DuckTales © Disney
It was now LATE in the afternoon at McDuck Manor..It was TIME for Danny to leave home.
At the Lobby, Morgana Macawber stood near the door with Gosalyn
as they watched Danny say his final good-bye's to the McDuck clan.
The two felt bad for causing this emotional moment..BUT, it was for the best.
Danny hugged his adoptive mother tightly. Della herself seemed unwilling to let him go.
"goodbye, mom..I'm really gonna miss you." said Danny.
Della was silent, she just continued to stroke her son's hair.
"I've missed you for such a long time, Danny..It just doesn't seem fair for us to separate again."
Danny smiled weakly. "At least I can still talk to you." said Danny.
"a few hundred miles isn't that far after you've been in outer space for years."
Della chuckled, despite her tears. "true."
Danny then pulled out his necklace..revealing his golden Kaiburr crystal.
Della choked up, remembering the day she first gave that to him.
"Remember what you told me this was?"
Della smiled. "my heart."
"I always had you with me, mom..and, I always will." said Danny
Della teared up, then hugged her son once more. "I'm so sorry, honey. I'm sorry..for everything."
Danny hugged his mother back one last time. "I already forgave you, mom. Now, forgive yourself."
Della finally let Danny go, and looked at him. "Be a good boy..mind what Mrs. Macawber says.
and, don't EVER stop being my wonderful little boy."
Danny nodded. "Yes, mom."
It was now Donald's turn to say good-bye. "Danny..Iknowwehaven'thadthefondestmemories, but-"
"It's okay, Uncle Donald..I'm not angry with you, anymore."
Donald frowned. "Yes..but, still. Iamsorryforabandoningyou. Iwaswrongtofavortheboysoveryou."
Danny looked at Donald, and smiled. "yes..but, if you hadn't. I'd never know Webby as I do now.
So, for that..I thank you for what you did. You owe me nothing, Uncle Donald."
Donald smiled weakly..then, gave Danny a warm hug.
Della smiled at this, Happy to finally see her brother loving her adoptive son.
It took him YEARS to accept him..But, better late than never.
As Donald stepped away, Scrooge McDuck approached.
"Ah'm glad Ah' donnae have to keep monitoring you at that blasted ship anymore.."
Danny grinned at his great-uncle. "Things didn't quite go as we planned, did it?"
"Aye, it didnae." said Scrooge. "But, th' best things in life are often unexpected..YOU are proof O' that."
Danny grinned at this.
"here..take this." Scrooge stuffed a One-Hundred dollar bill into Danny's pocket.
"Uncle Scrooge?!" said Danny, puzzled.
"Jus' don't spend it all in one place (*ye' can pay me back later.*)
Danny scowled at his Great-Uncle..But, then smiled.
"BYE, DANNY!" exclaimed Launchpad, as he scooped Danny up.
"Have fun in St. Canard!, and see if you can get Darkwing Duck's autograph for me!"
Both Morgana and Gosalyn looked at each other and grimaced.
Danny smiled sheepishly. "I'll..t-try, Launchpad."
Launchpad gave Danny one last hug before releasing him.
Danny exhaled..Then, the Triplets, Webby and Lena all approached at the same time.
Danny breathed out softly as he looked at them all. "Been a crazy past few months, hasn't it?"
"yeah..It's weird." began Dewey. "We went for so long WITHOUT you in our lives."
But, now that you are leaving..we're not sure if it will ever be the same again."
"I'm not going to WAR, guys.." said Danny, grinning. "I'm just taking a trip.
St. Canard isn't even that far from Duckburg."
"It sure feel far away." grumbled Louie.
Danny smiled. He then approached as he, and his adoptive brother began a group hug.
"I really do love you guys.." said Danny. "I always did."
The trio of Ducklings all smiled. "yeah..us too."
"Just hurry back, okay?"
"This family won't feel complete without you."
Danny smiled, then parted from them. He then faced the girls: Webby and Lena.
"Webby, I-" Danny was cut off by Webby running over, and kissing him.
"I don't regret anything, Danny." said Webby. "Finding you was the best day of my whole life."
Danny smiled at her. "You made things easier when it was most hard for me."
"Same here." said Webby.
Danny smiled at his best friend and girlfriend. "I promise I'll be back."
"I know.."said Webby, who then removed her hair piece,
and placed the bow and ribbon in Danny's palm. "How ELSE will I get this back?"
