Ashebridge looked out his full view window, gazing down at the black thundering clouds below. There was a knock on his quarter's door.

"Come in, Ryan." Ashebridge said and was correct on who had knocked. Ryan walked in and bowed with his left arm across his body.

"Lord Ashebridge...We are close to completing the operation on the Mask." Ryan reported.

"And Dragaunus?" Ashebridge asked.

"So far, he's not suspicious in the slightest. But I have a bad feeling that the other Saurians are."

"...Any word on the Mighty Ducks?"

"They haven't made a direct move against us, sir. We have nothing to fear, for the time being." Ryan told him.

Ashebridge turned his head slightly to look at Ryan, curiously. "And is all of this the truth, Ryan?"

"Yessir."

Ashebridge looked back to the window as thunder roared and lightning flashed from the clouds. "...This is becoming an interesting game. Ryan?"

"Yes?"

"...Play me the song."

"Yessir." Ryan raised himself up and walked over to the organ sitting in the corner of the room. He sat down and began to play "Come, Sweet Death" by J.S. Bach. As the music was played, Ashebridge poured himself a drink but the liquid was pitch black, no other color at all. He took a sip before walking back to his original spot by the window.

"...A sweet melody, is it not, Ryan?" Ashebridge spoke.

Ryan spoke while still playing the instrument, "The song, Lord Ashebridge?"

"No...the melody that war brings. The screams of the weak, the clashing of weapons, the cries of those whose lives are fading away. It is a melody that very few enjoy, while others find it horrendous. But I...yes, I alone understand that this melody will play for years and years, with no end. And I, alone, enjoy it." Ashebridge set down his drink and walked over to Ryan, who was in the middle part of the song, when Ashebridge grabbed his wrist to stop him. Ryan turned to face Ashebridge, who looked deeply into his eyes and in return, Ryan looked back into his.

"This melody of war and death is mine. Just like how you are mine, Ryan, and soon so will the universe." He spoke, his voice full of lust.

"...Yessir." Ryan said with no emotion in his voice.

Ashebridge slowly moved in and kissed Ryan before letting go of his wrist.

-\-

The next day, in the evening, coming out of a limousine that Phil had rented for them, the Mighty Ducks, including Canard, made their entrance at the Anaheim Charity Ball. Duke was wearing a mandarin-collar suit ensemble that was made with magenta and light aqua fabrics and included a vest. Nosedive strutted out wearing a single-breasted suit ensemble in magenta fabric and muted green and dark gray pinstripe print fabric that also included a vest. Grin's outfit was fitted specifically for him, a tuxedo suit ensemble done in muted purple fabric and dark green and dark gray pinstripe print fabric with a bolo tie. Canard wore a double-breasted suit ensemble in muted blue and gray fabrics with a vest. Wildwing then came out wearing a single-breasted suit ensemble with red and dark gray fabrics, which included a sharp-looking tie.

Mallory and Tanya weren't exactly happy with the dresses that they had to wear for the Ball. Tanya wore an elaborate gown that was inspired by ancient Greek aesthetics and was done primarily in cool colors. It had a wide skirt with a gathered waist and long wide sleeves. Mallory's simple gown was based on a dove and was done primarily in pale, cool colors. It had a layered skirt with a gathered waist and flower-like sleeves, also accented with lace and beadwork.

As the ducks walked out from the limo and it drove away, reporters and photographers immediately took shots of the ducks and asked millions of questions at a time.

"How does it feel to be going to play for the Stanley Cup?"

"Is it true that this new duck is a new member of the team?"

"How does it feel to be the first humanoid animal sports team in history?" The questions kept coming but the ducks kept on walking by and finally made it inside the dinner hall where the event took place.

"Remind me to smack Phil upside the head when we get back to the Pond." Duke whispered to Nosedive.

"Aw, come on! At least we look amazing in these new duds!" Nosedive smiled at his outfit.

"At least your outfit doesn't chafe at the sleeves" Mallory said adjusting the pretty dress' sleeves.

"Alright team, let's keep it together until the night's done." Wildwing said, having enough complaining. But he couldn't deny he wanted to give Phil a piece of his mind after this.

