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

"All I'm trying to do is survive and make good out of the dirty, nasty, unbelievable lifestyle that they gave me."

•Tupac Shakur

Chapter 4: The McDuck pamphlet. Part 2

Dear Francisco Gonzalez and José Carioca .

Greetings, sadly the reason I write to both of you is not good, as you may know, possible Francisco, since he actually lives in Texas. Today I read the McDuck pamphlet, I've linked the digital version in this message. I have a permission to leave my post at my work, heading for Duckburg in a week from now, it was the soonest I could get. Francisco, you have to go to Duckburg and visit Donald. All he has right now is his boys, and they'll need help too. Go to them, I will be there as soon as I can.

José, since you have kids of your own I can't ask you to come, but please call him, you know better than I how he gets.

-Michael "Mickey" Mouse.

Panchito stepped back, mind frozen in shock. First he was surprised that Mickey has his number, but then curiosity got him, what did he sent him? He was reading the message he got in his phone during breakfast, his grandmother, mama Quinteros scolded him.

"Mijo, ponte a comer" she said " stop that and eat!"

He Absently obeyed, eating quickly, and reading, but as soon as he read the content of the message he snapped. His grandmother barely recognized him, his eyes ablaze with fury, face filled hate and disgust.

"Panchito?"

"I've lost my appetite." He stood, and walked out.

Once he was in his room he smashed his phone against the wall, shattering in the impact. Angry tears rolling down his cheeks, his body trembling with anger. Panchito right now was a blazing inferno with a heart of pure hate.

He hated Daisy, for hurting Donald.

Scrooge, for preferring to safe his reputation over protecting his nephew.

and Gladstone... Gladstone was a different case. While he doubted he ever would forgive Gladstone, since it's not the first time he takes something from Donald, Panchito had come to pity him in a way. Nothing Gladstone gets is real, the girlfriends, the friends, nothing.

He breathed in and out, cooling down. He glared at his broken phone, and with a wave of his hand his phone repaired itself.

Bless caballeros magic.

Decisively, Panchito strode to his wardrobe and began packing his things. in less than an hour later he was in a car heading to the airport.

[••••••]

José was a smoker, yeah.

It was an ugly habit he got stronger during high school, never stopping until he took in the twins. He still remembered his first time, a stolen package of cigarettes, stolen from a drunk adult, back in Brazil when he was 10, the thickness had been so foreign and so sour, he had always coughed it badly and it hadn't been pleasant at all. Yet, with time he liked it, and it became an nervous habit, an habit that fell out of style as the years went by.

But now... now he need a smoke, he lit the cigar and began smoking, he was furious.

'Gladstone Gander is partially innocent... he didn't knew about the bargain between me and his uncle'

'Donald Duck isn't to be judged, he's the greatest boyfriend someone could ask'

'Scrooge McDuck wrote to me...'

José inhaled deeply his cigar, he lets the thick and calming air fill his lungs.

'My biggest mistake and my greatest regret'

'None of them, deserved this'

'Donald, the best of the men and best of the husband'

Waiting, José held his breath for a few seconds until releasing the smoke in the air, watching it form figures with his magic, taking the form of his frustrations. Then, the smoke curl away into the atmosphere, the grey lines fading into nothingness, disappearing.

I'm sorry

I'M SORRY

I'M SORRY

Smoking was a time where the Brazilian bird could think, time where he could make his mind up. José had always pried on his ability to remain calm in the face of trouble, and always charm his way out of trouble, but no one could blame him for raging at the McDuck pamphlet Mickey had sent him.

'I MAY HAVE CHEATED ON DONALD WITH GLADSTONE, BUT I DID NOT SLEPT WITH MCDUCK AND I DID NOT WHORE MY WAY TO THE TOP.'

'I WORKED SO HARD FOR MY POST'

I'm helpless'

José's childhood wasn't the ideal, his bastard father left with his mistress and his little sister, Minerva when he was five. Three years later his mother got sick, and they were so poor that his mother's cousin couldn't take her to a doctor. She died within the month. Followed soon after by her cousin, he felt like a failure for not being able to take his cousin to a doctor.

It was José who found him, hanging in the willow in the backyard. after that, he lived happily with his grandmother for four years, she taught him everything he knows about black magic, but... like any happiness he had during that period of his life didn't last. His grandmother like him, was a seer, and she foresaw her own death. With all of her savings she sent him to America, forcing his father to take him in, or else he'll be jinxed.

