I don't own any of the characters from Disney's animated library of greatness and I am making NO money from this hobby at all. Please read, enjoy and review. I hope this is plausible to everyone and that you all continue to read my timeline since it has taken on a life of its own, but at least writing fan fiction keeps me out of trouble. Your friend Irual.

---

Tank Muddlefoot sighed to himself as he dragged the hose over to the RV. Grandpa had moved it into their driveway and it was actually not that dirty, but since he had skipped last period and had been caught Grammy Jo and Grandpa had decided that cleaning the RV was the first of his extra chores that would keep him occupied until they went to visit his mom on Monday. They had all gone to lunch together last Sunday which had actually been neat; even if Honker had been kind of quiet and Gosalyn HAD been a bossy little kootie covered GIRL.

Launchpad was actually pretty cool and he hadn't brought up any of the weird stuff that had happened lately instead he had brought out some neat remote planes and they had spent a while practicing targeting in the backyard before leaving to meet at that weird restaurant the Shadow Chateau AGAIN. Tank still wished they could have gone to the pizza bar instead of hanging out with the Mallard's so much but at least this time it had been kind of funny.

In spite of his determination not to like the restaurant OR Drake Mallard's fiancée; Tank had to admit he really had enjoyed the pizza and deserts Morgana Macabre had made. And being waited on by the owner of the restaurant in a private room had scored even more cool points than the lurching skeleton robot she had tested on them at lunch. Tank actually felt his beak turning up in an unfamiliar grin at the memory of Drake Mallard's panic when the robot had lurched into the room. Seeing the uptight, adult covered in pizza had been a great way to gear up to catch the flapping pizza crust and the shrieking pudding had been kind of neat…sort of.

Pushing aside his unease at the sudden resurgence of his memories Tank dragged the long scrubbing attachment, buckets and rags with him as he surveyed the RV again and then decided to stop procrastinating. Putting off starting meant he'd be that much later finishing. Tank hid a shiver as he focused on his job and determinedly ignored the occasional bad memory as it fought to surface again.

Honker was safe now and Grammy and Grandpa had already explained that there were plans in place to protect both of them if something else happened but still sleep was hard to come by and Tank would never admit it but he was tired. Determinedly ignoring the tears that fell as he thought of his Mom and Dad, Tank started on his chores with a heavy heart.

He didn't know it of course, but Grandpa Artimus was watching him from the kitchen window and worrying more than a bit over both ducklings. Lord knows that this was an awful situation but at least Binkie and Herb were alive if not well; and both their sons were recovering, but this new behavior of Tank's was definitely a sign that they needed to keep a closer eye on the boy.

Josephine Spoonbill was nobodies fool and in spite of her take charge attitude and no nonsense organizational skills, she knew pushing Tank to confide in them would do more harm than good; at least for now. Slipping her arms around her husband she nibbled at the feathers on his collarbone and felt him shudder delightedly in response.

He turned from contemplating the duckling in the driveway to hold her in his arms and smiled as he said, "Feeling better now Jo?"

She nodded lightly and admitted, "I know this isn't what you signed on for when you married me…."

Artimus stopped her by placing a finger against her bill touching her soft lips gently and said, "No more of that Jo. I knew you had daughters and that Binkie had a family long before we married. I am GLAD to be your husband, and grandfather to the boys. I spent my youth traveling and now I have the chance to be a part of your life and a family and I regret NOTHING we have done. You hear me?"

Josephine smiled and indulged in a sniff as she fought off tears, "What did I ever do to deserve you Artimus my love?"

Looking out the kitchen window she asked, "What are we going to do about Honker? Drake is doing his best but Honker can't heal or learn with that sort of thing going on. He seemed to be coping with things before school started but…."

Artimus nodded but his instincts were saying to give Drake some space so he offered, "I think we have enough on our plates with Franklin just now. Honker feels safe with the Mallards and you and I both know there's more to that family than just what shows on the surface. From what Drake said on the phone he was none too keen on letting either of HIS children go to school unprotected and I have the feeling that that young male isn't going to stand for any more of this sort of thing.

He want's us to meet him and the principal at the elementary school tomorrow morning and I think we should present a united front. After he has his say we can offer to help them more to take some of the pressure off; but Jo Binkie and Herb wanted Honker with them and I think the worst thing we can do is try to undermine what little stability Honker has left."

Jo nodded and agreed, "You're most likely right as usual Artimus. I'll fix a stew and then call Trudy. She is coming from Twin Beaks next week. She says the situation there has changed, they are assigning another minder to the town and she wants to be here for the family."

