Beyond our masks.
Summary: As far as the Mcduck clan know there are no more secret between them, or at least that's what the triplets and Scrooge thought. Now, shortly after Magica's defeat more troubles arrive, and in the middle of this is a parrot, a rooster, and an android.
Notes: English is not my first language... so excuse my errors, I will try my best. This fic it's actually a mash up of several concepts of Donald's adventures and alter egos, such as the duck avenger (Paperinik o Pk) or the legend of the three caballeros.
And also I can't write Scrooge's ascent, sorry.
Post shadows war.
Disclaimer: I do not own Ducktales
"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."
•Roald Dahl
Note:
Since Panchito, Donald and José have magic I'm borrowing some spell and concepts from J.K Rowling.
But her universe belongs to her.
Chapter 5: The duo turned into a trio.
"WHAT!?" Yelled certain parrot to the woman behind the desk. "What do you mean with there's not available flight to Duckburg?"
The brunette Pettitte woman sighed, trying to not lose patience. "I'm truly sorry, sir. But like I said the control tower from Duckburg sent a message this morning, there's some unusual weather, a blizzard. It's not safe to fly."
With a growl he left. He went to the public bathrooms, locking the door with his magic. Now that he's alone, he concentrate in summoning his magic. Eyes closed, lifting his hand he muttered.
"Expecto Patronum!" Soon, his fingers tips began emitting the familiar silvery substance of his patronus. A bald eagle leapt from his hand, floating in front of him, bowing in respect. José bowed back, and told the Patronus his order.
"Go find Panchito, tell him to create a Portkey to where he is."
And with that his Patronus took flight. Yeah, he needs to go to Donald quickly, but he can't just Apparate to him, it will not only consume most of his energy, but also get them into problem, the McDuck's mansion grounds is surrounded by anti magical wards. He could fly over there, since he's very good at that, but with the blizzard is too risky for his own safety. Now he moved to a lone section of the airport, where the muggers and some good for nothing people are gathered.
[••••••]
Meanwhile, New Mexico. USA.
Panchito was furious, there was no way to go to Duckburg in plane, he needs to get a way to go to Donald. Then his thoughts went to José, he must have the same problem, and even worse since he's in another country. He walked to the public bathrooms, he wanted to send a Patronus, but as soon as he was alone in the bathroom a characteristic blue light exploited in the room.
A familiar eagle came to view, giving him the message:
"I need a Portkey, create one where you are."
With that, it vanished into thin air. Panchito groaned, with his magic he locked the door, and began his search for an object to fulfil his task. His search ended as he grabbed some random roll of toilet paper, and concentrated.
"Portus" he whispered, and quickly created the Portkey, the toilet paper glowed blue for a few seconds, then turned normal.
"Expecto Patronum!" Soon a hare emerged from his palm, spinning and dancing playfully to greet him.
"The Portkey is ready, I'll send it you in a few seconds, it's a roll of toilet paper."
Then it disappeared. Panchito then waited for José's answer. As he was waiting his mind drifting to the night where everything started, where both José and himself met Daisy, where helped Donald to take her for a dance. At that time, he saw Daisy in a different light, a independent woman, strong willed, Panchito could remember their first conversation just before he helped Donald with her.
"You strike me as soldier who has never been satisfied." Said a female voice. Her.
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean. You forget yourself." Panchito remembers his reply.
"You're like me. I'm never satisfied."
"Is that right?"
"I have never been satisfied."
"My name is Francisco Romero Miguel Junipero Quintero González III. But you can call me Panchito."
"Daisy Duck."
He was brought back to reality by a familiar crack, followed by the sound of a body crashing onto the floor. José groaned as he started to stand, a little bit dazed and with shaking legs.
"I Fucking hate Portkeys"
Panchito giggled in agreement, before pulling José into an embrace.
"Nice to see you!" They both said.
José slowly pulled back, patting Panchito on his back. "What are we going to do?"
Panchito smiled, winking at José. "Don't worry, I've my car outside, my brother Junipero was supposed to get it back in a few hours since I was going to take a plane to Duckburg."
