Author's Notes 8/27/02:
Wooo! I'm in College now! and yet, I'm still writing stories about Cartoons...THAt'S OK! It's practice for the award winning novel I someday (hope to) WILL write! Anyway, not the point, Here's the next installment in our series! Poor NoseDive! Poor Wildwing!! Nobody hurt me!
When Nobody Wins.
Chapter 5: One Way Road
Grin released a long sigh as he dropped the mangled remains of the Duckcycle in the hanger's garage. Staring morosely at the twisted, dulled metal, his mind flashed back to the hopeless efforts of the night past.
The ducks had been forced to lock their estranged leader in the confines of the Migrator until his emotions cooled enough to allow his mind to think clearly. Even then, the team members had been hesitant to allow him to aid them in their search for Nosedive. 'But Wing was...-is- his brother and should be there when he is found..' Grin grimaced at his mental choice of words. Had he truly already accepted his little friend's death? 'His body has not yet been found.... there is hope...'
But the words sounded hollow in his mind. The entire team had spent all night dragging the ditch, and following the current to a sewer grate even the spindly teenager could not have slipped through. And still, no Dive.
'..and what about the teleportation energy? What id Dragaunus has NoseDive...dead or Alive.' The larger duck's beak tightened, and his had to conciously banish the angry thoughts clouding his aura. Grin eased another tired sigh and refocused on the machinery before him. Carefully, he began to dismantle the destroyed duckcycle, eyes attentive for any clues as to the whereabout of their lost teammate.
****
"..So....you never answered my question..."
Chameleon looked up from rechecking the makeshift bandage around Nosedive's arm, expression blank, "huh?"
The mallard chuckled quietly a moment, wincing slightly as his ribs protested, still tender from their indelicate slide down the incline, "..I...I said...You never answered my question... about my name..."
"...oh..right..you can't remember it..." Momentarily, the Saurian paniced. Was it safe to tell him his real name? Or does Dragaunus want him to be something else. The duck was staring at him expectantly, and Chameleon found himself blurting out, "NoseDive."
"NoseDive?" The Mighty Duck's beak wrinkled slightly, his eyes clouding, "What kind of name is that?"
Dragaunus's cronie couldn't help but grin, "That's what I've always wondered. What was your mom -on- when she made that up??"
Dive shot him a comical expression, "I'd tell you if I knew."
Chameleon smirked, feeling inordinately cocky about winning his first verbal spar, and rose to his feet. He hastily reminded himself to play it cool, and not let anything slip about the duck's actual past, "...er...Ready to go?"
"Go where?" WildWing's younger brother tipped his beak back, peering up at the unknown enemy, brow quirked upward in question.
"Back to my...-our-...Ship. Dragaunus is waiting for us." Chameleon wanted to smack himself.
"...hmm..Dragaunus...that sounds familiar.." The teenager spoke with genuine perplexity, and the green saurian was heartened by its sound.
"Probably 'cause he's our leader, doofus, c'mon."
The white drake smirked at that retort, mischief gleaming in his eyes as he carefully pushed himself to his feet, using the tree for support, "Least my eyeballs don't look like crosshairs... I don't think.."
Chameleon sniggered, grabbing his companion's uninjured arm and signaling his comm. Within moments, the pair were engulfed in a green light.
*****
*WARNING!*WARNING!*
"Teleportation Energy detected!" Tanya's bellow attracted every duck in the pond, WildWing easily in the lead. The large mallard nearly collided with the back of the female engineer's chair in his haste to reach her.
"Where is it, Tanya?!" The leader's words where clipped and short, the mask already shrouding his features as he scanned the monitor. Tanya had her doubts he removed it since Dive went missing. "We have to get there quickly!"
The purple suited duck blinked, realizing his intent. She stood abruptly, hands stationing on her hips, "Oh, no you don't! You're -not- Driving again!" '...Not after the LAST time!' The female teammate chided herself, knowing she probably wouldn't have manned the vehicle much better..
Wing's attention jerked in her direction, the glowing eyes of the mask widening incredulously. "What? Why not?!"
Tanya gestured widely towards the hangar door, the sharp edge of her words tempered by the sincere concern in her gaze. "You're a Maniac in this state!"
"But Tanya, I can get us there the fastest!" The wild-haired duck was about to comment on how that wouldn't matter if they all died in a car wreck on the way there, when Mallory's insolent voice chimed in, "Actually, Tanya, he has a point. The only better driver we have is NoseDi-"
"You stay out of this!" Tanya's eyes widened slightly, shocked at her own outburst.. 'The strain must be getting to me...' Luckily, Duke chose that moment to intervene.
