Loans and Finance

[Hercules]

The gateway to the Gummi Garage would open and from the odd portal inside the laboratory of one Gyro Gearloose, who luckily was out of town at this particular moment in time, leaving behind only a note that stated access to the Gummi Garage was open if anyone needed it.

The magnificent greek demigod would step forward out of this portal, looking around at all the hanging gizmos and doo-dads hanging around this quaint little workshed. "Whooaahh..." he whispered, looking around. He saw mechanical wonders forged from such crafters like Daedalous or Hephaestus, but this place was something else entirely. He marvelled all around, losing place of himself before pumping into a shelf and causing all kinds of mechanical ruckus.

He gasped, holding his hands over his head as bells and whistles sounded off, alerting him to their agitated state. He quickly jerked forward, only to knock a table over and do even more damage to some of the sensitive equipment there. Things would begin exploding as chemicals that were never intended to mix began to mingle, filling the room with thick smoke as Herc helplessly held his hands up in defense of his features, seeing as he had no shield to speak of and frankly... there weren't any monsters to fight, just clutter!

The smoke would clear quickly and just before Gabranth's entrance, leaving behind a charred mess of a workshop and Hercules standing there with his black-button nose and charred features wondering exactly what the hades just happened. The note left by Gyro would flit down and drop over his face, which he lifted and struggled to read (as it was in English, not Greek).

"Uhhm... Gabranth? Ideas?" he asked, feeling like an awkward teenager all over again. He was thankful Meg wasn't around to see this...

[Gabranth]

Gabranth walked through in a casual manner, wondering what all the commotion and noise was. He looked over to is right only to see Hercules in a half dazed by the fumbled attempt at a "subtle entrance."

"You know, walking into an someone else's home an what seems to be shop, you'd want to pay more attention to what your doing." He spoke in a condescending manner to the demigod.

Gabranth looked about at the mess, wondering what everything was. Gears, tools, small parts and doo-dads all over, he figured this was a workshop for the Gummi Ships he had just seen. Though to Gabranth, this workshop and parts seemed rather primitive than what he was used to seeing in the works of Archadian technology. "What can of this offer us?" He whispered to himself in a frustrated manner. Just then he was handed a note ...

Gabranth, seeing as this wasn't a dangerous place with the exception of a over sized demigod klutz, removes his helmet and takes a look at the note. "Seems as though this Gyro Gearloose has been summoned by Mcduck Manner. Isn't that the place the small rodent told us to go for a loan to get a ship? If so I believe we should follow, and be on our way as soon as possible." Gabranth hands the note back to Hercules.

[Hercules]

Herc felt all of three inches tall. The Judge pretty much put him in his place after seeing the mess he made, but thankfully Hercules had grown to trust him and accept his counsel. Sure, they'd only known each other... what, a few hours tops? But who cares? He knew Gabranth had his back, and he had his. They were a team! Right?

Getting out of that cramped little torture chamber was a releif to the greek demigod. However, stepping outside didn't much help his disorientation. "Uhm... something tells me we're not in Athens any more..." he said to Gabranth, pointing to the large city with the massive money bin on the hill overlooking. Across the river, spanned by an impressive bridge was another city, one a tad darker. Luckily, they didn't need to go anywhere in there. The streets in BOTH cities, however, were bustling with all kinds of life... all of which appeared to be either duck or dog.

"Ohhh..." Herc said aloud, pointing to his nose as his mind connected the "dot". "I get it now. It's a disguise so we blend in!" He looked to Gabranth, blinking. The black dot had blended perfectly with his metal helmet, which had been worn as they stepped through the portal. "Uhm... you might want to put that back on when we reach the city limits. This place looks just like Thebes... they'd probably walk all over ya if you look too different..."

Holding a hand over his eyes to shield the sun, Hercules pointed out over the city to the large rectangular building with the cash sign on it. "That looks like the place. We better get going."

