Living Nightmare
Okay, this is just twisted. However, though it comes from my own mind, I have no clue as to where any of the stories I've ever written have ever come from, seeing as how my brain only functions during class… I think… I'm hoping to do this story in chapters, just to annoy everyone, but I can promise you that it will be finished, seeing as how I'll have the whole thing written out by the time it actually gets put up.
I'm also guessing that people don't really like to review, heaven knows that a lot of times I don't like to either(Even though I've gotten some really good ones lately. Thanks!). So, for all of you who don't feel like it, you don't have to. I'll put this all up any way. Just for my own sanity I guess, that and it's the only way my little sister PB will ever see it. Hope you like this little sister! It's incredibly twisted, and you now know what I've been working on for so long. PLUS: WARNING!! I have a thing for Wildwing and Tanya relationships, which is weird but it fits for some reason. I think Tanya's kinda' different in my universe.(?) Ah well. Any ways, there's a Tanya/Wing scene in here somewhere. You've been warned…
J So, for all of those out there actually wasting time on my personal rants, have fun, enjoy, and don't forget the popcorn… because I'd like some too! J
***
Mighty Ducks belong to Disney. So there.
***
"Oh come on. You have got to be kidding me!" Duke exclaimed as he sat before a chessboard, Grin smirking evilly at him from the opposite side.
"It's legal." The gentle giant rumbled. Duke sighed and knocked his king over.
"Fine." He muttered. "You win… again." Grin merely put his hands together and bowed causing Duke to roll his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever big guy." He stated with a wave of his hand as he stood. Grin chuckled as Nosedive walked over with a grin.
"You like torturing him don't ya Grinster?" he asked, resting on his elbows on the back of the couch. Grin merely gave him a blank look. However his eyes were sparkling with mischief.
"I haven't a clue as to what you're talking about." He rumbled. The two looked at each other before Nosedive snorted and burst out laughing. Grin snickered as he cleaned off the chessboard. "Would you like to play little friend?" he asked. Nosedive shrugged and leapt over the back of the couch.
"Sure, why not? I'm game." He stated. Then he and Grin both put their hands together and bowed to each other before Grin made his move.
"And that my friend is living proof that those two have been spending way too much time together." Came Mallory's voice. Tanya snickered at her and shook her head as Nosedive looked over at them and stuck out his tongue, then turned back to the board and let out a gasp, flinging his arms into the air.
"No! My pawn! He is gone! NO!" he exclaimed. Grin looked at him wide eyed.
"What did you have for breakfast?" he asked suddenly. Nosedive gave him an evil grin, then started laughing once more as he fell backwards. "Ow!" he exclaimed as he hit the floor, then he started laughing again.
"Too much glucose." Tanya muttered as she walked by.
"And sugar." Nosedive added.
"They're the same thing!" Mallory called as she walked with Tanya. Nosedive's hands in the air was all she saw of him.
"Hey! Learn something new everyday!" he exclaimed. It was then that Drake One went off rather loudly, causing Nosedive to cry out and kick one leg into the air due to being startled. Wildwing and Canard ran in, Duke and Kazar, their new dragon friend, right behind them.
"What is it Tanya?" Wildwing asked as he came up behind her. She had raced over to Drake One as soon as it had gone off and was now typing away on the keyboard.
"Teleportation energy downtown." She told him. He nodded.
"All right everybody, get to the migrator now!" he exclaimed. He looked at Kazar who nodded.
"I shall stay here." He stated calmly. He purred as Wildwing gave him a curt nod and left. "I'm afraid I might hurt you if I went." He whispered unhappily.
*-*
Nosedive winced in pain as Chameleon kicked him harshly into a wall, then ran off with a look of determination on his green face. The teen coughed and lay on the ground, trying to get his lungs working again as he also tried to stand. Standing was not happening it seemed, and he watched the reptile head towards Duke as he morphed into a larger form.
"Duke." Nosedive tried to yell a warning, but all that came out was a whisper. He got to his knees and tried again. "DUKE!!" worked that time. Duke turned and stabbed Chameleon in the side, causing the saurian to screech in pain and fall away. Nosedive fell back to the ground and lay there in pain till his lungs decided they would work properly again. A moment later a shadow fell over him and he looked up to see the last person he'd expected… and the last person he'd ever wanted to see. Dragaunus.
*-*
"WILDWING!!!" Wildwing looked up at his brother's yell in time to see Dragaunus point his laser at Nosedive who was pinned underneath the saurians foot. With a primal yell the leader of the Mighty Ducks threw aside the hunter drone that was in his way, racing towards Dragaunus. The last thing he saw was Dragaunus turning and firing as pain flared in his back.
*-*
"WILDWING!! NO! WILDWING!" Nosedive struggled to get out from underneath the saurian, then gasped in pain as something popped in his chest. He coughed as Dragaunus moved away due to Canard slamming into him. "Wildwing." The teen gasped, stretching a hand out to his fallen brother and leader. Wildwing wasn't moving as their teammates struggled to push the saurians back. Canard landed several punches before Wraith threw a blast, hitting his own leader in the leg. Dragaunus roared in fury and glared at the elder saurian.
"Let's leave!" he shouted. There was no fussing as the saurians teleported away with the last of their hunter drones, Canard hurrying over to the brothers lying on the ground. Nosedive was gasping in pain, calling weakly for his brother as the others hurried over.
"Nosedive, he's going to be okay." Mallory said, kneeling beside the teen as Tanya tended to Wildwing, Canard kneeling beside his friend and helping her.
