Thicker Than Water - Chapter 10

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The sun was shining brightly down on the peaceful city of Duckburg as an unlikely trip walked through the sleepy dozy streets. Drake Mallard had spent the majority of his life living in St. Canard, save for the few years he spent abroad learning the art of karate and self defense. So the bright, clear, fresh atmosphere was encompassed Duckburg was a whole new experience for him.

Drake, Launchpad, and Gosalyn were all walking along the sidewalk, awkwardly waving to the occasional passerby.

Duckburg was the complete opposite of St. Canard. There were no tall sky scrapers. There were no factories polluting the air. No back alleys filled with black market booths and seedy looking bars hiding in the crooks and crannies. Nothing.

Instead, Drake marveled to see happy and cheerful store clerks standing outside their storefronts greeting people as they went by. The florist had a booth filled to the brim with the most colorful assortment of flowers and fauna the shorter mallard could ever remember seeing in his life. Drake could bet it would even impress Bushroot himself by how well kept and watered they looked.

The baker had a worker standing outside offering free samples of their latest pumpkin muffins. The three of them, of course, found themselves walking over that way.

"Oh, why if it isn't Launchpad McQuack himself!" gushed the plump and sweet looking lady offering the samples. Launchpad smiled at her in greeting.

"Heyo, Mrs. Havers!" said Launchpad. Gosalyn and Drake exchanged curious looks before walking up behind Launchpad and watching the exchange.

"I haven't seen you in ages, dear!" Mrs. Havers went on. "How are you doing these days? Are you still working for Mr. McDuck?"

The pilot shook his head. "Nahh. Not anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't occasionally help him out. I mean, he's practically family to me, ya know?"

Drake cleared his throat as he crossed his arms. This gained Mrs. Havers attention. Her eyes widened and her smile grew larger. "Oh! Hello dears! Are you friends of Launchpad's!?"

"That's an understatement" chuckled Gosalyn behind her hand.

Mrs. Havers tilted her head in confusion.

Seeing this, Launchpad quickly said, "Oh, this is Drake and his daughter Gosalyn!" He pointed to them respectively. "They're um...Well, Drake is...uh...Yeah, they're friends of mine. They're like family too, I guess."

Drake managed to catch Launchpad's gaze and raised an eyebrow at him. After a moment, Drake spoke up. He stretched his hand out to shake Mrs. Havers' hand. "Drake Mallard. Pleasure to meet you. Launchpad's been staying with us over in St. Canard the last couple years."

Mrs. Havers shook his hand, holding the plate of samples in her other hand. "Oh!" She turned worried eyes to Launchpad. "St. Canard you say? So, that's where you've been! Oh, but dear, I do hope you've been watching yourself! That city is so riddled with dangerous folk!"

Drake scoffed. "Oh please! St. Canard is perfectly safe! I mean, they have Darkwing Duck over there to protect the streets!"

"Sublte, dad" deadpanned Gosalyn.

Drake frowned and ruffled her hair out of spite. Gosalyn quickly pulled away from reach.

Mrs. Havers turned to Drake. "I'm sorry. Dark who?"

Drake froze, staring at her with wide eyes. The idea that she had never even heard of Darkwing Duck seemed unheard of to the mallard.

Launchpad chuckled nervously. "He's talking about Darkwing Duck. He's a uh..."

"A hero vigilante" supplied Gosalyn, wondering if her dad was suffering from a hernia or not with the way he was acting.

Launchpad nodded. "Yeah, that."

"Oh...Um...I can't say I've ever heard of him..." mumbled Mrs. Havers.

Unable to keep quiet, Drake stepped foward and all but shouted, "He's only the daring and cunning hero that's stopped the likes of Taurus Bulba and F.O.W.L. agents alike and kept the defenseless citizens of St. Canard safe!"

Mrs. Havers laughed nervously. "Oh. Well, goodness, he does sound like quite a character! I suppose the streets are safer with him around if he's as great as you say!"

Drake seemed to curl in on himself at her lackluster response while Gosalyn patted him on the back.

"So, eh...what kind of samples are ya giving out today, Mrs. Havers!?" asked Launchpad.

It was ten minutes later that they found themselves continuing to walk down the sidewalks when Drake finally spoke again. "She'd never even HEARD of Darkwing Duck" he pouted.

Gosalyn stuffed the last sample of pumpkin muffin into her mouth and quickly swallowed before saying, "Well, to be fair dad, she's not from St. Canard." She licked her beak before adding, "I mean, look around here, dad! Does this place LOOK like it needs a vigilante like Darkwing?"

Drake shrugged as he glanced around theitr surroundings.

"And let's not forget! Duckburg DOES have its own hero! Gizmoduck!" chuckled Launchpad as he ate another sample.

Drake winced and groaned at the reminder. "Yes, yes. No wonder he does so well here! Gizmoduck doesn't have NEAR the crime rate here in Duckburg that I have to deal with back home!" He crossed his arms and pouted. "Let's just go and get the groceries already and head back home!" Without another word, Drake stomped his way ahead of them as they continued walking.

Gosalyn rolled her eyes at her father's antics and shook her head. She was about to call after him when he eyes landed on Launchpad's lovesick expression. She frowned and with a disgusted note in her voice, asked, "What's with you!?"

Launchpad never took his eyes off Drake's retreating form ahead of them. He placed a hand over his heart. "He...he called my little shack 'home'."

Gosalyn raised her eyebrows skeptically. "Riiiight. Well, it technically is our home at the moment, LP. In case you've forgotten." They walked further along the sidewalk; Drake never far enough away for them to lose track of him. Seeing that Launchpad still had hearts in his eyes, Gosalyn spoke up again. "Why is that even a big deal? So he called it home? That doesn't mean anything."

The pilot blinked and seemed to come back to reality. He looked down at his young friend. "Uh...well..." He suddenly looked very sheepish. "Gee, I don't know, Gos. It's just, when he said it...it made me feel all warm inside. The idea that we share a home."

