Broken Ties

Chapter 4

Snow fell softly through the air as thick gray clouds covered the sky above. Everyone out on the streets hurried along, burying themselves deep into their jackets and coats as they tried to stay warm. The Christmas season was quickly approaching, which meant that many people were hoping to start their early Christmas shopping.

This was one of the reasons Liquidator was currently sneaking his way into Cindy's Nursery, the largest nursery in St. Canard, instead of his loyal and plant loving partner in crime, Bushroot.

Liquidator remembered Bushroot's reaction earlier that morning, when he recalled what 'dreadful season', as he had put it, was coming up. Bushroot had shared with Liquidator the story of his first Christmas as a mutant and it been far from a pleasant one.

Liquidator could easily see why as he pretended to be a puddle underneath a table inside the nursery. Even there, at the nursery, shoppers were busily trying to figure out what they wanted to buy. Though this was nothing compared to when Bushroot had gone out to shop. There was still a good month before Christmas, yet the early shoppers weren't wasting any time nor were the sellers with all their low prices and sales.

Liquidator waited underneath the table for the best time to start stealing what was on the mental list in his head. It was a list that stated all that Bushroot would need for his plants in the coming winter.

After he felt it was safe to do some shopping, the Liquidator began his work. He slunk his way over to a table where there were some plant seeds and fertilizer being sold, staying in his puddle form. Seeing that there was no one around, Liquidator stood in his full height, no longer a mere puddle. Grabbing a bag of fertilizer, Liquidator was stunned when he heard a roomful of people screaming. He looked over to the other part of the store, seeing a cluster of shoppers all huddled together, scared. But what confused him the most was that they were not looking in his direction. Something else was causing the trouble.

Liquidator put the bag of fertilizer down, his interest peeked, and made himself taller so that he could see over the crowd. There, he saw Negaduck. 'That would explain the hysteria' figured Liquidator.

"MOVE ASIDE!" roared Negaduck, a small gun in his hand. The crowd inched their way to the side and allowed the duck to enter further into the store. As soon as he was passed them, they all ran for the exit, gone a moment later. Liquidator, puzzled as to why Negaduck would be in the Nursery to begin with, couldn't help but make his presence known.

"Are you annoyed? Are you not finding what you're looking for? That's alright, just use your local Liquidator to help you find what you need!" he announced in his jargon voice.

Negaduck, spotting Liquidator, walked up to the mutant, a blank look on his face.

"Ahh, thought I'd find you here." Liquidator perked his ears up in interest. "Just stopped by to see how Bushy was…" Liquidator's non-existent heart stopped beating, his liquid body going cold with fear. "He said you might be here…. "

"What did you do to him?" hissed Liquidator.

Negaduck snarled, disliking the attitude the canine was giving him. "It doesn't matter."

"Tell me!" demanded the ex-salesman.

"Excuse me? Am I mistaken or are you barking out an order to me!" yelled Negaduck. Liquidator went silent, much to Negaduck's satisfaction. "I thought so. You see, I went to visit Bushbrain" he began more casually. "His damn monster of a pet nearly got killed after biting me. But Bushroot stopped the damn thing in time and I didn't kill it."

Liquidator knew he was speaking about Spike. He could just picture his Reggie trying to calm down is protective pet in order to save it from being killed.

"And I had stopped by there merely to tell Bushroot….and yourself…that very soon I will be making another visit…I would now, but I have other plans to attend to….But I suggest the two of your watch your backs, for I will be there soon to visit again and it won't be an enjoyable one. For you two, at least." Negaduck cackled an evil laugh at this, finding it amusing. Liquidator, though, found it far from funny. He would have to stay with Bushroot from then on, not wishing for Bushroot to be by himself when Negaduck came for that visit. Without another word, Negaduck was gone in a puff of blood red smoke.

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Silence filled the warehouse as the rodent began to stir where he lay. Stretching and kicking his legs, Megavolt started making the overly large beanbag chair he was sleeping on jostle around until he made himself comfortable.

One part of the Toy Kingdom, personally created by the insane toymaker, Quackerjack, was the 'Playroom' as the jester preferred calling it. Quackerjack loved the Playroom, claiming it was where 'the best and kinkiest of games were played.' Of course, since the Toy Kingdom had been half demolished while Megavolt had been under the influence of Paddywhack, there was very little left of the Playroom. It had once been surrounded by giant building blocks, though now just old boxes filled with junk and toys.

Out of the building blocks used to be a sort of ceiling, for more privacy reasons, despite the extra secret location of the warehouse they were already in. However, those too were now gone. Inside the playroom were hundreds of pillows, stuffed animals of every sort, and bean bag chairs covering the concrete floor several feet below them. The stuffed animals, Megavolt had made sure, were harmless and without any of the deadly weapons Quackerjack usually had inside them. The bean bags were piled together so neither of them ever made contact with the actual floor. Blankets were all over the place as well; Thick, fluffy, colorful comforters that hid most of the bean bag chairs.

Quackerjack stirred slightly from all the movement Megavolt was making, scrunching his eyes shut in annoyance, yet stayed fast asleep. "Not now, mommy…" he muttered under his breath.

At his words, Megavolt jolted awake, startled slightly. All he wore was his pinkish red bathrobe; his helmet, goggles, battery, and jumpsuit missing. He pulled himself up onto his elbows, now laying on his stomach and tried rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He yawned once more before glancing over at Quackerjack, who was laying to the left of him.

Flashes of the previous night shot through his frazzled mind, remembering the way the jester had come home slightly drunk and without his shirt. It had made the rodent furious to even think that Quackerjack had spent time with someone else other than him.

