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Alternate Lives	By : Nightbloom Category: +M through R > Mighty Ducks Cartoon Views: 2279 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Mighty Ducks, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Part 1
- 2-Part 2
- 1
- 2
Disclaimer: Same as part 1: Not mine.
Alternate Lives (Part II)

Dive was exhausted. His adrenaline was gone and his body was feelingthe effects of the strain he just put it through trying to get away fromthe Saurians and Canard.
He felt weak.
And unfortunately, this was the worst time to feel that.
Dive began to struggle, kicking and punching with his free hand, trying toget rid of Canard.. "Let me go!" he shouted.
"Nosedive!" shouted Canard. "Dive!"
"It's just us!" shouted another voice.
Dive paused and looked past Canard. He then looked back up and allthe excitement caught up to him.
He let out one small whimper and fell into the arms of his most trusted teamcaptain.
"Man, oh, man, I thought I'd never see you again," he whispered, as tentativearms wrapped around him.
Another gentle hand rested against his shoulder.
A few moments later, lasers began to fly.
X
ND had reached Nightbloom when Dive had taken off to lead General Canardaway.
"He's after him," he gasped.
Nightbloom pushed him towards the tunnels. "We'll keep track of them,"she said.
ND hurried off, clutching the folder close to his body.
A male Saurian ran with him, acting as his armed escort.
Nightbloom turned back towards the house.
Both Dive and Canard were gone. Nightbloom sank back into the shadows,and decided to wait. She motioned for another to follow and make surenothing happened to Dive.
Roughly twenty minutes later, Nightbloom got word that Dive was returning,alone.
She stood at her post in the sewers and waited.
She could hear the sound of the sewer opening and dropping. Then she heardDive's frightened cry and Canard's voice. She narrowed her eyes. How did he know? she asked herself. "Fire!" she shouted,pulling out her laser gun.
She leapt from behind the wall and targeted the tan mallard. Dive was inhis arms and several ducks were backing him up.
A few of her own moved into position and began firing.
Canard threw Dive behind him and began to fire back, as did the rest of histeam.
"Stop!" she heard someone shout.
"Dive, have you gone mad?!" shouted Canard, as Dive ran past him, wavinghis arms.
"Cease fire!" shouted Nightbloom, not wanting to risk injuring their newestmember.
"These are my buds from my time-line!" Dive shouted. "They're cool."
Nightbloom stepped forward, and the ducks tensed up.
Dive turned to them. "Relax, some of the Saurians are allies. Nightbloom is the leader of the Resistance."
X
To say ND was terrified when he spotted Canard was an accurate statement. To say he was petrified when he saw Grin was an understatement.
Both ducks caused nervous mumbling from both Avians and Saurians.
"Canard is ruthless on his own. But one of his soldiers is Iron Wing.. . Grin's counterpart."
"This is all kinda weird," said Wildwing.
"I'll say," said Koko, standing next to Dive. "It's like talking toa ghost."
Dive watched with amusement as Dr. Beacon fawned over an embarrassed Tanya. "This is great," he was saying. "I mean, I always admired yourphysical beauty, well, this world's beauty, but now that I see you areintelligent, I, well, wow! Most Naughty Chicks models have nobrain cells worth talking about!"
Duke had found a copy of Naughty Chicks and was almost hystericalabout finding Tanya as the centerfold spread.
Tanya was mortified and flattered by the cat calls she received, but promptlysnatched the magazine away from Duke before the others could see it.
"It may not be me," she said, "but it still looks like me. And youare too young to be looking at stuff like this!" she said to Dive, a questionobvious on his face.
"Darn," he said. "Okay, next question...what now?"
Canard looked thoughtful. "Well, Tanya rigged the device to take usback to our dimension, but it doesn't feel right leaving this place withouthelping."
Nightbloom raised an eyebrow. "You definitely are nothing like GeneralCanard."
"That's cause he's cool," Dive responded, flashing a grin to his team captain.
He leaned back against Wildwing who was behind him. Physical contactseemed to sooth his nerves. It apparently worked for Wildwing too becausehe looked at peace.
ND watched from a distance, still too afraid to come close.
"We would appreciate any help you could give us," Nightbloom said. "NDand Dive managed to snatch the blueprints to Lord Dragaunus's security systemand fortress."
"Then let's review," said Canard.
X
ND watched with a heavy heart as Dive laughed, surrounded by his friendsfrom his different time line.
He longed to experience such companionship.
Even Koko seemed drawn to the exuberance that Dive possessed.
Even though she seemed to insult him at every turn.
It wasn't that ND was jealous that Koko was interested in Dive. Itjust made him sad to know that he would never be like Dive. He wasfar too tainted to ever be as carefree.
In the past month or so, Dive and the others trained with the rest of theResistance. They all played hockey on a nightly basis as a form ofrecreation and to test their speed, endurance, and agility.
Canard and Nightbloom spent most of the time behind conference doors, goingover plans and coordinating future attacks.
Every once in a while, both of them would go out and train with the team,assessing strengths and weaknesses.
Dive would tease Canard about the alone time he was spending with Nightbloom.
Canard would turn slightly red and then send Dive to run some laps.
At nights, Dive would comfortably sleep between Canard and Wildwing on thefloor with the rest of his own team. He would also meditate with Grin.
It was odd seeing the infamous torturer being so mellow and gentle.
Dr. Beacon continued to pursue Tanya.
ND sighed as he picked at his food. Pretty soon, Canard and Nightbloomwould announce their plans for the attack.
X
"You certainly have a knack for spotting things," Nightbloom said, eyes rakingover the diagrams.
Canard leaned back on his chair and grinned proudly. "Thank you," hereplied.
Nightbloom slightly chuckled as she settled down next to him.
It's amazing how approachable she can be when she doesn't have to actlike a leader in front of everyone else, mused Canard.
Nightbloom cast him a smile. Then she gave a small frown as she realizedhow close Canard was.
Both of them stared into each others eyes for a moment.
Nightbloom turned away first.
"Have you ever...been with someone?" Canard asked.
"No," responded Nightbloom. "As a leader, I must not have anydistractions."
Canard nodded slightly. "But always being a leader can be very lonely."
"Yes," Nightbloom whispered. "But love in war can be foolish."
"It can also give strength."
Nightbloom looked up at him, a troubled look in her eyes.
Canard hesitantly reached for he hand.
She didn't move it away.
He gently squeezed it and leaned forward.
"I've lost one before," Nightbloom whispered.
"Is that any reason to shut out everyone?"
Nightbloom didn't answer.
Canard gently kissed her, and it was the catalyst for a long repressed need.
X
Soft words of comfort, a whisper of clothes. Sweet and desperate moans. The war disappeared for a bit, and all that was known was comfort.
X
"Well," said Dr. Beacon, raising a mug in a mock toast to Nightbloom. "Looks like someone got lucky last night."
Nightbloom gave him a cocky look. "Looks like someone's looking fora beating."
Dr. Beacon turned his attentions towards Tanya, deeming her safer.
Wildwing and Dive stared at Canard, who was standing somewhat close toNightbloom.
"We stayed up all night going over the plans," he said, throwing a secretivelook at Nightbloom. "And I think we'll soon be ready to bring Dragaunusdown and give you guys a chance to win."
The Resistance soldiers reacted favorably, to say the least.
ND grinned shakily. While he had been waiting to hear that for years,he couldn't help but wonder of the dangers that they would all face.
X
Lord Dragaunus sat in his throne, a dangerous look in his face. His yellowclaws clicked against the arm rests as he watched the Avian before him beingslain.
Droids moved in to clean up the blood and feathers that lay scattered acrossthe floor.
"I never did like him," he said, as General Canard approached him, staringat the body being dragged across the floor.
"He always did seem too soft," agreed Canard. "Made me wonder whetheror not he was in infiltrator."
Lord Dragaunus looked at the tan duck before him. "Why did you requestan audience?" he asked.
General Canard looked at him. "I have reason to believe that you arein danger, Lord Dragaunus."
"Oh?"
"The security blueprints of the Raptor and your castle have been taken frommy home."
Dragaunus nodded. "I see." He stood up. "Well, GeneralCanard. I trust that you will take care of the problem." He soundedsomewhat bored.
"Of course," responded Canard, giving a polite bow.
"Use whoever you need."
X
General Canard stopped to relish the sounds of screaming that came from insidethe dungeon room.
With a smile on his face, he stepped into the room in time to witnessIron Wing at work.
Before him stood the tall grey duck. His current victim was an Avian malecaught during a raid.