"Wing." Nosedive merely whimpered, his eyes unseeing as Mallory put a hand on his crunched chest armor. At that he screamed in pain, causing the others to jump and Duke to head over, his saber on his arm as he kneeled down next to Dive giving him the once over.
"Tanya, I think his ribs are broken." He called. She looked at Nosedive quickly, then down at Wildwing.
"Wildwing's out cold." She informed them. "We need to get them to the Migrator quickly." She exclaimed. Grin merely headed over with two long boards.
"So they will not be injured when we move them." He explained. Tanya nodded at him and helped Canard place their fallen teammates on a board each. The team then hurried onto the migrator and back to the pond.
*-*
'Where am I?' the swirling darkness was suffocating as he floated around. He blinked in confusion, then realized that he wasn't wearing the mask of DuCaine anymore, and his armor was gone as well. He looked down at his hands and realized they were glowing a silvery white. He wasn't wearing normal clothing. What he was wearing was a type of robe, white with two thick light blue lines going down the front.
"Now this is interesting clothing." He muttered as he looked down at himself in slight shock. He looked up and around, still trying to figure out where he was.
"Still haven't figured it out yet?" came a voice. He froze and jerked around to see a male duck wearing the same outfit looking at him with a type of grin on his face. Wildwing stared in shock at the familiarity of this duck.
"Dad?" he asked softly. The duck smiled brightly.
"Hey son." He said calmly. Wildwing rushed over to him and enveloped him in a hug.
"DAD!" he cried. His father hugged him back as he held tight, refusing to let go. "I've missed you Dad." He said softly.
"I know." His father answered. "I've been watching you. Both of us have." Wildwing pulled away and gave his father an odd look.
"Us?" he asked.
"Your mother and I. Wildwing, don't ever give up son. What your doing is right, and we're behind you and your brother all the way. I'm sorry for all the horrible things you've had to deal with in your lifetime, but it was the will of the Great King so that you would be strong." His father told him. "And it is also his will that you and your teammates will make it home one day soon." Wildwing stared at him.
"So… I'm not dead?" he asked. His father shook his head.
"No, but your not far from it." He said sadly. "Wildwing, that old saurian did something to you… I can't explain it." He told him. "Wildwing, when you wake up… you won't wake up." He stressed. Wildwing gave him a confused look.
"What?" he asked. His father sighed, shaking his head.
"Son, something is going to be in control of your body. You'll be able to see what it's doing, but you will have no control." He started as his body shook, as if he were a hologram on bad reception. "Your body's waking up!" He exclaimed, giving Wildwing a panicked look. "Wildwing, you have to try. Try to fight it! I can't help you anymore son, just know that you are a DuCaine."
"WHAT?!"
"Wildwing! Protect your brother and your team!" with that his father disappeared and pain ripped through Wildwing's body causing him to cry out loudly because of it. Then the darkness began to change as he curled up in pain, squinting as the infirmary became clear around him.
"Now this is interesting." Came another voice. Wildwing turned and looked to see… himself. "Hope you like the view Wildwing. Because it's going to change soon. I will destroy your team, and then… I'll destroy you."
*-*
Nosedive winced, thankful that he was a fast healer as he walked down the hall, Kazar beside him and allowing him to lean on him. It had been about a week since the battle with the saurians, and Wildwing was still out cold. Nosedive frowned as he thought of his brother, then yawned. It was too late for him to be up, and Tanya would have his tail feathers if she knew he was out of bed. As his bedroom door opened, Kazar gave a soft rumbled purr.
"Are you sure you are alright Nosedive?" he asked. Nosedive looked at him.
"I'm worried about Wildwing." He said softly. He ran a hand through his hair. "I… I feel like… like he's in danger or in trouble or something. And I can't help him." He looked at the dragon worriedly, who gave him a weak smile.
"He is out of danger my friend." He said softly. "Just watch, he'll be up and around in no time." He then gave the teen a comforting smile, which was returned by a look of uncertainty.
"I guess I'll find out later then." Nosedive said softly, almost to himself. He rubbed the top of Kazar's head, then entered his room quietly. Kazar watched him go, then turned. Time to do some late night hunting…
*-*
Canard and Tanya were the first in the infirmary the next morning and were startled to see Wildwing sitting up in bed, his legs dangling over the side as he looked around the room quietly. Canard smiled at his friend as Wildwing looked at him.
"Hey Wing!" he said cheerfully, thankful that the team captain was finally awake. "How do you feel?" he asked. Wildwing gave him a slow nod.
"Fine." He said softly. There was something in his voice that caused Canard to stop and stare at him, Tanya walking over to inspect him and not noticing anything. Something wasn't right… A shudder ran through the tan duck as he tried to shake off the feeling. No, everything was fine. Wildwing was awake and sitting up. Everything was fine.
"So, what's happened while I was asleep?" Wildwing asked suddenly. Canard frowned, then shook himself again. What was this feeling?
"Nothing much." Tanya answered him, giving him a soft smile.
"Any attacks?" Wildwing asked as she checked his vitals. She nodded.
"One, but we managed to beat them back. We were kind of angry about what happened last time." She admitted softly. Wildwing merely looked at her till Canard cleared his throat and gained his attention.
"Nosedive's doing better." He said. "Dragaunus hurt him pretty badly, but he's healed up real good." He explained. Wildwing merely gave him a nod.
