Author's note: First, I would like to thank all of you for your patience. As you may have noticed, I have not updated in a while. For the past few months, a client hired me to work on a project. Now that the project is complete, I can finally complete this story.
Also, I would like to thank one of the Guest reviewers that mentioned I had forgotten about Gladstone in the last chapter. So this chapter should explain why he wasn't present, lol.
As usual, I appreciate all of your reviews. Happy Reading!
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Chapter 18 – They Shall Live Again
Scrooge McDuck watches his family as they gather their weapons. The Elder can tell each of them is still struggling to be confident about this upcoming fight. Dewey is inspecting his sword while his brothers and Maria finish off with the bow and arrows.
Mrs. Beakley gathers a bunch of daggers into a duffle bag and throws the strap over her head to rest it on her shoulder. Even though she only has one arm now, the former spy and housekeeper are still willing to show she is capable in a fight. Della fills up her quiver with the arrows for her crossbow. She inspects her weapon before is satisfied with its working components.
The billionaire duck turns to face Violet and Webby once more. She continues to read through the scrolls he brought over from Dewey's. Violet thinks she has found a spell to work with the scythe once they have it in their possession. Still, to be sure, the purple hummingbird wants to scan the rest of the reading materials.
"I'm sorry this is taking longer than expected." Violet apologizes. "I just want to make sure I've got this spell right."
"That's okay, lass," Scrooge assures her. "We wouldn't want to send me to the middle ages or anything accidentally." He nervously jokes.
"Hm," Violet marvels in wonderment over one of the scrolls. She lifts her head to glance over at the middle triplet.
"Hey Dewey," The young genius begins.
"Yeah," Dewey responds, meeting her gaze.
"Where did you say you found these books? They are quite authentic." Violet asks. Her tone may be naturally stoic; however, there is a hint of excitement that she has not expressed in a long time.
"Some of them I found on the islands off the coast of Greece, and a few I managed to get from Ithaquack. I had to beg Zeus for the forgiveness of any wrong any of us may have done, but with Storkules and Selene there to help convince him, the King was willing to hand them over." Dewey says after giving it some thought. He puts his sword back into his handmade sheath and crosses his arms.
"Wow, you actually went up to Zeus and begged for forgiveness?" Huey snickered, not fully believing his younger brother would be able to pull off such an act.
"I'm surprised you even had the nerve to go and apologize." Louie joins his brother in a good chuckle.
"It's called growing up. You two should try it sometime." Dewey snaps.
"Guess becoming a dad has that effect on you, huh?" Webby teases.
Dewey rolls his eyes before responding. "No, being forced to work and survive on my own since I was thirteen has done that. Not that you guys would ever understand."
"Guys, please," Della begs. "Stop bickering, we are all together again, and that is what matters most." She glares down at the black bracelet for a moment. "Even though most of us can't leave Duckburg because of this stupid curse." She grumbles.
"I promise you we will find a way to lift that confounded curse," Scrooge assures his niece.
Dewey leans in on the bracelet on his mother's wrist. "Mom, can I have a closer look at that?" He asks as he reaches for his mask.
"Um, sure, Hun, but I don't see how that will solve anything." Della shrugs. She allows her middle child to take her wrist as he puts the mask on to examine the woven details through the alien tech.
Dewey taps on the temple of the mask, and the eyes shimmer while making a calculating noise.
"What are you doing?" Webby asks.
"Just want to see if my mask can see if there's a way to remove the bracelet." Dewey answers while continuing to tap the side of his headgear.
"Forget it, Dewey," Huey sighs. "We've tried everything to get them off."
"Huey's right," Violet adds. "They're made by magic and, therefore, cannot be removed by any kind of force."
"Huh-uh," Dewey hums. He seems to pay no attention to what anyone tells him; instead, he reaches for his sword and removes it from its sheath. "I'm going to try something. But, mom, I need you to hold very still."
"Stubborn as usual," Louie mutters as he rolls his eyes skyward. "However, this should be a good laugh when he realizes we're right, and that golden toothpick of his shatters." He snickers.
Dewey focuses intensely as the technology of the mask guides him on where to place the sword. He gently slides the blade between Della's wrist and the bracelet. With one slice, the magic is broken, and the weaved jewellery slips off.
"Ha! It worked!" The middle triplet cheers.
A collective gasp echoed in the room. Each duck leans forward to inspect the fallen bracelet on the floor.
"Bless ma bagpipes," Scrooge murmurs. He then raises a curious brow to his nephew. "When did you say you found that meteorite, my boy?"
The billionaire is convinced now more than ever that he has to be the first to find that space rock.
"Meteorite?" Huey ask. He allows his brother to grab his wrist to perform the same bracelet removal technique as he did for Della.
