DuckTales © Disney
[a Few Minutes Earlier..]
"CURSE ME KILTS!" exclaimed Scrooge, as he looked at his pocket watch.
"It has been six minutes. WHERE ON EARTH IS LAUNCHPAD?!"
The group consisting of Scrooge McDuck, Donald Duck, Mrs. Beakley,
Magica Le Strange, Webby Vanderquack, Danny and the recently returned Della Duck,
all stayed near the opening of the unearthed, and partially destroyed Cargo Ship.
It was a very TENSE wait for Launchpad to arrive with the Sunchaser.
NO ONE wanted to still be here once the Imperial Forces returned with their Dark Lord.
Danny and Webby peered out from the ship, Gazing out at the clear skies,
as well as the ruptured earth where Lord Zelus ventured to.
"DANNY!" the two looked back to Della, who was gripping her "space gun" tightly. "STAY CLOSE."
Danny didn't need to be told twice, and kept near his adoptive mother.
Webby, however..just eyed the space shuttle that the Centurions had came from.
"Can't we just take THEIR ship, and leave?"
"No. We don't know how many more Centurions are in there." said Della.
"Are you SURE, mom?" asked Danny. "If anyone was in there, they might've detected us by now."
Della paused..but, then scowled. "I'm sorry, son. we CAN'T risk it."
Scrooge chuckled. "That is so unlike you Della. Ye've never been hesitant to take risks."
Della frowned. "That was before..well, it's a long story.
Let's just say I had to learn the hard way that some things risks aren't worth taking."
Donald grimaced, unsure if he even wanted to hear "The Adventures of Space Explorer Della Duck."
"mom.." Della looked at Danny. "Are you SURE you're okay?"
Della didn't know how to answer her son. "Of course I am..Why do you ask?"
"You seem..Different. You're acting like Uncle Donald..and, I'm not sure I like it."
Della frowned, then knelt down to Danny. "oh, honey..I'm so sorry.
I don't mean to scare you. I've just..MISSED YOU so much."
"I've missed you too, mom." said Danny.
Della stroked Danny's hair. "I promise..we'll go on more adventures together.
THIS TIME, we'll take your brothers with us. We'll be a family again."
Danny smiled. "Do you..think you could take me to space one day?
I'd love to see other people like me (NICER people), and find out where I came from."
Della laughed weakly. "We'll see, sweetheart. But, after being lost in space
for over a decade, I am in no rush to get back into another spaceship, again."
"thankgoodness.." muttered Donald.
Suddenly, Magica groaned like she had a headache.
"Magica!, what is it?" said Scrooge, concerned.
Magica had a look of sheer horror on her face. "we have to leave..NOW. 'HE' is coming."
Della muttered a silent curse under her breathe. "alright..we're taking the shuttle.
Magica, if you feel up to it, I need you to help me."
"I..think so." said Magica, in a raspy voice
"I can help!" said Danny. "I can-"
"NO, Danny!" said Della, sternly. "You stay with your Uncle Scrooge, and stay safe."
"But, I can-"
"These men are KILLERS, Son! You aren't ready to fight them." said Della.
"Danny, PLEASE..I just got you back. I cannot bear the thought of losing you now."
"How do you think I feel?!" retorted Danny.
Della then gave Danny 'The Look'.
It was the same look that she always gave him on past adventures,
When even at her most Daring, she felt something was too dangerous for him.
Danny knew better than to defy his mother when she gave him 'that look.'
"okay, mom..I'll stay."
"good boy." Della then gave Danny a quick kiss on his head.
"Now, stay put, and stay safe..Mama's gonna go kick some tail."
As Della re-charged her space gun, Webby smiled. *your mom is SOOO cool!*
As Della and Magica advanced from their cover, and charged toward the shuttle..
..They were immediately attacked by the returning squad of Centurions.
(("HALT!")) shouted the commander.
"PINFEATHERS!" cursed Della, as she and Magica ducked back.
