Beginnings and Endings
Chapter 9
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The wind whipped through the evening air as darkening clouds slowly rolled closer and closer to St. Canard. Thunder could be heard in the distance as the storm drew closer.
Yet the weather was one of the last things on the minds of the heroes as they continued sitting there after the terrifying events that had just taken place.
Bushroot, though unhappy that he had to use violence like that, was happy to see that Darkwing seemed a lot more like himself. He turned to his companions and ushered them away from the emotional and private scene that was starting to unfold before them.
Quackerjack brought out Mr. Banana Brain and had the doll say, "All in a day's work, Kurt!"
Megavolt flexed his fingers and stretched his arms while ignoring a yawn. "I need a recharge. I'm still recovering from when Likky crashed into me."
Liquidator, having heard the comment, raised his ears. "Consumer reports say that paying close attention to one's surroundings gains the best level of readiness."
Megavolt frowned at him. "I'm not even going to pretend to know what you just said."
"I meant, you shouldn't have been standing in my way!" he gurgled as he wrapped an arm around Bushroot's slim shoulders. The four of them were slowly making their way across the bridge and back into the city.
Megavolt growled. "You should have been watching where you were going!"
Liquidator huffed and said, "Details."
"At least he's not as bad as taking four days to talk to a cell phone you ended up not even liking!" jabbed Quackerjack.
"What?" squeaked Bushroot in confusion.
Megavolt began to pout at the reminder of the failed plan to save cell phones. "I don't want to talk about it" he muttered.
"Yes, but viewers who were not able to catch that showing would like to know what was missed!" encouraged the liquid canine.
The rest of their trip back to the city involved a reluctant Megavolt sharing the story about how he wasted four days on SIRI and she didn't even like Quackerjack.
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While the Fearsome Four happily chattered and bickered with each other as they left, Darkwing continued to hide his face in the warm and safe arms of Launchpad, who still held him close as they sat on the pavement.
Morgana watched the Fearsome Four leave, making a mental note to thank them for their efforts at another time.
She nervously wrung her hands together as she tried to think of what more to say. It was clear that even though Darkwing's emotions were back and the effects were clearly gone since he was still sobbing wretchedly, there was still a long way to go in the healing process. For all of them.
"Dark, its important that you think of the feelings your feeling now and embrace them" she began. "I highly doubt this would happen, but just to be on the safe side, we don't want the potion kicking back in for any reason if you try to ignore or suppress what you're feeling inside right now."
Darkwing shook his head. "No...No chance of that happening..." sniffled Darkwing between breaths. "I know what I'm capable of doing without them and I'm not about to become that again..."
Launchpad patted his friend on the back. "It's good to have you back, DW."
Instead of making Darkwing feel comforted, it seemed to only make him feel worse, for the masked mallard curled himself further into Launchpad and whimpered pathetically.
"Try not to blame yourself too much, Dark. You've been through so much the last few days. No one would have been able to think clearly after drinking that potion. It turned into that" explained Morgana. She walked over and grabbed Darkwing's fedora hat which had blown off earlier in the wind.
"No..."argued Darkwing. "I don't believe that. That potion didn't change me into anything. It just showed me in a new light. That was all stuff that was already buried in my mind. All that potion did was make it easier for me to say and act how I really wanted to deep down."
Launchpad started at that, his eyes going wide. "No! I refuse to believe that, DW! You're nothing like that! You haven't been yourself this whole time!"
Darkwing groaned as he finally pushed himself to sit up more, looking up into his sidekick's eyes. It was then that Launchpad noticed Darkwing's eyes. They were no longer the dark cold black eyes that reminded him so much of Negaduck. They were back to being a dark blue, light and a faint amount of hope shining in them like they used to.
Darkwing groaned and looked away. "Oh, LP...I have no idea where to even begin apologizing to you..."
Launchpad smiled and wiped away the last stray tear that had developed in his eyes. He had always been a softie for situations like this. "Don't worry about it, DW!" he told the mallard cheerfully. "Like I said, that wasn't you! You didn't do those things in your own right mind and I know you're sorry. I'm just glad you're back to normal!"
Darkwing snorted. "I wouldn't go as far as saying 'normal'..."
Morgana looked around at their surroundings. She seemed to be the only one who was aware they were still in the middle of the Audoben Bay Bridge. "Perhaps we should move this to somewhere more private?" she suggested.
Launchpad and Darkwing looked up at her and nodded.
Uncertainly, seeing as how Darkwing refused to let him go, Launchpad stood up. When it was obvious that Darkwing wasn't about to let him go, he lifted the shorter mallard up into his arms and carried him.
Darkwing squawked in mild indignation as he looked down at the ground, but otherwise said nothing. Instead his arms just instinctively wrapped around the pilot's neck.
It felt strange to Launchpad to be holding Darkwing even though it was not the first time he's had to. But since the shorter mallard was so uncomfortable about his height, Launchpad had learned that the masked mallard had never liked it when he need to be picked up for any reason. Though, he supposed this case was an exception, for Darkwing wasn't fussing in the slightest. Though there was a faint blush on his face as they looked over to Morgana.
The witch smiled at the scene before them, amused at how Darkwing's cape still hung low and moved in the wind.
"Where we headed?" voiced Launchpad in question.
Morgana glanced up at the Tower. "Perhaps the Tower would be the best place. Your hideout is still up there, right?"
Darkwing nodded as he wiped the last of his tears away. "I thankfully didn't do anything up there..." he spoke quietly.
Launchpad opened his beak to say something, but chose not to. He knew eventually they would have to talk about the burnt remains of their house on Avian Way, but he figured now was not the time. Instead, he chose to focus on getting them up to the Tower.
The three of them quickly made haste in getting up to the Tower and once they were in the same refines of the hideout, they knew they could speak in peace without being seen or listened to.
Launchpad stood there, Darkwing still in his arms, in front of the Thunderquack. Morgana nervously rubbed at her arm, not knowing how to proceed. The last time she had been there she was saying goodbye to the both of them and now that everything was supposedly over, she didn't know what to do with herself.
Darkwing groaned as he momentarily hid his face into the crease of Launchpad's neck before he began to pull himself away from the pilot. "Okay, you can put me down now..."