---

Humming to herself Morgana was indulging in a bit of fantasizing 'Morgana Macabre Mallard'. Archie sighed and carefully hid his amusement at the look on his mistress's face. Morgana smiled dreamily as she thought about her beloved fiancé and absently finished running the preening comb through her feathers and rinsed her hair. Stepping out of the shower and shivering her feathers to settle them she slipped into her back pajamas.

This was the same long sleeved, bell bottomed, silk pants outfit she had worn back in February when she and Dark had begun reconciling themselves to her Father's machinations and it had become her favorite sleeping outfit. She looked over her appearance and nodded to herself, the neckline showed off her ample chest but it was still demure enough that Dark shouldn't be upset or overwhelmed; while the form fitting cut of the shirt and the long pants showed her figure enough to satisfy her need to be attractive to Dark. Continuing her self inspection, a small frown touched her beak and she started to invoke the spell gesture that would activate the illusion that hid her tail.

Archie grumbled and dropped on a web line and landed on Morgana before she could and he spoke, 'Morgana, this has gone on for too long already.'

Sheer surprise stopped her from objecting as he also countered the magic charm she usually used to dry and style her hair into its usual bouffant styled up-do.

Firmly Archie continued, 'leave your hair down and let Drake help you groom. It will get him used to touching you. And while I am being bold, here's another thing to think about. You need to confront your feelings about your tail; you saw how positive Drake's reaction was to your tail last time you let him have a peek. In fact, that is one of the parts of you that has activated his mating instincts. This has most likely helped him as far as his admitting his feelings and asking you to marry him and everything so hiding your tail from him isn't a good idea.'

Squeek chimed in from his place on Drake's collarbone, 'Drake loves your feet almost as much as your tail and thinks about your appearance often Morgana. He feels the well… more ordinary parts of you; make it possible for him to be attractive to you. He already yearns to be yours but hiding the parts of yourself that he identifies with and that help encourage him to respond to you isn't good for either of you.'

Completely taken aback, Morgana gathered some grooming tools and tried to interrupt but Archie was a spider on a mission and he wasn't about to stop half way through.

Softening his tone and his attitude Archie offered, 'those foolish classmates of yours were jealous of your Power and charisma so they were cruel to you. Their comments about your appearance were meant to undermine your confidence so they would outshine you. It is about time you stopped giving them power over you dearest. You don't need to let them dictate your actions anymore.'

Flushing at this uncharacteristic forwardness on the part of her familiar, Morgana started to reply when her Spell Chain gave a tingle as Eek and Squeek called out, 'Morgana!'

The shock in the bat's mental voices sent Morgana and Archie rushing for the door, leaving the towel and the grooming supplies scattered forgotten on the floor. The bathroom door actually disappeared as Morgana and Archie rushed into the bedroom to see an astonishing sight.

Standing just in front of the U shaped chair was Drake still dressed in his long, pale purple nightshirt. And little Gosalyn was safely tucked up on top of the comforter while her kin crouched beside her on the duvet that covered her from about her shoulders to her feet. She looked to be asleep and her large, empty, hot chocolate mug was lying beside the bed looking as though it had rolled off the bed when Gosalyn had fallen unconscious.

Just between the bathroom doorway and the bed hovered a soccer ball sized globe of misty energy that bobbed slightly and tried to dodge Eek who left his perch on the bedpost and dove for the ball. Squeek was still clinging to Drake's collarbone but Archie and Morgana could SEE the protections surrounding Dark so Morgana focused her attention on Gosalyn and saw that her Chain was fully powered up and from the colors of her aura it was trying to heal her but something was resisting the Chain's efforts; although it was obvious from the kitten's reactions that they and the Chain were winning.

The ball dodged Eek and moved closer to the bed and Morgana panicked. Raising her hands she spun energy into a shield and tried to put the shield between the sphere of energy and Gosalyn. Morgana's long unbound hair stood up and became a flying nimbus as her hair swirled and flared around her. Her hair was retaining some of the energy and the static like reaction caused sparks to form all around her.

Dark moved as well and leaped onto the bed before throwing himself carefully between the sphere of energy and Gos who stirred slightly but didn't wake. Feri and Cleo scrambled out from under Dark and crouched hissing on his back facing the ball which froze in place as the Haven reacted to their distress.

Truly worried since Gosalyn SHOULD have reacted to being pinned under another person Drake demanded. "Stay away from her. What ARE you?"

Morgana realized when the ball touched her shield that it was a spiritual remnant very much like Grandpa Haitian; although this one didn't feel like a Mage-born and was clearly female. She moved carefully between the spirit and the bed to put herself in the way of danger and added, "confess what you are doing here and move on. You are not welcome here."