"That's fine." He stated. At that Canard frowned and glared at him. Something was really wrong. Wildwing was never that careless about his brother. Tanya must have sensed this as well because she stopped what she was doing and looked at Wildwing. Something about him wasn't right, something in his eyes…
She cried out as Wildwing leapt forward with a battle cry, reaching to grab her neck. He knocked her to the floor, then was sent flying as Canard slammed into him, standing over her.
"WILDWING! WHAT'S GOTTEN INTO YOU?" Canard yelled as Wildwing stood up. He started at the look his long time friend gave him. It was the look of complete insanity, and it frightened Canard. "Tanya, get out of here. Get help." He said, getting into a fighting stance as Wildwing stood, a grim look on his face, but the insanity showing clearly in his eyes.
"What's wrong with him?" Tanya asked as she stumbled up.
"He's gone crazy, get Grin and Duke!" Canard ordered as his 'friend' started towards him. "GO!" he yelled. She turned and ran out the door as Wildwing yelled and charged again, his yell being met by one of Canard's. The two locked arms, hands on each other's shoulders as they both tried to throw the other down. "WILDWING, GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!" Canard yelled. Something flashed in Wildwing's eyes, nearly throwing the tan duck off. Was something controlling Wildwing? The answer to that question would have to come later as he was thrown to the ground. He stared up at Wildwing in shock. The white mallard looked down at him in insane fury.
"Now, you die." Wildwing said. His voice was deep, it was dangerous, and it wasn't Wildwing.
"Who… what are you?" Canard asked softly, fearfully as he backed away. He knew if Wildwing wanted to he could kill him, and if terrified him. Whatever the being was that stood before him was not his friend, but it had his strength and his body, and it was grinning maliciously at him.
"I am the darkness." He purred, and then he attacked.
*-*
"NO! STOP! LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Wildwing yelled, lying on a black marble floor as red lighting shot over his body, keeping him chained down with intense pain. The creature that looked like him, looked over at him with an evil grin. It's eyes were like burning coals, its robes like blood and it's feathers pitch black.
"Who's going to stop me? You, my dear little host, are hardly any type of competition. I have nothing to fear from you, you weakling." He chuckled deeply as he controlled Wildwing's body to punch Canard upside the head, causing the tan duck to go limp beneath him. Wildwing growled and struggled to stand, and achieving the task, much to the surprise of his captor.
"Very good!" the dark duck before him applauded sarcastically, forgetting about Canard for now. However, he left the hands of Wildwing around the mallards neck, strangling him. "Now, do you actually think you can stop me?" he asked, waving a hand. The red lightning danced rapidly over Wildwing's 'body', causing him to scream in pain and fall to his knees, and then back onto the floor. The dark duck glared at him in disgust. "Stupid creature." He muttered, turning back to the view before him.
"Ruben…" Wildwing gasped. The dark duck looked back, not noticing that the doors to the infirmary were opening. "They'll stop you… even if… I don't…" Ruben frowned and looked back to see Duke heading in with a sharp cry for Wildwing to stop.
"Oh great. Ruin my fun." Ruben growled and starting to glow. "I'll just have to take care of you then…"
*-*
"WILDWING! STOP! YOU'RE KILLING HIM!" Duke yelled as he rushed in. Canard gave a strangled cry as Wildwing moved a hand and looked up with a vicious growl.
"THAT'S THE POINT!" He yelled back, lifting up a puck launcher he'd stolen off of Canard and pointing it at the once thief. Duke was startled at the voice coming from Wildwing.
"You're not Wing…" he muttered. The duck before him grinned evilly.
"What was your first clue?" he asked. Then he fired, causing Duke to jump out of the way, and causing Grin to grab Mallory and leap out of the way as well. Duke drew his saber.
"Where's Wildwing?" Duke asked angrily. The duck that looked like his friend and leader cocked his head to one side, still choking Canard.
"He's here." He stated calmly, aiming the puck launcher at Duke again. "But you'll never see him again." He grinned again. Duke growled and started at him, only to cry out as a puck slammed into his midsection, knocking him down and his saber away from him. 'Wildwing' then cried out as something slammed into his head and he fell away, dropping the puck launcher. Canard sat up coughing, and knocked the puck launcher away, then managed to move away from his old friend. Mallory fired a gas puck at Wildwing, who coughed as Canard moved away unsteadily.
"Maybe that will stop him." She said as Tanya kneeled next to Duke.
"What's going on?" Came Nosedive's voice, looking around in panic.
"Wildwing's gone crazy, get out of here Nosedive!" Mallory exclaimed.
"DUCAINE!" came a furious yell. Nosedive gave a startled cry as Wildwing leapt out of a cloud of purple, arms stretched out as he reached for the teens neck.
"NO!" Grin yelled, stepping in the way and locking fists with the white mallard. "NOSEDIVE! RUN!" he yelled as he fought his leader, surprised at the strength Wildwing possessed.
"NOSEDIVE! GO! GET OUT OF HERE!" Canard yelled at him, leaping onto Wildwing's back as the duck threw Grin to the side. Wildwing yelled in fury, causing Nosedive to stare in shock as he watched his teammates attack his brother. "NOW! HE'S TRYING TO KILL EVERYONE!" Canard yelled, fear and worry in his eyes. Nosedive took one look at his brother's furious face and wide eyes, then fled. Seeing the teen run caused Wildwing to roar in fury and grab Canard, sending the mallard flying with a startled cry into Grin, both of them landing on the floor. He took off running.