And, after a few years living there and having to endure the terrible attitude of his father's new family and the attacks of his sister Minerva for not knowing English well. To escape from that he joined the navy as soon as he turned 18, barely passing the exam. There he knew his befriends, Donald and Panchito.

José loves them both, like brothers, always there for each other, even after years of being separated. Panchito busy in his arranged marriage, Donald almost working himself to death for his nephews and himself doing the same after his sister abandoned them.

Now, after a time of peace apparently the world needs them again. Panchito finally got free from his marriage, and José's hoping for him to find LOVE. Donald's life got a little bit better, since his nephews knows more about their mother, and their relationship with Scrooge have gotten stronger. And, now José is getting more time for himself since his sister got back to Brazil and begged him to let her be a part of his boys' life and he reluctant accepted, but never leaving her alone.

But now... Donald needs them, so he's going to do something he hopes he won't regret. He grabs his phone and calls his sister.

"Hello? José, what is it?"

"come here, I NEED you to take care of the boys"

"W- what!? José, what's wrong? Are you okay"

José rolled his eyes " Don't pretend you care, I'm okay."

"Then...?"

"A friend of mine is in trouble, I need to travel to America, and since you asked for an opportunity to spend time with the twins I'm giving you now that chance"

"José... I -"

"I'm trusting you with my boys, Minerva. Nestor will help you while I'm gone."

And without waiting for any response, José ended the call. He began packing his things, and made a few calls by the time he was done his nephews came back from school.

Zico spoke first, being suspicious as always" where are you going, tio?"

"Sim, tio. Onde você vai?" Chimes Zeca

José sighed "Remember Donald'?"

"tio Donald? Sim" both choruses.

"He's in trouble and..."

"Yes, I know" interrupted Zico " we've read the pamphlet"

"W-what?" José stutters

Zico merely shrugs. " I have my ways to know the truth."

José ran a hand through his feathers, a headache already hosting on him. His older nephew was cunning since hatching, with a sense of mischief, yet a loyal friend.

José knows if he dies the amulet will go to Zico.

"Vamos ficar com o senhor Nestor?" Zeca asked, fiddling with his school uniform.

José shook his head. "No, with your mother."

At this, Zeca beamed with pure joy, while Zico grimaced at the news.

"Be careful uncle." He said coldly.

José flinched at this tone, knowing thanks to his magic what his nephew is thinking.

'you're abandoning us, just like her'

"Nikolae." Both jumped at the name, their uncle never calls them by their full names unless he's very angry.

He knelt before his nephews, looking deeply into Zico's eyes. "I'm not leaving forever"

Zico's eyes widened, as well as Zeca's, both impressed by his right guessing. Filling with tears.

"You're both my boys, and I'll never leave you forever" José stroked his nephews' hair feathers until both of their tears finally stopped. "But I need to see my brother, he needs me"

"I know, we understand" Zico quickly brushed some tears aside as he decided to look away. Zico's body began to shake from the force of his crying, Zeca following soon after. Yeah, he was happy to spend some time with his mother, but he understands Zico, uncle José was always there, and usually when it came to visit it was Donald who usually came, his uncle never leaving.

José hugged them tighter, trying to shook outthe physical and emotional pain he was in. The constants visions taking a toll on him already.

"Farewell, uncle"

[•••••••]

People all over Duckburg were reading the pamphlet in shock as it reveals the secret affair Scrooge McDuck helped to hide. But Donald was oblivious to the whole thing, he's to focused on not be late for work, driving as fast as he could without braking any law. He parked his car in his usual spot, and quickly gets out of the car, slamming the door behind him with more force that he wanted to. He runs into the mall, passing by all the security staff and people, ignoring the odds looks they shot on his direction, he's used to get them since he's always late and running. He ran into the elevator, going to go up to the rooftop, where he knows Tempest is and have their usual talk before starting the shift, but stopped as he remembered he didn't took his pain meds and re-dressed his wrist, so instead, his hand reaches up and presses the button to go to the basement, where the lockers and a rest room is.