Both adults froze recognizing the voice that came out of the ball as Cygnet Waddlemire's. "I don't expect welcome Morgana Macabre. I am not here to make things easier for YOU."

The defensive tone in her voice did nothing to reassure Morgana, and Drake ignored his feeling's to demand, "Why isn't Gosalyn waking up?"

Morgana didn't dare take her attention from the spirit bur Squeek crawled onto Gosalyn and sent to his mistress, 'She is deeply asleep Morgana. From what little I can tell, her Spell Chain isn't being interfered with now. But she won't wake until the healing is through. Feri and Cleo will defend her and I will protect Dark.'

Speaking with calm she didn't feel as she realized that the Spell Chains they wore so casually were far more than she had thought, Morgana said, "The healing spells in her bracelet are active Dark; Gosalyn will stay asleep until her injuries are seen to. Her kin are young but they understand how to protect Gosalyn and the protections in her Spell Chain won't let this spirit possess her."

Before Drake could ask anything else the spirit interrupted them by lifting Morgana off her feet and dumping her rudely on the bed beside Drake facing the dresser and mirror. Cygnet Waddlemire or at least the remnant of her that was present backed carefully away from the bed as a feeling of immense pressure built in the room. Clearly the Haven was out of patience with this intruder, and whatever its reasons for allowing the spirit inside; those reasons were no longer sufficient to allow any more of these dramatics.

All five familiars felt the Haven respond as the spirit sank submissively toward the floor and began to speak rapidly, "I'm sorry. No! Please, I haven't much time. I can't bear to tell Gosalyn but now she is asleep so I can…, I'll tell them now and go…."

The feeling of vast pressure faded a little and then Cygnet's spirit spoke to the twosome on the bed. I don't really understand most of what has happened to me, and I know my father is waiting for me…. But Drake, I wanted to see you again. I never felt as alive as I did when I was with you, and I couldn't leave without seeing your mate. I admit I am more than a little jealous, mostly because she is alive and has you but I can move on now that I know she really loves you. Gosalyn is heir to Professor Waddlemire's research and patents. Director Minya didn't inform his successor but you will find her official documents in the S.H.U.S.H. archives buried under the St. Canard Memorial park. Ask your Director Hooter and he will retrieve them for you along with her grandfather's will and a copy of the bequest he set up for her."

The ball of energy intensified and a series of pictures flowed across the mirror above the dresser as she spoke. They showed an increasingly pregnant and clearly more and more miserable Cygnet and then showed a nurse holding a tiny baby with a shock of bright red hair. The Cygnet in the mirror turned away from the baby and the nurse fed the child a bottle as John Waddlemire came in.

Then the scene shifted to show Cygnet now dressed as an S.H.U.S.H. recruit arguing with and then walking away from her father. Without so much as a backward look at either him or the tiny girl in his arms who now looked to be about a year and a half old; Cygnet marched away her body language speaking of wounded pride and hurt.

They didn't hear any of the conversation between Cygnet and her father but the spirit admitted, "I don't really know why I feel it's so important to keep Gosalyn ignorant of how much I resented her. I was jealous that my father loved her and still blamed myself for getting pregnant and disappointing him. Do you know I didn't even name her? My father insisted that we keep her and he decided on her name. I just wanted to get on with my life."

Her voice rose in intensity as she said, "I never cosseted her or acted like a mother, but I can't bare the thought of adding to her pain. If I had found you Drake, it might have been different, I don't know and it's too late now to fix most of my mistakes."

The scene in the mirror went dark and then suddenly shifted to show Agent Cygnet crying silently as she stood watching a building through some night vision goggles and then her body fell as a bright red stain blossomed on her chest. Both Drake and Morgana stiffened in shock as they watched the woman crawl to her dropped radio and send an alarm call to the rest of the team of agents.

They gasped as they saw her succumb to her wound and die as the building was overrun by S.H.U.S.H. and the spirit continued in a calmer tone. "I thought that by dying heroically I could somehow be the person my father would be proud of, not the knocked up disappointment I was; and I WAS the only casualty of that raid. Because I warned them and didn't say I was hurt; they all went inside and the mission was a success."

Her voice was surprisingly expressive now since her anger and resentment seemed to be spent, the mirror showed a grief stricken John Waddlemire holding the tiny figure of Gosalyn both dressed in black at a graveside service while an honor guard draped a flag over a coffin. Cygnet's tone was wry and a little embarrassed as she continued, "When Gosalyn is old enough and IF she asks, my name is even on the Wall of Honor at the Washington Memorial for government employees who die in the line of duty and I am credited with saving the task group that night since the snipers missed all the others. I am also the reason S.H.U.S.H. revamped their rules to ensure their Agent's have backup all the time."