"AFTER HIM!" Mallory yelled. "HE'S GOING AFTER NOSEDIVE!"
*-*
Wildwing looked up, wincing at the pain that flowed through his veins as he watched Ruben running down the hallway of the Pond. The black duck was gritting his teeth, his eyes furious and his fists clenched. Wildwing looked down the hall and was startled to see Nosedive running around a corner as he held his side in pain.
'Nosedive?' he looked to see Ruben growl.
"DuCaine." The black duck hissed angrily. He looked at Wildwing. "I would get stuck with a DuCaine that had a brother." He growled angrily. He frowned, then smiled devilishly. "That will soon be taken care of. And once I destroy your friends and get rid of you, I will use the powers you will inherit to help Lord Dragaunus take over this world. After that, I will go back to my own world and the saurian empire will rule once more." He purred. Wildwing looked at him.
"What are you rambling on about?" he asked. Ruben's sneer quieted him.
"Wraith gave me another chance boy." He spat. "And I will not fail my master again. Your ancestor may have stopped me once, but you are a pathetic replacement." He stated. "Drake DuCaine is dead. But Ruben McCoy lives AGAIN! AND YOU WILL ALL DIE!" with that he turned back to his chase, ignoring Wildwing for the time being. The white mallard stared at the insane ghost that was controlling his body in shock. What was this nutcase talking about? He wasn't a DuCaine. He was just a regular guy… who happened to be leading a team of rebels against a saurian dictator on a whole 'nother planet. Ruben let out another cry of fury and pain ripped through Wildwing, causing him to cry out. Ruben glared at him, then back at the scene before him. He was going to kill Nosedive, and nothing was going to stop him. Nothing.
*-*
Nosedive cried out as he lost his footing thanks to the pain in his side. He stood up, then cried out in alarm as he saw Wildwing charging him.
"WILDING STOP! WHAT'S GOTTEN INTO YOU?" Nosedive cried fearfully. Never had he seen his brother act like this, especially towards him! "Wildwing! No!" the white mallard lunged at him with a yell of fury and a promise of death. Suddenly something gray and scaly was blocking Nosedive from his brother.
Wildwing back peddled in shock to stop from slamming into the creature that had leapt in front of his prey. A dragon! It growled at him, then roared in fury.
"YOU WILL NOT HARM HIM!!" It yelled as he fell backwards in startled surprise. Then the look changed back to fury.
"Get out of my way beast." He growled.
"BEAST?!" The dragon reared up in fury at the word, then roared again, causing Wildwing to stand back, a hand raised to his face as if that would help him. The dragon stalked forward as Nosedive watched in fear, the other ducks rushing to the scene as Wildwing was attacked. He cried out in fury as Kazar pinned him to the floor.
"KAZAR! STOP!" Nosedive cried out as the dragon bent down to bight off Wildwing's head. The white mallard was struggling under the weight of Kazar, cursing violently.
"He was going to kill you." Kazar growled.
"That's not Wildwing." Canard added. "It's something else."
"But he's in there. I know it!" Nosedive shouted suddenly, causing the others to stare at him in surprise. "Please Kazar, don't kill him!" he begged. Kazar growled, then looked down at Wildwing.
"Whoever you are, count yourself lucky." He purred, then slammed the duck upside the head with a fisted hand, knocking him unconscious. Nosedive slid down against the wall as the others approached, Mallory making her way around Kazar and over to the teen as Canard and Grin lifted up the unconscious Wildwing. Kazar moved away and looked to see Mallory saying something to Nosedive. The teen merely shook his head and started sobbing, causing Mallory to look at him uncomfortably for a moment, then wrap her arms around him in a hug.
"We're going to take him to one of the containment areas that Tanya installed last month." Canard stated. Kazar nodded.
"I shall come with you. I want to keep guard over him." He stated coolly. Canard nodded, then looked over at Nosedive. His face softened.
"It'll be okay Nosedive." He said, causing the teen to look up. "We'll find out what's going on, and we'll get our Wildwing back. I promise." He said. Nosedive said nothing, just bowed his head. Grin and Canard looked at each other. "Let's go." Canard said softly. Then they turned and walked away, leaving Mallory to tend to Nosedive.
*-*
Ruben was unmoving as Wildwing stood up slowly and unsteadily. He was in the lower part of the Pond, in one of Tanya's cells. Kazar was sitting outside the cell, his tail twitching as he glared at him.
"So you awaken at last." The dragon purred. Wildwing rubbed his head, panic starting to fill him. How long till Ruben awoke and took over again?
"Where are the others?" he asked, walking over to the green laser bars.
"In the infirmary, taking care of Duke." Kazar growled. "Are you in your right mind now?" he asked. Wildwing nodded.
"Yes, but not for long. Kazar…" he stopped and looked at the dragon in a panic. "Wraith did something to me." He stressed. "I don't know how, but there is someone else in my body with me. He calls himself Ruben McCoy, and keeps calling me and Nosedive DuCaine's!" he explained fervently. "Kazar, he wants to kill Dive. Please, don't let him!" he begged. The dragon stood, giving Wildwing an odd look.
"Where is this Ruben now?" he asked.
"Out cold. I can't fight him, he's too strong!" Wildwing told him, his eyes wide with panic. "Please Kazar, you have to help me! He's working for Dragaunus! I can't stop him, he's too strong!" he exclaimed. Kazar shushed him.