Gosalyn was far from impressed. "Um...Launchpad" she began. "I hate to break it to you, but we've all lived in the same house together for years. This is far from new."

Launchpad shook his head. "Nah, Gos. You don't get it. I know we've been housemates for years, but...This is the first time DW has seen MY place as home." Seeing Gosalyn's confusion, he pressed on. "Our house on Avian Way belonged to DW. It was always his house. It was under his name. But now we're standing at a place that's under MY name! Don't ya see!? I mean, sure, my little shack in the park isn't anything like our house in the suburbs...but it's something!"

Gosalyn was quiet for a moment as she soaked all of this in. A part of her found this all to be overly sappy and slightly sickening, but at the same time, she could see what her friend meant. It reminded her of the initial thrill she'd felt the day Drake Mallard first picked her up from the orphanage; days after his battle with Taurus Bulba on the rooftop, and told her he was going to adopt her and take her house hunting. The very idea of living in a house and having her own bedroom and not one with fifteen other children to share with. Gosalyn sighed, finally relenting. "Yeah, okay. I guess I see your point."

Launchpad smiled at her.

"But that's doesn't excuse you for getting overly mushy!"

The pilot only laughed in return, knowing that was the closest thing to acceptance he was going to get from her.

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Sliding the credit card through the keypad and punching in his PIN number, Drake couldn't help but wince at the final total their groceries came to. He let out a loud breath as he stuffed his credit card back into his wallet. "Hoo boy..." he sighed again.

"What's wrong, dad?" inquired Gosalyn beside him. "We stuck to your list! I was good! I didn't sneak in any doughnuts or candy or anything into the cart! I swear!"

Drake nodded. "Oh, I know, sweetheart. Daddy is very impressed with that too. I appreciate it. But even without your added groceries, this bill still came out a little too high for my tastes." He stuck his wallet into his pocket before going to grab some of their bags.

Launchpad took the bulk of the groceries and the three of them walked out of the grocery store. Each of them carried four bags filled to the brim with necessities. While it was nice that they had time to plan and figure out how to deal with Magica; it also left time for Drake to stress out over the little things he would rather forget as Darwking. Like bills.

Once they were back outside on the sidewalks, did the panicked mumbling of a familiar baritone voice catch their attention.

Drake, Launchpad, and Gosalyn all followed the sound of the voice until they saw a hunched over man in a brown trench coat, lose dark brown trousers, mismatched mittens, and a matching brown fedora hat to top the outfit off. The figure kept looking back and forth every time someone passed him on the street; clearly trying to blend in and be unseen by the populace.

Gosalyn, who was standing closest, walked up to the person and leaned over a bit so she could get a look at their face. She blinked in surprise before stage whispering, "Bushroot?"

Bushroot gasped loudly and jumped a foot in the air before turning to her. "AHHH! I didn't do anything, I swear! I actually don't even wanna be here!" Upon seeing that it was only Gosalyn and not a member of the police force, the mutant plant duck visibly sagged with relief as he wiped a hand over his brow. "Oh! It's only you Gosalyn..."

Gosalyn smiled back at him. "Yep! But what are you doing out here in the streets?"

Launchpad and Drake had, by this point, joined the two of them. Launchpad waved happily at his friend while Drake only nodded with a grimace in the criminal's direction.

Glancing at all three of them, Bushroot shrugged. "Well, I kinda...sorta...got lost?"

Launchpad and Gosalyn gave him looks of sympathy while Drake just continued to stare at him, nonplussed.

Bushroot continued. "Buddy went off to check on my Greenhouse back in St. Canard. I didn't want him to leave, but the idea of Spike being in charge of my Greenhouse for more than a couple days puts me on edge. The last time he was in charge-" He paused, shaking his head at the memory. "Let's just say it wasn't pretty. I still find fertilizer on the walls to this day..."

"Where are Megavolt and Quackerjack then?" asked Gosalyn.

Bushroot scoffed. "Oh, who knows? Off causing problems, probably." He briefly met eye contact with Drake before turning away.

The two of them had yet to speak to each other. While Bushroot had officially met Launchpad and Gosalyn dozens of times in the past and even considered them friends; the ex-scientist had never actually met Drake Mallard. Bushroot had only ever seen him as Darkwing while the ex-scientist was hiding away in Darkwing's Tower. It left Drake feeling quite perturbed and while Bushroot had yet to say anything on the matter; he didn't exactly want to bring it up either. Best just lie low for the time being.

"So now that just leaves me by myself and I've never even stepped ROOT in Duckburg before and everything is so calm and happy and peaceful! I'm not used to it!" finished Bushroot.

"Gee, Reg, that's rough. Listen, why don't ya just follow us! We're on our way to Duckburg Park. Ya can just hang out there for a few days till Mr. McDee gives us further instruction!" suggested Launchpad.

Bushroot's anthers perked up at the idea of being surrounded by Mother Nature. "Oooh! Really!? I was hoping to find the park but-" He glanced nervously around himself. "As you can see, I didn't have much success."

Gosalyn raised an hand and patted Bushroot's shoulder reassuringly. "Well, you just stick with us then! Liquidator will be able to find you once he's back lickity split!"

Bushroot nodded, giving them an appreciative smile as he wrung his gloved hands together.

Unable to keep himself quiet any longer, Drake loudly cleared his throat. "Perhaps we could all hurry along! We are still carrying heavy groceries!"

Bushroot blinked at Drake in curiosity. "I've seen you before, haven't I? Yeah, yeah! I saw you at the store that one time when Likky and I were-" He remembered the heist they had been pulling that day. "You know what? Just forget it." He paused before adding, "Say, you're not scared of me."

"You're not scary" retorted Drake. He was secretly thankful that Bushroot wasn't putting a whole lot of thought into their previous encounter.

Bushroot gaped at him in wonder. As though to prove him wrong, the mutant pulled one of his roots from a boot and showed it to him. "I have roots instead of webbed feet!" He put the boot back on and took off one of his mittens. "I have leaves for hands!"

