AN: I hope you guys, enjoy this story. I had this in my head for a long time. Note, I do not own Darkwing Duck, Duck Tales, or it's affiliated characters. I make no money from writing. Please don't sue.
Darkwing Duckette Prologue-"Hero's Fall"
In the city of St. Canard, it was not a quiet night. The violent criminal Negaduck drove across the Audubon Bay Bridge in a stolen armored truck with Darkwing Duck following in hot pursuit on his motorcycle, the Ratcatcher. Of course while, Darkwing was following Negaduck, he was also dealing with...domestic issues.
"Oh come on, Dad," said Gosalyn, "I can't believe you're still hung up on me not going with you on your cases."
"Gosalyn I just want you safe. You're still only a child," Darkwing replied to his daughter.
"Whatever. I'll be sixteen soon," Gosalyn argued.
"Yes. In four years. Until then you should be at home, helping your mother," He offered as a rebuttal.
"Stay home with the baby? It's not the 1800's, Dad," Gosalyn replied.
"Don't just call him the baby. He's your brother. You should call him by his name, Allen," Darkwing stated.
Two years ago, Darkwing had married Morgana MacCawber and shortly after the honeymoon, Morgana became pregnant. After nine months, Morgana gave birth to Drake's first biological son and Gosalyn's new baby brother, Allen Samuel Mallard. Gosalyn had often tried to get out of the house for almost any reason because of Allen's presence. Gosalyn herself had only recently had her twelfth birthday and was hoping that Drake would finally start allowing her to come on cases instead of her sneaking out join him and Launchpad.
Negaduck drove at an amazing speed believing he could get out of Duckburg with the loot in the back of the truck. However, much to his annoyance, he was wrong. He looked at the rearview mirror catching sight of Darkwing following him on his motorcycle. Darkwing yelled across the bridge to Negaduck, "It's over, Negaduck. You're going to jail like the rest of the fearsome five."
Negaduck groaned. He was so tired of that do-gooding duck getting in his way. He decided he would put an end to it. He reached over to the passenger site and grabbed his rocket launcher. He then without thinking let go of the steering wheel, opened the door, and aimed the rocket launcher at the hero's vehicle.
"Say hello to Beelzebub for me, Darkwing," He said before pulling the trigger and firing off a rocket towards the Ratcatcher.
"DW! LOOK OUT!" Launchpad said pointing at the rocket launcher.
They couldn't avoid it.
"Launchpad, grab Gosalyn and bail out," He said.
Launchpad did as told, unbuckling himself and Gosalyn from the side car and leaping out. Gosalyn reached for her father.
"Dad!" She cried before they leapt from the vehicle just as the rocket collided with the cycle and exploded. The explosion launched Gosalyn from Launchpad's grip, causing her to land several feet from the avian aviator. Darkwing flew a feet away from the Ratcatcher as well, landing on the hard concrete. Negaduck smiled as the motorcycle exploded. He turned around to realize he had absentmindedly let go of the steering wheel causing the armored truck to veer off course and head towards the side of the bridge.
"Yipe!" He exclaimed letting go of his rocket launcher and leaping out of the truck, just before it drove off the bridge and dove into the bay below. After collecting himself, Negaduck scrambled towards the edge of the bridge, looking down to see the back of the armored truck sink into the murky waters of the bay. His beak curved into a snarl as he turned around to see Darkwing back on his feet and standing a few feet away from him. He glared at the masked mallard with extreme anger and hatred.
"That's it!" He proclaimed pulling out a large handgun from his yellow blazer, "It's time to end this!"
"I couldn't agree more," Darkwing retorted, pulling out his gas gun and aiming it at Negaduck, "Suck Gas, Evil-doer!"
He fired a gas grenade at Negaduck, who promptly batted it away with his pistol and knocking it off the bridge.
"Oops," Darkwing stated watching the event.
Negaduck turned to the Canard Crusader. Darkwing let out an uneasy chuckle and tugged on the collar of his turquoise turtle-neck.
"Heh-heh-heh. Don't you just hate it when that happens?"