Still half asleep, Megavolt moved over until he was practically on top of the jester, who was laying on his back. Without thinking, Megavolt immediately started kissing the other's neck, hoping the jester would quickly wake up. The rodent didn't understand why he suddenly felt the need to start kissing his best friend's neck; he just simply wanted to.

Quackerjack responded exactly the way Megavolt had hoped he would. The jester started giggling in his sleep, almost acting as though he was being tickled. "Ooh, stop it!' he chuckled, his large buck teeth showing as he grinned. "Megsy…."

Megavolt stopped kissing the other's neck, now a little more awake. He sat and waited for the jester to wake up, which was only a moment later. Quackerjack stretched and then finally opened his eyes and looked at his favorite playmate, who was now sitting back on his lower legs, looking at him sheepishly.

"Well…" sighed Quackerjack, pulling himself up into a sitting position. All he was wearing was his smiley face boxers, his cloth shoes, and his infamous jester hat. "Why can't I wake up to that EVERY morning, Megs?" he winked at his friend.

Megavolt blushed and looked away. "I don't know what got into me…" he looked down and adjusted his bathrobe slightly, remembering it was all he was wearing.

"I don't know either, but I sure do like it!" laughed Quackerjack. He leaned over and gave the rodent a kiss on the cheek before pushing himself back. Megavolt nodded.

"I guess…..after last night….after you spent time with that bi-"

"MEGSY! LANGUAGE!" cried out Quackerjack.

Megavolt blinked at him, an innocent look on his face. "Since when was 'bimbo' a cuss word!"

"Oh….." giggled Quackerjack, playing with the ends of his hat. "I could have sworn you were gonna say the word 'bi-" Megavolt covered the duck's large beak.

"ANYWAYS….as I was saying…." he let go of Quackerjack. "After you spent time with that bimbo last night….It occurred to me how….." Megavolt gulped, looking away. Quackerjack waited patiently, a large, childish grin of his face. "How…j-jealous….I felt…And…" the rest of the rodent's worse were mumbled too quietly for Quackerjack to hear him.

"What!" he said loudly, leaning closer to Megavolt.

"AND…." shouted Megavolt, turning red with embarrassment, "I guess that was just my way of showing ya how much I love ya…."

"Awwww…." gushed Quackerjack. He gave the rodent a hug, then pushed himself backwards. "So….other than that….how are you this morning, Megs? Other than kinky, that is…" The jester burst into a fit of laughs.

Megavolt scratched the back of his neck. "I don't know how I should feel. I am without a home after all…"

Quackerjack blinked at him. "You have a home. Right here!" he raised his arms and referred to the Kingdom. Megavolt shook his head.

"No, I mean, I no longer have a hideout. I was thinking…." he paused. "About something…." Quackerjack just waited patiently, grabbing a nearby teddy bear and holding it close. Megavolt wracked his brain as he tried to remember what he had been thinking about several minutes ago. "Now I've lost it…" he growled several minutes later.

"So, you're worried that you don't have a hideout anymore?" offered Quackerjack, guessing what he had wanted to say. Megavolt shrugged. "That's okay! You have stuff here, don't you!"

Megavolt let out an irritated sigh, his shoulders sagging. "Not really….I only have 1,249 light bulbs here….Not to mention only 3 toasters…."

"Only?"

"Yes, only…"

Quackerjack didn't say anything, just played with the hem of Megavolt's bathrobe, which the rodent didn't mind until the jester started trying to take it off. "Not now, Quacky!" hissed the electrical villain.

Quackerjack pouted and began to whine. "Oh, sure! You woke me up by kissing me passionately on the neck. What game do you THINK I'm gonna wanna play after that!"

"Slinky?" guessed Megavolt.

Quackerjack shrugged, looking impassive. "I was thinking yo-yo, but slinky works…" he gave the rodent a devious grin.

Megavolt shook his head, trying to stand up in the mass of bean bags, pillows, and blankets. "No….not now….I need to go liberate my poor luminaries!" he quickly made his way outside of the Playroom, nearly falling over several times in the process. Quackerjack just watched him from where he was sitting. "Oooh, you can be such a fuddy duddy sometimes, Megs!" He threw the teddy bear after him.

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Snow slowly fell outside the bare windows of the St. Canard Tower, but the heat from the Tower kept the cold air out as Gosalyn, Darkwing, and Launchpad stayed bundled up inside.

Gosalyn was passed out on the bed Darkwing once slept in every night in the days when he was by himself. The bed was hardly used anymore and he found that it was coming in handy since they were staying at the Tower so much.

Darkwing was laying on his stomach on the couch, trying not to fall asleep as Launchpad sat in the lazy boy chair across from him.

While Darkwing seemed to be lazily content, Launchpad sat in the chair and suffering from a bundle of nerves. Darkwing looked over at the pilot, seeing how distressed he looked and cleared his throat, making Launchpad look over at him.

"LP, if there is something on your mind, you can tell me…" he assured his friend. He knew Launchpad was nervous about something and in the back of his mind he hoped the tall pilot would talk about Scrooge's letter.

Launchpad fiddled with his hands, looking back and forth as he battled with himself. Darkwing could tell he was debating whether or not to say something. After several long minutes, Launchpad finally spoke up. "Ugh….Listen, DW. I have a confession to make…."

"Oh?" Darkwing sat up properly on the couch, showing that he was listening.

