Max yawned, pretty tired as he spied his parents' room, he spent the whole night making sure his father stayed home. Uncle Donald was right, once his father noticed the duck's absence, and never called back, he tried to search for him, even Sylvia was up to help. He could barely make up a lie about his uncle calling to inform he was going out with Panchito and José, and that was enough to fool him.

After 3 Am he decided it was enough for the night and went to bed, falling asleep quickly. But now, at 6 Am he's getting ready to go out for his morning jogging. It's kind of funny how life can change a routine. He was never a morning person, unlike his father, who's a morning Bird, he never liked being awake early than necessary.

But that changed after PJ's attempt, he remembers that day clearly. He was sleeping late, and willingly ignoring his cellphone, it rang for almost an hour before it stopped. He wrongfully thought it was just another phase PJ was going through, like the one with his haikus girlfriend. The same one who boosted his confidence, but suddenly had to leave the country to study abroad. She ended things friendly, and tried Best to keep contact with PJ, unsurprisingly the texts and calls grew less and less, and she moved on with her life. PJ was depressed, he almost dropped out of the semester, which he didn't. Thanks father's threatening of disowning. Max's biggest regret would always be not taking his friend's anguish seriously, quickly dismissing it as drama.

After all, himself went through the same pain with Roxanne, and he turned out fine. So, he hoped it would be the same with PJ, but it wasn't. That morning after all the ringing stopped he continued to sleep, barely noticing the family home phone ringing. His father came into his room shortly after, serious and sternly told him to get dressed. He barely spoke during the ride, and it wasn't until they were at the hospital's parking lot that his father told him about PJ' suicide attempt, PJ was weak and possibly would not make it. He mindlessly followed his father, noticing that Bobby was already there, crying.

Crying. That image send dread though Max's blood, Bobby never cries, unless it was something really bad. Everything going forward felt like a dream, Bobby muttered something and left, pale as a ghost. When Max was allowed to see his friend he was in hysterical tears, once his eyes confirmed PJ was indeed there, he broke. Before anyone could react he ran, he ran and ran until his legs gave up and fell, people glared at him like he was crazy, but he didn't care, he just cried. He blamed everyone for PJ's incident, his father, Pete, his mother, his sisters, that poet girl himself and Bobby. His self hate tirade grew stronger when he got home and saw all the missed calls from PJ.

PJ got better and he got the help he needed, his father made sure to that, their relationship grew a bit after that, and Max was truly happy. After the whole ordeal Bobby, PJ and Max went to therapy, and each of them created a healthy coping mechanisms. PJ writing, Bobby painting and Max running.

There's something oddly pacifism in the slightly burning pressure on his legs as he runs, Max muses as he fasten the laces of his running shoes. That's his routine for the past months, his eyes open like clockwork every day at 6 AM. Yawning, Max splashed cold water on his face to fully awake, he consume a yogurt, and then fully clothed he's ready to leave. He carefully walked down the stairs, the most quietly possible, since his parents should still be asleep. Once outside of the building he jump up and down few times, he rolls his shoulders and stretch warming his body. As he start to run through the snow, he find himself wondering about the strange weather of Duckburg. It's been two days since he moved here with his family to support uncle Donald, and he's still trying to acclimate to the change. It feels weird to be the center of attention as he sprint along the quiet Path that runs near the McDuck mansion, since he's been recently known as the son of the man who slapped the heck out of Scrooge McDuck.

Max snort as he stopped to think about this particular turn of events, glaring back at the few people muttering about him, then he glances at the mansion. His heavy breathing brings him back to the present and his tiredness made him realize he's at the end of his self imposed trail. He starts slowing down to cool off, as he's resting out of the corner of his eye he saw a black flurry that disappears behind a distant tree like a bolt of heat lightning. His head snaps at the direction of the tree, trying to find what that thing was, he hasten his steps in effort to catch sight of the thing. He saw it speeding down the street by the time he got near the tree, he sighed frustrated, not being in any shape to catch it, not after the miles he already covered.

Shaking his head Max turned back, making his way back to his temporary house in a moderate pace. Max was almost home, he could almost taste the breakfast Sylvia was surely doing. When he was running near a tunnel, he was suddenly grabbed from behind, a rough hand covering his mouth, preventing him from screaming.