[Cloud]

***From The World that Never Was, SOS***

A dark portal opened above the field surrounding McDuck's Money Bin. From the swirling black, a man was unceremoniously dumped onto the lawn, rubbing his nose in the dirt by accident and leaving a black mark on his nose as he did. He groaned as the dark corridor above him disappeared, gripping at his chest in pain. He felt the darkness growing...

Don't fight it, Cloud... Haven't you earned a rest?

"Shut... UP!" the blond roared, fighting to get to his feet by using his large sword to anchor his grip. He was in bad shape... and that wouldn't do. All around him, Heartless were attacking the Money Bin. Of course, he didn't know WHY they were there, or for what purpose they were attacking the building. All he knew, was that they needed to be stopped before they caused any more damage.

Rummaging in his pockets, he found his last healing item, a potion. "Looks like I'll have to restock later..." he muttered, then bit off the cork and spat it aside. Tilting his head back, he downed it quickly, feeling his wounds heal magically. It was a blessing... He wiped his lips and tossed the glass aside, pulling his blade up to ready position.

"Let's go..." he growled, then launched himself into battle against the Heartless! However, just as he did, he looked up to watch a wave of darkness cascade across the sky... and slam into Disney Castle!

"Not good..." he muttered, then altered course and ran for the ruined castle!

***TO DISNEY CASTLE!***

[Gabranth]

Gabranth put his helmet on before Hercules and himself were to venture on. As Gabranth walked beside Hercules, his eyes would cross with the Dog and Duck people alike. Most seemed rather curious about a walking metal statue, while others seemed uncomfortable in his presence.

As they walked Gabranth sensed a heavy sensation about the air. Looking up at their destination, a dark aura ripe across the sky. Lifting his arm to put it across the demi gods chest in order to catch is attention, Gabranth pointed at the towering building with a huge money sign on it. He uttered a simple word to Hercules in a urgent manner. "There ..." Dropping his arm to steady his polearm, he turned to the demi god. "If this is anything like our Colosseum experience, we'll have our work cut out for us. It would be wise to hurry. Would you not agree?"

[Hercules]

Herc had been walking along, taking in the sights. He had never seen a place like this before, except maybe Thebes, but even Thebes didn't have anthromorphized dogs and ducks... He felt out of place at the stares, but hey, he was kind of use that that by now. As they walked down the street, he looked up to notice a streak of darkness peeling across the sky aimed at a castle across the river. "Huh?" he muttered, wondering what on Earth it could be...

Just then, an arm across his chest. He stopped, looked down, then followed it to Gabranth's armored visage. He looked where the man pointed, seeing the Money Bin. At first, he smiled, glad to be close to their destination. Soon they'd have their own ship and they'd go after Meg! But then, he saw THEM.

Heartless. A whole bunch of them, attacking the Money Bin at the base. Herc growled, his fists clenching. "What're we waiting for?" he said to Gabranth, then ran forward, pulling his gladius from his belt. These things worked for Maleficent. And for that, he was going to let out a little frustration all over them!

[Gabranth]

As Gabranth stood and watched the head strong Hercules take off after what could be an army of these Heartless creatures. Gabranth sighed, knowing he still needed to keep this demi god around, he muttered to himself. "It's the laboratory all over again."

Remembering the Colosseum with Shego, there was a small Heartless with her there. Maybe there was a chance she was there. If not he'd find his chance eventually, right now he had to hurry to catch up to Hercules and make sure he didn't do something to reckless. Gabranth felt a fight ahead, readying himself, he split his polearm. He shouted after the demi god. "Don't do anything foolish." and began his sprint ahead after the hero Hercules.

[Hercules]

Dealing with the Heartless... was child's play. Between the two of them, they were able to mow down the horde of black creatures in minutes. Not too much afterwards, Hercules stood there, laughing strongly and patting Gabranth's shoulder. "That wasn't bad, huh?" he asked, grinning widely. He looked up at the Money Bin they had just saved, admiring the building. "Wonder where this McDuck fella is?"

In answer, a short, elderly duck waddled into view, waving his cane frantically as he approached. "Bust me bagpipes!!" he roared, passing the doors of the Money Bin as he approached. "Blasted Heartless don't understand I'm tryin' to run a business 'ere!!" his thick, scottish accent made it difficult to follow at times, but it made his identity all too obvious.