"Hey! Cool it, guys. The last thing we need right now is fighting amongst ourselves. Tawnie, WildWing is our Leader. Let him drive. And Wing... " The older mallard sighed heavily as he looked to the impatient figure of their team captain, "..-try- to drive like a sane duck.."
The Duck's retreating back was all the response Duke recieved.
******
The resulting drive was less hellish than its predecessor, yet still needlessly reckless. Tanya, thankfully, must have realized the tentative mood WildWing was in, for she kept her scoldings to herself throughout the race to the appointed area. Like before, the vicinity was abandoned when they got there, But Wing's jaw was firm, and he ordered the team to search everywhere within a half mile radius. No one dare complain... no one wanted to anyhow.
It was NoseDive's elder brother who discovered the discarded strip of the young duck's uniform, colored a muddy shade of red. The masked face drew a shuddering breath as he held the scrap out to Tanya, but his voice was monotonely even, "Analyze this... confirm who's blood that is on it."
Tanya bit her lip, and only nodded. There was no doubt now... Dragaunus had NoseDive.
*****
"Welcome -Home!-"
Nosedive blinked at the bellowed greeting, turning around to stare in muted awe at the massive reptile stalking towards him. The red scaled dragon was smiling, but even the hospitable gesture somehow appeared menacing. The teenager took a step back, slightly behind Chameleon, who stood next to him.
Dragaunus slowed to a stop, affixing a near exaggerated look of hurt to his features. "What? Don't you remember me, Nosedive? Why, I saved your life...surely, I thought-"
"Wait, What?!" The blonde duck stepped forward once more, his eyes wide with intrigue, brow furrowed as he struggled to recall what the Saurian spoke of.
The Evil Lord slowly smiled. '..Hook, Line, and Sinker...'
*****
[Puckworld, post Invasion]
"Brother!"
The cold eyes of the Drake Ducain's mask turned, angling down condescendingly to the frail looking in duck kneeling before him, his wrists chained. His blonde locks were matted with dirt, their stringy length hanging in his face and covering the bruises that mottled his right cheek. He again called out, "Brother, PLEASE! Why do you do this?!"
"Take him away. He questions my rule," The imposing figure of WildWing gestured idley, turning away to look out the window at the lines of enslaved political leaders from around Puckworld. Methodically, he has sent his armies in and taken each duck, stealing their power for his own. 'And now, I reign supreme...'
"What shall I do with him, Sire?" A massive, stoic faced duck spoke, gripping the dirty teen by his dingy mane. Beside him stood a older mallard, an eye-patch covering his one eye.
Appearing bored, Wing released a long sigh, "Use your imagination, Grin, I don't care-"
"SIRE!" A red-headed female burst into the Mainhall, a puck launcher grasped in one hand, "They're here!"
WildWing frowned, the eyes of the mask flashing brightly, "Who's here?"
"The Saurian Allies! Their Army is breaking down our defenses as we speak!" The white headed duck striaghtened, his expression dark, and pressed his fingers to either side of the mask covering his face. A moment, and.. "They've acquired entrance to the estate...we don't have much time.." His gaze jerked to a quiet, purple-suited duck in the corner, furiously working on the several computers surrounding her. "Tanya!"
The woman's face jerked up, lit eerily by her computer screens. Her lower beak quivered slightly, "yes, Sire?"
"Send out an alert to all my forces. I need them to protect this hall." As the wild-haired duck nodded and returned to her computers, Wing turned to the greying MAllard next to GRin, "Duke, bring the PuckWorld Leaders here. We'll need them."
In the Distraction of the troops entering the hall, the forgotten NoseDive broke free of Grin's slackened grip and ran before their leader, "..Brother..Wing...Please, Stop this! They'll kill you!"
Anger flared crimson in the mask's eyes, and the White headed mallard backhanded his younger brother hard. Dive went sprawling, tasting blood on his tongue, and cringing at WildWing's bellow, "Shut Up! Don't call me That, you miserable little-"
Suddenly, the imposing doors to the Mainhall burst open, the battle that had since raged beyond the entryway finding its way inside. Huge reptiles stormed into the room, forcing the heavily armed ducks that fought them backwards.
WildWing's head jerked up from his brother, snarling as he caught sight of Puckworld's fabled 'Rescuers.' He pointed, barking out orders to his officers, "Surround them! Kill all but the one in the lead..." He smirked, throwing NoseDive aside, "The leader is mine."
