Thicker Than Water
Chapter 2
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In the caves of Mount Vesuvius, Magica was busy going over her many potion books, deep in thought as she mumbled to herself in concentration. Poe was busy sleeping on his little perch; his left wing covering his face as he dozed off.
Neither of them noticed the hulking mass of metal slowly walk up to them. Taurus Bulba glared at Magica's back. He did not care if this was against her plans. He had signed up to work with her all in hopes of ruining Darkwing and killing him afterwards. He had watched Darkwing Duck destroy his life after having drank that potion while thinking Gosalyn was dead. Now that that was over, it was time for Taurus to make his final strike and get the proper revenge he deserved! He hated living as a half cyborg and it was time Darkwing paid the price for what he did to him!
In his arms laid a heavily tied up and unconscious Gosalyn. It was time he took matters into his own hands! He just had to make sure Magica was not aware that he was not releasing the girl like he had been ordered to.
Stepping forward into the light, Taurus calmly cleared his throat conversationally. He had to do this correctly. After having worked with her and staying here at her hideout, Taurus had picked up some of the witch's habits. One of them being that once she started rambling about something while working, she would become so distracted that nearly anything could be happening around her and she wouldn't notice.
"So, Magica? May I ask you a question?" he spoke questioningly.
"Eh?" came Magica's confused response. Thankfully for Taurus she did not look away from her spell book. His whole plan would have been ruined if she had, but he figured she wouldn't. "Oh...Uh...Go ahead and ask."
Taurus smirked. "When we spoke to young Waddlemeyer, you said something that left me wondering...You said something about ingredients. Just how many ingredients do you need to fulfill our plan?"
"Eh...Too many to count, really. Though, now that I've handled Darkwing and Scrooge's lover boy, things should be progressing faster..." she answered distractedly. She suddenly lit up with excitement as her eyes scanned one of the pages of her book. "Oooh! That is handy spell!"
Taurus chose his next question carefully, wanting to ask one that he knew would start her off in a rambling garble. "Ahh, yes. That accountant. He is an ingredient, you say?"
"Hmm...Yes. But don't worry. I took care of that a ways back. He is taken cared for. But trust me, it was not easy! Things did not turn out the way I expected with that!" She flipped the page to her book and kept reading.
Taurus started walking as quietly as his metallic body would allow him. "Oh? How so?" As he asked, he continued walking, not intending to hear her answer as he made his way out of the cavernous home the enchantress lived in.
"Is long and complicated story which I don't have time to tell you. But basically, I am surprised lover boy is alive. I was expecting him to be swallowed by the darkness after what happened to him. But, either way, I obtained my ingredient. I was not expecting lover boy to survive, but I got what I needed regardless. And best part is: Scrooge has no idea I did anything to his lover boy! Nyeh heh heh heh heh!" Her laughing quickly turned into coughing. "Oh...I must not let myself get carried away..."
There was silence in the room for several moments before she cried out, "Here it is! The potion I been looking for!"
She didn't notice that she and her sleeping brother were now the only ones in the room, nor that she no longer had Gosalyn as her prisoner.
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After having calmed himself down from his anxieties, Drake Mallard managed to get some headway on the work he was expected to do as the new Data Analysis Manager for Scrooge McDuck. Fenton had also made a habit to periodically check on him and ask to make sure he was still feeling okay. Normally Drake would have been annoyed by his meddling, or anyone else's for that matter, but today he was grateful for it.
Once Fenton had led him back upstairs into the office, they had found that Mrs. Quackfaster and a couple other employees had cleaned up the mess of papers that they'd left on the floor. Drake had been sure to thank them and apologize for the mess. He was surprised to find that everyone was very warm and accepting of him; which was something he was not used to.
So many years as being an unwanted masked vigilante in St. Canard had toughened Drake's skin to the point where he always expected the worst when he was Drake Mallard. As Darkwing Duck, he expected praise and applause, even though he never got that either. That had been his ego rearing its ugly head.
Drake had tried to avoid the printer the rest of the day, but sadly, as Fenton had told him, a big part of his job was working with the printer. But Mrs. Quackfaster, who had been using it before him, gave him a quick tutorial on all the buttons and warned him not to double press the print button on both the computer and on the machine itself. She told him that was most likely what had happened earlier. It was nice to know that was a known glitch in the printer and it wasn't just Drake's own idiocy on not being able to work a simple printer.
It was getting later in the afternoon; nearing the time when it would be time to go home, when the door from the elevator opened and in bounded the three triplets Drake remembered seeing at Scrooge's mansion three years ago.
Huey, Dewey, and Louie, still wearing their signature colors, happily jogged through the office. Instead of their normal shirts, they were wearing baseball informs in their proper colors. Clearly they knew not to run, but they also weren't patient enough to walk in their excitement. Drake watched them in curiosity as they made their way to the door to Scrooge's office door.
"Oh, boy, oh boy!" one of them cried in excitement.
"We've been waiting for today for a while!" said another one.
They weren't facing him so it was hard for Drake to determine which one was speaking.
Just as Huey was about to twist the knob to their uncle's office door, Fenton loudly cleared his throat from his spot at his desk. "Hiya, boys!" he greeted happily. All three ducklings turned at the sound of his voice. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few more minutes. Your uncle Scrooge just got an important call. He wouldn't tell me who it was from but he did say he didn't want to be disturbed! So, if you want him to be in a semi-chipper mood for your game tonight, I suggest you wait for him!"
"Aww" groaned Louie. "But last time we had to wait for him to finish a phone call we almost ended up being late to our game."
Fenton shook his head as the three boys walked up to stand before Fenton's desk. "That won't happen on MY watch!" beamed Fenton proudly. "All else fails, I'll take you down to the baseball feilds myself and your uncle Scrooge can meet us there!"
Huey, Dewey, and Louie all looked at each other before shrugging. "Okay!" they said in unison.
Dewey glanced over and spotted Drake. "Hey! Who's the new guy?"
Drake leaned back a bit in his chair as he realized he was suddenly being watched and observed carefully by three young boys. They gathered in front of his desk and Drake felt the odd sense of relief of having a desk between them, for the way they were watching him, they'd be all up close in his face to get a better look.
Fenton beat him to answering. "This is the new Data Analysis Manager, boys! Drake Mallard!"
"What happened to Mr. Bearson?" asked Louie as he looked to Fenton for an answer.
"He retired" the accountant answered simply.
