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By: PatriciaTepes (AKA Patricia de Lioncourt @ fanfiction.net; PatriciaLouise @ TTH)
Chapter Title: Secrets and Schemes
Links to Other Chapters: ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN ELEVEN TWELVE THIRTEEN FOURTEEN FIFTEEN SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN EIGHTEEN NINETEEN TWENTY
Fandom: Darkwing Duck/Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer:I do not own Darkwing Duck or Buffy the Vampire Slayer or any of their related characters. Darkwing Duck belongs to Disney, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer belongs to Joss Whedon. Also, I don't own the images used in the art. All is done for fun, not profit.
Chapter Six- Secrets and Schemes
"Talking ducks. Ha," Buffy—or rather, NegaBuffy as Negaduck had already begun to refer to her as—said, lazily walking about the tower.
She kept trailing her hand along the various surfaces around her, her pointed, sharp nails scraping on the tables, torture devices, and glass holding cylinders. She had adjusted quite quickly to the change in scenery, apparently finding it all terribly amusing. The NegaGang was huddled together, scared but trying not to look it, as NegaBuffy began to circle them like a vulture eyeing its next meal. She grinned at them, and Binkie shuddered. She scoffed, laughing quite sardonically at them.
"Talking ducks… that are afraid of little ol' me," she said, running her left hand down the body of her skin-tight red leather outfit.
"Let's talk," Negaduck said from his place where he calmly sat beside the now empty cauldron.
NegaBuffy whirled, not a hair in her jagged updo moving. She ran her hands up her body, stopping to tug on the high, black collar that rose halfway up the back of her head.
"Except for you. You're not afraid of me," she said, slinking closer to Negaduck. With a smile on her crimson lips, she leaned forward, placing a pale hand on either arm of the Mallard Menace's seat, pinning him in it. "Why is that? What makes you so different?"
"I brought you here. And I'm not afraid of anything, especially you," Negaduck growled, steepling his fingers and crossing his legs.
The smile disappeared from NegaBuffy's lips and for a moment, she looked as if Negaduck was going to become lunch. Then, with a wider grin than before, she jumped back and clapped her hands once, interlacing her fingers afterwards.
"What fun," she said, moving toward the cauldron.
She almost danced around it, tapping her finely sharpened, ebony painted nails across its rim.
"Explain why I'm here," she said, her voice becoming demanding.
Negaduck scowled, and he stood.
"Let's get one thing straight from the start, chickie. I take orders from no one, understand? That is including, and not limited to, you. You may be strong, but that won't stop a chainsaw from slicing off your little limbs."
And just for good measure, he withdrew his trusty chainsaw from the folds of his cape and revved it. NegaBuffy leaned across the cauldron, apparently unconcerned with the ample cleavage that was showing freely from her leather suit. One arm folded across the cauldron's open mouth, and the other propped up and holding her head, she lifted one blonde brow.
"And how do you know that I'm strong?" she asked.
"Because I've met your do-gooding counterpart."
Darkly green eyes lit up. He had her attention now. He tossed the chainsaw aside—hearing his gang gasp and duck out of its way—and retook his seat.
"I propose a partnership. You and me, versus our goody-goody doppelgangers."
"Interesting," NegaBuffy drawled, standing. "And what's the reward?"
"Utter destruction and the complete conquering of every dimension we cross into," he said.
NegaBuffy grinned. She slowly moved around the cauldron, stopping to lean back on it. Then, suddenly, her face morphed. Instead of being the exact duplicate of the Buffy he had seen, NegaBuffy's facade now had ridges and bumps, like some sort of demon was showing itself. And fangs. Fangs protruded long over her crimson colored lips. Behind him, he heard his gang gasp. But he was fascinated, leaning forward.
"What are you?" he asked, wonder in his devious voice.
"A vampire," she said, morphing her face back. "Here's my counter offer. We go through with your plan, with me—and only me—getting the satisfaction of destroying my doppelganger. And, after all of it, I'll change you into what I am."
"And what do you want in return?"
NegaBuffy leaned in, a certain wicked gleam in her eyes. "I want complete free reign, even from you, in every dimension we conquer."
Negaduck could feel the eyes of his minions on his back, waiting with bated breath for his reply. He grinned a snake's grin.
"Sounds like a damned fun time."
