Disclaimer: All the characters from Disney's cartoon legacy belong to them and I am using them to tell my stories without permission. I receive nothing but feedback in return for my efforts and have total respect and love for the Disney pantheon. Thank you in advance for reviewing. And remember I LOVE the Muddlefoots and eventually all will be better for them I promise so please don't hurt me! Irual

---

Franklin Muddlefoot was less than pleased with how his story had been received by the police and the emergency crew that had taken him to the hospital. What worried him even more was that his personal affects had been taken by the nurses when he had been checked into St. Canard General Hospital. He really had wanted to object to this, but he HAD to be careful and make sure to act like an innocent victim so he didn't dare be too demanding or cause trouble.

With this in mind, he waited as patiently as he could while the medical crews examined him and filled out paperwork. They refused to tell him anything about Francis or Honker other than that his nephew had been rushed to another facility for special treatment after his ordeal and that there had been no sign of Honker yet. That wasn't what concerned him most at the moment though. The most disconcerting thing about this whole situation was the fact that a uniformed police officer was quietly hovering just outside the emergency room exam area where he was. For some reason the officer seemed to be very interested in something specific that included him; although Frank honestly thought that that might just be his nerves talking.

The nurses and other personnel in the emergency room were very busy and since he had been triaged and they had determined that his injuries were superficial, he had been left on the gurney he had been wheeled in on while more serious injuries were taken care of. He DID try and inquire about both his nephews to any of the nearby nurses so he would have witnesses as to how concerned about them he was. Frank was also careful to make sure where the police officer was at all times.

He even tried to listen in when the officer's radio went off but the hospital was busy and the noise level meant he didn't hear anything. Frank carefully hid a smile as the officer went back towards the emergency door to answer another radio call. The officer was sure to have noticed how concerned the duck on the gurney was for his nephews and that meant Frank now needed to get out of here and formulate a plan for coming out of the mess Honker had caused with his master plan intact.

Herb had ingested enough of the powder before he left for the hotel with Binkie that any heart pounding exertion was likely to set off some kind of physical problem. With the romantic setting and Binkie's good looks Frank had half expected something to happen at the hotel but it would be just like the tub of lard to stay perfectly fine…just to spite him.

Frank knew he had a new back up plan already in place to get rid of Herb particularly with what had happened at the house. The stress of the break in and Francis' injuries might be a trigger that was even more effective than Herb's attempting to cavort with his wife if not as amusing to imagine since the idea of Binkie being sullied with that lard gutted fool was enough to turn his stomach.

Taking a cleansing breath and calming himself Frank reminded himself again that the important thing to remember here was that it wasn't necessarily important when the heart attack, stroke or other system failure happened. It was only important to his ultimate plan that it did happen and that this health problem clear the way for Frank Muddlefoot to finally take possession of what should have been his twenty years ago. Binkie and the boys would be his personal play toys at last and ALL HIS…all he had to do was play it cool and get out of here.

Just then several car accident victims were rushed into the emergency entrance and an orderly wheeled his gurney off to one side out of the way. The police officer was called to the nurse's station to handle the highly volatile couple who were with the accident victims and Frank seized the opportunity to get off the gurney.

In the confusion of the moment he went into a door marked 'hospital staff only' and to his delight he saw it was a lounge area where the staff took their breaks. He found a fairly ubiquitous jacket draped over a chair and used the sink and mirror sunk into the counter by the microwave to give himself a quick grooming and stole the jacket. After stuffing the hospital gown he had been put in into a dirty clothes hamper by the doorway he went to peek out the door and saw that the police officer was escorting the couple out to the waiting room.

From this angle he could see behind the nurse's station and there was a large plastic bin full of zippered clear plastic bags labeled with patient's names where they had been stripped of their personal items when they had been admitted. As the nurses hurried around to help with the influx of patients; Frank searched the bin and found the bag with his stuff in it.

Seizing the bag he made sure to grab his wallet, cell phone and the thumb drive with copies of his files but before he could finish emptying the bag and take his watch, the extra watch and loose money he saw the policeman returning with a partner and several E.M.T. 's. Quickly stuffing the bag back down into the bin and knocking a trashcan over, he waited while an orderly fell over the mess and tripped a nurse who was hurrying into an exam room. Sliding around the large desk he made a break for the automatic doors where the ambulance patients were brought in and rushed outside. Moving casually across the parking lot he used his phone to call a cab and swiftly had the driver take him to the area where he had met Flintheart Glomgold for lunch.

