Beyond our masks.

Summary: As far as the Mcduck clan know there are no more secret between them, or at least that's what the triplets and Scrooge thought. Now, shortly after Magica's defeat more troubles arrive, and in the middle of this is a parrot, a rooster, and an android.

Notes: English is not my first language... so excuse my errors, I will try my best. This fic it's actually a mash up of several concepts of Donald's adventures and alter egos, such as the duck avenger (Paperinik o Pk) or the legend of the three caballeros.

And also I can't write Scrooge's ascent, sorry.

Post shadows war.

Disclaimer: I do not own Ducktales

We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.

•André Berthiaume

Chapter 3: The McDuck pamphlet. Part 1

Fenton shivered slightly, even in his Gizmoduck suit, as made his way following the avenger. Tonight was a pretty uneventful night with the patrolling, only that little ambush of the Beagle Boys, but being smart as he is he took advantage of that and got some good things, like getting to know the avenger.

"Que frio hace" he muttered trembling, adjusting the case that held his Gizmoduck shoulder part of the costume on his place. With this kind of weather he was more than willing to head on home earlier, if it wasn't for the avenger he would've go home ages ago.

But now that he thinks about it, the weather had drastically turned cold that it's totally unnatural, besides how is the avenger unaffected, to him, his current garb wasn't really meant for the cold temperatures, it really looked like actual clothing and not an warm one if you ask him. Even his Gizmoduck wear wasn't enough for the moment, he realized shaking, something he and Gyro must update as soon as possible. He vaguely remember watching in the morning the weather report with his mother during breakfast that it was supposed to get colder, even recalled his mother complains about it.

"Hey, are you okay back there?" Called Paperinik, snapping Gizmoduck out of his trance state.

Fenton was kinda glad he had a mask on as his cheeks burned fiercely behind it. "Yes, I- I was just noticing the sudden drop of temperature and... well, wondering"

Paperinik raised an eyebrow but completed the question. "Wondering how I can handle the cold without any proper protection for it.?"

He half smirked, posing his left hand on his hips, so confident unlike him.

The elder merely snickered as he resumed his their way. "Don't worry. Sometimes not even I understand what's going on with this costume."

Gizmoduck stuttered a bit when he said " S- sorry f- for intruding."

Paperinik waved his hand dismissively, turning around. "Nay. If we're going to work together we need to trust each other."

Fenton was going to ask something more when he suddenly blinked, as he felt something cold drop on the peak of his nose. Looking towards it, he noticed that from the dark sky above them, snow was falling down. Surprised beyond words, both stopped walking to notice this rare event.

"Snow? Now? I thought they said it was only a drop on the temperature." Voiced Gizmoduck.

"hmmmm." Paperinik rubbed his chin in thought. "Weird, It's not even winter yet."

Paperinik held out his gloved hand, allowing a few snowflakes to land on his open palm. As soon as they hit his hand, they melted away. Gizmoduck doing the same, but being his suit made of mental, the snowflakes didn't melt to touch.

A small, genuine smile graced the veteran's lips, as he closed his hand and started talking to Gizmoduck again.

"well, since it started to snow I better call my friend and ask him to bring us home."

Gizmoduck just nodded.

Paperinik pushed a button on his shield and began talking. "Hey, Uno. Can you hear me?"

"Affirmative. What do you need?"

The avenger gave a chocked laugh. "Why do you assume I need something? Maybe I'm just calling to say hello."

The person at the other end huffed, clearly not buying what the avenger said. "Yeah. Sure. Whatever. Just tell me what do you need."

"I need you to teleport us back to the base."

Silence.

At first Fenton thought that maybe the other person didn't hear him, but the look in the avenger's face he knew that in fact his petition was heard.

"US!? What do you mean by us!?" Yelled the avenger's friend. "Are you that weak to need someone else to save your ass?"

Fenton blushed and the avenger rolled his eyes annoyed. "Leave the sass for later Uno. I'll explain myself to you once we're BOTH there."

A pause.

Then.

"You're impossible."

"I love you too!"

