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 14

"Quiverwing?" a voice called.

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

Dewey put on the brakes of his own motorcycle and slowed to a stop.

"What's going on?" he asked making eye contact with his brother's girlfriend, and his trusted friend.

"I saw you the other night," Quiverwing began; "You took off so quickly you almost knocked me off the curb.

He narrowed his eyes, "You saw me?"

"Of course! I mean you went right past my house. Why were you in St. Canard anyway? You know I have first nibs here. Well dad does, but then me, not you. She was in my jurisdiction and you know that."

Dewey nodded, "I know it's your jurisdiction. What are you talking about?"

Yes, he was playing dumb, but could she prove where he was going? No, she could not. At this moment he just wanted to get out of here and get to the party before Huey and Louie send a search party or worse.

Quiverwing crossed her arms, it was totally possible that his high speed chase in St. Canard were not related to the woman she met at the arcade, but he was in a huge hurry…a desperate hurry.

"Are you going to tell me what you were doing or not?" Quiverwing asked impatiently.

Dewey paused. Wondering if there was some type of compromise to try. Knowing that he couldn't take forever to reply, because such an action would even increase her suspicions.

"Yes, I was tailing someone, " Dewey admitted at last.

"As yourself?" Quiverwing contested.

"I was going to change into my costume on my way there. But then I saw you and knew you would be able to handle it so I left," he lied.

"I could have used your help, you know!" Quiverwing challenged.

"But you just said that you didn't what my help, that I was trespassing in your turf," Dewey continued.

Quiverwing shook her head. "No, I was just offended that I wasn't notified. Tell me what you know about Arachnia Ink, Dewey. I know you know who I am talking about."

Bella stretched out in her tent. She turned in kind of early based on the nights before, but she was felt emotionally drained and tomorrow night would be the dress rehearsal. Like so many nights before this week, Melanie was spending the night in Morgana's tent. Poor Morgana, she came with one kid and now has three sharing the tent with her. Bella laughed to herself.

A voice from outside interrupted Bella's daydream, "Bella! Please don't tell me you are already turning in. It is beautiful out here, and we are returning tomorrow.

Bella stretched out against her sleeping bag. "I guess not," she relented, searching for her sneakers.

"Bella?" the voice called out again.

"Shh Cindy," Bella whispered as her tent zipper opened, "You are going to wake up the kids."

Cindy extended an arm and helped Bella up. "Sorry."

"No problem. Did Morgana go to bed?" Bella said surprised.

Cindy nodded. "Yeah, I think so, she had something on her mind."

Bella nodded in acknowledgement. "So you didn't want to be here by your lonesome."

Cindy shook her head. "Nope. Are you ready for Sunday?"

Bella nodded, "More ready that I have ever been ready for something."

"The stars are really pretty, aren't they Bella?" Cindy asked.

"Yeah," Bella sighed, marveling at the pretty stars. "Wow! Did you see that?"

"What! A falling star? Isn't it early in the season?" Cindy replied, and secretly annoyed that she missed the star.

"Well, for the main shower yes, but there are always a chance for loners. What about you Cindy? You never married. I never asked you this before out of respect, but I think I am safe to say that we are now friends. So I pray that it is okay to ask. Why did you never marry Cindy? You were pretty popular in high school."

Cindy smiled. There were things she never shared with Bella, and things she never intended to tell. Though, Bella was her friend and she wasn't going to point out lie to her.

"Never found the right guy. Sure I dated some, fell in love with some of the some. But, as marriage material? Nah. I'm only 35, a lot of time left, right?"

Bella placed her arm around her closest friend. They were friends in high school even though she was slightly older, but by no means were they best friends. That characteristic came years later.

"Of course you have time. I'm 34, and have two ex-husbands. What does that tell you?"

"Very true," Cindy agreed.

Bella stuck out her tongue.

"Umm…your words honey," Cindy countered.

Bella laughed. "I know. I know. But still…"

Cindy affectionately squeezed Bella's hand. "Honey, you'll do alright. I know you will. The Fates have forgiven you."

Bella smiled, though not very convincingly.

"We are all young once."

"True, but some address that period of reality much differently and more responsibly then others."

"She's a villain I have been tracking from Duckburg," Dewey answered, now dressed as Major Mind, still not far from bridge. "So, she was in my turf first. I was tailing her, and she crossed the bridge."

Those words were true even though he left many omissions.

"Do you know what she wanted at the arcade?" Quiverwing pressed.

Major Mind shook his hand. "No."

This statement was also not really a lie. Arachnia Ink told him that she was after Darkwing and Quiverwing. But he didn't see the connection with the arcade. Unless, she was seeking out Gosalyn herself…

"She told me that she knows me," Quiverwing whispered. Pausing a moment to see if there was any indication of any more information on Dewey's face.

"You met her before?" Major Mind probed.

Quiverwing rolled her eyes, "You are not really listening to me at all are you?"

He did listen to her, but his mind was miles anyway. He was trying his darnest to channel Ashley's thoughts. It was one of the many powers his helmet possessed.

"Oh I'm sorry," Major Mind said. "I'm trying to channel something."

"Oh!" Quiverwing interjected, suddenly surveying the area. "You can do that for enemies you can't even see?"

"I have been trying" Major Mind answered.

"Let me call the rest of the group…" Quiverwing suggested. "Or actually you should."

Major Mind shook his head. "No that wouldn't be necessary. Let us head back to the party. Tonight's not her target."

Quiverwing stared at Major Mind. "How the heck do you know?"

Major Mind opened his mouth, pausing would only make her even more suspicious, "She…I heard her. I overhear her say that she was planning to interrupt Launchpad's wedding."

Quiverwing's eyes widen, "Why?"

"Well she knows Darkwing will be there."

Bella looked up the sky with her friend Cindy.

"Do you hear that music in the background?" Bella asked.

Cindy shook her head. "No, what does it sound like to you?"

"Crickets, frogs, moths, owls, the sound of the breeze on that lake. The summer wind," Bella marveled.

"Ah," Cindy said smiling. "It is beautiful."

Launchpad and Fenton trying to sing karoke...Launchpad notices that Drake does not look too amused (i)

Drake shook his head, "No, no, that's alright, you two sound great already! No need to ruin your perfect little duo! You two sound great!"

Drake started to cough. "Yeah, I think I am going to get some water. You two keep going!"

"I wish Gosalyn was here," Huey said. Louie grinned, "For the show?" Huey laughed. "Oh yes that too. But …" Huey paused and then continued in a quieter voice, "I should have went with her."

Again Quiverwing looked at Major Mind, how did he know all this? She wasn't so sure she bought his "He overheard" story.

No villain was that careless. Then again thinking back to the Fearsome Five, quite a few actually are.

"You don't think she will show up at the Bachelor party tonight or at the rehearsal tomorrow?"

Major Mind shook his head.

To Be Continued

A/N:(i) Lyrics removed