But he did. He scratched, screamed, kicked and pushed, but he was being dragged towards the dark tunnel. Max's heart beat was rocketing through the roof, as he was dragged further into the darkness , his muffled screams growing weaker, before he knew his back was slammed against the wall. The hit caused the breath to be kicking out of his lungs, stars dancing in front of his eyes. When his sight clears he can barely see his attacker due the darkness, but can it's a woman, Max tried to break free and run, but the silhouette's grasp was too strong for him. The silhouette then lifted Max by the throat with a single arm, proving this monster was strong beyond words. "Her" hand closed more tightly, causing his air supply more and more, the point where whenever Max tried to breathe he only managed to scratch his throat.

Max was dying, he knew. It was a hard pill to swallow, but he was dying. He wanted to pull away but didn't have the strength nor the energy to do so, he was weak and defeated. He let his tears run freely, his thoughts going to father and step mother, and their unborn child. Max, in a rush of adrenaline he struggled once more, but to no avail. Max's rasping and kicking seemed to amuse the monster greatly, as he could hear her giggling in delight.

She got into his personal space, her forehead rested against his, her yellow eyes burning into his own.

"So, you're George Goof's son." She says, purring. "You have grown up a lot since last I saw you."

The only response she got was more rasping, that amused her enough to soften her grip on him. " Sorry, kid. I got a little bit excited, I hold a against your father and uncle."

With a gasp, he took a deep breath, breathing the best he can. His eyes wide with terror, now knowing this monster was after his father and uncle.

"You know, I'm kind of mad…. I wanted to get your dad to help me with a job." She hissed "But that FUCKING duck got in the way."

Max's felt like he was passing out, not sure if it was because of the strangling but for the sudden revelation of uncle Donald's foresight. For a bit, he was relieved that he helped protect his father.

"That duck is smarter than McDuck's given credit to. He totally saw our game, and protected a very useful piece, his bishop." She gave a bitter laugh, raising her free hand. "But, he made a mistake. He oversaw you, and that mistake I won't make."

It was then when Max noticed the strange looking stick on her hand, the stick had a glowing crystal on the tip. His blood ran cold, his survival instincts kicking in.

"We may have lost a bishop…" She said, her eyes glowing like a ravenous beast. " But we can still use a Horse."

Through his teeth, Max muttered the first thing it came to his mind.

"G- go… f- uc- k your-s-s-elf."

A hint of anger appeared on her face, before it was replaced by fake hurt.

"Oh, such a dirty mouth for a Goof, is that the kind of education your father gave you?. Perhaps some manners need be taught. Imperio!"

A red beam shot out of the wicked witch's wand and hit Max in the chest before he could react. A weight settled over his mind, bidding him to do the witch's will, he tried to fight it to not avail. Then, that weight also settled into his heart, turning him into a complete puppet, for some reason it wasn't uncomfortable necessarily, but it didn't feel right in any sense of the term.

The witch smiled, proud of her work, fully knowing it was successful. The unruly teen stopped fighting, his eyes lost the fear present on them, leaving a blank look, she let go of him, and Max stood there, waiting for her to give him orders.

"There, much better." She said, a smug smile on her lips as she caresses his cheek. "Now, you're a well behaved young man, don't you? Come on, don't be shy, answer."

Max nodded, his movement sloppy, but that can be fixed. "Yes… I'm well behaved."

"Good. But now, I must decide what to do with you." She said, her hand stocking her chin. "On one hand, you're just a teen and let me tell you… I already had one doing this job, and she messed up."

She let out a loud growl, red with anger at the remembrance of that recent betrayal. Her magic , responding to her emotions, but she forced herself to calm down, not wanting to make her presence know to other magi. Max remained unresponsive at the emotional rant, his dull eyes looking forward.

"Like I said, on one hand you're just a stupid, a brat at that." Max kept silent, she rolled her eyes, mildly annoyed at her one sided conversation. "But, you have a spark, kid. There's something about you, I can see your memories…your , for that I can see your stubbornness apparently knows no ends."

She stepped back a few steps, her eyes glowing, her brain drinking all the information her victim was silently giving her. "You're self-conscious to the extreme in everything you do, and care of other's opinions of you… to the point you're willing to burn bridges, or at least you used to be that way. Now you're a bit less worried of anyone else's opinion."