And with a quick motion Paperinik grabbed Gizmoduck's wrist as they were teleported. With Paperinik unaffected since he's used to it but having Gizmoduck almost throwing up his dinner. As soon as his feets touched the ground Gizmoduck hurried to the nearest corner, where a conveniently placed trashcan was and proudly implied his stomach.

Again Paperinik sweat dropped as Uno threw him an glare that clearly said 'really?'

After the metallic duck was done he returned to the avenger's side.

The A.I currently in his normal form, a green sphere with face appeared in front of Gizmoduck.

"So, who's the kid?"

Before Fenton could think of some retort the avenger said.

"Don't be like that, Uno. He's here to help us with the incursion mission."

The A.I looked unconvinced. "Isn't better to do this without any... how do you say it... noob?"

Now Fenton was pissed, but said nothing.

With a firm voice the avenger refuted. "You know I'm going to need help with this mission."

Sighing, the A.I said. "Very well."

Clapping, the avenger turned to Fenton as he started undoing his mask. "Well, I guess I can start this alliance introducing myself to you."

Fenton gave a very unmanly screech, nodding constantly. "Okay"

Donald first deactivated his voice modification, then slowly took off his mask, revealing his face to Fenton.

Fenton's beak almost fell to the floor when he recognized the person before him. "Donald?"

Donald nodded "Disappointed?"

Fenton shook his head. "At contrary. Does mister McDuck knows?"

Uno snorted, Fenton took this as a no.

"Of course he doesn't, but that's not a surprise" said Uno " When it comes to Donald he doesn't know a thing."

Donald just shrugged, then he said. "Come on, Fenton. You can take your armor off."

Fenton, hesitated, but complain.

"How did you knew?" He grasped his own arm. "I was that obvious?

"No, but you forget my uncle's the one who signs your paychecks. Also my nephews are too close to you." He said.

"And we work for the agency!" Chimed Uno.

Fenton's eyes widened "You're a spy"

"yup"

"Cool. I can't believe your uncle thinks you're whiny."

Fenton didn't realized how much his words strung Donald until they left his lips. But Donald barely succeeded in keeping an neutral face.

"Sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight."

"ladies," interrupted Uno. "As much as I enjoy a good conversation, shouldn't we be discussing our mission and goals."

Donald inclined his head at them and when he saw the curiosity, glee and happiness brimming in Fenton's eyes he couldn't help but make a final comment. "Don't get too exited, Gizmoduck. This mission is dangerous, not like any you had."

Fenton lips thinned. "I know!"

"Well, I hope he does." began Uno, voice as even as his face. "Because this mission is even dangerous for Paperinik, and he's in the business for over a decade."

Uno smirked at the horror and insecurity on Fenton's face, gave him a mocking wink and disappeared as if he never was there in the first place.

Fenton almost fainted.

"Please forgive him," said Donald ashamed. "He's overprotective and lack of trust on everyone who he doesn't know."

"I understand."

There was a pregnant silence between the two ducks. The Latin bird could see Donald was struggling to say something, so he kept his beak shut as he waited.

"Listen, let's sit down on the couch, this is going to take a while."

Fenton accompanied Donald to a small couch, and started explaining.

"You see, a few weeks before the shadow war, a previously abandoned tower on the city's limits started functioning again. Despite us, especially me thinking it was merely an stupid normal financial move, the tower suddenly began to show strange activity" he stole a glimpse of Fenton's nervous glare. "Several rich men gathered together in there, we don't know what they're doing but it can't be good since Mark Beaks and Flintheart Glomgold started going to those meetings. Within four days fr now, I will make an incursion in this tower, and if I can, stop whatever is going on in there. And, well, I need backup."

"I agree, and now more since Mr McDuck and Mr Glomgold made that bet." Fenton said " After all, Mr McDuck hired me to protect."

Donald groaned as he ran a hand through his face. "I don't wanna know about that bet."

Fenton gave a shortish giggle.

Donald sighed "Well, I think it's time to sleep, amm assuming you're with me in this mission."

"Of course."

Donald grinned. "Perfect, tomorrow after work I will go to your place."

"As you wish."

Fenton let out a soft yawn as he felt his eyelids start to droop close.

Donald noticed so he said. " I'll drive you home, you're tired."