Frank knew that the Velvet Rope wouldn't hide him; not if there was any chance he would be traced here. Because he was strictly small time meant he didn't have the clout to force anything; but he DID have a connection to Glomgold.

It would be safe to wait here, contact Glomgold and use the dirt he had collected on the smuggling and framing of McDuck Enterprises to force the wealthy duck to help him find Honker and ensure that nothing happened to upset his little setup. Herb and Binkie were sure to be told where Francis had been rushed off too and it would be easy enough to pump Herb for information and then secure his position by having Francis collaborate his version of things; unless of course Herb suffered his unfortunate health mishap before then.

The bears that had allowed him entry last time didn't object to his claim that he was going to meet Glomgold here again, although they DID look long and hard at his rumpled jacket and lack of grooming. Without saying anything they managed to let him know he was pushing his welcome and unless they got conformation from Glomgold he'd be out the door quicker than quick but Frank didn't let this faze him. Instead he asked for a place to wait and settled comfortably into a padded chair in a private room and dialed a confidential extension inside Glomgold Investments.

---

Morgana KNEW something was wrong. She had awakened at her usual time and instead of being refreshed she had nearly thrown up as a surge of nausea and terror hit her. Immediately reaching for her familiars the four of them melded into the mindscape.

Archie was not his usual self; he shook and twitched as he struggled to filter the tempest of raging fury, terror, guilt and horror that was overwhelming him from Drake. Frantically Eek and Squeek held him as Morgana soothed his fear. 'Archie darling, please…let me help you. Has something happened to one of the kin?'

Archie was unable to answer because he was looking down their tie to Drake and seeing him leaping dramatically down the outside of one of the bridge towers to attempt to catch the littlest Muddlefoot and the tiny shining form clinging to him as they began to plummet to their deaths.

All three of Morgana's familiars crooned in distress as they realized just how hurt Honker was. As Darkwing tightened his hold on both the duckling and the fox-like kin that was now irrevocably bonded to the semi-conscious Honker; they felt suddenly lighter as they understood that the vision had been averted. Honker and his kin were alive and likely to stay that way now that Darkwing had saved them.

Archie managed to whisper to Morgana, 'It's the vision Sekhmet foretold dearest. The little Muddlefoot he has been chosen,'

Stunned Morgana gasped, "Chosen?! Archie that's WONDERFUL! WAIT is something threatening Honker? Why is his chosen in danger? His parent's won't object surely…."

Eek answered solemnly, 'they are not in danger now dearest, Darkwing has saved them both but…he and his family are forever changed. The little Muddlefoot and his Kin will need all the help we can give, and so will our other loved ones.'

Squeek got a sudden flash from Drake and let out a tiny cry of distress as he said, 'Little Gosalyn will be devastated when she discovers what happened to her best friend. He has suffered so much; we must try and shield her until her father can reassure her.'

Thoroughly frightened now Morgana demanded, 'What has happened? TELL ME Please….'

Archie stuttered but then explained what little they knew. As soon as he finished, Morgana went to her mirror and looked for Drake, seeing him in the lair climbing down to the floor of the tower carrying something wrapped in his cape she tried to contact Drake on his phone but there was no answer. Truly frightened she tried to see him in her hall mirror again and to her shock instead of showing her Drake, she was shown a vision of his house or what was left of it.

Her Spell Chain tingled madly and taken by a sudden impulse she gathered her familiars and using her bedroom mirror she contacted her Aunt Lucidia. Just after she disengaged from the mirror her cell phone jingled with the tune that meant Dark was calling her. Morgana managed to keep calm in spite of her growing unease, but her heart ached at the pain in his voice as he managed to give her a partial explanation and she KNEW he needed her.

But to her surprise instead of asking her to come to him, Drake asked her to go to Gosalyn in Duckburg. She was alone there and the people caring for her while kind and caring weren't used to just how determined Gosalyn could be.