Drake just stared back, unimpressed. "Still not scary."

Bushroot nervously looked to Gosalyn and Launchpad for answers, but they just shrugged back at him.

"Ignore him, Reggie!" Launchpad finally broke the silence. He placed a hand on Bushroot's shoulder. "Just follow us!"

Bushroot nodded, an uncertain smile on his beak. "O-Okay..."

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"Do I really have to drink this stuff?"

The bottle of liquid that was currently being scrutinized bubbled slightly. The thick green goo like substance was spilling out over the lip of the glass.

Fenton leaned down closer to the table so that he was eye level with the bottle. He whimpered before glancing up at Morgana. "I-I mean-I trust you and all, Morgana! I've always seen you as a friend and fellow Justice Duck and all-but-" A bubble from the goo popped and spattered onto the table. "I really do think this stuff will cause me more harm than good!"

Morgana looked up from her chest filled with potions and ingredients. Unlike the one she had been carrying around before; where she had kept the Emoti-Gone potion, this one was newer and with fresher and less dangerous potions.

The two of them were in the den at McDuck Manor.

"Oh!" gasped Morgana with a soft chuckle. "Oh, goodnes, no! You won't be drinking that one, Fenton!"

Fenton leaned up from the table with a relieved expression. "I won't?" He had taken off the blanket he had been wearing over his shoulders earlier.

Morgana shook her head with a gentle smile. "No, no. That's one of Aunt Nasty's Horse Fly Milkshakes. I just left it there by accident."

Fenton covered his beak as he felt a wave of nausea take over. "O-Oh!" His hands shook as did the rest of his body; once again reminding him the exact reason Morgana was helping him to begin with.

The enchantress grabbed the milkshake and put it away; quickly replacing it with another bottle that was seemed to be filled with what looked like red fuit juice. "This is what you'll be taking. It's a rather simple potion that should help counter the side effects to Magica's curse on you."

Fenton smiled, grateful that the potion looked drinkable and wouldn't be making him sick in the bathroom for the rest of the night. He picked up the bottle and eyed it. "Looks like fruit juice!"

Morgana nodded. "Yes, though sadly without the fruity taste. I added a bit of worm root into it to make it taste better. Hopefully that helped."

Fenton found himself frowning once more. "Worm root, huh?" He used his free hand to tuck at his collar. "Why do I get the feeling that doesn't taste like chicken, either?" Morgana didn't seem to have heard him as she was busy organizing her potion bottles. He then asked, "So, how often will I have to take this?"

Morgana hummed in thought. "Hmmm, probably just once a day. Preferably in the morning. Though if the symptoms don't start to go away, I may have you try taking it twice a day. But once should do the trick!"

Fenton chuckled nervously. "Well, I guess there's nothing for it then! I'm tired of trembling and shaking all the time and I know how much it upsets Scroogey to see me like this!" He raised the bottle up high as he prepared to drink it. "As they say! Bottom's up!" He gulped down the small bottle in one go before gasping for breath as it burned down hos throat. He coughed, pounding on his chest in an attempt to help.

Morgana titled her head to one side in curiosity. "So?"

After taking several long breaths in, Fenton fell still. "Yep, definitely doesn't taste like chicken." He looked at the bottle he'd just drank from. "I think I just drank chalk."

"Sorry about the taste. Do you feel any different?" apologized Morgana.

Still smacking his lips together at the odd taste, he looked down at his hands.

No trembling. No shivering. He didn't feel like death warmed over. He didn't feel chilled. He didn't feel as weak as a newborn kitten.

Standing taller, Fenton beamed up at Morgana. "I think it worked!"

Morgana clapped her hands together in excitement. "Oh! How wonderful!"

Fenton laughed. "Thank you, Morgana!" Without missing a beat, he stepped over to the enchantress and enveloped her in a large hug. "Ugh, I knew you'd be able to help me out! You're so good with stuff like this!"

"Oh!" Morgana had not been expecting the hug and therefore stared down at the shorter duck in surprise. She felt a wave of guilt run through her as his words washed over her. She slowly pushed him away, shrugging him off and taking a step back.

"Morgana?" asked Fenton with concern.

Morgana looked away, rubbing at her arm. "Oh, Fenton, dear. You're always so sweet. But I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with you. I really don't know what I'm doing half the time." She gestured to her chest of potions on the table. "I'm decent at potions and serums, but when it comes to my magic..." She sighed, unable to finish.

Fenton sighed. "Hey, I get it. I make mistakes all the time! Just ask...anyone! But, you can't let that get you down, Morgana! You're not perfect! But no one is! We all have flaws!"

"Yes, but Fenton-I killed Gosalyn!"

Silence rang through the room after her outburst. Morgana quickly hugged herself in an attempt to look smaller.

"Ummm...Pretty sure Gosalyn was just at the meeting earlier. So...She's not dead?" Fenton pointed out in confusion. "Heh, if I've learned anything recently, its that just because you think someone's died, doesn't mean they actually have!" He raised his hand in the air. "I mean, look at me! Scrooge thought for sure I was a goner but-I'm still here! Thanks to Magica. "He paused. "Huh...Come to think of it...Magica faked Gosalyn's death too."

Morgana just waited for him to finish his thoughts patiently.

With a determined frown, Fenton smacked his fist into his other palm. "That no good, Magica de Spell! She needs to stop faking people's death!"

Morgana nodded morosely as she collapsed in one of the many red plush chairs in the McDuck mansion. "Oh, but don't you see!? I messed up, Fenton. If it hadn't been for me, Magica may have never had the chance to fake her death! I realize that Gosalyn is actually alive and I didn't actually kill her but...I COULD have! I lucked out that Magica had saved her at the last second. But not only that, I-" She covered her mouth as tears came to her eyes. "I lost Dark in the process."

Fenton stepped over to her and patted her on the shoulder for comfort.

