DuckTales © Disney
Della Duck breathed out sharply as she stood in the shower stall,
and let the warm water pour down against her body for the THIRD time in a row.
She didn't think she would ever be clean..she practically emptied FOUR bottles of shampoo already.
The water felt good running down her feathers.
It was a soothing feeling that she did think she would ever feel again.
Della planted her palms against a wall, and leaned forward.
Her mind deep in thought as she brooded on..Everything.
The first thing she ever did once she returned "home" to McDuck Manor was speak to Launchpad.
There was a time so long ago when the two were close.
They went to the same aviation school together, and he was her 'Wingman'.
..But, when she spoke with Launchpad for the first time in over a decade,
He looked straight through her, acting as if he didn't even know her.
Danny explained to her that her disappearance apparently affected Launchpad differently.
His personality changed, and he now only recognized her as "a pretty lady Duck who LOOKED like his Della."
It broke Della's heart..But, she knew it wasn't Launchpad's fault.
Her disappearance left scars on everyone. Evidently he had to cope with it SOMEHOW.
What really hurt was that before she left, Della was planning to "pop the question" to Launchpad.
NOW, she would have to start over. Be the "OTHER Della", and hopefully recaptured their old bond.
Just one of many mistakes that Della would have to mend.
At long last, Della turned the knobs. shutting off the water.
Stepping out of the stall, she grabbed a towel, and began to dry herself off.
Some feathers fell out onto the floor. an indication that Della needed to preen herself.
So, she sat down and began to brush at the feathers on her body, and plucked out some old, and loose ones.
(She had ALOT. Della made a mental note to clean up the bathroom later.)
Once Della was done, she began to walk out of the bathroom, and into the adjoining room..
..Only to see Danny sitting on the bed. "Oh, sho-Danny!"
Danny looked, and immediately became redfaced at seeing his mother "Nude"
(not that there was very much to see, as her downy feathers concealed any 'lady parts' that she had.)
"S-SORRY!, I didn't realize you would-ohh.." Danny covered himself with a blanket.
Della breathed out, then quickly wrapped herself in a towel. "It's OKAY, Danny..you can look.
Danny pulled off the blanket..but still felt awkward seeing his mother in a bath towel.
Della walked over to her adoptive son, and sat down next to him.
"Why are you here, Danny? Why aren't you with your brothers?..or, Webby?"
Danny breathed out. "Louie is..still refusing to talk. to ANYONE.
And, with Lena back, I decided to let her and Webby have their "Girl Time."
Della then remembered Lena. the strange girl duck
that suddenly appeared after Danny and Webby had their first kiss.
"I've been meaning to ask..What IS the story about that Lena girl?" began Della.
"You all seemed VERY happy to see her..Webby especially."
"She's..kinda Magica's Daughter." admitted Danny.
"Kinda?"
"She was created by Mystica, Magica's darker half, to act as her proxy
when her physical body was imprisoned withing Uncle Scrooge's Dime.
But, she and Webby became friends. they made Friendship Bracelets, and everything.
And, when she tried to defend Webby against Mystica..she was destroyed."
Della frowned. "oh..I see."
"a remnant of her survived, and merged with Webby's shadow." continued Danny.
"When me, and Webby became friends..and, Webby gave me Lena's friendship bracelet,
the bond that were forged was enough to enable Lena to speak to us as a spirit."
"I see. So, if your Friendship restored her partially.." began Della, thinking out loud
"Then, the LOVE that you and Webby felt for each other must've restored her fully."
"That's what Aunt Magica said." said Danny.
"I was willing to sacrifice myself for Webby. She said it was an act of True Love.
and, when I kissed Webby..our bracelets reacted to our love, and resurrected Lena."
Della smiled. "Love truly is a magical thing, my son."
"I also heard Uncle Scrooge and Aunt Magica talking about Lena.." continued Danny.
"I think they want to adopt her..AFTER they get married, of course."
Della gasped..and, then smiled. "My Uncle is FINALLY going to settle down?..AND, be someone's FATHER?!"
"Seems that way." said Danny. "I am really happy for Lena..she deserves this."
Della smiled..she then began to brush at her LONG, feathery hair.
"I may need to make an appointment with the Barber.."
"You SURE?, because.I kinda like your hair long like that."