"That would be nice, sir."

So, they left, finally getting the rest they both needed. As for Fenton, he was anxious about his very first mission in the a bigger league, but for once he's not alone, he's with Paperinik.

[••••••]

Meanwhile, in London. (2 days ago)

Daisy was a great journalist, the best in the D7 magazine, always getting the the most juicy gossip and stories. But her position as the star reporter didn't just bring her success in her life, but also problems and enemies.

One of them called, Maria Mouse, Mortimer's younger sister, rival of Minnie for Mickey's love. A journalist as well, but not as good as Daisy.

Last night the "fine" lady have found something against her mortal enemy and rival, Daisy. Being too tired of having to be a second person that Deborah Duncan, chief of the D7 magazine never pays any attention to, just to her star reporter. That sense of injustice quickly filled the lady with pure rage and jealousy, how could a loud voiced and egocentric bother, could have a better position with the boss than her. Deciding that enough was enough humiliation, not only for her but also others with a decree in a famous college, she decided to bring some dirty truths for the second in command of the office. Because everyone, with no exemption has secrets, and well, since her failed relationship with both, Donald Duck and Gladstone Gander and her divorce with Dapper Duck, Daisy must have juicy ones.

Going through some files last night, after breaking in Daisy's office since it was part of her plan in case if the female duck has something incriminating in there. Soon Maria suddenly found something within the file of Daisy, who is stupid enough to let this information unlocked, apparently, a certain billionaire, Scrooge McDuck decided to donate almost a thousand dollars to Daisy before she and her fiance moved to London to get married over a decade ago. Now, this was entire suspicious since every soul in the world all knew that Scrooge McDuck never gives money away unless necessary, everyone were told that he only had given about a hundred dollar to each family member, rumors says he never gave Donald a single penny though. Then, how did Daisy, an ex manage to obtain a thousand dollars from him without anyone knowing, without him complaining. Maria smirked mischievously as she fast assumed that Daisy were in a romantic relationship with the old miser, whoring her way to the top.

Finally, she mused, she's about to have Daisy under her thump, just where she belongs.

The next day, Maria Pretending to be sweet and innocent as she entered into Daisy's office who was oblivious of her partner intentions, was busy with some paper works that Deborah asked her out. Daisy's work was interrupted when seeing the first two women she greatly despise and who was in a great disagreement with, Maria, the second best.

She paused her work as she says. "What do you want?"

Maria smirked as she enjoyed to know she's not going to have to pretend politeness with her.

"You're a whore, you know." She spat, full of venom. "I have the checks stub. From separate accounts across the years, at first I thought it was just one thousand, but in the end it was almost three thousand dollars paid in a different amount..."

"So? What's your point?" She shot back, still oblivious.

"The source, I know the source and is not your ex husband." She said, placing down the checks she have found in her folder on her own desk.

Daisy's eyes widen in shock and her heart is racing, fearing that Maria finally have figure out about her most darkest secrets and most biggest regret. Daisy greatly believes and with a reason, that her career is entirely over and wouldn't hear the end of it from Maria and her brother. But she's not going to back down, finally it's time to face the consequences of her immature decision, but first decided it was time to listen to her enemy for once in her life.

"You're unbelievably hypocrite, always saying how hard you worked for your spot, but you seem to forget to mention how did you get here." Maria was smiling so cruelty. "The evidence suggests you're engaged in speculation, my dear."

Daisy just watched as Maria drank a cup of water from her desk. "It's not surprisingly, a single mother's daughter whoring herself to an old miser for power" she gave an small chortle, raising her arms in a dramatic pose. " I can already see the headline, your career is done for"

Now the female duck was confused, couldn't believe her ears what this girl assume that her success was thanks to some romance with Scrooge McDuck, and him giving her money to get her way to the top. This is was actually hilariously stupid, just hearing this accusation which sounded ridiculous to the duck hurt her pride greatly. Maria almost dismisses the accusation as Daisy smirk devilishly knowing all the paychecks that Scrooge pays to her would be nothing more than a large donation for her education, since his nephews "wronged" her.

"Ha! You don't even know what you're accusing me" laughed Daisy.