The ducks decided to take a look around the event while Phil himself was trying to land himself a date with a couple of ladies who caught his eye on the way in. Duke met a few people to talk with while Mallory and Tanya kept to themselves. Nosedive and Grin were at the buffet tables grabbing plates of food while Wildwing and Canard grabbed some water to drink.

Soon everyone sat down at their respected tables as the MC of the night walked on to the stage and spoke.

"Hello everyone, and thank you for coming to the yearly Anaheim Charity Ball." He announced. Everyone clapped and applauded before quieting down. "Now, as you all know, all the money that will be bid tonight goes to charities in need. Now, before the first event, I'd like to welcome tonight's special guests, the Anaheim hockey team, the Mighty Ducks!" The people turned and applauded as they looked at the table full of ducks, who seemed rather embarrassed by the sudden attention. Well, Nosedive was taking it in and enjoying it. "And also, I'd like to have their captain, Wildwing, come up onstage." Wildwing was surprised but stood up from his chair and joined the MC on stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, mostly ladies, our first auction will get any of you lucky young women a dinner date tomorrow night with Wildwing himself!" The MC announced.

Wildwing immediately looked shocked by this. "Wha-What?"

Tanya choked on her drink when she heard the MC say that. The ducks watched as many women suddenly started bidding furiously.

"800!" Yelled one.

"1,000!" Yelled a blond.

Wildwing's feathers ruffled at the hollering. There sure were a lot of women set on getting him…it was almost embarrassing.

"I hear 1,000!" The MC announced. "Can I get 2,000?!"

"2,500!"

"5,000!"

"I heard 5,000! Going once, going twice!"

"500,000!" Someone announced, gaining everyone's attention. The crowd, ducks, MC, and Wildwing looked to see a single woman at a table for eight people. There was a pause of silence for such a high price from a single woman and Wildwing's eyes widened when he saw who was the highest bidder.

"Go-Going once! Going twice! S-Sold, to Miss Crystal LeDevon!" The MC announced. Though most of the women were disappointed not to get the dinner date, the crowd applauded at Crystal's generous amount. Wildwing stared in amazement as Crystal stood up from her seat, giving Wildwing a seductive smirk as she walked over to the stage.

Wildwing's jaw went slack. "Crystal?" He muttered. He felt relieved to see she was alive and well. He wanted to scratch his head as to why she was here. He watched her walk up the little staircase to the stage. He'll have his answers soon enough. Crystal walked up to Wildwing as he noted her dress. It was a silky black gown with a narrow skirt that flares at the bottom with an A-line waist and long narrow sleeves.

Crystal smiled at Wildwing before leaning in and whispering to him, "I look forward to our dinner." She then backed off and walked off stage. As Crystal walked past the ducks' table, she earned mixed looks from them. Tanya slightly glared at her but Nosedive and Duke were staring at her because they thought she was beautiful. The other three ducks just watched her walk to a bar area of the building. The MC dismissed Wildwing from the stage and moved on to the next event.

"Bro! Way to score…" Nosedive didn't finish what he was saying because he saw Wildwing walk past their table and his brother to where Crystal was going. Wildwing walked up and sat beside Crystal at the bar. He'd have to explain who she was to the other ducks later, but now he had so many questions.

He decided to start off with the most important one.

"It's good to see you again. But why are you here?" Wildwing's eyes fluttered. "Not to sound rude or anything." He defended.

Crystal giggled slightly at Wildwing's defense as the bartender brought her over a martini she ordered.

"I thought I would stop by this planet. There's a lot of similar things here that were on my own planet. Though, the fashion here is quite interesting to say the least." Crystal answered before taking a sip and looking at Wildwing. "I also wanted to check on you, duckling."

"I'm doing…ok." Wildwing said, looking down at his knees. Ok would have been the best way to surmise his mood. He wasn't doing great. Nor fantastic.

Just ok.

"I lost the Mask. And haven't had much luck getting it back from the Saurians." He answered sadly. He looked over at Canard, who gave him a thumbs up. Wildwing wondered if he imagined the sour expression on Tanya's face. "I hope there's still time to get it back"

"The Mask?" Crystal repeated. "You mean, DuCaine's Mask?" She asked to which Wildwing nodded his head. "…I never imagined Saurians had actual brains. Last time I checked, they were nothing but brute force."