*PEW!, PEW!, PEW!*
*BWAP!, BWAP!, BWAP!*
As the Centurious fired their rifles, Della did her best to fire back.
Despite her pinpoint accuracy, there were too many Centurions for her to focus on at once.
..ONE Centurion managed to hit Della in the shoulder.
"GAH!"
"MOM!" exclaimed Danny, in fright.
"DELLA!" exclaimed Donald as well.
"I'm..f-fine." muttered Della.
Magica huffed, then summoned all her strength to conjure a smooth barrier.
the energy construct shielded them from the gunfire..but, already it was fracturing from the shots.
"We DO NOT have another four minutes!" said Mrs. Beakley. "Mr. McQuack had better get here soon, or we're-"
"He'll BE HERE!" exclaimed Della. "I have faith in him."
*FRASH!*
at that moment, the barrier shattered..and, the gunfire continued.
Della ignored her injury, and resumed returning fire with her pistol.
"MOM, maybe I can-"
"STAY BEHIND ME, DANNY!" said Della. "You're NOT ready for this!"
"BUT-!"
"YOU KNOW THE RULES!"
Danny frowned as he stepped back.
Yes, he did remember his mother's rules when they adventured in the past.
Death Traps were fine, just puzzles that could be overcome with skill and smarts.
BUT, people with weapons like Guns, Knives and Poison were 'too dangerous.'
But, Danny KNEW he could help..he WANTED to help, to do his part.
But, his mother was adamant at keeping him from harm, and putting HERSELF in danger.
"Manchild Pilot BETTER get here soon!" exclaimed Magica, as she used her magic
to fire back at the Centurions. "If Zelus returns, we are ALL dead ducks!"
No sooner had Magica said those words..then the familiar roar of an airplane engine sounded.
Scrooge looked up, and cackled with joy at the sight of the Sunchaser flying overhead.
"Attaboy, Launchpad!" exclaimed Scrooge. "ALRIGHT, EVERYONE!,
Get ready to make a JUMP once Launchpad makes another pass back!"
The Sunchaser indeed circled around in an attempt to give the McDuck clan a window.
The rear hatch had opened, and a rope latter was trailing out for the others to grab.
(And, despite the shots fired at the plane, it help up.)
"BEAKLEY!, GET THE KIDS ABOARD FIRST!" commanded Della, as she gave cover fire.
Mrs. Beakley nodded, and then carried her granddaughter around one arm,
and put Danny onto her back (who clung to her coat, so she could climb up the rope.)
Once the plane made it's first pass..Mrs. Beakley grabbed the trailing rope,
and was jerked off the ground, and into the air as the Sunchaser began to circle around again.
Mrs. Beakley climbed up into the plane, and set Webby and Danny down.
"GUYS!" exclaimed Webby, happy to see Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
The four Ducklings hugged each other. "Glad to see you in one piece, Webs."
Danny smiled at this scene..but his attention was directed out of the rear of the plane.
From this height, he could see how much of the old cargo ship was destroyed by the Master Kaiburr Crystal.
HALF of the ship was indeed gone. But, what remained was still colossal.
It still amazed him that his biological Uncle was able to unearth the wreck from deep underground.
As the Sunchaser began to make another pass, Scrooge lifted Magica up.
With her remaining hand, she clung to Scrooge as he ran, and grabbed the passing rope ladder.
THIS TIME, Mrs. Beakley pulled the rope ladder up,
bringing her boss and the injured witch back inside the plane safely.
By THIS point, all fire from the Centurions was focused on the Sunchaser itself.
Launchpad was struggling to keep the plane steady as he tried to make one last pass around.
"KEEP TH' PLANE STEADY, LAUNCHPAD!" exclaimed Scrooge.
"I'm TRYING, MR. MCD!..But, It isn't easy..Any more hits, and we may go down!"