Negaduck aimed the pistol and shot at Darkwing, who frantically dodged and evaded the bullets. Launchpad and Gosalyn each started to collect themselves and in time to see Darkwing dodge bullets and get close enough to throw a couple karate chops that missed Negaduck but was able to land a roundhouse kick, knocking the vicious villain back. He stumbled a bit and growled with anger at Darkwing's luck but then he noticed something. He and Darkwing were only a few feet away from Gosalyn. He looked towards Darkwing who readied himself in a fighting pose.
"You may win but I'll make you suffer, Darkwing," He said pointing the pistol at the redheaded child.
Darkwing's eyes went wide and turned his attention to his adoptive daughter who was on the ground with a terrified expression.
"Gosalyn!" He cried.
Gosalyn looked terrified at Negaduck. She sat there on the ground unable to move like a deer in the headlights. As Negaduck started to squeeze his trigger finger, Gosalyn closed her eyes. She knew she couldn't get out of the way. She closed her eyes, awaiting the excruciating agony of the bullet. She heard the gun go off and waited for the end. After a moment and she felt no bullet pierce her feathers and flesh, Gosalyn opened her eyes and looked up. The sight before her was more painful than a bullet. Standing in front of her was her superhero father, blood tickling from his clenched teeth and a large dark red stain off the center of his chest. She looked up in shock and horror. Negaduck and Launchpad were in shock at the even as well. After a long moment, Darkwing felt to his knees and collapsed on the concrete. Gosalyn rushed to her adoptive father's side, grabbing his shoulders and crying.
"Dad! Dad! Please! Please get up! Dad!" She cried.
Launchpad looked on still in shock, sorrow and disbelief. He couldn't believe this was happening. This couldn't be happening. His hero and best friend was...was... He couldn't even muster the courage to say the word. They hadn't gotten out of scrapes before. They had amazingly survived but now. Now DW was lying on the ground, bleeding...dying. Negaduck still stood in shock, his brain still trying to process what had just happened. When it finally sunk in, His beak curled into a triumphant smirk. He let out a laugh, starting from a small chuckle growing into a maniacal cackle that echoed across the bridge. Launchpad turned his attention to Negaduck, staring at him with a heated glare.
"Finally! I did it! I FINALLY DID IT! I KILLED DARKWING DUCK! I KILLED DARKWING DU-," His triumphant proclamation was interrupted by a large white feathered fist connecting with his beak.
He fell back onto the pavement. Before Negaduck to get back up, Launchpad got on top of him. With his features contorted into anger, He began beating up Negaduck. His fists vigorously pounding Negaduck's face while he screamed out his sorrow at the loss of his friend and his hatred of the canard killer.
"You Monster! You Murder! You killed him! He was a Hero! He was a father! He was My Best Friend and You Killed Him! You took him away from us! You Evil Heartless Monster! You don't deserve to live! You don't deserve to breathe this air, You Sick, Sorry, Twisted Son of a-ugh!" Before Launchpad could finish his curse, Negaduck had managed pistol whip him and knock him off him.
Negaduck staggered to his feet. His left eye was swollen. He spit out some blood and a tooth that had loosened when Launchpad was wailing on him. Negaduck turned as Launchpad started to raise up from the ground. He pointed the pistol at Launchpad's head.
"That's right. I killed your buddy. Now you can go and join him," He said about to unload a bullet into Launchpad's skull.
Before he could shoot the sidekick, a bullet whizzed past his red fedora. He turned his attention to the police arriving. He turned his attention back to Launchpad about continue where he left off when two more bullets whizzed past him.
"Damn," he cursed.
Not wanting to get taken in after his victory, Negaduck dashed across the bridge into the night. Launchpad, who was overcome by anger and grief was about to follow Negaduck and seek revenge for his fallen friend. However, his pursuit of revenge was stopped when he heard a cry.
"Dad! Dad, please wake up! Please wake up!" Gosalyn cried out trying to get a response from her father.
Grief won out over anger for Launchpad as he discarded the idea of revenge and instead headed over to Gosalyn and DW. As Gosalyn continued crying out to her father, Drake wearily started to open his eyes. He looked at his beloved daughter's teary face.