Drake blushed as he realized that some of the very rules he found so restrictive were an attempt to save lives. Before he could gather himself to say anything, the feeling of immense pressure began to build again and Cygnet spoke rapidly, "I wasted my life, and my chance to be her mother, but this I can do. Do not morn for me Drake and don't mention me either, I am Gosalyn's past you and your new mate are her present and her future."

Moving to Gosalyn she became a much mistier indistinct shape as she hovered above them and a small tendril of energy touched the girl for just a moment and then touched Drake and Morgana. For an instant the shape formed into the body of Cygnet and she looked almost lifelike as she said sadly, "May your life be long and your happiness great Drake. I did care for you."

Glancing to Gosalyn who was stirring she whispered "Goodbye little one, be good for your Mama she loves you."

Without saying anything to Morgana the shape faded away and everyone got the impression of a door slamming shut somewhere as Gosalyn woke up. Confused she sat up tugging on the collar of her sleep shirt and tried to understand what had happened, the last she knew, she had been watching her dad as he talked to Squeek about his clothes and while she had been drinking hot chocolate, somehow she had fallen asleep.

Gosalyn felt cheated somehow though, even though she had taken a nap, she still felt tired! And for some reason, even though she knew SOMETHING important had happened, Gosalyn felt all fuzzy in her head. Suddenly all she wanted was to be next to her parents and whatever had disturbed the Kin couldn't have been that big a deal since Feri and Cleo were both purring and snuggling into the blanket.

This was all too confusing and she was too sleepy to stay awake particularly since her back didn't hurt now and neither did her arms or ankles. Feri and Cleo purred reassuringly and dragged Gosalyn's stuffed gryphon to her and without thinking about it Gosalyn grasped the toy close and snuggled next to her Mama. Her eyes were already closing again since the healing spells took a lot of energy but Gosalyn took a deep breath and smiled up at the anxious adults as she said, "His name is Stormchaser Mama."

Both Morgana and Drake stiffened slightly but before they could react they too fell asleep and since they were asleep only the familiars saw the covers slide over their chosen and the room dim so nothing would disturb them. A cool breeze moved the air in the room and there were comforting sounds of nature playing softly.

Clearly the Haven was trying to give them as much rest as possible and none of the familiars could object to that really, but none of them were that comfortable with what had happened just now. Cautiously Archie and the other familiars began to focus themselves so they could explore the haven and still stay with their chosen but they too were tired and as soon as they melded, all of them fell asleep.

---

Negaduck moved with confidence as he swaggered into the Old Haunt. In this neighborhood acting as if he owned the place was vital to his safety. Of course, what no one apparently knew was that he DID own the place. He had taken it over from the old Capon family when he'd first escaped from the Negaverse and encountered his twin. Being old Gentleman Joe Capon 1st's bodyguard and saving the ancient gangster from the kidnapping attempt by a couple of the gangs that had been trying to take over St. canard at the time had been his first successful foray into St. Canard's criminal culture and ownership of the Old Haunt had been his reward.

He was glad no one had apparently figured this out; and that Joe Capon 2nd had kept his word to give Negaduck the status of a favored Old Friend with the Organization though. Negaduck's being known as the owner of the Old Haunt would cause problems for him and most likely ruin this watering hole's status as neutral ground which would totally suck. This was why he had been very careful to maintain the fiction that he was acting on behalf of the Capon's when he had established his relationship with the bartender and set up the fund to cover any damages and bar tabs from the Fearsome Five after letting things cool down.

Dirk mused a little as he surveyed the sparse population of bar flies currently populating the watering hole and contemplated how far his thinking had changed in a year and a half. Now that his memories were finally making sense and he had a grasp on what had actually happened to both himself and Drake it was time to set up the contingency plans that would keep their mysterious enemy from succeeding when he tried again.

Surprised at the fact that it felt so right to call their enemy 'he', Dirk made a mental note to contact Drake and see if he felt the same thing. Dirk didn't want to discount the idea that the dark presence that had kidnapped him and trapped him in the Negaverse sixteen years ago might actually have been female just in case…. But somehow all his instincts were shouting that 'He' would be back; and Dirk had learned the hard way that the only one he could listen to was himself. Of course, now that Drake….

Dirk realized that he was woolgathering and that the few people in the bar were in fact starting to steal glances at him since he was still standing in the doorway and shook off his daze to stalk further into the room and allow the doors to swing shut behind him. He had to admit, the balancing act he was working out was a lot harder than he'd thought it would be, but so far it had been totally worth it…. He had the other member's of the Five to keep things interesting professionally and now that Drake was coming on board at least on a personal level; things were definitely looking up.