"So this is the infamous black marketer?" questioned Canard, eyeing the greyduck. He nodded with satisfaction at the work done on the prisoner.
One of the Avian's eyes was closed shut, blood leaking out as if tears. Hisbeak had deep abrasions on it, and his feathers were damp from sweat.
Chains held him up above what looked like a large hot plate.
Iron Wing pressed a button, and the mechanisms above the duck lowered himdown.
The prisoner let out a weak cry as the heat rose, burning his tender feet.
Iron Wing pushed another button, and the top slip to one side, emitting athick cloud of hot steam.
The duck screamed as the feathers on his legs began to fall out, leavingthem bare and raising blisters on his skin. The blisters boiled andpopped, clear liquid running down his legs as the plate slid closed.
"Name," said Iron Wing.
The duck opened his one good eye. "You and your kind will die," hesaid in a weak voice.
"Name," repeated Iron Wing, selecting what looked like a pick from a toolbox.
"I will make sure of that," continued the Avian. "Even if it means comingback from the grave!!"
"I said, 'Name."
General Canard flinched slightly as Iron Wing wedged the pick under the duck'sfingernail and pushed in.
The Avian screamed again.
X
General Canard watched as the bloody carcass of the prisoner was pushed outof the room.
"So, that's all you got out of him? L'Orange?" asked Canard, disappointed. "A last name? Nothing on his clientele?"
Iron Wing looked at him, a pleasant expression on his face. "Not aanother word," he said. "He remained silent about his people and lastedmy whole session. Not many are strong enough these days."
Canard stared at him with a bemused expression. "So you enjoy findingthose that don't talk no matter what."
Iron Wing nodded. "I take a part of them with me to remember them by." He tossed something in the air and caught it.
General Canard's curiosity got the better of him as he put out his hand,a silent order for the tall grey duck to hand it over.
Iron Wing shrugged and placed a round, soft, and wet object into the general'shand.
Canard's eyebrow shot straight up. "Where do you keep it?" he asked. He held up an eyeball, part of the retina still attached.
"In a jar," responded Iron Wing, taking his possession back.
"I'm really looking forward to working with you," Canard said, an evil grinon his face.
Iron Wing returned the grin. "And I look forward to training your slave."
Both ducks shared a dark chuckle.
X
Nightbloom cursed as Zane finished informing her of current events.
"What's wrong?" asked Canard, gently squeezing her shoulder.
Nightbloom leaned into his touch. "We lost an inside member and oneof our providers." She turned to Zane. "Call everyone for aquick memorial service. Since both died without exposing us, we mustat least honor their courage."
"Yes, Lady Nightbloom," said Zane, bowing. He turned to leave, a smallbut sad smile on his face. He glanced back one more time, observingthe sight of his leader being physically comfortable with a male. Heleft the room.
Canard stood in front of the female Saurian. "Who were they?" he asked.
Nightbloom sighed. "One was an Avian known as Freedom Flight. Heinfiltrated Dragaunus's army. However, he was in charge of findingout about the portal appearances. Since he failed, he was executed."
Canard nodded.
"The other was into black marketing, and he provided items we needed. Food, weapons, clothes. He always stuck to the shadows so I never sawhim. The only clue that I have is that he was part of a group calledthe Brotherhood. They both will be missed."
Canard gently nodded, swallowing hard. He had a feeling who the personmight have been.
"Come on," said Nightbloom, taking his hand. "Let us grieve for a moment,and then initiate our attack. Lord Dragaunus must be stopped, and histime draws near."
X
Nosedive leaned against his brother as Canard and Nightbloom announced theimpending attack against Lord Dragaunus.
"We will attack at 0300 hours," said Canard.
"Teams two and three will be responsible for setting up any explosives. Teams four and five are to initiate combat with outside forces asa diversion. Team one will initiate infiltration at 1800 hours tonight,"Nightbloom added. "I'm asking you all to please take care of yourselves."
Saurians and Ducks began to speak to each other.
Dive pulled back to look at his brother. The mission would be separatinghim from Wing once again.
He knew that the idea of being unable to watch over him was killing Wing. He was still a bit overprotective, but he had backed down enough andshowed a bit more faith.
Dive turned to look at ND.
His double was now wearing a black Resistance uniform. He also lookedill.
Dive shot him an encouraging smile.
ND returned a nervous one.
They would be working together in this one. As it turned out, theyboth had excellent photographic memory. Together, they were to go intothe core of the Raptor and set the final explosions there. To aid incamouflage, Dive was also given a black armor uniform.
Nightbloom had a lot of confidence in them.
It was kind of intimidating.
But Canard had pulled Dive aside and expressed his trust. It calmed him downa bit.
"Rest," ordered Nightbloom. "The hour of Justice will soon be here."
With that, the Resistance team got up and made their way to the sides ofthe room, where tables holding little cups of drink waited for them. Theyeach picked up one cup and downed its contents in one gulp. Then they madetheir way to their bunks.
Dive glanced at his cup for a moment.
"It's only a mild sedative," said Canard, coming up from behind the youngduck. "It's to help you get some rest."
Dive nodded and drank the contents.
X
"Ah, Lady Firepassion," said Dragaunus, taking the hand of the grey femaleSaurian before him.
"Lord Dragaunus," responded Nightbloom, taking a soft spoken but regal tone. Her black hair had been pulled into a bun, and her bangs were slightlycurled, falling against the side of her face. Two hair pins kept herhair up, and her face was powdered white. The dress she worewas made of silk and had an elaborate design of gold. A large bow againsther back held her dress tight against her body. The skirt fell to thefloor.
Behind her stood a white duck, long black hair tied back into a tight braid.He wore a simple black outfit, in which the long sleeves were loose as wellas the pants. Black paint made him look as if her were wearing a mask. Hisposture was tense, as he glared at Dragaunus.
He relaxed when Dragaunus removed his hand.
The red Saurian smirked. "Surely your bodyguard knows that no harmwill befall you here."
"He was hired to protect my honor, Lord Dragaunus. Any physical contactis to be viewed as a threat."
"He seems a little too passionate in guarding your honor. Are you sureof your virtues?"
Despite the makeup, Firepassion visibly colored. She raised herhand as her bodyguard stepped forward, dagger in hand.
"Lord Dragaunus... in my homeland, a false accusation such as yours is punishableby death. If my father hears about this, he will not only call offthe arrangement, but call for a war as well"
"Forgiveness, Lady Firepassion," said Dragaunus, insincerity clear in hisvoice. He then grinned lecherously. "I am honored to be the oneand only of the noble lady."
The male Saurian watched as the bodyguard led Lady Firepassion away.
"And I will enjoy to be the one than will make you scream in pleasure andlose that cold demeanor your people have come to know and respect."
X
"What a creep!" said Zane Freefall, dropping the silent bodyguard routine. He looked at his braid distastefully. "My beautiful brown hair...black..." he then said, vainly.
"Shh," responded Nightbloom, losing her aloof yet submissive behavior andtaking on the role of the leader. She quickly wiped her face with a towel,losing all the makeup. She then removed the hair pins, allowing herhair to cascade down her back. Grabbing one of the pins, she clicked thetop. "There. The bug jamming device is on."
She turned to Zane.
She stifled a smirk at the sight of the white duck mourning over his coloredhair.
"It's for a good cause," she said.
"Are you sure this will wash out in time?"
"It will fade by the time your roots start showing."
"Great... So like I was saying, Dragaunus is a creep. You've got alot of guts pretending to be his fiancee."
"I'm not pretending. Legally, I am engaged to Dragaunus. My fatherdecreed it. However, my father had me trained in the ways of a warriorto eliminate Dragaunus without incriminating the Firepassion family."
Zane blinked a couple of times, stunned.
Nightbloom stared at him. "The Firepassions don't lie. We merelyexclude a few truths," she said, a small smile on her face.
"I see," said Zane, trying to comprehend the new bit of info his leader wasgiving him. "So you are engaged to Dragaunus, but only to be closeenough to kill him or watch his every moves."
Nightbloom nodded.
"One more question... Why use your last name first?"
"It's part of my culture."
Nightbloom walked over to the window of her room. She pulled out asmall remote and clicked the buttons on it in a sequence. She then movedaway. "The attack will begin soon," she said.
X
The Resistance team gathered quietly near Dragaunus's castle. Canardscanned the perimeter with a pair of specialized goggles. They pickedup a series of flashing lights.
Canard raised a small communications unit to his face. "Wing, how'syour end?" he asked.
"Ready to go," Wildwing responded.
"You're going to keep Tanya and Mallory separate this time, right?" he askedwith a grin.