Della looked at Danny. "Really?" Della then looked at her reflection from a far off mirror.
"I suppose I could use a 'new look'..But, I can't have it in my way all the time."
"I could ask Webby and Lena to braid it for you." said Danny.
Della smiled, liking that idea. "Good idea, Danny."
Danny smiled..but, then looked down. "mom..can I talk to you about something?"
"Of course, honey..what is it?"
"well..see, I had a future vision not too recently. One that was about ME, and Webby."
Della looked at Danny, her attention fully on him. "go on.."
"I never had a vision quite like it before." explained Danny. "Before..It felt like I was looking through a foggy window.
But, THIS vision was like I was literally there. Experiencing it as it happened."
"And, what did you see?" asked Della.
"I was grown up..and, so was Webby." continued Danny.
"We were in a bed together. We were..Married. and, we..had a baby."
Della froze, a wide smile forming on her beak. "you mean..I'm gonna be a GRANDMA!?"
"uh, MOM. You do realize this was a FAR Future Vision, right?"
"Oh!, yes..of course." said Della, catching herself.
"Still, though..You and Webby having a baby. Oh, TELL ME about it. The baby, I mean."
"I can't say much, mom. In my vision, we had an Egg..and, it started hatching." said Danny.
"I was only able to see a tiny, feathery arm before the vision finally ended."
"That all sounds wonderful, Danny." said Della. "I wish I could've seen my boys hatching.
It does my heart good to know you will at least watch your baby hatch."
Danny thought for a moment. "Mom..If my vision ever does come true.
Would it be okay if I..had you there to see it?, see it hatch. I know it won't be the same, but-"
"I would love that, son." said Della. "But, who knows? maybe I'll get another chance to..I don't know."
"I promise you'll get to see it." said Danny.
Della smiled at Danny. "You are a good boy, Danny. Always thinking of others."
"It's how you raised me, mom." said Danny.
"I raised you how I believed your birth mother would want."
"I am sure she would be happy with you."
Della smiled, chuckling lightly at something only SHE knew. "I am sure she is."
"Well..I'd better go look for my brothers." said Danny, finally. "Maybe I can talk to Louie about..you know."
"oh..yeah. Okay." said Della, looking down.
"Mom?" Della looked at Danny. "yeah, son?"
"I love you."
Della smiled warmly, her eyes teary. "thank you, baby. I love you, too."
Danny smiled, then he finally hopped off the bed and walked away.
Once he left, Della breathed out sharply.
(("Our SON is right..I am pleased with you.")) spoke the echoed voice of a female.
Dell's feathers stood on end as she felt she was no longer alone.
she then turned, and gazed at a light blue, ethereal entity that towered over her.
It was a phantom, yes. but also one that had the visage of an angel.
She was an adult woman garbed in elaborate robes, and appeared as the same species as Danny.
Della recognized the spirit.
"Serene.." spoke Della, addressing Danny's TRUE mother.
Serene smiled warmly, and then bowed her head. (("I am pleased to see you have returned safely."))
Della stared off. "I may be home..but, nothing feels familiar anymore.
All I wanted was to help Danny..instead, I tore my family apart."
Serene smiled at Della in a manner that reminded the duck of the moon goddess, Selene.
(("In my long life as a Consular..I learned that our every action..and, INaction,
has consequences. Not all of which are obvious.")) began Serene.
(("Even a noble, and just cause can bring suffering to others. Sometimes..there is no RIGHT choice."))
"Don't I know it.." said Della.
(("But, do not despair, my friend..")) began Serene.
(("Although your actions left scars that will remain, Wounds CAN heal..given time."))
"That is my hope." said Della. "That eventually..all will be made right."
Serene then looked at Della softly. (("Della..I have a request to make of you. When you found my son,
you made a promise to me that you would raise, watch over, and protect him.
And, for many years you NEVER wavered from your vow..Which is why I entrust you with a new one."))
"Is it about Danny?" asked Della.
(("Yes.")) replied Serene.
"Name it. I will do it."
(("I worry for our son's future. He lingers ever close to the Dark Side..")) began Serene.
(("Surely you saw it..when he tapped into the darkness, and used it against Darth Zelus."))
"I did..it frightened me to see him like that."