When the elevator's door opens he decides to go into the lockers where he always keeps a water bottle. He walked down the dimly lit hallway, and finds the lockers' door unlocked, unusual, since commander Bloom always locked it after everyone starts the shifts. Maybe he left it open for him, since he called him last night to announce he wasn't going to skip any shift, he opens the door and go inside. The lights are already on, meaning someone's here, he decides to disregard it as I shut the door behind him, hoping the person that is with him is not Fitzroy.

"Hello, Donald. Late again I see."

Curse his luck.

Not bothering to hide his annoyance, Donald said.

"what do you want Fitzroy?"

Fitzroy grinned, but put a mocking wounded face as he exclaims. "What? Why are you like that, Donnie?"

Donald growled, but it only served to amuse the dog even more. "Can't a man greet his fellow worker? Aren't you civil?"

Donald tried his best on holding his temper, ignoring the idiot's words as he took what he was looking for.

"You know, Donnie." He continues " I want to be a good Samaritan"

"Good for you"

He stood in front of Donald with a magazine in hand, a cruel smirk on his face.

"Read this" he then, hands over the magazine. At first, he wanted to slam the freaking thing at his face, but curiosity bit him hard this time, si he read it... and he felt how the world crashes beneath his feets.

Fitzroy watched with pure joy how in an instant Donald's face turned grim, then blank, devoid of any emotion.

"Thank you, Fitzroy, for showing me this in private." The dog could sense the bitterness in his voice. And he couldn't tell if he was angry or hurt. Surprisingly feeling a little bit guilty for taking pleasure on the duck's pain, he was about to add more salt to the wound but was startled as Donald snapped.

Donald turned to his locker and punched the lockers as hard as possible, splitting his knuckles of his right hand, sending the poor thing flying across the room, crashing on the other side.

An alarmed cry escape from his mouth, afraid, he took a few steps back, eying his workmate. The lockers were ruined, incredibly bended and fist printed.

"Fitzroy, get out..." he hissed, blood dripping from his hand. " Get out before I do something I'll regret."

Not waiting to be told twice, the now frightened dog practically ran out of the room, tripping twice as he did.

Donald was now alone.

The physical pain distracted his mind from snapping even harder, but his heart was already wanting to take over his actions. His legs trembling, so he sat down in a chair and lay his pounding head down on the small table in front of it, refusing to start to crying. Now seriously wondering if there is something wrong with him, if he's cursed or something, because he can't never be happy.

Not when Scrooge is around, apparently.

Never enough.

Always the spare.

His sorrow was cut short by a hand on his shoulder, a pair of arms wrapping around him. Donald gladly leaned into the embrace, still trembling with emotion.

Tempest then spoke, her warm breath on the back of his neck.

"I know... " she said " It sucks to be betrayed, not only by a lover but also your family, but... Donald you're not alone."

Donald didn't say anything, instead he chuckled, not a normal chuckle but a bitter, full of poison one. The duck's chuckles were quiet at first, but soon they grew up into deeper, genuine laughter, verging on hysterical.

But tempest didn't let go of him, she keeps her hold on him.

After his laughing fits ends, he finally admits.

"It doesn't surprise me, you know..."

"..."

"He never helped me, never believed in me " his voice cracks a little, but he doesn't cry. "He always laughed at my dreams."

commander Bloom entered the room with the first aid kit in hand, while Donald told them about his rocky relationship with his uncle, he repaired his knuckles and re-bandage the other wrist.

"commander, can I swap my shift?" Donald asked.

The old dog raised an eyebrow. "Swap?"

"I don't feel good enough to work right now, sir." He admitted, defeated. "But, I will, so can I please swap my shift with somebody else?"

Commander Bloom half smiled, he put a hand on Donald's shoulder and said." In fact, there's a girl over there who needs that right now, I'm sure she would gladly start right now.. and you in take her place in the night shift.

Donald nodded

Bloom then added. "Sonny, Tempest's right, you're not alone."

Donald gave him a small smile. "Thanks"

commander Bloom and Tempest then did their best to console Donald's broken heart, but... in the end, they know is not that easy.

"Donald, you know there's a small bedroom in the mall's observatory." He said. "If you need a place to stay to cool down..."

He suggested, giving Donald a key, who smile in return. "You're too kind with me... thanks it's not enough."

The dog then hugged him, Tempest joining the hug.

