I don't own Mighty Duck.

Eadric bowed in proper form to Raulin Brocas as he stepped off his flight and approached the elders that were there to greet him. Raulin then executed a proper bow in return.

"Was your flight pleasant Crested Brocas?" Eadric asked. Though honorable crested from both sides should be at negotiation Raulin was the last of the crested in Terron. The 'Honorable' was only reserved for Crested whom had served for thirty years and over.

Rauling had golden feathers with two dark brown strips going over his eyes and down the sides of his neck disappear under his robes. "Very pleasant." The young falcon nodded, keeping a stern face, not wanting to show weakness to the gathered leaders around him.

"If you are ready we have a car…" Eadric trailed off seeing another hawk step off the plane. Joscelyn walked down the steps, elegantly cladded in robes fitting a queen. With her beak so high in the air, Eadric wonder if she would make it down the stairs without tripping. "I didn't realize your sister was coming. Had I known I would have prepared more guarded escorts."

She stepped into the conversation uninvited. "That is fine. I felt that such important diplomatic matters needed my attentions." Insinuating that she believed they were either going to take advantage or couldn't negotiation a proper deal, a backhanded insult at her brother as well. "Here." She shoved the purse into one of the guard's chest, he kept his stoic demeaner despite her rudeness. "You will be my personal guard." Eadric was offended by her lack of etiquette but didn't show it. She may have been doing this on purpose to sabotage the treaty.

Eadric keep his manners and gave Joscelyn a proper bow. "We welcome you as well Crested Brocas." She watched them for a moment, glancing at her brother who sent a small glare her way, prompting her to act and return the gesture. "Please follow me to our personal transport." He led them to the awaiting cars, keeping his thoughts to himself. "This is your car my lady." Eadric gestured to it. The door was opened for her and Joscelyn walked in without giving a thank you as the guard closed the door. The female hawk was known for her terrible temperament and haughty attitude, hence why she hadn't been invited. With Joscelyn here, things may not turn out as he and Mallory hoped.

"Raulin, please follow me you will ride with me. There is something I wish to discuss with you."

…..

Two days later and he was still fighting with himself over what he wanted to do.

Staring out at the revivified city, Wildwing pulled his jacket tighter to keep out the cold. He may have been covered in feathers but that didn't mean he didn't get cold and Puckworld was an average of ten degrees below zero. All the lights twinkling in the city looked like a reflection of the stars in the sky. Steam puffed out from the drake's nostrils with every exhale as snow flakes softly blanketed everything around him. Shaking his head quickly to remove the snow that had collected on his bill, Wildwing walked back into the warmth of the his and Dive's newly rented apartment.

There wasn't much in it yet but they had been slowly buying furniture from Earth and bringing it back with them. While they were well off on Earth from being hockey super stars, they weren't here. Earth's money had no value here since it wouldn't be recognized as a legitimate currency and they didn't want to raise suspicions so they had to make due with the money that they had before the invasion. All banks had digital accounts that kept their money safe, deep underground in large vaults. The saurian's had no idea and never touched it, so the Puckworldian's that survived found that their money had been right where they left it. Money of a deceased family member was given to the surviving next of kin.

Wildwing and Nosedive's parents died in the initial attack so their small inheritance was split between them and with it they rented the current apartment he stood in. It was a nice enough apartment, a three bedroom with stone floors that were heated. On Earth Wildwing noticed that humans seemed to like wood floors, it was common for them but on Puckworld, stone was more common. Ducks used stone in practically everything but wood was rare and in turn only for the rich.

Speaking of the entitled... "What should I do?" He asked himself. Mallory wanted to know if he would marry her and part of him wanted to but another part was still angry. "Knowing she didn't sleep with the guy helps but still the fact that she went behind my back and almost…" He sighed, mentally exhausted from thinking about this none stop since he found out. A shiver crawling up his spine made him realize the door behind him was still open. Closing the sliding door to the large balcony and locking it in place, the drake went to the sofa then fell back into it.

"In the same token, I'm tired of being angry. I miss her friendship and it's too exhausting to stay angry at her." Leaning his head back on the couch he closed his eyes. Trying to think of anything else but he couldn't get the image of her picture out of his head. That image taunted him, he wished he had never seen it. It was making everything more difficult. "When this is over… I'm buying that painting and locking it away."