"But Duckburg it's way too far from here." José complains.
Panchito sighed. "I know. But we're sorcerers, caballeros. We once we're near we can fly or apparate."
"Okay, I can apparate with the car in tow, but I need to be near and it'll take a lot."
"Okay, let's go."
[•••••]
After the kids left Donald re-locked the door, not wanting to hear or speak with anyone. Suddenly, a familiar voices were calling his name, Donald felt even more shame since he recognized Goofy's voice along with Max. They were banging the door rather harshly, and Donald half smirked at the thought of Goofy crashing down the door. They attempted to open the door but as Goofy expected, Donald has a habit of locking his doors while feeling down.
"Donnie, open this God damn door!" Cursed his friend, Donald with a sigh opened the door with his magic.
Only Max was surprised by the fact that the doors opened on its own, since Donald is still in front of the fireplace, not moving. Goofy knows about his magic, and about his many secrets, a privilege that not even Donald's family has.
"Max, go to the triplets, calm them down, I've got this." Said Goofy.
Max hesitated, wanting to speak with Donald as well, but by the look on his father's face he knew there wasn't a chance to argue. He left, and Goofy made his way into the silent library.
Donald heard him enter the room, but didn't turn around to face him, just stood staring at the fireplace. He couldn't look at him right now; or at anyone, worse Gladstone, whom is supposed to come today, too many different emotions were going through his head and heart. Anger, resentment, embarrassment, and disappointment to name a few, not only towards his ex-girlfriend but also towards his family. But the most stronger of all, betrayal, as much as he hated to admit it, his uncle's actions always had hurt him more than anything, always using him as a guinea pig, and now letting his ex and cousin stab his back.
"Donnie... look at me."
At his old pet name he turned, his eyes blazing in fury and embarrassment.
"What!? Did you came here to laugh!?" He snaps.
Goofy stays silent, infuriating Donald even more.
"WHAT!? WHY DON'T YOU START!?" He stands, grabbing a book. "YOU'LL BE THE VERY FIRST ONE! COME ON!"
Goofy remained silent, Donald then snapped.
"SAY SOMETHING!" He said, throwing the book at Goofy.
There wasn't any need to dodge, the aim was bad intended, the book intentionally cashed behind him, knocking a vase down. Goofy stared at his friend for a few seconds before extending his arms wide, giving a small smile.
"Come here, Donnie." He said "It's okay, I'm here for you, and for you only."
Tears continue streaming down Donald's face before he admitted that somehow, Goofy managed to break his self imposed barrier. Goofy looked at Donald in nothing more than comprehension as he saw Donald rushing to him to embracing him. The larger adult hugged the duck fondly, causing them to broke down in tears. Now, Goofy and hopefully the rest of Donald 's friends will do their best to console Donald's broken heart.
[••••••]
Dewey grinned as a plate with chocolate cake and a lemonade were placed in front of him. Sylvia, the soon to be wife of uncle Donald's friend, was a lovely person, since she came home with Goofy and Max brought a cake with her, and gave them a piece.
"Thanks, miss... ?" Began Huey.
Sylvia smiled, as he sweetly caressed Huey's head. "Marpole, but... soon, in three months will be Groof."
Huey nodded, liking the motherly way she treats them. After a few minutes Max came into the room, reviving a piece of cake to, not before giving each a hug.
"Hey guys, you're so big!" He exclaims, as he embraced them.
"Max!"
"It's good to see you!"
"How's college!?"
And they went like that, talking about college, some advice for school, and asking more about the lovely woman. The triplets then introduced Max to Webby, telling her the many fond memories they have of him. Remember him as they best nanny they ever had, and how sad they were when Max couldn't babysit them anymore.
"DONALD!"
The voice of their richer uncle routed on the mansion, being Mrs Beakley the first to react. Soon followed by the kids, Max shot up from his seat, muttering a quick "sorry" before going after them, knowing his father would not let the miser to harm the duck.