The witch mindlessly played with her own hair, her long wand ready to attack any intruder. She was so filled with hatred for the duck and his family that if it was up to her, she would just kill this boy as revenge, but she knows better than make her new ally angry.

He needs him alive, he will get him alive. She walks towards Max again, and without a warning slapped him across the face, her long leaving a mark.

"And yet…" she pants. "I can sense a bit of myself in you, I sense the same darkness that made me into who I am at the same age. Although it's far less pronounced in you, but with a proper grooming… you could be my favorite shadow. What have you to say about all this?"

Max didn't say anything, the imperio curse forced him to remain silent. The witch blushes, forgetting for a second time of the effects of the curse.

"Ahh, sorry!" She blurted out, her blush. She faked a cough as she pushed an inky lock of her hair behind her ear. "I forgot you can't speak freely now, as you are merely an extension of my will. Now, Let us see what you are truly made of."

The witch moves her right hand, conjuring a golden serpent shaped bracelet. "Your left arm please."

Obediently he held up said arm, and she fasted the bracelet around his left wrist, carefully hiding it beneath his white glove.

"There, with this little bracelet it will lend you a bit of my power, and believe I'm taking a risk. The last time I did this I got betrayed, my power decreased a bit. But! If something goes wrong I can just snap your neck and be done with it."

The boy in his trance estate didn't flinched at her threatening glare and he was looking at her with glassy, dead eyes. "You're going to be my shadow, my eyes, my ears and my heart. Be a nice son, nephew, be as innocent looking as you can be. But you will have to be smart, and spy on them, gather information and when the time comes….."

The witch slowly ran her fingers through the teen's messy black hair and then she mumbled soothing words as she gently examined the bracelet on the teen's wrist. "Kill your father. And please, do try to do it… fast."

With that, the shadow witch stayed another half an hour with her new servant, teaching him everything he needs to perform his part.

[••••]

Gladstone relaxed as the hot water washed his body, soothing his stained muscle. Gus, despite his personality can be very empathetic with this things, helping him by washing his hair. He needs to be more sneaky if he wants to live in peace, he at least need to be less noticeable.

"Gustav…"

Gus just hummed in response, mid stopping his current chore.

"Gustav, can you…help me dye my hair?"

"What?" Gus exclaimed.

"I wanna be a bottle blonde…" Gladstone said, half asleep. "I don't know why but I feel conned"(*)

"ugh… Why me?" Gus asked, his hands still washing the vomit off Gladstone's hair. "You guys have always said I'm too clumsy."

Gladstone let of a frustrated groan. "Look, I know what I said….. but, Gus, I really need to be less noticeable."

"But, blonde?"

"It's because of mama…. She was blonde." Gladstone said, his mind getting clear through grief. "And besides, I've never dyed my hair before and I want something new"

"Okay…. I guess."

"Thanks a lot, sleepy bean Oh, by the way, I was wondering how to dye my hair. You should know, right? You always helped Donald when he was through his emo phase."

"Oh, yes…I know how." Gus was a bit annoyed with Gladstone, he was acting like nothing was happening, but after that show he threw downstairs he'll have to play along. "humm, let me…. Well, first you wash your hair, we have done that."

" Yeah… thanks for that."

"– then we put the dye in, let it sit for about an hour or so... depending on how your hair is going to react, and if it doesn't come out as blonde as you want then we just repeat it." Gus said, shaking his hands and walking towards the sink, on which one of the drawers have the item he needs.

Gladstone followed Gus with his eyes, watching as he searched for something. "What are you doing?"

"Looking for your dye… believe it or not, but I won a hair care kit in a raffle on the grocery store a few weeks ago. I was kinda mad, I wanted the McDonald's gift card, but oh well… I'm not the lucky one."

'No… you're not' Gladstone thought. ' My luck helping by giving others things they don't want, when all of this is over he needs to take Gus out for a meal.'

"Aaaaand of course, the kit include a hair dye, a blonde one no less. What a coincidence, right?" Gus said his voice full of sarcasm, which surprised him. Gus was never know to be a smart ass, he's just a quiet dude, never really speaking his mind. "Well, let's do this."

Gus took the bottle out of the drawer, He popped it open and poured a lot of it into Gladstone's hair. He watched the black glob sink into the roots of his feathers, corrupting them from a snowy white to a Butter yellow. Gus watched the change happen, starting to use his fingers to mix it in. Gladstone closed his eyes, trying not to think much about what Gus was doing to his hair. After a few minutes, he opened his eyes and asked Gus for a mirror, the lazy goose complied quickly, and now Gladstone could see his cousin's work.