"WE'RE NOT LEAVING WITHOUT DONALD AND DELLA!"
Upon saying those words, Huey, Dewey, and Louie all gasped.
Did their Uncle Scrooge REALLY just say Donald..and, DELLA?!"
Danny stood at the open hatch, staring out at the small battlefield below.
the boy narrowed his eyes, and then drew out his lightsaber.
Igniting the golden plasma blade, he then focused with all his might.
Slowly, an energy field surrounded the Sunchaser, deflecting the Centurions plasma bolts.
the plane was flying steadier now.
"GOOD, lad..KEEP IT UP!" said Scrooge.
Danny sweated, holding the protective field over the whole plane
was like tensing a muscle, and trying to hold it for a very long time.
He couldn't keep this up..even WITH the aid of his Kaiburr Crystal.
As the Sunchaser made one last pass, Mrs. Beakley tossed the rope latter out.
Donald grabbed the back of his sister's aviation uniform, and grabbed ahold of the rope.
The siblings were lifted off the ground, and flew high into the air.
As Mrs. Beakley pulled the rope latter up one final time..Donald helped his sister inside.
The Triplets all froze like statues, in shock at seeing their mother right there in front of them.
Della breathed out..then tossed her gun away. they were safe at last.
"mom?" spoke Dewey, finally.
Della looked..and, her eyes welled as she saw the three ducklings standing before her.
The last time she saw them in person..they were just EGGS.
But, to see them now..Like THIS. it left her stunned.
"boys.." spoke Della, at last.
*CREEEEAK!*
Suddenly, the Sunchaser jerked violently. Knocking everyone down.
Webby, unfortunately fell out the still open hatch of the plane along with the rope latter.
"AAAAAAAHHH!" screamed Webby, as she dropped.
"WEBBIGAAAAIIL!" shrieked Mrs. Beakley, in horror.
Without a second though, Danny sprung into action.
Della watched in horror as her adoptive son ran, and JUMPED out of the plane.
"DANNY, NOOO!" screamed Della, horrified.
Danny dropped through the air, staring straight at the terrified Webby as she plummeted down.
Using his powers, he telekinetically pulled her into his grasp, and then quickly grabbed the rope ladder.
"DANNY!" exclaimed Webby.
"DON'T WORRY, WEBBY!" said Danny. "I'VE GOT YOU.."
Danny and Webby then looked up to see both Della and Scrooge pulling the rope latter up.
He then stared out..and, saw the reason for the sudden turbulence.
Standing afar..was Lord Zelus. Danny's UNCLE. And, he had his hands extending outward in a gripping gesture.
..He was trying to pull the Sunchaser down.
Once Danny, and Webby were pulled up back into the plane,
Danny pulled away from his mother's embrace, and stood at the edge of the hatch.
Danny was now staring straight at His Uncle..who stared right back at him.
Even from THIS distance, the two were practically looking into each other's eyes.
At last, Danny gave in..he closed his eyes, and focused all on everything that gave him pain.
..losing his mother. his Uncle Donald abandoning him. the LONELINESS he felt.
..the fear of losing Webby. the HATE for Mystica, and now Zelus.
Danny then opened his eyes. now Yellow and reddish-orange.
His hands then surged with dark blue sparks, until he finally yelled out..
..and, unleashed a powerful stream of lightning at Lord Zelus.
Zelus groaned as he was bombarded by the searing lightning.
the Dark Lord was force to released his hold on the plane, and allow it to escape.
As the Sunchaser flew off, and away from the battlefield..Danny collapsed, his body drained.
Della ran to her son, and held him close as she tried to find any signs of life.
Down below..Zelus rose back up, and watched as the primitive aircraft disappeared into the clouds.
(("MY LORD!")) spoke the Centurion command, as he marched over.
(("Shall I give the order for the Executor to fire upon them?"))
(("No.")) spoke Zelus. (("The boy is useless to me dead. Let them leave..they have earned their survival."))