"Then confess" she retorts.

"You have nothing. I don't have to tell you anything at all" Then paused "Unless..."

"Unless?" She glares at Daisy.

"If I can prove that I never broke the law, Do you promise not to tell another soul what you saw?" Daisy pleaded.

"No one else was in the room where it happened" Maria said.

"Is that a yes?" The other asks, hopefully.

"Um, yes"

Daisy carefully places a letter that was handwritten by Scrooge McDuck into Maria's hands who gently took the paper before unfolding it. As she was reading it Daisy told her the context of the letter. Maria noticed how Daisy's face suddenly gone all grey as if she saw a ghost, not big surprise, what she just told her was unbelievably. Now, not even with all the hate she has for Daisy found the will to accuse her for her moral crime.

"You sent the dogs after my scent, that's fine!" Daisy almost yelled. "Yes! I have reasons for shame. But I have not committed treason and sullied my good name! As you can see I have done nothing to provoke further action! Are my answers to your satisfaction?

Maria looked at Daisy in shock and is shaken by her reaction, definitely this wasn't the same woman that she knew and hate by heart, but she made that promise.

"My god" she breathed, then she turned around." I'll go now."

"Well?"

Without turning she promised. "The people won't know what I know"

But Daisy wasn't so sure, so asked. "Maria! How would I know you use this against me the next time we go face to face?"

Maria looked over her shoulder, smiling. "Daisy, rumors only grow and we both know what we know"

With that she left.

She can't trust her, that witch is going to blackmail her, she can't let that happen. She's going to write her way out of the gossip, she can't let people think she's a who-. Daisy was now sitting down in her chair, barely noticing she was shaking before determination began filling her whole body, she grabbed her laptop. Soon Daisy began tipping nonstop for the rest of the morning. Last thing everybody knew was that soon, the next issue of D7 would be have an article published with the title The McDuck Pamphlet.

[•••••••]

Present day.

José walking across the shore of the beach, near his house. Feeling the wet sand beneath his foots, the salty wind caressing his face. The he saw him in the distance, a lonely figure glaring at the calm sea.

The figure, wearing an armor, a familiar one, similar to his. Curiously, José began walking towards him, and as soon as he did he noticed his armor. His eyes widened in shock, it was Donald's armor, and the person, he looked like Donald. Fearfully he shorted his distance and when he was almost touching the stranger he gasped.

It was Don Dugo.

Yeah, José was sure of it, the person before him is Don Dugo. The face he saw in that portrait back in the cabana, the person Xandra admired and which death caused her so much pain. He open his beak, but no words came out, he doesn't know what to say, and he's breathless at how similar to Donald is Don Dugo.

The older knight, finally knowledge his presence. That's when he saw him with detail, unlike Donald, Don has green eyes, quite dull, and his features resembles someone who's about to cry. Then, Don Dugo faced him, quickly grabbing his hands on his own, his cold hands.

"It wasn't your fault." Don Dugo whispered. "I don't blame you."

José suddenly felt tears running down his face, not knowing why, he never knew the caballero. The parrot muffled a cry when suddenly the person before him started to bleed, bruises and a large stab wound on his stomach.

Then, it changed again.

This time, it was Donald who was there. Crying, with his dull blue eyes staring back at him in pain.

"It wasn't your fault." He repeated, before collapsing in José's waiting arms.

"Donald!"

With a trembling hand Donald pinched José's cheek, before turning into dust.

He screams as he wakes, he's so overwhelmed by his nightmare that he actually start to throw up in his bed. Both of his nephews entered the room, and tried in vain to calm their uncle down. Meanwhile, at the other side of continent, in north America, a small green loving duck is screaming as his brothers try to help him.

[•••••••]

The next day.

Since he had a nightmare last night he was in his bed, not wanting to see anyone. Huey and Dewey tried to convince him to tell them about the nightmare but without avail. The adults are quite in the dark in the matter, since they aren't told, only webby.

After being begged to, Louie finally accept coming down for breakfast. Uncle Donald hurried down the stairs, grabs his packet breakfast that Beakley hands him, gives each triplet a kiss. Plus Webby, obviously.