"Heh, nice to meet you boys" Drake said nervously. He didn't know what else to say. He had only seen the three boys shortly when dropping off Launchpad and Gosalyn to stay with McDuck three years ago when Negaduck was terrorizing and threatening to kill his sidekick. At the time, it had been his only option to keep his loved ones safe. It all seemed so pointless now, Drake thought morosely. Seeing as how he still ended up losing Gosalyn.
He watched as the three brothers turned their attention back to Fenton and began rambling about the baseball game they would be participating in for their school later that evening. As he listened, Drake remembered how excited Gosalyn would get about her baseball games at school and he felt his heart sink to the floor.
Just another reminder of what he no longer had in his life.
Seeing Drake's depressive expression, Fenton asked, "You okay over there, Drakey?"
Drake snapped out of his thoughts and looked over at the concerned accountant. "I'm fine. Just..." He looked down at Huey, Dewey, and Louie and saw they were listening with slight concern as well. "Gosalyn used to play baseball a lot...And..." He gulped and found himself unable to continue.
Fenton frowned. "And you're sad you won't have any more baseball games to go to?"
Drake shrugged, feeling slightly annoyed by his answer. "More like I'm just sad in general at yet another reminder of what I've lost!" he found himself snapping.
Huey, Dewey, and Louie jumped a bit at his tone. "What happened to her?" asked Dewey.
Drake turned his eyes down on the young duckling and his innocent question. He couldn't bring himself to answer but thankfully he didn't have to.
"Say, I remember her. She stayed with us for a little while, didn't she? That girl's name was Gosalyn, wasn't it?" asked Louie, turning to his brother's for confirmation.
Drake took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as the boys slowly recalled the red-headed girl who had stayed with them for a few days.
"Yeah! She was fun! Of course, she was worried about her dad and Darkwing Duck the whole time, not that I blame her!" replied Huey. "I would have been just as worried had that been Uncle Donald or Uncle Scrooge..."
"Hey now! Let's not forget your ol' pal Fenton!" interjected the accountant. "I'm practically like an uncle to you guys too!"
The boys all turned to him. "Yeah, but not really...You're just Unca Scrooge's...ick...boyfriend!" said Dewey with a bit of disgust at the thought of lovey dovey adult stuff.
Louie spoke up next, "Plus, you don't get into near as much danger as Uncle Scrooge does...and Uncle Donald is family for us-"
Fenton gaped at them, clearly affronted by the accusation of not getting into danger. "Danger!? I don't get into danger!? Why, 'danger' is my middle name!"
Drake couldn't bite back the scoff he let out.
This gained Fenton's attention. "Oh, and I'm sure you've seen a lot of danger, Drakey?" His question came in the form of taunting. It was the first time Fenton hadn't been overly cheerful and friendly to him. Drake knew the boys had hit a nerve with the accountant.
It was at the tip of his tongue to say that he had and normally he probably would have blurted out something ridiculous and nearly have compromised his secret identity by now, but Drake was hardly in the mood to talk and go along with the jibe. Instead he said in a heavily sarcastic voice, "Oh, yes, Fenton. LOTS of danger. I LAUGH in the face of it."
"Are you mocking me!?"
Huey, Dewey, and Louie were all giggling at the two adults.
"He's right though, Fenton. You haven't seen much danger. I mean, sure, you've been on a few of Unca Scrooge's adventures with us but-"
"What about the time your uncle and I searched for the Golden Heart, huh!? Surely your uncle told you all about that!"
All three boys shook their heads. "No, he said that was a story we could hear later. Probably means it was a boring trip and he wanted to save us the trouble of hearing it." said Huey.
Fenton's eyes nearly popped out of his head as his mouth hung agape.
The argument would have continued had Scrooge McDuck not opened his door and walked out. At the sight of their beloved granduncle, Huey, Dewey, and Louie all forgot about their conversation with Fenton and ran over to the billionaire.
"Ahh, me boys!" sighed Scrooge happily. "You're right on time! Sorry if I left ya lads waiting, but I had a very important phone call t'make. But I'm all done for the day now and ready t'watch yeh play your game later!"
Drake was forced to look away at the happy familial scene happening in front of him. He couldn't stand to watch how the boys hugged their uncle and looked up at him with such admiration; the same kind of admiration he had seen Gosalyn give him. Fenton didn't help matters when he walked up to Scrooge and gave him a quick, indiscreet kiss on his side of his bill.
Shuddering, Drake stood up and turned off his computer. He vaguely noted in the back of his mind that all the other workers in the office were somewhere in the process of leaving for the work day as well. He figured if they could leave, he could too. He wanted to go back to the little shack known as his new and hopefully temporary home and curl up on the hammock they were using as their bed and stay there for the rest of the month.
Launchpad had said he would try to remember to be there at the end of the day to walk Drake home, so he was somewhat grateful for that. While it was easy to find the Money Bin, Drake knew he wouldn't be able to find his way back to Launchpad's little house as easily.
Scrooge finally turned his attention away from his nephews long enough to regard Drake critically. "I take it the rest of your day went better than this mornin'?" he asked Drake.
Drake turned around after having pushed his chair in and was sure to be as polite as possible to his new employer. "Yes. Thank you again, Mr. McDuck, for giving me this job and understanding..." He trailed off before adding. "This has been a very rough time for me."
Instead of the kind sympathy he had been expecting and having been given by everyone else that day, Scrooge just lowered his eyes and said with a slight scowl, "Oh, I'm sure. Just remember laddie, it could always be worse."
Something about the tone in which Scrooge had used made Drake's eye twitch in irritation. Was he implying that what he was going through was not actually that bad? He knew he shouldn't press further, but Drake found it impossible to stay quiet. As usual, his temper and ego got the better of him. "What do you mean by that, Mr. McDuck?"
Scrooge, who had been ruffling the feather.s on top of Louie's head, looked back up at Drake as he placed the boy's green hat back on his head. "It means what I said. Things could always be worse for yeh."
Fenton and the triplets nervously looked back and forth between the two ducks, already able to see the argument beginning.
"Oh, so because things 'could' be worse, you're implying that I shouldn't be suffering the way I am? That I shouldn't be depressed? That I shouldn't be having anxiety attacks and having trouble sleeping and being unable to eat?" Drake began to rant bitterly. "That I shouldn't be nervous about working for the wealthiest duck in the world who's known for looking someone up and down and saying they're unworthy of his time and money at first glance!"
