Disclaimer: I do not own any characters mentioned henceforth. Never did, never will. All characters mentioned in this chapter are copyright to Disney. This fic is for non-profit reasons.
The city of St. Canard had reached the few glorious minutes between afternoon and sunset, the time where the day still feels like it will last forever. For a few police officers, the day had been just long enough.
Sirens wailed, red and blue lights blinked hypnotically. Nameless civilians frantically danced about, well rehearsed in what had become a normal routine. A rookie officer shouted for everyone to remain calm, then, realizing the futility of his actions, shrugged and walked away. The First National Bank had been robbed. Again.
"What happened," croaked a large, red-faced duck wearily.
"Well, uh, y-y-you see, sir, you see – "
"Lemme guess. He threatened the tellers. The people cowered. He stole. He disappeared."
The scrawny goose blinked stupidly, then nodded, "Yea."
The bulky duck turned and bellowed, "WHERE IS HE!"
While police officers scrambled in a frantic game of hide-and-go-seek, a lone figure overlooked the scene with amusement. His jet-black cape rustled slightly, his yellow jacket and red hat stood out against the pinkening sky in sharp relief. The black mask, the piece of cloth that hid his face from the world, shifted as Negaduck narrowed his eyes.
Down below, two officers slammed into each other.
"These guys are priceless," Negaduck chuckled.
Turning away from the scene with a dramatic flourish of his cape, the mallard surveyed his domain.
"So many victims, so little time," he mused quietly.
Then came a loud crash, followed by a high-pitched scream, ending with a, "Willie! You idiot!"
Negaduck's face crafted into an evil smirk. He strutted back to the ledge and gazed down. As he watched the chaos below, a feeling of glee spread through his veins like a drug. Pure, unbridled glee, all at the suffering of others. It was a high that he could not get enough of. However, like most highs, it was only a temporary one. The sensation would disappear as quickly as it had come.
Negaduck's face fell. The feeling had left, as it always did. Suddenly he felt cheated.
"Those knobs, this is supposed to make me feel good!" he growled.
It was their fault. He had tried his hardest to make their lives miserable, and how did they repay him? Panicking a few minutes, then going about their lives as if nothing ever occurred.
"To Hell with them, I'll just blow this place up," Negaduck threatened, then grinned at his good idea. Yea, that would do it. He'd blow the place up, then they'd be sorry.
Still grinning, Negaduck turned to the fire escape, and in doing so came face to face with the setting sun.
Soft orange brush strokes had been painted on the great canvas, fading into pink, fading into purple. A few stars twinkled in the evening sky as the bright orb waved goodbye with the promise of a new tomorrow.
"Ech," Negaduck cringed, making a grotesque face. He wished he could blow that up, too.
*~*~*~*
SHUSH headquarters was buzzing with the sound of a new case. Researchers pounded the keys, squinting at their computer screens, eyes never staying still for more than a second. Agents bustled in and out of rooms, delivering papers, meeting with other agents, or just trying to figure out what was going on.
Director J. Gander Hooter spoke quietly with Doctor Sarah Bellum, until a great puff of blue smoke erupted behind him.
"I am the terror that flaps in the night!"
"Oh, hello Darkwing," J. Gander remarked.
"I am the bright beacon that guides you safely to shore! I, am - "
"Darkwing please, we have a desperate situation on our hands!" J. Gander said exasperated.
Darkwing Duck, now in purple jacket with complimenting cape, hat, and mask, dropped his hand to his sides, looking dejected.
Suddenly Darkwing heard an accented chuckle behind him. He turned to face the hulking figure of none other than Vladimir Gryzlikoff, the embodiment of stuffy SHUSH agents.
"I am here, J. Gander sir, vithout stupid introduction," he stated.
Darkwing glared, but regained his composure.
"Sorry 'bout that J. Gander, it won't happen again. Now what is it you called me down here for, because whatever it is, I'll be sure to use my original technique. The one I'm called for when handbook tactics fail miserably," he said, glancing at Gryzlikoff.
The bear turned a brilliant shade of angry crimson.
Darkwing smirked. "Impressive, Gryz! It's amazing how efficiently you can transform from agent to tomato! C'mon, lemme see another one!"
Gryzlikoff had now changed to violet. "SURE! I SHOW YOU NOODLENUT CHANGING TO PRETZEL!" he bellowed, leaning aggressively over the caped duck.
