That feeling when you have an idea and put your plans on the back burner.
Last chapter didn't do too well (no reviews) and so I decided to work a little more on writing these characters. I'm not used to have existing characters I have to build from the ground up because they don't work otherwise. Anyway, have some Louie and June with bonus Doofus Drake being a creep.
The sun shone down brightly over Duckburg.
It was a beautiful day, one that anyone would be outside enjoying by choice. But not Louie Duck. No, Louie was out there because his family had dragged him off the couch and into the limo. Now he was at the skate park, where there was an event going on. Della was announcing for it alongside Huey, but the reason why they were there was a mystery until his uncle's girlfriend appeared from around a corner with two of her three nieces in tow. May was carrying a box and April looked half-asleep.
"I'm so glad you could all make it," Daisy thanked Donald, taking his hands in hers.
"It's a chance to all spend time together," he agreed, nodding. "Had to pull Louie away from the TV, though."
"I'm surprised you didn't tell him why you're all coming out here!" May chirped, setting her box down.
"What's going on?" Louie asked.
"June's competing today and she needs a cheering section. Usually it's just me, April, and Aunt Daisy."
"I was wondering where she was," Dewey spoke up.
"We dropped her off at registration and came over to wait for you guys," Daisy explained.
"I made T-shirts!" May reached into the box and pulled out a shirt that said 'JUNE' in big white letters. Dewey and Webby each took one immediately and April leaned against the box, her eyes falling closed.
"What's up with April?" whispered Dewey to May.
"She's part of our school's drama club and they have a big show coming up. She stayed up late reading over lines."
"Ah."
Once everyone had their shirts they headed into the stands. Della and Huey were at the announcer's table and Louie waved at them. They waved back and his eyes went over to where the contestants were waiting. June was there, decked out in pure purple padding and her signature jacket nowhere to be seen. But then his gaze went to behind her, where the last person he wanted to see within a hundred feet of her was standing.
Doofus Drake.
As June leaned down to adjust her laces, she felt a dark presence.
Her bangs went up as someone behind her inhaled. A shudder rippled down her spine and she turned to see a rather overweight boy wearing glasses and complete padding. His stare at her was blank and made her slide backwards a bit. Her back hit the fence and she grimaced.
"Hello," he greeted her. "My name is Doofus Drake. Who might you be, fair one?"
"J-June. June Duck."
"Why is one such as you competing, Juniper?"
"My full name isn't—never mind." She shook her head. "I love skating and this isn't my first time competing. I've never seen you before, though."
"Up until recently I had no reason to compete in things such as this. But thanks to that meddling fool Llewellyn…" He let out a growl and she began to slip away.
Great googly moogly, he's creepy. And who the heck is Llewellyn?
"Oh, Juniper, I think you should drop out now." His hand fastened around her wrist—as much as it could in the clunky guards he had, anyway. "You are surely going to lose this competition and make a fool of yourself."
"That's for me to decide, not you." She wrenched herself away. "Besides, I have years of experience and I know how this competition works."
"But I doubt you have my level of wealth, dear Juniper. And wealth has bought me the most top-of-the-line equipment in existence."
"You can't buy skill."
Doofus sneered over her and she slipped further down the line, making sure to hide behind her fellow skaters before looking towards the stands. There were her sisters, her aunt, Donald, Webby, Dewey, and Louie. Della and Huey were at the announcer's table.
You got this, June. Just focus on winning and ignore the creep.
"Aw man, poor June."
"Why poor June?" May asked Louie. April was asleep on June's backpack with a blanket over her.
"She's competing against the creepiest guy I know—Doofus Drake. And it looks like he's interested in her."
"Louie, listen, June's going to wipe the floor with him because she's the best. She's only competing to prove it to everyone else."
"Hey, guys!" they heard a voice greet them. Walking up to them was Launchpad followed by his buddy Drake Mallard. Dewey stared at them in confusion.
"Hey LP, Drake. What brings you guys here?"