Once Honker and his family were taken care of, Drake planned on sending for Gosalyn; but this whole horrible affair was too much for him to face as far as trying to explain anything specific to her over the phone and Drake didn't want to risk Gosalyn's getting overly curious or impatient and trying to find a way back or worse find out about Honker and Tank by accident. Dark had programmed Launchpad's phone number into Morgana's phone as well as the other Justice Duck's numbers and the contact information for S.H.U.S.H. and there was a number for Gyro as well so she immediately called him after hanging up with Dark.

After contacting Gyro Gearloose and receiving permission to go to his house she stepped from her bedroom closet into the very same bedroom she and Drake and Gosalyn had stayed in when they had accepted Gyro's hospitality back in May. Hurrying out of the house she looked around and was met by none other than Gizmoduck who scooped her up before she could offer any explanation and flew her directly to Scrooge McDuck's estate.

Quietly Gizmoduck explained while on the way, "Wingy called me on my elbow phone. According to the little Darkwing has found out from young Bolt, the main suspect for the break-ins and…"

Gizmoduck's voice caught with emotion before he continued resolutely, "the injuries to the victims, is one Franklin Muddlefoot and the information Wingy got from the passport information he looked up has the fiend's local address listed as being right here in Duckburg. According to the police in St. Canard, Franklin Muddlefoot has disappeared from the emergency room of St. Canard General Hospital and I promised Wingy I'd see you to Mr. McDuck's estate and look in on Gosalyn before checking the address here and setting up surveillance in case he comes here."

Morgana managed a nod but truthfully most of her attention was focused on Archie, Eek and Squeek all of whom were highly agitated although they did calm considerably once Gizmoduck landed behind the ornate metal gate of Scrooge McDuck's private residence. The front door swung open and Gosalyn crept out.

Clearly she was trying to be stealthy and she was trying to leave the house so the sudden appearance of Gizmoduck and Morgana landing on the front step caught her by surprise. Eek's sharp senses also detected a flash of energy and a spike of consternation from what he suspected were the two baby kin Archie had Seen earlier but he wasn't sure so he didn't say anything; besides, from the looks of things they had gotten here just in time to avoid serious complications with Gosalyn.

Gosalyn yipped guiltily and staggered back as the voices of Webbigail one of the triplets and Mrs. Beakley came from inside through the open door. "Gosalyn," "Hey Gos, you win!" Gosalyn, Gosalyn Mallard it's time to come out now dear."

Gulping as she realized she had been caught trying to leave the house, Gosalyn smiled weakly at the armored form of Gizmoduck. It was the look on Morgana's face and the frenetic buzzing from her bracelet that made Gosalyn pale and confess, "I can't get a hold of Dad or Launchpad Morgana…I can't just stay here, and wait around. Something's wrong, I just KNOW it!"

Just then Mrs. Beakley swept up to the front door as Morgana opened her arms and offered, "Come here Gosalyn."

Kneeling beside the duckling, Morgana offered a hug as Archie crept onto Gosalyn's hair to croon soothingly, "Now I am not going to lie to you Gosalyn. Your father sent me here because he and Launchpad are going to be a while fixing things in St. Canard and he needs us to be safe while they work."

Gosalyn trembled a little but Morgana's embrace calmed her anxiety enough for her to turn almost naturally to face Mrs. Beakley and offer, "Um…Mrs. Beakley, this is…."

Scrooge stomped his way down the stairs and finished, "Ms. Macabre, To what do we owe this honor lass?"

He paused as he took in her expression and the truly solemn look on Gizmoduck's beak, continuing in a hospitable tone Scrooge gestured to his smaller study just under the staircase and said, "Gosalyn, I would like to talk to Morgana and Gizmoduck. Louie and Dewy have their soccer ball and Duckworth has set up the auto scoring net in the east hall and I'll have Mrs. Beakley bring you and the other duckling's a snack."

Gosalyn started to object to being separated from Morgana. For the first time all afternoon, her bracelet was quiet and she felt much better with Archie cuddling in her hair even though Dad wasn't here. Morgana spoke quietly to Gosalyn for a moment and reluctantly Gosalyn nodded.

Bowing from the waist as she released Gosalyn Morgana said, "I regret having come to you unannounced Mr. Scrooge. I will not abuse your hospitality, but Drake sent me to…."

The canny old duck stopped her and gestured to his study, "It's alright Ms. Macabre, you are as welcome here as yon duckling. I think it's best that we talk in the below stairs study. Duckworth will bring some fresh fruit and tea for you and you can explain what you need while the ducklings demolish a before bedtime snack."