#
When Buffy had been just a kid, eight or nine years old, way before her parents had gotten a divorce, Hank and Joyce Summers had taken her to Disney World. Her favorite ride, in a twist of irony, had been the Haunted Mansion. Instead of being scary, she had always thought that the dancing ghosts had been romantic and beautiful. Not to mention the gothic, dark beauty of the mansion itself. Of course it had creeped her out a little bit, especially the mirrors at the end of the ride that made it look like a ghost was sitting with her, but it was only the little things that had done it. The shadows in the corners of the mansion, the man in the graveyard that would not stop shaking from fear, and the "breakdown" that the ride had experienced when she was on it. And the line to the mansion, with her parents talking about how spooky the ride was, was the scariest part.
Morgana Macawber's mansion reminded Buffy a lot of the Haunted Mansion. The high tower, which had the only window that light could be seen through—and, of course, she could have sworn that she had seen something move in that window—and the dead trees that littered the front yard only added to the reminder. Darkwing had been warning her the entire way to the mansion that Morgana had it enchanted to do all sorts of things, even before you got to ring the doorbell. He warned her, especially, of the freak lightning.
But, of course, none of this happened. In fact, it was no different than walking up to any other house on any other street as they approached Macawber Manor. Darkwing rolled his eyes as he reached for the doorbell.
"Isn't that just typical? Any other time, and the freakin' trees would be trying to eat me or something. But I get my guest all prepared for the weirdness… and nothing," he said, jabbing his thumb into the doorbell.
"I believe you, Darkwing. I do," Buffy said, trying her best to make the vigilante feel better.
"Yeah, yeah," Darkwing said, waving the comment off.
Buffy glanced over at Launchpad and Gosalyn, and the three shrugged. Darkwing shook his head. He rang the doorbell again, and turned back to Buffy.
"Let me do the explaining. I mean, Morg has never seen anything like you before," he said.
"I got it!" Buffy heard a woman's rich voice shout from the other side of the door.
"Gotcha," she said as the black wooden door opened.
Buffy fought hard not to react. If Elvira and Morticia Addams were combined and made into duck-form, Morgana Macawber would be how she imaged them to look. Her high black beehive hair was accented by white, Bride of Frankenstein streaks on either side of it, and no webbed feet were visible beneath the little spread of her red dress on the floor. Her white feathered hands rose to her small beak and gasped, looking over Darkwing's head.
"Come in immediately, and tell me what's going on," she said, grabbing Darkwing by the arm and dragging him over the threshold.
And explain to her they did, slayer bit and all. In fact, Buffy could not remember the last time she had shared her secret with so many people so quickly. Morgana listened with rapt attention, nodding along as Darkwing explained Buffy's sudden appearance in his hideout, her super strength, and what it was that Buffy, well, was. Finally, he turned the explaining over to the slayer as she described the scene that had brought her here.
"A flash of green light, you say?" Morgana asked, standing and snapping her fingers.
Buffy narrowed her eyes as a podium, carrying an open book, walked into the living room. Darkwing, Gosalyn, and Launchpad did not give this happening a second glance.
"Hmm, I'm surprised that that spell was used," the duck witch muttered, flipping through her book.
Darkwing stared at her. "Uh, Morg? You know, you didn't seem too surprised that this strange creature just showed up at your manor."
"Hmm?" Morg said, look up. "Oh, well, you know me, Dark. I live with the strange and unusual every day."
"Uh-huh," Darkwing said, unconvinced.
"It's fine," Buffy muttered to Darkwing, who glanced up at her, confused. With a sigh, he nodded.
"Ah… that's what I was afraid of," Morgana said, her finger holding her place in her spell book.
"What is it?" Gosalyn said, standing on tiptoe as she tried, in vain, to read over the witch's shoulder.
"I know what spell it is that you need to return home, Miss Summers," Morgana said, removing her hand to clasp it with the other.
"You don't sound too excited about that, Morgana," Launchpad said with Darkwing nodding along.
"Well, you see, I know of it. I don't know it."
"What?" Buffy asked.
Morgana shrugged, moving around her enchanted podium to take a seat on her blood red couch. Sighing, she shook her head, which shook loose a couple of bats that looked annoyed at being awoken from a nap.
"It's a closely guarded secret, the spell that causes inter-dimensional travel. Only certain beings know it, and I'm afraid that witches don't make that list."