Scrooge scowled at the insult. "Now see here-"
Drake wouldn't let him finish. "Oh, no, I know! You're Scrooge McDuck! You know it all! You've SEEN it all! I get it! Well, excuse me for not being as good as you, Scrooge McDuck! Excuse me for not having worked my entire life earning every last penny as efficiently and honestly as you have!" Tears had begun to form in Drake's eyes and he angrily and hatefully brushed them away only for more to appear. "Excuse me for getting teary eyed and worked up as you happily greet your boys and prepare to take them to a baseball game! Excuse me for being reminded that I will never get to see my baby girl blue go to a baseball game ever again!"
Scrooge looked as though he wanted to say something but he remained silent. It had seemed the last little bit of his speech had kept him from saying anything that he knew would only upset and hurt Drake further. Scrooge glanced down at Huey, Dewey, and Louie, who were all gathered closely around him.
"I'm very aware that things could be worse, Mr. McDuck, but excuse me if I don't act like it! My life has just been turned upside down-I lost my daughter-I lost my girlfriend in the process-and I've made some of the biggest mistakes of my life in just the past week, so EXCUSE ME if I'm having a bad day! EXCUSE ME for wasting a TINY FRACTION of your three cubic acre amount of cash because I'm going through a difficult time in my life! Because we both know you're still bitter about the printer fiasco this morning! It's not like I WANTED to waste your money by using up your ink and paper! Because no matter how much money you own and possess, it won't bring your loved ones back! So at the end of the day, does any of it REALLY MATTER!?"
There was a deafening silence in the office as Drake turned away. He didn't even care if he had just royally pissed off the richest duck in the world. He didn't care if he had just gotten himself fired. He just wanted the pain in his heart to stop and Drake was painfully reminded of why he had drank that Emoti-Gone potion to begin with. This was why. He couldn't handle this empty feeling.
As Drake was turned away, Huey, Dewey, and Louie looked up at their uncle to see Scrooge and Fenton sharing a knowing look. The accountant grabbed Scrooge's left hand and squeezed it gently. The billionaire certainly did look peeved off, but at the same time, he was very aware that Drake had a point. There was no point in poking at a hurt and angry snake for it will only hiss and fight back with its venomous fangs. This could be said about Drake Mallard. He was hurting and in a strange environment he wasn't used to and Scrooge was aware that yelling at him wasn't going to help matters.
Though some of the things Drake said, Scrooge could not ignore. Taking in a deep breath, Scrooge said evenly, "Firstly, laddie, if you donnae want t'be meetin' the end of me cane, I suggest you never insult me in such a fashion again. Here I am, simply trying t'give you some advice and you go and twist me words."
Scrooge looked over at Fenton who was giving him a sympathetic look. Scrooge squeezed the accountant's hand back as he said, "I am very aware that money will not bring back me loved ones once we lose them. Believe me when I say this: I understand" He rubbed his thumb over the top of Fenton's hand as he pressed on. "But money allows me t'help keep me loved ones safe in the meantime..."
Drake wiped away his tears and crossed his arms; turning back to pout angrily at Scrooge.
"Now" continued Scrooge. "I suggest the two of us finish this conversation...privately..." He smiled down at Huey, Dewey, and Louie fondly. "Excuse me boys. I'll be right back and we'll go get ready for your game, aye?"
The triplets nodded somewhat reluctantly. They turned to Fenton, who seemed to take his cue and catch on that he was expected to take them outside. He grabbed a large white suitcase that had been sitting underneath his desk all day before before giving Scrooge a quick kiss on the temple. Drake glanced at the white suitcase in Fenton's hand in mild interest, noting the insignia on the side of it. Drake furrowed his brow in thought; wondering where he had seen that symbol before.
Without further ado, Fenton guided the boys out the door, clearly wishing he could stay with Scrooge as he kept glancing back at his paramour.
Once they were gone, Scrooge led Drake into his office. There were still a few straggling employees who had yet to leave and Scrooge did not want them to be privy to the conversation they were about to have.
Drake followed, uncertain of what Scrooge could possibly have to say to him that needed to be so private. He heard McDuck shut the door behind them and turned around in time to see Scrooge raise his arm before he felt a sharp pain on the top of his head as Scrooge smacked him with his cane.
"OW! Hey!" groaned Drake as he rubbed at the sore spot and stepped back and away from the other duck.
Scrooge was having none of it as he scowled at Drake. He pointed his cane at Drake, who flinched backwards, nearly colliding with Scrooge's desk. "Now listen here, lad! I know who you are and what you've been up to in St. Canard! I know more about your troubles than y'think!"
Drake tensed visibly at his words but tried hard not to show it. He rubbed the back of his neck in an anxious manner and looked away. "What? I have no idea what you're talking about! I'm just a regular citizen as everyone else is-"
"Tarten me tail feathers! Donnae insult me further!" snapped Scrooge. "I know it's you who masquerades as Darkwing Duck in the middle of the night! I know it was you who came T'ME three years ago wantin' me t'keep your loved ones safe! And now you've gone and done it again! Something went wrong in your life and here ya are at me doorstep!"
Drake stared at the older duck, flabbergasted. He wasn't sure what he was more shocked and angry about. The fact that Scrooge McDuck just admitted he knew he was Darkwing Duck or implying that he was running to the duck for help like a coward.
"Y-You don't know what your talkin' about, gramps!" snapped Drake, not knowing what else to do but continue to feign ignorance.
"Oh? So your best friend Launchpad isn't the same Launchpad McQuack who worked for me for years? He isn't the same Launchpad McQuack who was bein' threatened by Negaduck in St. Canard three years ago? Who was brought here for protection by Darkwing Duck 'imself?"
Drake just snarled at Scrooge, knowing the old miser was right. He couldn't deny any of that. Launchpad was the dead obvious hint in figuring out his secret identity.
Scrooge's posture slackened slightly as he leaned more causally on his cane. With a half lidded glare, he said mockingly, "Ya know, come t'think of it...You certainly LOOK a lot like a bumblin' wanna-be hero who would get his close friends and family in t'danger...It's a wonder how other's haven't figured it out yet."
Alright, that was the last straw! Furiously, Drake rolled up his sleeves and stepped closer to the billionaire. He pointed a finger at Scrooge and said scathingly, "Now that's uncalled for! A guy makes a few mistakes and he's judged by them for the rest of his life!?"
"Ahhh! No longer denyin' that you're Darkwing, eh? So, I WAS right!" gloated Scrooge mischievously.