"Um, I was camping in the Brazilian mountains sometime in the summer. I was lucky; meteorite crashed near where I landed my plane." Dewey is distracted for a moment as he lifts his head to tap the tip of his beak in thought. "I think I was about fifteen at the time."
With that said, Dewey again focuses on removing Louie's bracelet next.
"Is that where you found that mask and sword, Hun?" Della asks.
"The mask, yes." Her middle son replies. Dewey holds his hand out for Webby's hand. Then, as he positions the blade to the cursed item, Dewey adds, "The sword, I forged out of the meteorite."
Violet leans in to inspect the sword. "It is possible that the alien origins of the metal can counterattack the magic of the bracelet. Fascinating."
"Ah, sure, I guess." Dewey shrugs. In honesty, he hadn't given it much thought. The only thing he cares about right now is that he can help free his family from this curse.
As soon as Dewey successfully cuts off the last bracelet, the team is noticeably more confident, like a feeling of a huge weight has been lifted. A few of them rub their wrists as they saviour the sensation of freedom from their weaved prison.
Before Scrooge can start another one of his encouraging speeches, a low rumble sound echoes, all heads turn to Violet. She makes a sheepish grin while covering her tummy.
"Sorry, guess I'm a bit hungry." The hummingbird admits.
"Dewey, didn't we pack a bunch of granola bars?" Scrooge asks.
"Yeah, I put them in the side pocket of the duffle bag," Dewey replies.
Dewey lifts the mask off his face and leans over the table. He reaches for the bag beside Violet to unzip the side pocket before pulling out a ziplock bag. The middle triplet proceeds to hand a bar to each present family member. Just as he gives one to Mrs. Beakley, a knocking attracts everyone's attention towards the cellar door.
For a moment everyone stood, unsure if they should investigate.
"Are you expecting visitors?" Scrooge finally asks.
"I'll see who it is," Dewey volunteers, sliding the mask back down over his face.
"Ah, Dewey, you shouldn't go near the door without back up," Huey warns his brother.
"Right, we will be your backup." Webby offers.
The two ducks pick up their weapons and follow Dewey. They watch as Dewey begins to tap at the temple. Huey and Webby still can get over how the eyes glow every time Dewey taps with his fingers.
"I don't believe it. It's Uncle Gladstone." Dewey exclaims.
The middle triplet turns his gaze to his brother and cousin. Dewey recognizes the expression on their confused faces. It is almost like he can hear their thoughts.
"The mask can also see through solid objects, alright." He tells them.
"Whoa," Webby gasps.
"You've got to let me try that." Huey geeks out over his brother's mask.
"Ah, no." Dewey tries not to let it show, but he is enjoying the jealous look on his brother's face right now. "We should let Uncle Gladstone in right now." He points out instead.
"Oh right," Webby nods.
The three young ducks climb the stairs and work together to unhitch the lock, and carefully opens the door.
"It's about time," Gladstone cries in a panic.
The lucky Gander rushes past the young adults and almost stumbles down the stairs.
"You're late, Gladstone. We almost missed you." Maria sarcastically points out, leaning up against the door frame.
"I know," the lucky Gander catches his breath while choosing to ignore the last part of Maria's comment.
Gladstone rushes past everyone and into the other room. He frantically exaggerates his arm movements as he describes his adventure in getting back to his family. "I nearly was spotted by a shadow demon, then almost ran into a few Beagles. It was lucky of me to slip into a sewer tunnel. I was able to crawl my way back here."
"Did you happen to have any luck finding some food?" Violet asks before taking a bit of a granola bar.
"I'm afraid nothing edible." Gladstone shrugs. "I'm sorry. I guess my luck is running a little dry these days."
The half-goose duck then does a double-take. "Say, where did you get that granola bar?"
"Mr. McDuck and Dewey brought them." The purple hummingbird points.
In disbelief, Gladstone pans over to see his Uncle and is in shock to spot his lost nephew as he removes the mask from his face.
"Dew-drop? You're alive?" Gander cries out in a gasp.
"There's a nickname I haven't heard in a while." Dewey snickers. "Hi, Uncle Gladstone."
The two ducks step towards each other for a hug. Dewey pulls back as he scrunches up his beak.
"Yuck, you really do smell." The middle triplet gags.
Scrooge taps on Beakley's arm then jerks his thumb over to the door when he has her attention. The former housekeeper casually follows the Elder duck to the next room and leans forward to hear what he has to say.
"You know, in all the excitement with the reunion, I completely forgot Gladstone wasn't here." The billionaire bashfully admits.
"To be honest, there are times I feel the same way." Bentina amusingly shrugs.
"Say, you wouldn't have another granola bar?" Gladstone asks hopefully.
"As usual, Uncle, you're lucky. There's one left." Huey answers.
The red-clad duck picks the remaining bar out of the plastic bag and tosses it over to his hungry Uncle.
Dewey notices the dreaded cursed jewellery on his Uncle's wrist and puts his mask back on.
