Thicker Than Water
Chapter 14
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Scrooge was on a mission. He finished climbing down the steps and and made a left turn down the red carpet hallway, able to hear his nephews chattering away with their new friend Gosalyn. A part of him wanted to go and check on them, but he needed to focus.
He needed to find Gyro.
Despite everything that had happened, it hadn't escaped the old miser's notice that Gyro had not been present during that disastrous breakfast. In fact, he hadn't seen the inventor since the night before when they'd last spoken.
He grunted in annoyance and pain as the cut of his arm stung. Hopefully the antibiotics Mrs. Beakley had given him will kick in soon. He may be Scrooge McDuck, richest duck in the world, grand adventurer, and rumored to be immortal, but that didn't mean he still didn't get tired or feel pain.
He'd been searching for a good solid hour now. No one had seen the inventor since the night before, save for Duckworth, who claims that Gyro did in fact sleep in the room that had been given to him to stay in. He knew Gyro was being extra anxious and nervous than usual. While Gyro wasn't a mean spirited person, he also wasn't a very social person unless he wanted to be. Those were rare occasions since the world had not granted him very good social graces to begin with.
"Where could he have gone?" Scrooge muttered to himself. "I doubt he would 'ave gone back t'his house so soon after last night's encounter."
Scrooge continued walking down the hallway and as he walked past the door that led to the garage, the billionaire stopped in his tracks. He took several steps backwards before eyeing the door in question.
"Hmmm..." He narrowed his eyes before deciding to check it out. He opened the door and stepped through, immediately raising a hand to switch on the light out of habit. He was startled slightly when he realized the light was already on. Before him he could see the black limo and all the other trinkets and baubles he didn't know what to do with.
On the other side of the limo Scrooge could see the back of Gyro's tall and lanky form.
Scrooge opened his beak to say something when the sound of Gyro humming quietly to himself kept him from doing so. To no surprise, Gyro had found himself in Scrooge's garage tinkering with this and that and organizing tools and whatever else he could find to keep himself occupied. Scrooge debated on how he wished to announce his presence. The last thing he wanted to do was scare Gyro; the poor man was already a nervous wreck thanks to everything that was going on.
Scrooge cleared his throat.
Gyro stopped humming and whirled around. "OH! M-Mr. McDuck!"
Scrooge smiled at him. "Aye, it's me, laddie." He walked over to Gyro. "I see yeh've made yerself at home here in me garage."
Gyro gave him a sheepish look and running the back of his neck. "Heh, sorry. I didn't want to be a bother to anyone in the mansion and I found my way here."
Scrooge nodded. "I figured as much." He paused for effect. Then added, "Yer hidin'."
Gyro blinked at him. "What? Um, no, I'm not."
"Sure yeh are!" argued Scrooge confidently. "Yeh weren't at breakfast this mornin'."
Gyro ducked his head down in something akin to embarrassment and scratched the back of his neck. "I-I slept in. Breakfast was over by the time I woke up. I grabbed a bagel from the kitchen and...found myself out here."
Scrooge raised an eyebrow at the inventor. "And yer sure this has nothin' t'do with avoidin' everyone and hopin' yeh won't get roped into goin' with us t'Mount Vesusvius?"
The wrench in the inventor's hand suddenly seemed so fascinating to Gyro since he was currently staring at it with such fierceness. After a long moment of silence, Gyro knew Scrooge was waiting for a reply. He swallowed thickly and mumbled, "There's no need for me to go. I'll just lay low here at your mansion for a few days and once things blow over I'll head back home."
"That's not what's gonnae happen and we both know it!" snapped Scrooge. His patience was quickly running thin.
Gyro groaned as he set the wrench in his hands down on the work bench and wrapped his arms around himself. He rocked back and forth anxiously on the heels of his feet as he refused to make eye contact. "I don't know, Mr. McDuck. I just...I would feel a lot more comfortable if I just stayed here. Not that I mind going on trips...I just...I'm still a bit rattled from what happened last night and I would feel better if I stayed here."
Scrooge nodded, understanding his friend's discomfort. "Aye, lad, I get it. However, despite how bumbling' of a dramatic oaf Darkwing can often be, he knows Negaduck better than any of us. He seems t'believe Negaduck will be after yeh again. Apparently its not typically his style t'take in hostages like he did last night, so the fact that he nearly took you in, is alarming."
"I don't..." the words got caught in the inventor's throat, who swallowed and closed his eyes. "Mr. McDuck...I can't take the risk of them finding me. If I stay here, there is a less chance of running into Negaduck. Who might then connect me with...with F.O.W.L."
Scrooge sighed. "Gyro, yer a dear friend of mine. Yeh know I'd hate t'see anythin' bad ever happen t'yeh. But I really would feel better if yeh came with us! Protection in numbers, Gyro!" He grabbed hold of Gyro's arm and gave it a gentle comforting squeeze. He gazed up at Gyro and met his eye. "Please, fer me?"
Gyro was only able to hold Scrooge's gaze for a short while before had to look away. He then mumbled, "Alright, Mr. McDuck. I'll go..."
Scrooge smiled. "Thank yeh, lad! Worst comes to shove, yeh can stay on the ship! We'll be with the aid of Admiral Grimmits and his Naval crew. Yeh'll be more protected than yeh think!"
Gyro nodded once more. "That's true. So, I'll be going more as...moral support than actual adventuring?"
The old miser nodded. "Aye, exactly!"
Gyro stood up, pushing himself away from the work bench and standing taller and more confidently. "I won't let you down then, Mr. McDuck!"
Scrooge beamed up at him. "Yeh could never disappoint me, laddie! I've always had a soft spot fer yeh! Since the day we met!"