"Yeah….ummm….Last night, when you asked about the letter I had in my hand…I had said it was just junk mail…It wasn't. It was a letter…..from Mr. McDee-err…McDuck!" He quickly corrected himself, remembering that Darkwing didn't know of the nickname he had given the rich duck.

It was Darkwing's turn to look guilty. "Yeah….I know, LP. I saw it….last night,. You tried hiding it, but…I AM a detective, you know!"

Launchpad nodded, seemingly unfazed that he had already known about the letter. "Well, the letter he wrote to me said that….he wanted me to go there. To stay….where it's safe…"

Darkwing was silent as he let the words sink in. Then he cried out, "What! You mean, leave St. Canard!"

Launchpad shrugged. "I guess so. And I was thinking- DW, look, it kinda sounds like a good idea!" Darkwing didn't say anything, just sat in silence as Launchpad took his chance to explain. "He says I'd be safer there! He's very concerned about me! He's heard about Negaduck's threat and he knows I'm in danger! He only wants to help!"

Darkwing's expression turned sad as the truth of his words became apparent. "Mr. McDee's place is the safest place around! Negaduck would never suspect it! What do you say!"

Darkwing shrugged, sighing heavily. "What am I supposed to say?" he looked out one of the windows of the Tower. "I'm basically being told that I can't protect you here. I'm….being asked to leave my friend behind at some rich duck's place because I can't properly keep him safe…" This last sentence came out bitterly.

Launchpad bit his lip. "Don't be like that, DW! You know that's not true! It's just….I'm not any good here anyways! I'm in hiding! And if I leave for Duckburg, you won't have to worry about where I'm at…"

Darkwing turned his gaze away from the window and looked over at the bed Gosalyn was sleeping on. At length he said, "Alright, but Gosalyn is going with you."

"What!"

"I said, Gosalyn is going with you. I want her away from here. It's too dangerous."

Launchpad followed Darkwing's gaze over to the bed and slowly nodded. "Sure thing, DW."

Darkwing laid back on the cushions of the couch, curling up into a ball as he brought his knees up to his chest. He hated the thought of needing help from someone else to keep his loved ones safe, but he knew he wouldn't be able to. And that fact made Darkwing feel very small as he sat there on the couch in deep thought.

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Two hours after the two craziest villains of St. Canard woke up, the two of them were coming out of the second appliance store they had robbed that morning. Megavolt's infamous car, geared up with a matching plugs on the back and front of it, was parked outside the front of the store, which the two of them were exiting from. Both Megavolt and Quackerjack were carrying two large boxes filled with all kinds of electronics and hardware that Megavolt had wanted to liberate.

Several of Quackerjack's strong aggressive teddy bears were also carrying large boxes and taking them over to Megavolt's car. Megavolt beamed with pride as he looked inside the box he was carrying, thrilled that he was able to liberate as much as he did. The salesman who had been working at the store was now currently tied up by the jester's Tangled Jump Rope, made especially so it would be difficult for children to get themselves out of the jump rope when it wrapped around their ankles while playing jump rope.

Setting the box he was holding into the car, Megavolt looked over at Quackerjack, who was humming an offbeat tune. "Sure we got enough stuff, Megs?" the jester asked sarcastically, grumbling as he put his box inside the car.

Megavolt gave Quackerjack an affronted look, insulted. "Well, excuse me, Mr. I-Have-Enough-Toys-to-Fill-a-Whole Warehouse! Really! You're one to talk!"

Quackerjack placed his hands on his hips, both of them standing on the curb of the street next to the car. He leaned over towards Megavolt, his large beak in the other's face. "I'll have you know that having toys is FAR more fun and cooler than having a warehouse filled with light bulbs, toasters, and an endless amount of computer wires!"

"I couldn't agree with you more" came a deep, mocking voice.

Both duck and rodent froze at the sound of the voice, slowly turning around to see Negaduck standing there, several yards away from them. The sinuous duck in yellow casually stood there, an unpleasant smile on his face, his hands behind his back.

Megavolt kept himself from shivering as he dared a glance over at Quackerjack, who looked just as anxious and nervous. "Negaduck…" muttered Megavolt.

"Very good, Sparky!" sneered Negaduck in a sarcastic tone. He titled his head to one side, clapping his hands a few times before placing them back behind his back. "You actually remembered something!" Megavolt stiffened at his hated name, but bit his lower lip from saying anything about it. "So, what brings you two dolts to this end of town? Gonna send your teddy bears out on me!"

Quackerjack's jester hat drooped at this question, a large frown on his beak as he tried to figure out what to say. His working teddy bears stood at their feet, wondering what to do next. "What's up with you, Negs!" he finally managed to squeak, trying not to let the other mallard intimidate him.

"Not much. Just hungry for some roast duck…" replied Negaduck casually, taking a hand and looking at his feathered fingertips. Quackerjack's jester hat drooped even lower and his shoulder sagged a bit, glancing a worried look at Megavolt, who was staring at the sidewalk. Negaduck turned his gaze away from his hand and over to Megavolt. "And maybe some rat stew on the side…"

At these words, Megavolt grunted, stomping his foot down and turning to glare at Negaduck. "You know what! We don't have to be intimidated by you! We're super villains ourselves after all! Come on, Quacky! Let's teach this duck a thing or two about manners…" the rodent's hands began to glow blue with electricity.

Quackerjack just stared at him as though he were nuts, which, he was. "Seriously, Megs! THIS is the time you decide to grow a backbone!"