Drake slapped himself on the forehead with his hand and grunted in annoyance.
"Look, laddie, I'm not tryin' t'be your enemy here. But what I see before me is a young mallard who's given up on 'imself" explained Scrooge in a gentler tone.
"Well, what else am I supposed to do!?" demanded Drake, his voice breaking slightly. His face contorted in pain and depression as he glared at Scrooge. "I failed! I failed Gosalyn! And I made a fool of myself in front of all of St. Canard and lost any and all chances of ever being taken seriously by the law!"
Scrooge's frown deepened. "So that gives you the idea that you should just quit?!"
"I'm NOT quitting!" snapped Drake defiantly. "I'm starting over! Getting a fresh start! That's why Launchpad and I moved here-It's why I took this job to begin with! In case you haven't noticed, Scrooge, we currently have nothing to our name! See the clothes on my back!? They're all I have!"
"I'm not talkin' about your personal life, laddie! I'm talkin' about Darkwing Duck! You're giving up on Darkwing Duck!" Scrooge yelled back.
Drake opened his beak to reply when suddenly their ears were attacked by the loud blaring sound of Scrooge's security system. The lights in the room started flashing red and white. They looked around the room and then at each other in confusion before Scrooge squeaked in panic and alarm, "ME MONEY!" He instantly turned to his closed Money Bin door. "That's the alarm to me money bin! But we're right here!"
Drake watched in shock as Scrooge went from being a serious, calm mannered duck to one of absolute worry and panic and showing more expression of his face than Drake has ever seen.
Despite his words, the old miser still went straight to his money bin, just to be extra sure. With familiarity and expertise, Scrooge quickly opened the safe doors and ran inside till he was leaning against the metal bars barricading him on the landing. He cooed happily when he saw that no one was inside and that his money was safe. "Aww, me precious money! You're still safe!"
Drake, who had cautiously followed, tepidly stepped close to the doorway to the money bin, glancing inside. He had heard of the three cubic acres of gold, cash, and precious gems that Scrooge McDuck kept tightly locked up, but for him to actually SEE the money was a whole new experience. It was surreal to see that much money and treasure in one place.
He was sure to step back out of respectful instinct when Scrooge came back out of the bin and closed the door behind him. As he watched the older duck close it and lock it up, he looked up at the blaring red lights that were still going off. "If it's not your money bin, then what is setting this alarm off? Is it your museum?"
Scrooge shook his head. "Nae, that's a different alarm system entirely. That's what has me baffled."
Before they could say anymore, there was a loud booming voice that spoke to them as though they were on speakers. Like someone was speaking on an intercom system inside the money bin. Drake froze as he knew deep down that he recognized the voice and knew who's it was.
"Attention everyone! This message goes directly to my dear friend, Darkwing Duck" came Taurus Bulba's suave and sarcastic voice.
Before him, Scrooge was fuming. "How is he doin' that!?" he demanded angrily. "It sounds as though he's hacked into me wiring! How else could he direct his voice like tha'!?"
Taurus Bulba continued on almost as though he had heard Scrooge. "Do not be alarmed. I have not tampered with any of your electrical systems or wiring. Just set off your security alarm. But it was the only way I would be able to get your full attention. And your full attention is exactly what I want, Darkwing!"
Scrooge glared at Drake. "A friend of yours?" he sneered.
"Hardly. Just one of my greatest enemies. Taurus Bulba. He's now living as half cyborg, half bull and he blames me for it." He paused and pulled nervously at his collar. "Though to be fair, it IS my fault." A thought then dawned on him and he looked to Scrooge imploringly. "Wait, if he didn't mess with any of your overrides or wiring, then how did he set off your alarm? Wouldn't he have to be up here with us?"
Scrooge shook his head. "He could have set it off outside..." he trailed off in thought. Then his eyes went wide in fear. "Wait! If he's outside-! FENTON! ME NEPHEWS!" Scrooge gave a little jump in panic. He looked to Drake in explanation. "They went outside-Which means they could be in trouble!"
Drake and Scrooge ran out of the offices and to the staircase. Neither of them had the patience to wait for the elevator. As they ran down flight after flight of stairs, Taurus' voice rang in their ears from the intercoms.
"I have a score to settle with you, Darkwing Duck! And I have the means of hurting you in the harshest of ways. I have something very precious to you, Darkwing. Perhaps you know who this little girl blue is..."
Drake, who had been running in front of Scrooge, stopped dead in his tracks. The older duck collided with Drake, causing the two of them to stumble down the last few steps to the next landing.
"What are ya waitin' for, laddie!? Why'd ya stop! Me nephews are out there! And so is Fenton!" he snapped.
But Drake wasn't listening. His eyes were wide as he held tightly to the railing to keep himself standing. "She's dead...He's got to be bluffing...She's dead..."
Scrooge gave him a slight shove since Drake was blocking his way from moving past. "Ignore 'im! He's jus' tryin' t'get you riled up! If she is in fact gone, then yes, he's bluffing! Get moving!"
Drake shook his head and followed Scrooge's orders. They continued to run down the steps until they were finally on the ground floor. The alarm was still blaring off loudly, making it all the more aggravating for the both of them.
Drake was reeling on the inside though. Taurus Bulba was clearly just setting up a trap for him. He just doesn't know that Gosalyn was gone. Right? But why would he show up NOW, of all times?
Scrooge pushed past him and was seething as he stepped out of the front doors to the Money Bin. "What is the meanin' of this!? If y'think y'can mess around with MY loved ones, y'got another thing comin'!" he shouted when he opened the doors.
Before them stood Taurus Bulba. In his left hand he held Fenton up by the neck, who was grasping at the bull's hand in a vain attempt to lessen the pressure of being choked. His legs were kicking out beneath his uselessly. In Taurus' other hand was a thick net that held Huey, Dewey, and Louie inside. The three boys struggled with all their might to get out of the net.
"Ahh, so you are the infamous Scrooge McDuck that I've 'eard so much about!" chuckled Taurus. "Funny, you are nothing like I pictured.I pictured you older and leaning more heavily on your cane!"
With a snarl, Scrooge pointed the said cane at Taurus. "You let them go this instant!"
"Ahh, as amusing as I find your temper, Scrooge McDuck, this is not about you. This is between Darkwing Duck and myself!" cackled Taurus, his real eye and his mechanical red eye focusing on Drake. "Or should I say 'Drake Mallard'?"