"Hey, Uncle Gladstone, let me get that bracelet off you." The middle triplet says, pulling his sword out of its sheathe once more.
"You're going to do what now?" Gladstone can't believe his ears.
"Trust us, Uncle Gladstone. Dewey's sword can cut through the evil magic." Louie explains – holding up his freed wrist.
"Wellll," The lucky Gander eagerly holds out his wrist and watches as the weaved bracelet breaks and slides off so easily.
Della smiles and turns to her Uncle. "Uncle Scrooge, I think we are officially ready now." She says, slamming her fist into her other hand.
"Ready for what?" Gladstone asks with a mouthful of granola. He starts to admire his freed wrist.
"We are going to face Magica and the Beagles, then take them down once and for all," Scrooge says enthusiastically.
"Uncle Scrooge is right. We lost so much, but now is our chance to gain some of it back!" Huey cheers. "Let's do this!"
Webby glances over to Dewey with a smirk. "Dewey, remember this?" She asks, holding up her hand. Then, with a sing-song tone, she adds, "Teamwork..."
Dewey smiles as the nostalgic moment is too good to pass. "...Makes the dream work." He finishes, clasping his hand into hers.
With an intense focus on their eyes, the two ducks lean in till their foreheads almost touch.
"It already feels like old times," Webby recalls a distant memory.
"Okay, Dewey, it's time. You know what to do?" The Elder faces the middle triplet.
"Yup," the young duck responds – holding up his mask. "Ready to lead the team." He adds with pride.
"What makes you think you are the leader?" Huey asks irritably.
"Because I have the mask." Dewey snickers. He places the mask on his grinning face for emphasis. Once again, enjoying the jealous glare from his red-clad brother.
Louie and Webby both giggle at the familiar banter between the two brothers. Huey simply rolls his eyes. He feels both annoyed and nostalgic with Dewey's sense of 'logic.'"
Dewey leads everyone outside. He quickly scans the area with the mask's technology.
"Alright, the coast is clear. Just keep on the east side, and you will get to the Bin without being seen." Dewey tells Scrooge and his team.
"Thanks, Lad. Good luck on your mission." Scrooge nods.
The young ducks acknowledge with a nod before running off in the direction of the mansion.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Scrooge and his team make it to the old Money Bin. They felt lucky that they were able to avoid the shadow demons and Beagle boys. When Scrooge first came to the Bin, he remembers that B.O.Y.D. found spare parts, which means Gyro is probably inventing something. The rich old duck knows that his former employee is working on some invention; he always worked on something. His genius mind would never be quiet for a moment with all his ideas.
Just as the team walks through the entrance, and almost instantly runs into the small android boy. The robot child's eyes glow red as he prepares to defend the property.
"Halt, intruders!"
"B.O.Y.D., it's me, Scrooge McDuck!" The Elder pleads. "And don't forget that all your friends are here too."
"Mr. McDuck?" B.O.Y.D.'s eyes fade back to their original color of black and yellow. He smiles innocently, and his eyes glimmer full of excitement. "You're back."
"Aye, that I am lad." Scrooge leans forward to the little android child. "Is Gyro in his lab?"
"Yes, he is." B.O.Y.D. nods. "Follow me."
The tiny android led Scrooge and the team down the stairs with a single blinking light source caused by a short circuit.
As soon as they reach the lab, they can hear Gyro muttering himself as he is tinkering on a project with a blanket draped over most of its frame.
"Interns, who need them. I have ingenuity. That's right, I survive by using my brains, and with this new invention, I will..."
"Uh, Gyro," Scrooge speaks in a low soft tone. His hope to not spook the lanky rooster fails, though. Gyro is still startled by a sudden strange voice that isn't his robot son's or his own.
With a yelp, Gyro spins around to spot all the intruders inside his lab.
"W-what do you want? Money? Food? I'm sorry, but you are out of luck because I have none of that here!" The scraggy genius attempts to threaten the intruders by waving a wrench in one hand towards Scrooge and the others while covering his face with his other hand.
"Gyro, it's me, Scrooge McDuck." The Elder rolls his eyes, feeling a sense of deja vu. "Remember, I was here a few days ago?"
The gangly bird-man opens one eye to glance over to the crew before feeling relaxed enough to open both eyes to greet his guess better.
"Mr. McDuck, oh thank goodness. I thought Magica turned you into a statue or something." Gyro says with a sigh of relief.
"No, you might not believe it, but I was rescued by Dewey," Scrooge explains.
"Wait?" Gyro pauses as he thinks back in memory. "You mean, Blue Nephew? I thought you know, he went -" he visually describes an explosion with his hands along, making a subtle sound effect noise through his teeth.
Della crosses her arms in both annoyed and defensive posture. "For your information and our relief, he survived." She growls.