"DONALD"
Scrooge, all sweaty from running all the way from the place where he was hit to his home, he looked angry, and ashamed.
"uncle Scrooge." Said Dewey, walking towards him.
"Lad, where's your uncle!?" He asked, grabbing the boy by the shoulders.
"Uncle Scrooge you're hurting me!" He gasped, trying to break free.
"McDuck!" Came ringing the stern voice of Beakley, grasping the boy out of Scrooge's grasp. "Control yourself!"
"Beakley..." he was about to snap at her but then remembered his nephew, he called again."DONALD"
"Mr McDuck, I think it's better for both of you to speak when calmer." She suggested, Scrooge fanatically shook his head.
Scrooge suddenly noticed Max, and rushed to him, ignoring everyone's protests. Instead of feeling intimidated by a mad duck, Max felt overprotective of Sylvia and the rest of the kids, pulling them behind him in a protective way.
" YOU! Where's your father!?" The miser grasping Max's t-shirt collar harshly, shaking him. He could barely recall someone screaming to let go, but he just couldn't.
"stop" said the familiar voice. Goofy.
He turned, letting go of the teenager's clothing. Scrooge and Goofy starting a stare war, however all the bravado the old duck had when he came disappeared. Max watches his father and McDuck as they stood, in complete silence for what feels likes forever, then, without any word, Goofy turn his back on Scrooge. Walking slowly and casually looking back briefly before keeping his pace, taking this as a hint Scrooge followed him. The boys, waited a few minutes before doing the Same, along with Max, but the last one fearing for the aftermath.
They reached the library, where Donald was looking blankly at the fire. Next to him piles of small present and treasures Scrooge gave to him and a bunch of letters. Be watches as Goofy kneels besides Donald, muttering some words before standing and walking to the door. The dog shot him a threatening glance and said.
"Be careful."
Then he went to go over a corner, waiting for Scrooge to talk. The miser came closer with a guilty gaze on his face and eyes, the same experience he does when reminded of Della. Donald turns and intensively glares at the old duck before turning his gaze away. The once proud, fearless miser nervously walked into nearer to Donald with a tight knot in his stomach, even wanting to puke. Instead letting their uncles have privacy the triplets, Webby, and Max were hiding behind of the slightly closed door, waiting to hear any argument and for Max, when the time is appropriate to aid for his father. The silent in the Mansion was unsettling for everyone, even Donald who always longed for this peace. Seeing his uncle, more tears continue streaming down his face before gazing at Scrooge with pure anger and betrayal, causing the senior adventurer to shrink and bow his head in shame for the first time to Donald, and not the other way around like always. Donald's heart clench for the slightest moment before rereading the McDuck pamphlet.
"I believed every word you told me, form the moment it happened you assured me: I believed you were on my side, you said I would be fine, I thought I was fine."
Scrooge felt like a punch on the stomach, he remembers those words, he realized how quickly dismissed Donald's pain in order to go on an adventure and cover his lie.
"Lad, listen to me... I "
But Donald ignores him, glaring intently at the fire. "Do you know what Francisco said every time I told him what you and Della had done?"
Scrooge gulped, nervously looking back where he knows the kids are hiding. "Donald, I'm... we..."
"He said, Be careful with that pair, my love. They will do what it takes to survive."
Scrooge barely registered someone gasping, but he couldn't react properly, be was having problems breathing, he couldn't believe what that rooster said. But then, he was right, all those times adventuring together, and ending with Donald being pushed to danger, frozen, shrunk, beaten... almost dying, just for Della to have her dose of adrenaline and for him to have another treasure.
"I'm sorry... Donald, please, I'm sorry" the old man begged. " I know I shouldn't have to torture you like that, I was wrong, we were wrong."