Danny stared at Webby. "HUH?"
Webby gave Danny a quick kiss on his cheek. "stay safe."
As Webby walked away, Lena then approached Danny..and, lightly punched his shoulder.
"Never did thank you for helping me out before.." said Lena.
"I'm glad things worked out in the end for you, Lena. You deserve it."
Lena then hugged Danny. "just do what you have to, and get your tail feathers back here in one piece."
"I don't have any-"
"You KNOW what I mean." said Lena.
Danny smiled sheepishly. "yeah..I will."
"Oh, and a word of advice.." Lena pulled Danny closer.
*be careful around that Gosalyn chick. I can't explain it, but I feel like she's a *Trouble Magnet.*
Danny smiled awkwardly. *sure..*
As Lena stepped away, Magica finally approached. "Do not worry..you will be in GOOD hands."
"I still feel nervous." said Danny.
"I know..It is natural to feel this way." said Magica. "But, you are doing right thing.
Some problems you can't handle alone. and, Morgana is only one who can best help you."
Danny nodded. "I'll try to make you proud."
Magica smiled warmly. "I already am." the raven haired duck then hugged Danny tightly.
"Listen to Morgana. Do as she instructs you..and, you should have nothing more to fear."
Danny nodded. he then exhaled as he walked away towards Morgana and Gosalyn.
He paused for a moment to look back at his family..who all smiled at him.
Danny smiled back at them..THEN, he finally turned and faced Morgana Macawber.
Morgana smiled warmly at him..then took his hand.
"come, danny.." began Morgana. "If we hurry, we should arrive to St. Canard before nightfall."
Danny grimaced. "Is St. Canard REALLY as bad as people say it is?"
"Naw.." said Gosalyn. "It used to be, but..hasn't in a long time."
Morgana briefly frowned, but quickly hid it. Mrs. Beakley then opened the door, allowing Morgana to exit.
"Farewell, Danny..You will be greatly missed." said Mrs. Beakley.
Danny nodded. "Goodbye.."Granny."
Mrs. Beakley was taken aback at this. Danny hadn't called her that since he was little.
although she tried to fight it..the stonefaced woman felt a wetness in her eye.
As Morgana walked Danny and Gosalyn to a plain looking car,
the McDuck Clan all exited to watch their adoptive member depart.
As Morgana buckled Danny up next to Gosalyn..he stared out the window to his family.
He placed his hand against the glass window..and, frowned.
He too was going to miss them.
Finally, the car pulled out and drove off.
Webby and Della both stared forlornly as Danny slowly disappeared from view.
And, just like that..he was GONE.
Della wiped a tear from her eyes..while Dewey grasped her free hand.
she looked down at her son..who smiled at her. Della then smiled back.
Webby just exhaled sharply. Feeling like a vital part of herself was now gone.
she then looked at Lena, who looked back at her..THEN, the two embraced tightly.
From inside the car, Danny just stared as McDuck Manor pulled further, and further way.
Soon the only home he had even know disappeared from view, and he sat down. breathing out sharply.
"hey..cheer up." said Gosalyn. "My house may not be a mansion, but we'll still have fun."
Danny smiled weakly. "I guess this can be a good way for US to get to know each other better."
Gosalyn grinned wide. "That's the spirit!"
Danny breathed out as he laid back in his seat. "I'm gonna take a nap..I'm still tired.
Wake me when we get to St. Canard, okay?"
"Uhh..SURE."
[Literally Less than an Hour Later..]
"WAKE UP, DANNY!" exclaimed Gosalyn, shaking Danny's body.
"(*SNORT!*) ha-HUH?"
"We're HERE!"
Danny rose up, and looked out the window at a sign that read: [WELCOME TO ST. CANARD!]
He then looked at his phone..and, widened his eyes upon looking at the time.
"It hasn't even been THIRTY Minutes!" exclaimed Danny.
"well..YEAH. St. Canard is right across from Duckburg." explained Gosalyn.
"We only had to cross the Audubon Bay Bridge to get there."
Danny scowled at Gosalyn. "You mean to tell me that I endured the emotional anguish
of leaving my hometown that is ONLY a short drive away?, I went through ALL that for nothing?!"
Gosalyn smiled awkwardly. "Well, when you put it THAT way.."