Wiping at her eyes, Morgana continued, "I love Dark so much. Things have never been easy for us. It's always been one thing or another stressing us out. First it was Dark letting it sink in that I was a reformed criminal. Then it was just daddy-My father, Monoculo, giving me a hard time about dating him." She stopped for a moment to look up at the accountant. She knew full well he didn't know the full story so she quickly tried to explain. "I come from a long line of witches and ghouls and Dark and you and everyone else are considered 'Normals'. Non-magical, non-mythical, LIVING creatures of the sunlight. My father always hated that I was dating a 'Normal' and he especially didn't care for Dark and his profession. After what happened about three years ago, when Negaduck blew up my family home, my family never stopped blaming Dark for it. I tired to ignore them and we continued dating, but I guess over time, the tension between us grew and it was getting harder and harder for us to move further into our relationship. I'd marry Dark today if I could, but I know he's not ready. 'Hadn't' been ready, I should say. He's never been good at sharing his emotions and I didn't want to pressure him. Then I went and caused Gosalyn's death. Or what we thought was her death at the time."

In a very quiet voice, Fenton said, "And now he's possibly starting something up with Launchpad..."

Morgana buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

Fenton winced at his comment. He was only making her feel worse! Not knowing what else to do, Fenton akwardly pulled out a tissue from his jacket pocket, squeaking when some loose change fell to the floor as well. He glanced at Morgana to see if she had noticed his blunder but she was too busy crying. He cleared his throat and pushed the tissue into her hand.

Morgana turned and gratefully took it. She blew her nose loudly. "Thank you."

"I'm sorry, Morgana."

She shrugged, fiddling with the tissue in her hands. "No, I'm sorry, Fenton. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like this. You're already going through a lot right now and here I am dumping my problems on you!"

Fenton perked up, his natural moxie flaring up. "No, no, no, Morgana! It's no trouble! Honest! Sure, I'm going through my own sticky situation, but that's what friends are for! There isn't anything I can't handle. Even curses that have been placed on my heart, apparently." He trailed off as he tapped his beak in thought for a moment before continuing. "My point is, Morgana, that I'm here for you if you ever need a shoulder to cry on! I can't say I've been exactly in the same spot as you have, but I know what it's like to love someone you can't have!"

Morgana sniffed with a small smile. "But you ended up getting him in the end, Fenton, dear."

Fenton's whole face turned red.

Morgana stood up and rested a hand on his shoulder. "I appreciate you listening to me, Fenton. Again, I didn't mean to get this upset, but your compliment just hit home I guess. After what happened to Gosalyn, my magic is a bit of a sore subject."

Fenton nodded. "Understandable. It's similar to how I feel just about every time I put on the Gizmosuit. Every time I feel like I have it figured out, I go and slam someone in the face with another Boston cream pie!"

Morgana giggled. "I guess I'm just going to have to settle for the fact that Dark is happy. That's really all I want for him."

"That's a very sweet and mature thing for you to say, Morgana" beamed the accountant encouragingly.

In an attempt to change the subject, Morgana pointed to the potion. "I gave you enough for the rest of the week. That should get you through till we make it to Mount Vesuvius. I can always make more if you need it."

Fenton nodded. "Gee, thanks, again."

Without another word, Morgana collected her chest of potions and with a pop of magic, was gone.

Fenton wasn't alone for long though, for a moment later, he heard the sound of his name being called by his favorite duck.

"Fenton? Where are yeh, laddie?"

The accountant smiled at the call of his name. He walked to the threshold of the door and poked his head out into the hallway. "In here, Scroogey, my love!"

Scrooge followed the sound of the younger duck's voice and soon found him. With his cane in his left hand, Scrooge stepped up towards the den. "Ahh, there yeh are, me treasure." He leaned forward and allowed Fenton to give him a kiss on the cheek before quickly kissing Fenton's cheek in return.

Stepping back, Scrooge looked Fenton up and down. "So? Was Miss McCawber able t'help yeh?"

Fenton beamed and stood a little straighter. "She sure did, Scroogey! Just look!" He showed his hand to Scrooge and the old miser was happy to see that his younger boyfriend was not trembling in the slightest. "She says I just have to drink the potion once a day and it'll help with the side effects of Magica's curse on me!"

Tapping his cane on the floor in triumph, Scrooge crowed, "Slendid! Just splendid!" His happy mood quickly fizzled out as Scrooge's shoulders sagged.

Seeing the abrupt change in demeanor, Fenton asked, "Say, why the long face, Scroogey? I say this calls for a victory snack! I actually am starting to have a bit of an appetite thanks to that potion, after all! Not to mention, I really wanna get the taste of chalk out of my mouth! Boy that potion tastes bad!"

Glancing back and forth down the hallway, Scrooge quickly guided Fenton back into the den and over to the table.

"Eh, Fenton?"

"Hmm?"

At length, Scrooge began, "I've been thinking..." He trailed off. Scrooge rubbed his forehead in both exhaustion and frustration. If he was being honest with himself, he was tired. His bones ached and all he wanted to do was take a short swim and curl up with all his coins in his Money Bin, yet it seemed that was not at all in the cards for him. There was a conversation that he needed to have with Fenton and it wasn't a pleasant one. "Curse me kilts...I don't know where t'begin."

Fenton could only gape at his paramour. He couldn't recall the last time Scrooge had such difficulty with words. Scrooge McDuck was never one to not speak what was on his mind, so to see him so uncertain made Fenton worried. "You okay, Scroogey? Do you need to sit down?"

Scrooge shook his head, a frown appearing on his beak. "Nae, Fenton! I'm fine. I just..." He sighed. "Forgive me, treasure. This is not an easy topic for me."

Fenton pulled at his collar. "So we're not about to talk about what we're going to have as a snack?" He laughed nervously in an attempt to ease the growing tension.

Scrooge took off his spectacles and rubbed between his eyes. He appreciated Fenton's humor, but sadly it was doing nothing to make any of this easier on him. If anything, it only made Scrooge feel worse. He couldn't stop thinking of how close he'd been to losing the bright and positive soul that was Fenton Crackshell.