Launchpad seemed reluctant to but he did as he was told. Once his webbed feet were back on the ground, he took a few steps back from the both of them and twiddled his thumbs nervously in his hands.
The once blank face that Launchpad had sadly grown accustomed to the last few days was now lined with worry, self-hatred, and anxiety. Fresh tears were clearly threatening to fall from his eyes, though his purple mask seem to keep most of them from falling.
"L-Look..." he began quietly, not meeting either of their gazes. "I just...want to say sorry...to the both of you...for...How I've acted lately..."
Morgana just gave him a sympathetic smile when Launchpad looked like he was ready to tackle the mallard in a giant bear hug. "Dark, it was natural of you to act the way you did. I never should have told you guys about that potion. If I had ANY idea that you would have wanted to use it-Or if you had had a reason to use it-"
Darkwing raised a hand to keep her from talking. "There was no way you could have known about any of this, Morg. So, don't go blaming yourself."
Morgana opened her mouth to speak but she ended up not saying anything. She knew it was useless to argue; Darkwing was going to blame himself regardless. She knew how stubborn he could be.
Instead, after a pause, she said instead, "Well, I think I'm gonna head back to my family. I kinda left last minute and they're probably wondering where I am..."
Darkwing turned to her and to everyone's surprise he took her hand and kissed it. "Thanks for helping us out tonight, Morgana."
Morgana smiled, her heart melting at the sentiment. "Anything for you, Dark darling." She handed Darkwing his hat as she wished them farewell and with a puff of smoke, she was gone.
Darkwing took in a deep breath and turned back to Launchpad; looking up at him with guilt.
"Launchpad, I am...SO sorry..."
Launchpad just stood there and waited for what he knew was to come.
Tears once again blurred Darkwing's vision. "I...I burned down the house...and all your stuff with it...I threw your feelings for me back in your face...I treated you like crap...I have...no idea you're able to even be in the same room as me right me. I would be...so livid..."
Launchpad simply smiled his big goofy smile that he was known for. "Gee, DW, when you put it like that...I almost think I SHOULD be angry" he said lightheartedly.
Darkwing flinched at his words, clearly not catching the pilot's joking tone.
Seeing this, Launchpad backpedaled. "Woah, easy there, DW! I was kidding!"
Darkwing wrapped his arms around himself, looking away.
There was a tense silence that filled the space between them, neither knowing what to do or say. Launchpad eventually broke the silence by asking, "What was it like?"
"Hmm?"
"What was it like...not having any emotions?"
Darkwing gave him a surprised look before thinking it over and saying, "It felt like...It kinda felt like I was on auto pilot. It was like...I was living my life but...I was incapable of really...reacting to anything. Nothing that anybody said or did fazed me. It was as though I was watching my life through a television set and I couldn't change the channel or change the volume. Everything just happened around me and I found myself repsonding without really thinking. If that makes sense?"
Launchpad nodded slowly. "I think I get it."
"And it seemed like the numbing auto pilot feeling just got worse whenever things like Gosalyn was brought up. Anything that would normally get me worked up, just made me feel numb..." he trailed off before adding, "Except when it came to you."
Launchpad blinked down at his friend. "Me?"
Darkwing nodded. " Yeah. For example, when you said you were leaving for Duckberg...Instead of the numb feeling...I was screaming on the inside for you to stay, but I couldn't get my my mouth to say so. It was like the potion was fighting with me on a constant basis whenever anything like that happened with you."
Launchpad could feel his cheeks beginning to burn and he knew he was blushing. He looked down at his feet shyly as he started fiddling with his scarf. "Any clue as to why?"
"Why it was you?"
Launchpad nodded, not wanting to validate his question verbally.
"I would think that was obvious, LP" replied Darkwing gently.
Launchpad looked up to see the masked mallard smiling affectionately at him. "You're my best friend."
A shiver ran down Launchpad's spine as his beak formed into a frown. He wasn't entirely sure why that answer bothered him so much. "O-oh...Right. Friends..."
Darkwing stepped forward and took Launchpad by the hand, guiding him over to the library section of the Tower where there was a couch in front of the spare television he had brought up there for Gosalyn to watch TV whenever she had insisted on being up there with him on the late night weekends.
The vigilante gestured for Launchpad to sit down and he was soon to follow, sitting next to the pilot.
"Look, LP...I...Really don't know how to feel about...y-you know..." he muttered nervously.
Launchpad began to nod but then quickly shook his head. "Uh...No. Actually, I'm not all that sure what you mean. We've kinda been hopping from subject to subject, and rankly, its been hard for me to keep up after all that's been going on the last few days."
Darkwing face palmed and found himself chuckling at his friend's confusion. "About your feelings for me, you block head!"
Launchpad's expression brightened and he blushed further at his mistake. "Oh, heh heh! Right!"
Darkwing's smile faltered as the subject turned serious again. He played with a stray string that was sticking out of the couch's cushion. "Like I said, I really...don't know what to think about it all...I'm...flattered that you like me that much, LP. You're such a great friend...A little bit of an oddball with more than a few screws loose, but...I couldn't have ever asked for a better sidekick...or a better friend...than you. And...While I can't...imagine my life without you...I still don't know if I can say I return your feelings."
Launchpad nodded solemnly. "That's okay, DW. I just found out how I felt about you, so I'm still trying to sort it all out myself to be honest."
Darkwing nodded, scratching the back of his neck. "If earlier taught me anything though..." continued the masked mallard. He inched his way closer to Launchpad and rested against the larger duck's arm. "It's that I can't stand the thought of losing you..." His voice suddenly broke and he hid his face in Launchpad's arm. He took his free hand that wasn't pressed against the couch and grabbed onto the front of the pilot's shirt. When he spoke again Launchpad could hear his tears. "I already lost my baby girl blue...And that thought still haunts me...And I don't think I'll ever recover from losing my baby...But...I at least have you to help me...And tonight...I realized what it would be like if you weren't around anymore...and...and-"
Darkwing wasn't able to continue as his sobs grew to strong to form words. Soon Launchpad was able to feel a wetness on his arm and the pilot was shocked to realize it was Darkwing's tears.