[•••••••]

Scrooge knew something wrong was happening the moment he set foot on the money bin, all the employees having awkward looks. Most of them avoiding his gaze, running out of his way. Scrooge didn't know why about their suddenly bad blood towards him, nor did he care, he doesn't want to spend much time here with those vultures.

When he entered to to meeting room noticed Gyro, looking at him, slightly angry? Why? Normally he wouldn't question Gyro's mood, hes always angry or irritable with everyone, especially the financial board. But... today Gyro's fierce gaze was on him, and only him. Then he turned to Fenton, Gizmoduck, and is surprised to see the Latin duck not as cheerful as usual. Fenton almost saying something to him, but aborting his intention, chewing nervously his lower lip, his whole face conflicted, his eyes full of disappointment, on him?

Why?

At last, he spared a glance to his financial board, whose looks expression was different to Fenton's and Gyro's. Normally Scrooge McDuck never minded anyone at the bin before, or in any of his many industries, that until the financial board showed up. When it comes to this people Scrooge can barely hold it, this vultures do really had nerve, they are just a bunch of loudmouth, arrogant, petulant, cold-hearted piece of...

Scrooge stops as he sees the vultures shots him the same expression as Gyro's, and not the usual monotone one.

"What!? " he shouts, exasperated of the constant glaring.

"You're doomed, mister McDuck." One of they said. Sounding tired, frustrated.

"W-wait... W-what do " before muttering another word magazine was tossed in front of him.

All the color drained from Scrooge's face, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

"Read it" they ordered.

Scrooge looked at them, then to Fenton and Gyro, a lump forming in his throat. He almost snapped at them, how dare they to think they really have the right to judge him for helping Gladstone to hide his infidelity, but... But it was to protect Donald, to spare him this shame.

After wetting his lips, Scrooge finally read it out loud, still remembering the time when he wrote this.

"Dear Lass, I hope this letter finds you in good health, and in a good seat, for the proposition I'm about to make, you know in a prosperous enough position to put wealth in the pockets of people like you, sadly on your luck, for what I found out...

You see, that were my nephews who you decided to fuck.

Uh-oh! You made the wrong sucker a cuckold, So time to pay the piper for the pants you unbuckled, but instead of telling everyone and ruining your life I'm giving you a free advice, Marry that suitor of yours, Dapper Duck and leave the country, take the money I'll give you and never mutter a word of this.

And hey, you can keep seeing whoring to MY nephew, as soon as the media an Donald never find out that's fine! I don't want a cheater on my family after all, end your engagement this weekend.

The price for your silent is right: if not, or you ask for more I'm telling your sister, and you wouldn't want that right?

Have a good day.

Scrooge McDuck."

With shaking hands he lowered the magazine, he faced the rest of the group, but after a while his gaze focused on the vultures. He expected being yelled at, or scolded, or worse judged by them, and now they have the right.

The first of them, the leader cleared his throat before saying. "Listen, we're not going to judge you, after all, our work is to protect your financial system, since you own half of the business in the city."

"And like with Della, we stopped you from spend and ruin your business in a fruitless search, now we're helping you to fix another mistake, the bet." Continued the second one.

Then the third asked."Now, How are we going to solve this bad publicity? Glomgold and Beaks are already feasting on this."

None spoke, Scrooge was mute for the first time in years.

Then, the first vulture huffed, sounding frustrated. "Like I said, our job is to keep your money safe, our jobs safe as many others, our job is not to care about you, SO we're not going to judge you, our opinions on the matter are to us only."

"Don't be ashamed to us, we don't care."

Scrooge froze and gave the vultures a funny look that quickly morphed into a dark one.

"Well?"

"I don't know..." he admitted as he narrowed his eyes at him, the vultures stood up. Scrooge's hands were opening and closing at his sides as he glared at them, trying to push down the urge to rip them into pieces. "Any suggestions?" He asked, his voice dangerously low.

Fenton was silent, Gyro shook his head, he's not angry with Scrooge, after all he's not a closer friend or relative, but that doesn't mean he didn't feel disappointed with him. However, he can't say anything, this issue is between Donald and his family, through he's not close to Donald, he respects him, and hopes the best for him.

"Maybe..." spoke shyly Fenton, "Maybe we should let things cool down, stay away from the media and well, try to apologize to Donald."