Duke and Grin let out a small chuckle beside him.
"Hey!!" protested Mallory from the unit.
"Forty minutes," said Canard, humor fading from his face.
"Forty," responded Wildwing.
X
Wildwing glanced over at Tanya.
The female duck was going over the installation of the bomb one final time.
Dive looked on, his expression serious for once.
Wildwing's heart clenched with guilt. His baby bro looked so grownup.
His eyes then focused on ND.
The grungy version of his brother was also looking on. However, hisexpression was one of terror.
Wildwing felt sorry for him. It also scared him to realize that thiscould have easily been the fate of his brother has certain factors gone intoplay. He was also aware of how guilty Canard felt despite the factthat he and the Canard of this world were two completely different individuals.
Wildwing stepped up to ND. "Ten minutes," he said, giving the nervousyouth a gently squeeze in the shoulder.
ND gave him a small smile, grateful for a bit of innocent contact.
Dive smiled warmly. It was nice seeing his brother being kind to histwin. Maybe he would gain back some of that confidence he lost longago.
ND looked at Dive, a strange look passing over his face.
Dive gave him a confused one.
ND shook his head and gave a small smile. "This is kind of scary," he said.
"We can do it," Dive responded.
X
The sounds of lasers and explosions could be heard from inside the Raptor.
Dive and ND hurried through the corridors, ducking into shadowed nooks orup on the ceiling as droids, Saurians, and Avians passed by.
The battle outside was but a distraction, and both blonde ducks worried aboutthe safety of their comrades outside.
"The room should be straight ahead," said ND.
Dive nodded.
A couple moments later, both young ducks arrived at a door.
ND stepped up and punched in a code.
The blinking red light flashed green and an audible click was heard. Thedoor slid open and both of them stepped in.
"Okay," said Dive. "We set this up and we're out of here." Dive pulledout two cylinders from the small backpack he was carrying and handed on toND.
ND took that one and began to unravel the wire that was wrapped around it.
Both ducks mirrored each other, matching each one step by step. Bothreached the end of their wires and set the device down. They each pushedthe same number of buttons at the same time, and both devices flashed thenumber 25 at the same time.
"Okay, let's go," said Dive, rushing for the door.
ND followed quickly behind him.
The door slid open and Dive skidded to a stop. "Grin!" he exclaimed.I thought you were with..." Dive paused, looking closely at the massive duckin front of him. His eyes fell to the iron- clad arm.
"It's Iron Wing!" ND shouted in fear.
Dive stepped back towards his twin and the evil version of Grin stepped forward,a malicious grin on his face.
Dive whispered something to ND.
The grungy replica nodded in terror.
"Now!" shouted Dive, charging.
ND was right behind him.
Iron Wing was actually caught off guard at the sight of two small ducksinitiating combat.
He raised his fists and was unprepared for the moves that followed.
Dive stepped to one side, allowing ND to slide across the floor, right betweenthe larger duck's legs. Iron Wing glanced behind himself, providingDive a clear shot when he jumped up and kicked at the huge duck's chest.
ND had positioned himself behind the other duck's legs, and between the bothof them, they succeeded in knocking Iron Wing down. Both ducks scrambledup and darted around the cursing duck.
"I really hope he doesn't know anything about bombs," said Dive. Hecould hear the other duck coming after them.
ND and Dive turned the corner and spotted the exit.
"We're almost free!" said ND.
Dive was about to respond when someone tackled him from behind.
"Dive!" shouted ND.
"Go!!" Dive shouted in response.
"Get him!" shouted the one that tackled him.
Dive felt a touch of fear as he recognized General Canard's voice. "ND,just run!!" shouted Dive, before a hand clamped around his beak, mufflinghis voice.
ND and Dive's eyes met, one filled with fear, the other with resignation.
ND turned and fled.
Iron Wing passed by Dive.
Dive grunted as he was flipped onto his back, finding himself looking upinto a pair of hate filled eyes.
"If he gets away," snarled General Canard. "Rest assured, you will be theone to take his place, and I will enjoy making you suffer!" He pulledback a fist and punched Dive hard.
Dive saw stars before his vision faded into darkness.
X
Nightbloom was dressed in an elegant robe, her hair unkempt as Zane pushedher to safety.
"What is going on?" she asked, her voice fearful.
"We're being attacked," responded one of Dragaunus's guards, some Sauriannamed Siege. "But don't worry. We were prepared for such an attack."
Nightbloom clenched one of her hair pins, trying to get her hair in order. "Foolish Resistance members. They should abort this silly battle.They were certainly not prepared themselves."
"Indeed," responded Siege, a huge grin on his face.
X
The Resistance team fled as soon as they got word to abort the mission.
Canard had felt his stomach drop when the words came in. "..abort...Theywere...prepared."
He led his team away, cursing the number of fallen comrades, and hoping againsthope that they still had a strong team left.
Upon arriving to their secret hideaway, he began an immediate head count.Altogether, he had lost twenty seven men. One hundred and three remainedof his force. There was still Wildwing's to count.
An hour later, Wildwing's army arrived, and their faces where grim.
He spotted Tanya and jogged over to her. "What's the stat on our team?"he asked.
Tanya looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "Dive was captured," shesaid.
Canard froze.
He then spotted Wildwing stepping in, arm around ND, supporting the youthwho was clearly distraught. Their eyes met...and Wildwing broke down.
X
Dive slowly woke up to what felt like iron pellets falling on his head. The clear liquid dripping over his face and onto his beak told himotherwise.
As he slowly came to, he also realized that he was tied to an iron platform,upper body stripped of all clothing. The platform was tilted upward. Steel clamps held his wrists to the iron bed. Another one wasaround his neck, preventing him from being able to move out from under thedripping water.
Dive let out a growl as he clenched his eyes.
A moment later, the dripping stopped.
Dive opened his eyes in time to see a cascade of water coming down at hisface.
He sputtered, his tongue tasting a bit of salt.
His hair and feathers were soaked.
His heart's pace quickened as he spotted both General Canard and Iron Wingstanding before him.
Canard held an empty bucket in his hands, a small smile on his face.
"So... my slave's doppleganger has awaken."
Dive glared at him.
Canard set the bucket down. "You are going to tell us everything. Who you are, where you came from, you came with you, and who and whereis the Resistance."
"In your wildest fucked up dreams," said Dive, as sweetly as possible.
General Canard's face turned deadly. He snapped his fingers.
Iron Wing stepped forward, two metal rods attached to wires in his hands.
"The one fun thing about sodium chloride and water..." said Canard, as IronWing touched the edges of the rods to Dive's ribs. "...Is that it providesa great conduct for electricity."
Iron Wing pressed a button, and a hot searing pain surged through every nervein Dive's body.
Dive screamed.
X
ND was in a blissful state of sleep when the body next to him jerked. ND'seyes flew open and he sat up.
"Nosedive?" he heard Wildwing say, in a slurred speech.
"Right here," responded ND, confused. He observed with a heavy heartat the crestfallen look on Wildwing's face.
He very well knew that Wildwing had been asking for his real brother. Yet,he couldn't help but wish that Wildwing would have been content enough toknow that he was safe.
Wildwing went back to sleep with a heavy sigh, the worry still evident onhis face.
ND settled back own, very much awake. His eyes stared up at the ceiling. Somewhere in the depths of Iron Wing's dungeon was Dive, most likelysuffering a cruel fate at the hands of Puckworld's most infamous torturer.
He slightly trembled. Would his look-a-like survive? Or wouldhe break?
For one brief and horrible moment, he hoped so. The next second, hewas appalled of his selfish thinking. Yes... he was jealous. Anda small part of him hated Dive for what he had. A living brother whocared for him.
ND closed his eyes in anguish. If only there was something he coulddo. . .
X
Iron Wing certainly knew what he was doing.
Dive tried to stand up, his vision swimming. His whole body ached.
The best he was able to do was get up on his knees. He carefully beganchecking his body's injuries. He ha a couple of burn marks on his ribsfrom the electrical rods. His wrists were raw from the metal that hadcuffed him and intensified the charge. Several pink spots coated hischest where Iron Wing had mercilessly plucked random feathers before dousinghis body with alcohol.
It was a cruel twist of irony in that something that cause him so much painalso kept him from getting infections.
Half an hour later, Dive managed to get on his feet, despite the fact hisback was up against the wall.
He had managed to keep both the Resistance and his "true" name a secret. And he feigned ignorance about the other portal that had showed upafter his.
He mentally shuddered when he thought about how close he came to breaking.
He only hoped that someone would come to rescue him. And soon.