Launchpad didn't say anything. He knew Darkwing needed this time to grieve. It was amazing to think that just five days ago everything was how it used to be. Gosalyn was still around and they were living there lives as though nothing could ever effect them. It had been such a whirlwind that the pilot felt as though it wasn't actually happening. Gosalyn was just on a school trip for the week. She would be back. But no. That wasn't the case at all.
After a while Launchpad finally said, "Don't worry, DW. I'm not going anywhere. You'll always have me..."
Neither of them were sure how long they stayed curled up next to each other on the couch, but at some point both of them had fallen asleep. As the night wore on and they both woke up, they spoke about their next steps and what they would have to do.
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The next morning it became abundantly clear that Darkwing was not about to let Launchpad out of his sight any time soon. He stayed near the pilot, only leaving him be whenever it was necessary. The two of them changed; Darkwing having known where a spare set of Launchpad's clothes were in one of the many closets in the place. Darkwing changed out of his masked mallard costume, opting to change into his other persona, Drake Mallard.
His customary pink shirt and green vest no longer appealed to Drake, so he found himself a blue t-shirt and a grey long sleeved cardigan with brown buttons to wear instead. He felt it was time for a change in his wardrobe. That was another downfall to everything that had happened. Everything reminded him of either Gosalyn or how poorly he'd acted under the influence of the potion.
It was beginning to drive him a bit stir crazy. Launchpad had noticed how bothered Drake was with everything when he had caught the other mallard staring out one of the many large windows of the Tower and surveying the city below. He could hear Drake muttering to himself; though he couldn't make out any of what he was saying. Years of experience had taught Launchpad to know the signs of when something was truly bothering Drake. Everything always festered underneath the surface and Drake was always the type of person to hide it all; bottle it all up.
There was also still so much the two of them needed to discuss. However, visiting Avian Way, or more specifically, the Muddlefoots, was their first plan of action for the new day before them.
Sadly, they were forced to walk since the tunnels to Avian Way were now sealed up. Drake figured that was a bit of a blessing in disguise, for even before he took the potion, he'd known he wouldn't be able to live at that house anymore. Sure, burning the house down was not what he had planned, but at least now he didn't have to worry about selling the house or explaining why the two thick pieces of concrete were in the ground.
Drake whimpered as the two of them walked side by side down the familiar suburb; making a turn onto their street. Though the air was warm, Drake found himself pulling his cardigan closer to him. Once his eyes landed on the burnt remains of his old house, he found himself choking back a sob.
"You know, I gotta say..." started Launchpad. "Out of all the things I wished you hadn't burned...I really wish you hadn't burnt my comic book collection. You know, I had some pretty rare Squirrel Hero comics that can't be found in stores or online anymore..."
Drake shot the pilot an annoyed look. "I'm sorry, okay!"
Launchpad shrugged. "Not to mention my baseball card collection..."
Drake's shoulders sagged.
"Or my favorite scarf..."
Drake hid his face in his hands as they got closer to the burnt house.
"Or my-"
Drake acted completely out of frustration as he grabbed onto the pilot's sleeve and pulled himself upwards, practically climbing up the taller duck until he was face to face with him and placed a quick kiss on Launchpad's cheek. That silenced the pilot instantly.
"There! My way of saying I'm sorry!" cried out Drake as he jumped off the pilot and took a step back.
Launchpad had stopped dead in his tracks, unsure if the kiss had actually happened or if he had imagined it. Slowly, he brought a hand up to touch the spot where Drake had just kissed him, his eyes staring wide out before him.
It seemed to dawn on Drake that he had just kissed his best friend; albeit, on the cheek, but kissed him regardless. Launchpad was currently red as a tomato while Drake felt himself blushing slightly as well.
It had been complete impulse. He knew he had destroyed a lot of Launchpad's personal belongings and the part that terrified him and startled him the most was that was the most instinctive action on how to make up for it.
"You-You-" squeaked Launchpad, his tongue getting twisted as he tried to get out words.
Drake looked down at his feet awkwardly. "...Yeah."
After a moment, Drake grabbed him by the hand and started dragging him the rest of the way to the Muddlefoots. "Come, we have things to do."
Launchpad nodded faintly, not able to bring himself to form words. Drake had kissed him; the action on loop over and over in his mind. The pilot felt his heart bursting with happiness at the tiny impulsive action. In the back of his mind he knew Drake had said he had no idea what he felt towards the pilot, but this was surely a sign for the best, right? Oh, how the pilot hoped so!
Launchpad had managed to come down from his euphoria just before they reached the front door to the Muddlefoots. The smell of smoke was still thick in the air and Drake suddenly felt bad for the neighborhood. He hadn't even given any of his other neighbors a thought.
Drake winced and knocked on his head three times before he started knocking on the actual front door; he really didn't want to do this but he knew he had to.
He could hear Binkie exclaim in shock that someone was at the door and that she would get it. Seconds later, the door opened and Binkie gave a squeak of shock to find Drake and Launchpad standing on the other side.
"Oh!" she gasped, placing a hand on her chest. "Drake! Launchpad! We didn't expect to see you two here! What a pleasant surprise! Uh...Come on in!"
She moved aside, keeping the door open for them, and allowed them to enter. Drake was sure not to make eye contact, instead choosing to slink his way through the threshold. Launchpad however, managed to smile at the canary.
Binkie shut the door once they were inside. "Oh, Herb! Herb?" she called through the house in her chipper high pitched voice.
Drake nervously wrapped his arms around himself as he stood in the front foyer of the Muddlefoots' house. He just wanted to get this over with. Launchpad patted him on the back as a reassurance.
"Eh? Binkie? You say somethin'?" came Herb's boisterous voice from the kitchen.
"Yes, dear! Drake and Launchpad just came over!" she called back.
They could distinctly hear the door to the fridge shut with a clinking sound and a moment later, the large form of Herb Muddlefoot could be seen at the entrance to the living room. "Drake? Surprised you showed up here." In his hands was a large sandwich which looked to have every kind of meat and condiment of it. It was a good three inches thick.
Drake chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Heh, heh. Yeah...Um...Well-"
"Not here to insult us some more, are ya?" accused the large duck before taking a large bite out of his sandwich.