Gladstone gasped at his reflection, it was hard to process his partly new look, but still he needs a bit more of change to avoid being recognized.

"Gustav…. Can you add a little more before cutting my hair as well"

"Cu– cutting your hair?!" exclaimed Gus, almost dropping the dye bottle.

"Yes. I know you can, you used to do Della's hair." Gladstone said that name without thinking much about it, not fully caring about Gus flinching at it. The name is still a taboo, even after eleven years.

"All right… I'll do it."

Seeing Gladstone's hair nearly entirely blonde put a stain into Gus's mental health, as he was helping a cheater get away. But, on the other hand, Gladstone's fall off glory could affect grandma's business for helping the oppressor, just like it happened to uncle Scrooge's. With a sigh he put in another yellowish glob onto his hair feathers and mixed it in.

He let the glob sit for a solid hours, which is spent in an awkward silent, making Gladstone nervous. After a few minutes more of waiting for the dye to sit, Gus took the scissors grandma Keeps in the drawer and began to trim some of his feathery hair, almost professionally, if you add. The goose making sure that his feathers wouldn't turn to a super spiky state, and his usually wavy hair was now a straight blonde one, military cut that was totally different. Gladstone watched the blonde strands fall into the lukewarm, Muddy water, slowly piling up one after another. Even though he's annoyed as hell, Gus tries his best to do Gladstone's hair, and looking back at his work, he's proud of it. His cousin's hair was nowhere as smooth as usual, but the hairstyle was definitely adequate for the situation. After he was done, Gus handed the mirror to Gladstone, the latter holding it up, his lips tight in a grimace as he looked at himself, hair dye dripping onto his shoulders, and some other down his face.

"I like it…" Gladstone muttered.

"Really?" Gus asked, not quite believing him.

Gladstone didn't responded immediately, staring intently at his reflection, didn't recognize it as him. But, it must be done, and Gus did an amazing job, so he kept staring at himself, and hoped to realize it was him that he was looking at.

This was his new him.

He's free.

"Yes. I love it."

[••••]

"Hmmm"

"So, it is legit information?" Asked Paperinik, his sternly hazel eyes glued at the computer.

"It is." Uno said, his floating head turning towards his partner. "Not only that, but a very detailed information, maps and ID keys."

"Good to know."

"In fact… this information is too precise to just be laying around just for you to take." The AI glared at his partner suspiciously. "So, old cape. What did you do to have this?"

"Oh, you know, just… fighting around…." Paperinik said awkwardly, his face a bit red.

"Fighting around?" Repeated Uno, his voice showing his disbelief.

"Fighting around." He affirmed, puffing his chest out to look confident, but his twitching eye destroyed his act.

That eye twitching told Uno everything he need to know, so he just said. "Fucking your ex?"

Now Paperinik's face was as red as his costume. "Fucking my ex?"

Unknown to Paperinik, a vein popped up on Uno's forehead, whom annoyance towards his best friend's recklessness is making him unusually mad. "Are you?"

The eye twitching increased, his face extremely red and sweaty, lips trembling. "No."

Uno raised his eyebrow, incredulous. "Good, because that'd be bad."

" How bad?"

"They would have to kill you."

"That's bad." Paperinik gulped, touching his throat, unfastening his suit.

" Indeed." Uno said, then noticed the hickeys around the vigilante's neck. The duck taking off his suit completely, not being ashamed of being naked in front of Uno. He folded his suit, and stored away his shield, then he went to take a shower.

"Donald… we need to talk about the last patrol." Uno said calmly, the AI rewinding the footage of the security cameras of the city.

"What about it." Uno heard Donald's answer from the medical bay where the bathroom was located. The AI was not only analyzing the footage, but also the readings of the suit.

According to the suit readings, there was a sudden spike on Donald's vitals during the fight. But what worried Uno the most was the anomaly on his brain waves, for several minutes they… "fused" with another signal, it looked like mind control. Uno really wanted it to be mind control, but the analysis revealed that everything Donald did was under his control.

"You used an unnecessary amount of your force against your enemies." Uno said, his voice monotone.