His breath caught in his throat when the door to his cell opened.
A female figure stood in the light.
"Come on, Little One," she said with malicious glee. "Let's see whatthe little duckie is going to tell momma."
Dive felt his resolve dwindling. For some reason, he feared this femalemore so than Iron Wing.
X
ND watched how dejectedly everyone was moving after their initial sleep. Nightbloom and Freefall had yet to return from Dragaunus's castle,and he was torn between speaking and remaining silent.
Watching Canard and Wildwing talking helped make his mind.
Dive had risked everything to make sure he stayed safe.
He should do the same.
ND slowly walked over to the two.
He waited for them to finish speaking.
"Yes?" asked Wildwing, his voice low and filled with sorrow.
"I. . . I think I can lead you to where they're keeping Dive."
X
Nightbloom sat in her chair, eyes closed.
She opened them slightly, her serpentine eyes staring at the ducks beforeher.
Everyone but Canard and Zane were unnerved by her cold stare.
"I will take charge of this rescue mission," she said.
"But Nightbloom!" protested Zane, stepping forward.
Nightbloom raised a hand. "They will find out sooner or later. Weare running out of time. We can not afford to continue this life ofuntold truths."
"But it's Iron Wing who resides inside those chambers!"
"And those chambers lie beneath the castle," Nightbloom snarled. "Thisrescue will also be one of our last chances to destroy the castle along withLord Dragaunus."
Zane crossed his arms in anger.
Nightbloom looked over at Canard. "Duke will lead the actual rescue,"she said. "With Mallory, Tanya, and ND as his team."
"But. . . " protested Wildwing.
"No," responded Nightbloom. "With your brother at stake, I cannot affordto have someone at risk of being emotionally unstable. Opportunitiesfor mistakes rises."
"She has a point, Wing," said Duke. "I swear that I will bring yourbrother back."
"Are we sneaking in?" asked Canard.
Nightbloom looked at him. "It's an all or nothing operation. Pleasegather all the soldiers with great stealth in one room, all others in anadjacent room."
X
Dive squirmed under the gentle touch of Lady Malice. In the back cornerof the same room stood Iron Wing, sharpening some blades.
"For a young mallard, you sure are a cute one. Not as well built asmy Canard. . . but lean enough." She ran both hands over Dive's barechest.
Dive gasped out of fear.
His body was reacting in a way he never felt it react and it scared him. Plus the female in front of him was just plain evil.
Her soft hands suddenly raked down his chest, ripping through his feathersand skin, drawing blood.
Dive cried out.
"So who are you?" she asked. "You aren't my love's slave. Youare an impostor. So who are you really?"
"I don't know," Dive growled, trying to come up with a believable lie. "AllI know is that there was a mission to accomplish and I failed."
Iron Wing moved forward.
"Mission?"
Dive closed his eyes.
Lady Malice raked her claws along the inside of Dive's thighs.
"Argh! Infiltration!"
"Infiltration?"
"Those were my current orders. I had none afterwards." Dive gaspedfor air, trying to will the pain away.
Lady Malice stepped back, a victorious smile on her face.
"I just have that touch," she said.
Iron Wing stood before Dive.
"No more," whispered Dive.
Iron Wing back handed him with his metal arm.
A burst of colors erupted in his sight, and then they were gone, plunginghim into darkness.
X
Night provided the cover that the Resistance needed. That and the smokefrom all the droid factories hid any bit of moon light.
Four Ducks crept up alongside the castle wall.
As the climbed over the stone, they spotted a figure watching them from thewindows.
She raised her arms and tendrils of thick mist began to rise.
The Ducks leapt over the wall and used the cover of the mist to get closerto the castle.
When they reached the wall, they found a rope dangling from the window inwhich the female had occupied. However, the figure was gone and theroom's light was out.
The Ducks began to climb.
X
Nightbloom gave a cold look at Lady Malice.
She had caught a faint smell of blood coming from the female, and she knewthat the saurian had just tortured someone.
Standing next to her was General Canard.
She kept her face still, pondering how she could love Canard so much, yetdetest the same face that stood before her.
They are two different individuals. Canard is a wonderful being. The General. . . well. . . he is something vile.
X
Duke pressed his body against the wall.
He waited until the guard passed just a bit before he knocked him out withthe hilt of his saber.
The guard went down, but his body didn't hit the floor. Mallory andTanya had caught him, and pulled him into their hiding spot.
ND stood behind them, nervous.
He peeked around the corner then pulled back. "Next left," he said."And there should be a couple of guards if they deemed Dive as potentiallydangerous."
Duke nodded.
He crept through the shadows and then motioned for the others to follow him.
As they crowded behind him, Duke spotted three guards standing outside adungeon door. He bit back a cry of surprise as he recognized this world'sSiege.
"You won't believe who's here," he whispered back to Mallory and Tanya.
Mallory peered around the corner and spotted the red Saurian.
"I was wondering when we'd run into them," she said.
"I think these guys are scarier than ours," admitted Tanya.
Duke nodded.
Siege was leaning against the door, scowling.
"Yo, Siege," said one of the Saurians standing next to him. "Are threeof us really necessary to watch the duck? I mean, he's kinda wimpy looking."
Siege growled. "It's to keep General Canard happy. Because he'sLord Dragaunus's favorite." His voice was filled with scorn.
The third guard laughed. "Stupid ducks. . . I don't even know why theyhave them in our army."
"Are you sure you're not the stupid ones?"
All three Saurians glanced to their left and were stunned to see their prisonerstanding there.
"Get him!" yelled Siege, as the blond duck darted around the corner.
As the three guards turned the same corner, they found themselves being knockedout cold by three unidentified Ducks.
Duke nudged the unconscious Siege with his foot. "Scarier, but justas gullible."
Mallory and Tanya nodded, looking grim.
Meanwhile, ND was about ready to have a panic attack. "I thought. .. I was. . . going . . to die," he said, in between breaths.
"You did good," complimented Duke. "You drew them out here,didn't you?"
"Well, yeah. . . but still . . . "
Tanya flashed the scrawny duck a smile. "Don't think about it too much. You did fine and that's all that matters."
ND nodded.
Duke leaned over and and pulled a set of rings from Siege's belt.
"Well," he said. "That was easy. I hope the others are doingas well this time around."
ND gulped. "I'm not sure about that," he said.
Duke turned to look at him.
"If we had it easy, it's because Iron Wing isn't down here. He's upthere, where they are."
X
Lady Firepassion stood her ground, as elegant as always. Her bodyguardstood behind her, his face expressionless.
"The lord commands for you to be placed under protective custody in his bedchambers," Iron Wing said.
"And I said 'No,'" responded Firepassion. "It is shameful for me toenter his bed chambers without us being legally married. Just becauseI am betrothed to him does not mean I am allowed to enter such a privatesanctuary. And without my bodyguard!!"
Iron Wing gritted his teeth. He wasn't use to anyone defying his orhis lord's orders. This female Saurian was irritating. And ifit weren't for her high status, he would have incapacitated the body guardand taken her right there to show her her place as a female.
Then again, if it weren't for Lord Dragaunus's orders, he'd be downstairsin the torture chambers playing with his latest acquisition.
How he longed for the simpler days when he held no royal title. Whenhe was just an apprentice to another torturer.
"As you wish," said Iron Wing. "But be advised. The Resistancehave struck once, they may be tempted to do it again. If you are injured,Lord Dragaunus will not be held responsible since you refused his protection."
"My guard is fine enough," responded Lady Firepassion, haughtily.
The massive duck turned his back on her and stepped away.
Lady Firepassion went into her dark bed chambers.
Zane stepped next to her and closed the door before turning on the lights.
"Good," said Nightbloom, her soft voice hardening. "You're here."
Canard stepped towards her and spoke softly. "Duke and his team madeit inside. We have yet to hear from them."
Nightbloom nodded. "And the rest of your team?"
"They came in after the other four. Thanks for the cover, by the way."
"My father always believed in traditions. I am not the only one whoknows about the dark and light powers Saurians used before technology."
All of a sudden, the lights went out.
"Oh. . . was that part of the plan?" asked Zane.
"Yes," responded Canard and Nightbloom. "Let's go."
X
Dive tried to hold back a moan as he heard the door creaking open. Didn'tthey do enough to him for one day?
He shut his eyes as the glare of the light steaming in through the door,casting a shadow of whoever was in the door way.
"Oh, Dive!" he heard a familiar voice cry out.
"Tanya?" Dive called out, hopefully.
"Hang on, kid," responded Duke. "We'll get ya out."