"Oh they're brutes alright. They make it worse with those Rune Soldiers." Wildwing said bitterly. "I mean, sure we know their weakness now. But they're still annoying." Wildwing decided to get himself a drink too. He wasn't one for alcohol so he opted for a club soda. "So how have you been?"

"I've been alright." Crystal answered. "Been doing jobs here and there, earning quite the amount of cash."

"I can see that." Wildwing commented, taking a sip from the simple soda. "But I got a feeling you're here for more than a dinner."

Crystal smiled. "Would you rather go out with a random woman you've never even seen before?" She questioned.

"Not really." He answered honestly. Wildwing's gaze fell upon the few frosty glares of the women that betted for him.

Crystal chuckled. "I guess that's my cue. I'll see you tomorrow night for dinner." Crystal finished her martini then paid for it before she stood up from her seat and was about to leave when she spoke again to Wildwing. "And by the way, I prefer a man without a tie." She motioned to the tie Wildwing was currently wearing. "Have a good night." With a flip of her hair, Crystal took her leave from the Charity Ball.

Wildwing blushed. "She really likes messing with my head." He mumbled. Wildwing paid for his club soda and ambled over to his team's table.

"As I was saying before you went off," Nosedive cleared his throat before saying, "way to score, big bro!"

"Who is she?" Asked Duke.

"What did she say to you? What did you say to her?" Tanya asked.

"Nothing." Wildwing looked confused at Tanya's behavior. "She's actually the one who helped me get back here when I was thrown into that dimensional gateway."

"Really?" Mallory's eyes went wide. "She must have some power to get you back here." Mallory mused.

"Like a sorcerer? Did you end up in the dungeons and dragons world?" Nosedive asked as he recalled when they've been sent to a mystical world once.

"No, I ended up on some other planet." Wildwing said as he sat down at the table. "And she said…she said she's a witch."

"A witch?" Duke whistled. "Wow, Wildwing, you slydog!" He gently nudged Wildwing's arm.

Wildwing blushed and laughed a little. "Thanks, but it's nothing like that, I assure you." The team captain said.

"Ah, seriously?" Duke questioned. That's when Phil came on over.

"Guys! Come on, I need you all for some photos with some fans!" Phil said and then looked at Canard and said, "That goes for you too, newbie!" Phil then rushed back over to where he was originally. The ducks sighed but stood up from their seats as the charity events and auctions continued.

-\-

The Raptor was near completion of being fully operational. Mercury had fixed most of the outside and inside of the ship but most of his time was taken up with remaking the Mask.

Chameleon entered with refreshments for him and his new friend. "That Mask must be complicated huh? It's been like two days now." He said.

"Pretty much…Ryan's insisting I focus all my attention on the Mask before the Raptor." Mercury said as was handed some water from Chameleon.

"See that you do." Mercury and Chameleon looked to see Dragaunus entering the room. Mercury bowed his head to Dragaunus in a respectful manner.

"Hey boss!" Chameleon waved.

Dragaunus ignored the green saurian and held his attention to Mercury. "What is your progress on the Mask?" Dragaunus asked, folding his arms.

"It's taking longer than I thought. The work on the Mask was truly made by skilled hands. But also, it was made by someone who understood your kind." Mercury said.

Dragaunus gave Mercury a curious look. "What do you mean?"

"Come take a look." Mercury motioned Dragaunus to come to his work desk and brought the Mask under a magnifying glass. Both Chameleon and Dragaunus as the high tech makings of the Mask.

"This circuitry that's made in the Mask…" Dragaunus said as he saw this type of craftsmanship before.

"It's very similar to the very same circuitry of the Raptor and the Saurian weapons you have." Mercury confirmed.

"So Drake DuCaine had used Saurian tech against us?" Chameleon gasped. He grabbed at his face dramatically. "What a twist!"

"If this is so, why the trouble with reprogramming it?" Dragaunus asked.