"Gos?" He said softly.
A smile came to her face. She turned her attention to Launchpad.
"Launchpad! Dad's alive! He's alright!" Gosalyn exclaimed.
Launchpad ran over to the pair and kneeled down on the opposite of Drake.
"You're gonna be okay, Dad," said Gosalyn trying to reassure him, "We're gonna get you to the hospital and they're gonna get you all fixed up."
Drake gave his daughter a smile. He then turned his head towards Launchpad and raise his left hand to his sidekick.
"Launchpad? LP?" He asked softly.
"I'm right here, DW," Launchpad said taking his hand.
"Please...protect...my family," Drake requested.
Launchpad instantly knew what he meant. His hand shook uneasily.
"Would you...do that..for your hero...and best friend?" He asked.
Launchpad put both hands over Drake's, gripping it tightly.
"Yes, I promise...I will, DW...Drake..." Launchpad said softly and sadly.
Gosalyn wasn't understanding anything.
"What are you talking about?" Gosalyn asked, "You're going to protect us. We're going get you to the hospital. Everything will be alright."
Drake turned to Gosalyn and put his right hand up and softly stroked his daughter's cheek.
"Gosalyn...my sweet baby girl..."
"Yeah, that's me. I wish wouldn't call me that though," She said.
Drake smiled at her.
"Listen to your...mother...tell her...I love her..."
"You can tell her yourself after you get fixed up! Why are you saying this?" Gosalyn demanded.
"Watch over...your brother for me. Will you do that?" He querried.
"Of course," Gosalyn said, tears starting to trickle down her face, "I'll do whatever you. Please stop talking like this."
"Gosalyn honey...I love you...be strong...be strong..be strong..." He said.
Finally, he closed his eyes and stopped speaking. His right arm fell limp and lifeless on the road. Gosalyn's eyes went wide.
"No, Dad. Please! Please don't leave me! Don't leave me, Daddy!" She cried, tears pouring down her face. She attempted to shake his body to wake him but it was no use. Drake did not respond. He was gone. Gosalyn rested her head against her adoptive father's chest and began sobbing into it. Launchpad closed his eyes as a steady trickle of tears came from his eyes. The two mourned the deceased duck as the police cars pulled up.
The police brought Launchpad and Gosalyn to the station where they explained what had happened. After filling out some papers they were escorted home. When arriving, Launchpad and the police officer explained what happened to Morgana. She then held her daughter and cried for her husband. Not everyone was so upset. Most criminals who Darkwing Duck had incarcerated or who had been defeated but were still on the run, celebrated when they heard the news of the demise of the daring, do-gooding duck.
Two months later with all the preparations made, a funeral was held. Surprisingly many had arrived for the funeral aside from Launchpad, Gosalyn, and Morgana ; Scrooge McDuck and his family, The Muddlefoots, Morgana's family, J. Gander and members of S.H.U.S.H., Members of the Justice Ducks, and even some police officers and citizens had showed. Darkwing was given a very normal tombstone with a stone bust of himself atop it. As everyone took their seats, Gizmo Duck dressed in a black suit jacket over his armor came up the podium to deliver the eulogy.
"We gather here today to pay our respects to Drake Mallard, better known as Darkwing Duck. A hero who worked tirelessly to protect this great city from the criminal element and even saving the entire world on several separate occasions. He was a dedicated hero, a loving father and husband, and finally a good and loyal friend. While we lay his body to rest, his spirit and legacy will live on in all of us who keep carry on his memory. We hope that he may have at last found peace in the next world," He turned to the tombstone and saluted it, "Farewell, Wingy."
After the reception, Morgana, Allen, Launchpad, and Gosalyn returned to their home. Their car was followed by Scrooge McDuck's car. Upon arriving to their home, Scrooge escorted Launchpad and the Mallards to the door. Launchpad turned to his former employer and shook his hand.
"Thanks for coming, Mr. McD. I really appreciate it," He said.
"No problem, lad. Drake was a good man," Scrooge said.