Scrooge's heart began to shatter as just seeing how distraught face Donald has of his revealed part on the affair. Worse of all, realizing how distant and bitter Donald had gotten with him over the years, and all under his nose. He never meant for this to happen in the first place, he just wanted to have an adventurous family, with a life of danger. But, he didn't even bothered to ask Donald what he wanted, and laughing at any of his normal dreams. And then, when Della came with a life threatening style, on how she and her sons should live, he clapped. He moves closer, in order to have Donald inside his war arms, to comfort him, to ask for forgiveness. He's Walking closer to Donald, but the male yelled at him, and Scrooge felt like an invisible force pushes him away, forcing him to take a step back. There are more tears of betrayal and frustration stream down his nephew's face , and Scrooge could tell while shaking a bit that Donald was holding himself back.
"Don't! Take another step in my direction, I can't be trusted around you." Donald hissed, clutching an album of photos. "I could... I could hurt you, or... Worse, I could forgive you, and let my resentment grow."
Scrooge was taken back by Donald's attitude, since the ex-marine isn't a person who could hold a grudge. Well, unless you dared to hurt any of his friends or his family, then it was a different story, but maybe, he didn't knew his nephew as well as he thought. As for Donald, he knew he can't trust himself to be around Scrooge, yeah, he loves him, he's like a father to him, but also despites him as well.
"Don't! Think you can talk your way into my arms, into my heart."
Slowly, very slowly Donald stood, swaying a bit. Taking the album with him, and walked towards the still burning fireplace, all the photos, all the fake smiles he kept over the years clutched in his hands. Looking directly at him, he simply dropped it into the fire, the hungry flames consuming it quickly. He gained an odd sense of satisfaction in witnessing his uncle's deflated look as he watched his precious images of false promises and lies burn into nothingness. Perhaps, he thought, it was a bit cruel, Scrooge would have wanted to kept photos of Gladstone and Fethry, but that was the farthest from his mind at the moment.
"I'm burning all the stuff you ever got me, you can stand over there if you want..." he whispered darkly. "I don't know who you are, I have so much to learn, I'm re-viewing the photos and watching them burn."
Donald shakily grabbed the newspaper that displays every single detail of Daisy's affair with Gladstone Gander. Starting in how in the beginning whole affair she first met Gladstone and how the affair escalates from motel rooms to into her own house, inside her own bed, where Donald himself spent nights with her, and how Scrooge knew all along. The once sailor almost couldn't bear the bitter betrayal, he always believed that his family, his uncle loved him as much as he loved Della, he wanted so bad to believe that. Turns out it was nothing more than a self imposed lie. The heartbroken duck forced himself to read all of Gladstone's love letters written to Daisy and the warning letters that Scrooge wrote to him and Daisy, leaving Donald in the dark. Crumbling the paper with both hands while the anger grew inside Donald's soul.
"She published the letters you wrote her, she told the whole world..." his voice broke as he said those words, holding a copy of the dreaded pamphlet. "How you helped her brought Gladstone into our bed, in guarding your name, by ruining my live."
"Donald, I know it looks bad, but, I thought it was for the best." He tried to explain. "If Glomgold had know this all those years ago it would have been worse. To you, to her, and Gladstone, I tried tried to protect you from the truth."
Scrooge takes a step toward to Donald but instead her nephew step away from him. "Yeah, because nobody can make fun of Scrooge's name."
"Donald." He pleaded. "Be reasonable, what people would think..."
Donald cut him off with a bitter laugh." Yeah, because heaven forbid someone whisper your legacy is weak Your enemy whispers So you have to scream!"
With that fury scream he threw at him his crumpled copy of the pamphlet, hitting him square in the chest.
"I know about whispers"
Both, Donald and Goofy knows of the "whispers" quite well since words travel fast in both Goofy and Donald 's workplaces. Long before the affair, people always wondered why only Donald searched for a job while his sister just stayed home with her uncle, just waiting for the next adventure, not even looking for a job after being pregnant. Goofy still remember how many people at work spoke ill towards Donald, calling pathetic and not worthy of being a McDuck. Stating Della as the miser's favorite and future heiress of his fortune, to that, even Peter scoffed, since he never liked Scrooge nor Della. Many of Donald's coworkers often tease or snicker behind his back, since they always assumed Daisy cheated on him with many men, since he's not the future heir, and since every noticed the extreme fondness the old miser had towards his niece.