…..

Mallory sat in the back of the luxurious self-driving car with Edmond beside her. The negotiations were set for today, this was her last hope of getting away from Abel.

"When will you approach him?"

She looked over at Edmond, he searched her face for an answer. "I know that Eadric planned to speak with Raulin before the council meeting. I'm hoping to catch him before or during a recess."

The older drake sighed and sat back in his seat. He didn't know what he could say that would comfort her. Either way something was being taken away from her. Edmond didn't want Mallory to move across the ocean and never see her again, she was like a daughter to him but he didn't want Abel near her either. In his opinion that drake was the lowest of low. Especially after how Abel and Ciri came into their home and assaulted Mallory, then made her apologize for it. Thinking about it now still made his blood boil.

Both were lost in their own thoughts as the car pulled up to the ornately decorated building, the car's side door opening to let her out. "I'll let you know when I'm done." She smiled at Edmond, who couldn't find it in him to smile back. Mallory studied his face for a moment, Edmond looked so sad, she was too but what choice did she have. "Wish me luck?" She tried to get a response out of him.

Mallory used to ask him this whenever she was nervous as a little girl. Edmond would always give the same replay whenever she asked this. "Every time I see a shooting star." Smiling sadly, the redhead hit the button to close the door, pulling her cloak tighter to herself. A slight wind had kicked up and was throwing small flakes of snow all around her. She watched as the car drove off, taking Edmond back home. He didn't need to go with her but he wanted to. She wasn't going to say no to him. Tanya and Duke were at her estate waiting for news on if she could convince Raulin.

Turning around and observing the House of the Crested Council, she wrapped her arms around herself and walked towards the front doors. This would be her first time ever in the Crested Council Chambers, she'd be lying if she didn't admit to being a little nervous.

Armed guards were waiting outside, checking anyone that approached. Showing her identification, they let her pass. Upon entering, her cloak was taken for her as more guards checked her person for weapons. When none were found they let her through. Her robes were the traditional style with the family house colors on them. Her house colors where red and gold. There was a small amount of makeup on her face and her hair was up in a bun upon Edmond's insistence.

Walking in she found Eadric standing in the middle of the room speaking quietly with who could only be Raulin. The room was loud with the echo of ducks talking. The meeting had not started yet so everyone was chatting. Her eyes scanned for Abel and found him off to the side wearing his blue and black house colors as a few council members spoke with him. Seeing that he didn't notice her yet she walked in trying to blend in, a difficult job in these colors.

Mallory returned her attention to observing Raulin, he was handsome. Seeing her Eadric waved her over for an introduction, nodding she made her way towards him when a hand wrapped around her arm, stopping her progress. "Where do you think you are going? Shouldn't you be sitting next to me?" Abel pointed towards his seat behind him where her seat had been moved next to his.

"After the stunt you pulled at my home, I don't want to even look at you. Now take your hand off me or you'll see what its like to face me when your mommy hasn't got your back." She whispered venomously.

"Watch your tone Mallory. One would think you are displeased that I am your future husband."

"Gee what gave it away."

"One way or another we're going to be married and you're going to learn to be respectful." He smirked bringing his hand up to run his finger along the side of her beak and down her neck.

Mallory took a step back and sneered. "Go fuck yourself."

Abel wasn't fazed by her attitude. "You'll do that for me." She clenched her fists and turned away from him. Abel only smiled at her retreating back as she walked to Eadric. He was enjoying his victory over her and would enjoy it again later when she realized her plan wouldn't work. His mother was the best at these political games, she had already figured out what Mallory and Eadric planned. Too bad for them they didn't realize why it wouldn't work. He laughed and went back to his seat.

Eadric smiled at Mallory as she approached, he had seen the interaction between her and Abel. Something was wrong, Abel was far too smug but he didn't let his concern show on his face. "Crested Raulin Brocas please meet Crested Mallory McMallard."

They both gave each other a proper bow. "A pleasure to meet you Crested McMallard. Tales of your family's deeds are well known in Terron." Raulin took her hand and kissed it.