"Wildwing, we can't do anything to help you." He said truthfully. "It's all you." He shook his head, then moved away. "I am sorry. I've failed you again." He said softly. Wildwing looked at him in confusion.
"What are you talking about?" he asked softly. Kazar shook his large head.
"I should have been with you that day you were hurt in battle. I could have protected you."
"Kazar…"
"I was afraid that if I went with you, I'd attack Dragaunus and ignore everyone else. I have had that problem before, and you've seen it. I nearly attacked and killed Nosedive because I was so furious, I forgot who my real enemy was." He said softly, sadly. Wildwing shook his head.
"It's okay Kazar. It's not your fault." He said, starting to calm. "Everything will be fine, if I can just stop this guy." He said in frustration. He stood in silence for a moment, then smirked. "Great. One battle gone wrong and I've become a schizophrenic." He stated, lifting up his hands as he looked up at the ceiling. Then he sighed and let them fall to his sides. "Kazar." He called softly. The dragon looked at him. "Protect my brother." He pleaded. "Ruben is waking up." He stumbled as his muscles weakened, then screamed in pain as the red lightning raced through his veins once more. Kazar was startled and leapt up in shock.
"Wildwing?" he asked as the white mallard fell to the floor, writhing in pain. Finally Wildwing stopped moving. "Wildwing?" Kazar stepped forward, then leapt back as Wildwing flung himself up and into the bars, screaming in pain from the shock he received because of it. He landed back on the floor with a sharp cry, then lifted himself up with a guttural growl, the look of insanity in his eyes again. Kazar sat down, his tail twitching again. "Hello Ruben." He stated coolly. Wildwing, no, Ruben, gave him a dark grin.
"Hello beast." He growled, his voice deeper than what Kazar was used to hearing coming from the white drake before him. "So they've put you in charge of babysitting? How sweet." He purred, coming as close to the bars as he dared. Kazar glared at him.
"My name is Kazar. And you would know that if you completely controlled Wildwing… which I highly doubt you do." He stated. Ruben merely smiled coyly, shrugged, and calmly reached a hand over to the wall beside him.
"Are you sure about that… 'beast'?" Kazar frowned. " You do realize that I have my hand on the wall where the control panel is located, don't you?" He asked calmly.
"What good does that do you? You have no way of reaching it." Kazar told him. Ruben grinned evilly.
"No. But DuCaine could." He said gleefully.
"You are not DuCaine." Kazar growled. "Your really are insane." Ruben smirked at that.
"Wildwing is a DuCaine, and I have access to everything." He hissed. With that the wall beside him started sparking where his hand was placed, and the bars faded away. Kazar started with surprise, backing away as Ruben stepped forward. "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you." The duck now known as Ruben purred as he stepped out, his hand glowing as if covered by a white flame. "I just want your life!" with that he attacked.
*-*
"This is insane." Duke muttered.
"No. Wildwing is insane." Canard stated, rubbing his face with his hands as he leaned on the wall in the Ready Room. They were standing in front of Drake One, the rest of the team there as well. Nosedive glared at Canard.
"It wasn't Wing." He stated.
"I know that." Canard snapped. The others stared at the two. "But we don't know who or what it is, and therefore it is still Wildwing. And Wildwing, or whatever's controlling him, is insane!" he stated in frustration. Nosedive frowned at him and looked away.
"There has to be a way to get Wing back." The teen muttered. Mallory nodded from her place next to him.
"I agree. Maybe this is a trick of Dragaunus'?" she asked.
"Don't you think he would have gloated about it last time we faced him?" Duke asked. Grin shrugged.
"Maybe he was not sure that it had worked." He offered. Canard shook his head.
"It is a possibility." He stated softly. He rubbed his face again and groaned. "I have never seen him act like that." He said suddenly. "Wildwing has never done anything like that before, no matter how angry he got!" he said.
"Yeah, and you would know." Nosedive stated softly. Canard looked at him and realized the teen was paling. "I've never been at the wrong end of his fist before." He muttered shakily. Canard sighed and shook his head as Duke walked over to Nosedive and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It wasn't Wildwing kid. You've already told us that. It will be okay." He said softly, gruffly. Nosedive merely shook his head, shaking uncharacteristically.
"We have to find out what's controlling him." Canard said. Tanya shook her head.
"Well, if it was a chip, I would have found it." She said softly. She shook her head. "But there wasn't one." She told them unhappily. Canard gave a sigh as he shook his head.
"Maybe it was Wraith. He did get a blast in before Dragaunus did." He told them. Mallory opened her mouth to say something when a roar came through the Pond, shaking it to its foundation. The ducks looked at each other.
"Was that Kazar?" asked Duke.
"Something must be wrong. Come on." Canard told them, pushing away from the wall.
"That won't be necessary." Came a voice that sent chills through his spine. Wildwing was standing in the doorway. He grinned maliciously at them. "Amazing how fast you can get through this place." He told them, a white fire enveloping him as he stood there. His grin deepened as he saw Nosedive. "Hello DuCaine." He growled. He frowned when Canard stepped in front of the teen quickly, puck launcher drawn and ready.
"Who are you?" the tan duck snarled. Wildwing took a quick bow his grin still there, his insane eyes flashing.
"Ruben McCoy. Servant to the saurian empire." He grinned. Mallory drew her own puck launcher, Duke drawing his saber in fury. Ruben chuckled. "Ah, so you have heard of them have you?" he asked.
"You traitorous creep." Mallory growled. Ruben grinned at her.
"I am loyal to my masters." He told her, stepping forward.