The two of them spoke for several more minutes before Scrooge finally pulled himself away. He had a lot more to do before the day was over. There was so much to prepare for. He felt better as he left the garage, knowing Gyro was now on the same page as he was and was agreeing to go with them. The billionaire had a bad feeling about the reasons Negaduck wanted anything to do with Gyro. He didn't want to risk leaving Gyro alone. He just hoped he was making the right decision.
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The mansion was filled with activity. Everyone was preparing for the trip to Mount Vesuvius. Supplies, snacks, and extra clothes were being packed despite the fact that there would be plenty on board the naval ship. Grimmits had pointed this out, claiming that it wasn't necessary to pack so much. Scrooge wouldn't hear it though. He wanted to be as prepared as he could be. He would rather be overly prepared than unprepared.
"I've never been on a naval ship before" mumbled Fenton from where he was standing next to Scrooge. He watched as his paramour packed some spare spats into their small shared suitcase.
"Aye. It's an experience, t'be sure. But sadly this isn't a fun trip" replied Scrooge distractedly as he mentally went over his checklist to make sure he wasn't forgetting anything.
Fenton sighed and pouted at the reminder. "Oh, well. Perhaps someday we can have a real one." He folded one of his own shirts and added into the suitcase.
"Only if its free" muttered Scrooge. "Cruise ships are ridiculously expensive."
This only made Fenton pout more. As much as he loved and adored Scrooge, it was moments like this when he wished his paramour wasn't such a penny pincher. He would never understand anyone's obsession over owning so much gold and money. It didn't make you any happier. Couldn't buy you true love. Sure, it allowed you to do whatever you wanted; whenever you wanted, but Fenton saw no point in any of that if you didn't have loved ones to share the memories with. Sure, Srooge had lots of family around him now; but that hadn't always been the case.
"How are yeh feelin'?"
The question snapped Fenton out of his thoughts. "Huh? What?"
Scrooge finished zipping up the suitcase and set it down on the ground in a standing position before he repeated himself. He raised a hand to run it through Fenton's hair feathers. "How are yeh feelin'? Yeh look a bit peaky. Do yeh need t'lie down fer a wee nap before we leave?"
It took Fenton longer than it should have to answer the question. "Oh...Umm..." He did feel a bit tired. "Well, these days I feel like I'm always ready for a nap! Heh!" He scratched the back of his neck as he considered things. "I guess I could, but I don't have to. I could always find a place to crash on the ship, right?"
Scrooge nodded. "Aye, I suppose. I'd feel better if yeh took a nap here though."
Fenton nodded. "Kay, I will. If there's time. I can nap on the couch downstairs. How's your arm?"
Scrooge blinked at him. "Hmm?" He glanced down at his arm, which was wrapped tightly with bandages underneath his blue coat. One wouldn't notice it at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it was obvious the material was tighter around his arm from the bulkiness of the bandages. "Oh, eh, it's fine. Nothin' this ol' miser can't handle."
Fenton nodded, a pout forming on his beak. With a very gentle hand, he tentatively touched the wounded arm. "Breakfast was awful this morning! Why did Magica have to go and ruin my favorite meal of the day! I hate to see you hurt, Scroogey!" He leaned down and kissed his paramour's clothed and healing arm. "I really do hate it."
Scrooge gave him a wan smile, glancing out the window. It was bright sunny afternoon. He lifted his good arm and wrapped it around Fenton's shoulders, pulling him close. "I could easily say the same thing, laddie. As a matter of fact, between the two of us, yeh've been hurt the most. First in Sitka. Then Bulba's attack. Then when Magica took yer blood. Lastly this mornin' when she tortured yeh. Last couple weeks have been rough on yeh!"
"My hand still stings a bit from when Magica cut my hand open" spoke the accountant softly. The millionaire could see the freshly wrapped bandages. "My hand and my neck have barely healed."
"Yer neck?" frowned Scrooge. "I thought that had healed!"
Fenton shook his head. He lifted some of the fragile feathers on his neck and Scrooge could see that some of them were missing and the skin underneath was still a light purple color; indicating how slow the healing process has been since it was still such a vibrant bruise after so much time having passed. "No, it really hasn't. The bruises aren't as sensitive as they were, but it still occasionally hurts. I think the curse on my heart is making it harder for my body to heal" suggested Fenton pragmatically.
Scrooge's eyebrows raised at the idea. It made sense. Fenton's heart-or rather, his life force- was currently connected to a magical ritual and was slowly draining the life out of Fenton. If Scrooge understood everything correctly. Morgana had done her best trying to explain everything the other day.
Having nothing to say in return, Scrooge simply sighed. "Well, that makes sense. Now, come along, Fenton. Yeh've gathered everything yeh want t'take, aye?" At Fenton's nod, Scrooge pressed on and pulled the suitcase along behind him, allowing it to roll along. "I told everyone t'gather downstairs. Admiral Grimmits should be here soon."
Fenton nodded. "Whatever happens, Scroogey, I'm ready."
Scrooge wrapped an arm around his paramour's shoulder and led him out into the hallway to go meet up with the others. "I know, treasure. I'm ready too."
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Scrooge had instructed everyone to gather in the front foyer once they were ready to leave. Gyro was now tinkering with one of his many gadgets in the corner of the room; a little bag of belongings at his side. Lil' Helper was chirping occasionally on his shoulder and every now and then Gyro would mutter something under his breath; as though the two of them were carrying on a conversation.
Duckworth was standing near the front door, ever diligent in his duties, and making sure that everything was as it should be for Mr. McDuck. He stood with his hands behind his back and his nose in the air; waiting for further instruction.