"Uhm... Mr. McDuck?" Hercules asked.

"Aye?" the duck responded, spinning around to face the two men before leaning on his cane. "And who might you two be??"

[Gabranth]

Gabranth stepped forward and glancing down at Mr. McDuck. Relaxing his arms to his sides, he spun and thrusted his sword into the ground, as though to lean on them as his arm rests. Through his metal exterior, straight to the point he spoke. "I am Gabranth, Judge Magister. This gentleman here with the confused expression is my associate Hercules. Apologies for any collateral damages." (Seeing dogs and ducks all around, a talking chipmunk may seem a bit odd, he improvised.) "We were told by a, "mechanic" that we could acquire a loan for a ship we need built."

Gabranth looked to Hercules. "Does that about sum everything up?"

[Hercules]

Hercules nodded to Gabranth as he summed it all up. "Yeah, that's about it!" he said, then looked to McDuck. "Can you help us?"

The duck eyed them for a moment, then let out a hearty laugh. "Well, you boys did save me money bin... and I would have lost a great heap had ye not came along... Maybe there's something I can do for you..." he stroked his chin, then waved for them to follow him.

Up in his office, near the very top floor of the Money Bin, Scrooge sat behind his desk, looking to the two with a bit of a smile. "Well... let's get right to the point, hm? You two want a Gummi Ship when all's said and done, not me money..."

Hercules nodded again. Scrooge smiled a bit. "Now, under NORMAL circumstances, I'd be happy to give ye a loan... then tag on a hefty interest rate and keep me money coming in regularly, but since you boys were so kind as to protect me interests..." he reached into his desk now, and produced what looked like a gummi block in the shape of a key.

He tossed it to Gabranth before criss-crossing his fingers together. "Take me ship instead! It's harbored over in Cape Suzette, one town over. I'll have Duckworth drive you over to Higher for Hire. As for Rebecca, and she'll show you where it is..."

Hercules blinked, nodding as he memorized all these names and places. He stood up and nodded enthusiastically. "Alright!" He looked to Gabranth, smiling widely. "Let's go get us a ship!"

[Gabranth]

Gabranth watched as Scrooge Mcduck tossed a gummi key across the desk at him. He picked it up and examined the key. "Doesn't seem like much of a key to anything." He exclaimed. Looking over at Hercules, he dangled the key in front of him. "Can't look a gift horse in the mouth. Now can we."

Standing from his chair, Gabranth acquires his helm which he then straps on. He takes hold of his polearm and speaks in a more curious tone. "Mcduck, this ship of yours, Is it armed? We have yet to travel between these worlds, and from what we have seen I for one do not wish be a sitting duck."

Gabranth hands the key over to Hercules and asks "If theres anything you need to know of the ship I suggest you ask now before we depart. We've yet to know if we will come back to this world."

[Hercules]

Scrooge crossed his arms, frowning a little at Gabranth's question. "Is she armed? What kind of blatherin' blatherskite would I be if I didn't equip meself with some defenses??" He seemed more proud of the fact than insulted at Gabranth's question. He hopped out of his seat and started walking with the two. "Now, come on boys. Duckworth will be waiting downstairs!"

Hercules nodded, shrugging a bit as he looked to Gabranth. "I don't really have any questions... Outside of how to fly one..." he said, then followed the duck downstairs until they reached a swanky limosine outside of which, a prim and proper dog dressed in butler's clothes stood with the door open. Hercules smiled a bit, looking at the thing before looking to Gabranth. "Hey cool, it's like a chariot without a horse!" He ran forward, eager to see the inside of this thing.

McDuck would pat Gabranth's hip (being the highest he could reach) encouragingly. "Many happy returns! I hope you boys find what it is you're looking for! You'll recognize me ship easily, I'd imagine. Now good luck!" he waved them off...