"What have you done to Wildwing?" Nosedive cried, pushing Canard aside, startling the tan duck. Ruben shrugged.
"Nothing." He stated. "He's just coming of age." He stated. "Two more weeks and he'll have inherited all the power of his ancestors." He glowered at the ducks. "And with me controlling this body, I will control the power of DuCaine, and the ability to go to other worlds… even Dimensional Limbo." He growled.
"What?" Duke breathed. Ruben snorted.
"How else do you think he sent the saurians into Dimensional Limbo all those years ago, and made that blasted mask of his?" he growled. Then he calmed. "Where is that mask anyways? I would love to get my hands on it again." He purred. Nosedive glared at him.
"It's safe." He stated. "What have you done with my brother?" he asked. Ruben frowned.
"You've already asked that boy." He growled.
"And I'm waiting for your answer." The teen growled back.
"He's still here if you're wondering. But he won't be for long, and neither will you." The white flame flared in fury, then flew to the ducks, flinging them all backwards with an extreme force. They cried out as they fell off the tall platform and onto the floor below. Canard gave a sharp cry of pain as Nosedive landed on top of him, something snapping in his left arm. "Oh I am sorry. Did I hurt you?" Ruben sneered as he looked down at them. He laughed and leapt down.
"Kazar!" Duke called into his comm as he stood. "Where are you?"
"I wouldn't worry about him if I were you." Ruben told them coolly. "Of course, I suppose we'll be eating dragon meat for a long, long time." He stopped. "Oh. Did I say we? I meant, me." He lifted his glowing hands, then brought them down, slamming the ducks backwards and causing them to cry out in pain. Then he lifted a hand, causing Nosedive to become airborne. "You I'll take care of first." He exclaimed. "Can't have you coming of age and trying to stop us now can we?" he asked cheerfully. Nosedive cried out as Ruben lifted a hand and started to squeeze. "Watching you suffer will be the greatest accomplishment in my lifetime boy." Ruben growled. "I almost had this same chance with your ancestor, had his son not come in and stopped me from killing him… by making him wake up!" he snarled and tightened the grip he had with Wildwing's power, Nosedive choking for air. Canard looked at his teammates for help and saw that Mallory's puck launcher was split in two. She was helping Tanya with Duke and Grin. Duke was still suffering from earlier when he'd been shot in the stomach with a pucklauncher, and Grin was shaking his head.
'Protect the sons of DuCaine.' The words echoed in Canard's head and he looked for his own puck launcher. It was right next to him, still in one piece. He stood holding his puck launcher and left arm, which hung lifeless at his side.
"RUBEN!!" he yelled. The white mallard looked at him angrily, irked at the interruption. "I will protect the sons of DuCaine." Canard snarled, then he fired. Ruben fell back in a cry of pain and fury. With his concentration lost, Nosedive fell back to earth. Grin, having pushed himself up, ran over hurriedly and caught the gasping teen before he could hit the ground. Duke stood with Tanya's help, his arm around his midsection as Canard advanced on the insane duck. "Mallory, go get a puck launcher with a bola puck." He ordered. Ruben sneered at him as Mallory ran off and he regained his footing.
"Do you really believe that your weapons could stop me?" he snarled in fury, stumbling. Canard said nothing as he raised his puck launcher.
"Wildwing, forgive me." He said softly, firing once again. Ruben yelled something and leaned over as if flexing his arm muscles. The puck stopped in midair as some kind of turbulence filled the air. It fell to the ground as Ruben stood straight, a look of disgust on his face.
"He hasn't gained enough power has he?" Duke asked softly as he stood near Grin. Nosedive merely coughed from his place in the gentle giants arms, and shook his head.
"Wing." He croaked. Canard merely fired again, hurt in his eyes as he did so. Never had he ever imagined he'd be shooting at his own friend. This time Ruben could do nothing to stop the puck, and he fell back with a cry. Another firing sound came, then a whipping noise. Tight ropes wrapped their way around Ruben and he grunted, then lay still. He hadn't the strength anymore to snap them, or use Wildwing's power to fling them off himself. He growled as the team stepped up to him.
"I will regain my power." He growled. Canard held out his puck launcher, allowing Mallory to put a puck into it.
"Not for a long while you won't." he said, his throat tight. With that he lowered the puck launcher and fired. The puck slammed into Ruben's midsection, then secreted a purple gas. The others backed away as Ruben coughed. This time he succumbed to it.
*-*
"I told you so." Wildwing growled as the red lightning danced over his 'body'. Ruben sneered at him from where he lay as well.
"Shut up boy." He growled. Wildwing grunted and pulled himself into a sitting position, ignoring the pain that came from the action.
"They will stop you no matter what Ruben. Even if it means destroying me. Then, when my brother gets older, they will all go home. Dragaunus will be stopped." He stated. Ruben chuckled, then burst out laughing as he rolled onto his back.
"You IDIOT!" he yelled. He stopped laughing suddenly, then turned his head so that the white mallard could see his glare. "Do you really think they're going to kill you?" he asked. He shook his head slowly. "Your people are weak." He spat. "They will try to find a way to save you." He sneered sarcastically. "They wouldn't be heroes if they didn't." he growled. Wildwing glared at him.
"If that's so, then they'll find a way to help me." He spat.
"No one can help you boy. You belong to me. I control you now, and you will never be free." He grunted as he tried to stand, then gasped as red lightning danced across his body. He looked over at Wildwing in shock, who stared at him angrily.