"Please, boys, Webby, if you're planning on going out" he began "Put your jackets on, it's snowing!"

"Yes, uncle Donald."

With that, he left, shortly followed by Scrooge.

"Again, those. Vultures booked a meeting." The miser scoffed. "At least this time I'm not going to suffer alone, Fenton and Gyro will attend too!"

Inside, he's practically screaming and trembling with dread, his bet with Glomgold still flesh in his mind. Today's meeting needs to bring new ideas for him to make himself more richer, and once Gladstone arrives they'll sail to adventure, the Scottish man is going take any treasure on his way. Waving his hand, he too left, unconsciously ignoring Louie's strange behavior, and hoping to have a quiet day.

Sadly, fate's not on his side.

[••••••]

"Come on! Come on, buy the new issue!"

"But, it's a girly magazine!"

"Trust me!"

In the morning of a normal day whereas people all over Duckburg were reading buying a magazine, just to get to read an article, it consisted on six pages. At first only few people were gossiping about the six-paged pamphlet until it became a spread news all over the city. The sellers were having the time of their life, almost not having enough issues. Fenton's mother, Gloria and Fenton himself were also reading this terrifying pamphlet, since Gloria is subscribed to it, such thing was spreading like wildfire throughout the city. Both ducks were afraid of Donald's family reaction once they were reading it.

Flintheart Glomgold and Mark Beaks were grinning devilishly as they saw this dirty truth of his nemesis, just spread the news of the pamphlet of McDuck, Mark not only shared the digital version of pamphlet on his media profile, but also brought several boxes of the issue just to give it to anyone who passed by, so it'll spread more easily.

"The McDuck Pamphlet!" Choruses Flintheart and Mark with happiness.

Meanwhile, the best friend of Daisy, Minnie, is reading a copy on her own, the dreaded pamphlet being a sensation even in the neighbor city, Spoonervile. She's in conflict, Daisy is her best friend, but Donald, poor sweet Donald is her husband's best friend. And by the look on his face, he's not happy about it.

"Have you read this?!" Asked simultaneously Flintheart, Mark and Mickey.

Mickey, after finishing the pamphlet ripped it before tossing it into the fire of the chimney, it consumed the whole thing, then, Mickey grabbed his coat and ran to the door.

"I'm going for a walk, I need to cool down."

"Daisy Duck had a torrid affair, which Scrooge McDuck help to hide, but she wrote it down right there!" Announced Flintheart.

"Highlight!" Shouted Mark. "Daisy claims...!"

Then, Flint makes the honor of reading to the top of his lungs.

"The charge against me is a connection with one, Scrooge McDuck! For purposes of Improper romantic speculations!"

Flintheart couldn't help but laugh as he continued. "My real crime is an indeed amorous connection but with his nephew, Gladstone while engaged with Donald Duck, for a considerable time with the miser knowing consents!"

"DAMN!" Mark half mocked, half cursed.

At the same time, Pete, friend of Goofy, was reading his copy of the pamphlet in anger but also in pain not only for his ex-military partner, but too for his closest friend in town, Goofy, who's loyal beyond belief. Not waiting any longer he took his copy and went to his friend's house, his son Pj close behind.

Now, Mark continued reading.

"I had frequent meetings with him behind my fiance's back, most of them at my own house"

"At her own house?!" Asked Glomgold.

"At her own house" Confirmed Mark.

"DAMN!"

Back at Spoonervile, at a quiet house, Goofy was taking his breakfast with his son, who's on vacation from college and his soon to be wife, Sylvia. They were so calm until a violent knocking on the door interrupted their meal, Goofy was about to Stan and attend the door but Max, his son, decided to go instead.

Max opened the door, finding Pete and Pj on the door.

"Mr Pete? Pj? What a surprise" he said, Pete didn't say nothing, just pushed him out of the way.

"I NEED to speak with your father" he grumbled, making his way to the room where Goofy was eating.

He entered the room, very abruptly, abruptly enough to annoy the calm dog, but didn't say anything, he just exclaims.

"Ahyu, Pete, what bring you here?"