"The pleasure is all mine." She turned to Eadric. "Honorable Crested Eadric, would you mind if I stole Raulin for a moment?"

"Of course." He gave Raulin a look and walked away. Raulin understood and offered his arm in a gentlemanly fashion to Mallory, who took it.

Together they walked out of the chamber and almost made it to the heavy doors before a female hawk stepped into their path. Her shiny golden hair went passed her shoulders and curled in large ringlets towards the bottom. The golden feathers matched her hair and unlike her brother she didn't had two brown strips.

"Who is this?" She stared down her curved beak at Mallory like she was a disease, looking at how the redhead was holding her brother's arm.

"Joscelyn, this is Crested Mallory McMallard."

"Hn." Was her only response. Joscelyn was unimpressed.

Keeping her mouth shut as to not reprimand this bitch on her behavior and possibly insult Raulin, Mallory only gave a small bow which was not returned. "What terrible colors. It clashes horribly with your hair and your awfully scrawny, can you not afford to-"

"Enough." Raulin cut her off. "You have been rude enough. Go take a seat, dear sister."

Mallory was literally biting her tongue to keep from snapping at this golden-haired bimbo. "Do not order me around dear brother." She practically hissed at him, Raulin wasn't fazed. "I'll do what I want when I want. I have lost interest with both of you anyway." She moved passed them into the chambers as Mallory and Raulin continued their walk.

"I apologize for her behavior. She has always been difficult."

"It's fine. Nothing I haven't dealt with before." She vividly remembered the look Ciri gave her in her own home. Joscelyn reminded her of a brattier version of Ciri. "Raulin has Eadric spoken with you about the possibility of using marriage to bind the treaty."

"He did."

"And your thoughts?" Mallory didn't want to beat around the bush, she wanted a direct answer.

Raulin stopped and turned to Mallory, he studied her face a moment then closed his eyes and sighed. "I'm afraid that won't work."

"Why?"

"There is another… He would not apricate me having a wife."

She wasn't expecting that but kept her composer even with the knowledge that she wasn't going to be able to get away from Abel. "I didn't realize. I hope you're not offended by us assuming." She was currently mentally kicking herself. "I should have done more research."

"I am not offended. I know it doesn't show but I am. I cannot help the way I am, nor am I ashamed of it."

"And you shouldn't be." Terron was not as open or accepting in their culture. His sister certainly didn't seem to respect him or think he was capable of leading, perhaps this was the reason why.

"My sister would disagree. She believes it to be un-masculine and a form of weakness. Like this I will not bare children to continue the family bloodline."

Mallory scuffed. "I don't mean to be rude but you are a far superior leader to your sister, she has a lot to learn. You handle yourself well, she doesn't. Being gay doesn't have anything to do with strength, your character determines your strength."

Raulin smiled and looked up at the sky. "I think so too." He liked Mallory. It was a shame he couldn't help her with Abel Lovell, that duck was horrible. "I'm sorry I cannot help you."

"It's not your responsibility but thank you."

They went back in together, Mallory gave Raulin another small bow and went to her seat. He did the same and the negotiations started.

It was a difficult and long process but they were finally breaking through. Joscelyn being a part of it had without a doubt slowed everything to a crawl, she was nitpicking even the smallest of details. Mallory could have sworn that she saw the vicious hawk smirk a couple of times at the council's attempt to remain polite.

Finally, the meeting was over. Eadric stood in the middle of the room. "We will pick up where we left off tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your attention to these important matters of state." Everyone stood, bowed and left in an organized fashion as usual. Hearing that it was over, Mallory hit the button to call her car.

Abel smirked at her. "Are you done with your ridiculous plans to try and get out of this marriage?"

She only glared over at him. "Sometimes I think I'd rather dead then marry you."

"Soon, you'll think differently. I promise." He could only think about the money coming his way.

"No, I promise you that I won't." She was quick to leave and tried to put as much distance between them as possible. Grabbing her cloak, she threw it on and walked outside to the pickup point. The car was ten minutes away and it was cold but she would rather wait outside then in the warmth next to Abel.

