Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Alright, as an introduction, this setting of this story takes place when Bradford Buzzard, proposes his idea to Ludwig von Drake, about "taking over the world before others can take it from them, basically world domination."

Ludwig responds with "You're saying we gonna go bad, like those terrible villains?"

Bradford counteracts this with "Of course not sir. We simply defeat all who oppose us, reign in any unpredictable factors, and efficiently run the world from the shadows with an iron fist"

Ludwig respectfully denies this request, saying that, he only got this job because of a favor to his granny-mama (Maybe they did something together)

After Ludwig rejected his proposal, Bradford turned to his second (and only) option: Scrooge McDuck. Although he is relatively new to the company, He was determined to pitch his bewildering idea of 'taking over the world.'

After a few hours of anticipation, waiting to present his idea to Scrooge McDuck, Bradford was ready to pitch to the boardroom. Among those present were Beakley, Gyro, and Duckworth.

Bradford, started this proposal with a strong start. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present a vision that could propel SHUSH into a new era of influence, ensuring the safety and prosperity of nations worldwide."

Scrooge listened intently, his sharp mind turning as he assessed the potential benefits for his financial empire...

The SHUSH boardroom was quietly intrigued by Bradford's unique proposal. Bradford was visibly nervous, thinking about how he could lose this job if this went wrong. Scrooge, however, considered the potential wealth and power this could bring to McDuck enterprises. Yet, Beakley and Duckworth saw through the plan's flaws, opposing it.

Ms. Beakley, crossed her arms. "This proposal seems to blur the lines between justice and profit. Our primary duty is to safeguard the world from threats, not to amass wealth and influence."

Bradford responded smoothly, "But imagine the possibilities, Mrs. Beakley. With Mr. McDuck's resources, SHUSH can transcend its limitations, becoming a force to be reckoned with on a global scale."

Gyro Gearloose, the brilliant inventor, chimed in, "We need to consider the potential technological risks this decision could bring. Yes, we could easily fund projects that might revolutionize our ability to combat and minimize threats and enemies, but who would stop others, or even ourselves from abusing such power?"

Duckworth, the stern butler, is conscious about the matters, but doesn't really seem to interfere with the meeting... 

Scrooge, sensing an opportunity that aligned with his love for profitable ventures, leaned forward. "Aye, there's merit in this proposal. We have the chance to forge a new legacy for SHUSH, one with justice and prosperity."

Ms. Beakley replied, "But Mr. McDuck, you have to understand, if we were to run the world from behind, wielding such power could lead to abuse, even for Scrooge McDuck. Simple decisions you'd think would have no undermining risks, could make could have negative effects over society as a whole! Shouldn't we remain true to the core values of protecting the world without compromising to unethical standards?"

Gyro added, "Ms. Beakley's right Mr. McDuck, this decision could bring us all the resources and power we want in the world, but the world isn't meant to be controlled by a select few. If anyone of us goes haywire, we could easily disrupt and cause destruction that would take effect all over the world. We are already seeing how you are reshaping and transforming economies, bringing prosperity to every business venture you've made Mr. McDuck, but we are entering into new territory here, this is more than money, but the power to manipulate the world."

Scrooge gave a persuasive counter, "Ms. Beakley, Gyro, I hear your worries, and I appreciate your dedication to our core values. But ye both know as well as I do that the world ain't a simple place. We're not talking about amassing wealth for the sake of it; we're talkin' about steerin' the ship in the right direction, ensuring prosperity not just for me, but for everyone under the McDuck Clan."

"But-", Beakley tried to respond, but you really can't stop him once he starts talking.

"As for the risk of abuse, well, every power comes with a responsibility. We've navigated challenges before, and this won't be any different. The world needs strong, capable leaders, and if I can be one of 'em, steering us away from disaster, then it's a duty I'm willin' to take on."

Beakley replied hastily, "The McDuck Clan? Are you really risking all of this just for the legacy of your clan? And we all know you're going to keep the riches for yourself. We simply can't hoard all the resources and take it for ourselves Mr. McDuck. This isn't like a business or company of yours Mr. McDuck, we are putting people's lives into the equation here."

"Oh Ms. Beakley, I understand the worry, but ye must know me better than to think it's just for the McDuck Clan's legacy. Aye, the legacy matters, but not at the expense of others. The riches aren't meant to be hoarded for meself alone."

Beakley, though still skeptical, sighed and realized that arguing further might be futile.

