Chapter 8

So...I've been writing a lot...almost done with this fanfic just need to write/edit a few more scenes. It's been a bit on the more difficult side since I know what to write, but the words are being fickle with me. "Fire Bad...tree pretty" kind of mentality lately. I may be burning myself out a bit. Also my music has been running a bit dry to inspire me lately too as well. ;_; I've started to put up a One shots collection up. I am planning on eventually putting up one with my fan character Lore as well. But that one has been delayed due to me wanting to write a prequel to write as the first "Chapter" of that one. My Lore one shots have been getting semi decent results on tumblr and I'm grateful for those who have enjoyed them. Don't worry though I plan on finishing up this trilogy ASAP as well as posting some of my other ideas I've been working on soon as well. Hopefully the next chapter will be up soonish. The latest will probably be next Thursday but I will try to get it up before then since next week is the WEEK we have been waiting for since like before December really. I'm pretty excited.
Those Spoilers though are killing me though.
Anyways! Enjoy this chapter!
Lore out!

"Holy Goddess!" Dewey exclaimed, hands on his head on shock.

Webby's eyes shone and her ever impressive inquisitive nature emerged. "OH! What sect of gods do you belong to? Egyptian? Celtic? Greek? Roman? Which are completely different deities by the way even though they are often confused with Greek gods….ohhh whats your special power? Or are you THE god? What's your favorite color? Why were you asleep? Why-" Webby's rapid fire questions were making Dewey's head spin, and he wasn't the one the questions were directed to.

The goddess seemed to be enjoying herself and laughed a bit at the others excitable nature. But when she saw the young duck girl wince, her smile vanished a brief moment.

"Oh that's right.." Humming, the blue clad goddess swept closer to Webby. As a reflex, Dewey wrapped an arm around Webby's shoulders protectively.

She sent the younger duck male a comforting smile. "Don't worry I won't hurt her now. I should apologize for my behavior." She reached out and touched the young girls side with one hand, and her head with the other. Blue energy pulsed from her hands and into Webby's wounds. Letting out a slight gasp, Webby realized the pain she had been struggling with and now the dizziness were fading!

The goddess was healing her! Looking up at the woman in slight awe, once she had finished and pulled away Webby studied her side and head.

"I'm…completely healed!" She yelled, jumping up and trying to raise her hands but winced at the pain in her arm returning.

"Ow…ow…okay maybe not completely."

The goddess blinked and let out a slight sigh. "I'm sorry I could only heal your most urgent injuries. That side injury was something that could have killed you if you hadn't gotten help soon."

Dewey was alarmed at this. "Webs! Why didn't you tell us you were hurt?!"

Glancing at Dewey, The young duck's emotions stirred and she averted her eyes, wrapping her arm around her wounded one. "There….was a lot going on."

Dewey looked at Webby seriously. "Webby…." He reached out and grasped her shoulder. "I….."

The goddess looked between the two for a second. "Should I leave?" she smiled knowingly.

Dewey jumped back. "No no no! It's okay!"

Webby's attention was back on the goddess. "Right! No worries! We can talk about this later…ahaha."Twirling a piece of her hair, Webby thought about the goddess. "Miss Goddess?"

"Whisp is fine." The goddess commented.

"Whisp, why were you like that?" Webby asked.

"That? Oh…asleep right?" Whisp hummed slightly. "I believe I was battling a demon at the time..he stole my power and sealed me up here. I had to wait quite a while to be woken up I see if no one here knows my name anymore." She pouted a bit. "I really want my revenge but…" She snapped a finger, only simple sparks emitted from her fingers. "Alas, most of my power is still gone."

"Is there something we can do?" Webby asked, determined.

Blinking down at the two young ducks, she thought and tilted her head slightly.

"I believe so…" She smiled softly at the duo. "There is a mountain deep within Ireland known as Mount Blaine. Deep within a temple there is a special object of mine. If you can collect it and bring it back to me I should be able to get some of my power back. Maybe then I can finally escape this accursed Island."

"Is there a time limit?" Webby asked thoughtfully. They had already so much going on.

The goddess smiled slightly. "Time means nothing to deities. Just before you die preferably." She chuckled and ruffled Webby's hair.

Webby nodded firmly, a drive in her form. "I will! I promise Whisp! I will help you with everything I have."