"Gosalyn's competing," Drake replied. "As her temporary guardian it's my job to come cheer her on."
"Great, now who do I root for—Gos or June?"
"You could cheer for both," Launchpad suggested. "Nothing's stopping you."
"In that case I'm not wearing the shirt." He turned to his fellow middle child. "Sorry, May."
"It's fine. Sounds like Gosalyn could use a cheering section of her own."
Drake yawned. He'd been up late crime-fighting the night before, most likely, but he wouldn't let that stop him from coming out here. Temporary guardian or no, he was a true supportive parent. Dewey wouldn't have been surprised if his buddy from St. Canard had accidentally called him 'Dad' before.
"Welcome, everyone, to the thirty-third annual Duckburg Junior Skating Competition!" Huey said over the loudspeakers. Gosalyn zipped up right beside June behind the fences. "We've gathered the best of the best among Duckburg's youngest citizens and today we'll see just what they can do. I'm Huey Duck and I'll be your announcer for this event."
"And I'm Della Duck, his co-anchor," Della added.
"First up we have a newcomer to this competition. Please welcome the wealthiest child in Duckburg—Doofus Drake."
June shuddered as Doofus blew her a kiss before heading out onto the half-pipe.
"He's so creepy," she whispered to the redhead beside her.
"I know, right?" the redhead chuckled. "I'm Gosalyn."
"June."
Their eyes went towards the center, where Doofus was failing spectacularly but at the same time making it look like every flub and blunder was on purpose and part of his routine. The judges gave him a decent score—a seven, a nine, and another seven. Della had her eyes narrowed but didn't say a word.
"And that was Doofus Drake with a first-round score of twenty-three," Huey stated. "Impressive for a newcomer, I must say. Next up we have Bully Beagle, last year's runner-up!"
June frowned. Bully Beagle constantly picked on May for her nerdy interests and he picked on her for her interest in skating. Unlike her, however, he was using a skateboard. Gosalyn was watching with disinterest and her eyes drifted over to the stands. They widened and June gave her a look.
"What's wrong?"
"I just… I didn't expect to see someone in the audience."
"Who?" Gosalyn gestured to a guy in a pink plaid button-down shirt.
"He's my temporary guardian. My grandpa went missing a while ago and I'm living with him until we find my grandpa."
"So he's like your dad?"
"Yeah. I think if I accidentally called him Dad once he'd almost snap his neck from turning his head so fast. It would be kinda funny but kinda embarrassing."
"I call my aunt Mom sometimes. She thinks it's cute."
"Guess we're pretty similar, eh?"
"Oh, I dunno about that."
"Bully Beagle finishes his run with a first-round score of twenty-four!" Huey announced. "Truly impressive, folks. High scores right out of the gate!"
"That's right, son," Della agreed. "It wasn't like this when I was a kid, I can tell you that."
"Next up we have another newcomer to the competition—Gosalyn Mallard-Waddlemeyer!"
"Good luck, Gosalyn!" June whispered.
"Thanks."
Gosalyn headed out onto the half-pipe.
Below their feet in the sewers, there sat a lone figure. As he listened to the goings-on above his head he let out a chuckle at the name 'Mallard'. He knew that name. It was that upstart who'd stolen his identity, his fame, his glory. That little hack was going to get what was coming to him. Quietly he began to move towards the surface, homemade weapon in hand.
He wasn't stupid enough to attack on his own, mind you.
He had a couple of agents in the crowd who confirmed that his poor brainwashed fan was there alongside the imposter. He straightened his bright red hat as he headed outside the sewer and smelled the disgustingly-clean air of McDuck Park. They'd see. They'd all see soon enough.
In a quick movement he sent a signal to his hired hands in the crowd. They moved into position. This was his debut as the bad guy, his chance to name himself as the false Darkwing Duck's nemesis for all time. Jim Starling had gone from hero to villain, and honestly enough he relished the role even more.
"Gosalyn Mallard finishes with a twenty-seven! Wow, it's gonna be hard to beat that, folks!"
"Tell me about it," snorted Della.