***Anyone Confused yet?? GOOD!! Yeah yeah, I'm sure you're going "WildWing?! Evil!? DIE AUTHOR!!!" But really...THINK about it! Sorry i took so long in comming out with this. I'm In College Now!!***
Wooo! I'm in College now! and yet, I'm still writing stories about Cartoons...THAt'S OK! It's practice for the award winning novel I someday (hope to) WILL write! Anyway, not the point, Here's the next installment in our series! Poor NoseDive! Poor Wildwing!! Nobody hurt me!
When Nobody Wins.
Chapter 5: One Way Road
Grin released a long sigh as he dropped the mangled remains of the Duckcycle in the hanger's garage. Staring morosely at the twisted, dulled metal, his mind flashed back to the hopeless efforts of the night past.
The ducks had been forced to lock their estranged leader in the confines of the Migrator until his emotions cooled enough to allow his mind to think clearly. Even then, the team members had been hesitant to allow him to aid them in their search for Nosedive. 'But Wing was...-is- his brother and should be there when he is found..' Grin grimaced at his mental choice of words. Had he truly already accepted his little friend's death? 'His body has not yet been found.... there is hope...'
But the words sounded hollow in his mind. The entire team had spent all night dragging the ditch, and following the current to a sewer grate even the spindly teenager could not have slipped through. And still, no Dive.
'..and what about the teleportation energy? What id Dragaunus has NoseDive...dead or Alive.' The larger duck's beak tightened, and his had to conciously banish the angry thoughts clouding his aura. Grin eased another tired sigh and refocused on the machinery before him. Carefully, he began to dismantle the destroyed duckcycle, eyes attentive for any clues as to the whereabout of their lost teammate.
****
"..So....you never answered my question..."
Chameleon looked up from rechecking the makeshift bandage around Nosedive's arm, expression blank, "huh?"
The mallard chuckled quietly a moment, wincing slightly as his ribs protested, still tender from their indelicate slide down the incline, "..I...I said...You never answered my question... about my name..."
"...oh..right..you can't remember it..." Momentarily, the Saurian paniced. Was it safe to tell him his real name? Or does Dragaunus want him to be something else. The duck was staring at him expectantly, and Chameleon found himself blurting out, "NoseDive."
"NoseDive?" The Mighty Duck's beak wrinkled slightly, his eyes clouding, "What kind of name is that?"
Dragaunus's cronie couldn't help but grin, "That's what I've always wondered. What was your mom -on- when she made that up??"
Dive shot him a comical expression, "I'd tell you if I knew."
Chameleon smirked, feeling inordinately cocky about winning his first verbal spar, and rose to his feet. He hastily reminded himself to play it cool, and not let anything slip about the duck's actual past, "...er...Ready to go?"
"Go where?" WildWing's younger brother tipped his beak back, peering up at the unknown enemy, brow quirked upward in question.
"Back to my...-our-...Ship. Dragaunus is waiting for us." Chameleon wanted to smack himself.
"...hmm..Dragaunus...that sounds familiar.." The teenager spoke with genuine perplexity, and the green saurian was heartened by its sound.
"Probably 'cause he's our leader, doofus, c'mon."
The white drake smirked at that retort, mischief gleaming in his eyes as he carefully pushed himself to his feet, using the tree for support, "Least my eyeballs don't look like crosshairs... I don't think.."
Chameleon sniggered, grabbing his companion's uninjured arm and signaling his comm. Within moments, the pair were engulfed in a green light.
*****
*WARNING!*WARNING!*
"Teleportation Energy detected!" Tanya's bellow attracted every duck in the pond, WildWing easily in the lead. The large mallard nearly collided with the back of the female engineer's chair in his haste to reach her.
"Where is it, Tanya?!" The leader's words where clipped and short, the mask already shrouding his features as he scanned the monitor. Tanya had her doubts he removed it since Dive went missing. "We have to get there quickly!"
The purple suited duck blinked, realizing his intent. She stood abruptly, hands stationing on her hips, "Oh, no you don't! You're -not- Driving again!" '...Not after the LAST time!' The female teammate chided herself, knowing she probably wouldn't have manned the vehicle much better..
Wing's attention jerked in her direction, the glowing eyes of the mask widening incredulously. "What? Why not?!"
Tanya gestured widely towards the hangar door, the sharp edge of her words tempered by the sincere concern in her gaze. "You're a Maniac in this state!"
"But Tanya, I can get us there the fastest!" The wild-haired duck was about to comment on how that wouldn't matter if they all died in a car wreck on the way there, when Mallory's insolent voice chimed in, "Actually, Tanya, he has a point. The only better driver we have is NoseDi-"
"You stay out of this!" Tanya's eyes widened slightly, shocked at her own outburst.. 'The strain must be getting to me...' Luckily, Duke chose that moment to intervene.