"It's just...Fenton, recent events have brought back a lot of bad memories fer me. I've let this go for far too long and with everything happenin' at the moment, I can't keep it from yeh any longer. I never should have kept it from yeh t'begin with."

"Keep what from me?"

Sighing, Scrooge looked away. "I've kept quite a bit from yeh. Mainly about yer health..."

Tilting his head to one side, Fenton asked, "My health?"

"Aye...I need t'tell yeh about it. How our trip to Sitka really went..."

Fenton turned to the chair next to them and gestured for Scrooge to sit down with him. The chair was large enough for two of them to sit together comfortably. Though neither of them commented on just how close they were sitting; the older duck practically on Fenton's lap. Normally Scrooge would shy away from such closeness, which only spoke volumes on how vulnerable he was feeling.

Fenton broke the silence once they were situated and comfortable. He asked softly and innocently, "I didn't hit my head on a rock, did I?" He showed no signs of anger or annoyance for being lied to, for which Scrooge was very grateful for.

"Nae, yeh didn't." Scrooge was staring at one of the buttons on the accountant's jacket as he asked, "Tell me, what exactly do yeh remember from the trip."

Fenton hummed in thought as he leaned back into the cushions of the chair. "Hmm...Well, let's see here. "I remember the plane ride there and I remember the place we stayed at and how our hosts were super nice. I remember all of Glomgold's complaining when he found out where we were staying. He figured we would be staying at some five-star hotel."

Scrooge snorted in indignation at the memory, waiting for Fenton to continue.

"I remember going out into the moors and finding the King's old castle out in the middle of nowhere. How we had to figure out the scrolls and their meanings. I was just so grateful they weren't in French, ya know?" he chuckled, trying his hardest to make light of the moment. He hated being serious; it made him feel uncomfortable. Reminded him of days he'd rather forget before he met Scrooge and became Gizmoduck. He scratched the back his neck again when he saw that Scrooge didn't laugh at his lightheartedness.

When it was clear Scrooge wasn't going to say anything, Fenton continued.

"I remember finding a well and something about the trees around it meant something" he pressed on. His fingers began fiddling with the edge of his shirt. He narrowed his eyes as he stared off into space; trying his hardest to remember. "We fell? After digging it out? I think. I mean-it sounds like something I would do, right? Fall into a well?" He paused. "I actually did that as a kid once..."

Scrooge sighed softly and nodded, knowing that Fenton's memory of the story was about to end.

"Then we fell into water. Once we fished all our stuff out we went exploring into some caves...Then... nothing. Next thing I know, I woke up. I woke up here at the mansion!" He looked up at Scrooge as the realization dawned on him. "I woke up in your bed!"

Scrooge nodded, his expression somewhere between blank and remorseful. "Aye, that sounds about right." He then frowned. "That's really all yeh remember, laddie?"

Fenton nodded. "Pretty positive. Yeah. Why?"

Scrooge frowned in concern and placed a hand under his chin. "Yeh woke up way before then."

Fenton stared in disbelief. "Really? When you told me I'd knocked my head on a rock and was out for a long time, I just figured I'd missed the trip back!"

Guilt spread over Scrooge, the old miser beginning to fiddle with his hands. It wasn't often he found himself nervous and guilty. He was Scrooge McDuck after all. The master of business and the world's richest duck! He had not gotten to where he is today by being nervous and guilty. Guilt was a hard pill to swallow regardless. "Aye, laddie, I did tell ya that. But, yeh were so out of it, me treasure. Yeh were awake, but, still not quite there. And once yeh got a little bit better, every time I tried bringing up the trip, yeh shook yer head and said yeh didn't want t'hear it. Yeh had such bad headaches for a while."

"Ugh! I remember those! They were awful! I just figured I'd exposed myself to something I was allergic to over in France or something and I was still getting over it! Or it was a side effect from hitting my head on a rock so bad in France!" exclaimed Fenton. He groaned, "I feel like I'm in one of ma'ma's soap operas! Just-Make it stop, Scroogey! Make it stop! I hate all this drama!" wailed Fenton. He gripped Scrooge's arm tightly and help him close, placing his chin on Scrooge's shoulder.

Scrooge couldn't help but give a wan smile at Fenton's antics.

Before Scrooge has a chance to speak, Fenton pulled away again and said, "Just, no more holding back, my paramour! Just give it to me straight! What happened after-After you thought I'd died...Cause you said I'd died, right?" The waver in his voice did not go unnoticed. Nor did the loud swallow of worry.

Scrooge took in a deep breath before beginning. He raised a hand and gently ran it through Fenton's hair. "Alright, laddie. I'll tell yeh. After I obtained the Golden Heart, I was given a message by the same fairy from the story. They appeared and-"

"Wait wait wait!" exclaimed Fenton. "What's this about a fairy!? Scroogey!" He gasped in indignation. "I'd have thought you better than to tell fairytales after telling me you were going to tell the truth!"

This accusation earned him a scowl. "I AM tellin' yeh the truth, yeh dingus!" Fenton looked away with a sheepish grin. "The fairy, from the Legend-They're real! I know, I know! It's a lot t'take in! I hardly believe it meself, I can assure yeh!"

Fenton shook his head in disbelief. "Fine! I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, my love!"

Pushing on with his tale, Scrooge went on, "Anyways, they told me that in order to have the Heart, I must give up the life of the one who loves me most. "

Fenton just stared. "M-Me? I had to die in order for you to get the Heart?"

Scrooge nodded. "I tried to convince the fairy that I didn't want the Heart! They had said it was too late!" Scrooge voice broke as he looked down into his lap. The emotion in his voice was becoming more evident with every word. "The worse part is, laddie-You KNEW!"

Fenton gasped. "How!?"