"Well, now we have last year's champion—June Duck!"
June headed to her spot after Gosalyn wished her luck and prepared to head down the half-pipe. Before she could move, however, smoke filled the air at the center. It was bright purple and for half a second she thought her sisters were trying to cheer her on with the color. But that wasn't like April or May.
"What's this?" Huey gasped.
"I dunno, Huey!" Della replied.
"I am the horror that flaps in the night. I am the monster hiding in darkness waiting to strike. I am…"
The smoke disappeared and there was a person dressed in a yellow and red Darkwing Duck costume.
"Negaduck!"
Screams rang out as a bunch of thugs began to attack people in the stands. June headed back down and skated over to Gosalyn. Together they made their way over to where their families were waiting.
"We have to go!" Donald and Drake said in unison.
"But Drake—" started Gosalyn.
"Let's get to the car," Drake told her. Her eyes widened and then she nodded.
"Wait, where's April?" Daisy gasped.
"Wasn't she with us?" Louie asked.
"Huey and Mom aren't here, either!" Dewey pointed out.
"I'm going back in!" Donald yelled, rushing for the stands. "You kids get to safety!"
"Nuts to that!" June hissed, trying to follow before her aunt grabbed her.
"No, June. You're going to go wait by the car where it's safe."
"But Aunt Daisy—"
"No buts except yours and—"
"Webby, Dewey, and Louie ran inside while you were talking."
Daisy lowered her and June took off, May right on her tail. April had been picked up by one of the baddies and Della was kicking one in the gut. Webby was already in tag-team combat with Dewey. Negaduck was standing above the chaos, watching it all with sick glee on his face. Then more purple smoke appeared.
"I am the terror that flaps in the night. I am the rust on the iron of crime! I am…"
The smoke cleared to reveal June's favorite hero.
"DARKWING DUCK!"
Right behind him were Gosalyn and Launchpad, the former carrying a crossbow and several bolts in a quiver. June ducked as one of the goons reached for her and slid over to Louie.
"What do we do?" she whispered.
"I dunno—take out the guys?"
"Just think! I'll cause a distraction. You focus on finding us an angle."
Louie took a deep breath and glanced around. He could see Darkwing and Negaduck already fighting. Gosalyn and Launchpad were supporting him on either side by keeping the goons at bay. Then he saw where April was being held and the baddies in front of it. An idea came to him, and he hoped June would agree to it.
"June, what's a roller-skating move to go forward really fast with others helping you?"
"It's called cracking the whip. Why?"
"Some of the contestants left their skates behind. Get two pairs and give them to Webby and Dewey. I have a plan!"
"Okay. I trust you."
Drake blocked a punch from Negaduck as the villain continually tried to hit him.
"You're nothing but a faker!" Negaduck sneered, narrowing his eyes. "The real Darkwing can survive off pain! One little punch and you'll be out like a light!"
"It's key to never underestimate your opponent!" Drake swept his double's legs out from under him and Negaduck popped right back up. "Oh. It appears I underestimated you."
Negaduck threw down a smoke bomb and Drake started coughing. He still wasn't used to it, but his discomfort faded upon hearing Gosalyn yell, "LET GO OF ME, YOU JERK!"
There, in the grasp of his newfound nemesis, was his sort-of daughter.
Deep inside him, he felt that sense of protectiveness that had awakened the night he saved Gosalyn the first time rear up. It didn't matter that he wasn't her father by blood. He was her father where it counted for the moment, and that meant protecting her from evildoers at any cost. He rushed forwards and kicked Negaduck in the gut, sending him sprawling. Gosalyn hit the ground, retrieving her crossbow from where it had fallen.
"Thanks," she told him. He nodded but then Negaduck clocked him.
"You phony-baloney actor!"
"Get away from him!" Gosalyn yelled, sending a crossbow bolt through his cape and pinning it to the wall behind him.
"Okay, what's the plan?"
Dewey and Webby crouched with June by Louie.