"Hey! Cool it, guys. The last thing we need right now is fighting amongst ourselves. Tawnie, WildWing is our Leader. Let him drive. And Wing... " The older mallard sighed heavily as he looked to the impatient figure of their team captain, "..-try- to drive like a sane duck.."
The Duck's retreating back was all the response Duke recieved.
******
The resulting drive was less hellish than its predecessor, yet still needlessly reckless. Tanya, thankfully, must have realized the tentative mood WildWing was in, for she kept her scoldings to herself throughout the race to the appointed area. Like before, the vicinity was abandoned when they got there, But Wing's jaw was firm, and he ordered the team to search everywhere within a half mile radius. No one dare complain... no one wanted to anyhow.
It was NoseDive's elder brother who discovered the discarded strip of the young duck's uniform, colored a muddy shade of red. The masked face drew a shuddering breath as he held the scrap out to Tanya, but his voice was monotonely even, "Analyze this... confirm who's blood that is on it."
Tanya bit her lip, and only nodded. There was no doubt now... Dragaunus had NoseDive.
*****
"Welcome -Home!-"
Nosedive blinked at the bellowed greeting, turning around to stare in muted awe at the massive reptile stalking towards him. The red scaled dragon was smiling, but even the hospitable gesture somehow appeared menacing. The teenager took a step back, slightly behind Chameleon, who stood next to him.
Dragaunus slowed to a stop, affixing a near exaggerated look of hurt to his features. "What? Don't you remember me, Nosedive? Why, I saved your life...surely, I thought-"
"Wait, What?!" The blonde duck stepped forward once more, his eyes wide with intrigue, brow furrowed as he struggled to recall what the Saurian spoke of.
The Evil Lord slowly smiled. '..Hook, Line, and Sinker...'
*****
[Puckworld, post Invasion]
"Brother!"
The cold eyes of the Drake Ducain's mask turned, angling down condescendingly to the frail looking in duck kneeling before him, his wrists chained. His blonde locks were matted with dirt, their stringy length hanging in his face and covering the bruises that mottled his right cheek. He again called out, "Brother, PLEASE! Why do you do this?!"
"Take him away. He questions my rule," The imposing figure of WildWing gestured idley, turning away to look out the window at the lines of enslaved political leaders from around Puckworld. Methodically, he has sent his armies in and taken each duck, stealing their power for his own. 'And now, I reign supreme...'
"What shall I do with him, Sire?" A massive, stoic faced duck spoke, gripping the dirty teen by his dingy mane. Beside him stood a older mallard, an eye-patch covering his one eye.
Appearing bored, Wing released a long sigh, "Use your imagination, Grin, I don't care-"
"SIRE!" A red-headed female burst into the Mainhall, a puck launcher grasped in one hand, "They're here!"
WildWing frowned, the eyes of the mask flashing brightly, "Who's here?"
"The Saurian Allies! Their Army is breaking down our defenses as we speak!" The white headed duck striaghtened, his expression dark, and pressed his fingers to either side of the mask covering his face. A moment, and.. "They've acquired entrance to the estate...we don't have much time.." His gaze jerked to a quiet, purple-suited duck in the corner, furiously working on the several computers surrounding her. "Tanya!"
The woman's face jerked up, lit eerily by her computer screens. Her lower beak quivered slightly, "yes, Sire?"
"Send out an alert to all my forces. I need them to protect this hall." As the wild-haired duck nodded and returned to her computers, Wing turned to the greying MAllard next to GRin, "Duke, bring the PuckWorld Leaders here. We'll need them."
In the Distraction of the troops entering the hall, the forgotten NoseDive broke free of Grin's slackened grip and ran before their leader, "..Brother..Wing...Please, Stop this! They'll kill you!"
Anger flared crimson in the mask's eyes, and the White headed mallard backhanded his younger brother hard. Dive went sprawling, tasting blood on his tongue, and cringing at WildWing's bellow, "Shut Up! Don't call me That, you miserable little-"
Suddenly, the imposing doors to the Mainhall burst open, the battle that had since raged beyond the entryway finding its way inside. Huge reptiles stormed into the room, forcing the heavily armed ducks that fought them backwards.
WildWing's head jerked up from his brother, snarling as he caught sight of Puckworld's fabled 'Rescuers.' He pointed, barking out orders to his officers, "Surround them! Kill all but the one in the lead..." He smirked, throwing NoseDive aside, "The leader is mine."
***Anyone Confused yet?? GOOD!! Yeah yeah, I'm sure you're going "WildWing?! Evil!? DIE AUTHOR!!!" But really...THINK about it! Sorry i took so long in comming out with this. I'm In College Now!!***