Mrs. Beakley was puttering around from room to room; checking and double checking everything. Despite being on a naval ship, Scrooge still wished to bring his own supplies. With the bags and suitcases gathered by the door, Mrs. Beakley checked to make sure everything was packed and ready to go. Everything from sleeping bags to climbing tools. Scrooge claimed that he didn't wish to take any chances. He was well aware of how unhappy Grimmits was about allowing them to use his naval ship for their trip; he feared Grimmits wouldn't allow them to use their food and supplies as a way to be spiteful.
Donald walked into the room, his eyes taking in the sight of his nephews carrying on a conversation with Gosalyn. He watched the young duckling with a soft smile. He didn't know her very well, but she reminded him a great deal of his boys. He walked over to Darkwing, who was standing off by himself.
"Gosalyn must look a lot like her mom, huh?" asked Donald, gesturing to Gosalyn.
Darkwing frowned at the candid comment. The same deadpan expression he usually saved almost exclusively for the Muddlefoots.
Seeing Darkwing's expression, he elaborated with a soft chuckle. "Heh, I just mean...I mean-No offense but she doesn't look much like you. I just assumed she took after her mom."
After a moment, Darkwing replied, "I wouldn't know. I've never seen what her mother looks like. Or her father, for that matter. I've only ever seen what her grandfather looked like in a photo."
It was Donald's turn to frown, only he frowned in confusion. "She called you 'dad'."
Darkwing nodded. "Right. That's because I AM her dad."
"But you just said-"
"I was talking about her biological father. I adopted Gosalyn several years ago. Her parents died when she was young. She went to live with her grandfather who passed away shortly after due to...Well, let's just say, Gosalyn had it rough before we met. I knew almost instantly I wanted that little girl in my life."
Donald blinked at this new bit of information. "Oh. Wow. I...I never would have guessed that. You two are so close! I never would have guessed you weren't related! I mean, sure, she doesn't look like you, but that doesn't mean anything!"
Darkwing looked away, his face filled with love and fondness. "Gosalyn is the best thing that ever happened to me."
Donald smiled fondly at those words. "Yeah, I know the feeling."
This gained back Darkwing's attention.
With a large smile, Donald explained, "Huey, Dewey, and Louie are the best thing that ever happened to me. I love those boys SO much."
"You make a good uncle. I haven't spent much time with them myself, but Launchpad has always raved about how amazing they are. I've only ever heard great things about them" confessed Darkwing.
If possible, Donald's smile grew wider. Though after a moment, he began fiddling with his hands in front of him as his smile slowly faded into a frown. "Yeah..." He whispered. "I'm blessed to have gotten to raise them...I just wish it hadn't been as a result of losing my sister..." It was rare for Donald to mention Della, especially to a new face like Darkwing. But for some reason he felt he could share this with the other duck. He waited for the inevitable questions to be asked; as someone always does. Asking how it happened.
Darkwing didn't ask though. Instead he just patted the sailor on the shoulder. "I'm sorry for your loss."
Donald nodded. It was a relief to know he wouldn't have to explain the situation once again to why his sister was gone. He never liked bringing the subject up. Glancing over at Darkwing, the sailor knew he understood and didn't need any more answers.
Donald suddenly stood up and walked over to speak with Gyro, who was still tinkering around on the couch.
Darkwing watched the sailor walk away. Though it was hard to understand Donald, thanks to his warbled voice, he was really starting to like the duck. Out of everyone else around him, he appeared to be the most normal and level headed; even if Darkwing was aware the sailor was known for his explosive temper.
"Hey there, DW!" came the booming voice of his boyfriend. Darkwing smiled.
"Hey, yourself!" he replied back. He glanced around, for once not wanting to be the center of attention, before pulling Launchpad down by his scarf so he could kiss the larger duck. Launchpad stumbled a bit at the sudden momentum if being pulled, his steps clumsy as he tried to keep his balance. He had not been expecting Darkwing to be so forward all of a sudden!
When their lips parted, Darkwing couldn't contain the soft chuckle that escaped his beak; thankful that Gosalyn wasn't within earshot, otherwise she would tease him over it sounding like a girlish giggle.
"Boy, DW!" guffawed the pilot while Darkwing released his scarf. "You go from being shy and nervous to all in so quickly!"
Darkwing shrugged, his face going red as he realize just how right Launchpad was. It was true. Between the two of them, Darkwing was by far the most shy about showing affection. It's how he'd been with Morgana too. He always begged for attention and did all he could to get it yet was easily flustered whenever his loved ones finally gave him what he wanted. "I guess I'm just...happy."
Launchpad beamed down at him. "Heh, I'm not complainin', I'm just surprised!" He leaned back down so that they could share another kiss.
It was then that a knock came to the front door, which Duckworth quickly answered.
"Good afternoon, miss. I take it you are here for the trip to Mount Vesuvius?" he asked after his greeting.
Morgana smiled at him politely as he gestured for her to come into the mansion. She nodded to him. "Good afternoon...and yes, I am here to help out with the trip."
Eak and Squeak poked their heads out from her mass of black hair and glanced around before ducking back in and hiding. Morgana was wearing her usual red dress and in front of her she carried her grimoire and a small red bag with black spidery detailing on all the sides. She glanced nervously around the room, managing to look quite small for someone as tall and slim as she was. Her eyes almost instantly sought out the familiar purple fedora hat and cape that were facing away from her.
Darkwing was carrying on a conversation with Launchpad, his back facing the door and completely oblivious to the fact that Morgana had just walked through the front door. Launchpad, however, had heard her come in and looked up past Darkwing's fedora to see his boyfriend's ex.