(("Yes, milord.")) said the Centurion, bowing.
(("Take me back to the Executor.")) spoke Zelus once more.
(("It would seem that my apprentice isn't the Colossal Failure that I initially believed."))
Back Aboard the Sunchaser, Della had finished tucking Danny into a small cot.
She gently caressed his head, relieved that Danny was only asleep, and not dead.
The Triplets watched this from afar. While they wanted to embrace their mother right that instant,
they too were worried for Danny, and gave their mother time to tend to her "first" son.
Louie wouldn't admit it..but, he felt a little jealous.
It was barely FIVE minutes, and their mother hadn't spoken to them yet.
But, at last, Della rose up. she looked to Webby..who was at Danny's side.
"he really does love you." spoke Della, softly.
Webby said nothing..she just looked at Danny.
"watch over him for me." said Della, her words deep.
Webby nodded. "I will..I promise."
Della finally left, and slowly approached her three biological sons.
"Danny..will be okay." began Della. "He is just-" Suddenly, Dewey ran over and hugged Della's waist.
"it's you..It's REALLY you!" spoke Dewey, his voice breaking.
Della frowned..then, smiled warmly as she caressed her son's feathery head.
"i'm so sorry, son. I never meant to abandon you..not ANY of you."
Della then lowered down to her knees, and hugged Dewey tightly.
She had LONGED to embrace her boys ever since they were eggs.
She hated herself for not being there to witness their hatching.
But, she was here for them now (and, that was better than never being there at all.)
Della then looked to Huey and Louie. "come on, boys..let me hold you."
Huey teared up..then, finally walked over and joined the embrace.
Della hugged both Dewey and Huey, her eyes welling up as much as theirs.
Then, all eyes looked to Louie..the only one still standing afar.
"Louie..come on!" said Dewey.
Louie just stared. his eyes wet as a torrent of emotions rattled in his brain.
Like his brothers, he wanted to join in the embrace. To be with the mother that he never knew.
BUT, then he started Thinking..he thought back to WHY his mother was gone to begin with.
'SHE' took the Spear of Selene. SHE left them..left ALL of them.
Louie wanted to embrace his mother..but, something prevented his legs from moving.
To everyone's shock, the green clothed Duckling then turned..and, walked away.
Dewey just stared, shocked at this. He wanted to call out to his brother,
but he was so stunned, he couldn't get any words out.
Della's heart just sank at her son's apparent rejection of her.
she hung her head sadly, only NOW did it dawn on her the folly of her reckless actions.
What HAD she done?!
[LATER..]
Danny slowly opened his eyes..and, found himself in a bed.
He looked, and saw his mother and Dewey at one side..and, Webby at another.
"nghh.." groaned Danny, softly.
"Danny!" spoke Della, as she looked to him. "oh, thank god you're okay."
"you're still here.." spoke Danny. "So, It wasn't all a dream."
"no, danny.." said Della. "i'm here. for GOOD."
"What happened?, I feel so..TIRED."
"You saved Webby." said Dewey.
Webby then pecked Danny on the cheek. "thank you."
Danny began to sit up. "I think I remember now. My..(sadly) uncle."
"danny..it's okay." said Della, softly
Danny exhaled, looking down. "how could he be..how can I!- (*deep sigh*)"
Webby then hugged Danny. "It doesn't matter..I still love you."
"We ALL do, honey." said Della. "You are MY son..not "HIS."
Danny paused as he mused on his situation. It wasn't easy for an adoptee to learn
that the only surviving family that he had was a 'bad guy.'
But, he pushed it out of his mind. His mother was right..he was Danny Adelle McDuck.
..and, he always would be.
"I'm glad you're back, Mom." said Danny. "Words can't describe how much I've missed you."
"I know..Dewey's been telling me how things have changed during my absence."
Della frowned sadly. "I can't believe what all has happened..because of ME."
"Please, mom. don't be so hard on yourself." said Danny.