"The stress is getting harsher, turning into anger daze. It will not happen again." Donald promised Uno in a little voice, sounding more like a scolded child.

"Donald–" The AI was exasperated, his partner could be too stubborn for his own good.

"It was just a little mistake."

Uno was tempted to go inside his android body and beat some sense onto Donald. But he decided against it, knowing the situation they were in was intense, and Donald has already his hands full.

"Very well, Donald." Uno said hesitant to let Donald have his way, but for the time being, he will play along. "Take a bath, I'll dress your wounds after you finish that. Then, I'll feed you"

"Hey! I'm not a pet for you to care!" Barked Donald, causing Uno to laugh.

Donald heard Uno laugh, leaving a warm feeling inside him, but quickly got replaced by sadness. He's running out of time, he knows, thanks to his damned fate, he's dying when he's doing so well in life, fate comes in and spat him on the face

He's crying, frustrated as he walks towards the bathroom on the medical bay, thinking about any feasible option he have. By the time Donald stumbled through the doorway, his mind was already shattered, tired and out Ideas. The mental stress and physical pain from the last few days was already catching up to him, his body was unbelievably tired. Donald considered a miracle he managed to drag his butt the hallway that lead into the bathroom. Carefully and minding his wrist injury, he spun the pipes open of the bathtub, mixing between the hot and cold water. He took a deep breath, taking in the hot stream, relaxing his throat and lungs, the tub was filled, the water was at the perfect temperature, soon after the room was steam up.

Perfect, Donald thought, the heat would always help. At least, according to Herneae and Panchito, the heat was the best for healing, also the Mexican rooster said one must always search for the heat drive to live and fight. And in Herneae's case she's a great heat healer, fighter and Chi-Blocker, a fine ally he met during his service in the military. She was a local warrior from her home island, taught of the mystic art of heat healing, the treatment for muscular pain. She was a shaman of some sorts, not only knowing how to heal using heat, but also the creation of potions and ointments, products she still sends to him from time to time.

She, to this day is still am available ally, and confident of several of his secrets. He met her under a false name during his service, and after he saved her homeland she opened up to him. Herneae grew closer to him, taught him the arts of ninjutsu, healing and Chi-Blocking.

He owns her a lot, she was his first partner in , teacher and his first time. Donald blushes as he remembers the lost of his virginity, the cheers of Panchito and José as he told them, and the unavoidable break-up. They weren't meant for each other, both agreed as they discussed the issue, and it was more of a horny crush that died once the deed was done. But even so, she still help with anything he needs, and he'll do the same.

Donald picked up certain bottles, recently gifted by her to help him through his "security guard" job. He carefully drips a few drops of each bottle of sweet smelling, curative herbs into the water. He's exhausted, and honestly he doesn't even want to go out to meet mickey, but he gave his word. Whatever, he doesn't care, he could just heal himself with his magic but right now? He's been aching for a hot, quiet bath for days, he can't even remember the last time he got one. It was always adventures, missions, shadow wars, death prophecies and love triangles, he need a break. When his tired body enters the steaming water, Donald sigh heavily. He is very busy day ahead, but right now all that mattered was the steam floating into the air and hanging below the ceiling. He sniffed the room, pleased with the sweet essence that filled the air.

The oils and herbal essences were doing their magic, his wounds hurting less and his back didn't ache as much as before. His mind was clear, even empty, the herbs relaxing him to point where he didn't have to think too much in the bathtub. After a few minutes, he used his elemental magic to "waterbend" some of the water, turning it into an ice pack for his partially swollen beak. He came out of the bathtub, being careful to not slip and get even more hurt, he continued to press the ice against his beak.

Donald then walked towards the sink, went into the cupboard behind the mirror to pull out a box of Band-Aids. He put down the ice to grab the Band-Aids, he put a bit more of ointment on the wounds, then peeled out a bunch of Band-Aids to put it on his face. It concerned him a little, seeing how dark the bruises started to get, and that they would be very noticeable.

Whatever, he will worry about it later. After taking care of his face, he went back to the medical bay ready for his meeting at 8, a fresh

change of his suit was waiting for him in a chair, next to the bed. Once ready, he was now sitting on the meeting room, where he usually eats whenever he stays in the lair, Uno having his breakfast already served.

Donald grinned, thanking his partner for the meal as he sat down to eat. He devoured the food in front, feeling his partner's eyes burning behind on the back of his head , so he paused his eating and asked.