Unfortunately, none of his minions seemed to have much of a head for finance and with the…unique physical differences three of the four possessed they would present a challenge to any sort of physician as well. So with the loot he took from them, although they didn't know it; he had arranged safe houses, and contacts that would take care of them without his being directly involved. He wanted to command their respect and a big part of that was because they rightly feared him and knowing that he looked after them would undermine that and Negaduck didn't want to risk it. After all it wouldn't do for anyone to get the idea that he was anything but ruthless, and he wasn't going to chance setting HIS gang up for any of his enemies.

Dirk focused and admitted to himself, 'he was going to have enough on his plate just working up the financial side of his civilian cover and clueing Drake in since he was such a devoted minion of the law.' at least for now. This current situation with the underworld wasn't going to sit and wait either, and even though it had the feel of a serious threat; it didn't make his soul shiver the way it did whenever he thought of his kidnapper. Neither Dirk nor Negaduck had the time or resources to spare for any extra responsibilities just now dang it all!

That was why he'd set up the fail-safe's to take care of the rest of the Five after all. None of which was useful just now since Megavolt was still missing. Of course he hadn't considered the idea that any of his gang would just disappear out of town for days…so it was time to sort out the electrified rodent. As an added bonus, having Negaduck drag him back home would free up Dirk to connect with Drake and maybe then they could concentrate on taking care of the current shakeup.

Drake's heroic tendencies WERE a pain, but having a different perspective on this MIGHT just give them the edge they needed, besides…it was feeling like the only way they would come out on top of this situation would be to work together, all he needed to do was convince Drake of that.

His feathers shifted as his Spell Chain tingled but Dirk Mallard paid the sensation no mind despite the image of his do-gooder twin that came to his mind. Instead he focused himself and between one step and the next he tucked Dirk Mallard away and gave himself completely to Negaduck so he could begin to plant the right rumors to cover himself while he was gone. Moving to the bar he nodded to Bruce and received a whiskey glass of his usual beverage.

Taking a sip, Negaduck asked calmly, "What have you heard?"

Carefully polishing the bar Bruce replied sounding both respectful and deceptively casual, "that raven you asked about seems to have disappeared. But before she dropped off the radar, I DID get a rumor from some weasels. She was talking to herself and evidently it's not a good idea to surprise her. Four weasels are in intensive care and may not make it."

Negaduck started to sneer his low opinion of said weasels when he caught onto the timber of Bruce's voice and his sharp hearing detected the hesitation in the usually unflappable barman's tone. Moving forward on the bar stool he hunched over his drink and palmed a one hundred dollar bill. Sliding it under his glass he offered, "I'm in the mood for some downtime and I need some inspiration. Fix me something a little different, and I'll take it on the rocks."

Expertly Bruce palmed the rejected glass of warm liquor and the money before turning to mix another drink. This glass was clearly some kind of Nouveau vague thing because Bruce ground mint leaves in the bottom of the much taller glass with sugar and ice before adding in the liquor.

Anyone who saw this performance might have wondered why Negaduck drank it and left without pulverizing the barman for daring to serve him such a sissified concoction. But then again the few people who witnessed the scene didn't see the tiny flash card that Negaduck had palmed when he picked up the glass, nor did they understand the code that the criminal mastermind had used.

All they saw was Negaduck gulping down an unusual cocktail and leaving the bar having started the rumor that he was looking for some down time. This being the case the rumor mill would be buzzing with conflicting and incorrect stories well before nightfall, fortunately this too was part of Negaduck's plan.

---

Launchpad smiled with satisfaction as he watched Honker laugh with Fenrick. They had finished their game a few minutes earlier and Launchpad was busy ignoring his grumbling stomach as he debated trying to find the kitchen and some snacks. Before he could leave the dining room the Quackmoronicon flapped his way back into the room and said, "The Mistress will be serving dinner soon but until then she left some snacks for you in her cold chest. Come along now and I'll have the small cauldron cook up some hot chocolate for you while you wait."

Delighted at the thought of hot chocolate and maybe some fruit to tie him over until dinner; LP readily agreed to go to the kitchen and bring some back to Honker while the duckling settled at his new drafting desk to work on a sketch for Gosalyn. Her new Quiverwing Quack costume was just as professional as his new Bolt look and Mr. Mallard had carefully approved of all the changes and components they had added.

With his new gauntlet idea had come the inspiration for a set of carryall's for Quiverwing to use so she could keep a few hidden surprises handy. Unfortunately, finding the space to add things to her costume that didn't interfere with her flexibility and agility was turning out to be quite a challenge. Fortunately, after today he needed a challenge to keep him focused on something outside his memories.