Drake went to reply, but Binkie beat him to it. "Oh, now, Herb, dear, be nice! We talked about this! Drake probably just said those things because he was hurting! He lost his dear sweet Gosalyn, after all! Isn't that right, dear?" She turned expectantly to Drake to confirm her theory.
Drake looked up at her with guilt filling his eyes. He slowly nodded. "Yeah...And that's why I came over here...Look, I just wanted to say...How sorry I am for all I said to you guys...I wasn't..." He looked up to Launchpad as though for support. "...I wasn't in my...right mind...You could say..."
Binkie beamed at his words and walked over to him and gave him a hug. "Oh, it's fine, sweetheart. I said that from the beginning, didn't I Herb?"
Now that her husband had happily gulped down his sandwich within seconds, he seemed to be in a much better and understanding mood. He gulped down the last of his sandwich with a nod. "Yep, you sure did, Binkie! I guess I shoulda known better..."
"Mom? Did I hear you say we had company?" came Honker's nasally voice. The young boy could be seen walking down the steps; most likely having been in his room studying. Honker looked a lot better than the last time Launchpad had seen him, but it was clear the young duck was still depressed.
Once Honker saw Launchpad and Drake standing in their living room, his eyes widened and he walked over to them. "Mr. Mallard! Launchpad! What are you two doing here?"
The moment Drake's eyes set on Honker his eyes filled with tears. Before he could comprehend what he was doing, Drake had scooped the young duck up into his arms and was giving him a hug. "Honker...I'm sorry..."
Taken aback by Drake's complete attitude change from the last time he'd seen him, Honker could only awkwardly pat him on the pat. "Oh, its fine, sir. Launchpad told me all about what had happened." This was spoken quietly so not to gain suspicion from his parents.
Drake nodded and let the duckling go, moving him out to arm's reach and giving him a wan smile.
"It's good to have you back, Mr. Mallard" whispered Honker softly.
Drake patted Honker on the shoulder before standing up straighter and looking back to his parents who were still in the room with them.
"So, Drakarooni...Feeling better?" came Herb's question.
Drake paused at the question, not entirely sure how to answer it. He ended up shrugging his shoulders. "I don't know. I guess so" he sighed. "I wasn't...really myself there for a while..."
"Boy, I'll say!" boomed Herb.
'Give him an inch...' thought Drake as Herb began ranting off.
"You were so cold and distant the other day, Drake...I tell ya, I've never seen anything like it. We had even brought you over flowers and everything!"
Drake grimaced, recalling his reaction to the flowers. "Yeah, thanks for those, by the way."
Herb nodded almost sagely. "Well, then your house went and burned to the ground."
Drake stiffened at the mention of his old house and Launchpad cleared his throat to gain his attention. He looked up at the pilot who was giving him a knowing look. Drake just furrowed his brow at him, not understanding. He faintly noted that Herb was still speaking.
"I mean-You just can't catch a break, can ya, Drake? First you lose Gosalyn, then your house catches on fire! Did the firemen ever say what caused it?"
It was then that Drake understood Launchpad's knowing look. It appeared the taller duck had been privy to the real reason the house had burned. He figured he shouldn't be surprised that Launchpad didn't tell the Muddlefoots the truth, but after all he'd put Launchpad through, he could honestly say he wouldn't have blamed Launchpad for ratting him out.
"Oh...Uh, no. They still haven't determined that..." he mumbled.
"Shame" sighed Herb. "So, what are your plans now? Thinkin' of just rebuildin' or-"
"No" Drake cut him off. "I'm not rebuilding..."
Binkie flattened the apron around her waist and chirped, "Oh? Then are you moving?"
Drake turned to Launchpad, who shrugged his shoulders. Neither of them had brought up the topic of their current lack of a home. They had lucked out with having a place to crash at the Tower, but now that Bushroot had gone and opened his beak to the other Fearsome Four members, Drake wasn't so sure that was a safe place to have his hideout anymore.
Drake inhaled deeply for letting it all out. Just another problem to add to the growing list.
"I don't know yet. Launchpad and I have a lot to figure out, still. We don't really have a place to stay anymore..." he admitted.
"Where have you been staying then, if you don't mind my asking, sir" piped up Honker.
Drake gave the young duckling a glance before turning back to his parents. "Here and there...With...other friends...?" His answer came out more as a question.
"You have other friends!?" gasped Herb, sounding more hurt than anything at the idea that Drake hung out with anyone other than themselves.
Drake made a face and closed his eyes, trying his best to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. "Yes, Herb, I have other friends beside you and Binkie..." A lie. Unless he counted the The Justice Ducks, or the Fearsome Four or his ex-girlfriend Morgana. It suddenly became apparent just how little Drake got out when he wasn't crime fighting.
"Hmm...You never seemed the type to have friends...Maybe Launchpad here" replied Herb, patting the pilot on the shoulder. Launchpad laughed nervously at the obvious insult he was giving Drake. "But not you..."
Drake scowled. "Gee, thanks, Herb. You're so kind" he spat through gritted teeth.
"Aww, be nice to him, Herb" interjected Launchpad. "DW-er, Drake is just a private person. He likes his space." He then added on. "Not just anybody gets to hang out with him."
Drake gave his friend a narrowed look but said nothing. Instead, he changed the topic. "Anyways, Launchpad and I haven't really discussed living arrangements yet, but most likely we won't be staying here on Avian Way."
"We'll be sorry to see you go, sir" sighed Honker.
"What's all the fuss" came the deep growling voice of Tank. The young youth stepped into the living room, looking around to see what all was happening. Once his eyes landed on Drake, his scowl deepened. "O, its you again. Come back to insult us some more!?"
Drake looked away, knowing perfectly well how he had railed into Tank and his parents the last time. "No. I'm here to apologize, actually."
This seemed to deflate Tank's angry mood and suddenly the heavy set kid didn't know how to respond. "Oh, uh..."
"Tank dear, why don't you and Honker go outside and play?" suggested Binkie pragmatically.
Tank groaned while Honker looked like he wanted to go live under a rock.
"I need to get back to my homework" mumbled Honker before scampering away to his bedroom upstairs.
"Ugh, yeah, and I'm gonna go play with some of the other kids outside" grumbled Tank.