When the front door was opened and they entered the house, Gosalyn ran up stairs to her room. Morgana followed her daughter with her eyes. Allen started to make a fuss. Morgana held her son and patted him on the back, trying to calm the infant down.
"Shh, shh. It's alright, Allen," Morgana said.
"I can take him for you, Morgana," Launchpad said, reaching out his arms.
Morgana nodded and handed the hatchling to Launchpad. Launchpad took Allen up to his baby room, rocking him in the crook of arm to quiet him down. Morgana then turned to Scrooge McDuck and gave a slight bow.
"I thank you for coming, Mr. McDuck," Morgana thanked.
"Please it was no trouble," Scrooge said before continuing, "Listen Morgana. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to call or visit us at McDuck Mansion in Duckburg. You're always welcome. Besides, the Boys and Webby are very fond Gosalyn. I'm sure they wouldn't mind helping lift her spirits when she's ready."
"I will consider your advice. Thank you again, Mr. McDuck. Have a safe trip back to Duckburg," She said.
With that the old scottish tycoon bowed his head to her and head towards his car. After the Quadzillionaire left, Morgana closed the door and placed her back against it. She placed her hand on her face and began to cry. She slide down the door, sinking to the floor. She was still having her own struggle. She loved Drake. He was dashing, handsome, intelligent, and caring. True, he could be a bit insensitive at times and an egomaniac but she loved him all the same. Now he was gone and she was still having trouble coping. However, She tried to put on a brave face for Gosalyn. she was going through much worse. This was the third time she'd lost someone so close to her. First, her birth parents, then her grandfather, and now Drake. She had to be strong for her. Morgana grabbed a box of tissues and wiped her eyes. After cleaning herself up, Morgana trekked up stairs and walked to Gosalyn's door. She opened the door to find Gosalyn with her head buried in her pillow and muffled sobs emanating from the pillow. She walked in quietly.
"Gosalyn?" She said.
Gosalyn lifted her head from the pillow and looked at Morgana through her teary eyes. Morgana felt her heart break a little more seeing her adoptive daughter's sorrow-filled expression. She tried not to show her own sorrow but couldn't completely.
"Oh, Gosalyn-honey," She said coming and sitting on Gosalyn's bed.
"Mom," Gosalyn said letting go of the pillow and clinging to Morgana.
Morgana held the redheaded child. Gosalyn sobbed against Morgana.
"I-i miss him so much, It-it hurts!Wahh!" Gosalyn cried out.
Morgana continued to hold her.
"I know. I miss him too...so much," Morgana said starting to cry but tried desperately to hold back her tears.
"I want to get away from it all! So it won't hurt so much," Gosalyn said.
Morgana continued to hold her and cry. The two feathered females crying out for their husband and father but they would receive no answer from him. The next couple months went by without incident. The remaining Justice Ducks rounded up some of the remaining members of Darkwing's Rogues gallery and had them incarcerated. Over these months, Morgana, Gosalyn, Allen, and Launchpad made a few trips for a change of scenery. They visited Duckburg and Morgana's home town, visiting old friends and family. The change in scenery helped soothe everyone's broken hearts and they started feel better. Returning to St. Canard was hard, as coming home helped remind them what was lost but it had gotten better over time for everyone except for Gosalyn. She was still not over Drake's death with good reason. She had still not come to terms with Drake's death. Everything reminded her of her beloved father. After much consideration and planning, Morgana decided to talk to Gosalyn about an idea she had. She entered her adoptive daughter's room. Gosalyn was playing a video game but stopped when Morgana entered.
"Hey, Mom. What's up?" Gosalyn asked.
Morgana approached her bed.
"Gosalyn, I want to talk with you for a minute," She stated.
"Ok, what is it?"
Morgana sat beside Gosalyn on the rehead's bed.
"Gosalyn," Morgana started, "You don't seem to be doing well since Dark's death. Do you want to talk about it?"
Gosalyn looked at her saddened.
"I still miss him so much," Gosalyn admitted solemly, "Everywhere I look, I'm reminded of Dad and it hurts..."
Gosalyn was almost on the verge of tears when Morgana interjected.