The pilot immediately looked away and he could feel sweat begin to pool at his temples. The last time he'd seen Morgana, everything had been fine. He wasn't entirely sure why suddenly now he was nervous and anxious to see her. Perhaps because last time they'd spoken, he hadn't been dating her ex.
Darkwing stopped in mid rant he'd started about how he was going to have to babysit the Fearsome Four when he noticed Launchpad's sudden nerves. He frowned and asked, "LP? Is there something the matter?"
Launchpad shifted his weight from foot to foot; unable to look at Morgana or Darkwing. "Ummm...N-Nothin' DW."
Darkwing cocked his head to one side, both confused and concerned.
"Hello, Dark."
Darkwing whirled around at the soft spoken greeting, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of his ex girlfriend. "Morgana! Thank you for coming! Mr. McDuck will really appreciate your help!"
Morgana nodded but otherwise didn't reply. She was too busy shooting glances at Launchpad before looking away.
Darkwing frowned. "What's wrong?" When Morgana didn't reply he turned to Launchpad. "Seriously, why are you both acting weird all of a sudden!?"
Morgana shook her head. "It's nothing" she mumbled quietly.
Darkwing then felt a shaky hand on his shoulder and knew it was Launchpad's. He craned his head to look back up at Launchpad in question. It was then that it clicked. He glanced between both Morgana and Launchpad several times before he could figure out what to say. "Launchpad?"
Launchpad looked down into Darkwing's dark eyes before looking to Morgana's. They were both looking at him with uncertainty.
Unable to handle the situation, Launchpad choked out, "I-I'm gonna-I'm gonna go see if M-Mr. McDee needs any help!" he then turned on his heel and exited the room in a similar fashion one would if they were trying to escape a burning building.
"Launchpad!" called out the vigilante with concern. He took a step to follow but then thought better of it. He didn't understand. Launchpad had been in a perfectly good mood not moments before and this wasn't the first time he and Morgana had spoken to each other since their break up while Launchpad was present. So why would he-
"Is everything okay, Dark?"
Darkwing's thoughts were put to a stop. He looked to Morgana, moving to face her. It took him a moment to register her question. "Ummm...Yeah. I think so." He rubbed nervously at his arm.
An awkward silence filled the space between them, neither knowing what to say. The room around them was filled with activity. Gyro was explaining something to Donald as they sat together on the couch. Mrs. Beakley had walked up to Duckworth and the two were now conversing with each other. Scrooge and Fenton were no where to be found but they were sure to appear at any moment. Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webby, and Gosalyn all walked into the foyer and glanced around themselves before walking over to an empty corner and huddling together in a suspicious looking group. Darkwing vaguely wondered if he would have to check in and make sure they weren't plotting to sneak onto the ship with them.
Before Darkwing could decide how to ask Gosalyn what she was trying to scheme up next, Morgana cleared her throat and asked, "Is everything okay with Launchpad? He suddenly left in a hurry."
Darkwing was stumped; unsure of how to answer. "He's umm...He's okay."
"He was nervous to see me." It was not a question.
"Yeah, and I'm not entirely sure why-" began Darkwing.
Morgana looked down to the floor with guilt written all over her face.
Seeing this, Darkwing acted quickly. "Morg! It's not your fault! I think he's just nervous about this trip-Just like everyone else!"
Morgana shook her head as she looked up to meet the vigilante's gaze. "No, that's it." She sounded so sure. "He was fine until he saw me, Dark. I know he was."
Darkwing took in a deep breath and exhaled loudly, throwing his arms up in frustration before letting them fall to his sides. "Well, then I don't know! It can't be because of you! The two fo your have seen each other and spoken to each other since we broke up and since he confessed his feelings to me! Why would he suddenly get nervous now!? Nothing has changed-"
The moment the words were out of his beak, his eyes widened. He stared off for a moment, his eyes not actually seeing anything as his mind reeled at the revelation. "Oh." He looked uncertainly to Morgana who could only watch in question. He gulped, pulling at his collar and suddenly feeling very warm.
"Dark?"
"Hmmm..." Darkwing lowered his head, his fedora hat hiding his face.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Morgana spoke, "You gave him an answer."
Darkwing, his face still hidden, winced.
"Before...You weren't sure."
"You said you'd be okay with it." His words were strained.
"I asked if you were happy. You said yes, you thought you were. I never said I would be okay with it" Morgana corrected.
"So, what are you saying!? I can't date him!?" yelled Darkwing, his voice rising uncontrollably in panic, guilt, and anger.
Everyone in the room looked at them; the shout gaining their attention. The two estranged friends gave them sheepish looks, suddenly more embarrassed than they cared to be.
"Are you dears alright?" asked Mrs. Beakley kindly. She took a step towards them.
"We're fine, thank you, Mrs. Beakley" replied Darkwing quickly, not meeting the older woman's eyes. He looked past her and at the front door. Impulsively he pushed past Morgana, just barely missing her shoulder and walked briskly over to the front door. He opened it, turning to look back at Morgana. He inclined his head towards the door, but otherwise gave no other invite. He stepped outside into the front yard of McDuck Manor, leaving the door open.
Morgana hesitated, not sure if she was meant to follow.
Gosalyn, who had been talking with Webby and the triplets, broke away from their group. She had heard her father's shouting and worriedly bit her bottom lip as she watched him storm out the front door. "Dad!" she called to him.
Morgana wrung her hands in front of her before she made her way to the door.
Gosalyn approached her. "Morgana? Is he okay? What did you say to him!?" Her voice was sharp and colder than she's ever spoken to the witch.