Surprised at the devotion of this girl, Whisp smiled thoughtfully. "Well, such bravery and devotion must be rewarded. I don't have a lot of power. But I can do some things. Is there something you wish for my dear?"

Dewey's eyes brightened. Finally, they could get off this island-

Webby's eyes were trained on the floor where her shadow was. Gripping her hands into fists she looked up. "I need help to free a friend of mine." She stated. "She's a….she's in the shadow realm and I can't find a way to get her out." She said brokenly. "Can you please help me save Lena?"

"What?! Lena again? What about saving us?!" Dewey's exasperated voice was met with silence.

Whisp was looking deeply within Webby's eyes, as if reading her soul. Finally, she let out a sigh and pulled back.

"While I cannot traverse the Shadow Realm myself, that is another gods realm. I can offer this.." Swiping a hand in a flowing motion, an old book appeared in Webby's hands.

"There is a page tucked inside that book that may help." She smiled at the duck, then her gaze drifted a bit to Dewey. She looked back at Webby as she found the spell.

Webby smiled brightly at the piece of paper and brought it close to her chest. "Finally I can see Lena again!"

Seeing Webby's eyes shining, Whisp reached out and put her hand on Webby's shoulder. "Webby, wait."

Pausing, Webby sent the goddess a quizzical look.

"There is something you must know about the spell." She closed her eyes. "As all spells there is a price to pay when using such magic."

"A price?" Dewey asked skeptically.

"Yes." Whisp closed her eyes. "A price only Webby must pay. I don't know what this price is, the magic will decide. But you must think long and hard young duck if this is what you truly want." She kneeled down to the younger's height and reached out, brushing Webby's hair from her face. "Only you can make this choice. But do not make it hastily." She glanced at Dewey, then back to Webby's confused eyes. "Magic is mysterious and dangerous."

Dewey glanced at Webby with a worried look. But Webby had a determined look in her eyes. "Thank you Whisp." She said with a genuine smile. "I will think about it. I promise."

Whisp nodded, then tilted her head a bit. "Oh, it looks like you have some family looking for you. They are nearby. Better go. Don't worry I'll guide you to them."

Webby nodded firmly and then ran off outside. Dewey took a few steps to follow but glanced back.

"Hey Whisp.." He asked, unsure of how to ask this.

"Yes?"

"Was it you who led me to find this place?" He asked seriously, remembering the flashes of color he saw.

Whisp looked startled, then glanced around slowly and back to Dewey. "I'm sorry but no. I had just woken up and wasn't thinking straight obviously."

Dewey frowned, thinking and then smiled. "Thanks."

Whisp nodded and then when he vanished she glanced around her cave. "It seems I have a lot of visitors today."

She glanced behind herself at the figure cloaked within shadows.

"Isn't that right?"

Webby waited for Dewey outside and together the two started to walk. The silence between them was making it difficult for either of them to breathe.

Webby was looking down at the paper in her hand, she had put the book in her backpack.

Dewey was glancing around nervously, wringing his hands and darting his eyes about, most of the time settling back upon Webby who seemed to be within her own world at that moment.

He was scared, but knew he had to set things right between his friend. This silence was deafening.

"Webby, I-" He started, but Webby turned and cut him off.

"Dewey, I'm sorry."

"What?" Dewey was shocked.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Della. I'm sorry about making such a big deal about thinking that you guys would get hurt." She sighed, staring ahead at the trees and stopping before one. Placing a hand upon it, she rested her forehead against it.

"Webs.." Dewey tried.

"You guys were right, about all of it. The reasons why I was so defensive, why I kept it from you. Maybe…..maybe I was just using it as an excuse." And she hated herself for it. "I know you guys were worried about me, and maybe I was using….finding Lena as an excuse too for hiding the pain inside." She turned, leaning her back against the tree now. "I'm not like you guys..I can't…I can't share these feelings deep inside. Sure I can be happy and share most of what I feel. But I can't…share these feelings.."

"You can't share your pain." Dewey smiled slightly. "That's normal Webs. Not a lot of people want to admit any kind of weakness. Especially when your back is up against a wall." He sighed and paused.

"Webs, I'm sorry about what I said about Lena…" He reached out and grasped her tightly in a hug.

Surprised, Webby hugged him back. Letting what he said sink in a bit, she gripped the back of his shirt tightly.