Though it wasn't what Binkie had suggested, it still got the kids out of the room.
Binkie, clearly having had an ulterior motive, turned to Drake and Launchpad in an almost determined nature. "So, you keep mentioning the words, 'we' whenever you talk about your future plans...Does that mean you and Launchpad are...?"
Drake felt himself blushing while Launchpad cocked his head to the side, clearly lost. "Are we what?"
Drake face palmed. "Uh...Actually, Binkie...Launchpad and I are...um...Still working that out. We're...not anything...yet. I um...I don't really know yet how I feel about it..."
Launchpad looked at Drake in confusion. "We're working what out?"
Drake ignored his confused friend. "That's...something else we need to figure out. All I know is, the both of us need a place to stay and I figure we might as well find a place together...As house mates...if anything..."
"Huh?" grunted Launchpad. "House mates? But we've always been house mates. Since we met, pretty much!"
Drake sighed. "Try not to think too hard, LP. You'll hurt yourself."
Launchpad just continued staring at him in confusion.
"Oh, you poor dears!" gushed Binkie. "So much heart break in such a short amount of time! No wonder you were lashing out at us the other day!"
Drake rolled his eyes. "You have no idea..."
It was as though a light bulb went off in Launchpad's mind. "Oh! Hey, DW-errr-Drake!"
Drake turned to him with raised eyebrows.
"You know, I was thinkin'...If we need a place to stay...We could always head to my old stomping grounds in Duckberg..." he offered with a fond smile. "I mean, that's where I went for a short bit during this whole mess."
Drake frowned and thought about the idea of leaving St. Canard. He had never left the city before; St. Canard had always been his home. And while everything around him in the city reminded him of Gosalyn and all the pain he felt, he couldn't bring himself to say that he was ready to leave it all behind either.
Drake ran a trembling hand through the feathers on the top of his head; gently scratching them at the same time. "We'll talk about that later, LP" was all he said.
Sensing to drop the subject, Launchpad said no more.
The short mallard turned his attention back on Herb and Binkie. "Well, thank you both for understanding. I am...again...sorry for the way I treated you all the other day. I'm just...This has just been all a little too much for me and I took it out on your guys when I had no right to."
Herb nodded, licking his fingers from the sandwich he clearly wished he still had. "Well, we appreciate the apology there, Drakey."
"Oh, yes!" agreed Binkie cheerily.
Satisfied with their responses, Drake turned on his heel. "Well, come on LP, we have a lot to do today."
"Oh, Drake dear! Just remember, if you ever need anything, we're here for you!" Binkie briskly added on.
Drake nodded and gave her a wan smile of appreciation before grabbing the handle to the front door and opening it with a swing of his arm. Launchpad was soon to follow and before either knew it they were in the warm sunlight outside once again.
The two of them headed back in the direction that they had came, both walking side by side. It wasn't until they had reached the other side of their burnt house did Launchpad realize that Drake was no longer walking with him. He stumbled in his footing as he backpedaled and turned around. What he saw before him nearly made his heart break once more.
Drake was standing in the remains of their front yard, staring bereft at the charred wooden beams that once stood as their front door. Out of the corner of his eye, Drake saw that Launchpad had turned to look at him. He wiped away some of the tears that were beginning to form. "Sorry, LP...I just...I need to say goodbye before we leave..." His voice was weak and filled with emotion.
Launchpad nodded, walking over to stand behind Drake.
The only sounds around them were the chirping of birds and someone mowing their lawn in the distance as Drake slowly began to cry. It was clear the shorter mallard was working hard to control himself but it seemed to be a losing battle.
Launchpad simply stood there, fighting back his own tears as he remembered all the good memories they had shared in that house. It was their home and now it was gone. He absently rubbed at Drake's shoulders, trying to calm himself and Drake at the same time.
After several long moments Drake managed to calm himself down enough to speak. "I had bought this house out of impulse..."
Launchpad leaned down a bit to hear the soft words his companion was saying. "Hmm?"
"I had bought this house completely out of impulse. I wasn't even sure if I would be able to adopt Gosalyn when I put an offer on this house...I didn't have too much money at the time since I've always been Darkwing Duck since right out of high school, pretty much. I had to get two loans in order to do it. That was around the same time I came to you and offered you to live with us. I had just picked up Gosalyn from the orphanage right before making the offer, but I had had this house picked out for several days before hand. But before I knew it, everything was being finalized and I was signing the final adoption papers for Gosalyn and the house papers pretty much at the same time..."
Drake sniffled and rubbed at his eyes. "I had heard that that Waddlemeyer had a granddaughter and I didn't even think twice to go and find her and take her into my care, for I knew people would be after her. She was annoying at first, but not for long. I instantly loved her. She was the first person to ever look at me with such adoration. She had such a strong spirit and she was so animated and excited to hear every little detail about me. I had never had that before. And I knew I had to adopt her. I couldn't imagine not having her as my own..."
Drake whimpered as his emotions began to overwhelm him. "And now I know adopting her was the most selfish thing I've ever done. I was never meant to be a father! I was wrapped up in the idea of being a good parent but I never was! Had it not been for me-she-she'd still -still-be-h-here!" He succumbed to his grief and began crying his heart out. Unabashedly, his tears fell down his cheeks as his beak trembled with heavy breaths as he sobbed.
Launchpad knelt down and wrapped his arms around Drake, who raised his arms and held onto Launchpad's.
"I-I drank that potion because I didn't-didn't want to feel like this-" confessed Drake between hiccups and sobs. "But I should have known it was inevitable. Now I've only gone and m-made things worse!"
"No one blames you, DW" hushed Launchpad, placing his chin on Drake's shoulder. He said this softly into the other duck's ear. "You didn't fully understand the potion when you drank it. You didn't fully know what it would do to you. You just heard that it would take away the pain and you jumped for it. You can't blame someone for that."
"I'm a coward, Launchpad!" cried out Drake. "That's what I am! I couldn't even deal with this myself like a normal person! I had to go and hide myself!"
Launchpad shook his head. "I refuse to believe that!"
Drake made a soft grunting noise and a slight watery chuckle. "You're a fool then, McQuack." It was odd hearing Drake use Launchpad's last name, but it was a phrase Launchpad was used to from his days back in Duckberg.