Peter sighed, almost hesitating, wondering how to break the news. Remembering how easily and satisfying was to tell Goofy the truth about his son and the map, but that was because he finds Max obnoxious. This time the person he's about to talk about is someone that, yeah, it's not his greatest friend, but he likes him. So, silently hand over the magazine, Sylvia, just need to look at the expression of Pete to know that whatever it is in the printed paper, it's not good.

Max and PJ catches up to the adults, not knowing what to expect.

"what's this?" Goofy asked.

"Just read it."

"Okay?" Goofy turned the first page and read the leading sentence, he kept reading in a very quiet voice, but Max could hear the words 'McDuck's family members engaged in month-long scandal. Daisy Duck confesses it all."

"Mr. Duck being absent on a visit to his grandmother"

The horrid article went on and on- explained fully detailed how Daisy and Gladstone supposedly drunk cheated on Donald while he was on visit to his grandmother. And how Scrooge found out, but instead of telling Donald, he covered the whole thing. Yeah, he forced Gladstone and Daisy to stop, and helped her to leave the country.

Goofy was in complete shock, he began to stumble backwards, eyes wide, mouth open. It was almost comical, but then, Goofy's expression went from shock to anger, creeping Sylvia, PJ and Max out.

Goofy in temper tantrum, worthy of Donald, in Pete's opinion, he destroyed the paper into pieces.

"No!" Goofy yelled.

Max could tell his father was furious, actually more than furious. Daisy not only had cheated on his best friend, and then published a six paged pamphlet about it. She also betrayed them, shee had principally betrayed Donald, she had betrayed Mickey, and Minnie too.

But the fury was briefly tempered by sadness, Daisy had been their friend for SO long, and now she had betrayed them all.

Then, a knock at the door and a bark, Mickey was there.

It was Goofy who answered, face pale, and tears brimming in his eyes. Mickey was the same as Goofy, and as soon as Mickey saw Goofy he threw his arms around his friend and hugged him tightly.

Pete explained the rest of the occupants the story, Max being the only one who knew Donald felt sad.

"I'll go to him! To show him we're on his side" said Goofy.

Sylvia got up " I'll go with you, to help you."

Goofy nodded, giving her a small kiss.

"Don't worry, I'll talk to your manager, he owns me one" Pete playfully punched Goofy's shoulder, getting his attention. "Tell the duck I'm on his side, send my regards."

Goofy nodded, smiling to him, then Mickey patted him.

"Tell Donald I'll be there in a few days" he began " I need to talk with my boss first, then with Minnie."

"Got it"

Finally, Goofy spoke with Max. "Max, I'm not going to for-"

"I'll go, dad" The young adult interrupted. "He's like an uncle to me, I'm going"

"Go pack your things"

[•••••••]

This was bad, Webby just knew it. They finally got Louie out of the mansion for a ride through the city, and when they were walking among the streets, they overheard an adults conversation.

"Have you read this?!"

The other adult, a woman nodded, looking disgusted. "Yeah. I can't believe McDuck could do something like that?"

Neither noticed the children as they passed by, the man with a shake of his head dropped a magazine into a garage can. Curious they went to retrieve what the adults dropped, much to Louie and Huey's refusal.

All went to hell.

The nephews and niece were reading pamphlet themselves. Tears, angry ones, were streaming down their face as Webby, the most cold headed in this moment comforted them with loving open arms. She glared at the mansion, still visible, she was so disappointed on Scrooge for this cruel betrayal that he brought upon his own family, hid nephew, and Gladstone, betraying like that his cousin. Louie nearly broke down in his brother's arms as he was escorted away from the crowd, still laughing at their family's expense.

They went back to the mansion, he can't face Scrooge now, all of them actually.

[••••••••]

Gladstone was happy, his luck got him a free fly to Duckburg, early even. Though he was tired he was exited, he's going to see his family again, after all this time.

People was whispering, looking at him, but he's so used to be admired that he let it slide. Some of the people whispering were looking at their phones, maybe something trivial.

After all his luck never failed him.

End of chapter 3

• Gladstone, be prepared.

• Mickey and Goofy!

• Fenton and Donald's alliance.

• José and Louie bound.

sorry, I'm late, college was so consuming.