Snow crunching under a pair of feet behind her, letting her know someone was approaching. "You look cold. Would you like me to warm you?" Abel's hands went to her shoulders, pulling her back into his chest.

"No." She attempted to push off him but he kept a strong grip.

Annoyed that she still wasn't giving in he went with a more underhanded tactic. "What ever happened to those friends of yours that assaulted me and my mother? You know I could still have them thrown into prison." He turned her around to face him none to gently. The aristocratic looking drake, smirked down at her, bringing his face closer to hers.

"I already did what you and your mother wanted, you slim. You both agreed to leave them out of it." Mallory glared at up a him, not liking how close his face was getting.

"She agreed, I didn't. Keep that in mind when trying to break off this engagement again."

"I publicly accepted the blame for what happened. Anything else you have to say about it would be considered hearsay." She pushed at his chest.

"Yes, but I could always claim that this was a separate attack. All I have to do is pay someone to say they witnessed it and both those ducks go away for a very long time."

Her feathers bristled at his underhandedness. "Don't you ever threaten my friends!"

"Don't make me. Now be a good girl and tell the elders that you wish to proceed with the wedding by the end of the week. If you do this then your friends will be fine."

"You're a pig!" She smacked his hands away, her temper finally flaring. "All you think about is yourself and money. I despise you!" Her breathing was labored at her attempts to control her anger.

"I don't really care." Abel shrugged and looked up to see her car arriving. "Looks like your ride is here. Remember what we talked about." He left her be, walking to his own awaiting car.

The self-driving vehicle came to a stop in front of her, identify her as the passenger, its doors automatically opened, allowing her to crawl in and get comfortable. Closing the door, the car drove away on a direct route back to her home where Tanya, Duke and Edmond were waiting for news. Calling on her com, she waited for Tanya to pick up, it didn't take long before a blond duck with purple glasses filled the screen.

"Well? H-how did it go?"

Mallory looked beside herself. "The wedding to Abel Lovell… will proceed as planned."

…..

Tanya hung up her com. The situation was as she feared. Now she had to relay the news to Duke and Edmond. Walking back into the living room where the two ducks anxiously awaited news, they looked up at her seeing her enter. "Well Sweetheart? What's the verdict?"

"Abel won." She took a seat across from them, at a loss on what to do.

Neither Duke nor Edmond said anything. Both looked down at their hands, they had known this was a long shot.

"T-the wedding will be at the- ah ya know- end of the week."

"That's in two days!" Duke sat up straighter.

"Ya." Tanya muttered.

"Forget dis." Duke grabbed his dimensional gateway and put in the coordinates for the Pond back on Earth.

"Ah w-wait? Where are you going?" Tanya looked at Duke alarmed.

"I'm gonna find Wildwing. He's the only one who can solve dis. I'm gonna knock some sense into him."

The blond tech stood up. "I'll go with ya."

"No, stay here. Mal's gonna need you when she gets back and I'll need updates on what happening." Duke opened the portal. "I'll let you know when I find Wildwing." Tanya nodded as she watched him walk through and the close the portal behind him.

…..

Duke came out right next to Drake One. Opening his com, he attempted to call Wildwing but the signal didn't go through. "That's weird." He ran to the room Wing and Dive shared, knocking on the door a couple of times but no one answered. "Screw it." He let himself in and found Nosedive asleep with a comic book on his face. "Nosedive!"

The young drake jumped awake, the comic dropping off his face to the ground. "Wow! Wha-da - What is it?" His eyes were large as he looked at Duke.

"Nosedive where's Wildwing?"

"Oh man. I don't know."

"Nosedive I need you to think? This is an emergency."

"Oh crap." He groaned, still trying to wake up, running a hand through his hair. "If he's not here then he's probably at our new apartment on Puckworld."

"And where would that be?"

"Oh crap I can't remember the address right now." Duke was getting frustrated, Dive was moving too slow for him.

"Damnit Dive wake up!" He yelled, surprising the younger duck. "If you can't remember the address then you are taking me there! Let's go!" Nosedive jumped up with a growl, irritated that he was being ordered around and he didn't even know what was going on. "We need to find Grin. Is he here?"