He gave Gosalyn a knowing look and added, "that will keep them out of mischief and it's not likely that we'll be overheard."

Gosalyn went to Mrs. Beakley and offered a sheepish apology to Huey since he was the brother she had given the slip to while trying to engineer an exit from the mansion. Archie remained in Gosalyn's hair but he was careful to stay as unobtrusive as possible so he wouldn't frighten the other more ordinary ducklings.

Morgana needed to stay calm and even though Eek and Squeek were flyers and could keep up with Gos, Archie wanted to take this chance to help her so the two bats stayed with their mistress. This was quite a relief for Mrs. Beakley who seemed a little nervous as they swooped from Morgana's hair and then settled back on her dress.

Sensing her nervousness Archie settled unobtrusively in Gosalyn's hair and offered, 'Once Drake has dealt with things a bit we will need to offer Honker's chosen our support.'

Eek and Squeek agreed, 'From all the signs this is a first choosing for Honkers KIN. We will be family for them both. The little Muddlefoot's parents are used to his being different and now that he has Kin he won't have to feel alone even when he feels badly.'

Archie chirred softly and clung to Gosalyn's hair as he replied worriedly, 'That's true enough but…I for one am not sure how much of Gosalyn's innocence will survive this. And even with her knowing and loving us and Morgana; she still is too head blind for us to comfort her much.'

---

Launchpad's eyes held a world of sorrow as he tried to comfort Herb Muddlefoot. The portly duck wrung his hands as he paced and worried saying. "Launchpad, I can't understand this…How could people break in and DO something like this? And what happened to Frank?"

Darkwing heard this as he was coming in from the other room where Binkie was sitting with both of her sons singing to them as they struggled to fight the sedatives that Dr. Bellum had used to calm them. Herb could feel his heart pounding as he paced and Launchpad noticed that Herb looked pale and he was sweating. But considering what was happening Launchpad figured that it was only natural for Herb to be stressed.

The killing fury in Drake's face made Herb step back as he said quietly, "I'll take care of Frank Herb, you just stay with your family."

Tying his mask securely back over his face he gestured to Launchpad and the two of them started for the door; only to pause as Special Agent DD came reluctantly into the doorway and spoke the countersign that would warn Darkwing that someone was approaching so he could keep his civilian self hidden. Herb could hear the doglike fellow quietly explaining that Frank Muddlefoot had disappeared from the hospital but since the abuse victims were children the F.B.I. and D.I.A. had been brought in to supplement S.H.U.S.H. 's resources as had the local authorities to ensure that he didn't escape.

Bolt being a HERO operative of course meant that S.H.U.S.H. was completely behind the hunt but no one was taking any chances. Agent DD managed not to flinch as the deadly operative standing there struggled with his temper before pulling both Launchpad and Agent DD into the hallway. Darkwing was trying to keep Herb from hearing anything more about his brother Frank until after Director Hooter had a chance to explain things to him and Binkie about the H.E.R.O.'s directive.

The fury in Darkwing's eyes was a cold, focused thing as he demanded, "Not just any children. That animal messed with MY family and I won't take any chances with their safety. LP, I know tracking down someone like him isn't what we usually do, and it's going to take all our experience to catch up to him and bring him to justice for them; but with Morg watching out for Quiverwing this is our best chance to do this."

Quietly Launchpad said, "We'll bring him in but DW, Herb doesn't look so good."

Special Agent DD tried to interject something as Darkwing stalked towards the elevators saying, "Darkwing, wait…Director Hooter want's to see you. He's assigned a task force to bring Bolt's assailant to trial and…."

Darkwing nodded and the fury in his voice sent chills down Launchpad's spine as he agreed, "He'll stand trial; I owe Bolt and his family too much not to make sure of that. Come on LP, Let's show that animal how Dangerous we are. Dr. Bellum will keep an eye on Bolt's parents at least for a while."

Looking at Agent DD he offered, "I'll stay in contact with Director Hooter, I want to keep up with how things are going here anyway." before he and Launchpad left to begin tracking down Frank Muddlefoot while Agent DD tried in vain to keep up with LP and DW.