Megavolt turned to Quackerjack. "No, no, no. It's Bushroot who never grew a backbone…"

"SHUT UP, YOU MORONS!" screamed Negaduck. Both Megavolt and Quackerjack flinched at his scream, both being dragged back into reality. "Listen, I've been wanting to do this for a long time now and it would just make my day if I was able to accomplish my task…." With that said, he pulled out from inside his jacket a medium sized gun, and everyone involved knew it was loaded and ready to fire.

Quackerjack pulled hard at the ends of his jester hat, distressed. "L-Look, Negs, it doesn't have to be this way!" he wailed like a child.

"Oh, but it does…." whispered Negaduck dangerously as he checked to see if the gun was properly loaded and ready for fire.

Quackerjack looked to Megavolt, who met his gaze, both of them grinning. Within seconds, Quackerjack had jumped in the air, landing several feet in front of where he previously stood, landing on his hands and somersaulted to the other side of Negaduck, who turned around to see what he was up to, readying his gun. With Negaduck distracted, Megavolt bolted at the same time, moving in towards Negaduck, who was busy watching Quackerjack, and, with his hands glowing with electricity, the rodent tried grabbing the gun from the mallard.

Feeling Megavolt pulling at his gun, Negaduck turned his attention from Quackerjack and started wrestling with the rodent in hopes to get him away from his gun. The two of them struggled for the g un for several minutes as Quackerjack took this opportunity to throw some chattering teeth after Negaduck.

Still struggling with Megavolt over the gun, Negaduck yelled in shock as the chattering toy teeth snapped at his ankles and rear. "YOU DAMN THINGS!"

In a fit of rage, Negaduck yanked as hard as he could, enabling himself to get the gun from Megavolt's grasp. Without giving the rodent a chance to respond, Negaduck pushed Megavolt with all his might, causing the electrified villain to loose his balance and fall backwards. When he fell, his head collided with the light pole that had been behind him, his plug hat falling to the ground as Megavolt fell unconscious.

"MEGS!" cried Quackerjack in alarm. The jester started for him, but Negaduck, now recovered from Megavolt's attack, pointed the gun straight at the jester, who froze in his spot, his hands up in the air. The childish jester gulped in fear as he eyed the end of the gun that was now pointed straight at his chest.

Negaduck stood between Megavolt and Quackerjack, several feet apart from both of them. Megavolt was now lying on the ground, unconscious and Quackerjack knew he had no other choice but to stand there, knowing that if he tried anything else, he would only be shot faster.

Time seemed to stop for both of them as Negaduck started laughing. He took a moment to laugh, loving every moment of the situation. It was a loud vicious laugh which made Quackerjack cringe. After several moments, Negaduck got control of himself and smiled devilishly at the duck before him. "You have no idea how long I've waited, or how happy and thrilled I am that this moment has FINALLY arrived. There is no one to save you now, Chuckles. Not even your precious little princess over there is able to help ya this time…..hahahhaa…." He raised the gun to eye level, still having it pointed at Quackerjack's chest. "Sayonara, sucker…" His finger went for the trigger, starting to pull back on it. Quackerjack closed his eyes tightly, sweat pouring down onto his beak as he prepared himself for the blow. Hearing the shot was probably the last thing he'd hear before the blackness. Oh, how he hoped wherever he ended up they had toys…

Negaduck chuckled darkly under his breath as he pulled the trigger, when he felt something grab his ankle and an immense pain shoot up his leg. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" screamed Negaduck in pain, pulling the trigger at the same time that he dropped it, feeling jolt after jolt of electricity surge through his body. He crumpled to the cement a second later.

A gunshot rang through the air and Quackerjack's own scream of pain could be heard. Megavolt, having woken just in time, had crawled over and grabbed at Negaduck's leg and with all the power he could muster, electrocuted the villain mastermind. Just as Negaduck was falling to the ground, Megavolt heard the sound of the gun still being fired and he quickly rose to see Quackerjack writhing on the floor in pain, both hands pressed against his right leg, red liquid spilling out onto the cement around him.

Megavolt rushed to his friend's aide, his heart pounding heavily in his chest as he watched Quackerjack crying in pain and agony. Negaduck had missed and instead of shooting Quackerjack in the chest, had shot him in the leg.

The sound of Negaduck groaning several feet away pushed Megavolt into action.

""Meeeeeggggsss! It hurts…It hurts….Make it stop!" cried the jester, tears of pain rolling down his face. Megavolt knew he had little time, since Negaduck wouldn't be out for long. He quickly scooped Quackerjack up into his arms as best as could, nearly falling over in the process.

"Quacky…You have to help me…I can't carry you….Not with your leg like that! Come on, just limp over to the car!"

"I can't! I can't, Megsy! It hurts too much!" wailed the jester, placing his arm around the rodent's neck. Megavolt half dragged Quackerjack over to the car, where he helped him inside, glancing over and seeing that Negaduck was starting to wake up. He pushed Quackerjack inside the driver's side of the car, noting the heavy amount of blood spilling from Quackerjack's gun wound. Blood was everywhere. All over his gloves and jumpsuit, all over the sidewalk and street, now on the cushions of his car. Quackerjack's leg and foot was covered in blood as well. Megavolt forced himself not to gag, unused to seeing so much blood at one time. He pushed himself in the car, pushing Quackerjack to the passenger's side. Quackerjack cried harder and harder, unable to keep his pain inside as Megavolt slammed his door shut and turned on the ignition, slamming his foot on the gas pedal, causing the tires to screech and the car to start moving.

As Negaduck woke up and looked at his surroundings, Megavolt hastily turned down another street with his erratic driving skills, tires screeching in the distance. Seeing that the two of them had gotten away, Negaduck cursed loudly, ignoring the small blood bath around him. "Dammit!"