Morgana didn't know what to say. Gosalyn had always adored her; from day one. The young duckling had always supported her relationship with her father and loved hearing anything and everything about her magic, her life, her past, her family. It was true to say that Gosalyn always practically idolized Morgana as she much as she idolized her dad. Yet now, for the first time, Gosalyn was frowning at her and giving her a look filled with hurt and accusation.
Morgana sighed. "It's more something I didn't say, Gosalyn dear..." With that she walked out of the front door.
Gosalyn just glared at the door before returning to her friends.
Outside, Morgana quickly found Darkwing standing underneath a tree by the driveway. The fountain was between them and she could see his silhouette through the sparkling water as it fell.
Once she was standing next to him under the shade of the tree, she spoke. "We never did talk about any of this, did we?"
Darkwing just stood there, his back to her and his arms across his chest.
"You told me before that you didn't blame me for what happened to Gosalyn." It was a reminder. She needed to repeat those words back to him. He needed to know she remembered his words and how much those words meant to him. She still felt guilty about her part in all this, but hearing Darkwring say he didn't blame her meant the world to her. The possibility of knowing it wasn't true-She couldn't stand it.
Darkwing shook his head. "That's because I DON'T blame you!"
"But Dark, I think you do. I think you DO blame me, you just don't want to admit it. Not to yourself or to me!" she told him. "I was there that night and instead of trying to use my magic to help Gosalyn, I could have done something more helpful! I could have rushed down there to help her up! I could have not used magic to begin with!"
"It's not like it matters! Gosalyn is safe now!" Darkwing insisted, still refusing to turn to her. "We have so many other issues to worry about! Like Magica and her stupid ritual! The fact that I have to babysit the Fearsome Four because if one goes, they ALL go!" He was finding anything and everything to complain about. Anything to talk about besides this.
Morgana let out a small sad laugh. "Oh, Dark. This is what you do."
Darkwing turned his head to look over his shoulder. "What?"
"This is what you always do. You avoid the topic; avoid the real issue! You change the subject so that you don't have to deal with what you really need to talk about!" Her voice rose higher for a moment before she lowered it once more. "It IS my fault! Maybe not for what happened to Gosalyn since we now know it was all part of Magica's plan, but it IS my fault for us breaking up!"
Darkwing's shoulders stiffened at her words.
"I think we both know it was bound to happen. Ever since- Ever since Negaduck lit my family's house on fire they've blamed you. Our relationship suffered for it. The last few years...I think we both know we were drifting apart. But Dark, we could have made this work eventually had I not made the mistakes I did that night." Her voice was tight with emotion.
Slowly, Darkwing turned around to face her, though he still wouldn't meet her gaze.
"Admit it. I'm the reason we broke up. It's okay, Dark! I know the truth!" she insisted.
In a very small voice, Darkwing finally said something. "Yeah. Yeah, you are."
Morgana inhaled sharply, blinking rapidly in a hopeless attempt to avoid crying. Even though she knew it deep in her heart already; hearing it confirmed by her beloved Dark wasn't easy.
"I thought you were okay with me moving on."
"I never said that."
"You implied it then!"
"No, I didn't! I only asked you if you were happy and you said yes!"
"So, what am I supposed to do, huh!?" he shouted at her. His shout caused her to flinch and take a step back. "Just wait until I no longer see Gosalyn's fake death every time I see you!? Pray that someday our friendship isn't tainted by what happened!? So that we can get back together and carry on with how things were!?"
Morgana shook her head. "No, of course not!" she yelled back. "Dark, all I'm saying is that it's hard for me to see you with someone else! I'm glad it's Launchpad! He's been your closest and most loyal friend for all these years and he adores you so much! He's already so devoted to you! He always had been! You might be ready to move on but I'm not! I still need time! But I don't want to be the reason you're not happy! I want you to be happy! After all you've been through, you deserve happiness, Dark!" She wiped at her cheeks, being able to taste their saltiness as they fell down to her beak.
"So do you, Morgana" Darkwing countered. "You deserve happiness. And I love you too-" He watched as Morgana's breath caught in her throat at the words. He winced, hating the idea of saying what he was about to say. "But I'm no longer IN love with you..."
Morgana closed her eyes and nodded. "I know. I've known since that night.I knew that night that I had lost you for good..." It didn't make any of this less painful.
Silence filled the air; thick with tension. The birds chirped around them and in the far distance they could hear a lawn mower and distant traffic. The world was still pushing on around them; going about its cycle. Despite how their own personal worlds felt like it had come to an abrupt stop.
After an unknown amount of time, Darkwing grunted in frustration. He fixed his hat and adjusted his cape for lack of anything else to do. "The Fearsome Four will be here any minute. So will Admiral Grimmits. We don't have time for things to be awkward."
Morgana nodded. "I understand and completely agree. I came here to help you all, not make more drama. I guess just seeing you with Launchpad just now, made everything come to a boiling point."
"We should have talked about this days ago" Darkwing commented quietly as he turned to face the mansion. He shot her a wan smile. "I"m glad we did this now and not on a the ship, where we'll probably have a lot less privacy." His chuckled died in his throat. He was attempting to lighten the mood. The last thing he wanted was for Morgana to feel unwanted. He wanted her to be there with them. She was still a clever witch and could be very useful against Magica. "Let's just try to get through this without too much more heartbreak, okay?"
Morgana nodded, wiping away the last of her tears. "Anything you need, Dark."
Feeling the air lighten further around them, he felt build enough to say, "Things still aren't great between us, Morg, but I'm still really glad and thankful you're here. Okay?"
Surprisingly, that only made Morgana smile wider. "Thank you for clarifying that, Dark. That does make me feel better."