"Yeah man. He's in his room. Calm down." Nosedive didn't understand what was happening. It seemed that he had been very out of the loop. "Duke man, what's going on that your so roiled up?"

"I'll explain as we run."

…..

Wildwing knocked three times at the door, waiting for an answer. He was a little nervous about doing this but it wasn't like he was going to let that go in someone else's house. The door finally opened and Ben tilted his head at the duck. He opened the door and moved aside, allowing Wildwing to walk in. "Is it time to go make a case against Abel Lovell." He closed the door and locked it giving them privacy.

"Not yet but soon, so be ready."

"I'll be here if you need me. So, if you're not here for that then what are you here for?"

Wildwing blushed a little but cleared his throat. "The painting."

Ben was a little surprised but not completely. The poor guy had been quite enamored with the painting the last time he was here. "I see." Then again it wasn't everyday you saw the woman you pine for like that.

"How much for it?"

"That depends."

"On what?"

"Your intentions."

Wildwing raise an eyebrow. "My intentions?"

"Yes. Everything you are doing is for Mallory, isn't it? The only way out of this is if you marry her. Are you going to?"

"Yes." He didn't hesitate to answer.

"Do you love her?"

Of course he did, why else would he be doing all of this. "Yes."

"Then consider it a gift." Ben walked to her dried painting, carefully wrapping it and placing it in a canvas box.

"I couldn't do that." Wildwing said. "I'm more than happy to pay for it."

"I know but I want you to have this. She deserves to be in safer hands." He looked over his shoulder at Wildwing, seeing that the drake understood his double meaning. Wildwing nodded as Ben handed him the wrapped painting. "Take care of her, she is special."

"I will."

…..

Nosedive scratched his head as he sat on the couch. "Well he'll be back by tonight, at least he should be."

Duke growled as Grin waited by the door, his large arms crossed over his chest. "Perhaps he has gone on a walk to meditate on the matter."

"My brother, meditate?... Get your brain pan checked girly girl." Nosedive gave Grin a disbelieving look. Grin just shrugged. He leaned back looking at the ceiling, looking thoughtful. "Why didn't Mal tell us about this?"

"Who knows Dive." Duke sighed and sat back. They had attempted to call Wildwing's com but he had to choose today to leave it behind. It was getting late now and Tanya had called to see if they had any luck finding Wildwing, she was disappointed to hear they hadn't located him yet.

They waited an hour before the sound of footsteps coming down the hall caught their attention. "Is that him?" They waited until the door was unlocked. Wildwing walked in carrying a large square case when he turned and saw Dive, Duke, and Grin waiting in his living room.

"What's everyone doing here?"

"Bro! Finally! We've got trouble man!" Nosedive jumped up.

"Wow wait a minute. What kind of trouble?" Wildwing placed the painting down and walked deeper into the apartment. Grin looked at the case curiously, wondering what was in it. Seeing Grin's curiosity he put it behind a door, wanting to keep other's eyes from it.

"It's about Mal Wing." Duke stood up and crossed his arms, he had a speech prepared. "I know you're angry at her but get over it, she needs your help."

"I know. I don't intend to let that happen."

Duke was about to go on with his speech but it went out the window when he realized, Wildwing agreed. "Wait? You don't?"

"Of course not. I have a plan to get her out of this."

"Would that plan be marrying her?" Duke asked.

"Yeah it's a part of it."

"Well put it into action now!" Duke urged.

Wildwing raised an eyebrow at Duke's urgency. "What's going on? What's happened?"

"Bro the wedding is gonna happen in two days!" Nosedive dramatically shouted.

"What?! I thought I had more time!"

"We'll ya don'. Abel is trying to blackmail Mal into marriage right away." Duke supplied.

"Son of a bitch." Wildwing growled. "I need to schedule a meeting with the council then bring Ben and someone else with me but that will be close to impossible since they are all booked up until four months in advance! We would need the approval of an elder to get in last minute."

Duke perked up. "I think I know just the guy."

…..

The next day, the council had collected to finish the negotiations with Terron. It was one o'clock when Eadric stood and walked to the center of the room to speak. "We will be calling a recess shortly but before we do, an important matter has been brought to my attention. It seems there is an issue and an objection to the mating and marriage of Mallory McMallard and Abel Lovell." Many started to whisper to each other wondering who this could be.