(("Our Son walks the same path as his father..AND, Uncle.")) continued Serene.
(("I fear if left unchecked, he will either succumb to his combat rage..or, die a hero's death.
MY request is that you do everything in your power to stray him from that path.
That he take up his Lightsaber, not as the Sword..but, as the Scepter."))
"I don't like the idea of Danny killing anyone, either..I will do all I can." said Della.
(("Thank you, my friend. I know I can count on you."))
With that, Serene faded away..leaving Della alone at last.
As Danny walked through the halls of McDuck Manor, he soon heard distant voices.
They sounded like arguing.
As he walked closer to the source of the voices, they slowly became clearer.
"..We just need to spend TIME with her, Lou!" spoke Dewey.
"And, WHY would we want to do that!?" argued Louie.
"Because she's your MOM, that's why!" snapped Lena.
Danny walked around the corner, and found his brothers in a room with Webby and Lena.
They were all gathered around Louie, who looked angry and defiant.
"oh, yeah..Because SHE was there for all our birthdays, and when we were sick." continued Louie
"oh, wait. that's right..UNCLE DONALD WAS!, She was in outer space!"
"EXACTLY!" snapped Webby. "She WANTED to be there, but she couldn't!"
Louie glared at the group. "And, why WAS she in space?, huh?!
Uncle Scrooge may've built that spaceship, but nobody FORCED mom to steal it!
We were going to hatch, but she CHOSE to go into space in an UNTESTED spaceship!
She had no way of knowing IF she would come back!, she just did it anyway..and, abandoned us all."
"LOUIE." said Danny, as he finally revealed himself.
Everyone looked to Danny as he approached. "please..Don't blame mom for this."
Louie scowled as he marched over to Danny. "Why not?, SHE chose to leave all of us behind."
Danny frowned. he didn't like how Louie was acting. Their mother was hurting ENOUGH.
He finally decided that the only way to stop this..was to take all of Louie's anger himself.
"If you want to blame someone for losing your mother..then, BLAME ME." said Danny.
"You saw mom's video message, the whole reason she left was for MY benefit. I am responsible."
"Danny, NO." said Webby "You're not-"
Louie scowled at Danny. "alright..FINE. I 'DO' blame you, Danny.
Mom would never have HAD aspirations to go into space if YOU hadn't come along.."
"LOUIE.." growled Dewey, not liking where this is going.
"I wish that stupid ship never came here..I WISH MOM NEVER FOUND YOU!"
Danny froze, looking at if he just watched a puppy get run over by a speeding car.
He may've wanted to divert Louie's anger towards him..but, he never expected him to say something like THIS.
Danny then turned away, tears streaming down his cheek. "you think I don't?" said Danny, his voice breaking.
"You think..I never lay awake at night..and, blamed myself for Everything?!
That I never imagined..how DIFFERENT things might've been..if I had died with my birth mother."
Louie glare slowly softened as he realized what he just said to Danny.
He then looked down, feeling regretful at what he just did.
*Punch!*
"OW!" exclaimed Louie, as he rubbed his shoulder where Lena "hit" him.
"you really ARE the "evil triplet." said Webby, bitterly.
Webby then tried to reach out to Danny.
..But, Danny walked away, not wishing for anyone to watch him cry.
As he tried to leave, however..he bumped into someone: Della Duck.
Della was dressed in a more casual outfit, and her eyes were now teary.
(Louie widened his eyes, realizing his mom had heard EVERYTHING.)
Della tried embrace Danny so to comfort him..But, he pulled away from her, and just ran off.
Della then looked back at Louie. She bore not a look of anger..but, one of Disappointment.
"I'm sorry..I didn't mean to say that to him." said Louie.
"But, you DID." growled Dewey, angrily
"I know, it's just..NOTHING about this is fair!" exclaimed Louie.
"You're not the ONLY one suffering, "Greenie." snapped Lena.
"You lost your mom..SO WHAT?!, Danny ALSO lost his OWN mother..a mother he will NEVER know.
Only difference is that YOUR mom eventually came back!, but Danny's real mother is STILL DEAD!"
"Lena's right, Lou." said Huey. "I know it seems unfair for us to grow up without knowing our mom.
But, We at least got her back. Danny isn't as fortunate..HIS mother is still gone."