Danny then looked to Morgana. "and, WHY did we need to hurry to get here?"
"I didn't want to get struck in traffic. the Gridlock is HADES." answered Morgana.
Danny slumped down, groaning. He felt like such an idiot.
It wasn't long until the Morgana drove away from the city, and into a quaint neighborhood.
Upon exiting the parked vehicle, Danny looked around, and felt like he was in an episode of "Pleasantburg."
"Welcome to our lovely home." said Morgana. "I hope you will enjoy your stay."
Danny looked at the house..which wasn't at ALL what he expected. "It's..NICE." said Danny. honestly.
At that moment, another car pulled into the driveway.
As the door opened, a male duck in a pink shirt and green sweater vest stepped out.
"Oh, Danny. This is my husband, Drake Mallard.." spoke Morgana.
"Drake, dear..This is Danny. The boy I told you about over the phone.."
Drake Mallard approached, and looked down at Danny..who froze, realizing he wasn't wearing his disguise..
..But, Mr. Mallard didn't seem to mind seeing him. "Nice to meet you, kid." said Drake, calmly.
Danny tilted his head as he examined Mr. Mallard's features.
"What?"
"You look..familiar."
"Oh, uhh..I just have that kinda face." said Drake, nervously.
"oh, wait..I know! You look like that Jim Sterling guy" said Danny. "From my friend Launchpad's favorite TV Show, Darkw-"
"Yeeeah, I get that alot." said Drake, and he carried in some groceries.
As Drake walked off, Danny raised an eyebrow.
Something about that duck seemed..OFF. like he was hiding something.
"Hey, Danny.." spoke Gosalyn. "You up for a quick game of Hockey?"
Danny looked at Gosalyn..then, grinned. "You're ON."
[Meanwhile..]
Aboard the Executor..Mystica De Spell walked down the long corridors of the starship.
She was slightly annoyed, as no one seemed to know (or, was willing) to tell her anything
of the so-called "Inquisitors" that she once hear Lord Zelus mention in their prior conversations..
It had been DAYS, and there was still much of this ship that remained "uncharted" to her.
(no surprise. Given the warship matched Duckburg and combined in scale.)
At long last, Mystica approached the guarded doors leading back into the Throne Room.
the red armored centurions opened the sliding doors, allowing the avian mystic to enter the chamber.
..Inside, she found her master (Now in a repaired suit) sitting on his throne,
surrounded by the holographic forms of TWELVE hooded figures in sets of two.
Mystica heard of them. They were her master's 'Dark Council',
comprised of "Masters and Apprentices" who helped to manage Lord Zelus' empire.
Mystica sensed her dark master growing frustrated as the conversation persisted.
(("..You promised us a swift, decisive solution.")) spoke a lead councilman.
(("and, You shall have it.")) said Zelus. (("You just need to exercise patience."))
(("You told us that over two decades ago..")) retorted a councilwoman.
(("and, you again over ONE decade ago.")) added another councilman.
(("How much LONGER must we wait until our patience is rewarded?!"))
(("There were..unfortunate setbacks.")) said Lord Zelus.
(("The master plan will need to be..Altered. But, a victory has been attained."))
(("Sounds more like another failure.")) said a younger councilman.
Zelus glared into the direction of the apprentice. (("You DARE to question your Supreme Emperor?!"))
(("Not at all.")) spoke another Councilman.
(("But, we do share his concerns. and, I am afraid control of a Kaiburr World..just isn't enough."))
Lord Zelus gripped the arms of his throne. (("then..I shall consult the Grand Inquisitor.
Perhaps her "wisdom" will set your minds at ease."))
(("An excellent strategy, Supreme Emperor. We shall await an update from you..SOON."))
As the holograms all dematerialized, Lord Zelus sunk in his throne.
Before Mystica could do anything, a vortex of smoke materialized near her master.
The smoke revealed a tall, dark figure draped in elaborate robes,
with a towering collar that framed the bald head of a female 'Hue-man.'
the figure drew out a long hilt, and ignited two red plasma blades at both ends.
Gripping her lightsaber more like a Staff, or Scepter, than a sword.
"I did warn you they would not listen to you, Lord Zelus.." spoke the figure, her voice cold and chilling.
(("they are fools. They have no idea what is coming.")) spoke Zelus.
The figure then glance over..and, smiled. "We have a visitor.."