"Gosalyn, that brings up an idea I had recently. What if we moved out of St. Canard?"
Gosalyn came out of her depression and looked at Morgana in surprise.
"Leave...St. Canard? But to where?"
"I've been thinking about Duckburg and perhaps opening up an occult book store with a loan from a bank or Mr. McDuck," Morgana clairified, "But I don't want to make this decision without your consensus. We're a family and we should make decisions together. If you don't feel like you want to move then we won't. Just think about it alright?"
"Alright," Gosalyn said.
"Thanks, Gos," Morgana said kissing Gosalyn on the forehead and then leaving the room.
Gosalyn thought long and hard about this suggestion. Being here in Saint Canard only seemed to remind her of what she had lost. Duckburg would have friends there and she would probably feel more comfortable in the metropolis. Launchpad knew the city and she would be there with Morgana and Allen. She could be happy in Duckburg but there were also other factors to consider about not leaving St. Canard. St. Canard was were she was born, her hometown. True there was painful memories but there were also good memories and friends she had here especially Honker. He was her best friend, could she leave him and St. Canard? After a great deal of thought, Gosalyn finally decided that she wanted to move. The next morning at Breakfast, Gosalyn said that she agreed with Morgana's decision to move away from St. Canard. After two months of house hunting, visits to Duckburg, and negotiations with realtors and landlords, they finally settled upon their new house and the store for Morgana's new store. They began packing up and sending things to Duckburg in different moving vans. The day finally came where Launchpad and the Mallards had to bid farewell to St. Canard. Launchpad placed the last of their belongings in the van and put Allen in his baby seat while Morgana and Gosalyn said their goodbyes to the Muddlefoots.
"Well the neighborhood won't be the same without guys, Morgana," Herb complimented.
"I'm sure it won't, Herb," Morgana agreed with a chuckle.
"We'll you dear. Come and visit us anytime," Binkie suggested, "We'd love to see you and your family...especially Honker."
At the mention of the youngest of the Muddlefoots, Morgana's beak curved into a frown. She and her neighbors looked over to their children. Honker and Gosalyn stood not to far away from them, talking to each other and bidding farewell.
"I don't want to you to go, Gosalyn," Honker said sadly.
"I know, Honk but I just can't stay here," Gosalyn said regretfully, "I need to go somewhere else and get my head together and try to come to terms with my dad's death."
Honker looked down at the ground depressed and disappointed. Gosalyn felt her best friend's sorrow at this choice and tried to lift his spirits at least a little bit. She put her hand to his chin and lifted it up to face him.
"Hey, Honkman. Cheer up. It's not like I'm gonna be gone forever," Gosalyn reminded him, "I'll come back and sleep over when Mom and me have gotten settled in Duckburg. I promise I'll come back."
Honker smiled a little bit. The two shook hands and then embraced in a tight hug. Both holding their eyes shut trying to hold back their tears.
"I'm gonna miss you," Honker said to Gosalyn.
Gosalyn closed her eyes tighter as she could hear the sadness in his voice.
"I'll miss you, too," She replied.
The two continued to hug for a few more minutes. Morgana looked at the two, starting to have doubts about her idea for moving. The two friends broke from the hug and Launchpad came to the group.
"Ok, the van's packed up and Allen in is his seat. Are you guys ready to go?" Launchpad asked.
Gosalyn and Honker came up to the adults. Gosalyn looked at her mother and then to Launchpad.
"Yes, We're ready Launchpad," Morgana said.
Launchpad nodded, turned to Herb and shook his hand, "Be seeing around, Herb."
"You too, Launchpad," He said to the pilot.
"Don't hesitate to call or visit," Binkie reminded.
"We won't. Thank you, Binkie," Morgana said.
With that, Morgana, Launchpad, and Gosalyn got into the car, buckled up and pulled out of the drive way. As they started to pull away from their home and the Muddlefoots' house, Gosalyn looked out the window and waved at her best friend as they drove down the lane. They drove through the city, past familiar places and taking some last looks at the metropolis before getting on to the highway and leaving it behind.
End of Prologue