Darkwing nodded. He opened his mouth to say something when they heard an obnoxiously loud voice call out, "YO, DORKWING!"
Darkwing flinched at the sudden insulting nickname and spun around to see Quackerjack waving his colorfully clothed arm up in the air. He was clear on the other side of the front yard and fast approaching. Behind him the two friends could see the forms of Megavolt, Bushroot, and Liquidator.
Darkwing shoulders went slack at the sight of the three men he wished would just go away; but sadly they insisted on joining them. Morgana and Darkwing waited until four villains met up with them.
Quackerjack excitedly rubbed his hands together. "SO!? Where's the big bad navy ship!? When are we going!?"
Darkwing scowled. "First off, the ship is in the harbor because its, ya know, a SHIP!" Quackerjack rolled his eyes at the logic. "And second of all, you need to get it through your thick skull that this is not meant to be in any way shape or form, a FUN trip! This is serious business Quackerjack and if you can't understand that, then I suggest you not go!"
The jester didn't seem at all phased by his lecture. "Oh, I'm GOING, Darky!" His expression went dark, his smile turning sharp and his eyes narrowing. This caused Darkwing to take a step back in worry.
Megavolt shrugged, looking sleepy. "Personally I'd be just fine staying here. I didn't realize this until about twenty minutes ago, but we'll be on a ship-surrounded by water. WATER!" He got up into Darkwing's face and added, "I'm electrical! Do you have any idea how terrifying a concept that is for me!?"
"Maybe you'll get to see that little light bulb fellow again" whispered Quackerjack into his partner's ear, clearly trying to encourage his partner not to back out of going.
"Oooooh!" Megavolt's eyes widened with interest.
"Feeling tired? Feeling the anxiety creeping in? Then you just need to remind yourself of all the perks this trip has to offer!" boomed Liquidator.
Bushroot glanced away from his companions. "Sorry about them. It's my fault they're going..."
Morgana smiled sweetly at him while Darkwing just sneered, "Yeah, it is!" He then turned on his heel and walked back into the mansion without another word.
"Boy, someone needs to get the pine cone out of their pants!" harrumphed Quackerjack.
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"Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh!" cackled Magica deep within the volcanic caves of Mount Vesuvius. She was busy flipping through pages of her spell books and writing down notes and lists from her work. The old wooden table in front of her was covered in old books, grimoires, parchment papers, ink bottles, and quills. Several half burned candles lit the area around her as she worked. At the front of of the table, sitting there tall and proud, was a tray holding all five phials filled with blood. All of them labeled; deciphering exactly who's blood was inside. Off to the side one last phial stood on its own tray; empty and waiting.
Behind her, in the middle of the room, stood an enormous cauldron that was boiling over top a smoking green fire; occasionally spewing hot droplets of potion from its hot temperature.
Negaduck sat in a darkened corner on a cushioned chair that was reminiscent of a throne. He sat there, his legs dangling over the left arm rest, and sharpened his knife. "I asked those goons to bring me that inventor!" he was complaining. "They didn't! I waited at the meeting spot for half the night! They never showed, those cowering ingrates!"
Magica looked up from her work to look back at the fuming bird. "What are you fussing about now?" she demanded.
Poe, who was perched up on his usual fake tree branch that was mounted onto the stone cave wall several feet above Magica, cawed before answering for Negaduck. "He's just upset he didn't get to take in a hostage! Caw!"
Negaduck glared up at the raven. "Can it, you useless pile of feathers!"
Magica blinked up at her raven brother before glaring at Negaduck. "I told you no diverting from plan!"
Negaduck stopped sharpening his knife to bark back, "I didn't! I got the damn job done! What are you complaining about!? I got you Darkwing's blood along with that pilot oaf's blood!"
"He wanted the inventor!" Poe added.
"Shut up, you stupid bird!" snapped Negaduck.
"What's this about an inventor?" prompted an increasingly irritated Magica. She did not like the fact that her work was being interrupted by this idle chatter. She flipped through a few pages of the spell book she was reading from, never taking her eyes off it. "There has been no inventor in my plans, so why were you wasting time on them!?"
Negaduck growled, rolled his eyes, and sat up from the chair, tossing the knife over his shoulder without a care. "Once for all, I'm gonna set you straight, toots! I work for ME and me alone! Just because I'm helping you pull this plan of yours off does NOT mean I'm your little minion! Which means, I have other plans of my own besides yours!"
"Is that so?" inquired Magica with a raised eyebrow. She turned from her book and shot Negaduck a withering glare. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. "Planning for the future, eh?"
Negaduck scoffed and closed his eyes. "If that's the way you want to look at it! The other night I stumbled upon someone who could build me a machine of some kind that would allow passage through this world and the Negaverse easier!"
Magica hummed in thought, clearly unimpressed as she looked back to her work on the table. "Hmmm...Portal jumping then, hmm?"
Negaduck frowned. "Yeah. What do YOU know about any of it!? You're a witch. Have you ever researched or done anything with portals?"
Magica shook her head, her sleek shoulder length hair moving back and forth. "Not the kind of portals you are speaking of. Any portals I've worked with have strictly been in this world. Not between dimensions or alternate worlds."
Negaduck sighed, disappointed. "Lame. Well, my hostage was meant to help me with that. "
Her voice proving how little interest she actually had, she asked, "Why them?"
Negaduck shrugged. "Because they're McDuck's personal inventor." He paused before adding. "And because I recognized his name. Gearloose. I KNOW I've heard that name somewhere, just can't remember where from. My guess is its F.O.W.L. related, which is why I plan to ask ol' Steely. I hate it when I can't remember things and I only remember things that I deem important."