"Well, is there any way to learn the secret, honeybunch?" Darkwing asked, taking a seat beside her.
Buffy glanced between the two for a moment, caught off guard by the pet name. A hero who, with very few exceptions, was a normal person in a relationship with a decidedly not normal person. Seemed like Darkwing and she had a lot more in common than they might have previously thought.
Morgana sighed, rubbing her temples. "All of the beings who have learned it without being privy to it by their very nature have had to either steal it or fight for it. And believe me when I say, although neither course is easy, fighting for it is definitely the safer route to take."
Buffy perked up. If there was one thing she could do, it was fight.
"How do you fight for it? Who do you fight for it? Because, gotta tell you, that's not a problem for me," she asked, but Morgana only shrugged again.
"That, too, is private knowledge."
"So… it's hopeless?" Gosalyn said, casting an anxious glance up at Buffy.
"Well, maybe not. I have some friends who might know something. It's worth a shot. It takes some doing to contact them. It might be a little while before I have any more information."
Buffy nodded as Darkwing stood, tugging on his hat once more.
"Keep us posted, Morg. Until then," Darkwing turned to Buffy, "you are more than welcome to stay with us."
"Much appreciated. Oh, and Morgana, if you can only find out who I have to beat to get the info, well… that works too."
She flashed a confident smile at Morgana who grinned back and nodded.
"I'll get to work on it immediately."
"And we'll leave you to it. To Darkwing Tower!" Darkwing said, dramatically pointing toward the front door.
Gosalyn rolled her eyes. "Yeah, Dad, we figured."
Darkwing looked crestfallen, deflated even, as the group exited Macawber Manor for the Ratcatcher.
#
It was quiet back at Darkwing Tower, with Buffy not quite sure what to do with herself and her hosts not quite sure what to do with her either. Gosalyn seemed an unending fount of questions about being a slayer, but even she was beginning to slow.
"It's almost time for your bedtime," Darkwing reminded gently, eyeing his watch.
"Dad," Gosalyn whined, but Darkwing stood firm.
"You've got thirty more minutes, and then you can take Buffy with you back to the house."
Buffy grinned. "Going to trust me with your secret identity?"
Darkwing shrugged. "I figure that you don't just tell everyone in your world that you're a vampire slayer… so you've already trusted me with yours."
The Chosen One nodded. "Very true."
The sharp crackling of static suddenly erupted from the police radio atop the platform. Darkwing immediately ran to the ladder and scaled it quickly.
"It could be Negaduck again," he said as soon as Buffy and Gosalyn had joined him.
"Electrical lines are going haywire over 7th and Cardinal Avenues. Citizens are in danger. Source of trouble is unknown. Problem is moving south onto 8th street. Be advised."
"Sounds more like a problem for the power company. Why are the police so concerned over, what sounds like, downed electrical lines?" Buffy asked.
But Darkwing and Gosalyn were already exchanging meaningful glances.
"Megavolt," the father and daughter said at once.
"Another villain? Are guys on a Hellmouth or something?" Buffy asked.
"What? What's a Hellmouth?" Gosalyn asked.
The slayer sighed. "Nothing. Megavolt is just as dangerous as Negaduck, I suppose?"
"You would suppose correctly," Darkwing said, sliding down the ladder. As soon as his feet touched the floor, he glanced back up, adding, "Will you stay here with Gosalyn, Buffy? I can handle this one by myself."
"No problem. But I'm here if you need me."
"Yeah. Right."
"But, Dad!" Gosalyn said, sliding down after her father.
She ran over to him as he hopped into the driver's seat of the Ratcatcher, Launchpad hopping, once again, into the sidecar.
"Gosalyn, it's a school night and nearly your bedtime, and, oh yeah, crime fighting is too dangerous for you. Stay here with Buffy, and, Buffy, when it hits eight, tell her to take the both of you back to the house!"
"All right," Buffy called back as Darkwing revved his cycle, rearing it up and zooming out of the tower.
Gosalyn scoffed, kicking at the ground as Buffy climbed down the ladder to join her. The little duckling glanced up at the slayer and shook her head, annoyance clear all over her face.
"He never lets me help. He always treats me like a little baby," she complained, crossing her arms.
"I'm sure that he's just worried about your safety," Buffy said, trying her best to comfort her.
But Gosalyn was already walking away, going to collapse into another recliner. She sunk low into it, putting on her best pouting face as Buffy moved to stand over her. The slayer shrugged.