Donald looked at him, his eyes reflecting resentment, his smile was wicked. Donald leaned in close to him, saying in a hash tone.
"I know you loved more my sister"
Everyone's hearts skips a beat, even forcing a breath out, Scrooge, for real started panicking, clearly showing it. As for Dewey, he turned away in shame, Huey noticed and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. During these passing months, he became obsessed with his mother, wanting to be with her more than anything, even, in his darkest moments wishing her to be there with them instead of his uncle. But, Louie, also aware of his brother's desires felt sick, he would wish something so cruel and commit such betrayal towards his own uncle, no, his own father. Despite his own feelings for his mother, he can't bring himself to do such thing, Louie wanted to stay truthfully for his uncle and only for his uncle, even though, he never did it before.
"No... Donald." He almost cried. "Don't you dare to think like that."
"Don't! I'm not naive, I have seen how happy you were around her." He said, looking defeated. "Don't Think I don't see how you praise her charms, how she got all your charms!"
Then, Donald watched the fireplace then his gaze drifted to the pile of pieces of photos and gifts. Again, his gaze returned to the fire, and he kept looking the fire insanely.
"I'm erasing myself from my narrative... Let future journalists wonder how Donald reacted when you torn him apart." He grabbed all, looking directly at Scrooge. "You have thrown it all away, stand back, watch it burn just watch it all BURN"
Donald looked down to the large number of letters from his uncle, letters he wrote to him when he was oversees with the navy, and photos. Grabbing each and every one of them, giving them a quick glance before disposing them into the fire without hesitation. Scrooge could only stare at his nephew in shock as he burns each letter one by one, he can't move, it was like a binding spell on him, he couldn't scream either, just watch. Finished with the letters Donald took to the next level, by grabbing their graduation photos, the adventures mementos and dispose them into the fire as well.
Breathing heavily, Donald took the only thing he haven't burned, the red guitar, a birthday present from his uncle. Recalling how surprised he was when his uncle gave it to him, Donald had expected a small gift. He never really got big gifts, not that he cared, or at least is what he told to himself. Uncle Scrooge tended to prefer to give the glamorous and big stuff to Della, since she doesn't have weird taste and foul luck . Donald usually got something cheap for his birthday, the kind of stuff that fit the genre of things that he might possibly like and Scrooge wanted to afford. After all, Scrooge McDuck never really put much thought into it, nothing that it wasn't an adventure or a way to get richer.
Taking the instrument with care, he showed it to Scrooge, whose stomach was filled with dread.
"What are you doing, lad?"
Donald smiled maniacally at him. "Remember when you told me that wanting to be a musician, a part of a band was just a phase?"
Scrooge's eyes widened, he shook his head, his throat went dry. "Don't do something stupid, Donald..."
Donald was about to toss the guitar to the hungry flames, but Scrooge finally being able to move held Donald, using all his might to stop him for a moment, but his surprisingly strong nephew harshly push him away from him, thanks to an elbow to the ribs.
Finally free, Donald threw the guitar into the fire with a swing move, taking satisfaction on Scrooge's anguished cry.
Scrooge crawled to the fire, still breathless for the pain in his ribs, and tried to reach the instrument, and Donald felt a little bit guilty, but the fury returning quickly, poisoning his thoughts. He grabbed a random book, and throw it at him, Scrooge barely could dodge, looking at his nephew in fear.
"DON'T BE SUCH HYPOCRITE" Donald was about to punch Scrooge, and the miser wasn't going to defend himself.
But Goofy did.
It caused Goofy to stand between the his friend and the old duck before anything can go any further.
"Donald, think about the children." He said, and Donald immediately calmed down.
Donald looked to the children, now present in the door frame, his disappointment evident in his voice.
"And when the time comes to explain to the children, the pain and embarrassment you put their uncle through." He took a pause, looking at him with all the sadness he could muster. "When will you learn That they are your legacy!"
He pointed to the boys, then he pointed to himself, saying.
"I was your legacy!"