Dive blinked stupidly at the four figures standing before him. Wasthis really real or just a hopeful figment of his imagination?
He felt the metal clamps around his wrist loosen.
His body slid down as a pair of strong arms caught him.
"Where's Wing?" he said, voice sounding hoarse, even to him.
"He's. . ."
The lights outside the hall went out.
". . . causing a black out," Duke finished.
X
Wildwing and Grin matched made their way into the energy chambers. Theother four that were with them proved themselves rather useful when it cameto electrical engineering.
"This is so cool," said the youngest of the four, a little thin Saurian. He was also of the plant-eaters type. His eyes quicklyfollowed the wiring that led to the huge Bullerium crystal. "Judgingfrom the way these cross right here. . . and here. . . if you cut these twowires, and this tiny one right here. . . you should be able to cut off allelectrical power to the castle without causing the crystal to explode whichwill surely get the attention of all the guards we managed to slip by, whichI'm sure we don't want to do."
Wildwing gave the little Saurian a curious look. "How, exactly, did'Silent' become your code name?"
Silent blushed.
"That's cause he gets all shy and quiet among girls his age," snickered atan duck.
Silent pouted. "I do not," he said, sullenly.
Wildwing, Grin, and the tall black duck both set out to cut the wires. Silent and the remaining two Resistance members watched, keeping aneye out for any guards.
A split moment later, the lights surrounding the room faded out.
The crystal remained glowing.
"Now we get out," said another Saurian, his voice gruff and sounding nottoo pleased.
The crystal's light died.
Nobody said a word.
"Oops," came Silent's voice.
X
Two Saurian guards fumbled in the sudden darkness as they tried to pry thedoors to the electrical chambers open.
"Our heads are going to roll for this," one of them said, fear clear in hisvoice.
"Shut up and pull harder!" said the other, some weapon clattering to thefloor as he let it go.
A moment later, a swishing sound was heard as the doors slid open.
The two guards peered in.
A moment later, two fists connected with them as a traitor Saurian and atan Avian punched them.
Wildwing stared at the unconscious guards. "Come on," he said. "Let'sgo."
X
Using the black out as their cover, Nightbloom, Canard, and Zane raced downthe halls, hugging the walls. Saurian guards were unprepared, fallingunder their coordinated blows.
"The central computer that oversees the Raptor is up ahead," said Nightbloom.
Canard grunted an affirmative as he pulled out a small round object and hurledit.
It exploded on impact.
The metal doors enclosing the main computer room curled inwards, smoke fillingthe hall way.
Nightbloom leaped through the hole.
Her feet never made contact with the floor.
"Nightbloom!" cried out Canard, freezing in shock.
Zane froze as well.
"Well, well," drawled a familiar voice. "So my dear Firepassion ismore of a black widow."
Lord Dragaunus stood by the main computer, arms crossed. Next to himwas General Canard. In front of them was Iron Wing, holding Nightbloom bythe throat.
Dragaunus just let out a chilling laugh as Nightbloom clawed at the handcutting off her air, feet kicking in the air, looking for support.
"Snap her neck," ordered the red Saurian.
X
Zane was the first one to act.
Holding out his laser, he pointed and shot.
The laser deflected off of Iron Wing's arm, but the impact caused him toloosed his grip.
Nightbloom kicked up one leg to wrap it around Iron Wing's arm, and withthe other, kicked at the grey duck's face.
Iron Wing let her go as he went crashing to the floor.
Dragaunus and General Canard dove in different directions.
Lasers and pucks flew through the air as both parties fired blindly at oneanother.
"Back!" Ordered Nightbloom, retreating through the hole they had just entered.
Zane and Canard complied, covering each other.
Once outside the door, Nightbloom cursed. "This wasn't part of theplan."
"Dear, nothing is ever part of the plan," snorted Zane, sniffing at the laserburn on his arm. "Ugh. . . nasty stuff."
Nightbloom narrowed her eyes. "We have to come up with a new plan now,"she muttered.
X
Duke half carried, half dragged, Nosedive.
Mallory and Tanya both carried flash lights, lighting the way.
"They sure have a lot of prisoners here," Duke muttered, eyeing the boltsthat were locked.
"Not as many as you think," whimpered ND, hugging himself.
Mallory peered through one cell's window and stopped. "Duke. . . whenthe bombs go off. . . what will happen to this area?"
"It'll be buried," replied Duke, grimly.
"Duke, we can't leave the prisoners to be buried alive!"
"We don't have the time to free them," said Duke.
"But Mallory's right," both Tanya and Dive protested.
"We have precisely four minutes to free as many prisoners as we can," Dukesighed, tossing the ring of keys to Mallory.
Mallory nodded as she unlocked the cell door in front of her and pushed itopen. She tossed the ring back to Tanya who moved over to the nextcell.
ND glanced at the symbol etched on the door and gasped. "Mallory, wait!"
But it was too late.
Mallory stood staring at the still prisoner before her.
Familiar short red hair covered the face, gaunt white hands clutched at thefloor. The prisoner wore little clothing, and it was clear as to whatpurpose she most likely served, judging by the bruises between her legs,the scratches and bite marks on her back.
Mallory dropped to her knees and slowly reached out to feel for any signsof life.
Part of her hoped that there wasn't any.
She moved the hair out of the way.
She wasn't expecting to see her half decayed face looking back at her.
Mallory cried out in horror as she scrambled backwards.
Duke, Tanya, and Dive gasped in shock.
"I'm sorry I didn't warn you in time," whispered ND. "This prisonerbelongs to Sorcerer Wraith. That's his symbol." He pointed to the markingson the door. "He, like some Saurians, relish death, and know how tokeep a body preserved' long enough to enjoy it for a while."
Mallory stared at her alternative self. "How long. . ." she startedto ask.
ND looked at her sorrowfully. "Probably the day she was captured. Wraith doesn't like living bodies. He most likely had her killedwithin the hour."
Mallory's face contorted in anger. "They all have to die," she said.
"Come on," murmured Duke,. "Let's see if we can find some that arealive."
Mallory stood up, offered a small prayer, and walked out of the cell.
X
"We have to find a way to explode the machinery inside," growled Nightbloom,firing her laser and then ducking behind the safety of the wall.
Some lasers flew out, as the trapped Saurian overlord and his two guardsshot back.
"We're gonna have to lure them out," said Canard.
"Actually. . ." Nightbloom turned to Canard. "With enough electricalcharge, I can blow up the computer systems. However, it will drainme of my power to the point of death."
Canard's and Zane's eyes grew wide at her suggestion.
"We have to find another way," Canard demanded.
"No," snarled Nightbloom, as she let off another round of lasers. "Itwas an all or nothing deal. This might be the only chance the Resistancegets to getting rid of these three! You have to finish setting up therest of the bombs so that we can level this place."
"But. . ."
"No 'buts.' I'll do my best to survive." With that, she grabbed Canardby the chin and pulled him forward, giving him a passionate kiss.
Zane turned away, looking unhappy, and feeling like he was intruding a veryprivate moment. He fired several more rounds.
Canard stared at Nightbloom when she broke the kiss.
"Take him, Zane," Nightbloom ordered.
Zane gave a curt nod before grabbing Canard by the arm and hauling him backdown the hall.
Nightbloom intensified her shooting, hoping that she had enough ammunitionto keep the three at bay.
X
Wildwing paused as his communicator beeped.
"Go for Wing," he said.
"Nightbloom. . . I need some electrical power in the main computer room."
Silent paused upon hearing that. "Um, I'm sure I can do that in like,six minutes...considering I need to rewire the stuff we just cut."
With that, the little saurian darted back into the room.
The older Saurian, who went by the name of Break, sighed. "I hate surprises,"he said.
"Whoohooo! Let me help!" crowed a somewhat scrawny Avian, with long jet blackhair and glasses, as he raced after Silent.
"Hacker!" growled the tan Avian.
Wildwing gave the two a small smile. "Firewall, Break, . . . why don'tyou keep an eye out for them. Make sure that no one gets in while they'reworking."
The tan Avian and Saurian nodded.
Wildwing looked up at Grin. "I have a bad feeling about this. . .FindNightbloom She may need some help with whatever plan she has up hersleeve."
"On it," said Grin, before dashing out.
Wildwing turned to meet up with the rest of the group. Dive. . .I hope they found you well.
X
"Our time is almost up," hissed Duke, as Dive stumbled, almost bringing himdown.
ND moved forward to help Duke steady Dive.
Dive gave him a pained smile.
"We have no choice," said Tanya, looking upset.