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Shaky hands clutched at the steering controls of the Thunderquack as the large duck head-shaped plane soared through the cloudy weather. Darkwing sat in his usual spot in the front passenger's seat, wearily watching a nervous Launchpad steer and fly the plane. A thick silence fell between the two front passengers, the only sound coming from Gosalyn's video game from where she sat in the back seat.

After several minutes, she groaned in discomfort, shutting off her small game system and tossing it to the floor with a clang. "Ughhhh!" she cried out in frustration. "How am I supposed to play video games when it kills my swollen and burnt fingers!"

Darkwing took in a deep breath, still feeling terrible for letting his daughter get injured at the crime scene while he had only been several feet away. He turned around in his seat to look at her, giving her a gentle smile. "Sorry, Gos. But hopefully your fingers will heal quickly."

"They better!" snarled Gosalyn, carefully crossing her arms over her chest. Her fingers were tightly wrapped in bandages, making them bulkier than she cared for. It was nearly impossible for her to do daily tasks without the aid of her father, which, in her mind, was one of the most degrading things she would ever have to be put through. Honker, however, being the ever loyal friend that he usually was, made her feel better, by pointing out that this would only make her fingers heal faster. Darkwing, of course, didn't mind at all that she had to help her so much. He actually found it adorable, seeing as how Gosalyn rarely needed help from him in anything else. He was finally able to help his baby girl. "I still don't see why I can't stay in St. Canard with you, dad!"

"Because, sweetie, your hands are still healing and I would just feel better if you stayed. You'll have a blast! LP tells me Mr. McDuck has three nephews. You'll be so busy playing with them, you won't even miss it." he told her.

Gosalyn just mumbled under her breath.

Darkwing turned back around and sat properly in his seat, slumping down only slightly after letting out a brief sigh. He glanced over at Launchpad, who still seemed nervous about the whole situation.

"Listen, LP, everything is going to be fine now. You're going to be safe with Mr. McDuck" consoled the vigilante. He watched carefully for the pilot's reaction. He turned his gaze away from his friend and out the plane's window. "Although, keeping all this a secret from me wasn't the best idea…."

Launchpad took in a deep breath and let it out, nodding more to himself than to Darkwing. "Yeah…..yeah, I know, DW. I just….This whole thing makes me nervous…" he seemed to have ignored Darkwing's last comment.

Darkwing shook his head almost incredulously. "Well, of course it does, LP! All of this has me nervous too! But we can't let our fear get the better of us!" Gosalyn scoffed loudly at his words, which made Darkwing immediately turn around in his seat. "What!"

"Ha! You're one to talk, dad! 'Can't let our fears get the better of us!'" the little duckling scoffed once more. "You need to start listening to your own advice, dad…"

Darkwing gave her a scolding glare before turning back in his seat. "I don't know what you're talking about! I happen to take great understanding in my own advice. If I didn't, why would I give the advice?"

"Just keep telling yourself that, dad…" mumbled Gosalyn from the back seat. Darkwing opened his mouth to say something, when Launchpad interrupted.

"Alright, here we are, DW, Gos! Duckberg! We'll be at Mr. McDuck's personal airport in about five minutes."

"Keen gear! He has his own personal airport!" cried Gosalyn in excitement, pulling off her seatbelt and darting over to the window so that she could see the view of Duckberg below them.

Darkwing dramatically rolled his eyes. "Ugh….of course he has his own personal airport, Gosalyn, what did you expect? He's the richest duck in the world."

Gosalyn shot him a glare from where she stood next to the window behind Darkwing's seat. "Oh, hush, dad. Let a kid have her fun!"

There was silence the rest of the trip to the airport, which didn't last long. Launchpad had not been kidding when he said they would be there only five minutes later. However, being Launchpad, he missed the landing location entirely and landed in the surrounding grass around the landing port.

Darkwing stumbled out of the Thunderquack with a disgruntled and slightly pained look on his face. "Yet another marvelous landing, Launchpad" he called over to his friend sarcastically.

Launchpad, who had gotten out on the other side of the plane, beamed for a moment at the condition of the Thunderquack, which seemed to be slightly wrecked, but not unfixable. "Thanks, DW!" he called over cheerfully.

Darkwing rolled his eyes as he helped Gosalyn down. The short mallard had just enough time to turn around when he heard a voice speaking to him, "Good afternoon, sir." The voice was deep and rich with a slight accent. Darkwing jumped a little and turned around, looking up to see a tall canine looking down at him along his long nose. Darkwing blinked at him, taking in the man's outfit, which consisted of a black formal suit.

"Oh, Duckworth! Hey! I haven't see you in ages! How are ya!" greeted Launchpad with enthusiasm as he walked up to the canine, setting their luggage down on the ground. He immediately grabbed Duckworth's hand, shaking it feverishly and causing Duckworth to nearly loose his balance.

Duckworth took a moment to compose himself before clearing his throat and saying, "The pleasure is mine, Mr. McQuack. I take it this is Mr. Darkwing and Miss Mallard?"

"Keen gear! What are you, like, a vampire butler or something!" demanded Gosalyn as she pushed her way passed her father and looked up at the elderly canine.

"You would hope so, wouldn't you?" sniffed Duckworth. "No, I am just a butler. Mr. McDuck sent me to come and get you. If you would just follow me to the car. I will get your luggage."

Darkwing silently watched the exchange that just took place, pursing his bill slightly. As Launchpad went to follow Duckworth, he pulled on the taller duck's sleeve.