Huey, Dewey, and Louie ran into the library, the two eldest cried onto their uncle's chest. Louie kept glaring at Scrooge, torn between his surrogate father's pain and his uncle's dismay.
"If you thought I was fine! DON'T!"
Scrooge then, without any warning did what he never thought he would do, he ran. Donald's outburst took a lot from him, feeling exhausted, almost fainting where he stands. Goofy understood, he always does, cleaning his throat he said.
"I think is for the best for your uncle to be alone for a time, kids."
"I agree" said Donald, wiping his tears. "I'll stay with a friend."
"But... uncle Donald!" Dewey began. "What about us? Are you going to leave us?"
Donald sighed, his head was thumping, he wanted to throw up. "I need you to understand, I can't be here, and I can't take you all with me."
Dewey's eyes filled with tears, Huey was the next who asked.
"You need to think, don't you?"
Donald nodded, and at least Louie spoke."You're coming back?"
His response was a big hug, which they quickly returned. "Of course."
Donald smiled at Goofy and said.
"Let's go."
[••••••]
Duckburg bus station.
Gladstone was nervous.
Heck, scratch that.
Actually, nervous didn't explain it enough. Gladstone was downright terrified.
Why you may ask? How come the most lucky guy on earth is afraid of something, he who survived the luck sucking God, the same who have survived murder attempts here and then, he who never needed to put an effort on something is afraid. The answer is simply, because earlier that day, he had finally found out the newest scandal, his affair with Daisy. Of course, it wasn't immediate his worry, but then he just heard people saying about how a dog slapped the soul out of Scrooge McDuck. It was in that moment he knew he was fucked, honestly it was a miracle that he's still alive, or no one had said "Look! He's the girlfriend thief" while he was waiting for a taxi.
Donald knows.
Mickey knows.
Goofy knows.
And God, surely Francisco and José knows.
His mind is so drowned in worry that he doesn't realize he's walking. He registered a few people shot him dirty looks, and some called him "backstabber" but nothing more, he was more busy trying to find a way to fix this.
There is the deafening sound of screeching tires on pavement, and protesting screams, but all Gladstone can think is that Donald must be furious, this time with a reason.
Suddenly, his train of thoughts is abruptly stopped by someone tackling to the ground, and then, he's aware of being dragged to a dark alley.
"Max, take Sylvia away."
Great.
He's being mugged, dragged to an alley for a beating and the only witness ran away. He's dragged and throw away like a sack of potatoes, but Gladstone didn't even attempted to fight back, feeling like he deserved this.
"Look, if money is what you want I gotta say I don't have much." He said his suave tone missing.
"It's not money what a I want but answers." The rough accented voice replied.
Gladstone gulped. "Donald..."
"Gander, I've brought you here for a reason." He heard Donald say, his voice cold. Gladstone can't bring himself to look up, the once proud half duck couldn't muster enough courage to do so.
"Get up."
"I can't..." He admits.
Donald growled. "You can't get up and face me, yet you can totally fuck my fiancee behind my back."
"Double D, I'm..."
"Save it, I know you're not sorry."
"Get up !" A third voice called. But he ignored it, as he was ignoring the coldness of the floor due the snow.
" If you're going to punch me, just do it already."
Donald stared at him in disbelief for a moment more before shaking him head. "You don't get it."
Gladstone suddenly was hauled up, roughly slammed against the wall, forcing him to look at his cousin, he looked way worse than he imagined, and worse than him.
Donald scoffed, his nails piercing his shoulders. "Explain?"
He allowed his face to come nearer to Gladstone's "What is there to explain, Gander? You both cheated on me."
Donald clenched his fists at his cousin's shoulders, adding more pressure. "You brought that... that ... woman to bed and, even worse, don't damn stop until McDuck said so. There is nothing you can say to justify this."
To be honest, Donald is taking this too well, he expected be dead by now, maybe there's still a chance to make things right.
"Donnie, you must understand!" implored the no longer proud, cocky cousin. "Back in my colleague years, there were a bunch of guys, God... they accused be of embezzlement!"