ND shook his head. "Most of them rather die than live with what theywent through. We already saved those that were willing enough to runon their own."
"Which way?"
"Um. . . th-that way," ND pointed towards an almost hidden staircase. "Ithink."
"What's up there?"
"I'm not sure. I've only seen the door in passing, but they alwaysbrought me down through the entrance we came through."
The group headed towards the stairs.
X
Canard and Zane attached a pair of bombs to one of the walls.
"Three and ten," said Zane.
Canard nodded. Three minutes till the resistance began with thedistraction, and ten minutes for them to get out.
He only hoped Nightbloom knew what she was doing.
X
"Did it!" both Hacker and Silent shouted.
"Good, now let's the the hell out of here," grunted Firewall.
"Gak!"
"Silent!"
The small Saurian was held by the throat by a familiar looking green Saurian. Directly behind him stood another one.
"Chameleon," snarled Wildwing. "And Wraith."
"I see you know me, my good man. . . but I'm afraid I don't quite know you,"said Chameleon, mockingly. "Please excuse me while I take care of thisbusiness."
With that, Chameleon morphed into a large ogre like creature and began totighten his hold on Silent.
Silent thrashed about.
Break snarled as he lunged at Chameleon. However, Wraith immediatelysent a ball of flames in his direction, knocking him to the ground.
Wildwing, Fireball, and Hacker grabbed the weapons and began firing.
Silent kicked up his legs, wrapping them around Chameleon's arm, and histail lashed out poking the Saurian in the eye.
"Dammit!" snarled Chameleon, dropping Silent to the floor. His handsflew to cover his eye as he morphed back to his smaller self.
"Stop fooling around and start shooting!!!" shouted Wraith, before sendingflame after flame in the direction of the resistance team.
"I'm on it," grumbled Chameleon, grabbing his own laser gun and firing atwhatever he could make out.
The Resistance team backed up, using metal posts and equipment as cover.
"We have to bail soon," said Firewall. "Reinforcements will be arrivingshortly."
Wildwing glanced at his watch. "No they won't," he said. "Notif the rest of the team are on time."
Silent and Hacker glanced at their watches as well.
"Then we better move!"
The five scrambled for the exit.
"Come here and fight, you cowards!" shouted Chameleon.
A split second later, the ground trembled and loose objects began to fall.
"We're being attacked!" said Wraith.
X
"It's started," said Duke.
"As if I'm not having a hard enough time walking," muttered Dive, tryingto steady himself.
ND hovered close by, ready to be of assistance.
"Which way?" asked Mallory.
Duke's communicator beeped.
"How's it coming?" asked Canard's voice.
"Dive's free and we just came out through another exit."
"We're on the same floor as the main computer," said ND, looking around.
"Duke, I think Night's planning on killing herself," said Canard, the worryevident in his voice. "She's at the main computer's entrance tryingto keep Dragaunus, Iron Wing and the General holed up in there."
"I'll see if she needs help," said Duke.
"Five minutes," came Zane's voice.
"Mallory, you lead. Get Dive out of here, now!"
"Come on! ND, the exit?"
"Straight ahead and to the left!"
Mallory quickly pushed the group ahead as Duke turned and went in the oppositedirection.
X
Wildwing and Break both whirled around and fired their weapons at the entranceto the main power room, causing the doorway to collapse. Concrete andmetal blocked the entrance.
"Let's go, let's go, let's go!" shouted Wildwing. The five ran headingto the main exit, dodging into rooms and behind walls, avoiding the Saurianarmy members and droids that were rushing to the action outside.
"We're running out of time," said Hacker.
"We ran out of time," corrected Silent, looking up at the taller Saurian.
One loud explosion rocked the floor.
Everyone stumbled and crashed to the floor.
Another explosion sounded nearby.
"Those blasts are from outside!!" shouted Wildwing. "If you don't wantto experience the ones from inside, you better get up and run!"
A third booming sound shook the floor even harder, and cracks appeared onthe ceiling.
Silent sat up.
Dust fell on his legs and shoulder.
Looking up, Silent's eyes grew wide as pieces of the veiling began to falldown.
He shouted and threw his hands over his face as his team cried out his name.
X
Chameleon and Wraith crashed into equipment when an explosion caught themoff guard.
"We're under attack!" shouted Chameleon, looking wildly around.
"What gave you that idea?" snarled Wraith, shooting off his fireballs atthe blocked entrance. "Help me open this up, foolish lizard."
Chameleon growled and pointed his blaster at the mess. He began tofire at it, knowing that his life probably depended on it.
X
Nightbloom almost lost her laser blaster when the first explosion sounded.
"It's time," she muttered, as she closed her eyes and raised her hand.
She began to glow and her hair began to raise.
X
"Why did they stop?" asked Dragaunus, glancing at the doorway.
"I don't know," muttered General Canard.
"Something's happening," growled Iron Wing, looking about.
Sparks of electricity began to spark from the machines.
"Shit. . ." he muttered, before diving to one side.
General Canard and Dragaunus glanced behind themselves as well.
Their eyes widened.
X
Nightbloom felt her body trembling.
Must. . . hold. . . on. . .she thought to herself.
She dropped to her knees. Purple charges of light cackled around her,as the tips of her hair began to singe.
Se let out a pain-filled scream as a beam of purple light burst from herhands and into the room before her.
X
Wildwing burst through one exit, glancing back at his team members.
Break was right behind him, an unconscious Silent in his arms.
Hacker, looking more subdued, followed him, as well as Firewall.
A moment later, another nearby door burst open.
Wildwing, Hacker, and Firewall quickly turned towards the door, blastersaimed at the possible threat. They blinked when they saw that puckblasters were aimed at them.
"Wing!" came out a tired voice.
"Dive?" Wildwing was unable to hide his relief. He faltered abit when he saw the condition that his brother was in.
"It's worse than it looks," said Dive, with a half grin on his face. "No,wait, it looks worse than it is. Brains rattled a bit."
Mallory gave a strained smile. "And we know how precious few braincells he's got left."
ND helped support his twin as Wildwing hurried over, Dive's sudden chokedlaughter not helping.
"We have to get out," said ND. "The explosives inside should be readyto go."
"Where's Canard?" asked Mallory.
"And Grin?" asked Tanya.
"Duke?" Wildwing asked, realizing that they were short another team member.
"Still inside," they all replied at once.
The door burst open once more.
Canard and Zane tumbled out.
Zane whirled and fired at the doorway. A small explosion sounded, andbits of metal came flying through. "That one almost caught us," he panted.
Canard spotted Wildwing. "Where's Duke and Nightbloom?" he asked.
"They and Grin are still inside," answered Firewall. "We got distractedby Chameleon and Wraith."
Mallory snarled. "Are they dead?" she asked.
"Not yet," replied Break.
"But they will be," Hacker added.
"In the meantime, we have to move away," ordered Canard, casting a worriedlook at building behind them.
The mixed group ran towards the wall. They quickly scaled over it,Firewall helping Break carry Silent up and over the wall.
Canard stopped on top and looked at the castle.
From his place, he could see where most of the battle was taking place. But that wasn't what kept his attention. Time was almost up andthere was not a single trace of his two companions and Nightbloom.
His watched beeped.
"No..."
Several large booming sounds came from inside the castle, as flames and smokepoured out fro just about every window.
The shock wave knocked Canard off the wall and into the arms of Wildwingand Break.
"No.." murmured Canard.
Several more explosions followed, and smoke began to rise high into the air.
"NNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGHHTTTBBLOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!"
X
The explosion rocked through the building, sending everyone nearby flyingto the ground. Duke himself, barely making his way to the upper level,crashed into the unforgiving stone walls, forming a gash on the side of hishead.
He barely saw through the blood flowing down his face as he forced his waythrough one more door.
He looked around, mentally checking his coordinates, and realized he wasn'tthat far off from where Nightbloom was suppose to be. He gathered hiswits and proceeded forward.
X
Pain.
That was the first thing Nightbloom was aware of.
Her whole body felt like it it were being pierced with pins and needles. She recognized it as a symptom of draining her power. What astoundedher was that she was alive.
She wished she were dead.
Her throat hurt when she let out a moan.
She slowly opened her eyes to assess the damage in front of her.
She could smell charred flesh, and saw a body lying on the floor.
Then something moved into her field of vision.
Her mind screamed for her to get up, but her body hurt too much.
She looked up into the eyes of a furious Iron Wing, and the only consolationwas that she would probably not feel a thing. She mustered up enoughstrength to glare at him, and then blackness closed around her.
X
His master was dead, and this bitch was responsible.