Pulling away a little, he looked down. "You are family. Never think otherwise no matter what I or anyone else says in anger." He looked into her eyes firmly. Giving him a small smile, Webby closed her eyes and gave him another big hug.

"Thank you.."

"Oh this is a surprise."

The voice made the two spring apart. Huey and Louie were looking at them with a raised eyebrow.

"Did we miss something?" Louie asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you guys okay?!" Huey ran and checked Dewey over first, then noticed Webby favoring her right arm. Instantly he was by her side. "Guys her arm is broken!"

"What?" Louie looked worried for a fraction, then he calmed himself down and handed Huey a first aid kit while crossing his arms.

Sliding next to Dewey, Louie murmured. "So, it seems you two patched things up."

Dewey nodded to his brother. "More or less. You won't believe what happened back there though! There was this goddess-"

He paused.

"Wait how did you guys find us?"

Louie pointed behind his shoulder to a blue floating orb sparkling and bouncing around.

"Oh."

Huey was busy forming a splint and helping to set Webby's arm as best as he could. To her credit, Webby only slightly flinched and let out a squeak as he fixed it up as best as he could. While glancing at Louie and Dewey talking, she glanced nervously down at the oldest who was working on her arm diligently.

"Um, Huey?" she asked.

"What? Are you in pain?" Huey asked, still working but looking up at her briefly.

"Er no, no more than normal anyways.." she sighed. "I just, wanted to apologize about..what I said about your guys mom."

Huey blinked. "Didn't you already apologize though?"

"I know, its just…I don't think it came out the way I intended.."

"I know.."

Blinking, she met Huey's understanding gaze.

"What?"

He sighed. "I know everything, well.. I can surmise anyways at why you were saying all those things." He groaned. "I feel so stupid for not figuring it out sooner. We should have known you were hurting so much." He finished wrapping up her arm and stood back up. Giving her a bright smile, he helped her up a little. "That won't happen again for sure. The Junior Woodchuck guidebook says to always be prepared for anything. That includes noticing when those closest to you are suffering." He put a hand on her shoulder.

"Huey.."

"If you ever need to talk about it, were here okay? We got your back!" Huey chuckled.

"Thanks, I think I will take you up on that offer soon." Webby grinned back.

Huey nodded firmly. Then turned to his brothers. "C'mon guys I think the orb still wants to lead us somewhere."

The four ran after the glowing bouncing blue orb, which they assumed was created by Whisp. As they walked, Dewey and Webby took turns to explain to everyone what had happened.

"No wonder the Volcano stopped." Huey glanced behind them.

"I'm just glad we didn't need to fight any villains this time." Louie mumbled.

"Right? I think Webs got banged up enough going toe to toe with that Goddess and that golem!" Dewey said proudly. "My best friend the golem slayer!" He laughed.

Webby grinned and made a stance. "Nothing's too tough for Webbigail Vanderquack!"

Louie shot her a look as Huey and Dewey laughed a bit and Webby's smile instantly faded.

When she went to meet Louie's eyes her averted them. Sending his brothers a smirk and thumbs up, they continued on.

It was then Webby was eyeing Louie more and more. She wondered when was a good time to talk to him. She would have limited time when they got back.

They were nearing the shore as well.

While Dewey was talking to Huey about something, Webby took this moment and reached out. "Louie.." she started.

"Hey look!" Dewey yelled, pointing.

Instantly all eyes were on the shoreline with a familiar looking boat on the shoreline.

Was that?

Hope lit the eyes of everyone as Scrooge, Beakley and Donald stumbled off the old looking boat.

"Uncle Donald!" The triplets yelled and bolted towards their parental figure.

"Granny!" Webby yelled and ran towards her as well.

A surprised and happy looking Donald met them grabbed the boys up in a tight hug.

Webby stopped an inch before her Granny and gave her a slight smile. Beakley looked relieved yet composed. She noticed the arm and studied it. "This was well done."

"Oh Huey did it for me." Webby chuckled. Still, Beakley rested a hand on her granddaughters head. "Good job surviving my dear. Your eyes look so much clearer too." She tilted her head a bit. "Have you and the boys worked things out?" She was sending her granddaughter a sly smile.

Webby turned to the triplets who were now tackling Scrooge in a heap of ducks and turned back to Beakley. "Almost." She said firmly. "But don't worry Granny. I won't falter anymore." She let out a relieved breath.

"I know I can rely on my family as well. I'm not alone."