"Ah ah ah I don't think that comment is part of SHUSH procedure," Darkwing quipped.
Gryzlikoff growled and stepped forward, but J. Gander interjected.
"Gentlemen please! We are in a dire state of affairs! There is no time for childish quarrels," the old owl stated wearily.
Gryzikoff closed his mouth and stood at attention, clearly embarrassed. Darkwing clasped his hands behind him and watched the director intently.
"Now," uttered J. Gander, "last night something happened that we could have never imagined. FOWL headquarters was destroyed."
"WHAT!?" Darkwing and Gryzlikoff exclaimed in unison, and exchanged puzzled looks. Confused at Gander's stern manner, Darkwing asked, "Well, that's, good, isn't it?"
"Far from it, I'm afraid," J. Gander said ominously. "We have reason to believe that FOWL was overthrown."
Darkwing and Gryzlikoff listened closely.
"SHUSH spies provided that a single being, powerful beyond explanation, penetrated FOWL and single-handedly brought down the organization. Agent Steelbeak and the like have fled, the leaders have been destroyed, along with our spies."
Gryzlikoff's eyes widened.
"They managed to transmit the information they possessed before they were attacked," J. Gander finished, the sadness evident in his eyes.
Darkwing spoke up.
"Who – or what – could have done this?"
J. Gander shook his head. "That is precisely what we are trying to find out right now. Who could possibly have the motive and power to bring down such a strong opponent as FOWL is unknown."
"However, that is not the only reason I have called you, Darkwing. As you will soon see, the conquering of FOWL has not occurred at an ideal time. Tomorrow morning at precisely one o'clock a.m. international SHUSH agents will be delivering a very important artifact."
"And you would like me to offer my assistance in the transport. Have no fear, Darkwing Duck will make sure the transport goes as smooth as possible, " he said confidently.
"There is no need for your aid in the transport Darkwing," J. Gander said, inducing a grin from Gryzlikoff, "I only ask that you stay behind the scenes and make sure that no one interferes. This artifact is dangerous and highly vital to our studies."
"Don't worry," Darkwing said proudly, "You'll have the artifact safe and sound in your lab in no time J. Gander. Where do you want me to be?"
"The artifact is to be delivered by a cargo ship at the St. Canard docks. You and Agent Gryzlikoff can keep the area under surveillance."
"WHAT!? But J. Gander I – "
"Good day, Darkwing Duck," J. Gander stated calmly, and walked away.
Clenching his fists, Darkwing turned and shot daggers at Gryzlikoff.
"See you tonight, Noodlenut," the bear said coolly.
*~*~*~*
Negaduck kicked open the door of his hideout and stalked inside. With an angry slam he shut the door and threw his hat against the wall, missing the hook. His precious hat fell to the floor, but he did not notice. Negaduck was too busy fuming.
What was going on? He robbed a bank, terrified citizens beyond reason, blew up the bank, and for what! Nothing. He was still just as livid as he had been this afternoon when he woke up.
He sighed. Though he hated to admit it, Negaduck knew that he was bored. Bored with banks, bored with the so-called "law enforcement", bored with everything. Come to think of it, robbing banks was a tad cliché, and triteness was something Negaduck tried to avoid.
Leaning back on his rotting chair, the mallard clasped his hands and stared at the ceiling, waiting for a sign.
Suddenly the ground shuddered and piece of ceiling plaster broke free and proceeded to land on his face.
Angry though he was, the plaster did not surprise him. Negaduck's temporary hideout was none other than the dilapidated Billy-Bob's Fish'n Chips. Once the FDA noticed that Billy-Bob had failed his Sanitation Exam six times, he was unwillingly evicted. Located on the St. Canard dock, the place reeked of dead fish and repelled people for miles. Not as roomy as the tuna factory but hey, super villains can't be choosers.
Another shudder caused Negaduck to tip backwards and bang his head unceremoniously on the floor. He silently vowed that he would never wait for a sign again. Rubbing his aching skull, he got up and stormed over to the window, ready flip off whoever or whatever caused his discomfort. A cool breeze wafted in through the broken window, and as Negaduck looked outside, his eyebrow's raised. The stars glittered in the midnight sky, shining light upon a lone cargo ship in Audubon Bay.
"Maybe tonight won't suck so bad after all," the black-masked mallard said, and his eyes turned into evil slits in the night.