"It seems this DuCaine guy didn't just use Saurian technology, he was able to merge with his own people's tech to make it greater." Mercury pointed out before removing the magnifying glass from the Mask.

"How preposterous." Dragaunus huffed. "Is there any way to speed up progress?" He questioned.

Chameleon wagged a finger, "I don't think it's a good idea to rush perfection." He smiled cheekily.

Dragaunus glared harshly at Chameleon, who regretted speaking up until Mercury spoke up to defend him.

"He's not wrong." Mercury said. "The way this was made, DuCaine had to risk sweat and blood to get Saurian tech. Or…"

"Or what?" Dragaunus asked.

"…He had someone on the inside of the Saurian Empire to give him the stuff." Mercury concluded. "Back then, you may have had a traitor among the Saurians, Dragaunus."

"I wouldn't know who this traitor is as DuCaine was before me" Dragaunus commented.

"Fine. I'll give you a lot more time to work on that Mask." Dragaunus headed for the door. He looked at Mercury one more time. "I expect results!" And then he left.

Chameleon sighed as the door closed. "He can be such a pain in the keister."

Mercury scoffed. "You're telling me." The white-haired boy and Chameleon then got back to work

Dragaunus walked down the halls of the Raptor when he heard his name. "Lord Dragaunus, may I have a word?" The Overlord turned to see Wraith coming up to him.

"Wraith, what is it?" He asked.

Wraith looked over his shoulder and then back to Dragaunus. He leaned close to whisper. "I fear Ryan may not be the ally we think he is."

Dragaunus gave him a curious look. "What do you mean, Wraith? I admit, I'm no fan of him, but he and Mercury have been repairing the ship and got us the Mask from those ducks. They're showing results."

"Results, yes, but they haven't been completely transparent with us." Wraith waved his staff. "Who is this Ashebridge? Anytime he is mentioned, Ryan becomes secretive." He frowned. "He must be hiding something from us. There's more intended than meager help to destroy the ducks!"

"This conversation is closed, Wraith!" Dragaunus snapped at him. "I intend to destroy those miserable mallards by any means necessary."

"Yes, my lord, but still…"

"Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt, but I must speak with Dragaunus." The two Saurians looked to see Ryan up to him. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Not at all, Ryan. Come, let us speak in private." Dragaunus said. Ryan nodded his head and followed the Overlord down the hall, passing Wraith who slightly glared at Ryan. But Ryan glared back, even if their eyes only met for a second.

-\-

The next evening, Wildwing was getting ready for his dinner date with Crystal. When they originally got back from the Charity Ball, Wildwing had a word with Phil on why he would put him in that kind of situation. Phil claimed it was for the good of the charities…and the team's image.

"Bro, you've been trying on different clothes for an hour." Nosedive said as he read his newest comic book. "You'll be fine!"

"I know, I just…just want to look good." Wildwing told him.

"If she's just a friend, then why do you need to look good?" Nosedive fluttered his eyes. "Unless, you like her!" He grinned.

"What-no!" Wildwing defended himself. "She's just…very sophisticated, ya know."

"Surrre~." Nosedive mimicked shooting an arrow. "My bro has been struck by Cupid's arrow and he refuses to admit it!" He laughed.

Wildwing rolled his eyes at his little brother. "Whatever. How do I look?" Wildwing turned around, deciding to wear the same suit he had worn to the Charity Ball.

"You look good." Nosedive said.

"You sure this is alright?" Wildwing asked.

Nosedive got up and patted him on the back. "You look fine. She loved the suit last night, she'll still love it on the date." He smiled.

Wildwing blushed. "It's not a date…" He muttered before looking in the mirror for the twentieth time.

"And by the way, I prefer a man without a tie."

"…Ugh, she's really getting to me." Wildwing began to undo the tie and take it off.

"Bro, what are you doing?" Nosedive asked.

"I…don't like the tie." Wildwing fibbed to his brother.

"Wildwing…" Nosedive gave him a smirk.

"What? I look better without it!" Wildwing stated.

"And I agree completely." The brothers looked to see the door to their room open and standing there was Crystal. She was now wearing a dress made from white fabric and had a medium-length layered skirt with a V-line waist and short gathered sleeves and silver heels. Suddenly, the other ducks came in behind her.