Fenrick looked a little askance at his chosen's grim thoughts and unusually determined mental stance but declined to interrupt either of these with idol chatter. Instead he leaped lightly onto the sideboard that someone, most likely Drake; had built into this drafting table so he could lie on it and watch Honker draw without having to disturb him.

Drake had been very busy customizing things ever since the two of them had moved in. Ordinarily Fenrick would have made at least a token objection to this extra effort on his behalf, but the quiet monolog Drake had told the fox kit as the adult duck had carefully sanded the corners of the sideboard and drafting table in Honker's new bedroom smooth before screwing it in place had been a telling experience and Fen found he hadn't an argument that could stand against Drake's logic or the sincere love and acceptance that the duck undeniably felt for both of them.

---Flashback---

Fenrick stayed curled protectively in Honker's arms as the trembling duckling stood quietly just inside the newly installed closet. It was very shallow with barely room for a row of hangers to slide in place on the clothes rod above their heads, but Mr. Mallard had taken into account the limited space available in what used to be his study upstairs and had tried to maximize the storage and living space for his fosterling. Along with a built in bed that folded down flat against the wall opposite the new closet, he had also installed floor to ceiling bookshelves and a rolling ladder so the room's new occupant could reach every shelf easily. Along the wall by the door was the partially assembled work station with the computer tower, new monitor and the makings of a drafting table.

Launchpad came in carrying a bureau with its drawers removed to make it easier to carry. Honker tried not to flinch as Launchpad went past him. Truly he did; but the tall pilot was struggling with the piece of furniture and his grunt of exertion was met with a surge of panic and an instinctive flinch that Drake saw but was careful NOT to draw attention to as LP moved the dresser into place just past the foot of the bed.

Fenrick started to tense as the much shorter mallard moved carefully towards the closet and casually spoke over his shoulder to the tall, lanky pilot whose broad shouldered physique and well formed bill went well with his air of quiet competence. Launchpad was the older of the two males, but his generous, kindly and good-natured soul was much less hardened to the kinds of things Honker had experienced recently. This being the case, Honker's fearful reactions tended to wound the gentle pilot even though they all knew Honker didn't mean it personally.

Glancing pointedly at his wristwatch Drake said, "That dresser fit's perfectly LP, I am glad you are here to help us."

Moving to put a comforting hand on Launchpad's sleeve Drake added, "Gos has been awfully quiet for too long. Why don't you check on her for me?"

Looking his best friend in the eyes Drake added quietly, "You know you and Morg are the only one's I trust with Gos LP and she'll have the house on fire or short out half the city if we leave her unsupervised for too long."

Smiling weakly Launchpad replied, "Sure thing DW,"

Carefully not looking in the direction of the closet, Launchpad left taking the rejected closet door with him since Drake had decided that they would wait and install that once Honker felt a little more comfortable. Honker let out the breath he hadn't realized he had been holding as the tall, pilot left.

Concerned Fenrick watched as Drake pulled the bed up and locked the legs in place before making up the bed and slipping a soft looking, bright green colored comforter over it all and moved toward the closet. Drake's Spell Chain was sending all sort's of shivers and shudders through him and it didn't take a detective to figure out how frightened and unstable Honker was.

Speaking calmly Drake gestured gently giving the trembling duckling room to move, "Honker…I know exactly how you feel. When I was with the Beakwood's, at first all I wanted was to hide and it took me days just to settle into a bed to sleep. I'm not going to push you Honker, but you know I won't hurt you."

Sighing Drake continued earnestly, "I'll just finish putting your work station together and IF you feel like it you can use the comforter and pillow on the frame even if you don't want to sleep there. I won't leave you to face this alone Honker. We love you and I want to take care of you for your parents. You aren't any trouble Honker I promise."

Fenrick rubbed his head reassuringly against Honker's arms while the duckling tiptoed toward the bed. Drake had already turned to work on the bits and pieces that were supposed to be a desk unit with storage and he gave no sign he even knew Honker was in the room. Relieved that he didn't have to try and say anything, Honker climbed onto the bed and wrapped himself and Fen in the slightly puffy, cheerful, green cover and closed his eyes.

Fenrick purred softly to keep Honker calm and to his surprise Drake began to speak quietly even though the soft snorts from Honker should have told the adult that Honker couldn't listen since he had actually fallen asleep.

Quietly Drake said, "I mean what I said, I love Honker and I want to take care of him for the rest of his life. I know I will never replace Herb or Binkie and I don't want to, but I haven't had the chance to thank you yet Fenrick…so thank you."

Tears were present in his voice as he admitted, "I couldn't protect him or his family from what happened, but you and Honker are just as much a part of our family as Gos and LP. Never doubt that…. And don't be shy about letting me know what you and Honker need okay? We are all in this together."