"What's this about you's askin' me somethin'? came the thickly accented voice of Steelbeak.
Negaduck's expression turned deadpan. "Speak of the devil and he shall answer" he muttered. He turned and confronted the tall barrel chested rooster that walked into the main room. "I have a question for you."
Steelbeak gestured for him to continue as he stepped up to stand next to the shorter mallard.
"Ever hear of the name 'Gearloose?'"
Steelbeak looked away, wracking his brain to see if he could recall the name. "Hmm...Yeah, now that you's mention it, that name does ring a bell."
"Well, I ran into a guy named Gearloose. An inventor. I wanted him to make something for me but my bumbling associates failed me" explained Negaduck.
"Sucks to be you's!" chuckled Steelbeak, taking great pleasure in Negaduck's plight.
Magica whirled around and pointed a finger at Steelbeak. "YOU! What are you doing here!? You should be getting ready to be sent to that navy ship!"
Steelbeak took a step back, raising his hands up defensively and frowned. "Woah, woah! Now just calm down!"
"I will NOT be calming down! Are you ready or aren't you!?" she demanded.
"My Eggheads and me are all set and ready t'go! I assume you's gonna teleport us all there the same ways you's got me here t'begin with!?" replied the rooster.
Magica nodded. "Yes! Now go! I will come find you shortly! So many things to be doing and all you two want to do is stand around and chat!"
Negaduck and Steelbeak both shared unimpressed looks before they retreated back to what they had previously been doing.
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Someone knocked on the front door to McDuck Manor, which Duckworth was quick to answer.
"Good afternoon, sir" greeted the butler.
Admiral Grimmits walked into the room, stiff as a board, and looking as though he was prepared to rip someone's arm off from the amount of annoyance and anger in his features. He stopped the moment he was through the threshold of the room, glaring at everyone. He sneered at Duckworth, who took it all in stride and politely shut the door behind him and walked away with a bow.
Donald was the only one who reacted by more than just staring at gaping at the man's sudden presence. In a clumsy manner, he quickly stood from his spot next to the boys and saluted but didn't say anything.
Grimmits spared him a glance. His dark beady eyes scanned the room until they landed on Scrooge, who was standing near the back of the room.
"Well!?" he growled. "Am I taking you to my ship or aren't I, Mr. McDuck!?"
This earned him a scowl. "I don't care fer that tone, admiral!" Scrooge snapped back.
"And I don't care to allowing you to borrow my naval ship for your whims, McDuck, but here I am!" Grimmits argued back.
Scrooge opened his beak to argue back but a gentle hand on his arm stopped him from doing so. He turned his head and saw Fenton standing there, giving him a gentle and patient smile. They shared a look before Scrooge sighed. He squared his shoulders and instead of insulting Grimmits like he wanted to, he said, "Aye. Yeh are here t'take us. We appreciate it. Now, we're all set and packed. Let us get a move on."
Just as the old miser went to take a step foward, four small blurs ran to stand in front of him, nearly causing Scrooge to crash into them. Once he got his bearings, he saw that it was Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Gosalyn. "What is the meanin' of this!?"
"We're going, Uncle Scrooge!" asserted Dewey.
"No, yeh aren't!" yelled Scrooge.
"Boys!" snapped Donald. "Get upstairs to your room! You're not going!"
"Gosalyn!" hissed Darkwing once he saw she was also there.
Huey shook his head. "Sorry, Uncle Scrooge. But we're going! We WANT to help! We CAN help!"
Louie crossed his arms. "Unless you'd rather the four of us just sneak aboard the ship, you're going to let us go with you. We're already packed! One way or another, we're going on this trip!"
Grimmits was staring down at them furiously. "You kids don't belong on a navy ship any more than any of them do!" he gestured tom just about everyone in the room. "Where are the criminals?"
"Outside" answered Darkwing briskly. He went to say more but Grimmits interrupted him.
"Not doing a very good job watching them then, are ya son?" Grimmits pointed out.
Darkwing growled deep in his throat, looking as though he wanted to punch the admiral in the face. Launchpad placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder to support him.
Scrooge, meanwhile, was busy eying his nephews. "Boys-"
"This is serious, Unca Scrooge! If things don't go well-" began Huey, but he cut himself off.
Donald sighed loudly and stepped forward. "Just let them come, Uncle Scrooge?"
"What!?" was the old miser's incredulous cry.
"I know that navy ship like the back of my hand! I'll keep an eye on them just like Darkwing is keeping an eye on the criminals!" he reasoned.
The four ducklings were beaming up at the sailor in appreciation.
"Seaman Duck!" roared Grimmits.
Donald flinched, wincing as he looked up at the admiral. "A-Aye sir?"
"If these four children cause so much as an OUNCE of trouble, you'll be peeling potatoes for the rest of your life as a sailor! Do you hear me!?" Grimmits fumed.
Donald nodded with a worried frown. "Aye, sir..."
Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Gosalyn silently cheered.
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Darkwing was pacing back and forth in front of the Fearsome Four once they had boarded the ship; all of them standing beside the other in a line on the main deck. Darkwing rubbed at his temples as the reality of having to deal with these four during their trip really began to sink in.
"Why did I agree to this again?" he mumbled darkly to himself.
Launchpad, who wasn't very far from where the vigilante was pacing, shot his boyfriend a loving and encouraging smile. "Come on, DW! You've got this!"
"Having doubts? Feeling uncertain? Don't worry! At this point in the game, you should be used to feeling unqualified!" boasted Liquidator condescendingly. This earned him a rough jab in the waist from Bushroot's elbow, not that the gesture hurt him in any way.