"Sorry, Wildwing. She just made her way in here." Duke shrugged. "We tried to stop her."

"It's fine." Wildwing answered, his milky feathers ruffled a little.

Not a date! Not a date! Wildwing repeated to himself in his head over and over. Tanya had a thin lipped smile on her beak. Wildwing wanted to raise a brow at Tanya's behavior. Maybe she doesn't trust her or something…He rationalized. He could understand that feeling.

"Go get her, tiger." Nosedive whispered with a grin.

"Nosedive!" Wildwing whispered back before his baby bro pushed him forward and Wildwing nearly tripped and fell if Crystal had not stopped him by gently putting her hands on his chest to steady Wildwing.

"Shall we?" Crystal asked as she looked into his eyes.

Wildwing blushed as he looked into Crystal light blue eyes but he suddenly felt calmer. Still blushing, he straightened himself out and stood up straight. "Yes, let's go." Wildwing held out his arm for Crystal and she gladly took it. The two of them walked out of the area, with the ducks watching them.

"His soul feels at peace around her." Grin said as soon as Wildwing and Crystal were out of earshot.

Tanya folded her arms and watched as the two continued walking. "Why hasn't Wildwing told us more about her?" She said aloud.

"I don't know. Maybe it slipped his mind when he got back from that whole event he went through before." Duke guessed.

"I'm with Tanya, I really don't trust her." Mallory said.

"You jealous, girly-girl?" Nosedive teased before Mallory glared harshly at him.

"…I know Wing can handle himself, but…we should keep an eye out for him." Canard spoke up.

"Are you suggesting we follow them?" Nosedive asked. "You guys are so paranoid!" He commented.

"And you're a little too trusting" Mallory jabbed back.

Nosedive couldn't come up with a good comeback so he just shrugged his shoulders. The others rolled their eyes before walking away.

-\-

Arriving at the restaurant, Wildwing and Crystal were escorted to their reserved table with a gorgeous view of the beach and ocean.

"So what should we talk about?" Wildwing asked. His eyes scanned the menu.

"Well, I won't lie. I'm curious about something." Crystal said

"About what?" Wildwing looked up from his menu.

"The blonde duck. He's your brother, isn't he?"

"Oh, yeah. His name's Nosedive."

"I know his name, duckling. I just didn't know you two were related. I honestly can't see the resemblance."

"Heh. He takes after our mom in the looks department." Wildwing and Crystal both laughed a little at that. "Do you have any siblings?" Wildwing asked.

"No, I'm an only child." Crystal answered as a waiter arrived with water for the two of them before leaving. "But you want to ask more, don't you?" Crystal asked.

Wildwing looked to the side. She was right, he did want to ask more. He wanted to know what she knew about DuCaine and HOW she knew it.

The two of them, however, were unaware of a small bug camera that followed them from the Pond all the way to the restaurant.

"Whoa! Super cool, Tanya!" Nosedive commented as he and the ducks watched through what was going on through the bug cam on Drake One.

"Thanks, but the only problem is we can't get audio." Tanya admitted.

"Seriously? But how are we supposed to know what they're saying?" Duke asked.

"Shh. Something's going on." Grin said as he pointed at the monitor.

"Come now, little duckling." Crystal said, leaning into her right hand. "You can ask me what you've been dying to know."

Wildwing's feathers ruffled, he resisted the urge to adjust the collar of his suit. "Well, I'm curious about where you're from."

"Well…It's a bit of a story. So prepare yourself, duckling." Crystal instructed.

Wildwing nodded his head, thinking he was ready for what he was about to hear.

"…As I said before, I'm from a planet that no longer exists. It was called Zabria before the Saurian Empire claimed it and renamed it Volocan, it's now a mining planet. However, before it became what it is today, it was known as the most advanced planet in science and magic studies. Mostly magic. Living there were warlocks and witches, among other creatures. My mother was the princess of the planet at the time and my father, who was a famous warlock doctor. They fell in love, married, and had me." Crystal took a sip of water before continuing.

