Braced Company

A Disney Duck Fanfic:

Instead of being purely based on one entity, this story takes background from Classic Donald Duck cartoons, Ducktales, and Darkwing Duck.

Contains Major Spoilers to Double Triangle Trouble

Written By

Stef with a F

Disclaimers

Disney owns most of these characters. Dumbella's past as Bella Widgeon is mine, as are the characters of Melanie Widgeon, Cindy Ganderquack, Jeffery and Ashley Ruddy / Arachnia Ink, Ronnie Mallard, Lisa Mallard, Detective Doberman Pincher, Devin Duck, and whomever else I mention in the future. Time Setting: About eight (8) years after the Darkwing Duck series.

WARNING

This story is rated PG-13 and/or TV-14-LSDV, which means it may or may not (chapters may vary, some will be possibly PG rated only or a less severe TV-14) include references or incidents of mild/moderate language, sexual content and or themes, mild or moderate violence, and possible other adult themes. Not a porno, or even R-rated, but be advised and please no flames.

Chapter 13

"Uncle Scrooge!" Donald shouted, still more than a little excited about his wife's news. "You came!"

Scrooge eyed Donald strangely. "Aye...of course, I know Launchpad more than you do..."

Donald shook his head quickly, "Yeah of course..." Finally noticing Ducksworth, Donald added, "And hello Ducksworth."

Ducksworth nodded, "Hello to you too Mr. Duck."

Donald smiled.

"Is there something wrong Donald?" Scrooge inquired as he knocked on the door.

Donald again shook his head, "Nope."

Scrooge didn't quite believe him, "I see."

Donald nodded.

Scrooge opened his mouth to respond when the door flew open.

"Mr. McDee! Ducksworth! Donald! I'm so happy you could all make it!" Launchpad excitedly greeted.

"Wouldn't imagine missing it laddie," Scrooge assured. "Are all me nephews here?"

Launchpad shook his head. "No. Just Louie. Huey called though, he is running late."

Donald frowned. "No word from Dewey?"

Scrooge looked over to Donald. "What? Is something wrong?"

Donald shrugged. "It just that I haven't seen him since early yesterday."

Dewey took off on his motorcycle he has been gone for more than 24 hours, and he knew that had to bring suspicion.

In a way, he wished he didn't leave Ashley's side. For more reasons that one. He loved her, but even more so, she entrusted him in the fact that she was up to no good. And it hit him as odd, because she knew that he was Major Mind, something he foolishly wanted her to know. Though, he now suspects that she always knew. And it made him queasy. If he knew about him, she most likely knows about the others.

Why did she tell him? Was it a test of where his loyalties lie? His family of course, and she would be stupid to believe otherwise. Could it be that she cared for him too? Were her words some type of warning, an opportunity to warn his love ones before she attacked?

Dewey shook that from his mind, that didn't really make sense, wouldn't that be counter-reactive? How much did Ashley know about the heroes in the two-city area?

He drove farther through the street, making his way to the Audubon Bay Bridge on his way to the party he was already late for. No need to make any other suspicious moves.

Only a few miles away, Huey and Gosalyn were on the other side of the bridge, also on their way to the party.

"Gos, do you have something to do tonight?" Huey asked.

Gosalyn nodded, "I do have other friends you know. Even though I often neglect them. We'll go to the movies or something."

"You are not going to go after that woman are you?" Huey inquired.

Gosalyn grinned. "What if I am? Huey, I have been doing you know what for longer than you have. I can stand on my two feet, I know Quack Fu. I'll be okay."

Huey grinned. "Yeah, I know." He kissed Gosalyn.

Gosalyn smiled, "Now let's see if I can sneak out that easy under Dad's watch."

Gosalyn opened the door, with Huey just behind her.

Club music lyrics(i)

"Whoohoo!" Launchpad shouted on cue.(i)

Gosalyn grinned widely barely able to contain her laughter.

"I see that his party is going very well," she observed.

"Oh hey Gos! I would let you stay, but it's not allowed."

"Oh as much as I wouldn't want to miss this, no problem. I gotta run; I just came for a few things. And to drop this off."

She gently directed Huey off the porch and into the house, "I'll call you later Huey, okay."

"No prob," Huey responded, but telepathy he was sending the phrase, "You better".

Gosalyn nodded and made her way upstairs where she had access to her own tunnel to Darkwing Tower, and disappeared costume and all.

Huey made his way to Louie, who was apparently zoning out near the refreshment table. He took a position on the other side of him and bumped him slightly.

"What's on your mind?" he asked his brother.

"Oh hey Huey," Louie emerging from his trance. "When did you get here?"

"Just now. Gos and I..." Huey paused because their were some civilians about. "Have you heard about the disturbance at the video arcade?"

"Disturbance, where?" Louie replied.

Huey nodded. "I suppose that is a no. Last night, some wacky chick tried to rob the place."