"What do we have to do today, Uno?"

"You have a day full of activities." Uno informed Donald, who didn't expect that kind of answer. "First, WE must go to the docks and meet up with your friend Michael."

Donald wanted to protest to the idea of Uno going with him, since he doesn't have a great relationship with him. "Okay…. And?"

"Then, you go to work like always, try to not get in trouble." He half scolded him, but then added "And as soon as you end your shift you need to come here, Gizmoduck will take you to S.H.U. S. H 's headquarters.

Donald, who was drinking orange juice upon hearing about the last part, spat his drink out of shock. He coughed a few times before he regained his breath he voiced his concerns.

"What!? Why?"

"Well, My dearest friend. You must remember that beating you gave to those guys, not only that, but Gizmoduck is part of that organization and want to know why he is involved in any business with you, a person who is still on trial for your actions with the death of one of their agents."

"Oh…. Ok, I will go."

"Lastly, you have the good fraternity party that Glomgold is organizing." One remind him, causing him to nod, thankful as he had forgotten. "Remember, you along with José and Francisco are the stars of the show."

"Thanks, One."

One smiled, genuinely. "Any time, Donald."

[••••]

"I'm home!"

Goofy paused his cooking to greet his son, turning off the stove. "Maxie!"

He knows better than to call his son that childhood's nickname, he knows it annoys him, but he as a father can't help himself. But today's surprised to see Max not bothered by his slip up with the nickname, at contrary, he's beaming at him. Goofy smiled genuinely back at him, then noticed the scratch marks on his son's cheek.

"Maxie! What happened to your cheek?" Goofy asked, frowning at the injury.

"It's nothing."

"But… Max, these marks." Goofy voiced his concerns about the scratch marks, carefully caressing them. "They look like… nails marks."

Max abruptly caught his father's wrist with his hand, holding it tightly. "Like I said, father, I'm fine."

Goofy closed his eyes, pushing his worry down, deciding to let it slide. "As you wish."

"Where's uncle Donald?" Max asked.

"He's out working, and getting ready for the dance tonight."

"Oh…?" Max said. "Are you going to go with him?"

Goofy's eyebrow raised, his confusion visible. "Yes? He invited us. Don't you remember?"

"Oh… yes, maybe the stress made me forget about it." Max feigned innocence, the act being enough to fool Goofy.

"Well, there's nothing my chocolate chip pancakes and hot cocoa cannot fix! Let's go!"

"Yeah…." Max muttered. "Let's go."

[••••]

It was late.

HE was late

Why is he even surprised, the avenger is well know of being a irresponsible bastard towards those who doesn't seen worthy enough to him. He glared his watch another time before he felt a breeze on his back. Before Mickey could react, both of arms got apprehended, tied tightly behind his back. He wanted to panic, but his training stopped him from doing so, silently he thanked his luck that he was beneath the pier so no one saw his poor performance.

He was harshly turned around and put pushed back, just to be Abruptly catch by strong arms. "Good morning, Mr. Agent."

The mouse huffed annoyed as he processed his situation, with the avenger's partner apprehending his arms and the Avenger slowly moving forward, his eyes shining with determination.

"Wow, you're finally here, I thought you wouldn't come "the mouse paused, thinking over his next words. "Since I'm no worth the effort."

The Avenger stumbled for a second in that stupid cape he was wearing, as he accidentally stepped on it. His eyes locked with the mouse's almost Looking sad, but then he frowned.

"Stop your high school drama, Apprentice. We're here to discuss something important."

Again, the mouse huffed annoyed, but nodded regardless. Behind him, the Avenger Ally, Uno, if he's correct unbid him. Slowly and trying to look tough, the apprentice doesn't rub his wrist, despite desperately wanting to. "Ok, let's talk. What do you know about the big mission everyone is talking about?"

"Apparently someone very dangerous is in town, and he's gathering anyone who has money or any kind of power to a certain place to talk about something, not even I have a lot of information at the moment."

The apprentice raised an eyebrow, his lips twisted in a menacing sneer, his arms crossed in front of him, making a barrier between the two agents. "Are you sure you don't have more information? Or are you playing stupid? Gatekeeping information only for your truly Allies "

"I CAN'T believe you're doing this!" The Duck Avenger fired back, earning the glances from the mouse and his ally. "You're ALWAYS doing this! Even to your so-called friends, you do this George! To Donald!"