---

Herb wasn't necessarily the brightest bulb in the package but while he sat holding Honker and Tank and listening to the various machines monitoring them. He came to some frightening conclusions of his own, particularly when the tall, thin figure of Dr. Sarah Bellum spoke to the agent's standing guard at their posts just outside the door to the boy's rooms in hushed tones that carried into the room in spite of her efforts at quietude.

She stepped inside to check the readouts and seeing Herb's stress she offered, "Mr. Tweeter is on his way to speak to you Mr. Muddlefoot and Director Hooter has made time for you and Mrs. Muddlefoot in his schedule so I'll stay with Honker and Tank until you return."

Binkie started to object to leaving her boys even for a few minutes but to her surprise Honker's eyes flickered open and he whispered, "It's okay Mom, Fenrick won't leave me." Sounding a little clearer headed and stronger he added softly, "If it gets too bad I'll ask for you and Fen will help me too…. It's Tank I'm worried about."

The fox-like creature that was snuggled up on Honker stirred and made a gentle crooning noise calling Honker's parent's attention to him. When they looked at him he took the opportunity to arch under Binkie's hand and instinctively she petted his soft coat while Herb stroked the feathers on top of Honker's head.

While he had their attention, Fenrick made sure to connect just a tad to Honker's parents so he could begin to build some trust with them. His mother had made sure to explain to the whole litter about becoming part of their chosen's life and clans and unlike his sisters he had paid close attention to all his lessons; not just the ones that involved hunting and stalking. Both Binkie and Herb relaxed just a little and didn't give anymore thought to how unusual it was for Honker to have a fox for a pet. Instead their concern focused on getting both of their sons well enough to come home.

Binkie particularly wanted to find out exactly what all these people's concerns were about; it was gratifying of course and dear Drake clearly was trying his best but it still wasn't clear exactly what was going on. Dr. Bellum's explanation had been frightening and that Director Hooter had promised them legal council and had explained that because of Darkwing and Bolt they all had complete medical coverage and government protection but she still didn't understand why the boys had been attacked by whoever had broken into the house.

Strangling the guilt she felt over having been gone Binkie realized that Honker's little companion was purring appealingly and she smiled at her brave little duckling who was trying to comfort his parents. "Oh Honker dear,"

She kissed her son and whispered, "We love you my darling and we will be back as soon as we find out what is going on."

Herb offered, "Don't you worry about a thing son. If this little fella shows up we'll be right back here."

Herb and Binkie winced as their older son stirred, the medication he was on was keeping him fairly quiet but because he was so young the medical team was trying to use the least possible dose of sedatives and so Tank's sleep was restless. Fenrick trilled lightly breaking the tableaux between his chosen's parents and Honker to purr and settle back against the pillow with Honker before winking at his astonished duckling to bring him out of his shock.

None of the adults seemed surprised at the foxy creature and none of the medical staff made any comments about a furry animal being on Honker's bed. In fact, the head nurse's only comment had been to say how well the therapy toy seemed to be working to keep the youngster calm. This kind soul even went so far as to suggest offering one to Tank; but he had sneered saying he was too old for baby toys like that one before being sedated again since it was time to change the dressings on his injuries.

For her part, Sarah Bellum had her doubts about how emotionally stable any of these Muddlefoot's were and she had already spoken to Director Hooter about arranging some sort of counseling for them as well as Darkwing, Launchpad and Quiverwing. Drake had been profoundly affected by all this and she wasn't one to leave things like this to chance. When Darkwing had arrived with young Bolt in his arms and the strange fox clinging to Bolt Sarah had known that questions would have to wait. Darkwing had immediately had Bolt's protocols altered to include the fox and added him the same as Morgana Macabre's familiars. This meant that this Fenrick was now as much a part of the duckling as his glasses and his intellect but she made a note to ask about the creature later.

Launchpad and Quiverwing were sure to need support too and being used to the mounds of regulations and paperwork involved in getting things done within the agency; Sarah had been sure to get things started as soon as the victims had been stabilized. Meanwhile Binkie Muddlefoot had come to some conclusions of her own. Just then Dr. Bellum's wristwatch beeped discretely telling her that Director Hooter was ready to talk officially to Mr. and Mrs. Muddlefoot so she had Special Agent DD, who was conveniently coming back towards them take the couple to S.H.U.S.H. 's main office.