Drake stood there with his hands clenched to his side and his knees bent, ready for a strike he was knew was inevitable. The short mallard sighed in exasperation. "What do you want, Taurus? Do you want to finally turn the guy who made you half cyborg into a cream puff? Then go ahead! But leave Fenton and the boys out of this!"
Out of the corner of Drake's eyes, he could have sworn he saw a flare of red behind one of the triplet's heads. A flare of red that reminded him of Gosalyn's pigtails. Drake felt his body tense up at the mere possibility.
Taurus continued on as Drake watched the net that held Huey, Dewey, and Louie inside it. "Oh, but this just makes it all the more fun, Darkwing!"
Faintly, almost unheard by the blaring alarm still coming from the money bin, came a small unsteady voice from inside the net with the triplets. "Ugh, where am I?"
It was at this same moment that Scrooge was rolling up his sleeves and looked ready to stomp his way over to Taurus Bulba and give him a taste of his own medicine when Drake stopped him by placing an arm out in front of him. "Wait!" he squeaked. He listened carefully in hopes to hear the voice of his daughter once more.
Catching on to what was happening, Taurus laughed. "Haha! So, you've noticed the fifth prisoner I have in my net, haven't you, Darkwing?"
Gosalyn, who had been unconscious up until this point, opened her green eyes slowly and jumped when she saw that she was inside a net with Huey, Dewey, and Louie. But what truly woke her up was the sound of her father's alias name. She pushed past Louie so she could see Scrooge and Drake. "Darkwing?" she muttered to herself. Once her eyes landed on Drake, she called out loudly and happily, "DAD!"
Drake's heart skipped a beat when he finally saw his baby girl blue. "GOSALYN!" he shouted back in disbelief.
Taurus Bulba laughed. "You thought she was dead this whole time! But in fact she's been my prisoner this whole time!"
Reeling from this news, Drake found himself unable to grasp it all. All he truly knew was that he was angry. No, furious! "TAURUS BULBA! You crossed the line!" he yelled vehemently.
This earned him a reaction. Since both his hands were full, he took a step closer, clearly wanting to point an accusing finger at Darkwing. "NO! YOU crossed the line when you caused that explosion on that fateful night, leaving me to live as a half cyborg for the rest of my life! Now I am making sure you suffer for what you have done to me!"
Taurus then shifted his left arm and a metal lid on his bicep opened and revealed a small rocket launcher. Without warning, the bull shot the rocket launcher at Scrooge and Drake. Drake instinctively dove at Scrooge and knocked them both out of the way, causing the rocket launcher to hit the corner of the money bin instead of them.
The small explosion caused dust and bits of debris to shower over where Drake and Scrooge landed, making it hard for them to be seen.
"UNCA SCROOGE!" cried out Huey, Dewey, and Louie in fear for their uncle.
"DAD!" screamed Gosalyn.
"SCROOGE!" screamed a panicking Fenton. He kicked harder in Taurus' grasp, desperately wanting to run to his paramour to find out if he was safe. Scrooge had already been close to dying in a similar explosion due to his absence; he wasn't about to let it happen again.
Taurus looked over at Fenton. "Does the old duck really mean that much to you?" he taunted. "Or are you just worried he might not be alive to sign your next paycheck?"
Fenton wasn't able to reply as Taurus tightened his hold around the accountant's neck.
The accountant no longer cared about the consequences of what he was about to do. The love of his life, his paramour, was in danger! Struggling against Taurus' grip, Fenton managed to scream out from his aching throat, "BLATHERING BLATHERSKITE!"
The forgotten white suitcase that was a few yards away from where Taurus was standing started lighting up with electricity and humming with life. Hearing the sounds and seeing the light that was coming from the suitcase, Taurus looked over in time for the Gizmo suit to burst free from the confines of the suit case and start swirling around Fenton.
Not knowing what was going on and shouting in alarm, Taurus released his hold on Fenton, causing the accountant to fall. However, the Gizmosuit didn't allow him to fall far, for it continued to swirl around him as, piece by piece, it connected itself onto Fenton until the duck was completely dressed as Duckburg's greatest hero.
Drake and Scrooge, who had fallen to the ground to avoid being hit by the rocket launcher, coughed heavily as the smoke from the impact filtered away. They both looked over in time to see Gizmoduck now standing there.
"Never fear, citizens! GIZMODUCK is here!" called out the hero in his deeper voice.
"Wait-Where did he come from-!?" demanded Drake. He looked down at the forgotten suit case and saw the matching insignia that was on the case and on the chest of Gizmoduck. So that was why the symbol had been familiar to him earlier. He had seen it on Gizmoduck! Huffing as he stood up, Drake breathed, "Wait, FENTON is Gizmoduck!?"
Scrooge, who had gotten up as well, pushed past the confused and flustered mallard before him, a heavy scowl on his face. "Now, Gizmoduck, if y'would teach this over-sized bucket a'bolts a thing or two about manners, it would be appreciated!"
Moving forward on his unicycle wheel, Gizmoduck raised an arm out towards Taurus Bulba who had recovered from his initial shock of seeing the unexpected hero. "Stand aside citizens while I take care of this delinquent!"
"Ahh, Gizmoduck. The little accountant is your true identity, eh?" mocked Taurus, holding onto the net that still held Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Gosalyn tightly inside.
Backtracking, Gizmoduck stumbled over his words. "Uhh..NO! No, that was just a very intricate trick to fool you into THINKING that was my true identity!"
This only made Taurus laugh manically. "As fun and amusing as you all are, I really am tiring of all this." Shifting his arm to aim towards Gizmoduck, his changed his mechanical arm so that it went from a hand to a large bomb.
Gizmoduck watched as Taurus sneered at him and moved so that he was aiming at Drake and Scrooge. "Now, let's make things a bit more interesting, shall we, Gizmo-freak. You get to choose: The children-" He raised the net that contained the yelling and kicking pre-teens. "Or-Choose the world's richest duck and the bumbling St. Canard hero. You're pick."
Gizmoduck gasped. "That's hardly fair!" he wailed childishly. "It's like Double Jeopardy! Double Jeopardy always made me nervous! M'ma would always have to tell me how it ended cause I could never watch!"
"Gizmoduck!" roared Scrooge impatiently. "FOCUS!"
Snapping out of it, Gizmoduck nodded. "Anyways-Prepare yourself for trouble!"
"DAD!" shouted Gosalyn from the net.