"You never were darling." Hugging her Granddaughter tightly, Webby soaked up all the love she could. It was rare that Beakley gave hugs so willingly.

She enjoyed it as much as she could.

The triplets took turns telling Scrooge and Donald about what happened on the island. Webby had stuffed the spell within the pocket of her skirt. She was the last to board the boat and glanced behind at Whisper Island.

"Whisp….thank you." She bowed and turned back to the boat.

On the boat, Webby was hanging back a bit, looking at her friendship bracelet then down at the water as she leaned against the railing. Her mind was spinning a mile a minute and she wondered where she was going to go from there.

"Lass."

Jumping a bit, Webby gazed into Scrooge McDuck's eyes. "Oh um, Hi Uncle Scrooge." She smiled brightly.

"Webby why didn't ye give this old man a hug back on the beach?" Scrooge questioned, leaning next to her against the railing.

"Oh, um you seemed busy talking to the boys and Donald. I didn't want to interrupt." She chuckled a bit. Nervously she brushed bangs from her eyes and realized she would need to tell Scrooge she let him down.

Scrooge raised an eyebrow. "Well aye say this old man would have liked a hug from his niece, especially when she's obviously been through a lot." His cane was pointed at her broken arm and blinking down, she smiled a bit.

"Believe it or not it was actually a lot worse at one point." She joked and then stood before him, giving him the biggest one armed hug she could muster. "Thank you so much Uncle Scrooge." She clutched him a bit tighter. Scrooge seemed a little concerned with her frantic hugging. Yet he hugged her back and then released her. "Lass, is something wrong?"

She let out a shaky breath and looked down. "Uncle Scrooge…I'm sorry." She said softly. She was apologizing so much lately. "I….couldn't keep your secret." Her eyes misted up a bit.

"About….oh…um well..Lass that's.." Scrooge seemed unsure what to say at that.

"Actually it isn't her fault." Dewey's voice spoke from behind them.

Both turned to see the triplets. Each had their arms crossed over their chests and giving narrowed eyes to Scrooge.

"Why did you tell her to keep something like this a secret?" Huey accused Scrooge, "Do you how irresponsible that was?"

Donald was watching the scene with a grim face.

"Aye was only trying to protect ye, in case we found something…." Scrooge backed up a bit.

"Like she was dead?" Dewey commented, huffing and crossing his arms. "As if that never crossed our minds."

"We've lived with the fact she was dead our whole lives." Louie added. "Even if it was a false positive…it wouldn't make us feel any worse than we have felt before."

"And what's worse is you dragged Webby into it." Huey stated, still angry. "Did you have any idea how she felt when she was hiding this from us? How much pain she was in?"

Scrooge's eyes widened and darted to Webby, who looked like she was trying to calm Huey down.

"Is this true Lass?"

Webby hesitated, closing her hands into fists and letting out a strained sigh.

"I…" and suddenly it felt like all eyes were on her. Her breathing started to pick up, her heart pounding within her chest.

No, not now…not in front of everyone…

She shook her head and tried to keep her frame from trembling. Suddenly, arms were around her. Hugging her tightly. It was Scrooge, giving her the biggest hug she had ever received from him.

Feeling herself breaking, she pressed her face into his chest and trembled. Huey was instantly touching her arm and telling her how to break free from the panic attack. Everyone else had varying degrees of worried expressions. Dewey had a hand on her shoulder and giving her positive comments until she could finally calm down. She felt embarrassed, letting something like that get to her. But seeing her family's relieved expressions made things more bearable.

Everyone except Louie. He hung back a bit, just staring with his hands in his hoodie pockets.

"I am sorry Lass I put you in that position.." Scrooge apologized. Everyone was acting like the mini panic attack hadn't happened.

"It's okay Uncle Scrooge, I'm okay." Webby managed a smile.

"Right.." Scrooge looked uncomfortable. He noticed her looking at her bracelet. "Lass, about Lena.." He noticed how tired she looked, what she had gone through. "Lass I need you to listen to me." He raised her chin with his finger. "About Lena…I believe I can figure out a way to free her. Give me a couple days." He smiled softly. "Ye take these days to relax and rest. Besides, not much ye can do with that arm aye?"

Webby paused, glancing up at Scrooge. Glancing back down at her arm, she slowly nodded. He was right, sadly there wasn't much she could do..

Donald smacked the upside of his Uncles head. "Stupid old man.." he quacked.