Speaking of Duckberg, a burning question was still on Launchpad's mind.
"So...uh...What exactly are we gonna do about our living arrangements? Did you want to try and find a place here in the city or...?" He left the question open for Drake to share his own thoughts. Frankly, the idea of returning to Duckberg sounded the best to him, but he wasn't about to complain if Drake wanted something else.
The change of subject seem to help Drake's mood as he managed to wipe away his tears and settle himself back down. "I...I can't stay here, I know that much. Maybe Duckberg is our best bet..."
Launchpad nodded, making sure to hide his excitement of being back in his hometown after all these years. He stood up straight after having been kneeling to support Drake and he had the shorter mallard turn to face him. "Great! Well, how's about we head over to my old place there-Mind you, the roof needs to be fixed-But it'd be a nice place for us to crash for a few days and figure out a better place to stay."
Drake found himself slowly nodded as he processed this plan. "Yeah...we could do that."
Launchpad had to keep himself from bouncing in place. It was then that a thought struck. "Hey, wait a minute! What about Darkwing Duck? And the Tower? Are we expected to just keep all that stuff in there?"
Drake closed his eyes and shuddered at the reminder of his alter ego, much to the pilot's surprise. "I can't believe I'm saying this...But...I honestly can't even fathom being Darkwing Duck right now..."
"What? Really?"
The grieving father nodded. "I really screwed up this time, LP...I not only hurt you, but I hurt everyone. I pissed off the whole police station...Made a fool of myself in the process. They'll never even think of truly trusting me again. I haven't even told you all that I did to Negaduck-"
"Uh oh...What did you do?" Launchpad nervously asked.
Drake winced. He had hoped to forget this part of the last few days. He suddenly looked as though he was going to cry again. He held back his tears with a loud sniffle. "LP...I did something awful...I took a knife and put it through Negaduck's hand...and it wasn't even out of self defence! It was just to prove a point! Then I ended up taking his gun and to piss him off I-" He gulped, nervous to continue. "I shot a police officer in the leg then proceeded to blame Negaduck for it!"
"DW!" cried the pilot in shock.
Drake looked away in shame. "Which is why I can't be Darkwing right now! I need-I need some time away from all this."
Launchpad nodded understandingly. "We can start over" he offered.
Drake nodded. "Yeah...start over..."
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Shortly after pulling themselves away from the house on Avian Way, the two of them hunted down the Volkswagen Darkwing had left at Hamburger Hippo several days prior in his emotionless state and made their way out of town.
Though beforehand Drake had been sure to go into the Tower and lock everything up. There had always been an emergency button where everything would get hidden away in secret chambers in case he would ever have to abandon the place in a hurry. The control room was now empty. The Thunderquack and Ratcatcher hidden away. All this books and belongings were hidden. It would be good enough for the time being. At least until Drake could come back and figure out what to do with everything. It kept things away from prying eyes.
It hadn't taken long at all for them to make their way into Duckberg, seeing as how it was the town next door. It was a completely different scenery than Drake was used to. The cold metallic and concrete walls and streets of St. Canard was nothing compared to open, quaint, sunny roads of Duckberg. Everything seemed so positive and sunny as compared to the city.
One of the first things Drake had commented on was how easier it was to breathe! Who knew what actual air smelled like when they weren't surrounded by fumes and smog!
Launchpad was, of course, driving, since he knew the area better than Drake. The only time the shorter mallard had ever been to Duckberg had been three years ago when he had left Launchpad and Gosalyn in the protective care of Scrooge McDuck when Negaduck had been threatening to kill the pilot. Drake wondered briefly in the back of his mind if he would be seeing the old duck again since Launchpad was a dear friend of his.
Before either of them knew it, both of them were standing in front of Launchpad's small shack, the little flag on the roof still lightly blowing in the wind.
"Modest" deadpanned Drake.
Launchpad shrugged. "Eh, make fun all ya want! This is our new home for the time being, so you might as well get used to it!"
Drake rolled his eyes as they headed inside. Once the door was opened, Launchpad gave a cry of shock and so did the person who was inside.
There was a loud commotion as the intruder fell off the ladder that was under the gaping hole in the roof.
After a moment, Launchpad shouted out, "Gyro! What are you doing here?"
Gyro, who had fallen off the ladder, stood and brushed himself off. "Oh, there you are, Launchpad!" he greeted happily.
Drake stared with wide eyes at the man in front of them. The man looked like an inventor just by looking at him. He watched as Gyro adjusted his small glasses and played with his suspenders.
Gyro cleared his throat before saying, "I was gonna help you fix your roof, remember?"
Launchpad blinked and bonked himself on the head with his hand. "Oh yeah! Sorry! I completely forgot!"
Drake cleared his throat.
Launchpad turned and chuckled. "Oh, sorry. DW! This here is my old friend, Gyro! He and I used to work for Mr. McDee!"
"Correction! I STILL works for Mr. McDuck!" Gyro offered his hand out to Drake. "Gyro Gearloose! At your service!"
"Drake Mallard" returned Drake.
"So, what brings you both here? Last I saw of you, Launchpad, you were being dragged off by bats!" chuckled the inventor.
Drake gave the pilot a raised eyebrow as Launchpad laughed nervously. "Oh, that. Those were friends of mine...And I was needed suddenly in St. Canard. But I'm back for good this time! And now I've got my friend DW-er-Drake with me! We're in the process of finding a new place to stay and we figured we'd stay here for the time being!"
Gyro nodded absently as he started climbing the ladder again with some nails and a hammer in hand. "Well, I'm just finishing up fixing your roof, so there's good timing with that."
"Aww, you didn't have to do that for me, Gyro" gushed Launchpad.
"No worries!" he shrugged. "Besides, I haven't exactly been doing this by myself. Fenton has been helping me."
"Fenton?" echoed Drake with dread. His memory suddenly reminded him of the annoying duck who had stayed with him for a short while and insisted on wearing his red robe everywhere.
As if on cue, the loud voice of Fenton Crackshell could be heard outside the door. "Here ya go, Gyro! Two small super fizzy fruity drinks for you and me!"