"Hmm?"

"You were on the verge of tears in the Thunderquack, now suddenly you're a hyper little kid?" he asked. "And I don't like the looks of that guy…"

Launchpad blinked down at him. "Oh, it's only Duckworth! He's worked for Mr. McDee for years! And…I don't know, I guess just seein' him has brought back some memories…"

Darkwing said nothing as they went to the car, remaining silent for the rest of the trip to Mr. McDuck's mansion.

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It didn't take long for Duckworth to drive them to Scrooge's mansion and before Darkwing knew it they were walking through the doors of the mansion and being escorted by Duckworth to see Scrooge in his office.

Launchpad beamed as they walked through the mansion, looking around with excitement as memories filled him. The many times he'd been through the mansion and all the times he had taken Mr. McDuck on his treasure hunts for gold.

Gosalyn was just as excited and it took most of Darkwing's attention span to keep her in control. The red-headed duckling marveled at the sights around her. "Keen gear, this is cool!" she said as they had walked in. Darkwing, however, was a little less enthused as he walked behind Launchpad and Gosalyn, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his jacket. He was out of his league here and he knew it. He glanced up at Launchpad's expression, knowing that the other duck highly admired Mr. McDuck, just as he admired him as a crime fighter.

Darkwing snapped out of his thoughts just in time to keep Gosalyn from touching a vase that was on display. "Don't TOUCH anything, Gosalyn! Most of this stuff in here is more expensive than your life and my life put together!" he hissed into her ear. Gosalyn flinched at his scolding, retracting a bandaged hand from touching the vase. She turned and gave her father a guilty look.

"Sorry…." she replied meekly, raising her shoulders up.

Launchpad and Duckworth seemed oblivious of the incident as they continued up a flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs, Duckworth stopped at a door and turned, gesturing for them to walk inside. "Just step this way, sirs and miss."

Launchpad, Gosalyn, and Darkwing walked into the room as Duckworth instructed and there, on the other side of the room and sitting at a wide oak table, sat Scrooge McDuck. The elderly duck was writing feverishly on a piece of paper, unaware of their presence. As the trio walked in further, Duckworth, still at the door, cleared his throat and said, "Mr. McDuck, your guests are here."

"Oi, I told ya before, Duckworth, that I don't wish to be bothered until Launchpad arrives! Send whoever else dares come in here away!" growled the duck behind the desk. He had yet to look up and see who had entered the room.

"Mr. McDee!" cried out Launchpad, a large grin on his beak.

Scrooge jolted slightly at the sound of his voice and looked up, his eyes wide behind his small glasses. His frown vanished into a smile. "Launchpad, m'boy!" he called over. He dropped his pen, the paper he had been writing long forgotten, and walked up to Launchpad, who met him halfway. Scrooge allowed a quick hug from Launchpad, who had to kneel in order to do so, before taking a step back and regaining his composure and clearing his throat. He fixed his collar, his eyes narrowing behind his glasses as he glanced around Launchpad and at Darkwing. His glare was gone quickly as he moved his eyes over and they landed on Gosalyn.

"Ahh, and who might this wee lass be?" he smiled as he offered to shake her hand. Gosalyn smiled back up at him, about to shake his hand.

"I'm Gosalyn! You sure do have a lotta rich-looking statues and vases in here!" she said she went to shake his hand. Scrooge chuckled at her comment and shook her hand. Gosalyn hissed, remembering that her burnt fingers were still delicate to the touch. Scrooge flinched as soon as he noticed she was in pain, looking alarmed when he saw her bandaged fingers.

"Bless me bagpipes! I'm sorry!" he paused, getting a better look at her hands. "Now tell me, lass, what happened to your hands to made them be all bandaged up?"

Gosalyn ignored the pain and looked up at the elderly duck. "Well, they got burnt while dad and I were-"

"Roasting marshmallows!" interrupted Darkwing, giving Gosalyn a warning glare. Scrooge straightened up and frowned at Darkwing, not caring for the interruption. Darkwing returned the frown. "We were roasting marshmallows and the fire got out of control." Gosalyn nodded eagerly. Launchpad just awkwardly stood behind Scrooge, shifting his weight from foot to foot. He figured Scrooge would be a little uncertain of Darkwing, but he had hoped it wouldn't cause tension.

Scrooge gave the crime fighter a disapproving look, looking him up and down. Darkwing gritted his teeth and balled his fist, knowing he was being judged.

Though letting himself be intimidated was the last thing Darkwing wanted, so he took in a deep breath, ignoring Scrooge's scrutinizing looks and offered his hand.

"You must be Mr. McDuck. It's a pleasure to finally get to meet you" he said as warmly as he could.

"Aye, and you must be the infamous Darkwing Duck I've heard so much about" commented Scrooge as he shook Darkwing's hand.

"Yeah, that's him, Mr. McDee!" jumped in Launchpad before Darkwing could reply. "He's great! He let me be his sidekick!" Scrooge looked up at Launchpad, raising an eyebrow at his childish excitement. "And we've had some great times together too!"

Scrooge looked away from Launchpad as the pilot started rambling on and on about some of the fun times he has had on the adventures with the other duck, looking back over to Darkwing, his expression blank.

Darkwing stared back, unsure of what to think. He knew Launchpad thought very highly of Scrooge McDuck, but as he stood there before him, he couldn't see what was so great about him. Scrooge stood there, leaning on his cane casually, the little glasses on the brim of his beak, and his navy blue suit and shiny top hat finishing the outfit.