Lord Zelus looked over, and saw Mystica standing afar. (("YOU..are late."))
Mystica approached slowly. "Apologies, my master..I am still learning to navigate this vessel."
(("very well..you are forgiven."))
Mystica looked at the other figure that stood before her.
The witch felt a great chill, as she sensed tremendous dark magic from her.
"Grand Inquisitor Frigina." spoke the woman.
"What?"
"You were going to ask who I was." spoke Frigina, grinning.
"I am the Grand Inquisitor..I believe you were searching for me."
"uhh..ye-yes. but, no one seemed to-"
"We Inquisitors tend to move with like shadows..The Imperials don't like to discuss us."
Frigina then circled around Mystica. "I sense you are STRONG with the dark side.
a POWERFUL Mage you are. Amusing, then..That you chose the path of a "Knight."
Mystica grimaced, even SHE found this woman creepy.
(("ENOUGH, Frigina.")) said Lord Zelus. (("I wish to speak with my apprentice."))
"As you wish..Lord Zelus." with that, Frigina disappeared in flash of light.
Mystica shuddered, actually relieved that Frigina was gone.
(("She has that affect on people.")) said Lord Zelus, sensing Mystica's unease.
(("I trust you overheard my meeting with the Dark Council."))
"SOME." replied Mystica.
(("They are less than enthusiastic about your "victory" than I am."))
Mystica paused, and looked at her dark master. "What is REALLY going on, MASTER?
I have a feeling there is to this than just a simple Weapon of Mass Destruction."
Lord Zelus looked at Mystica..he then reached out, and 'tapped' the duck's forehead.
Mystica gasped, her eyes glowing white as vivid images assaulted her very mind.
Once the vision ended, and dropped to her knees.
"what..was THAT?!" gasped Mystica.
(("a vision. One that I alone received a lifetime ago.")) explained Lord Zelus.
(("a great evil is coming..One that threatens both Light, and Darksiders alike.
I planned to use the Master Kaiburr Crystal to construct a superweapon to defend against them.."))
"but, Scroogie destroyed the crystal.." said Mystica, as she rose up.
(("yes. our best hope was taken from us by that old fool.")) continued Lord Zelus.
(("And, while the crystal fragments MAY be of use to us..I fear it won't be enough."))
"What do we know of these alien invaders?" asked Mystica.
(("Only what my spy who once served under them has told me.")) answered Lord Zelus.
(("They command a droid army, have mastered Gene Warfare, and are the oldest practitioners of The Dark Side."))
"and, how close are they to invading?" asked Mystica.
"Closer than you THINK." spoke a female voice.
Mystica looked, and saw a shadowy figure approach her.
She gasped, as the figure looked like a cross between a Duck, and one of those 'Hue-Mans.'
Almost as if she were a 'Hybrid' species.
(("Lady Mystica..this is "Lucretia DeCoy.")) spoke Lord Zelus. (("She is the spy that I just told you about.."))
Lucretia smirked at Duck Witch (who looked very SHORT in comparison to her.)
(("DeCoy..Tell my apprentice everything you told me about Lord Dragaunus."))
[To Be Continued..]
[Author Notes]
At last, I can bookend THIS story (and, just in time for Season Two of DuckTales, for that matter!)
As I stated in a prior journal, This whole story was the first entry in a planned trilogy,
and this chapter alone set the ground work for my next two stories that I will write soon.
My next story will indeed be a Darkwing Duck story (with a plot similar to "The Duck Knight Returns")
BUT, if the final scene of this chapter is anything to be by, the final entry will be a crossover with the Mighty Ducks series.
(hopefully NOW my inclusion of Star Wars elements makes more sense.)
So many questions are on your minds, no doubt.
Is Drake Mallard Darkwing Duck?, or just Jim Sterling.
Where did Lucretia DeCoy come from? (though, most may wonder WHO she even is.)
and, what is the story behind the Grand Inquisitor Frigina?!
Alot of that will be answered in the next story..WHICH I will write after I take a well deserved break,
As I have practically been writing this story every single day since I began posting it on August 22nd.
(I also need time to work out the next story, as I have only key plot points,
but nothing to bridge them together into a complete storyline.)
But, this won't be THE END of this story just yet. I still have some Deleted Scenes to write down,
and an alternate "Dark Side" ending to work on as well (just for the fans of the Star Wars elements.)