Who did she think she was?
Iron Wing growled when he saw her loose consciousness. Judging by thelooks of her appearance, it was quite possible that she wouldn't wake up...atleast not on her own.
As he glared at the now helpless female, he noticed how bits of her armorand clothing had chipped or burned away, revealing skin underneath.
His blood began to boil, but not in anger.
Time to show the Saurian whore her place.
He reached down and began to unbuckle her belt.
X
Pucks and lasers flew across the lands as supporters of the Saurian empireand the members of the Resistance fought each other.
Canons thundered in the distance, wrecking havoc to the habitants of Puckworld.
But sides were clearly forming, as those who were indecisive began to choosesides.
The cowards chose the one they believed was the winning side, the frustratedones chose freedom.
However, the need and desperation for survival made the fighters more daring,and it gave them an edge.
In different cities, as the war progressed across the world, Saurian overlordsfound themselves losing their hold over their slaves.
The Saurian nobles desperately tried get a hold of their leader, but to theirdistress, they were unable to get a hold of him.
X
Duke rounded a corner and paused.
There was Nightbloom, slumped down against a wall.
And the Avian he assumed was Iron Wing was about to rape her.
"Stop right there!" he shouted, pulling out his saber.
Iron Wing whirled around, hands moving from Nightbloom's waistband.
Duke was surprised to see Iron Wing take a step back, a flicker of fear onhis face.
"Th-this can't be..." he said. "You're dead!"
Duke paused. Dead? He suddenly wondered whether Iron Wing wasresponsible for his double's demise. If that was the case... maybehe could work this out to his advantage.
"So I am..."
Instead of reacting with more fear, Iron Wing's eyes narrowed. "ThenI'll just have to make sure you stay in your grave!"
Duke backed up a bit, brandishing his saber. So much for taking advantageof the situation.
The speed at which Iron Wing charged almost caught him by surprise. Dukewhirled around, clanging his saber against Iron Wing's metal arm. Sparksflew at the impact.
Iron Wing threw out a punch, catching Duke near the chest.
Duke flew back, air knocked out of him.
Trying to take in air, he scrambled up, feeling light headed. So thisis what it would be like to fight Grin. Only... Grin was a lot moreintellectual this guy seemed to be. Maybe there would be a way he could outsmarthim.
He heard the thundering foot steps of Iron Wing rushing him a second time. Ignoring the pain that flared up his whole upper chest area,Duke leapt up and grabbed hold of one of the broken metal beams over him.
He swung out, his feet catching Iron Wing in the jaw.
The direct hit was enough to make him flinch and crash into the wall behindDuke.
Duke dropped down and immediately swung his saber out, catching Iron Wingin the back.
The armor he wore deflected the saber from doing any major damage, and IronWing whirled around to throw another punch.
This time Duke dodged the blow, and he swung his saber upwards, his saberfinally striking flesh.
Iron Wing jerked back as blood flowed from under his arm, eyes flashing.
How dare this little heathen cut him!!!
Duke glanced at Nightbloom and was glad that he had been drawing Iron Wingaway from her. However, it was quite clear that he was putting himselfmore and more in danger.
The look in Iron Wing's eyes was that of a mad duck, and it was common knowledgethat those of unsound mind where more violent, more reckless, and fearednothing.
Iron Wing began raining down punches, and Duke only had time to use his saberas a shield, blocking each swing. Blood splattered as flesh was slicedopen, but not once did Iron Wing slow down.
The blood pouring from the wounds was getting sticky, and it was harder tograsp the hilt of his saber. A couple of times, Duke felt himself losinggrip.
Then he stumbled over a broken piece of concrete.
Duke let out a grunt as he landed on the floor, his saber .
His eye opened wide as Iron Wing loomed over him, giving an evil grin. Hepicked up a large chunk of stone and held it over his head.
Duke frantically scrambled to get up, but the pieces of dirt and stone madehim slip.
A huge shadow moved past him and slammed into Iron Wing.
Both figures crashed to the floor, hard.
Duke pulled himself up and ran for his saber. Turning around, he was ableto identify his helper.
"Grin!"
It was odd, watching the two fight.
Grin matched Iron Wing pound for pound, Iron Wing using insanity for energy,Grin going into the mind over matter phase.
Duke rushed his way past the two battling giants, recalling Nightbloom'scondition.
Upon reaching her side, he froze. By the looks of her appearance, Dukeseriously wondered whether it would be worth it to rescue her. Shakinghis head, he picked her up, hoping that he wasn't creating serious harm.
An enraged shout caught his attention and he turned to see Iron Winglifting Grin over his head.
Grin reached out and grabbed a steel beam with one hand, a wire with another.
As Iron Wing let go of him, Grin held onto the beam and tore the wire loose,sending off sparks of electricity.
Iron Wing looked up in time to see the open end of the wire coming down towardshim.
Duke turned away as Iron Wing rose his metal arm.
More sparks flew out as electricity charged through the grey duck's body,and he began to scream in high pitched agony.
Grin raised his legs to keep Iron Wing from grabbing him as the large duckwent down.
His body twitched as the scent of burnt flesh filled the room, fire breakingout over his body, melting his shirt off.
Moments later, nothing was left to burn.
"Ugh," said Duke, trying to hold his breath.
Iron Wing's eyes were open, but fluids leaked out of the eye sockets. Cooked flesh hung onto exposed pieces of fur. Small white flamescontinued to burn, slowly turning the body to ash.
Grin dropped from the ceiling, his eyes looking a bit haunted.
"You didn't have a choice, Grin," said Duke, knowing he was looking at anAvian who had killed his first. "If you hadn't, he would surely havekilled us all."
"Logic doesn't always reason with the heart," commented Grin.
Duke nodded.
X

A piece of metal was pushed upward, as battered looking Avian arosefrom the mess.
Looking around, he spotted Lord Dragaunus, clearly dead from the unusualangle his neck was in.
Fury rose in his chest. "I...will...kill...them," said the general.
X
"Word is that those holding power are falling," reported one of the Resistancemembers.
Zane nodded as he barked out an order to send reinforcements to the neighboringcity.
The sounds of laser fire was lessening, moving further and further away. The Raptor was theirs now, as well as the castle.
Tanya worked alongside Dr. Beakon, patching up the injured.
Dive and ND stood next to each other, watching as Canard and Wildwing triedto get in touch with Grin and Duke.
"Any luck?" asked Mallory, as she helped Break move another injured memberinto place.
Off to one side, the rest of Wildwing's group hovered over Silent.
The small Saurian, despite numerous bandages, was talking excitedly to anyonewho listened.
Firewall was just shaking his head while Hacker laughed at Silent.
"Someone's coming out," shouted one of their own.
Resistant members froze as they whirled around, aiming their lasers and puckblasters.
"Whoa..." came Duke's calm voice.
Weaponry was lowered as Duke came out, Grin behind him, now carrying Nightbloom.
"Duke, Grin!" said Wildwing, and the rest of the team rushed over to them. Canard took Nightbloom from Grin.
As soon as Zane saw her, he rushed over, as well as others worried abouttheir leader's well being.
"How is she?" asked Zane.
"Barely alive," commented Grin.
"We need some water," said Tanya, as Canard set Nightbloom down. NDmoved from Dive's side to grab the nearest bucket.
"Give her room!" shouted Zane, pushing the crowding Resistance team back.
A sharp cry caught their attention as they turned around.
"Dive!!" shouted Wildwing.
General Canard had somehow managed to come up behind him. Bits of hisskin was scorched, but he had enough strength to grab Dive around the neckand hold him close, a laser gun pointed under the young duck's beak.
Dive had his hands on Canard's arm, but the danger of being shot kept himstill.
"Where's the bitch," General Canard growled. His eyes moved downward,and all other Resistant members moved in to hide her from his sight, firearmspointed at him.
"Well, looks like she's not going to survive after all...pity. I would haverather liked to enjoy her." He then turned to glare at his twin. "Well, I'll admit I was a bit stunned seeing that my favorite toy hada twin. I think that prepared me for seeing him." He nodded towardsWildwing. "I didn't think that you'd be here as an ally to them. Sothis all leads me to believe... you came from another dimension, didn't you?"
Canard and the others exchanged looks, not sure of what to say.
General Canard looked on, his eye narrowing. "How did you get here?"he demanded. "Show me, and I'll let him go." He pushed the gun harder into Dive's neck, and Dive whimpered from the pain.
Tanya stepped forward. "Even if we show you," she said. "We're stuckhere because it's broken!"