As Launchpad continued to speak, Scrooge cut him off, his eyes never leaving Darkwing. "Aye, lad, he sounds terrific." He paused and Darkwing could hear the undertone of sarcasm in the older duck's Scottish voice. Launchpad closed his beak, looking down at Scrooge expectantly. "It sounds as though he's a fine lad, with fine morals, and with gratitude for his lot. But what I don't understand….is if this laddie here was as great as you say, then why, Launchpad, m'boy, are you fleeing for your life?" Scrooge finally tore his gaze off of Darkwing and looked up to look at Launchpad, who was at a loss for words.

Darkwing growled under his breath, perfectly prepared to defend himself when Gosalyn beat him to it. "It's not HIS fault! Darkwing has been trying the best that he can to keep Launchpad safe! If he had a choice in the matter, Launchpad wouldn't BE in any danger!"

Scrooge blinked down at her, clearly surprised by her outburst. His eyes softened as he told her, "You know, lass, you remind me a lot of my three nephews, Huey Dewey, and Louie. You seem to have the same fiery spirit as they do" he chuckled, teasing her by gently poking her on the stomach with his cane.

Gosalyn beamed at the word 'spirit', remembering that her grandfather had always told her she had spirit and now her adopted father did so as well. "Spirit! I'll show you spirit! I'll bet they're nothing compared to me!"

Darkwing sighed, resisting the verge to roll his eyes. "Gosalyn, please…" he whispered to his rambunctious daughter. Scrooge, however, paid no mind as he had turned to Launchpad.

"That reminds me, the boys wanted to see you. I'll have Duckworth go and get them. And wee Webby too…" he told the pilot, looking past Darkwing and over to Duckworth, who was still at the door. "Duckworth, would you go and get the boys? And have Webby come along too. They've missed Launchpad."

Duckworth bowed and was gone a moment later. Just then, the sound of a door opening reached their ears and they all turned to the right side of the room, where Darkwing realized there was a door. Darkwing blinked at the duck who walked through it.

"Oh, Mr. McDuck! Here's the numbers you wanted-" Silence filled the room for a moment as Fenton Crackshell stopped dead in his tracks, blinking at Darkwing and Gosalyn. "Oh…"

"Aye, Fenton. Very good. Just put them on my desk and I'll see to them later" sighed Scrooge in a bored voice as he glanced over his shoulder to look at the other duck.

Fenton's initial shock wore off and he smiled at Launchpad. "Launchpad, good too see you!" he walked up to the tall pilot, shaking his hand.

Launchpad returned the favor by shaking his hand a little too roughly, making Fenton nearly lose his balance. "Hey, Fenton! Good to see you too! How's things with ol' Gyro?"

After recovering from Launchpad's handshake and rubbing the hand that had been shaken, Fenton replied. "Oh, he's fine. Still up to the old mischief!"

Scrooge sighed, seemingly irritated as he stood there, leaning slightly on his cane. "Ugh, Fenton….I think now would best be a good time for you to leave."

Fenton ignored him though, brushing off his comment with a shrug as he walked up to Darkwing. Darkwing gave Fenton an incredulous look as Fenton eagerly shook his hand. "Hello, Darkwing! Nice to see you again!"

Darkwing blinked at him, removing his hand from the other's shake. "Have we met!" It was stupid question to ask, since the two of them had met while Fenton had stayed with them several months back. But what he didn't understand was that how did Fenton know it was him! He had been Drake Mallard when he was around Fenton.

Seeing his mistake, Fenton faltered, beginning to stammer. "I-I…I…mean…." he laughed nervously. "It's nice to meet you!"

Darkwing gave Fenton a suspicious look. "Nice to meet you too…" said Darkwing uncertainly. Launchpad gave Darkwing a questioning look in which Darkwing just shrugged his shoulders in reply.

The door behind Darkwing and Gosalyn opened up and the crime fighter had just enough time to move before three identical male ducklings ran in and over to Launchpad.

"LAUNCHPAD!" all three of them cried in unison. Launchpad was tackled with hugs as they jumped all over him.

"Hey boys, it's great to see you too!" he told them. He snatched Huey, who was on his shoulder. Darkwing, having never seen them before, noted that they all wore the same outfit, although different colors. Huey, the one Launchpad was currently holding was wearing red. "Hey, Huey, how have you been!"

"Been practicing on my curve ball!" he informed the pilot.

"Great!" encouraged Launchpad. He set Huey down on the floor and grabbed Dewey and Louie at the same time, holding one under each arm. Both boys laughed at the way they were being held. Darkwing noted that one was wearing green and the other blue. "And how about you two?"

"Oh, the usual…" said Louie with a sneaky grin. He looked across Launchpad's chest to look at Dewey. "Right?"

Dewey wore the same sneaky grin. "Oh, yes. Up to the same old trouble."

"You can say that again, laddies!" piped up Scrooge as Launchpad set them both on the floor. "They're a handful" he said to Darkwing. Darkwing nodded.

"I can imagine. And I thought 'I' had it bad. I just have one trouble maker…" he looked down at Gosalyn.

"Oh, yes. Boys, this is Gosalyn Mallard" Scrooge introduced them to her. He looked around the group. "Gosalyn, this is Huey, Dewey, and Louie." He had pointed at each duckling with the respectful names. "Where's wee Webby?"

"Right here, Unca Scrooge" said the small petite voice of Webby as she squeezed herself past Darkwing and into the group of ducks in the room. Gosalyn gawked at Webby, taking in the pink frilly dress and bow she wore and nearly gagged. Darkwing noticed this and smiled. Without hesitation, the little duckling walked up to Launchpad and allowed the pilot to pick her up and give her a hug. Launchpad tickled her, making her giggle.