"Very well, Mr. McDuck," Beakley conceded, her tone showing a blend of concern and resignation. "But I hope you truly mean what you say. The stakes are high, and we must tread carefully."

With Scrooge having firmly locked to his decision on the proposal, the others saw little value in continuing the argument.

The boardroom's tension began to settle. The decision was made, and the proposal of Bradford Buzzards ideas were set in motion a series of events that would soon be felt across the world, blurring the lines between morality, ambition, and the start of a future shaped by an iron-fisted coalition...

Chapter Text

Inside the Duck Manor, Della's room. (This is the same room where the triplets and all their friends had a sleepover)

Della is still curled up in her bed, her eyes still red after a night of crying.

Donald then enters her room with a plate of food, "Della, hey... I brought you your favorite pancakes."

She didn't want Donald to see her miserable face, so she just whispers and said, "Not hungry."

Donald was worried about her sister, as she was still grieving from over her husband for over a week now, he knew he had to encourage her, "C'mon, Della. You gotta eat for the little ones."

Della, audibly tearing up, "What's the point? What if...?"

Donald then sits beside her, still trying to comfort her, "We'll find him¿, Della. We have search parties everywhere."

Scrooge then walks in with a small, red toy rocket, "No lead yet, but I won't stop lookin'. Here, a little something for the hatchlings."

Della looks at the toys, she hesitates for a moment, but then she slowly reaches out and takes it.

Scrooge, trying to uplift Della's emotions, "We're in this together, Della. You're not alone."

Donald places his right hand on her shoulder, "Yeah, sis. We'll take care of you and those ducklings. Even if it means I gotta juggle multiple jobs, you got family."

Della stares at the toy rocket in her hand for a while. With tears rolling down her cheek, although this time, her voice was lighting up for the moment.

She wipes her tears with her hands, and weakly says, "Thanks, guys. I... I don't know what I'd do without you."

Scrooge, trying to get a smile out of her, "Don't be silly. Now you eat those pancakes, alright? We need a strong mother for those triplets."

Della then takes a small bite from the pancakes, though a long way from a full appetite, but a start nonetheless...

The unanswered question, still, who really is behind the missing case for Della's husband...

( Interior shot of the Duck Manor | Time: Evening ) Donald and Scrooge quietly exit Della's room, with their concerned expressions hanging.

Donald makes his way back to his boathouse, his routine of his daytime job as a maritime pilot providing a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of his secret life. He simply guides boats in and out of the pier, this job is one of the only things that can sooth his troubled mind.

After his shift, Donald indulges in a simple dinner at a local restaurant before going into his secretive group named "Feathers of Balance."

This group, who are all fellow believers in justice, work tirelessly to counteract the influence of Scrooge McDuck, and his partner, Bradford Buzzard.

Their mission is clear: to develop weapons that can match the power wielded by Scrooge and Bradford, whose wealth and influence cast a long shadow over the world.

With each invention crafted in the underground club, Donald inches closer to tear down the oppressive hold his family has on society.

But it's not just about fighting against his uncle's tyranny; it's also about reclaiming what it means to be a McDuck. Donald believes in the inherent goodness of his uncle, if only he wasn't being corrupted by immense power.

He holds onto the hope that by weakening Scrooge's grip on the world, he can help him rediscover the values that once defined their family.

As Donald works alongside his allies in the Feathers of Balance, he feels a sense of purpose that extends to not just his family responsibilities. For him, this fight is personal, a chance to give his family back their unwavering commitment to justice.

And so, as the night deepens, Donald continues to work in the shadows, determined to bring back the balance of power in favor of righteousness, even if they risks a costly fight against the most powerful people in humanity.

Over the years, the Feathers of Balance have developed multiple tools and weapons that will help them target the weakness points of McDuck Enterprises.

First of all, is the "Scrounger's Quill", originally the Cartographer's Quill (which is a mystical artifact that sketches maps that lead to the world’s greatest treasures). Which they reprogrammed in order to help them find anything they wish, wherever the location may be.

Secondly, the Invulnerable Eye, which was originally the "Eye of the Demogorgon", (the necklace Goldie wore that makes her impervious to burns). They repurposed the eye into something more powerful, a defensive shield that can easily neutralize everything that comes near to them, which ALMOST has no weaknesses.

Third, The "Circuit's Staff," a formidable weapon in their arsenal, which rains down thunder and lightning upon their enemies. Its biggest downsides is its cooldown factor, needing a minute for the weapon to be fully charged.