"I used to do the same thing with Dawn, my sister. I always left her behind, to keep her out of danger."
Gosalyn stared up at her, eyes wide. "Used to?"
Buffy bit her lip. This was dangerous territory, and that had been poor wording. Shrugging again, she moved to sit, cross legged, in front of the recliner.
"Well, Dawn's a lot older than you," she muttered.
"But you stopped treating her like a baby? When? Why?"
"I still treat her like a baby, sometimes."
"I can deal with sometimes. Dad does it all the time!"
Buffy looked away from the eager little duckling. The last time she had seen her sister… she had been in pain, some green light coming from her. And she had been surrounded by demons. As far as protective big sister, she had been failing miserably as of recently. After all, Dawn had been back in with the whole slayer, fighter-of-evil thing long before even Buffy.
The slayer looked back to see Gosalyn staring sadly at her.
"I'm sorry," she said, sliding off of the chair. "All this talk of home… you must miss it."
Buffy grinned. "I'm a worrier. Especially when it comes to Dawn. I promised our mother that I'd take care of her. I just don't feel like I've been doing that a lot lately."
"Well, you can't help that you were sent into another dimension."
Buffy laughed. "That's not exactly what I meant, but you do have a point there."
"Then what did you mean?"
"Well, a few years ago, I decided that I wanted to show her the world. So I began to teach her how to fight."
"Wow, really?"
"Uh-oh," Buffy said, standing.
Gosalyn leapt to her feet. "What do you mean, 'uh-oh'?"
"I mean, 'uh-oh, I know that look.' Don't ask me what you're about to ask me."
"But why not?" Gosalyn asked, hopping up and down around Buffy as the slayer turned and began to walk away.
She had the strongest urge to put her fingers in her ears and begin to sing, "La la la," but she did not. Gosalyn was still dancing around her, a hopeful look in her bright eyes.
"But, if you taught me how to fight, then I could help Dad out!" she said.
"It's not that simple, Gosalyn. I mean, your Dad probably wouldn't like the idea of me teaching you how to fight, and that wouldn't be a very nice way to repay him for trying to help me get back to my world."
"But you got over not wanting your sister to fight and taught her! He could do the same!"
"That was different, Gos!"
"How so?"
Buffy stopped, flailing her arms helplessly.
"It… it just is! I mean, I came to the conclusion that I couldn't always be there to hold her hand and protect her. It was better for her to be able to protect herself."
"Well, doesn't that apply to me? I mean, Dad can't always be there for me either. Wouldn't it be better if I could defend myself too?"
Buffy stopped and rubbed her eyes. She missed Giles. Was this how her old Watcher had felt every time she had done this with him? Probably.
"But that's not my decision to make. It's your dad's."
"We don't have to tell him. We could keep it a secret."
"But—"
"What if I was kidnapped or something? I've been before. Every time, I have to wait for Dad to rescue me, and a couple of times, it was a pretty close call. I bet Dawn got kidnapped a lot too. But if I could fight and defend myself… I'd be safer."
The kid had a point. Buffy knew it. After all, she was reaching the same conclusions that Buffy had reached about Dawn. It was an undeniable truth. Just by virtue of being Darkwing's daughter, Gosalyn was already in a lifetime's worth of trouble. Just like Dawn, just by being the slayer's sister.
"You couldn't just run off after your Dad, trying to fight every villain that he does. You'd have to promise me that you'd only fight when you absolutely had to… like being kidnapped. And no bending the rules to break the promise, Gosalyn. If I trained you to fight, and then you got hurt, because of me, neither your father or myself would be able to forgive me. You have to promise."
Gosalyn crossed her heart, making the "scout's honor" sign, one of her hands held behind her back.
"Both hands. Let me see them when you say it."
Gosalyn held up her other hand, palm open, as she sighed and said, "I promise."
Buffy sighed, muttering, "I can't believe that I'm doing this. But all right. I'll train you to fight."
"Yahoo!" Gosalyn said, leaping and punching the air.
"But, but! It has to be our secret!"
"Oh, it will be! I promise! When do we start?"
Buffy glanced over her shoulder, finding a clock on the wall.
"Tomorrow. Right now, it's time to take you home."
And, maybe for the first time in her life, Gosalyn did not argue her bedtime.