Abel stood up suddenly, fists clenched at his sides. "What is this?!" He shouted, quieting everyone. "Who dares to object and challenge me?!"

Mallory too wanted to know, she watched Eadric, wondering why he hadn't spoken with her about this. Eadric held his hand up, telling Abel that silence was needed. "The claim was submitted that Abel Lovell is an unsuitable candidate for marriage due to broken code of conduct. This claim was submitted by Wildwing Flashblade, a very interesting young man and applicant for Crested status." Mallory's jaw dropped. "He will present his case now. Would Wildwing Flashblade, Mallory McMallard and Abel Lovell, please come to the floor." Eadric called them down.

Mallory and Abel did so, standing in the center of the room. The large doors to the side of the council chambers opened, many leaned forward in their seats to see the challenger. In walked a tall and board drake, gasps came from all over the room at the sight of the legendary Mask of Drake DuCaine on his face. He stood beside Mallory, who watched him as if she wasn't sure it was him.

"Please Wildwing, start when you are ready." Eadric gave him the floor while Abel glared at the tall drake.

"The night before Mallory McMallard's announcement party Abel Lovell broke the code of conduct by visiting Ben Whistling's studio. Abel Lovell destroyed a painting of Mallory McMallard that had been made by Ben Whistling while he had his guard restrain and punch Ben in the stomach as Abel threw paint thinner all over his work."

"Where is the proof?" Abel demanded.

"Ben Whistling and his painting are here as evidence."

"Please come forth." Eadric waved him in. Ben entered carrying the destroyed painting, giving the council a small bow. He presented the evidence to them. Many murmured, shaking their heads and others nodding.

"This is not substantial evidence! For all we know both of you could have planned this together to make it look like I did this!"

Eadric looked to Wildwing. "This is true. You would need another witness Mr. Flashblade." Abel glared at Wildwing and Ben.

"And I have another. A drake that was there when this all happened, Reynard Kyngenston." Abel visibly paled. The heavy doors opened again and Reynard walked in, taking a stand next to Ben.

"Reynard? I must say I am surprised to see you. I thought Abel has been your best friend since you were young."

"Yes, but I have to speak the truth. I would be ashamed of myself if I didn't." He looked up to the right where Lizbeth sat and made eye contact with her. "Others would be ashamed of me too." She smiled proudly at him. He broke eye contact with her to face Eadric. "It is true. All of it, I was there to witness everything."

Eadric looked to the rest of the council. "Very well. Does the council agree that Abel Lovell has broken the code of conduct? Those who believe so raise your hands." Everyone in the room raised their hand. Abel sneered at all of them. "Well that is decided. Now to the next order of business. Wildwing Flashblade, you wish your family name to be inaugurated into a new line of crested." Eadric watched Wildwing carefully. "What is your claim to becoming one of the crested?" He already knew and agreed that Wildwing should be but the others need to agree as well.

"I'm the leader of the team of ducks responsible for taking out Dragaunus for good." Wildwing stood proudly before the council. "I am the owner and wearer of the Drake DuCaine Mask."

One of the elders stood wishing to make his point known, everyone became silent. Eadric nodded to him, giving him the okay to speak. "That is a priceless family heirloom that belongs to Ms. McMallard. You have no right to keep it." Others made noises of agreement, nodding their heads or arguing with each other.

"Mallory McMallard handed this mask over to me and named me her leader. It was our team that chased Dragaunus from this planet and eliminated him, just like Drake DuCaine did, except this time I finished the job." Gasps were heard around the room. If this was true then the Flashblade name did indeed meet the qualifications to be a new line of crested.

"Ms. McMallard is this true?" Elder Eadric asked Mallory calmly. A hushed silence fell over the room as they awaited her answer. Since Mallory was a crested, her confirmation would be all the council needed as proof.