But perhaps their most important weapon is a simple and tiny gem, called the "Realm Amplification Gem" (also called a RAMP), which is powered by a frictionless synthetic crystal, called "Fentonium" (Use Season 2, Episode 15 as a reference). This gem has the ability to manifest a realm that can alter the surrounding environment according to the user's technique and power.

Donald has the RAMP on his pocket at all times, which he has only use once, against the battle of Magica and his brother, Poe (before he turned into a bird). He knew it can easily destroy the surroundings around him, and even harm others who can get caught inside the range of this weapon.

FLASHBACK:

( Setting: The same Forest near Magica and Poe's Castle | Time: Day )

A younger Donald faces off against Magica De Spell and her brother, Poe (before his bird transformation). Magica fires off insanely strong energy blasts from her staff, fueled by Poe's guidance. Donald struggles to defend himself.

Magica, alone, isn't much of a threat, but with Poe amplifying her magic, and the help of the Talisman, she becomes a force to be reckoned with.

Donald who's nearly defeated, clenches his fist, with his anger flaring.

He was clearly weakened from the multiple hits he's taken from Magica. But, he simply told both of them "I will get the both of you..."

Donald takes a deep breath, with immense willpower coursing through him. He stomps his foot repeatedly, letting out a scream that could temporarily deafen anyone from a distance.

What Donald did was an activation of the Realm Amplification, which requires immense willpower. Without it, the user's body will immediately break down from the unleashed power.

He grits his teeth, channeling his frustration into the gem. The RAMP intensifies the effect, warping the environment.

A large, spherical barrier forms around Donald, encompassing everything within a 50-meter radius.

The barrier closes, trapping Magica and Poe inside a swirling vortex of chaos. All the objects that get caught in this realm will fly around them like deadly missiles. Donald, however, doesn't want to kill them, only to retrieve the Sumerian Talisman, the source of Magica's power.

Donald's rage fuels the realm, making him immensely powerful. But this power is a double-edged sword.

She blasts a beam from her staff, but it gets deflected by a flying teapot. Poe squawks in terror, dodging a lamp.

A stray wrench almost clips him on the head. He ducks, anger momentarily replaced by surprise.

The uncontrolled chaos can harm Donald as easily as his enemies. He can't see clearly, his focus wavering.

Magica sees her chance. "Now, Poe!"

Poe transforms into a raven, and dives towards Donald, aiming for the gem.

Magica tries to exploit Donald's vulnerability during his rage-fueled attack.

Donald senses the movement, so he spins around, and grabs a frying pan from the vortex (of all things). He smacks it against Poe's beak, sending the bird flying.

Donald's raw power gives him reflexes as sharp as a razor's edge. He deflects Poe's attack with sheer instinct.

Magica, knowing she was defeated, throws her staff down. "Alright! We give up! Just stop this madness!"

Realizing they're hopelessly outmatched, Magica surrenders.

Donald takes a deep breath, trying to control his rage. The realm slowly shrinks, the objects settling back down. Finally, the barrier dissipates.

Donald successfully deactivates the RAMP. The exhausted duck retrieves the Sumerian Talisman, its magical energy now subdued.

"That... was unexpectedly fun", he mutters, clutching the Talisman tightly.

Back to the Main Storyline

The repurposed Sumerian Talisman hums softly, a beacon of potent magical energy. Donald and his allies gather around it, strategizing their next move.

The Talisman, once Magica's tool, now fuels Donald's secret base, powering their inventions and advancements.

"Tonight," Donald declares, with a determined spark in his eye, "we gather intel."

Their mission: Uncover Scrooge McDuck and Bradford Buzzard's future plans.

Donald, leading the team, "We need to know what they're up to."

Ludwig Von Drake pulls out the mysterious Scrounger's Quill, a magical tool for locating Scrooge's trusted associates.

Ludwig, holding his latest invention, "This quill will find us someone close to Scrooge or Bradford."

The quill spins, its tip glowing before pointing in a specific direction.

Fenton, who cannot stop smiling, "Ooh, Looks like their target is closer than expected!"

Scrooge McDuck's most reliable housekeeper, and his smartest and strongest ally. Unbeknownst to her, Donald and his crew are on their way.

"I'm Sorry, Mrs. Beakley", Donald said in a regretful tone.

Their first stop: Bentina Beakley, Scrooge's closest confidante.