Scrooge shot Donald a glare. "What was that fer?!"

"Making Webby keep that Secret." Donald growled.

"I didn't see ye complaining about it!"

And three more glares were sent Donald's way as he nervously looked at the triplets.

Looks like there needed to be another heart to heart.

After what felt like a four hour discussion the triplets had with Donald on the importance of telling the truth; led by Huey of course, the tense atmosphere on the boat almost evaporated. Although there was at least one person who was restless.

Dewey was pacing back and forth worriedly.

The other three, realizing this came over.

"Dewey? What's wrong?" Huey asked, squinting a bit to see his brother as the sun was setting behind them.

"I keep feeling like we forgot something…" Dewey stated, frowning and knocking on his head a bit in an attempt to remember.

Huey frowned, thinking as well. The others did as well.

Then Huey's form snapped straight and his eyes flashed to the island they had left.

"Oh my gosh, Launchpad!"

"Uh guys?" Launchpad's voice echoed within the jungle, eyes darting everywhere. "Where'd everyone go?!"

A sudden noise made him turn. "Oh a large man eating spider! Cool!"

After turning around and rescuing Launchpad from a man eating spider, they finally started back. It was getting dark and everyone was getting ready for bed. Beakley and Scrooge were steering the ship. Donald and Launchpad would change shifts with them halfway. It was only going to be a four hour boat ride back to the mainland, but it was late. Pushing almost eleven, so they all had to be on their guard.

Dewey and Huey were already knocked out on their old beds. Louie was up and typing something on his phone.

Webby had taken Donald's hammock at his insistence, while he was snoring away in the booth. Launchpad had found the guest room and lied on the bed there.

Webby though was having a hard time falling asleep. Turning a bit, she sighed and sat up, looking around.

Jumping out of the hammock she made her way to the triplets room and saw Louie.

"Oh um, hi." She whispered, waving.

Louie raised his eyes to her briefly, then back down to his phone. He sent a little wave back.

Feeling a bit nervous, Webby entered the room and walked over. "Um, Louie…can I talk to you?"

Looking up once more, Louie sighed and set down his phone. He took Webby's free hand and led her out to the back of the boat. It was a little cold and windy. But Webby at least could talk freely to Louie now.

"What did you need to talk about?" He asked, crossing his arms.

"Louie…are you still mad at me?" She asked. "If you are I'm so-"

Louie held up his hands towards her, indicating that she shouldn't say anymore.

"Look, Webs. I get it, I really do." He commented, turning around and facing the water. He leaned against the railing, gripping it tightly. "It wasn't your fault. Not entirely. Scrooge should have never asked that of you. It put you in a real crummy spot." He sighed. "To be honest, I wouldn't really know what to do in that position either. But.." He grit his beak.

"It still hurts Webs, that feeling of knowing you…you of all people lied to us and hid something like this from us…I….accept your apology. But I can't forgive you." He turned back to her, slight tears in his eyes. "Not yet anyways."

Feeling hurt, Webby took a step back. Lowering her head slightly she nodded.

"No matter what reasons you had. This was about our mom, and I…." Louie let out a frustrated noise and brushed a hand through his hair. "I want to forgive you but.."

"No…I understand." Webby gave him a small smile. "Time will tell right? I promise you this.." She reached out and took Louie's hands in her own. "I will find a way to get you to trust and forgive me. I promise this Louie."

Louie could feel his heart pound at those words. Closing his eyes, he nodded and gave her a small smile. "I hope so Webs."

The two just stood there staring out at the ocean as the night seemed to pass by them. Louie noticed Webby starting to get a little cold. He leaned closer so their left arms were touching. It did give her some warmth which she appreciated. She sent him a small thankful smile.

He nodded back.

"Webs?" Louie turned towards her.

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask you something?" Louie looked at her.

"Sure, what's on your mind?" She replied with a grin.

"What happened to your parents?"

Freezing instantly, Webby grasped onto the railing tightly with her arm.

"Ah, that." She chuckled slightly. "I suppose one of you would have asked me sooner or later." She hummed and turned around to face Louie.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Louie started, but Webby shook her head.