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It's a good thing they left when they did. They never saw the Phantom Blot attacking Disney Castle, and thus didn't get involved in a nasty fight that they had no way of winning just yet. The ride into Cape Suzette was pretty pleasant. The limo was comfortable, and well stocked with things to eat and drink. Herc was starving at the time, so that was a godsend.

The town was a nice little place with a harbor and cliffs protecting it from most sides. They had to go through a little country road to get to it, but even that was pleasant enough. Not long, and they'd reach Higher for Hire, a little dock with a few planes and a couple Gummi Ships an nestled in. The second they were out of the car, Hercules spotted theirs. It wasn't hard.

"Hey, look!" Hercules said, nudging Gabranth lightly as he pointed to a large gold-and-white Gummi Ship with a big $ on the front and very strongly resembled a flying Money Bin. "That's gotta be it..."

No sooner had he said it, than a small bear woman with red hair walked out to meet them. She was fully dressed and seemed very businesslike even though a smaller, yellow girlbear followed her close behind. "Are you two the McDuck account?" she asked, a clipboard held tightly in her hands. She looked right at Gabranth, assuming he was the brains of the operation...

[Gabranth]

After leaving the manner and heading to the limo. Upon heading into the limo he felt a slight bump against his right shoulder. This was do to Hercules' excitement towards the motorized carriage. He just sighed. Knowing in situations like this Hercules was more a kid in a candy store let alone a demi god.
He wondered what would happen once Hercules saw a gummie ship. At this point to Gabranth a ship was a ship.

Gabranth waved farewell to Mcduck, and climbed into the limo. Seeing Hercules scurry around in his excitement of limo, he thought to sneak a short nap under his heavy and dark facade. Knowing once Hercules saw the ship it might be like giving a hyper active kid sugar, but that could wait till after the nap. He may need the extra sleep.

Upon the old cars hard breaking he awoke only to see they were at Higher for Hire. Feeling a nudge Gabranth looked over at what appeared to be the "money bin" they had just saved. "That, is a very odd ship." is all he replied. Just then a well dressed and mannered bear had come up to him and asked about the ship. Gabranth removed his iron helmet in order to better speak with this bear. Knowing nothing of an account, he simply replied "Aye, Mcduck has authorized us in use of his ship. Am I to assume the one dressed as a Money Bin is ours to take out?" By this point Gabranth was playing this by ear. He could fly the Archadian ships, but flying a money bin, as he thought this to himself.

[Hercules]

"That's the one!" Rebecca Cunningham nodded, writing something down on her clipboard as the young bear behind her hid. "Alright, so long as you have the key, you should be good to go. If you need pointers, my pilot Baloo can give you lessons before you take her out. I just need you to sign this..." she handed the clipboard and pen to Gabranth here. "It's just a liability form, basically saying that you guys took the ship and we're not responsible should anything happen once you've taken her out." She seemed so businesslike, very professional, and even somewhat friendly to a certain degree. Once she had a signature, she would smile and salute the Judge with a smile. "Happy flying!" she'd wish them, then head inside with her girl...

Hercules would lead the way to the docks, looking around a bit as he took it all in. "So, this is our ship..." he said, patting the side of the money-bin shaped Gummi. "Guess McDuck likes to personalize his stuff, huh?" he asked, then looked over to see a large bear snoozing in a makeshift hammock. "I got three drachma that says that's Baloo..." he said to Gabranth, a friendly smile on his face, to see if the Judge would lighten up a little.

[Gabranth]

Taking the pen and clipboard, he raised an eyebrow when he heard "It's just a liability form, basically saying that you guys took the ship and we're not responsible should anything happen once you've taken her out." Gabranth began to write his name down. He tilted the board away from Hercules as to hide what his real name was. Thinking if something were to happen this would throw someone off to peg the bill on them. Besides what money did they have.

Following Hercules over to the hanger bay he felt a tap against his armor and, Hercules making a playful betting gesture. He thought a for only a moment. Baffled to see how this half god could act so childish and playful in times of desperation and urgency, he sighed and decided to humor Hercules. "Deal, but it is not I who is going to poke a sleeping bear." He said as he stood waiting for Hercules to wonder over, in what appeared to be an amused state.