He paused to watch Donald's reaction, but his face remains the same. He gulped.
" T- they were going to run my name through the mud! I couldn't do nothing! It was the third time in my whole life that my luck wasn't working"
At this, Gladstone could see a flick of sorrow grace Donald's features before returning to his stone face.
Gladstone begrudgingly remembers the first time.
His parents being killed by a stupid mugger, an amateur, he got nervous when his mother started crying, he shot her straight to heart. His father out of fury tried to punch him, but the motherfucker was faster, shooting him beneath the ribcage. He suffered for three days before dying, his luck didn't safe him.
"I was so frustrated, the committee decided to suspect me while the search for evidence to help me, during midterm exams!" He shouts, earning a quick emphatic glance from Goofy. "I was alone, ashamed, I had nobody to turn and speak."
He let out a sob. "You were with grandma in the farm, and I didn't wanted to interrupt, because it was your parents anniversary, it was personal."
Again, Donald's eyes reflected pain for a brief moment, and not only that but also disappointment, but towards who?
"Della and Scrooge were out on an adventure."
It was their weird way to overcome grief.
"Fethry was away, so I took the first bad decision of the night. I drank." He confessed. "I drank and then she came, Daisy... told me she had a really bad day, so we drank together."
"we went to a motel, it was just supposed to be used to sleep the alcohol away. But one thing lead to another." Gladstone took a shaky breath, he was going to confess something he sworn to hold until the grave. "We kissed, and we made love, I couldn't say no. Donald, do you know when was the second time my luck didn't worked."
Donald allowed himself to nod.
"I meet Daisy before you. We were friends from school, remember? There were only two public school that our parents accepted, you went with Michael and George to one and Minerva, Daisy and I went to the other."
Not only Minnie and Daisy attended to that school but also Goofy's first wife, Penelope Pooch, Goofy fondly recalls.
"We were friends during school, while you were her friend out of school, I was with her almost everyday during years. " finally Donald let his grip on Gladstone go. "And when I finally was going to confess my feelings for her during the that ball in spring break... your friend took her away."
Donald sweated cold, remembering the exact moment Gladstone is saying. Wondering what would've happened if he haven't taken the decision of bringing Daisy closer to him. He closed his eyes, dreading for the rest.
"I didn't say anything because I thought she was going to give you a chance, that she eventually would grow bored of you... that she'll recognise my love for her." He cried the last part. "But it didn't happened, and I was just the third wheel. I was fine with be used by her to make you jealous when you two were mad at each other."
Now, not only Gladstone was crying, Donald was crying too.
"Then what? You just let her!?" He scoffed. "Don't you love yourself?"
Gladstone didn't say anything, Donald in the other hand continued. "Do you hate that much?"
"W-what?"
"Gander, can you imagine how much it hurt having your cousin rub his successful live in your face." He choked up. "Taking the only person who took me seriously away."
"she made me feel real, Donald." Gladstone said. "My luck is only an illusion, my friends were only an illusion, MY GIRLFRIENDS WERE ONLY A ILLUSION! "
Now it was Gladstone who was angry. "She made feel real for her bossy aptitude, not a pushover like the rest."
Donald and Goofy agreed with that.
"I truly love her Donald, I was young, I was stupid and I was jealous because the only thing I ever wanted wasn't possible ... I-"
Gladstone was interrupted by a hand hitting his cheek, he gasped in pain. He looked back at Donald, his hand still raised.
"WHY!? Why didn't you told me about that!?" He wailed. "Why didn't you tell me I was hurting you? I could have just walk away..."
With that, Donald sighed, letting Gladstone go. "Goodbye."
Donald walked away, as Gladstone could only watch. The lucky cousin didn't moved, and of course didn't say anything. Goofy came next to him, and put an oddly conforming hand on his shoulder.
"He was willing to give up his lover." Gladstone said softly.
"Yup"
"He didn't punched me."
"No, he's Donald." Goofy said, turning Gladstone around, smiling sweetly at him. "But I'm not Donald, am I?"