"ME!? APOLOGIZE!" Scrooge storms forward, everyone's tense even the vultures eyes flickers with surprise. "IT WAS Her WHO FUCKED WITH GLADSTONE!"

"AND IT WAS YOU WHO HIDE IT INSTEAD OF TELLING HIM" Fenton shouts back.

Scrooge's anger dissipates as quick as it appeared, his shoulders slump in defeat, looking like his age and with his cheeks burning in shame.

Finally, Gyro stood and slammed his hands on the table, noticeably frustrated. "This isn't going anywhere, I think Fenton's right. Let the things cool down"

"Next meeting will be next week, same time" announced the leader of the vultures, putting his things on his briefcase.

And with that, Gyro was the first to leave the room, his gaze down, avoiding Scrooge. Fenton went after him, briefly stopping beside the old miser, trying to sound polite as he told him. "Good luck"

The financial board left without a second glance to Scrooge, not even saying a word or giving any sign of them having any interest on him. Barely containing his rage, Scrooge walked out of the room, looking down in shame as he could feel how everybody silently continues booing at him nonstop. Not to mention that surely Flintheart Glomgold must already know, he's already picturing Glomgold taunting him, as well as Donald, glaring at him, eyes full of hate and disgusted at him for not telling him he was being cheated on, apparently preferring to protect Gladstone and McDuck's name reputation.

Emotionally exhausted, the old duck finally came crashing down into his own hands, not crying but yelling into it, muffled screams dying on his hands.

Scrooge McDuck, THE MOST DARING AND BRAVE ADVENTURER couldn't even look at his own nephew, almost his son in the eyes ever again. Donald will take away the children, he knows it for sure, he's going to be alone again, he needs to find Donald, he needs to speak with him.

He got to his car, finding Launchpad awkwardly silent, great... He knows. Launchpad tried to smile and they both started a very forced conversation, at least he knows Launchpad is on his side, and Duckworth of course, and with enough luck Beakley as well.

But what about the triplets and Webby?

[•••••••]

Back in the mansion, the kids ran upstairs, not wanting to speak to anyone, not even Mrs Beakley. For sure she must know already, she always watch the news while eating breakfast, and the boys' pride couldn't take anyone's pity right now, Webby had no option but to agree. Also they couldn't face uncle Scrooge right now, or uncle Donald, or worse uncle Gladstone who's supposed to come tonight.

They know what's going to happen next, uncle Donald will take them back to the docks. Again erasing uncle Scrooge from their lives. Dewey told them to make a plan, a plan to prevent that, Maybe forcing uncle Scrooge to apologize to uncle Donald. Now, to start planning they couldn't just go to Webby's room like usual, or to their own room since it will be the first place where both ducks will search first.

So it was Webby who suggested the library, which since Della's disappearing was always locked all the time, but it could be possible to enter the room through the air vents.

Once there, Dewey peeked into the library to see Louie walking slowly away from the doors, taking in the sight of hundreds upon hundreds of books. Huey was doing the same, even taking one book out of curiosity, flipping the pages for something. Dewey turn is attention to Webby as she revolved in a small circle, full of several books, a bright smile on face, but stopped suddenly when she caught him spying on her.

"Oh dear." She sighed in fake shyness, but with a smile on her face. "It seems I still have that weird obsession with your family. Pathetic, isn't?"

Dewey shook his head as he joined her in her spot, once again driven amazed by everything that was Webby, and how she continually surprised him, always knowing more about their family than Dewey himself.

"On the contrary," Dewey said, as she resumed her reading. "I find myself allergic to literature, well, me and Louie."

"Meh, true" came the response.

"Unlike Huey, who can get lost in the library for hours to no end." He joked, but Huey didn't said anything, he was too busy reading a book. "Since only Huey there likes to read I think this place could be a very good hiding place."

Both shared a laugh.

"How many books are in here?" Dewey inquired, walking away from Webby.

Webby had to pause her reading, giving some thought on Dewey's question.