"My body." He growled. "I'm in charge." He stated.
"Not for long. I will regain my strength." Ruben threatened, then screamed as the lightning danced across his body.
"Yes, but that won't be for a long while Ruben." Wildwing sneered as he stood unsteadily, lightning still dancing across his own body. "And I will have enough time to get the help I need." He stated softly. He smiled as the infirmary came into view and he regained the control of his body… for the time being.
*-*
"Tanya…" she looked up as Wildwing's voice called out to her softly.
"Wildwing?" she asked softly, coming over.
"Don't get too close." He told her weakly. She stopped and looked at him, her eyes starting to tear up. He gave her a weak smile as he strained a little in the restraints. "Don't cry, it'll be alright." He told her softly.
"But… Ruben…" she started. He nodded.
"I know. I know what he's doing. I have to watch it all." He quieted, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "Is Nosedive okay?" he asked. Tanya nodded.
"Yes." She told him softly. "He's terrified of Ruben and worried sick about you." She told him. Wildwing shook his head.
"Tell him not to worry. Tell him to pray for me though." He told her. Then he grunted as if in pain, and winced. "He's trying to get free." He whispered.
"Who is?"
"Ruben. Tanya, I'm so sorry." He told her. She shook her head.
"It's not your fault." She told him wetly. She came over to him, ignoring his warning that it may be dangerous, then kissed him. He looked at her as she stepped away from him, then closed his eyes.
"I love you." He whispered. "Just.. do whatever you have to, to stop him." He said softly, opening his eyes again. He gave her a weak smile. "Tell Canard, I don't hold anything against him, okay?" he asked. She nodded, sniffling and wiping away a stray tear. Others followed however, and she wrapped her arms around herself as she tried to calm herself.
"I love you too Wildwing." She told him softly. She shook her head. "But I can't destroy you." She whispered. Wildwing looked at her, then nodded.
"I know." He told her. "But if it comes down to that, someone will have to."
"It won't come down to that! Fight him Wildwing, I know you can. How is he any different from Dragaunus?" she asked him. Wildwing shook his head, and sighed.
"I wearing out Tanya." He told her wearily. She shook her head.
"You have to fight him." She whispered. He looked at her as unconsciousness started to take over. "Promise me you won't give up."
"I promise." And then he was asleep once more. Tanya closed her eyes and turned away, praying that Ruben wouldn't take over again anytime soon. She walked to the door and turned to see that Wildwing was out like a light and shook her head. The door opened and she walked out. Mallory met her in the hallway a little ways down.
"Kazar's still alive." The red head told her softly. "Ruben didn't do what he'd thought. He's just really sore, and very ticked." She explained. Tanya nodded.
"Wildwing woke up." She said softly. "He was in control of himself…" she quieted and shook her head, causing Mallory to look at her in concern.
"What did he say?" she asked. Tanya merely shook her head, unable to stop the tears from falling. She sobbed freely now, and Mallory put a hand on her shoulder, then as an after thought hugged her, trying to comfort her. It didn't help, and she found herself crying as well. She tried to stop herself and found that she couldn't.
*-*
'Okay. Sneak past Canard's room, pray those drugs Tanya gave him for his arm have kicked in and he's out cold… then get past Kazar and into the infirmary to see Wing. No prob!' Nosedive shook his head as he peeked onto Canard's room, the door wide open and the tan duck was sitting on his bed with his head down, resting on his good hand, his left arm in a cast. 'Who am I kidding? Duke will probably catch me.' the teen thought unhappily. Then, with a shrug, he quietly inched past Canard's door.
"Where do you think your going?" came Canard's weary tone. Nosedive winced and looked in to see Canard still staring at the floor.
"I want to see Wing." Nosedive stated, standing tall. Canard frowned but didn't move.
"Understandable." He muttered. "But it's too dangerous. Ruben may get free." Nosedive looked at him, a frown on his face.
"He's tied down." He said. Canard looked up at him now, a frown on his face as well.
"Do you really think that would stop him?" he asked. Nosedive jerked back in surprise.
"Well, yeah." Canard sighed, and shook his head, his good arm falling to his side.
"Nosedive, you and your brother are sons of DuCaine. I never quite understood what the guardians of Dimensional Limbo meant when they told me to protect you two… because they didn't exactly say it was you." He looked up at the teen. "Wildwing's getting the powers of DuCaine, and while Ruben is in control, he can use those powers… and he's going to. You've already seen that." He said. Nosedive rubbed his neck, then let his arm fall as he looked at Canard.
"Canard, I want to see my brother." He said softly. "Maybe I can help him." Canard's frown deepened.
"How?" he asked. Nosedive shrugged.
"I dunno." He whispered, shaking his head. Canard watched him for a moment, then sighed.
"Nosedive, I'm sorry. But I don't want you going anywhere near your brother." He stated. Nosedive looked up, startled.
"What?!" he exclaimed. Canard shook his head.
"Wildwing would kill me if anything happened to you. I don't want Ruben to get his hands on you." He said, standing, then leaning on the wall thanks to the wave of dizziness that overcame him. Nosedive glared at him.
"You can't stop me. You can barely stand." He stated.
"Which means I can't protect you if Ruben goes after you." Canard told him.
"I don't need your protection." Nosedive spat.