Drake looked up to meet the worried green eyes of his daughter. It was all so surreal to see her alive and breathing, but the adrenaline of the moment was keeping him from dwelling on it too much. His instincts were to pull out his gas gun and start fighting Taurus one-on-one, but-He didn't have his gas gun. He wasn't even dressed up as Darkwing Duck. Not to mention, the last time he had been dressed up as Darkwing Duck, he had been a horrible emotionless fiend. Shortly before that, he had been too late to save Gosalyn. What was keeping history from repeating itself? If Gosalyn really WAS alive now, it looked as though Bulba planned on doing the job for real this time. He was gun shy to the idea of fighting back and he hated it!
Bringing himself back to reality, Drake shouted back, "I'm coming, sweetheart!" He whimpered as he remembered those were the exact words he had said the last time when he thought he had lost her.
Gizmoduck, meanwhile, was busy rambling about the logistics of Double Jeopardy. "I demand to have more time to figure this out!" he was saying.
Taurus laughed again. "Why don't we make this even MORE interesting then!" he taunted. He took the net and threw the kids at Drake and Scrooge. Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Gosalyn all screamed as they were thrown, the net coming loose as they were in mid-air and coming undone around them.
Gosalyn and Dewey slammed into Scrooge while Huey and Louie slammed into Drake. Both adults fell backwards from the impact, barely missing the wall behind them and crushing their skulls. But the important thing was that the kids at least had something soft to land on, Drake figured.
"Unca Scrooge!" whimpered Dewey.
Scrooge and Drake now pushed themselves backwards until they were huddled along the money bin's wall; trying their best to place themselves in front of Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Gosalyn to protect them.
Turning to Gizmoduck, Taurus said, "Why don't I just kill them all in one blow and let you have the privilege of watching. Frankly, I would prefer it if it was Darkwing Duck in your place, but..." His red mechanical eye zoomed in on Darkwing. "I have a feeling he knows what it's like to watch his loved ones die already!"
The large bull then swung his arm back and threw the bomb. All six of them flinched; Gosalyn and Dewey hiding behind Scrooge while Huey and Louie did the same with Drake.
"NOOO!" screamed Gizmoduck. Acting fast, the hero raced in front of the bomb and caught it before it could hurt his paramour and friends. Sadly, the bomb exploded the moment he caught it, sending Gizmoduck crashing on top of the very ones he was hoping to save. Drake and Scrooge managed to push them all away just in time before Gizmoduck landed in a smoking heap between them.
"Ugghh, is there a doctor in the Money Bin?" moaned Fenton, for his Gizmoduck mask had been broken by the impact and was now half off his face.
"Fenton! Me treasure! Are yeh alright?" whispered Scrooge desperately into the aching accountant's ear.
Fenton only groaned in reply as he shakily nodded his head the best he could.
Drake held onto Huey and Louie tighter and glared up at Taurus. "Some hero I am" he grumbled in self hatred and pity.
Scrooge scowled and was about to retaliate when Taurus stepped closer to them and spoke up, "Yes, Darkwing. How DOES it feel to be completely at my mercy?" The bull raised one of his arms and brought out another rocket launcher and aimed it at them.
Drake just snarled up at Taurus. "You won't get away with this, Bulba!" he found himself saying. He inwardly winced, since, considering the situation they were currently in, it certainly did look as though Taurus was going to do just that.
Scrooge, who's temper finally seemed to have sizzled out, held onto Gosalyn and Dewey closer; leaning in to where Fenton was laying in his Gizmoduck suit. They all huddled in and braced themselves; closing their eyes to the inevitable.
Taurus started cackling loudly with victory.
"TAURUS BULBA, YOU FOOL!" came the infuriated shriek of a woman's voice.
Scrooge, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Gosalyn, Fenton, and Drake all opened their eyes and looked up to see Magica de Spell floating a ways above and behind Taurus Bulba, who turned half way to look up at her.
Taurus had the decency to look slightly guilty, though only for a moment as his lips curled up into a sneer. "You simply don't understand, Magica! I am not waiting around for your silly plans to unfold! My revenge is within reach and I'm going to take it!"
"Then you leave me no choice but to be rid of you!" she snarled back. With a raise of her arm, there was a slightly swirl of magic before Taurus cried out in alarm. At a heavily fast pace, all the metal on his body was turning into severe rust.
"Ahhhhhhhh!" Taurus barely had a chance to react before her magic turned him into nothing more but a large collection of rust, which com-busted in a soft explosion and frittered off into the wind, leaving that to be the very end of Taurus Bulba who was no more.
Everyone stared at the place Taurus had been standing not moments ago before Magica started cackling and gaining their attention back. "Nyeh heh heh heh heh heh heh! Do not consider this victory, Scroogey! Consider this warning for you haven't seen the last of me! Nyeh heh heh heh heh heh!"
In a puff of misty clouds she was gone as well, leaving a deafening wake as the seven friends tried to grasp what had just happened.
"Scroogey?" Fenton asked softly as he slowly tried to get up from inside his Gizmosuit. "You okay?"
Scrooge, who was sitting up next to Gizmoduck's shoulder, nodded and pulled off the remaining part of Fenton's helmet that hadn't been broken. "Aye, me treasure, I'm fine." Scrooge answered even more quietly. Louder he said, "Just a few bumps and bruises. Nothing this ol' duck can't handle." Fenton groaned at his answer, though it was hard to say if it was from Scrooge's responce or his own bumps and bruises.
Drake released Huey and Louie, who immediately went to their uncle to see for themselves that he was alright. Drake slowly stood up, his eyes seeking out Gosalyn. Gosalyn seemed to be doing the same thing as she peered around her spot on the other side of Scrooge. When their eyes met, they both smiled widely.
"Dad!" beamed Gosalyn happily.
Almost numb by the surreal moment, Drake opened his arms wide and fell to his knees. Gosalyn bounded into his arms, practically tackling Drake to the ground. "G-Gosalyn!" Drake choked on his overwhelmed emotions. He held on tightly to Gosalyn, closing his eyes and placing kiss after kiss on top of her red hair. It was just too good to be true! His baby girl who back in his arms, safe and sound!? But how!?
Scrooge and the triplets were busy helping Fenton stand back up in the Gizmoduck suit, leaving father and daughter a chance for a talk.
After another long pause of hugging, Drake got himself to pull Gosalyn back far enough so that he could look at her in the face. "Gosalyn, baby, how? I thought you were dead!" He brushed his thumb over her cheek. He could feel tears welling up in his eyes; he just couldn't believe what was happening!