Finishing the sanding Drake heard a small crash downstairs and rushed for the door, "I'll be back, if Honker wakes up be sure and let him know I'll finish assembling this for him today and he can come downstairs for some food whenever he is hungry. No one will push him to talk or anything."

A muffled 'ouch' hurried Drake's steps as he called down the stairwell; I'm on the way down LP, Gosalyn…sweetie what happened?"

---Presently---

Fenrick shook himself a little and looked around the dinning room Launchpad was just coming in carrying two huge mugs of what smelled like hot chocolate followed by the Quackmoronicon and a floating tray of cut fruit and some cubes of different cheeses.

Setting Honker's mug in the built in cup holder to prevent accidents, LP blew on his own drink and offered, "Can I get you anything little buddy?"

Fenrick chirred in response and shook his head 'no' as he realized from Honker's smile that Launchpad was talking to him and not Honker.

Honker answered as well, "thanks Launchpad, what do you think Morgana will serve for dinner?"

Grinning Launchpad seated himself at the dinning room table and began to speculate….

---

Waking up Gosalyn felt all warm and comfy but she wasn't sure where she was. Looking around the large bedroom she saw Morgana and her Dad sleeping next to her on the huge bed. Archie, Eek and Squeek were also sleeping sprawled on their mistress and Dad. Feeling her move, Feri and Cleo cat walked carefully up the blanket to purr in Gosalyn's face.

Smiling she whispered almost quietly, "Hi, guys. Where are we?"

With a little cat laugh Cleo answered,' we are still in the Haven Gosalyn, once your parent's get up and dressed we will join Launchpad, Fenrick and Honker for dinner.'

Suddenly starving Gosalyn grinned mischievously and said, "Well then I better wake Dad up."

---

Launchpad and Honker paused in their speculation over what Morgana planned to have for dinner as they heard Drake complaining as he came down the hall, "Gosalyn…hungry or not there was NO reason to jump feet first on my stomach."

Morgana's voice also carried down the hall as the three ducks entered the dinning room, "Yes Gosalyn dear, your father might be hurt if you aren't a little more careful. Next time you want to wake us, why don't you get Feri and Cleo to help you tickle your father awake?"

Looking a bit surprised both Gosalyn and Drake looked at Morgana who laughed and kissed Drake on the bill, "Waking to your laughter is very preferable to waking up to your pain Drake and besides…you know even better than I do how action oriented Gosalyn is especially when she's excited."

Looking over at the entrance to the dining room, Launchpad saw Gosalyn dressed in the dark blue dress and hooded cloak Mintaka had made for her this summer with a matching set of socks and color coordinated sneakers and to his surprise she was carrying what looked like some kind of stuffed toy with a beak and wings. Drake was in one of his shirt and sweater vest combos, although this one was a white shirt that almost matched his plumage and the vest was the same dark midnight blue as Gosalyn's dress while Morgana had changed into one of her dark wine purple dresses.

Altogether like that, Launchpad had to admit they certainly looked like a picture perfect family and very attractive too. He was particularly glad to see the tiny signs of exhaustion and stress that had become all to frequent with Drake were gone and from the happy expression on Gosalyn's face whatever Morgana had wanted to do to help Gosalyn had worked very well indeed. Fenrick bolted upright and his happy purring doubled as he raced across the room to twine around and around two tiny, black kittens covered in itty bitty, mostly white, specks and grey masks of fur around their eyes that trotted into the room just beside Gosalyn.

Honker felt his jaw drop open as Fenrick's voice sounded in his head, 'Sisters!' you have found your names? And you have chosen! How did you get here?'

Honker didn't hear their replies or anything else from Fenrick just then, he was too busy having thing's explained to him at about fifty miles an hour without pauses for breath thanks to Gosalyn's enthusiasm as she showed him a stuffed cat with a beak and wings and chattered non-stop about some kind of secret base. Meanwhile, the kittens made themselves 'useful' getting under everyone's feet as they purred and generally got in the way as they explored the room, Launchpad, Honker and Both of them pounced and wrestled with Fenrick. Morgana settled everyone at the table with a smile and began serving food as Fenrick battled his way out from under his sisters and settled down beside Honker to show Cleo and Feri how to eat at the table from dishes.

Blushing shyly, Gosalyn introduced Feri and Cleo to Honker and LP as Morgana finished coaxing the serving dishes to settle on the table. Drake looked a smidgen apprehensive as he surveyed the large roast revealed by the dome lid as it lifted by itself off the serving platter.