Wildwing turned and waited for her to confirm it. In awe of what he just did, she slowly nodded. Looking Eadric in the eye she confirmed it. "It's true." The chambers exploded into loud discussion, a reaction surprising the ducks standing in the middle of the room. They had never seen the council erupt into madness. Some ducks yelling and arguing their side of the case as to why Wildwing shouldn't be allowed crested status while others demanded he be inaugurated into the crested immediately. Eadric just rolled his eyes, this sometimes happened in heated debates, it wasn't something he wasn't used to.

"You can't be serious!" Abel yelled in outrage. "He's a commoner! He couldn't possibly be allowed to be named crested! What value could he possibly bring?" Abel attempted to keep Mallory and her name from being snatched from him. "We were already supposed to be married!" He pointed a finger at her now. "She is mine by right and by law!" Wildwing ground his teeth but kept quiet and Mallory glared at Abel, visibly showing her distaste. Ducks all over continued to argue over the issue.

"Silence in the chambers!" Eadric ordered, quieting everyone. "It seems there is much to discuss." He stood and nodded to Mallory and Wildwing. "Ms. McMallard, Mr. Flashblade. Please allow us some time to deliberate. We will call on you once we have come to a decision. Mr. Lovell, I must also ask you to wait outside as well."

Abel fumed but consented, marching out of the hall followed by Mallory and Wildwing. Once they had left and the doors to the council chamber closed Abel was quick to turn his anger on the two ducks behind him. "If you think this is a way out of our marriage then you're a bigger fool then I thought. My family holds great sway in those chambers and they will side with me. You're only delaying the inevitable." He angrily pointed his finger at Mallory.

"You're such an ass." Mallory sneered. "The way you talk to others and treat them is disgusting! You're the fool for thinking I'd ever marry you!"

The drake was in her face in an instant. "Shut your mouth before I put it to better use!" Abel was suddenly hoisted in the air by his neck. Mallory back away, surprised to see Abel lifted off the ground so quickly. Wildwing's large gloved hand was tightly wrapped around Abel's throat, he venomously glared up at the drake, holding him away from Mallory.

"Never talk to her like that again." Wildwing spoke in a calm but deadly voice, holding the duck easily in the air with one arm. Abel choked and clawed at Wildwing's hand. "Mallory is not property. She's the most amazing woman I have ever met and when you're in front of me you will treat her like it." He dropped Abel, who fell to his knees coughing, his eyes watering from choking. "And when you're not in front of me, you will never go near her again."

"When I'm done with you, you'll wish you never did that!" He held this tender throat and pointed at Mallory. "She is mine and you're never going to see her again!" Wildwing was grinding his teeth and clenching his fists, he was a breath away from slamming his fist into this duck's face repeatedly. "The only thing you will be looking at is a jail cell! Guards!" He called but no one came. "Guards!" He called again and this time down the hall, opposite of the chambers, the doors opened. Abel smirked, as Mallory and Wildwing faced the doors ready for a fight but dropped their stance when they saw the duck that walked in. Abel's smirked dropped at the sight of the one-eyed drake that assaulted him before.

Duke smirked walking down the hall whistling a tune. "Guards where are you idiots!" Abel yelled. Grin walked in behind Duke, dragging seven unconscious guards behind him while Tanya and Nosedive dragged in two and placed them against the wall.

"Ya, they're not coming." Duke smirked.

"Guys! What are you doing here? How did all of you get in?" Mallory stepped forward.

"That would be me miss." Edmond appeared, throwing two guards down. Another guard came charging out but Edmond side stepped him and delivered a chop to the back of his neck, knocking him out.

"Edmond?" Mallory's jaw dropped.

"Alright! The Ed-ster takes another out!" Nosedive cheered.

Mallory turned to Wildwing, seeing that he had brought the team to the rescue. "Why are you doing this for me?"

"Why do you think I did that? Because I don't want to see you used like a, like a…" He seemed to have a hard time finding the words.

"Like a broodmare?" She finished for him.

"Yes!"

"Do you even understand what you're getting yourself into?"

"Of course, I do." He turned away from her so she couldn't see the blush on his cheeks. "I'm not stupid."

"So, you understand what you're proposing to them is letting you be the one that breeds more DuCaines' with me?"

"Yes, I understand that." He spoke, annoyed she was questioning his comprehension on the situation.