Gosalyn smiled softly at him. "Yeaaah, that's a bit of a story, let me tell ya!"
Drake laughed and kissed her forehead. He had missed her sassy nature so much!
"But first-! "Gosalyn continued. She bonked Drake on the head lightly with her fist, who winced at the action. "Would you mind tellin' me what you were thinking when you burned down our house and made a fool of yourself!"
"Oh, but Gosalyn, sweetie -I-Wait, how do you know about all that?" he questioned.
Gosalyn looked away. "Taurus and Magica - That creepy lady who turned Bulba into rust-Showed me what all you had been up to this past week or so. They were gloating about how they'd tricked you and made you think I was dead."
"Who's Magica?" Drake asked.
"Magica is an evil enchantress who's been after me Number One Dime for years" replied Scrooge. "She is not a threat to be taken lightly!"
Drake, who was still kneeling on the ground, looked up at Scrooge with a grave expression. That most certainly seemed like the case, seeing as how she was able to destroy Taurus Bulba so easily like that! He turned back to smile at Gosalyn, not caring enough about this new threat and wanting nothing more than to focus on the daughter he had thought he had lost. He reached a hand out and held onto one of Gosalyn's pig tails, running his fingers through it. "Well, sweetie, I'll explain everything later, I guess. Right now we need to find La-"
"DW!" came the frantic call of the pilot in question.
Launchpad could be seen running up the dirt path on the hill that led to the Money Bin. When he reached them, he leaned on his knees and panted heavily, trying to catch his breath. "I saw you guys from a distance-But I wasn't able to get here in time! I was just able to see Magica leaving! I-" He looked past DW and Gosalyn and spotted Scrooge, the boys, and Gizmoduck. "Mr. McDee! Are you okay?"
Drake looked away with an annoyed expression. "I'm fine, LP, and in case you didn't notice, Gos now is too" he muttered.
However, this seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Gizmoduck had fixed his helmet at this point so that his face was no longer visible, though it was visibly cracked. He had also managed to stand back up on his wheel and was now carrying Scrooge protectively on his left shoulder; a metal arm and black glove firmly but gently holding Scrooge in place. The older mallard was also holding on to the back of the hero's neck. Huey and Louie were sitting on his right shoulder while Dewey was being held by Gizmoduck's other arm.
"Never fear, citizen! There were no casualties and I plan on taking Sc-erm-Mr. McDuck and his loved ones to their home so that they can recover!" announced Gizmoduck.
"And then to our baseball game!" piped up Louie.
Dewey giggled and whispered to his brothers, "I just can't believe Gizmoduck is actually Fenton!" The boys snickered for a moment. "Never would have guessed that!"
Whether or not Gizmoduck had heard them or not was never found out, for his attention turned to Scrooge, who was glancing at the results of Taurus' attack. "Ack! Pluck my tail feathers! What a mess! That overgrown collection a'bolts made a mess a'things!" They all looked at the large gaping whole that was now in the side of the money bin's wall. "Ach, I'm just glad it didn't leave too big of a dent...It's only exterior damage..."
"Do not worry, Mr. McDuck! Gizmoduck will help fix it! Free of charge!" he declared.
Scrooge made a humming sound as he turned back to Gizmoduck; running a hand over the broken visor on the hero's helmet. "First it seems we'll have to fix ya helmet. I'll have to call Gyro."
Meanwhile, Gosalyn wiggled herself out of Drake's grasp, noting how her father was watching her every move, and stepped before Launchpad. He waved up at him. "Hi."
Launchpad looked down and he had to do a double take before stepping back in shock and surprise. "G-Gosalyn!? Is that you? But you're supposed to be dead!"
Gosalyn gave him a deadpan expression as Drake stood up and went to stand behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "So sorry to disappoint" she muttered halfheartedly.
Drake was smiling widely as he looked up at the pilot in delight. "She's not dead after all, LP! It was a trick this whole time! Taurus Bulba had teamed up with that Magica lady and they did it for...I'm not even sure why-But she's here!" He then pushed Gosalyn back into him and hugged her tightly, closing his eyes and resting his cheek on her head.
Gosalyn crossed her arms. "You gonna keep up this mushy gushy stuff all night?" she asked her father.
"And then some!" was Drake's giddy reply.
Gosalyn rolled her eyes and laughed. She was then picked up by Launchpad, who held her close with a hug. "It's great to have ya back, Gos! Drake has been an absolute mess without you!"
Gosalyn looked back at Drake with a half lidded look that wasn't quite a glare. "I know. It's something we'll be discussing." Drake gave her a sheepish expression. "Like why you felt the need to burn all my comics and sports gear!"
"I was devastated, sweetie!" wailed Drake in his weak defense.
"Uh huh..." She then said quietly. "Love you too, dad."
"Oh! And what's this I hear about you having feelings for my dad, huh, Launchpad!?" demanded Gosalyn.
Launchpad immediately went red as a tomato. "Heh, yeah...Eh...We'll talk about that later too, m'kay?"
Launchpad wordlessly handed Gosalyn over to Drake. The young duckling normally wouldn't care for being held around like a baby, but she knew how much her father was hurting. She had seen what her supposed 'death' had done to him, so she allowed herself to be babied a little. For the time being, anyways. She also made sure to ignore the tears of joy that Drake kept trying to hide.
The three of them quickly said their goodbyes, leaving Scrooge and Gizmoduck alone with the boys. Once they were out of earshot, Huey, Dewey, and Louie immediately started talking a mile a minute and all at the same time.
"Wackarooni! So you're actually Gizmoduck!"
"I never would have guessed you would be him!"
"Gee whiz! Our Unca Scrooge is dating a super hero!"
Scrooge and Gizmoduck laughed.
"Now, now, no need to get all excited!" Fenton said underneath his helmet. HIs voice was more his own and less Gizmoduck's. "It really shouldn't be a surprise! I told ya I've seen plenty of adventure! YOU THREE wouldn't believe me! Why, I've seen more adventure than you boys can even imagine!"
The three boys were silent and Scrooge watched with amusement as they soaked in this new bit of information.
"Nahh, Unca Scrooge has still seen far more than you!" Huey pointed out. Dewey and Louie giggled at his comment.
Gizmoduck was about to retaliate when Scrooge glanced down at his watch and cried out in alarm. "Ach! Is that the time!?"
"What's wrong, Unca Scrooge? Our baseball game isn't for another hour or so. We have time!" said Louie.