"Around the time I was about to turn twenty is when the Saurian Empire attacked our planet without warning and demanded we surrender. My mother, now the queen around this time, did not surrender and put up quite a fight for the Saurian Overlord himself. The Saurians were forced to retreat, but they came back with more forces and more weapons. They killed the witches and warlocks that fought against them. My mother ordered an evacuation of Zabria, including my father and I. But she stayed behind to fight, and she did. To her last breath. The people of Zabria were devastated when they heard the queen had died in battle, but they knew they had to fight back. So did my father and I." Wildwing listened intently as Crystal continued on.

"We and the survivors had resettled on a nearby cold planet with other civilizations on it. We made peace and made our homes there. That planet was Puckworld, and that's where the first resistance was formed. On the night of a ball for the resistance winning a battle against the Saurians, I met him. Drake DuCaine. He was an interesting boy. Quite the lady killer, actually. Lots of women, duck or not, fell for him. But in the end, he married Ginger Lacroix, an heir to the Lacroix Fortune of Puckworld. They were wed during the war against the Saurian Empire. Lots of things happened before the war ended. Thanks to DuCaine, he who never gave up." By the time Crystal was done with what she could tell Wildwing, piano music started playing from the other side of the restaurant as people chatted, oblivious to everything Wildwing was told.

"Wow…" Wildwing didn't know what to make of all that. "But wait…This all happened a long time ago, like almost a thousand years. How are…How are you alive?" He asked, not understanding.

"…You probably haven't, but do you know of the Pozione dell'immortalità?" She asked which Wildwing shook his head. "It's the Potion of Immortality." Crystal answered and Wildwing's eyes nearly fell out of his head. "It was a treasured potion among the witches and warlocks, but very few could make it and drink it. My mother…gave it to me before I left the planet with my father, telling me to expand my magic for years to come. Not even thinking of how I might feel about being able to live forever…Leaving the ones I love behind while I continue going on and on."

"Woah…I'd imagine it's lonely to be cursed with eternal youth and knowledge like that." Wildwing leaned his hand forward and placed it onto hers. In a more platonic and comforting manner.

Crystal was a little surprised by the action but smiled at Wildwing.

"Wait, why did he just take her hand?" Nosedive asked.

"I-I don't know!" Tanya said, surprised.

"It's…not all bad. I mean, I get to see the universe change and evolve." Crystal said with a small smile.

Wildwing slowly retracted his hand, "Ain't that the truth." Wildwing tried to think of the next question on his mind. "Why did you want to help me get back home? I mean you could've totally left me there."

Crystal seemed to consider her answer for that question. "Well…I guess I couldn't just leave a boy like you alone in a place he doesn't know about, could I, duckling?"

"I suppose so." Wildwing had a small smile on his face. "I still had to earn my freedom though." He snickered as he took a sip from his own glass.

"Indeed you did." Crystal said before she held out her water up and received another smile from Wildwing as they touched glasses before drinking.

"Ugh, I wish I knew what they were saying!" Duke said, getting all excited

"Kind of do too." Grin agreed.

"You guys are so weird." Mallory rolled her eyes before she walked off to her own room, completely uninterested in this whole thing.

"Sorry for the wait." The waiter from earlier came back to Crystal and Wildwing's table. "Are you both ready to order?"

"I think we need a bit more time, actually." Crystal stated.

"Of course! Call me when you need me." The waiter said before he walked off.

Wildwing looked at Crystal before she said, "To be honest, I'd rather be talking with you right now, for a while longer actually before we eat."

"I wouldn't mind chatting a little longer." Wildwing smiled. "Do you have any questions for me?" He asked, trying to continue the conversation.

"Well, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?" Crystal suggested.

-\-

And that's how the night went on, Crystal and Wildwing exchanged stories about each other and their lives. Both laughing together and enjoying each other's company. Finally they had ordered their food, but even as they ate, they talked about themselves to the other. The ducks watching had seen that everything seemed okay. So they shut down the bug cam before going off to do their own thing.

The rest of the night, Wildwing and Crystal had been talking the whole time, and little did Wildwing know, though it didn't seem like it, it meant more than the universe to Crystal.

Co-Written with PurpleReign9000

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