"Why would you do that for me? I thought you hated me? What happened to the pretty brunette? Don't you have to get back to her?" She turned away from him.

Wildwing finally looked back at her. "It didn't work out."

Mallory scuffed. "So that's the reason you're is helping me." She didn't turn to look back at him even though she wanted to. She didn't want to ask why it didn't work out. Mallory didn't want to give the impression she cared, after all she was still a little angry at him.

"Don't you want to know why?"

"It's not any of my business." She kept her back to him, her voice neutral.

"It was because I can't seem to get you off my brain." He glared at the redhead's back.

Hearing this she finally looked over her should at him, not sure whether to believe him or not. His hand reached out and caressed her cheek, much to his delight, Mallory didn't pull away from the first form of affection he had ever shown her. Stepping closer he kept his hand on her soft feathered cheek. "Mallory I-" The heavy doors opened to reveal Eadric and Raulin walking out to them.

"Wildwing Flashblade. As of this moment…" Eadric paused, considering the eyes in the room on him. Abel, smirked believing the council would side with him. "You are officially the newest line of Crested. Congratulations." Eadric and Raulin gave Wildwing a small bow which he returned. "Since the code of conduct was broken and Abel is unsuitable, I request that I be mated and married to Mallory McMallard."

"Already approved."

"What!" Abel shouted outraged at Eadric's answer.

"So I am officially Crested?" Wildwing questioned.

"Yes, all privileges of the crested are yours now as well." Eadric nodded, raising an eyebrow.

"Good." Turning quickly, Wildwing punched Abel right in the face, knocking the drake out with one hit. Mallory's jaw dropped while their teammates cheered behind them.

Eadric just smirked, looking at Abel, sprawled across the floor. "Huh? That was incredibly satisfying… Well done but that still leaves us with the issue of Abel needing to be married."

This time Raulin spoke up. "I believe I have a solution."

…..

Flower petals and snow floated in the air, falling softly around the newly mated pair as cheers and shouts erupted all around them. It had been a beautiful wedding.

Abel stood with a black eye beside his new mate in front of the assembly, a look of displeasure on his face. The look of displeasure matched that of his horrible bride, Joscelyn. Mallory clapped at the official completion of the ceremony. In her mind, they made the perfect couple.

Raulin stood off to the side clapping, he couldn't have been happier with the turn out of the negotiations. It was a good thing his sister came along after all. The look on her face was priceless, he would always fondly remember this day.

Everyone cheered as the two passed, walking back to their car which would promptly take them to the awaiting plane. Both were on a one-way ticket to the other side of the planet, Terron. Raulin waved goodbye to the crowd and followed shortly after in another car. He would go back a hero to his people, with resources and a new government in place.

"Shame he couldn't be here for your wedding." Eadric spoke to both Mallory and Wildwing.

"Fuck that! I wanted him gone." She didn't hold back her feelings about Abel. Eadric burst out laughing much to Mallory's surprise. Wildwing smirked, holding his fiancé close while Edmond rolled his eyes at her language but smile none the less.

Edmond looked over at the other ducks that would be living with them in their new home. Turns out the whole team needed a home and Mallory said it didn't feel like home without them, so the estate would be full of life again. He was glad. All those empty rooms would finally be used up and they still had some to spare for guests and children. Mallory's family would be very proud.

Edmonds eyes rounded in surprise when Nosedive jumped on his brothers back, attempting to give him a noogie, Wildwing quickly reversed the hold and put Nosedive in a headlock, giving him a noogie in return. The younger brother's feet kicked up everywhere to try and get away, making the crowd around them disburse. All the while Mallory was laughing while Duke was hitting on a random woman in the crowd. Tanya and Grin just smiled and watched events unfold. Edmond briefly wondered if they were always this rambunctious. Nosedive finally free from his brother's grip, ran and hid behind Grin. "Keep him away from me!"

"You started it. I finished it." Wildwing smirked. Mallory shook her head, giving him a kiss on the cheek distracting him. He was quick to turn his attention to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her close. Both nuzzled each other affectionately causing Nosedive to make gagging sounds.

With this group of ducks, the estate would never be boring.

Fin.