Offering a bowl of green beans and another of what Drake hoped were mashed potatoes to LP he offered, "It's a looong story LP but after dinner I'll try and catch you up. In the meantime, I'm as hungry as you are so let's eat."

---

Later after settling the kids and their Kin in their beds Drake made good on his promise by telling LP all about the Haven, the kittens and his past adventure while he drank a cup of coffee and shared some sort of fruit filled pastry with Morgana. Drake also told his best friend about discovering that Gosalyn was actually his and that she apparently was settling into being Morgana's as well since she had called Morgana Mama once while they were alone.

The news about Drake's actually being Gosalyn's biological father and his early run-in with the minions of F.O.W.L. made the pilot goggle at them both even more than his surprise at the kittens appearance in their lives. But then he settled back in his seat to say, "well that certainly explains a lot DW. You should talk to Director Hooter right away and make sure there won't be any trouble since the kids are having such a rough time of it too. I know how you feel about paperwork and such; but you need to be sure you have all the legal bases covered, what with our seeing to poor Binkie and Herb and all."

Morgana was seated beside her Dark and on the low table beside them was Gosalyn's snow globe. As the story finished and Drake nodded, reluctantly agreeing with Launchpad's suggestion in spite of his distaste for technical holdups. Archie laced a web around the globe and Eek and Squeek carried it off.

LP asked cautiously as he finished his desert, "where are they taking it?" and watched them disappear down the hallway with the globe while Archie cuddled possessively on Drake. Launchpad really was much more comfortable with the unusual stuff that happened around Morgana and Drake now, but the idea that the globe was actually some sort of dimensional lair was something he still needed some assurances about.

Morgana answered, "Gosalyn is it's keeper for this generation Launchpad. It want's to be near her and if the boys didn't take it to her it would find a way to get itself to her."

Taking Drake's hand reassuringly, Morgana continued. "Gosalyn won't be able to fully access it without adult supervision unless it's an emergency until she's of age and more experienced Drake so don't fret my love. Tomorrow will come all to early and we need to confront that Principal Farnsworth and settle the question of schooling for the children. We can wait until after that to introduce Honker, Fenrick and Launchpad to the haven."

Getting up Morgana offered, "Drake and I have already discussed it Launchpad and so I am going to ready your room and one for Drake and then I need to contact my Aunt Lucidia. She knows some excellent Normal teachers, she met them through Envy when she was in London and even if they aren't available they may recommend some candidates for us. Besides Mintaka want's to ask Gosalyn more about the Eldritch Academy's school familiar since he didn't do his job properly. It's NOT that we want to wait to introduce you officially to the Haven Launchpad, but getting the Normal side of things settled so that the children don't have to face the sort of things they did today is vital don't you think?"

Looking a little dazed at this litany Drake managed to nod and began to outline his ideas to Launchpad offering, "I need your input LP, we need to act on Tank's behalf too even though he seems to be adjusting to school I still want him to get counseling and he'll need protection. This is too personal and targeted to not be intentional. I know the Spoonbill's mean well, and I don't want to make them more upset than they are but…If someone IS targeting Gos and Honker I don't want to leave anything to chance."

Archie hummed contentedly as he felt Eek and Squeek settled onto Morgana. Now, while Drake was focused on his ideas for protecting and providing for the children was the perfect time to have some 'quality time' with his charge. Besides, if Archie knew anything it was that Drake needed reminding to take care of himself, especially once he was focused on his loved ones.

Archie decided to give Drake an hour or so to fuss and then a few well placed tickles would get Drake moving to the bedroom. He absently toyed with the idea of coaxing Drake to go to Morgana's bedroom to sleep instead of the guest one she was fixing for him but remembering how upset Drake had gotten in the Haven at wearing his sleepwear around Morgana he decided not to push.

---

here is the next chapter and I hope it is worthy of reviews and virtual happiness. Also in the next bit Negaduck's plan will be revealed in full (I think) and the raven Black Secret returns. I am hoping to get on with the revelations about Professor Waddlemire's demise too. Possibly as soon as chapter 14.

Just in case I am not being clear, I wanted to state that the Negaverse is actually a very powerful spell that created a pocket dimension that acted as a prison/ training ground to corrupt Dirk Mallard and he has been trying to figure things out ever since he escaped there and discovered the Normalverse and his brother about a year and a half ago. The person who imprisoned him is still at large and Dirk is NOT going to be caught off guard again.

Drake was put in foster care and didn't remember his brother OR what had happened to him when their parents were killed by a gang who invaded their home and sold Drake to some Sentient traffic-ers but I haven't gotten to that part yet. That will likely be in the story called 'My Son the vigilante' which will hopefully be posted after this one. Let me know what you think thanks your friend IrualJ