Louie turned around to face his brother. "Sounds like a pretty normal police matter to me."

Huey nodded. "Maybe, but I have some weird feeling."

Louie eyed Huey for a second and than shook his head. "Have you heard from Dewey at all today?"

Huey shook his head. "No..."

Louie noticed Huey's hesitation. "But what?"

"Maybe nothing. But back to you, What was on your mind just a second ago."

"No..." Louie interjected, "Have you heard from Huey?"

Huey shook his head. "No, but Gosalyn thought she saw him."

"What? When?"

"Last night."

"At the arcade?"

Huey nodded, "Yeah, let's go somewhere more secluded. I bet Gosalyn wouldn't mind us using her room."

I'm Quiverwing Quack, and you are?

Yeah, I know who you are; you were there when my mother died.

Do I know you?

I think not, but you shall.

Quiverwing, on her cycle, made a few rounds around the town. Who is that mysterious new villainess that in town? Or was she new? She claimed she saw her before, but when? How long ago? The woman claimed that she and Darkwing killed her mother? Who was she talking about? Most of the baddies Darkwing apprehended were either jailed or returned from the dead.

A year ago when the bridge blew up, did Megavolt stay dead? Of course not. How many times have Bulba bit the dust the eight years she unfortunately has had his acquaintance? She lost count.

But the villain claimed it was her mother that was killed.

"Oh My God..." Quiverwing exclaimed.

She squeezed the brake. "Of course! Oh my goodness... It can't be. She never gave any intention that she had a daughter," she rationed. "No, I mean, that would..."

"Quiverwing?" a voice called.

Quiverwing looked up and glared at the owner of the voice, with exasperation. "You," she grumbled.

Huey nodded. "So, yeah, though I'm not certain. I have this uneasy feeling that Dewey is up to something. He'll be alright, but I rather not he be so sneaky about this. And if he doesn't show up for this party...I'm going after him."

Louie nodded. "And I'll go with you."

"That said, what were you in such deep thought about earlier?"

Louie sighed. "About Webby and I. I..." he labored to the words to come to his tongue, "We need to break up."

"Why?" Huey probed.

"I'm going away for college at Calisota State. And I don't want to pry her away from the fun of high school dating when I'm away for months at a time."

"Don't you love her?"

"Yes. And that is why...I didn't want to bring this up until after mom's wedding but it came out. Webby is only sixteen, and we are getting too serious."

Huey opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it. Too serious? He and Gosalyn have been together for three years now.

It was during a high school Football game, Homecoming, the first time he saw Gosalyn. St. Canard High vs. East Duckburg High: his sophomore year, her freshman year.

---

It was halftime, East Duckburg was ahead by a field goal, and he was in line for over-priced Airhead candies. Right after he paid for the candy he heard the buzzer announcing the second half.

"Damn it!" he shouted as he turned around swiftly and ran into someone, nearly spilling his soda on her.

"Watch it bub!" the teen duck shouted.

"Hey, I'm sorry, it's just I'm in a hurry the game started again," Huey apologized. "Are you from here? I mean St. Canard?"

Gosalyn glanced at Huey strangely, "Uh yes? You must be from East Duckburg then?"

Huey nodded. "Yeah. These St. Canard High vs. East Duckburg games are almost as big as East and West," Huey explained.

"I see. Well, I better get back to my friend Honker... I mean I dragged him to the game and all..."

Huey nodded. "Yeah, and I should get back to my friends too. Be seeing you."

Gosalyn shook her head. "Well maybe."

"Bye," Huey said anyway.

"See ya Duckbill," Gosalyn replied before disappearing in the crowd.

"Being too serious may not be a bad thing," Huey said at last.

Louie shook his head, "Maybe not. But we are too young we should branch out live a little. Be kids. I love Webby and always will, but I won't be in high school anymore and maybe we should have a break?"

Huey placed his hands on Louie's shoulders, "What if this backfires Bro? What if you do this and Webby leaves you for someone else?"

Louie closed his eyes momentarily, and clenched his fist. "Yeah, I have thought about that."

"Then don't be stupid."

"Can we talk about this later?" Louie inquired.

Huey rolled his eyes. "I suppose. But I want you think long and hard before you throw your life away. You ever watch that movie Can't Hardly Wait?" (ii)

Louie smiled. "Oh yeah, it's one of Webby's favorite movies."

"Watch it again that then think about it. Don't be so rash to abandon your past. Let Webby decide what she wants to do. You told me that you loved her. So love her."

"I'm afraid Huey," Louie informed. "My life is changing. Our lives are changing. What if I do this and we break up anyway?"

"Don't think that way. Webby loves you very much and you know this is true. Now let's party."

Louie released his fingers and allowed himself to rest.

"Yeah, let's."

To Be Continued

i Lyrics that were once quoted have since been removed.

ii Reference to the 1998 post-graduation party movie Can't Hardly Wait.