The duck in question walked through the door, wearing his usual garb minus his lavender jacket. The moment his eyes landed on Launchpad and Drake, he nearly dropped the drinks.
"Blathering Blatherskite!" he exclaimed in surprise. "Launchpad! When did you get here!?"
"Just now" answered Launchpad evenly.
Drake and Fenton then made eye contact and both of them hadn't a clue how to act. "Oh, this your friend Drake?" Of course Fenton recovered first.
Launchpad nodded. "Yeah! You remember my house mate from St. Canard! You stayed with us that one time!"
Fenton nodded, eyeing Drake up. "Yeah...So, what brings you two here?" He absently handed Gyro his drink, who had gotten down from the ladder to retrieve it.
"Eh..." mumbled Launchpad uncertainly. He glanced at Drake before saying, "It's a long story. But we're most likely gonna be staying in town and looking for a place to stay." He gestured to his little shack. "I mean, this place is great and all, but after living in our house in St. Canard, this is a little too small, if ya know what I mean!"
Fenton nodded. "So, you guys staying here for good? Like relocating and everything?"
Both Launchpad and Drake nodded.
Fenton thought this over for a minute before turning to Drake. "Say, that means you need a job, right?"
Drake nodded. "Yeah, I guess so." He said this warily since he wasn't sure where the other duck was taking it.
"Well, ol' Scroogey has been on my case for weeks now to help him find someone to replace the guy who's retiring from his Data Analysis position at the vault. You good with computers?"
Drake shrugged. "I know how they work and I can do basic stuff on them." He figured if he could work and handle the large super computer at the Tower, he could do some simply computer work.
"You good with numbers?" was Fenton's next question.
Drake nodded.
"Great! You're hired!" he beamed.
"What? Just like that?" gaped Drake.
Fenton shook his head with a laugh. "Haha, no! I wish, but sadly you'll have to get through ol' Scroogey's inspection before its official! But, hey, if you're willing to work for practically nothing, he'll hire you in a heart beat! That's pretty much his only requirment. That and no criminal record. I'm assuming you don't have one of those!"
Drake just stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. If only Fenton knew.
Drake cleared his throat. "I take it by 'Ol' Scroogey' you are referring to Scrooge McDuck?"
"Yep!" chirped Fenton happily before looking worried. "Uh, but please don't tell him I've been calling him 'Scroogey'! He hates it when I call him that in public!"
Drake raised an eyebrow at the accountant, wondering what he meant by 'public'. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Happy with that answer, Fenton nodded before taking a sip of his own drink.
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It had turned out that Gyro and Fenton had finished the roof, for the most part. This allowed Drake and Launchpad to stay there for the night. It had been an awkward affair when it was time for them to sleep, since Launchpad's bed consisted of a hammock. But due to their recent connection, both of them found it less strange and more comforting.
It had taken a while, but eventually Drake had fallen asleep with his head resting against Launchpad's chest. The pilot had been thrilled having Drake sleep next to him. It was a stark contrast from the last few days and he was ecstatic that Drake was clearly comfortable about the arrangement.
Though Drake had yet to give him a definitive answer on where he wanted to take their relationship, it seemed clear that Drake had no intentions of leaving Launchpad any time soon. That was good enough for him!
As promised, Fenton had arranged for Drake, and by extension, Launchpad, to meet up with Scrooge McDuck. The old duck had decided to meet at his mansion, since it was the weekend anyways.
Driving in the Volkswagen, Drake had to scream at Launchpad to hit the brakes before the pilot could crash into the fancy water fountain in front of the house. Though he knew Scrooge was probably more than used to Launchpad and his crashes and could more than afford the damage, that didn't mean he wanted to meet McDuck that way.
Stepping out of the car, they looked up at the large mansion in awe.
"Wow" breathed Drake. "You know, last time I wasn't able to really appreciate how beautiful this place is!"
Launchpad nodded happily, a large grin on his face. "I know, right? What a pad!"
The two of them walked up to the front doors, which were opened by Duckworth. Drake jumped slightly at the sudden appearance of the butler. "Good afternoon, gentlemen." greeted Duckworth.
Drake nodded politely while Launchpad shocked the butler by giving him a large side hug.
"Long time no see, Duckworth!" he laughed.
Once Duckworth was let go, his fixed his tie and straightened up again. "Always a pleasure, Mr. McQuack..." he sighed.
The two visitors stepped into the large foyer, both admiring the view.
Fenton's voice could suddenly be heard through the closed wooden double doors in front of them and both of them turned their attention to it.
The doors opened to reveal Fenton and Scrooge walking through it. The taller accountant was clinging to Scrooge's left shoulder making kissing faces as he tried to smooch the older duck on the cheek. Scrooge's stony expression proved how uninterested he currently was by Fenton's affections.
Upon seeing his visitors and with a quick jab of his elbow, Scrooge knocked the younger duck away."We have company, ya great buffoon!" he hissed.
Drake blinked. He had heard rumors about Scrooge McDuck dating a younger man, but he never thought Fenton Crackshell would be him, of all people! Suddenly Fenton's words from the day before made sense.
Fenton grunted and rubbed at the spot on his chest that Scrooge had hit, but his attention span was low enough that it was soon forgotten when his eyes landed on Drake and Launchpad. "Oh, hiya, Launchpad! Drake! See, Scroogey, I told ya they would be here on time!"
Scrooge turned to glare at the accountant and threatened to use his cane. "What 'ave I told ya about callin' me that!?"
Fenton flinched and gulped, knowing from experience it was his time to back off.
"Aww, lighten up, Mr. McDee. He didn't mean anything by it" chuckled Launchpad. He walked up to the zillionaire and knelt down to give him a hug. Scrooge returned it with a smile. "Ya gotta watch that blood pressure, after all!"
Scrooge ignored the jab at his expense and said, "Good ta see ya again, lad!"
"Likewise!"
Scrooge's attention then turned to Drake. Launchpad watched his gaze change and instantly moved to introduce Drake.
"Oh, right! This is Drake Mallard, Mr. McDee! The guy Fenton thinks would do well as your Data Analysis Manager!"
Scrooge titled his head and narrowed his eyes at Drake, who suddenly felt like he was being overly criticized; which he probably was.