"We had gotten separated. Yeh fell and Glomgold and I didn't find yeh until later. Yeh had found the Golden Heart we had and the fairy had been there and told you what was t'happen! Yeh knew were you were going t'die, but like the idiot fool yeh are, yeh didn't tell me! Instead yeh wanted me to have the Heart cause yeh knew it would make me happy!" Tears were now forming in the old miser's eyes and Fenton's heart broke at the sight of it. "T-That's what yeh always say! That yeh just want me t'be happy and it just breaks this poor ol' man's heart cause I know just how true it is!"

"Oh! Scroogey! Scroogey, please don't cry!" He pulled out another tissue from his pocket and began wiping away Scrooge's tears. "It's okay! I'm okay! See! Look, I'm right here!"

Scrooge shook his head, grabbing the tissue from Fenton. He blew his nose. "That's not even the worst part! Yeh died, Fenton! Yeh really did die! Yeh had no heartbeat! Yeh were lifeless!"

Fenton whimpered, wrapping his arms around Scrooge's shoulders. He could hardly imagine how hard this had to have been for his paramour. He found himself suddenly unable to look at Scrooge, his eyes growing distant as he desperately tried to remember anything from the trip he didn't already remember.

"I threw away the Heart and begged the fairy t'bring yeh back t'life. But yeh were gone. I cannot remember the last time I ever cried that hard. Probably not since me days out in the Klondike. But next thing I knew, yeh started breathin' again! Just like that! Gaspin' for breath as though yeh'd been drownin' in water." Scrooge stopped, unable to continue. He closed his eyes, looked away, and tried his hardest to suppress a harsh shiver.

This only confused Fenton. "Well, that's a good thing, right? I mean-I'm here now, right!?"

Scrooge didn't answer or open his eyes right away. "Aye, yeh woke up, but...Ugh, I guess I shoulda figured yeh wouldn't remember any of it. Lookin' back..."

Fenton gave him a moment. He knew Scrooge was struggling to explain.

"Yeh came back to life but yeh weren't yerself. Those first few days afterwards, yeh didn't talk. Yeh were weak as a newborn kitten. Could barely walk since yer balance was so bad. Not t'mention the body tremors. Yeh responded to yer name but that was about it. Yeh never said anything. The whole trip back yeh didn't say one word. Yer eyes were glazed over and all yeh did was stare off into space. I barely managed to get a few bites of food into yeh. I told Launchpad yeh had hit yer head and got sick. He seemed t'believe me. Glomgold was terrified of yeh. Kept insisting yeh were some cursed zombie. I refused to listen to him."

"And...those are the same symptoms I started having thanks to Magica...That's why you've been so worried" commented Fenton.

Scrooge nodded. "Precisely."

"So, you didn't tell anyone the truth? Not even Duckworth or Mrs. Beakley? Surely they would have suspected something."

"Oh, they did! Even Launchpad, and that great buffoon wouldn't see a tree if he walked into it. I told Mrs. Beakley. She saw right through me! She's the only one who knows the truth besides Glomgold."

"So THAT'S why she keeps baking me pies and saying how happy she is to see me!" gasped Fenton.

"So yeh can see, these shakes yeh've been havin' are the same yeh had when yeh first woke up from bein'-" He cut himself off, unable to say the word. "I'll never forgive myself for choosin' a hunk of gold over you."

It was Fenton's turn to give a wan smile. He scooted over close to Scrooge and hugged him close. He then said softly into his ear, "You say the sweetest things when you want to, Scroogey. But thanks to Morgana's potion, I'm going to be fine! I'm not trembling anymore and I don't feel nearly as cold as I did! And I'm actually a little hungry! That's all good signs, right!?"

Scrooge returned Fenton's embrace as they settled comfortably in the chair. "Aye."

"Scrooge?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for telling me all this."

Scrooge nodded. "Aye. I just wish I had done it sooner."

Fenton hugged Scrooge tightly, causing the old miser to grunt in surprise. "No worries, Scroogey, my paramour! I'm sure you did your best! The important thing is that you fessed up and told me in the end!" He then gave his paramour a kiss on the temple.

Scrooge wasn't entirely sure what had just happened, but Fenton was happy and that was all he could ask for. He chose to simply soak in the moment and allow Fenton to pamper him.

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"Ahh, smell that fresh crisp air!" gushed Launchpad as Drake, Gosalyn, Bushroot, and himself walked through Duckburg Park. He stretched his arms up over his head and smiled. Of course, this caused him to get hit in the head since he was still carrying some of thier groceries from earlier, but he didn't seem bothered. "I mean, St. Canard is nice and all, but boy! You just don't get this kinda fresh air there!"

Drake and Gosalyn both shared a look before rolling their eyes. Neither of them were impressed; having lived in the city all their lives.

Bushroot, however, was quite appreciative of Launchpad's love for nature. He began pulling off his mittens now that they were far away from prying eyes. "Oh, yes! That's the first thing I noticed when I got here to Duckburg!" he replied with equal awe. "No pollution! It's amazing!"

The sun was shining down on them without a cloud in the sky.

"Yeah, that's what happens when there's not a factory around every corner! Heh!" chuckled Launchpad. "Mr. McDee likes it that way. It's why he invests in companies that are outside Duckburg city limits!"

"He seems...Nicer than I was expecting. I mean, he shouted a lot. But..." Bushroot paused as he clasped his leafy hands together at the memory. "He actually called me by my title! He called me a doctor!"

Launchpad stepped slower until he was in step with Bushroot. This caused Drake and Gosalyn to start walking a ways ahead of them. "Who? Mr. McDee?"

Bushroot nodded as he took off his hat.

"Oh, yeah! Mr. McDee is great! I've known him for years! He's rough around the edges, sure, but he's a softie on the inside!"

Bushroot hummed in thought. "Yeah, I can see that. Either way, he was nice to me and that's all I can ask for in a guy like him! I'll take it!"

The two of them walked up a hill before finally Launchpad was able to see his little home. He glanced to Bushroot before stopping the both of them. "Say, Bushroot, I'm gonna head on home for a bit. My home isn't too far away. Why don't you just relax here and I'll be by in a bit!"