"I need…to start sharing more of myself, even the parts I'm not so…happy with." She sighed. "I just wish it was easier. Time is supposed to heal these things. But I guess not even the years can really make it go away." She glanced at the waves once more, watching them lightly slap against the boat. "I was really little when it happened. My parents were on an assignment, they were spies of course." She grinned. "They were only supposed to be gone for the day." Hugging herself, whether from the chill in the air or the chill in her heart she didn't know. "But one day turned into two, then two weeks. Granny said they were missing."

Louie closed his eyes and simply listened.

"At first it was 'it's okay darling, I'm sure everything is fine..' then it became 'were getting closer to finding them.' Then finally it was. 'I'm so sorry…'" Swallowing a lump in her throat she gripped the railing as tight as she could, trying not to be overcome with emotion. "They were killed on assignment. To this day, no one knows who did it." She said softly, she struggled to keep a smile on her face.

Louie opened his eyes and they shone a bit with unshed tears for his friend. "Webby, I'm so sorry." He leaned close to her and hugged her. She buried her head within his shoulder and shuddered a bit. "I'm….I'm okay Louie." She whispered, still as if contrary to what she said, she held onto his hoodie and kept her eyes hidden.

"Sure you are Webs, sure you are.." He rubbed her head gently. They stayed like that until Webby was starting to drift off. That's when they thought they both needed some sleep.

They made their way back to Dewey and Huey both semi awake.

"Where were you guys?" Dewey asked, blurry eyed.

"Just out.." Louie yawned, an arm draped around Webby's shoulders who was leaning against him. She almost was completely out of it. The triplets each glanced at each other and everyone pulled out a pillow and blanket. Together they all cuddled on the floor. Webby allowed them to sleep on either side of her. On one side was Dewey, the other was Louie with Huey cuddling up against the youngest. That's how the adults found them the next morning when they finally docked at the port.

It had taken longer than expected since Launchpad got them lost within the night.

The sun was slowly starting to rise as the group staggered off the boat. Everyone was more or less running on fumes at that point as they made their way back to the mansion.

Scrooge was pretty determined not to call a cab. Or rent a limo, Louie's idea. Or borrow some bikes, Dewey's idea.

Finally after two hours of arguing and finally deciding on a mode of transportation that wouldn't break the bank, they were taken back to McDuck Manor. Once outside the front door, everyone rushed to get inside, except Dewey who held Webby's arm, stopping her from going inside with everyone else.

"Webby…" Dewey was looking straight at her.

Blinking, Webby stopped right before entering the house, glancing back at the fellow duckling, she sent him a questioning eye.

He sighed. "Look, I know we fought before…..and I don't want to start another fight…"

"Go on…." Webby crossed her arms.

"Right…. please promise me. Promise you won't do that spell." Dewey grasped onto her shoulders, looking deep into her eyes. Their beaks were increasingly close, which made Webby uncomfortable. She put her hands on the others chest, pushing him away.

Looking to the side, she sighed. "Dewey…I.."

"Webby that spell could really hurt you. You heard what Whisp said. I know Lena means a lot to you. But she wouldn't want you risking your life like this. She wants to see you." He smiled softly. "To hug you and have you welcome her home. Don't you want that too?"

Webby spun to the other. "I do!" She whispered frantically. "But what if this is the only way to bring her back?!"

"Uncle Scrooge said he would find a way." Grasping onto her hand he pulled her close and gave her the warmest hug he could manage. "Don't you trust him?"

Closing her eyes, she welcomed the hug, letting herself lean against the other. "I…." flashes of what caused this mess invaded her mind and caused her beak to snap shut.

"Webby?"

Her thoughts were spiraling a mile a minute, she did trust them. She trusted Scrooge almost as much as her Granny. But, she also knew that splitting his focus would cause all of them further grief with Della.

"I do…" She sighed out, pulling away from the other. Rubbing her arm she slowly glanced back at her best friend with a small smile. "I really do."

She paused, staring at the floor before turning her gaze back up to Dewey.

"Okay." She said firmly. "I promise I won't cast the spell." She would only use it as a last resort.

Dewey relaxed instantly. "Thanks Webs." Although things were still tense between Webby and the triplets, it made her relax to hear the other call her that again. He went inside, leaving Webby with her thoughts standing outside the front steps of the mansion.

Kicking a nearby rock, Webby began to pace. Now that she had promised not to do the spell, what could she do? She hated standing by the sidelines.

Maybe she should help Gyro with the Shadow Research after all. It was really the only thing she had now. It just felt like going through all of this was such a waste.