"Here it is: we're gonna crack the whip. You two are gonna launch June towards where the hostages are and she'll take out the guards by crashing into them."
"How will that save them?" Webby inquired.
"Trust me, when June hits you while skating fast, she hits hard." She laughed a little and he smiled before returning to a determined expression. "You're launching her because she's the smallest, just so you know."
"Makes sense," Dewey agreed.
"It's like roller derby!" June gasped. "Let's do it!"
The three got up in a line. Webby took June's hand and Dewey took Webby's unoccupied hand. They began to skate fast, building up speed until Webby launched June forwards towards the guards. The thugs fell like bowling pins and Webby quickly moved to tie them up while Dewey and June released the hostages. Once that was done, they headed for the parking lot.
"Not so fast!" one of the goons June hadn't taken down sneered, hopping in front of her. She crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "What, you ain't afraid?"
"No, you're just unfortunate."
"How so?"
"You're gullible and about to receive a swift kick in the ribs."
"Huh?"
Webby slammed a still-skate-clad foot into the man's ribs and he fell to the ground, groaning. She and June high-fived before continuing onward.
Meanwhile Negaduck had realized his plan was foiled and decided to cut his losses.
He was gone in a puff of smoke.
"Don't worry, DW. You'll get him next time," Launchpad assured his friend.
"Yeah… I will…" Drake panted.
"We almost had him this time, Dad," Gosalyn added. He stiffened and snapped his head to face her.
"D-Did you just call me…?"
"No. You're hearing things." She smirked and started to walk off towards the parking lot, where police were showing up.
"Gos, wait! I know I heard it!"
"You're a crazy old man!"
"Gosalyn Waddlemeyer, get back here!" He ran after her with Launchpad hot on his tail.
With everything settling, June sat in the open back hatch of Donald's car.
"Hey," Louie greeted her, hopping up beside her. "So, that was some pretty cool skating, what with cracking the whip and all."
"Yeah. I wish I could've brought home the trophy, at least, but being able to knock down those guys like pins was fun."
"I'm starting to think you're an adrenaline junkie."
"Aw, is it that obvious?" She giggled.
"Seriously, though, it seems like a lot of the time we get hit with some disaster or weird thing. It comes with the territory of being part of this family. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to get out now."
"To be honest, I don't mind."
"You don't?"
"Up until I met you and your family, my life was painfully boring. All I really did was go to school and work on my skates. Now I get to travel and have fun adventures with new friends and my family's just so much bigger than it was before. It's all thanks to you guys."
"I'm glad you're here, too."
She suddenly wrapped her arms around him in a hug and he could feel his cheeks burning.
"Well, I'd better go catch up with Aunt Daisy. See you next time, Lou."
"…Llewellyn."
"What?" She stared at him.
"My real name is Llewellyn, but please don't call me that, okay?"
"Okay. Bye, Louie!"
She waved goodbye and he couldn't stop the goofy smile on his face as she joined her aunt and sisters. It was short-lived as he was reminded that he had two brothers and a basically-sister who were painfully aware of his massive definitely-not-a-crush on June.
"When's the wedding?" Dewey asked.
"I call being a bridesmaid!" Webby squealed.
"Shut up!" Louie groaned.
"Aw, but that was really cute! You said your name without cringing and admitted it to her!"
"I know. Let's go home. Maybe I can catch the end of the Ottoman Empire Marathon if I'm lucky."
"Or maybe you should go… ugh, I can't think of anything," Huey grumbled.
"Don't worry. You will someday," Dewey assured his older brother with a smirk. "After all, we have until Louie admits that he likes her, and that'll never happen."
"Kids, get in the car or we're leaving you behind!" Della yelled from the passenger seat.
Louie rolled his eyes and got into the car.
I don't like her like that. I don't! …do I?
A fun little chapter with some Darkwing and more proof that I should not be allowed to write fight scenes! Or Negaduck. I dunno, I got bored.
Ideas for chapters are welcome, whether they be small close-to-home adventures or big across-the-world ones.
So long and thanks for all the fish!