Gladstone sheepishly gulped.
[•••••••]
A few hours later. Nowhere.
José was worried.
Panchito had been unusually quiet the whole day, and the gods knows that any type of quiet was unusually quiet for Panchito, the loud mouth bother. But now he had barely spoken a word since they'd gotten into his car that morning, only speaking to asking for a break, or announce that they should teleport to the next point. José didn't think Panchito was mad at him, at least he couldn't remember anything he had done that would cause him to be mad at him, but he couldn't figure what was going on with his friend.
Well, maybe he's just frustrated at their impotence for not getting to Duckburg sooner.
"Sin ofender, José" (No offense, José) Panchito finally said pretty later that day, glancing over at him, face neutral. "Pero te vez de la verga" (but you look terrible.)
"No pude dormir mucho anoche." (I didn't get much sleep last night.) He meekly confessed. Before the lousy rooster could make a comment he added. " Y NO, no tiene que ver Rosie... asi que ni lo pienses." (And no, it had nothing to do with Rosie keeping me up, so don't even go there.)
José was slightly annoyed, blushing a bit. Panchito finally laughed, giving a smile.
Then.
"No te Hagas el pendejo, José. Dime, tuviste una vision?" (Stop playing stupid, José. Tell me, did you have a vision?)
"No quiero hablar de eso!" (I don't want about it)
José's tone was sharper than Donald had ever used on them, so he decided not to push it, yet.
"Okay," he said, returning his gaze to the road ahead. "Haz lo que quieras." (Do what you want.)
Panchito drove in silence, and José was hoping for his friend to drop the issue, he can't tell Panchito about his vision, he'll panic. But, to José, keeping this secret was eating his sanity, leaving him with constant migraine, just like now.
As in cue, a sudden wave of pain and nausea leave him grimacing and bending forward, putting his hand over his beak to prevent any accident. Panchito stopped the car abruptly, and José was glad that there were no one near them because they could have caused an accident.
"Pero que mierda te pasa!?" (What the hell is wrong with you?) He asked, his voice trembling in concern.
"Francisco... "
"La vision fue sobre Donald!? No?" (The vision was about Donald, isn't?)
José merely nodded, Panchito caressed his head, his expression soft. He vented over the back seat, to grab a fist aid kit and a water bottle. He pulled out a pill, handing over the items to José.
"Eso te ayudara." (This will help you.)
Without hesitation the parrot took the medicine, falling asleep almost instantly, curled against the door, undisturbed.
. .
. .
. .
. .
José woke with a start when Panchito shook his shoulder gently.
"En serio me dormí?" (Did I fall asleep?) He asked, rubbing the sleep off his eyes and looking around hurriedly.
Panchito nodded, motioning out the front window, it was getting dark, but as he can see, Duckburg was near.
"Si, logre Aparecer cerca de Duckburg, te perdiste tu turno. Pero no te culpo."
"Yeah, I managed to Apperate near Duckburg. You sleep through your Shift. But I don't blame you."
José's eyes widened, it was almost sunset, and h knows Panchito doesn't have much resistance against fatigue like Donald and himself had.
Panchito shrugged. "Nada paso mientras dormias. Solo conduje hasta aqui." (Nothing happened while you were sleeping. I just rode around)
José splashing water to his face to wake him up, glancing to Panchito. "Detente en la siguiente gasolinera, conducire lo que queda." (Just stop in the next gas station, I'll drive the rest of the way.)
"Señor,si señor!" (Aye, aye sir!) He mocked his friend.
End of chapter 5
A little short, but I will get better.
Notes.
*Rosie is the official girlfriend of José in the comics.
*Penelope Pooch is the theorized first wife of Goofy, and mother to Max.
*Minerva is the full name of Minnie, same as José's sister.
*Gladstone calls anyone who doesn't like by their full names.
*I decided to have a full Spanish conversation between José and Panchito to making it look natural, since both know the language better than English.
thanks to Prats 'R' Us for noticing errors of editing. I own you one.