"Be quiet, Likky! They could decide to freeze you after all! I don't like the idea of dating an ice cube, thank you very much!" hissed the floral villain.
At Liquidator's snark comment, Darkwing had turned to glare at him. "Enough!" he spat. "Be grateful we let you tag along, sewer drainage!"
Liquidator just gave him a smug smirk in reply.
"Oooooh! Can you believe this Megsy!? We're on an actual navy ship!" giggled Quackerjack with unlimited excitement as he bounced back and forth of on his feet.
"For once in your life, Quackerjack, TRY to control yourself" groaned Darkwing as he walked in front of the jester. "You and Megavolt definitely have no reason to be here. Even less so than Liquidator."
"We're here to support our friend!" argued Quackerjack, leaning over and wrapping a colorfully clad arm around the mutant plant duck. Bushroot flinched at the sudden closeness, gasping in surprise when Quackerjack pulled him close. "He might die, after all!"
"Don't remind me" groaned Bushroot. He wriggled his way out of Quackerjack's hold, taking great lengths to move so that Liquidator was standing between the two of them.
While Darkwing and Launchpad dealt with the Fearsome Four, Scrooge, Fenton, Gyro, Donald, Morgana, and the kids, all listened to Grimmits bark out orders as the ship was prepared to hoist anchor.
It wasn't long before the ship set sail. Everyone was taken down through the ship and shown where they would be sleeping and resting during the trip. Each sleeping quarter that wasn't already being occupied by another sailor or officer, contained two beds and a toilet and sink.
"Not exactly the Ritz" sassed Gosalyn when she saw where they would be staying. Darkwing was quick to shush her.
Donald, of course, would be bunking with Huey, Dewey, and Louie in his own quarters. It would be a tight fit, but nothing they hadn't dealt with before. The sailor was able to share all sorts of stories with his boys as they walked. Huey, Dewey, and Louie, for the most part, listened in rapt attention until something else caught their eye.
Scrooge and Fenton were sharing a sleeping quarter while Darkwing and Launchpad shared one. Morgana and Gyro were the only ones who were given their own sleeping quarters.
Gyro had shrugged it off. "I'm seriously not opposed to sharing a room. I just don't want to put anyone else out."
"I feel the same way. While I may not know Mr. Gearloose all that way, I have no concerns about sharing a room with him" added Morgana.
Grimmits nodded in appreciation. "That's a kind offer from the both of you, but it's no trouble at all." He smiled shyly at Morgana who just smiled nervously back. Clearly Grimmits didn't mind in the slightest that Morgana was tagging along for the trip.
Grimmits was far from impressed by Darkwing and declared that he would be assigning several guards to all the rooms ; especially the one were the Fearsome Four would be staying in. Liquidator didn't require a bed and Quackerjack and Megavolt were more than happy to share a bed; leaving Bushroot with his own.
An officer would be positioned outside their room at all times. Everyone's rooms were next to each other, so if anything were to happen; others would be able to hear the commotion.
Once everyone was settled, they all met down in the mess hall; led by Donald.
"I guess here is as good a place as any for us to sit and wait" he told everyone.
Fenton was quick to sit at one of the benches in the middle of the room, his breathing slightly labored and his eyelids drooping. "Cheese and crackers!" he cried out. "I'll be so happy when this is done and over with!"
Morgana walked up to him. "Are my potions not working for you?"
Fenton gave her a guilty smile. "They helped at first, but I'm afraid they don't do a whole lot now. I think I'm getting worse."
Scrooge, who was standing next to him, ran a hand through his head feathers. "It'll be alright, me treasure. Would yeh like t'go lie down?"
Fenton shook his head. "No, I'm good."
"I'm booooooored" whined Quackerjack from where he was sitting.
Darkwing placed his hands on his hips. "Oh, don't start! We only left Duckburg like an hour ago!"
Grimmits had disappeared and they were all alone save for a few straggling sailors. Grimmits claimed that he would be in the control room if they needed anything; but only if it was an emergency.
"How long does it take to get to Mount Vesuvius?" asked Dewey from where he was sitting next to Donald.
"Roughly about a day's worth of time, lad" answered Scrooge. "So I suggest yeh get comfortable."
The triplets nodded in understanding. They were far from used to traveling for long periods of time thanks to all the adventures they've gone on with their Uncle Scrooge. The old miser wasn't worried in the least that they would be a bother; he knew the kids were behaved enough not to cause a fuss.
The first several hours of the trip went without a hitch. Megavolt was able to keep Quackerjack entertained the best way he could with card games and the like. Everyone made an effort to avoid the Fearsome Four if they could. Instead, they all kept to themselves. Snacks were passed around as time went on since it would be a while before they had dinner with the rest of the crew.
The only problem Darkwing seemed to be having; besides the four villains, was dealing with the awkward tension between Launchpad and Morgana. The two of them hardly acknowledged each other and because of this, Morgana kept her distance. Not that the vigilante wanted to sit next to her and talk to her, but he knew how uncomfortable Morgana's presence was making Launchpad. He thought about simply confronting the two of them about it and getting them to talk to one another, but he didn't wish to do it with an audience.
It wasn't until everyone was beginning to feel sleepy and start thinking about bedtime, did Grimmits finally reappear. Once again, he looked furious.
Tiredly, Scrooge asked, "What seems t'be the problem, Admiral Grimmits?"
Grimmits didn't answer at first, his eyes scanning the room. Once he saw that everyone, including the Fearsome Four, were accounted for, he said, "We've lost all transmissions and communications."
This gained everyone's attention as cries of 'What!?' and 'How can that be!?' were spoken.
"What does that mean, Admiral?" It was Scrooge who had asked.
"It means someone messed with our communication system."
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