Looking around at his surroundings, the floral duck couldn't find a reason to argue. "I suppose that's doable. It's rather nice here, actually! Might find a friendly tree to take a nap in!" By this point he had taken off his boots and jacket; leaving him completely without any kind of disguise.

Launchpad was frowning though and worrying his lower lip. "You're not mad, are ya? I don't want ya to feel like I'm abandoning ya or anything. Last thing I wanna do is hurt your feelings."

Bushroot smiled at the sentiment. "I appreciate that, Launchpad. But don't worry! I'll be happy as a fresh seedling in a new soil!" He gestured to the trees around him. "I can make all sorts of new friends!"

Launchpad chuckled. He was about to walk away when the familiar jargon speaking voice rang through the air. "Are you worried? Are you anxious? Well, don't be! Not with Liquidator Brand Water on the job!" A moving puddle snaked its way through the grass and Launchpad and Bushroot could only watch at it raised up and slowly morphed into the canine form of Liquidator.

Launchpad immediately took a cautious step back. He was on friendly terms with Bushroot, but that didn't mean he was on friendly terms with Liquidator. Frankly he didn't know what to think of the other mutant. Unlike with Bushroot, the only interactions he's had with him was during heists and crime scenes while on opposing sides.

"Buddy!" called over Bushroot happily. He stepped up close to the liquid canine. "You're back early!"

Liquidator shrugged. "Duckburg has much cleaner piping than St. Canard so half the trip didn't take nearly as long as it would have in St. Canard. It's amazing what a difference the two cities have despite being right next to each other!" It was then Liquidator noticed Launchpad's presence. Raising a curious eyebrow and ear, Liquidator said, "Ahh, it would appear we have an audience!"

As Liquidator made a step in Launchpad's direction, Bushroot quickly stepped in between them. "Ah, ah! I know him, Likky! Believe it or not, he's a friend of mine!"

Now both Liquidator's ears went up, his interest piqued. "A friend, you say!?" He raised himself higher so he could look over top Bushroot's mop of petals and anthers to get a better look at Launchpad. The pilot took another respectful step backwards; the bags in his hands rustling loudly. "I wasn't aware you had any friends outside the Fearsome Four or plant kingdom, Reggie." To Launchpad he said, "And how is it you've managed to be graced with the friendship of our dear Reginald Bushroot, hmm? Not just anyone gets that privilege."

Launchpad chuckled nervously. "Eh, it's a long story!" He shot a nervous look to Bushroot, who gave him a worried look in return.

It was then that Liquidator narrowed his eyes. "Say, you look familiar..." He pushed past a quietly protesting Bushroot and bent his liquid torso so that it was closer to the pilot. He tapped his chin in thought as he tried to remember where he'd seen Launchpad before. Gasping, Liquidator's eyes widened. "Why, you're Darkwing Duck's sidekick!" He pointed an accusatory finger at Launchpad.

Launchpad's eyes widened with fear. "Uhhh...Darkwing who?"

Bushroot pounded a leafy fist on Liquidator's chest after finally getting in front of him. "Stop it, Likky! Yes, that's Darkwing's sidekick!" Liquidator opened his mouth to speak but Bushroot spoke over him. "But trust me when I say that he IS a friend! He was just leaving, actually. And NO! He's not going to go rushing to Darkwing and cause trouble! I promise!"

Launchpad nodded eagerly as Liquidator's distrustful glare fell on him. "Absolutely! I'm a friend of Reggie's! He's a sweet guy and I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to him! In fact, I brought him here cause he'd been lost in downtown Duckburg and thought he'd like it out here in the park better! Swear!"

Liquidator continued to glare.

"Right. I'm gonna take that as my cue to leave! Later, Bushroot!" Launchpad immediately ran off, the bags of groceries threatening to fall apart in his wake.

Once he was gone, Bushroot pulled away and rounded on Liquidator. "You didn't have to chase him off! He's my friend, Likky!"

Liquidator didn't seem at all phased, however. Instead, he leaned back a bit in a way only his liquid body could and smirked. Crossing his arms he said, "Should I be worried?"

Bushroot blinked at his question. He glanced back and forth between his boyfriend and the direction Launchpad had run off. It then clicked and Bushroot's face darkened as he blushed. "What!? N-No! Likky! How could you-!?" He stopped when he heard Liquidator's bubbly chortle.

Pouting, Bushroot could do nothing as his liquid companion had his fun.

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"All I'm sayin', DW, is that the guy isn't nearly as bad as ya think! He's reformed!" Launchpad was arguing as they walked through the door to the pilot's little hut. "Eh, for the most part!"

Drake groaned as he looked up to the sky for strength. "Yes, yes! I know, Launchpad! Doesn't mean I want him cozyin' up and hanging around us!"

Launchpad shut the door behind them with his foot, his arms full of the food they had yet to eat from Burger Shakes; a little food take-out place that reminded Drake far too much of the food chain back in his home town. Gosalyn and Launchpad didn't seem to have any trouble eating their food. Drake, however, was determined to keep his diet as grease free as possible.

As they settled in, Drake glanced at his cell phone and groaned. He hardly ever used it since he normally used his Darkwing gear as a form of communication, yet as Drake Mallard he used the phone instead. He saw that he had a voicemail. He raised the phone and listened as Gosalyn and Launchpad dished out the food.

"So, what do you think about all this magic ritual stuff, Launchpad?" Gosalyn asked as she sat down into the hammock, which swung dangerously as her sudden weight.

The pilot shrugged. "Gee, I don't know, Gos. It's all a lot to take in, ya know? I just wish it didn't involve Mr. McDee and Fenton. I know Mr. McDee s'been awful worried about Fenton ever since we got back from France."

Gosalyn frowned at him. "When did you go to France!? Was this recently?" She tried grabbing a bag of chips from the mountain of groceries they'd brought in, but even while on his phone, Drake caught sight of her attempt and whacked her hand away.