"You never intended to leave us, you were caught in a Cosmic Storm!"
"That may be..but, Donald was right." said Della "It was too dangerous, and WASN'T the right time.
But, I was overzealous. and, because of my arrogance..I cost all of you a happy childhood."
Della hung her head, shame and guilt consuming her.
Dewey did his best to comfort his mother..Danny then looked at Webby.
Webby smiled weakly at him..Danny smiled back, then looked back to his mother.
"If you asked me before..I would give anything to go back in time, and undo everything."
Della looked at Danny. "But.."
"But, my pain compelled me to go into Cryo-Sleep so I couldn't miss you, anymore.." continued Danny.
"But, then Dewey found that video message that you left for me..and, then Webby woke me up.
Webby..is the best thing that ever happened to me. She is my best friend..and, I love her so very much.
And..if it wasn't for you making that mistake. I would never had known her as I do now."
Della managed to smile at this. "I suppose things happen for a reason..even Terrible things.
Such as when your own mother died with those other people..so I could raise you myself."
Danny smiled weakly. "You're back now, Mom. that is all that matters."
"If only it were.." said Della. "I think Llewelyn is angry with me."
Danny frowned. "he is?"
"He won't even TALK to mom." said Dewey.
"He's probably just upset." said Webby, trying to lessen the tension.
"I am sure that once we get home, he'll be hugging his mom in no time."
Della looked unsure. "I can only hope. Though, I don't blame him for being angry.
I wasn't there for any of you when you needed me. I wasn't there..AT ALL."
"You're here NOW, mom." said Danny. "Louie will get over it..he HAS to."
Della breathed out. "I hope you are right, son."
There was a long silence..Then, Webby touched Danny's hand.
Danny looked over at Webby, who smiled at him. "thank you again for saving me, Danny" said Webby.
Danny smiled. "You can always count on me, Webby. I'll never let you down."
Webby chuckled. "You certainly didn't."
Danny also chuckled, noting the irony.
Della smiled as she watched her son socialize with the girl he clearly loved.
THIS was what she wanted for him. To find happiness..and, be loved by someone other than herself.
Webby clutched Danny's hand tighter. Her friendship bracelet touching his own.
He looked into her eyes, and she looked right back.
"I love you." said Webby, softly.
Della choked up at hearing this.
"I love you, too." said Danny.
The two then leaned closer, feeling like their bodies were magnetized.
Della froze, she held her breathe as she watched her son and Webby.
Her mind flashed to all the moments of his life until this point.
His first words..his first steps. NOW, it was time for his first kiss.
Danny and Webby leaned in closer, and closer..
Then, his lips finally touched her beak. and, locked together.
The two felt a 'zinging' sensation go through their bodies.
Then the oddest thing happened..Both their friendship bracelets began to GLOW.
And, then..there was a sudden flash of light.
Danny parted from Webby..and, saw a shocked look on her face. "what?, what is it?"
Danny then turned..and, gasped upon seeing ANOTHER duck girl sitting next to him.
"Hi there, Romeo." said the now very much alive Lena, a smug look on her face.
[End of Part 18]
[Author Notes]
This chapter MIGHT be the most controversial with how I decided to write Della's reunion with Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
Particularly Louie's flatout rejection of Della upon meeting her for the first time.
Look. I get many fans of DuckTales want all the fluff, and write the SAME reunion scenarios.
But, after reading a fan comic, I realized that (as the show itself has shown us) the triplets ARE NOT clones of each other.
Louie was the most emotional during "The Last Crash of the Sunchaser",
and so he may take the longest to heal, and won't be as forgiving as Dewey is over Della's CHOICE to leave.
"Wounds May Heal..but, NOT overnight."
And, lastly..LENA IS BACK.
How does a Human kissing a Duck result is a character resurrection?!
Well, I will reveal why in a later chapter. For now, I will leave you all to figure it out yourselves.