"So, STOP being so selfish, and put yourself in Danny's place for once!" retorted Dewey.
Louie exhaled sharply, feeling cornered by everyone.
"I know you may think it is easier to blame Danny for everything.." began Della, finally.
"But, the truth is..Danny didn't JUST inspired me to chart the stars from which he came from.
Raising him made me realize how much I loved to be a mother.
And, the whole reason I had you three..was to give him siblings to play with."
Della then approached Louie, staring down at him more sternly now.
"If I never found Danny all those years ago..if that ship NEVER came to this planet.
Then, neither you, NOR any of your brothers would even exist."
Louie looked down, now feeling VERY guilty for what he said.
"I'm sorry for the pain that I caused you, Louie." continued Della.
"But, hating me, AND Danny, won't make that pain go away.
Your Uncle tried that with our Uncle Scrooge..and look how he turned out."
Louie cringed as his mother's every word cut into him with their stinging truth.
"I'm not going to make you change how you feel..you clearly need more time." continued Della.
"When you are ready to forgive me, son..I will be waiting."
Della looked at Louie softly. "I still love you, Louie. and, I always will love you..even if you don't.
Louie teared up at this. He wanted to apologize..but, he couldn't will the words out.
"I'm going to go talk to him." said Webby, as she began to walk off
"I..think he wants to be alone, sweetheart." said Della.
"He may WANT to be alone..but, that doesn't mean he SHOULD." said Lena.
"He needs reminded that he is still loved, and that we care about him."
Della looked at the duckling..and, smiled. "you are right, Lena."
"We'll both go talk to him." said Lena, who held Webby's hand.
"Who better to cheer him up than his Girlfriend, and Best Friend."
"Make that THREE." said Dewey, who joined the two.
"he needs reminded that he still has a brother who loves him."
"Okay. but, if he wants to be left alone..don't force him." said Della.
"Okay, mom. Coming Huey?"
"I'll catch up." replied Huey. "I kinda want to spend more time with mom."
Dewey shrugged. "okay. catch you later, Woodchuck."
As Webby, Lena and Dewey then left to go search for Danny.
Della took Huey's hand, and walked away..leaving Louie alone.
ALL..alone.
[End of Part 19]
[EDIT NOTE]
Apologies to readers, as I accidentally deleted this chapter for awhile
during an editing process for another chapter (In my defense, XIX and XXI do look alike.)
Everything should return to normal soon.
[Author Notes]
Safe to say this story is winding down..
While not my strongest chapter, It does serve a purpose at setting up a possible sequel
with Della's goal to try and mend her broken family, one stitch at a time.
Hopefully I didn't make Louie TOO unlikable with his emotional outburst
(Then again, I also thought Dewey was out of line when he lashed out at Scrooge in 'Last Crash of the Sunchaser',
So this may be perfectly in character, and I am worrying over nothing.)
Suffice to say, I was going to get to this plot eventually when I penned Danny being Della's original child,
who got to grow up with her, and experienced a childhood that Huey, Dewey, and Louie were denied.
Someone HAD to resent Danny a little (may as well be Louie, whose trademark color is ALREADY "Green.")
Anyway..
I give some exposition on my take of the "Delpad" ship, as Launchpad's grief over Della's disappearance
was so severe, that he doesn't believe Della is REALLY Della, but just a pretty duck who looks like her, and has the same name.
(It's kinda like the "He Has Amnesia!" trope, only Launchpad has repressed memories.)
I also give a hint at what Della might've experienced out in space..with her conversing
with the ghost of Danny's true, birth mother: Serene Paldine-Orchida.
(Yes, I know traditionally "Force Ghosts" can ONLY communicate with other force sensitives.
Either I am ignoring that rule, OR there is more to Della than we might think. Don't Know, Don't Care.)
I again make apparent that the 'Star Wars' elements here are based on 'The Old Republic' games,
as Serene is a Jedi Consular (who is more attuned to "The Force" than Jedi Knights are.)
As such, Serene wants Danny to reject violence, and walk the path of a SAGE.
Lastly, I give Lena some good scenes giving Louie some tough love.
I also imply that Scrooge and Magica plan to adopt Lena as their daughter
(which seemed like the perfect follow-up to Lena's resurrection. Giving her the family she always wanted.)