Launchpad shrugged. "Hmm...Not sure. Few months ago, maybe? Remember I left town for about ten days? Mr. McDee had asked me to fly him and Fenton to someplace in France...Eh..." He paused and wracked his brain trying to remember. ""Sitka? I think it was? I don't know. I lose track unless I make an epic crash. Crash must not have been too exciting, otherwise I would know. Heh. I never forget a good crash!"

Gosalyn chuckled, knowing just how true that was.

Pancing to the other side of the room, Drake clicked his phone off and groaned in despair. He covered his eyes with a hand and titled his head at the roof.

"You okay there, DW?"

Drake took a moment to answer before uncovering his eyes and glancing wearily in their direction. "No, I'm not okay! I'm FAR from okay! I can't seem to catch a break! Every direction I turn is another problem!" He jumped backwards into the hammock next to Gosalyn and curled up in it. The hammock swayed back and forth again at the new weight. Gosalyn moved until she found a better position for herself next to her father.

"What's wrong now?" grumbled Gosalyn. She was tired of listening to her father complain all the time.

Drake raised his phone as though that answered her question. "A voicemail was on my phone. It was the insurance company. I had called them two days ago to see what they could do about the house. Ya know, since stupid me burned it!" He made a deep whining sound in the back of his throat, rubbing under his eyes. "I thought maybe I could get some kind of quote on what it would take to restore it and how much they could cushion the blow."

Drake took a moment to laugh humorlessly while Gosalyn and Launchpad exchanged worried looks.

"Heh, but of course! I'm told that my insurance policy expired a month ago. I was also told I should have received both phone calls and mail regarding this dilemma within the past week...Do you really think potion-addled, emotionless me cared much about voicemails and letters in the mail!? NOPE!"

Gosalyn stepped forward, knowing that if she didn't speak up, her father would keep throwing himself a pity party. "Wait, so what does that mean, then?"

Drake dramatically raised his arms in the air before dropping them. "It means, Gosalyn sweetie, that daddy is an even bigger idiot than he thought and I don't have insurance to help cover the cost of the house and I now have to either pull out a loan or buy for it out of pocket! Neither of which I'm in a position to do! That would mean every penny in my savings would be gone! Said money is currently what is keeping us afloat here in Launchpad's little hut."

"It's gonna be okay, DW. I have a bit of money saved up. I can help support you guys. And you can stay here as long as you need" offered Launchpad.

Drake rolled his eyes before closing them. A small then slowly appeared on his beak. Gosalyn and Launchpad watched him for a moment as he just sat there. Finally, Drake said quietly, "You really are the greatest sidekick a hero could ask for, Launchpad. Not to mention the greatest friend a lame dorky guy like me could ask for." He turned and opened his eyes to meet Launchpad's gaze. "Thank you."

Launchpad's face slowly turned pink. Then red. He looked away shyly. "Aww, shucks, DW. Ya know I'll be there for ya no matter what. You're uh..." He met Drake's eyes again. "You're kinda worth it. I mean-you ARE worth it. Not 'kinda'-Heh heh...You are!"

Drake laughed.

After a moment, the laughter died down and the pink tinge on Launchpad's face faded.

"Ugh, just kiss already!" groused Gosalyn after she had taken another bite of her food. "It's so obvious you want to! Just get it over with already!"

Drake and Launchpad both had the same reaction; both sputtering and turning red.

"G-Gosalyn!" gasped Drake in embarrassment. "Don't speak to me like that! I'm your father! Show some respect!"

"Y-yeah, Gos! Ya can't go sayin' stuff like that!" admonished Launchpad.

Gosalyn rolled her eyes; unfazed by their antics. "Whatever."

A comfortable silence filled the room as Drake got back up and began putting away the groceries he'd nearly forgotten about. He had just put the milk in the tiny mini fridge when his cell phone rang again.

"Boy!" chuckled Launchpad. "You sure are popular today!"

Drake rolled his eyes and answered it. "Drake Mallard, speaking" he greeted tonelessly.

"Mr. Mallard!" came Scrooge's authoritative voice. "I need you to come to me mansion this evenin' so that we can discuss more of our plans! Me nephew Donald will have hopefully brought some good news about Mr. Grimmits by then!"

Sighing, Drake found himself agreeing. "Sure, sure, gramps. I'll be there."

"And another thing!" added Scrooge.

"Yeah?"

"Don't call me 'gramps!'"

Drake jumped as the old miser had yelled into his ear. He then promptly head the click that informed him that his employer had hung up on him.

Launchpad and Gosalyn were both staring at him, impatiently waiting to hear who it had been.

"It's Mr. McDuck. He wants me at his mansion later today." He rolled his eyes. "Since when was I the on call vigilante around here?! Acts like I'll just show up any time he asks me to!" He harrumphed and crossed his arms.

Despite his attitude, Drake quickly dressed as Darkwing. "Best head my way over there. He didn't give a time, but knowing McDuck, he's expecting me there now."

"Can I come!?" exclaimed Gosalyn. She looked up at Launchpad excitedly. "His mansion is so cool! That and I want to brag that I've been over there a bunch of times!"

Darkwing began to open the door, looking behind at Gosalyn as he did so. "Nuh uh. Don't think so young lady! It's just me and Launchpad this time!"

Darkwing didn't get to hear Gosalyn's complaint, for he had turned back to walk out the door when the silhouette of a familiar duck in a suit and fedora blocked his way.

Negaduck and half a dozen thugs dressed in all black where standing outside thier door waiting for him. The yellow clad duck laughed menacingly. Seeing that he had Darkwing's full attention, he rubbed his hands together and said, "Oh, you're absolutely right, Darkwing. It IS just you and Launchpad. Or to be more precise-just your blood that I need!" He pulled out a knife from his jacket pocket as he took a threatening step closer and cackled.

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Author's Notes: It's back from the dead! I know, it's been two years since this was last updated. But look! I'm trying! So, this was definitely a filler chapter. But these scenes were necessary to help continue character growth. Comments and kudos are divine and so are all of you for reading this! Love you all so much! Hope you're taking care you yourself! Enjoy! -EricaX