"Now wait a moment" began Scrooge. "I was under the impression you were staying with that Darkwing Duck character."
Launchpad opened and closed his mouth in shock, unsure of what to say. Scrooge had heard from Fenton about his troubles and how they needed a place to say. And Scrooge was nothing but observant. He was no idiot that was for sure. He could connect the dots easily enough.
But before either Drake or Launchpad could say anything, Scrooge continued. "Donnae matter" he sighed. "I can put two and two together."
Fenton scratched his head in confusion. "What are ya talking about, Scrooge?"
The old duck adjusted his top hat, ignoring Fenton altogether. He turned his attention on Drake. "So, life's been hard on ya and you need a change of pace, hmm? And you think workin' for me will do the trick?"
Drake shrugged, hating the idea that he was being put on the spot. "I guess so? A lot has happened so fast the last few days and I DO need a job. Fenton offered me this one and it sounds like something I can handle."
Scrooge nodded. "Fine. Fine. Just how much are ya expectin' to be paid then?"
How much did he want to get paid? He hadn't expected Scrooge to ask that. Once again, Drake shrugged; not knowing what else to do. "Honestly, Mr. McDuck? You're talking to someone who's never really had a legit income before, so I'm open to just about anything."
This seemed to brighten Scrooge's mood immediately. "Splendid! You're hired!"
Launchpad couldn't help but laugh at Drake's dumbfounded expression as he and Scrooge shook hands on the agreement.
"T-Thanks, Mr. McDuck. I'll...try not to let you down..." mumbled Drake.
Scrooge gestured for them to step outside before leading them out of the front door, which Duckworth opened for them. Once outside he said, "You'll do just fine, my boy." He glanced over at Fenton, who was following him like a lost puppy. "If I can handle having Fenton as an employee, I'm sure you won't be any trouble..."
Fenton nodded happily before his words sunk in. "H-Hey!" he cried out indignantly.
Scrooge gave the accountant a half lidded smirk before turning back to Launchpad and Drake. "When can you start?"
"Whenever you want me to, sir" replied Drake.
Scrooge nodded. "Excellent. I'll have you start on Monday then! I'll expect you to be at my Money Bin at 8 AM sharp. I will meet you at the front door and show you to your desk and the like. It's really quite simple once you get settled, I assure you."
"Plus, if you have any questions or concerns, you can just ask me! I work there too, ya know!" beamed Fenton happily.
Scrooge rolled his eyes as he leaned on his cane. "Good luck with tha' though" he mumbled.
Launchpad stepped forward. "Thanks a bunch, Mr. McDee! Drake and I have been through the wringer recently and frankly, we just needed to both get out of St. Canard and start fresh, you know?"
Scrooge nodded. "I admire that. Sometimes its necessary to start back at square one." He pointed his cane as Launchpad. "I'm assuming you'd like to take back your old job as my personal pilot?"
"You know it!" crowed Launchpad happily. "Free of charge, as always!"
Scrooge's smile broadened at his words.
Drake looked up at Launchpad and smiled. Five days ago it had seemed like his life had fallen apart and would never be fixed. But here, Scrooge McDuck was giving him his first real job and hopefully a chance to start over. He would never be able to fully heal from his past, but he was sure going to try.
The sun felt good as Drake took a moment to enjoy the light breeze ruffling his feathers. For the first time since all this madness had started, Drake felt like everything was going to be okay. Change was in the air and he wanted to desperately believe that it was for the best.
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"NYEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH!"
Magica de Spell was busy laughing as she watched through her crystal ball clear on the other side of the world. She was watching the scene at McDuck Manor unfold before her.
Her sleek shoulder length black hair danced around her face as she cackled.
She put her hands together and rested them on the side of her face. "Oh! This is being too PERFECT!" she hooted happily. "All this time and planning and never had I thought things would turn out so well!"
"Well!" cawed Poe from his perch on the table beside her. "Plan going well!"
"Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh!" Magica continued to laugh. "I try so very hard to make perfect host for potion-And after that went well-Host goes and gets close to McDuck himself! Excellent!"
"Host does well! Darkwing perfect!" crowed Poe.
"As though you ever doubted me" came the deep suave, almost mechanical male voice from the shadows.
Magica turned to her partner in crime with a smirk. "Ahh, yes! You were big help in suggesting that masked duck from St. Canard! It has been fun watching world fall apart for him!"
There was a mechanical whirring around and a heavy clanking sound as metal feet walked out of the shadows and into the light. Taurus Bulba looked just as intimidating and frightening as the last time he had made an appearance in the criminal world, having gone underground after Darkwing last defeated him. Half of his body was still machinery, though the last remaining living parts of him had seen better days.
"I've known that duck's weakness since the very beginning. Once I knew you needed to break someone's heart and destroy a person for your plans, I instantly knew teaming up and getting rid of Darkwing would suffice. Not to mention the enjoyment I would get out of all this. This is the last thing he will ever expect coming. Darkwing certainly has put on quite a show" explained Bulba. "He completely bought your magic tricks and fully fell into our hands..."
Magica flushed at the praise of her magic. "It was simple, Dah'ling. Only had to wait for the exact moment to strike and poof! Pain and suffering begin!"
"Yes...Darkwing truly has suffered and he most certainly made a spectacle of himself over the loss of his little blue girl..." With slow exaggerated steps thanks to his mechanical body, he turned to a small cell on the other side of the room. His one machine eye glowing red, he glowered at the prisoner he knew was inside it. "Isn't that right...Gosalyn Waddlemeyer?"
Inside the cell, a living and breathing Gosalyn Mallard, still donning her Quiverwing Quack costume, glared through the bars. She was sitting on the concrete floor, tied up and unable to speak due to the tight cloth wrapped around her beak.
Both Magica and Bulba laughed maniacally, knowing all their planning would soon come to completion and they would both get what they wanted.
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Author's Note: MAJOR cliffhanger! And I'm afraid to say that is the end of 'Beginnings and Endings'! The story will continue in 'Thicker Than Water'! Though, first, I will have to write another story, 'The Golden Heart' which will allow the next installment to make SO much more sense! Don't worry! I'll try not to keep you in suspense for too long! I hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I have! Please review! Thank you! -EricaX