"I am not sure." He said truthfully. "They have been accumulating for generations upon generations. Not only by the McDuck themselves but also the families they married"

Louie Absently listened to them, he had lost himself in the sight of the vast library. As he did so, he ran his fingers lightly along the spines of books that rested on a lower shelf. He looked uninterested in most of them until one caught his attention, the book, "McDuck marriages; the tragedies and the happiness"

So Webby was right, there's documents about the people not born onto the McDuck clan. He of course pulled out the book, flipping his pages, admiring the good job of the author and the historian who did this. Each chapter contained a painting of the person in question and his/her biography, as well as his/her importance to the family. He passed pages until by a struck of luck he found him, just before he got bored.

Staring back at him was his portrait, the same emerald eyes, the same beard and face.

Don Dugo.

That was his name, Don Dugo.

"Guys!" He called. "Come here!"

"What is it?" Said Huey moving closer as did Dewey and Webby.

"Look at this" Louie handed the book to Huey "Isn't this man too familiar."

Dewey watched as his brother read the pages, his face got pale and his breath caught in his throat. "Uncle Donald?"

All of them took turns to see the portrait, all of them agreed that the duck on it looked like Donald, except for the eyes and beard. Then Huey had the honor of reading.

"Don Dugo, although this is not his real name, and the real it's not know by anyone but his two closest friends, Guillermo Gonzalez and Santos Carioca..." down the text is another portrait of them, a rooster and a parrot, the three wearing an armor. "Was a former soldier of the Spanish armada before his banishment back in 1519. The reason of his banishment was a punishment of the king to Dugo, the latter tried to please his king by gifting him a vessel made entirely of gold."

"Hmmm, I'd like that!" Commented Louie casually, earning a gentle punch from Webby.

"However, the excess weight of the ship caused it to sink. Barely escaping on a barrel, after being cast out of the armada he went to the Americans colonies, now know as Chiapas, Mexico." Huey continued.

"That's awful" said Dewey "That reminds of uncle Donald"

"Agreed"

"Just continue, Huey" groaned Louie.

"Afterward he meet his two loyal friends, and the only ones who knows several things of him, Guillermo Gonzalez and Santos Carioca, they formed a group of knights, calling themselves " The three caballeros" (caballeros=knights) patrolling the city and doing any available job, six years afterwards (1525) the three moved to Scotland, where Don Dugo could bought a small cabana, barely fit for the three. "

"They were close..." observed Webby. "

Huey nodded. " They were brothers in anything but blood apparently."

"I have a bad feeling about how this history is going to end" voiced Louie.

"Three years later upon their arrival they got enlisted in the Scottish army, earning high positions rather quickly (1528). As result of their popularity they were invited to the summer ball, where Dugo got to know his future wife, Merida McDuck."

Another portrait was there, with the happy couple, she blonde with blue eyes, holding the hand of her lover, the beautiful wedding dress making her look like a princess. Him, matching her look, wearing his tuxedo like a price, a fairy tale wedding at dusk.

"They married in 1530 after Dugo finally proved to be worthy of Merida in her father's eyes. In early 1534 the marriage was blessed with a healthy egg, the first and only hatching of the happy couple." Huey then paused to turn the page. " However, he never witnessed the hatching of his son, as he died in battle, defending a temple during a riot."

Everyone frowned, suddenly feeling sad, especially Louie and Huey, empathetic with his little green brother.

"That's awful, truly awful" moaned Louie, Huey quickly felt a rush of emotions.

"What happened next?" Asked Dewey.

Huey cleared his throat, before resuming. "After his sudden death his wife, Merida went insane from grief, never recovering of her state, not even with the interaction of her son, Llewellyn, whose name was chosen by Dugo himself. The name was written on his diary, insisting that the egg was a boy."

"Llewellyn? That's..." Louie began.

"Your name." Finished Huey.

"Maybe a coincidence?" Suggested Dewey, but Webby shook her head.

"I don't think so... since this book was owned by your uncle" At their disbelieving glances, she took the book from Huey's hands, then showed them a little inscription in the last page.

" Donald, puedes creerlo?

I've found this book in the attic while cleaning. Mama Gonzalez told me that papa hid this book in an attempt to not get too involved with the McDuck.

Anyway, I think you should have this, since it's about your familia materna.

Saludos desde Mexico.

Panchito Pistoles."

"How did you knew about that?" Dewey asked.

Webby blushed a little. "Well, like I said, I admire the McDuck family so much and before you guys came here I was alone." She half hugged herself. "And well, when I found this place I used to spend every moment I could here, and in fact there's a place a longed to go in, but the door is locked."