Glancing over at the money bin, her eyes suddenly winced as she nearly looked into the rising sun.

"Ow it burns!" She whined dramatically and flopped onto the ground. Rolling onto her side, she sat up and set determined eyes once more towards the money bin, taking care this time not to stare into the bright sun.

"…..ebby…"

Glancing back at the front door, she found it empty. Where did that voice…

"…..W..b…."

Snapping her head back and forth, finally it settled upon her shadow which was churning and morphing. Giving a yelp and gasp, Webby launched to her feet and glanced down as the shadow struggled to transform into Lena's silhouette.

Finally, after a minute it slowly settled into the form of inverse Lena. Slowly she opened her black eyes and stared up at Webby with almost a relieved expression.

"I did it!"

"Lena?!" Webby relaxed and found herself so happy to see her friend after long last.

"Webby!" Lena's bright smile made Webby smile herself. "I'm so glad I was able to reach you!"

Lena's form wobbled a bit and quickly Webby glanced behind herself towards the rapidly rising sun.

"I don't have much time…Webby there's something wrong within the Shadow Realm."

Turning back to her friend, Webby's eyebrow raised in question. "What's going on?"

Lena paused, as if trying to find the words.

"Webs, Magica's escaped. And what's worse..she did something…" Sighing, Lena glanced up at her friend and noticed her bandaged arm. "Wait, what's wrong with your arm?"

Webby blinked and glanced at her bandaged arm. She waved her free arm and made a ppfftt noise with her beak.

"This? This is nothing! I just battled four golems and a lonely god on an island in the middle of the sea." Webby ranted with a side grin. But something the other said was urging her to ask. "What do you mean Magica did something?"

Amused, Lena crossed her arms and rolled her eyes at her friends spunk. She of course was assuming her friend won. But when asking the last question, her shadow stiffened a bit. Clutching at her arm a bit harder, she stared off and away from Webby. "Webs…look." She swallowed hard. "You have to tell Mr. McDuck something very important for me. Can I ask that?"

Tilting her head in confusion Webby slightly nodded.

"Tell him, thank you for what he said to me… both in the mansion and the Shadow Realm. I've..never had an adult care about me as much as he did. Crumpets too." She chuckled weakly.

"Why are you asking me to tell them this? You can tell them yourself…" Webby trailed off, noticing the agonized look in her friends eyes. "Lena….what's happening to you?"

Gritting her beak, Lena let out a startled half laugh. "Knew nothing could get past you Webs…" Swallowing a lump in her throat, suddenly Lena's mouth felt way too dry. "I'm fading away.."

"What?! Why?! How?!" Webby's heart raced, her mind going into a frenzy. Lena was vanishing?! But not forever right?!

Clenching her hand a bit, Lena glanced at it then back at the bracelet on Webby's wrist.

"Magica drained my magic after you guys left. She used it to escape the Shadow Realm. I tried to stop her. I really did but I fainted and just woke up a bit ago. My forms very unstable and I can feel myself slipping. I'm so tired Webby…"

Shaking her head slowly, a look of horror that Lena only saw once before formed on the pink clad ducks face. "No…"

"Webs, I'm out of time." Lena wouldn't tell Webby this. But at most she had a week left. Probably not even that.

Webby's face made Lena's heart break. She could see the tears flowing freely and more than anything she wanted to reach out and hug her friend. She wanted to tell her everything would be okay. But she couldn't tell a lie like that. Lena herself had now given up hope.

Webby's eyes darted back and forth, her mind spiraling out of control until she felt herself settle on one thought.

At her sides her fists clenched and she looked up at her best friend with tears streaming down either side of her beak.

"No you aren't." The tone in Webby's voice made even the shadow girl shiver. But before she could ask what Webby meant, the wounded duck bolted into the mansion. She raced past Duckworth, Donald and Louie. Each had a look of confusion at seeing Webby's tear stained face and running as if her life depended on it.

As she passed Dewey, their eyes briefly locked and her heart stopped, thinking of her promise she made. Giving him an apologetic expression, she steeled herself and ran into her bedroom. Slamming the door behind herself she locked the door and braced something heavy against the air vent. Bringing down the shade of her window, she turned back to the darkened room and pulled the piece of paper from her pocket. Seeing Lena no longer within her shadow she gripped the piece of paper tightly.

She smiled.

"Don't worry Lena, I'm gonna bring you back now."