"So tell us, Gyro. Any new inventions that could be useful to our plan?" Maria says in a gruff. She casually walks up to the covering and gently lifts it to take a peek.
The skinny tall roster suddenly becomes fidgety and quickly snatches the drape from Maria's grasp. "I don't know what you're talking about; what plan?" Gyro quickly snaps.
"The plan to finally take down Magica and the Beagles so I can finally meet my grandkids." Della forces out with a hint of both anger and excitement.
"And, how many times have you tried this and failed?" Gyro scoffs. He then raises his brow at Scrooge's niece. "Wait, did you say, grandkids?"
Scrooge steps forward and stands firmly with confidence.
"This time will be different. The kids are on a mission of their own that will ensure us an army to go up against the Shadow Demons and, of course, the Beagle Boys." Scrooge informs him. "Not to mention I have a plan to distract Magica and Ma Beagle while that is all going down." He adds with a humorous tone.
Scrooge clears his throat and adds, "Knowing you, Gyro, you've been working on something that could be useful for the upcoming battle."
Lanky bird frowns and turns away. "I don't fight anymore." He says flatly. "I never was much help in any of the battles we had to participate in, to begin with."
B.O.Y.D. walks up to his dad and takes his hand in his.
"You do have something that can help. It's pretty much ready. You can do this. I have faith in you." The little android child says enthusiastically.
Gyro looks down at his creation forces a small smile. "Okay, we will give this one last try."
"Excellent," Mrs. Beakley cheers. She addresses her missing limb and continues. "You wouldn't by chance have something that could help with this whole situation?" The former spy asks.
Gyro clears his throat, finding a new purpose. "Please, don't insult me." He snorts. Gyro's posture straightens as he points to a closed door. "B.O.Y.D. go get my spare parts from the next room. We got work to do." He faces the rest of the group and adds. "I might need some of you to help to get this all set up," Gyro says, addressing the draped object.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Scrooge saunters up to the gates of his former home. The bars appear more Gothic than he remembers, but that is far from his focus right now. Just on the other side, he can see the mansion's entrance with its new ugly entrance in the shape of Magica's face.
The Elder duck clears his throat and takes another step forward.
"Magica!" Scrooge shouts. "Come on out!"
Within a minute, Magica and Ma Beagle exits through the door and is surprised to see their greatest enemy at the gate.
"McDuck?" The elder Beagle cries out in surprise.
"How sweet of you to return, Scrooge. Have you come to surrender properly? No naughty pirates waiting to snatch you away again?" Magica chuckles.
"I have not come here to surrender, witch! I've come here to fight!" Scrooge explains passionately.
"You what?" Magica snaps in disbelief.
"News flask, McDuck, but you and your family have lost numerous times!" Ma Beagle brags.
"I assure you this time will be different," Scrooge smirks.
"Oh really, you and what army?" The evil witch chuckles.
Behind Scrooge, Della, Maria, Violet, Gladstone, and B.O.Y.D. emerge from the bushes with their weapons at the ready.
Bentina Beakley steps forward with a new robotic arm. She lifts it, transforming it into a laser weapon as she aims it at the witch and crime boss.
Heavy footsteps stomp behind them, and from behind a few trees, Gyro steps through in a giant mecha suit.
"Well, there's this army..." Scrooge muses, jerking his thumb over his shoulder. He pauses to wait for the sound he wants to hear.
Just then, a fight breaks loose inside the home. The two women turn to investigate what is happening. Three of the Beagle brothers fly down the hall and land with a tumble in the lobby. At the same time, bagpipes start playing in the Garden of Statues.
"And there will be that army," Scrooge says with a cocky grin.
"Ma!" Bigtime Beagle cries as he staggers up off the floor and runs to his parent. "Ma! We've got company!"
"No kidding, stupid." Ma Beagle grumbles, addressing Scrooge and his family outside the front gate.
Dewey and Webby lead as they step into the lobby. Huey and Louie walk up behind them.
Magica and Ma Beagle jaws drop when the statues are now alive and following the triplets and Webby. Louie plays the bagpipes again and directs the sound to Glomgold's statue form. His eyes start glowing bright yellow as the stubby duck stretches with a loud cry.
Louie stops playing the bagpipes and smiles at his brothers and Webby as they smile back at him. Dewey lifts his sword and points it towards Magica and the Beagles. Even though Dewey still is wearing his mask, Webby can tell he has a certain twinkle in his eye.
"You really want to say it, don't you?" She asks him.
"After all these years, am I still that obvious?" Dewey asks, slightly taken aback.
"Some things will never change, bro." Louie chuckles.
Huey pulls an arrow out of his quiver and draws it back on his bowstring, ready to fire. "So hurry up and say it so we can finally put an end to all of this." He says, rolling his eyes.
Dewey's grin grows wider. He never realized till now that he has always wanted to say this:
"Ducks Assemble!"