"I know that, but your-I mean-I have someone to meet up with!" explained Scrooge distractedly. Gizmoduck titled his head to the side in confusion.
"What? Surely this is information even I would have been aware of, Scroogey? Who could you possibly have to meet that I don't know about! GASP! Scroogey! Surely your not secretly seeing...SOMEONE ELSE!" screeched the hero.
Scrooge smacked the top of Gizmoduck's already broken helmet with his cane. "Nae! Don't be stupid! Now get goin' ya great bafoon! We have places to go!"
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"Have you cleaned the kitchen?"
"Aye, sir!"
"Mopped the deck?"
"Aye, sir?"
"What about cleaning the lower decks?"
"Aye, sir!"
"Alright, Seaman Duck" spoke Admiral Grimmits in an authoritative voice. "You're free to go ashore."
"Aye aye, sir!" Donald Duck saluted to the admiral happily. In his sailor suit and hat, he was practically shaking with excitement. He had just finished getting a ship-to-shore phone call with his Uncle Scrooge, confirming that his naval ship had just docked into port and that he would be able to meet his uncle and Fenton at the docks in time to see his nephew's baseball game! The boys had no idea he was coming! They were in for a surprise when they saw him rooting for them in the stands!
Admiral Grimmits checked his watch. "We'll be ported for about five days, Seaman Duck. The cargo holder needs to be re-sealed and some refurbishing needs to be done throughout the ship. Duckburg has agreed to help station us here for the time being. Your Uncle McDuck has seen to it we get the supplies we need. You've done a good job, Seaman Duck and since this is your hometown, we've seen it fit to grant you some days off. Enjoy them!"
Donald nodded happily. "Oh, I will!"
"But be sure to be back in 120 hours! Understand?"
"Aye, sir!" Donald saluted once more.
"Then good luck to ya!" Admiral Grimmits nodded his farewell before walking away.
Donald turned on his heel and walked over to the side of the ship where the dock was waiting for him. The ship was anchored and tied up to port so he didn't have to bother with a boat to shore. He walked down the steps that led off the ship and down to the docks. On his shoulder he carried his bag of belongings.
Scrooge had agreed to meet him at the docks and pick him up. This was also when he would get to meet his uncle's boyfriend for the first time. His uncle, through correspondence, had mentioned that he had a boyfriend; but only after Donald had inquired what all the half reports and rumors he had heard about the world's richest duck dating from his fellow ship mates who had already been ashore.
For years his family had been trying to get Scrooge to date someone. While everyone had been shocked to hear Scrooge was dating a man, Donald had long since gotten past it, for the most part, and decided to greet this man with open arms. Anyone who was worthy of Scrooge McDuck was worth his time, right?
He wondered if this Fenton was a fellow billionaire, or perhaps once knew Scrooge when they had been mining in the Klondike. Or on one of his adventures.
Donald was snapped out of his thoughts when the infamous Scottish accent of his uncle cut through the air.
"I told yeh, Fenton! I'm fine! It's just a few scrapes, is all!" Scrooge was saying.
Donald smiled and followed his uncle's voice, who sounded like he was brushing off Fenton's concern. Had his uncle fallen and hurt himself, he couldn't help but wonder.
A ways down the docks, Donald's bright blue eyes landed on Scrooge. He could see his uncle half turned away from him; his attention focused on the taller duck beside him. Scrooge's arm was being inspected by the other duck who Donald could only assume was this 'Fenton'.
Though the closer Donald got, the more he frowned. That couldn't be Fenton. He was too young!
Regardless, Donald raised his arm and shouted over to them. "Uncle Scrooge!"
Scrooge and Fenton immediately looked up and before Donald knew what was happening, he was being engulfed in a large hug by Scrooge. "Donald! Great to see ya, laddie!" Scrooge pushed up his top hat, which had fallen over his eyes slightly.
"It's great to see you too, Uncle Scrooge!" replied Donald happily. He placed his bag beside them. He then turned to the taller duck beside his uncle. "Who is this? Is this Fenton's son? I thought you said Fenton would be meeting us here too."
Fenton's eyes widened in confusion. "Umm...I might be mistaken, since his voice sounds funny-Probably from all that salty air-But it sounded like he said I was my own son."
"Wak!" squawked Donald in irritation. He hated it whenever someone insulted him over his voice. He began rolling up one of his sleeves. "You watch it, ya great palooki!"
Scrooge acted quickly and stepped between the two of them. He placed both hands on Donald's shoulders and smiled at him calmly and patiently. "Ahh! Nae, Donald! He meant no offense! And this actually IS Fenton!"
Smiling, Fenton offered his hand out to Donald. "Hi! Nice to finally meet you! Scroogey has said some great things about ya! I'm Fenton Crackshell!"
"WAAAAAHHHHHH!"
Scrooge was pretty sure that everyone in a four block radius was now looking at them in bewilderment and covering their ears. He certainly wish he was, for his ears were now knew his nephew would react this way, but there was nothing for it. Most everyone had the same reaction; though perhaps not so strong of one.
"Yes, Donald, I know what you're gonna say-" started Scrooge.
"B-But he's MY AGE, Uncle Scrooge!" blurted out Donald.
"I'm highly aware, nephew" stated Scrooge sharply. He glanced at his watch. He didn't want to be late to the baseball game. "Now, on t'more pressin' matters. We've already dropped the boys off at their game, which should be startin' in about twenty minutes. That leaves us plenty of time to get there. They'll be awfully surprised to see you there. They don't have a clue! Heh heh heh!" He cackled for a moment in his excitement. He was also desperately hoping to change the subject.
Donald however was too busy looking Fenton up and down critically with a sneer on his face. "I don't like you!"
Fenton started at the statement. "Well, way to be rude! Not to mention blunt!"
"Yes, yes" sighed Scrooge. "That's Donald for yeh. He's got the family temperament, that's fer sure." He wrapped his arm around Donald's shoulder and started leading his nephew away. "Grab his bag, would you, Fenton?"
Fenton pouted. "Fiiine. But only cause he's your nephew, Scroogey, my love! I don't normally stand for such rudeness!" He grabbed Donald's bag and heaved it over his shoulder, nearly falling over in the process. "What have ya got in here, Donald!? BRICKS!?"
Donald glanced back at him and scowled. "Palooki" he muttered darkly.
Fenton stopped and blinked before slowly starting to follow. "Oh, this is gonna a FUN five days, I can tell!" he groused sarcastically before following uncle and nephew off the docks and to the baseball game.
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