"Yeah, you can take care of yourself real well." Canard sneered sarcastically. "I saw how you handled Ruben before. No better than the rest of us." Nosedive glared at him, then looked away. Canard sighed and rubbed his head with his good hand. "Go get some rest Nosedive." He said wearily. "You need it just as much as I do." He stated softly. Nosedive glared at him.
"What makes you think I'm going to listen to you?" he asked. Canard shook his head.
"Nothing." He said softly, resignedly. Nosedive gave him a confused look as the elder mallard sat back down on his bed. "If you go see your brother, take Kazar with you." He grunted as he leaned back against the wall. Nosedive gave him a surprised look, then walked inside, closing the door behind him.
"I'll wait till your asleep, then sneak out." He said softly, grinning weakly. Canard nodded, then lay down, watching the teen dully. "Sorry about your arm." Canard shrugged.
"Could be worse." He muttered. Then he quieted and closed his eyes as the painkillers took over. Nosedive watched him for a moment, then rubbed his face. Time to go get Kazar. Sorry Canard.
*-*
"YOU OLD FOOL!" Wraith frowned as Dragaunus growled in fury, smoke flowing from his nostrils. "AGAIN YOU HAVE BROUGHT US FAILURE!!"
"Yeah." Siege muttered, his arms crossed as he watched Chameleon prance around. "All because you wore yourself out again." He frowned as Chameleon giggled like a schoolgirl and began waving back and forth. "What are you on?" he asked the little saurian. Chameleon fell over laughing, causing Dragaunus and Wraith to frown at him.
"What did you give him now?" Dragaunus asked. Wraith shrugged.
"I don't know. But it got him off my back this morning." Siege had to grin at that. Dragaunus merely glared at them, causing Chameleon to duck behind Siege, still giggling.
"Wraith… I have half a mind to put you out of my misery." Dragaunus growled. Chameleon giggled violently.
"Where's the other half?" he whispered causing Siege to snort. Dragaunus didn't hear them.
"My Lord, I can not help that I am feeling my age." The old saurian growled. "But don't cut me short yet. The last time I blasted Wildwing, I used a spell that could… change him." He stated. Dragaunus rolled his eyes, turning away with a wave of his clawed hand.
"Into what? A pansy?" he snarled. At this, Chameleon leapt out from behind Siege, sprouting petals around his head as he danced around.
"I'm a pansy! A pansy! A pansy!" he cheered, skipping around Wraith and Dragaunus. The two saurians watched him, an eyebrow raised till he skittered off screaming something about pollen.
"You know, that has a bad meaning on this planet?" Siege asked. Wraith looked at him in confusion and he made a face. "So if Wildwing's a pansy, I ain't goin' anywhere near him." He stated, his nose in the air. Wraith sneered at him.
"Does the name Ruben McCoy mean anything to you?" he snapped. Siege gave him an odd look and Dragaunus frowned.
"He's a duck that used to be loyal to the saurian empire years ago, when our ancestors took over the first time." He stated. "He was insane if I remember correctly."
"Yes sire. Very insane, but very loyal. Also incredibly stupid." Wraith stated. "He never planed anything out, always attacking at the wrong time, but his strength and size served him well. So it didn't really matter how off his timing was."
"What does he have to do with anything?" Dragaunus sneered.
"My lord, he was killed many years ago, and the powers I serve granted his soul to my ancestors and I. For years he has begged for the chance to seek his revenge against the decedents of DuCaine. But there were none that I knew of. I told him so, and he begged to be released anyway to destroy all of duck kind. But I never did, for I did not believe his help was needed, until the last battle in which Wildwing was charging for you my lord. I cast the spell before you blasted him, allowing Ruben to take over Wildwing's body." Dragaunus frowned.
"Why did you not tell me this before?" he snarled.
"I tried, but you were still angry that I accidentally blasted you in the leg." Wraith growled. At that moment, Chameleon ran in, a bed sheet wrapped around his head as he buzzed his lips making a motor noise. He ran around the room, hands fisted and his arms straight as he did so, running in between Dragaunus and Wraith. The two watched him, looks of complete astonishment at his insanity on their faces as they did so. He hopped up onto Dragaunus' throne and beat his chest once, scrunching up his face as if he were in the Mr. Universe pageant.
"I am SUPER CHAMELEON!!!" he hollered. Then, giggling violently, he jumped off the back of the large chair and ran from the room. Siege snickered as Dragaunus shook his head, Wraith clearing his throat.
"How will you be sure that your spell worked?" Dragaunus stated as if nothing had happened.
"He will contact us my lord." Wraith stated. "He knows how, I taught him years ago." He frowned. "However it may take time. He will have to deal with those accursed ducks and that dragon. More than likely, he'll try to kill them all first before even bothering to contact us." He growled. It was then that Chameleon stalked back in, an evil grin on his face, his hands behind his back. Then he burst out with a grin and pulled out his hands, holding up a pair of underwear. Who's it was, none of them knew.
"That's why I hide my clothing." Siege muttered as Chameleon cleared his throat.
"Lingerie!" he exclaimed. Then he giggled and ran out of the room at full speed.
"Stop him before he puts it on the top of the ship again!" Dragaunus cried, Chameleon's giggle echoing through the interior of the ship. The three saurians hurried from the room.
"How long does it take for this stuff to wear off?" Siege hollered.
"I don't know!" Dragaunus' growl and a high pitched giggle were the only reply to that, all other things forgotten for the time being.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Thanks to my best friend and roommate here at college for most of the insane ideas that I came up with for this thing. Stick around folks, there's more to come.
Heh, heh, heh. The torture. J