"Leave them out of this!" The apprentice balled his hands into fists and grit his teeth, trying desperately to not punch the duck in the face. "Don't say anything about my civil life, about my friends! You don't know them and you don't know me! It's not my fault you're jealous of me or something!"

"I don't need to! Even in your hero persona you're such condescending prick." The Duck hissed; memories flashed through his head of this exact conversation with Mickey in 9th grade, the one even Goofy got his share of accusations. His mask, his strong Avenger mask was almost falling, Donald wanting to get out and scream. This reaction was something only Mickey can get, his friend, though good hearted, could also be a hurtful jerk, rubbing his success on everyone's faces and even though he does it unconsciously, he still hurt several people on his way.

Because, yes, she was jealous of Mickey Mouse's life for years, but his love for his friend was greater and for that he searched for help with his jealousy. He distanced himself, but it was for the greater good and to grow as a person, which he succeeded as he became an agent. Goofy was always there for, despite him being a jerk to him, he got him back in track, just as he's doing with Pete. With Mickey, all He wanted was a friend, someone who would understand his pain, but sadly Mickey couldn't. And that's the thing with Privileged people, they think that everyone's in love with them, but really, everybody hates them.

"See…." The Duck hissed through his teeth. "That's the thing with you privileged ones. You think everybody is in love with you, when actually everybody hates you."

For some reason, this statement, hurt the mouse greatly, his mouth opening like a fish out of water.

"You interpret me like this!" The apprentice said, gesturing to his uniformed bodysuit "It is your idea of me to pretend I am a Privileged!"

Now, even Uno wanted to laugh, this mouse was truly oblivious towards his friend's grief. The Avenger squeezed his eyes shut, his mask falling off, leaving unleashed all of his rage out on Mickey.

"Buddy it's not pretend! You are as privileged as they come! You think your shit don't stink; you think the rest of us are dumb!" Donald shouted to Mickey, thankful for his mask, so "Donald" doesn't look weak. He didn't care about the stares that he was receiving, he didn't care that Mickey's eyes seemed to widen with shock. Somehow, Mickey's distrust hurt more than it should be, his vote to be killed last year during his trial was weighing him down, despite Mickey hurting him without knowing.

The feeling of betrayal kept growing in his stomach, despite Mickey as the apprentice not owning nothing to Donald as the Avenger.

However.

However, he wanted Mickey's loyalty as his hero persona, just as he quickly got the loyalty of Fenton as Gizmoduck. But as always, he never gets what he wants.

"I hate Mc Duck's guts, but here's what you don't comprehend, at least he has the guts, to not pretend to be my friend!"The Avenger cried, turning around so that the apprentice wouldn't see the tears that started to fall down his face.

"Hey," The mouse whispered and shyly tried to reach out to the Avenger.

"No," The Avenger whispered, wiping his tears and then whipped around to swat the 's hand away. Now having a conflict between him and his mask, between Donald and Paperinik, with Donald desperately wanting to take that hand. But the proud Avenger was furious, thinking that the apprentice did not get to act nice after what he's done. The dam along with his mask had broken and Donald was filled with hurt, rage and betrayal.

"It's fine!Really fine!" He shouted and pointed towards Uno, "We'll befine!"

Then, with more force than needed he showed a piece of paper that came out of nowhere against the apprentice's chest. "Here, be There if you truly want to help."

The apprentice read carefully the note, his eyes not believing his what his eyes were reading. He re-read the note twice, thrice before comprehending the heavy meaning of the words printed on the paper, he looked up, mouth open to ask more information, but to his great disappointment, the pair were already gone.

The mouse read the note one Last time, before taking off to his destiny. He has a lot of work to do.

The note:

Apprentice.

Your boss, Ludwig knows about this mission now.

Furthermore, McDuck would know soon.

This is big and your agency need to know what we're getting into. At 5 PM. Today, me and my team will be going at S.H.U.S.H headquarters to talk about a backup plan.

We requested a parlay, since I know about my status, and it was granted by one of your One most respected member; Gizmoduck.

Yours truly.

Paperinik.

"McDuck's gonna be pissed."

[•••••]

Scrooge McDuck was pissed.

But he wasn't the only one.