At this Dewey's face lift up instantly, eager to know more, a new adventure.

Huey noticed and annoyed quickly said. "Dewey, come on! Not everything is a family mystery."

"But maybe it is!" Refuted Webby.

Louie raised an eyebrow, already knowing where this is going go. "Webby..."

"Your uncle Donald actually has a section for him, full of books and books of different genres." She said. "And there's a room, a locked room with all sort of things"

Dewey asked Webby. "Really? where?"

"Follow me"

The kids followed the girl, she guided them to a fireplace, near a window, in the corner was said room, a door that looked like the janitor's maintenance office. In the door was a small poster with a almost unintelligible inscription that said.

"Donald's hideout"

"Wow"

Dewey was now interested. "Are you sure there's no way to unlock it?"

"I'm pretty sure, not even uncle Scrooge has the key."

Huey was not surprised when Dewey tried to force the door, but Webby shushed them, and quickly pulled them behind a further shelf.

"What?" Muttered Huey.

"someone's coming."

And as a cue a person entered the library, causing the children to panic.

"Webby! You said nobody had a key!" Hissed Louie.

"Well, a uncle Donald does!" Dewey hissed back as they saw Donald coming near.

Huey's heart tighten as he saw his uncle, the usually angry yet gentle duck reduced to a trembling mess. He looked pale, his eyes dull as he unlocked the mystery door.

They held their breath as they saw Donald pulling several boxes, small idols and a red and white guitar. He carefully placed it on the floor, he moved to the fireplace, turning his back to the kids, blocking the sight of the chimney.

Suddenly and like magic, a fire started in the fireplace, giving warm to the cold library.

"What is he doing?" Muttered Huey, wanting to go closer.

As the conversation continued between them, Louie took the liberty to borrow that book, so he hid it in his hood, if Huey can hide his stupid guide book under his cap, why can't he too?

Donald made sure he has locked himself in the library, he knows Beakley has a key, but he also knows that she most likely will respect his decision to be alone. He pulled out another copy of the pamphlet, now taking his time to read properly, as he read the six-paged pamphlet, tears were streaming down his face, tears of anger, betrayal and humiliation by the thought that his once beloved Daisy had cheated on him with his cousin, for a month and his uncle knew. The Ex-sailor grabbed a pair of scissors from one of his many boxes, taking a familiar photo, one where all the cousins were there, and letting one of the blades rest on his own smiling face.

And then.

SNIP.

Then another with Della.

SNIP.

Another with his uncle.

SNIP.

And again, and again, and again.

Donald continues snipping himself off the photos, since he feels he doesn't deserve to remain in. Tears continue streaming down his face before Dewey somehow manage to look what his uncle was doing, the duckling looked at his uncle in shock as they saw his uncle cutting photos, some of them where Della was present. Dewey felt anger, and was about to rush where his uncle was and snatch all the photos from him, but as he moved forward Webby caught his wrist firm, stopping him in his tracks.

"What are you thinking! He's not himself!" Said Webby in her lowest voice.

"But he's destroying photos of mom!" Dewey snapped back.

Before Webby could say something more a voice stopped her.

"Don't worry, my boy." Said Donald, now looking directly at their hiding spot. "I'm just chopping myself off, and letting Della intact, after all, Della is all you boys care about. I'll give all the photos when I'm done."

Dewey wanted to say more, to apologize, but Louie punched Dewey in his arm and Huey slapped him in the back of the head.

"Way to go, Dewford." Hissed angrily Louie.

Now, even Webby looked at him in a different light, she sometimes worries about Dewey's obsession with his mother. She thinks is normal to want to know more about your parents, she herself wants that, but Dewey's another level, the memories of the sunchaser still fresh.

For now, she advised the guys it was better to leave, let Donald cool down, and thankfully, they agreed.

[•••••••]

Scrooge was finally near home, but in a struck of bad luck his car ran out of gas, luckily enough Launchpad knew a gas station near, he could get help rather quickly. As he waited he had the misfortune to hear the voices of his enemies, Flintheart Glomgold and Mark Beaks.

"Come out and play, Scroogie!" Sneered Flintheart.

Scrooge came out, just to prove he's not a coward. "What do you want!?"

Mark, looked up from his phone, smiling devilish. "You don't have to be rude, Mr McDuck."