"Gee, Launchpad, I had no idea you had so many friends!" said Gosalyn, impressed by the affection her pilot friend was receiving. Darkwing nodded.

"Yeah, LP, I had no idea…" mused Darkwing.

"Aww, shucks." chuckled Launchpad, embarrassed. "Well, these guys were like my family before I met you guys!"

Darkwing nodded slowly, silently watching as the boys continued to ask Launchpad questions. Sighing, Darkwing knew this was for the best. He knew Launchpad would be safe with Scrooge and the boys and it was apparent that he was very well liked here. He felt guilty, still, that Negaduck had thrown him into the mess, threatening to murder him in that note. But Darkwing refused to take any chances, he didn't want Launchpad to get hurt. He looked down at Gosalyn, who was talking to Huey. He didn't want Gosalyn to get hurt either. That was why it would be best if the two of them stayed in Duckberg. Gosalyn was still upset about the idea, but perhaps now that she knew the boys she would be a little more willing to stay. How he hoped so.

Scrooge was the one who broke the merry moment by clearing his throat and tapping his cane hard on the floor three distinct times. Darkwing was impressed with how obediently Huey, Dewey, and Louie silenced themselves.

"Now that we've all seen each other…It's time for business." He turned to Darkwing, his expression cold and serious. "I take it you are willing to accept my offer?"

Darkwing nodded. "We wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

Scrooge nodded. "Hmmm….Launchpad thinks very highly of you, but I have yet to see anything worth taking notice. You are, after all, the reason he's IN this mess." Launchpad started at this. "Now, Mr. McDee, that isn't fair!"

Scrooge, his back to the pilot, raised his cane to silence him, his eyes never leaving the vigilante. "You go about your ways, looking for trouble-"

"Protecting the innocent citizens of St. Canard by super villains and criminals alike!" sneered Darkwing in retaliation.

"Be that as it may, laddie, but you still put others in danger. Such as Launchpad and…as I understand it….your own wee lass…." he glanced down at Gosalyn. Darkwing went pale, his face scrunched up in fury.

"Ugh, for the record, Mr. McDee, I willingly go along with DW on patrol…" Launchpad pointed out.

"I'm very aware of that, Launchpad" sighed Scrooge, offhandedly.

"Look, I know why you don't like me. It's because you think I'm a reckless fool who gets into trouble. And that's fine. I know I'm putting Launchpad at risk by letting him be my sidekick and I'm sorry about that. But he's my best friend too, you know. He's the kind of guy who would do anything for his pals. And I'm sorry I ever got him mixed up in all this. And that's why I've brought him here. Because…" Darkwing looked down shamefully at the floor, his fedora hat covering his face. "Because….you'll be able to keep him safe in a way I've never been able to. Same goes for Gosalyn…" he took a hand and gently grabbed her arm. Launchpad looked at Darkwing as though he was about to cry.

Scrooge nodded, stepping closer to Darkwing and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Do not worry, m'boy. I will keep your loved ones safe." Darkwing just gave a weak smile. Leaning in closer, Scrooge added, "But this doesn't mean I like you."

Darkwing shrugged. "Eh, I know. It's mutual, I assure you." Scrooge seemed impassive of his comment and turned away; used to being disliked.

"Umm…." mumbled Fenton, standing close to Darkwing and fiddling with his fingers. Darkwing gave him an odd look, wondering why the other duck looked so nervous. "Perhaps….it wouldn't be a bad idea to send Gizmoduck over to St. Canard…. You know, to help out."

Darkwing's eyes immediately widened and his whole body went tense. "NO!" Everyone stared at him. "Er…I mean, no. No…That…That won't be necessary…hehe…" he chuckled nervously, pulling on his teal colored collar. "I can handle things."

Fenton seemed upset about this. "B-But you might need his help!" he insisted. Gosalyn was about to open her mouth when Darkwing stopped her. "No…That's….okay. I'll be fine. Really."

Fenton, put out, crossed his arms. "Well, if you change you're mind, I'm sure he won't mind to come over and help out."

Darkwing sighed resolutely. He turned to Gosalyn, looking down at her sadly. "Well, I guess this means goodbye, sweetheart…"

"Oh, dad! Don't get all mushy in front of everyone!" she groaned. He managed to get a kiss on her forehead before she pulled away. She walked over to Huey, who looked at her with a look of interest. "You like to play baseball?" he asked her.

"You bet!" she grinned.

Darkwing nodded, knowing she would get along with them just fine. He looked back at Scrooge. "Thank you…"

"Anytime, laddie. You're more than welcome to stay for a pot of tea. Mrs. Beakley makes a mean stew too."

Darkwing nodded and followed along with everyone as they headed out of the room, knowing that Launchpad and Gosalyn would be safe with Scrooge and the boys. Now he just hoped he would be able to keep St. Canard just as safe from Negaduck's wrath.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Author's Note: Finally, this chapter has been completed and posted. I am sorry if there are any typos and such. I tried to get them all out, but this was such a tricky chapter for me, I probably missed some. The most tricky part of this chapter for me was writing Scrooge. I worked so hard to keep him as in character as possible. Along with Fenton. He gave me some problems as well.

Liquidator and Bushroot were supposed to be in this chapter more, but this chapter is already long enough as it is, but I did give you a nice cliffhanger involving them at the start of the chapter. I really hope you all enjoyed this. Let me know what you think! -EricaX