Early that morning got a message from director Ludwig Von Drake himself.

It was a pretty normal message at first, even ironic since the sender is a usually selective agency. Proud to say they don't need much help to solve their own cases and are known to not ask for assistance very often. But now, they asked for them to get in the middle of this mess. For them, at first it was just simple mission, one to feed his ego, that were their thoughts until they read the list of members.

S.H.U.S.H members

Gizmoduck and soon to be confirmed, the Apprentice.

The Agency members.

Rouge (rookie, nurse. Capable of self defense.)

Gold (expert, strategist. Very capable of self defense.)

Uno (expert, strategist. Licensed to kill.)

And the special one.

Paperinik (also known as Double Duck) temporary pardoned as he was granted a parlay by an honored member of S.H.U.S.H, Gizmoduck. (Expert, soldier. Very capable of self defense.)

Beakley was furious, she almost went to Fenton to smack him. But her training as an agent stopped her from doing so, that alone required a lot of self control. Despite not knowing Fenton that well, she felt betrayed by him giving the Avenger a parley. Nobody in S.H.U.S.H in their sane mind would give the Avenger a parley, knowing the history behind his crime and her hate, they respected her so much to even think so, despite of some of them having different opinions on the Avenger, they wouldn't dare to betray her like that.

But now.

This kid.

This newbie goes and does the unthinkable.

On the way to the S.H U S.H headquarters, Beakley started to cry, silently at first, but then it turned into heavy, gut-wrenching sobs. Scrooge wisely kept his beak shut as he drove his car, his eyes glued to the road as he could not offer any type of comfort since he doesn't have any context of the PK/Agent 22 fiasco. But he started to get worried she suddenly curled up as much as she could with her seatbelt on and cried the rest of the way there.

Maybe he should've asked her.

Maybe he shouldn't have left her to grief alone.

Maybe, and just maybe that young woman was more than just a pupil.

There's something more about this, but now it's too late to ask. Both of them need to move forward with the mission, to at least know what the Agency is planning. When they got there, Beakley didn't protest when scrooge pulled her into his arms and lead her inside. She collapsed on the chair in the conference room, drained. Its been a very long time since she last cried and she forgot how tiring it was.

Director Ludwig was already there, but didn't say anything until she signaled, she was ready.

"Greetings, thank you for being here so quickly." Scrooge nodded, Beakley muttered something. "Today we have something important to discuss."

"Cut the chit chat, Von Drake. Tell us what's going on? Why in the blazes the Agency is involved?" Scrooge growled.

Beakley's gaze hardened, but stayed silent. Ludwig cleared his throat, licking his lips before saying.

"As you can see, the Agency got involved in some shady business. "He paused. "According to our informant, it's bad… Really bad"

Scrooge scoffed. "How bad can it be?"

"Elias Fog is here"

Notes.

Heya y'all sorry for disappearing but between the pandemic, college and me getting tuberculosis, couldn't make the time to write.

Merry Christmas and happy new year.

• Clarabelle, just like Pete, Mortimer, Daisy and even Donald are complicated characters, and depend on the mood of the writer how good or bad they are. She's not entirely bad, she was a insecure teen, taking advantage of Gladstone to get what she wanted. She knows she did bad, but it's too proud to say sorry. That doesn't mean she didn't face consequences, especially socially.

• Gladstone (21) was in a relationship with Magica, fully knowing the history between his family and her. That put a strong straw to his and Scrooge bond, and the reason why the latter was so hesitant in helping Gladstone when the luck-sucking got him.

• Roxanne F. Is not a bad person, but can be a salty ex. But, it's Gladstone, he's obviously a childish boyfriend.

• (*) That part it's a reference to the comics, where Gladstone is actually blonde, being DT17 the only incarnation of him where his hair is white.

•The mysterious witch is obviously Magica De Spell, and in this one same as Glomgold, is going to be taken seriously in this fic. Like I said earlier on the run of this fanfiction I feel like the writers of the show nerfed the villains so Scrooge can always be on top. I'm particularly disappointed on Magica's, I mean, I like Lena and all, but what they did to Magica in favor of Lena and Scrooge was bullshit. They (writers) sold us Magica as this big threat, powerful witch that even Beakley and Donald were wary of her, even hesitant to let the kids get involved in the fight. And then…. She got turned into a joke, just like Glomgold and Lunaris.