"Have you read this?!" Flint showed him a copy of the pamphlet.

Scrooge's throat tightened, almost making impossible to breathe. Flint was in heaven, the look of fear of Scrooge made his day. Several eavesdropping people came forward, taking delight of the show.

"Well, he's never gonna be trusted now." Chanted Mark.

"Never gonna win the bet now." Smirked Flintheart, "That's one less thing to worry about"

Then together said, in a childish voice.

"That's one less thing to worry about"

Mark and Flintheart cruelly laughed at Scrooge in the face as people kept on speaking ill at her. Now, at this moment Scrooge realized that not everybody in town loves him or like him like he thought. There's people among the crowd giggling and pointing at him.

Suddenly, a sound of a car stopping by could be heard, and the crowd began moving away from Scrooge. The miser assumed that the police finally arrived, that they'll force everyone to leave the old duck alone. He really wanted that, but to his dismay the crowd didn't move away but instead made room, even Mark and Flintheart had made room for the newcomer, the most clumsy citizen of Spoonervile, George or Goofy as Donald calls him. Him along with his son, made their way through the crowd, Goofy staring at Scrooge directly in the eyes.

"I came as I soon heard" he said.

"What!?"

"George!" Exclaimed Scrooge, feeling a little bit better.

Mark's beak hang open. " All the way from Spoonervile?!"

"Damn!" Commented Flint.

Scrooge ran to him, he knows Goofy would help him, he recalls how gentle and naive the dog is, too good for his own.

"George, Bless my bagpipes! Someone who can help me with what I'm struggling here to do"

Goofy smiled, but grabbed Scrooge harshly by the collar of his clothes as he tightly holds her with both hands, lifting him without any effort. Scrooge was surprised, and for the first time in years feared for his life, he was without words to defend himself in front of Donald's friend. Goofy held his gaze deeply into Scrooge's frightened eyes, remind him of Donald's when he came to his house that night, telling how Daisy dumped him, and now knowing this man knew all along made him sick. His nephew is hurting alone, and this poor excuse of uncle only worries about his own hide, Goofy then harshly whispers into his ear, and taking satisfaction at the defeated look the miser had.

"I'm not here for you"

"Ooooh"

The people began to whisper, and Max could only stare in shock as he heard his father whisper in such aggressive way, his cold tone sending chills to his back, he looked away from the unfortunate conversation.

And now, everyone wished to witnessed the rest of the conversation, not wanting to interfere between him and the old duck unless necessary. Mark and Flintheart chuckled devilishly underneath their breath just waiting for the perfect moment for Scrooge to break, he deserves no less the two faced liar. This is just a perfect day for Flint, finally having Scrooge suffering, as he watches the dog letting his enemy falling down on his butt.

" know my friend like I know my own mind, you will never anyone as loyal nor as kind" Goofy said. "I supported my friend more than you in this life, you always will choose your happiness over his, every time"

Scrooge stood, wanting to smack the dog badly, how dare he, he had always supported Donald in all his dreams, right!

Right?

"Put what we had aside,

I'm standing at his side" spat Goofy, looking even more angrier. "You could never be satisfied Gosh, I hope you're satisfied"

Then, without any warning, Goofy raised his hand, and harshly slapped Scrooge hard across his face, knocking his spectacles off, Scrooge fell down to the ground.

Goofy then left the poor old in a red helpless on the ground. Tears were forming on Scrooge's as he held his red cheek that stung greatly in pain. Surprisingly, the young man with Goofy helped him stand.

"I'm sorry." He mutters. "He's not like that."

Then, he ran after his father, a few seconds later officer Cabrera sent everyone off, and threatened anyone whom didn't listen. Scrooge however could still heard Mark and Flintheart talking, taunting.

"The McDuck Pamphlet"

Hahaha

"Have you read this?"

Hahaha

"You ever see somebody ruin their own life?"

Hahaha

"The poor nephew."

End of chapter 4.

Some notes.

As you see, Mickey is not that close with Panchito and José, so he calls Panchito by his full name, and expect both do the same.

Scrooge never liked calling anyone but his family nicknames, so even though he likes Mickey and Goofy more than Panchito and José, he never will call them by that, instead using their full names, Michael and George.

George is Goofy's actual name.

any questions? Answers in the next chapter.