"Then you better fix it," said General Canard, taking a step back. "Andyou better fix it fast, otherwise I'll have to find some way to occupy mywaiting time," he laughed, his arm around Dive's neck lowering to his chest.
"Don't you even think..." began Wildwing, taking a step forward.
The general gave an evil grin as he nuzzled his beak into Dive's neck.
Dive let out a shocked little cry, his whole body tense.
"I'm sure I'll have more fun breaking this one as I did mine."
A moment later, Dive heard General Canard grunt as something hard slammedinto his back. The twisted general's eyes rolled back, and his holdon Dive slipped.
Dive pulled away ran into the arms of his brother, turning around in timeto see the general land face first on the ground, ND standing over him.
A rifle blaster was in his arms, slowly being lowered as he trembled fromthe adrenaline rush. His eyes had a wild look to them, and his chestheaved with the amount of air he was taking in. His eyes looked upat Dive. "I couldn't...l-l-let him," he said.
"Kid," Canard murmured, as Zane and Break moved forward to tie the fallengeneral.
ND dropped the rifle, and let himself slowly collapse to the floor. Hisbreathing slowed down, but it was clear that he was still in a state of distress.
Tanya and Mallory moved forward and knelt down by his side.
X
Zane stepped up to Canard. "He's been detained in one of our undergroundprisons, and Nightbloom looks like she's trying to wake up."
"Good," whispered Canard, turning to look at the Avian.
They had made their way to one of the camps, those who were strong enoughmoving on out to help in other cities.
"Word from the retrievers is that Lord Dragaunus is confirmed dead. Thesmaller overlords are falling like dominoes. We won..." Zane'svoice was filled with disbelief.
Canard gave him a small grin.
X
A couple of weeks had passed, and the fighting was dying down world wide. The Avians and their supporters were winning, taking into custody orexecuting Saurian Overlords and their supporters.
Inside the castle that use to be Lord Dragaunus's home, Tanya was messingwith her device. "I think I've got it," she said, unsure.
"What do you mean, 'I think?'" asked Canard.
"Well... it's set to take us to another dimension, but with all the, um,factors from our fight with Dragaunus, both here and there, we can't be toosure that it'll send us to our Earth."
"Man, I just realized that we left Earth unguarded for a long time!" exclaimedDive, worried about his friends, Thrash and Mookie.
"We'll have to take the chance," said Canard.
Tanya nodded. "In that case, it'll be ready to go in three hours."
As the ducks gathered around and talked about the possible outcomes, no onenoticed the forlorn look that ND gave them. For a brief moment in time, hehad his brother back. And now he was losing him again, only to himself,in a manner of speaking.
A gentle hand landed on his shoulder. Glancing up, he saw Nightbloomsmiling at him. She patted his shoulder and then moved forward to thegroup.
Canard pulled away. "Hey," he said.
"Care to meet me in my room?" she said. "For a final debriefing."
Canard's cheeks colored as some of those present chuckled. "Are yousure you're well enough?" he asked.
Nightbloom gave him a coy grin as she walked into a nearby room.
Wildwing shook his head in exasperation as the two went into the office andhid behind closed doors.
X
Canard ran one hand down Nightbloom's bare arm, holding her close.
"I'm glad I had the chance to know you," she said, softly. "And I'mglad that you showed me how to love."
"Come with us," pleaded Canard.
Nightbloom looked up at him, a sad smile on her face. "My place ishere, Canard. And yours is on your planet Earth. We each have ourdestinies, and we cannot ignore them." She kissed him under his beakbefore moving on top of him. "So for now, I say we enjoy each other as agoodbye."
Canard moaned as she impaled herself on him, his hands reaching up to exploreher body one last time.
X
The Mighty Ducks team, Nightbloom, Zane, ND, Koko, Dr. Beakon, and a smallgroup of the Resistance team gathered just outside the castle.
Tanya stood in the middle, making some final adjustments on her weapon turneddimensional hopper. She was nervous, and the shaking in her hands madethat clear.
Nightbloom rested her head against Canard's shoulder.
Canard bit back any words.
They had both agreed that they wouldn't say goodbye.
Meanwhile, ND approached Wildwing and Dive.
"Um, I w-want to thank you f-for, you know, g-giving me the chance to b-bewith my family again..." he said, looking at the ground.
Dive looked at Wildwing, pleadingly.
Wildwing looked at Canard.
Canard just looked baffled. Then he understood. At first he lookeduncertain, but then he gave them a nod.
Dive broke out into a big grin as Nightbloom asked Canard what that was allabout.
Wildwing turned to ND. "We were wondering... would you like to comewith us?"
ND froze. "With you? L-l-like in, out there...different worlds?"
"Yeah!" said Dive. "I mean, it can't get much worse than this, canit?"
Tanya snorted as she turned a few more dials. She understood the dangersmore than the others...but still... She too felt protective over the weakerversion of Nosedive, and if being around them helped develop him to his fullpotential, than so be it. It would be best to bring him aboard.
"Okay..." replied ND, nervous.
"Are you sure?" asked Nightbloom. It pained her to have helped rescuea team member once lost, only to lose him again.
ND nodded. "It's just that... it's p-painful being here."
Nightbloom nodded. "I understand," she said.
"Well... I guess this is it," said Tanya.
The wind picked up around them as the device let out a small ball of light. It began to cackle and grow, and soon turned itself inside out, turninginto a portal.
Canard pulled away from Nightbloom. "Mallory, Grin, go!" he shouted.
Both ducks leapt first.
"Duke, ND, go!"
Duke offered a hand to ND, who looked nervous.
ND took his hand, took a deep breath, and both Avians leapt through the portal.
"Wing, Dive!"
As Dive readied himself to jump through, he was surprised when Koko ran upto him. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and backed away, blushingas others catcalled.
Dive stood stunned, hand on cheek, and had no time to reply as his brothergrabbed him by the shoulder and hauled him into the portal. "No, wait!Bye!" was all they heard.
Canard stepped to the portal. He looked at Nightbloom and gave a quicknod.
Nightbloom just smiled as Zane approached her side.
"Take care of her for me," said Canard.
"Always," replied Zane.
"I can take care of my own," growled Nightbloom, tears in her eyes betrayingher true emotions.
Tanya picked up her machine. She nodded to Canard, and both ducks leaptin.
A moment later, the portal closed.
X
Eight pairs of eyes opened up.
"So... where are we?"
"I'll let you know as soon as I figure out."
X
Epilogue:
Two months had passed since the Resistance and their supporters had won thebattle. Restoration was well underway, and the citizens of the newPuckworld cherished their new found freedom.
In their capitol city, citizens gathered around a castle.
Inside resided their newly elected leader, President Firepassion Nightbloom. She waved at the Avians and Saurians below her who saw her as the currentsymbol for restoration.
Zane stepped up behind her.
"Your people are happy," he told her.
Nightbloom smiled at him. "I'm trying. These Avians have tastedextreme oppression for just two years. Their fear of it happening againis what led to this, and I hope not to let them down."
"I can't help but think whether we would have still succeeded or not withoutthe intervention of the outsiders."
Nightbloom stared up into the sky wistfully. "I think we would havefailed. They really made their presence felt during their short stay." Her hand moved to her abdomen, which looked just a bit bigger thantwo months ago. She gave a faint smile. "And they will make theirpresence be known for generations to come."
Zane coughed. "Nightbloom..." he started. "It's difficult beingthe world leader and a mother on your own," he said.
Nightbloom raised an eyebrow.
"I, uh, was wondering whether you would consider allowing me to share theresponsibilities of taking care of your family."
Nightbloom took a deep breath. "Is that a proposal?"
Zane nodded.
Nightbloom sighed. "Zane..." she started. "I care for you deeply...but Canard . . ."
Zane gave an audible swallow. "Nightbloom, I wish for you to be mine, ifonly in name," he said. "I know how much you still . . . love him,but I care for you , and he asked that I take care of you."
"I can take..."
"Care of yourself...I know. But your future children?" Hestepped forward, gently cupping her chin with one hand. Her expressionshowed her uncertainty. "I am willing to wait forever, if necessary, foryou to love me as much as I do you. But I wish to be part of your familyduring that time."
Nightbloom's eyes grew bright. "It sounds unfair," she whispered. "For you to wait so long."
"Unfair is not even having the chance. Please, Nightbloom. Foryour children. . . and Canard's."
"In that case... I accept."
Zane grinned and embraced her, giving her a chaste kiss on her forehead.
His kind was free, Nightbloom was his, and all felt like things would beall right for the world.
fin
and maybe to be continued.... :)
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Alternate Lives