From the looks of things he was going to have to explain letting Darkwing rush off on his own to J. Gander and better him than her this time. Children weren't her specialty and clearing the right specialists for work with the HERO protocols was going to take at least a couple more days…not to mention trying to keep a lid on Darkwing. He was always volatile and impulsive and with all the press attention he had been fielding recently this whole thing was likely to blow up seven ways to Sunday no matter how well things went.

With a shake of her head she went back into the room now shared by both injured boys to arrange for another pair of armed agents to spell the ones who had been on duty. Those agents were due for debriefing and that would give her a chance to separate the candidates she needed to interview from the general personnel involved here at the hospital.

First agent Grizzlikof was bound to have a fit once he realized that Darkwing was once again haring off on his own and that was going to be messy. Deciding to try and minimize the drama if possible Dr. Bellum sent a text to Griz asking him to contact her once the meeting with the adult Muddlefoot's was finished and turned her attention to her first interview…. Dr. Pettigrew was already cleared for HERO work since she had been brought onboard to help with Gosalyn/ Quiverwing's care but she was going to needed more than just her usual team since this sort of attack was so traumatic. The prominent child psychologist Dr. Foxtail was actually here in the hospital and his recent lectures gave her a good excuse to sound him out about joining the team.

---

Darkwing Duck the shadowy protector of St. Canard was usually a gregarious companion whether he was at home or on patrol. Now however he was grimly silent and unlike the usual trips in the sidecar of the Ratcatcher Launchpad's ears weren't being regaled with a monolog about the bravery and heroism of Darkwing Duck as they drove along. Darkwing was really in a hurry, barely obeying the traffic laws on their way to St. Canard General Hospital; but Launchpad was wearing his helmet and at his silently arched eye ridge DW had paused to don his as well.

This curious silence was actually a very worrisome development, particularly since Gosalyn had confessed to both her dad and LP about how Darkwing had become Dark Warrior Duck after losing his little girl. She had been nearly panicked for days after the whole adventure with Quackerjack's time top but it had never occurred to LP to consider the other people in Drake's life to be those same kinds of triggers and he was really concerned over this suddenly very real possibility.

Launchpad was particularly concerned that this tragedy was going to push Darkwing too far since he seemed to be distancing himself emotionally. LP was almost more worried about his friend's current attempts to deal with this than he was about how they were going to track down Frank Muddlefoot. The harsh light of late afternoon reflected off of the small amount of exposed feathers on Darkwing's broad cheeks and his coldly focused gaze was all too evident as Launchpad stole another glance at him. They had been all morning getting the Muddlefoot's seen too and it was fast approaching dinnertime, but for the first time he could remember; Launchpad wasn't hungry. His phone buzzed and he dug in his pocket to check the message wincing as he recognized Gosalyn's number.

Tentatively Launchpad asked, "DW, Gos…."

Darkwing objected, "Not now LP. I asked Morg to keep her in Duckburg while we settle this."

Launchpad was almost glad to see Drake Mallard's vulnerability in the sky blue eyes behind the mask as he added with a hint of uncertainty, "I don't want to try and explain any of this to her especially not over the phone."

Reassuringly Launchpad said ignoring his own vicious hurt at the thought of what they were actually hunting down, "I think you are doing the right thing keeping Gos and Morgana out of this for now DW."

---

Flintheart Glomgold was FURIOUS but he was to experienced to let it show as he hung up his phone and placed a call to Barrister Beagle. That stupid Muddlefoot was just cunning enough to be a pain in the tail feathers but not canny enough to get himself out of the mess he was in. If it wasn't for the fact that he wanted to avoid legal entanglements in North America he'd let that fool stew in his own juices and rot! Fortunately he hadn't left St. Canard yet but he was scheduled to leave in his private jet so he was going to the Velvet Rope to lay down the ground rules to that, that fool. This was getting way to messy and Flintheart Glomgold wasn't going to take any chances as far as being connected to this kind of disaster.

---

Dr. Foxtail actually appears in a fan fiction called Ducks in a ROW…by Q'illespont and I borrowed his name and profession without permission although I have private messaged the author to ask for permission and will change it if they want. This story is actually a pretty cool twist on Darkwing as a detective and it is a fave of mine so check it out if you haven't already. Please read and review and I will try and post the next bit before Christmas.