Hi everyone! Okay, I got around to the second part of this. But I decided, instead of re-editing the chapter, I'll just upload this as a new one for now. Then, once chapter 9 is done, I'll add this part into Chapter 8. So here's Donald's side of the story. Oh and, I still would like some help with something, if it's alright to ask? I explain in the notes down below.
For now, here's the new part 2 of chapter 8!
NOTE: Talks briefly about loss, remembering, and light grieving, so warning there.
Date: June 8, 2024
Early Happy Birthday, Donald Duck!
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Chapter 8: But Get Ousted In The End - Donald's Story
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Amidst all the grinding of gears and the crackling of electricity going on in the little room, the resounding echoes of laughter overpowered every other sound.
"Ha-ha-ha, Mr. Quackett really did all that to rich folks?"
"Indeed! Once my Master feels someone has rubbed him the wrong way, he takes a certain vengeance against them in the most petty of ways. Majority of the times it has been harmless pranks. But once he met Dolly, he began to see the error of his ways and learn to view the high class and rich in a new light."
Donald finally got over his giggle fit, now becoming more attentive to Zero's words, "Those two were really an item, huh?"
Zero, the A.I. and android of the highest caliber smiled fondly, "If you define being an item as they were forever devoted to their love for each other and were partners for life, then yes, they certainly are… Were… an item."
Donald had noticed the mechanical duck pause, forgetting himself and realizing his masters were no longer around. He had heard these beautiful and hilarious stories from Zero, but couldn't help but feel that longing along with him. He wanted Zero to feel better, cause this duck was fun and really kind. It was unfair that he had outlived his masters who are no longer here, unless they pulled a Scrooge and Goldie and got trapped in some gold liquid for a couple of years? Or found some sort of other way to keep young or time travel to the future? He highly doubted that the duo were anyone who would go and have the adventures that his own family did. Well, other than the petty pranks and the spontaneous honeymoons overseas, they seemed like a simple family.
"Say, Donald?" That got the duck's attention as he saw Zero look saddened while his eyes scanned all around the room.
"Yeah, Zero?"
"Is there really no other news about them? Did they really disappear from the world?" His eyes looked almost watery and pleading for an answer.
Donald had only read the pages from the Nestipedia, but from what it suggested, they passed on in old age as any other, with no heir to their name. So he shook his head, relaying all that he had learned from the site.
"I see. Well, the internet isn't always the most reliable of things, or so I remember."
"Wak? I thought you've been asleep for a long time?"
The duck's smile is sad and wavering as his voice spoke, "You see Sir Donald. I myself have a big secret, one that only the masters and our fellow inventor friend knew. It is one that has never left and has not ever been known by anyone beyond the residents of this mansion. Not even their closest friends know this truth."
Donald was intrigued, what in the world was this android hiding?
The mechanical duck continues, "I, Zero, A.I. and android of the highest caliber, am not of this time. For you see, I had come from an era from somewhen in the future."
Donald should have been surprised, shocked even, but instead, "Really?"
Zero, eyes wide and expression baffled exclaimed, "Is that really your response?! You're not overwhelmed by this truth?"
Donald shrugs, "I know I should be, but given this mansion has been a whole strange experience already, plus being exposed to more wilder things with Uncle Scrooge and my family, I guess I can say I figured you were something unusual."
"You truly are a strange one, Sir Donald. But it is a refreshing response in light of the surprise," he smiles as he looks at the young deed holder.
"So," Donald begins, "you're from the future?"
Zero nods, "Affirmative. Though, I cannot explain the exact process which had brought me into the past in the first place. My memory banks as well as other parts were severely damaged. It was only thanks to Inventor Copernicus, that I was able to function again."
"Wow! So, what do you remember exactly?"
Zero looks down and away from the curious duck, "It is still broken and scattered pixels and colors to this day. But what I have retained are these facts. The first, I have brothers, we once were part of a collective system, working together and in sync. Each worked on a different aspects, one worked with the positives, the other with the negatives, and one with the neutral factors."
"Which one did you work as?"
He paused, "I actually do not know. But what I do retain memory of is the one who programed us, we considered a father. He was creating an artificial body in which we could all work together as one, even outside our mainframe. I was the first programed into the android, the others were suppose to follow after it was proven stable. Then, the last thing…"
Donald noticed the pause as Zero looked back at him, his lips clenching together as if hesitant to speak of it. He places his wing upon the android's leg to assure him it was alright. So, taking a deep breath, he spoke, "I remember… his dissatisfaction with the technology of the era. He relied on the artifacts of old to help power the machine. Copernicus had hypothesized once, perhaps the combination of certain artifacts had gone haywire, it's data did not compute well with the system, and so, that's how I was transferred from point A to point B. Thus, causing my systems to be nearly damaged beyond repair, were it not for the Quacketts finding me and taking me to him to be restored. Copernicus was a genius, one who somehow understood my technology and was able to save both my hardware and software. I owed all I was and am to them, and so I was forever in their debt and served them."
Donald was really feeling the emotion from the story. He was sad that the A.I. was unintentionally ejected from his original family, not even remembering who they were. He was even sad that Zero had outlived his second family, the Quacketts and Copernicus, now alone in the new century and deprived of their company. But, through it all, he couldn't help but see how much he truly loved and cared for them, his loyalty and his respect for them was so awe-inspiring.
The duck went up to the android and hugged him.
"Sir Donald?" Zero was shaken by the action.
"It's alright Zero. You're not alone anymore."
The words moved the mechanical machine, surprised and smiling at the sailor's actions. He lifted his arms as best he could and returned the gesture, "Thank you, Sir Donald."
He really didn't realize how much he needed that hug, as his memories replayed all the wonderful days with his masters and friends, and remembering most their welcoming and warming embrace.
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Note there are probably several mistakes in this somewhere. So know, I'll come back to fix this properly at a later date.
Now Donald has learned the truth of Zero and the truth of his past. To think, he's some Android from the future. Who would have guessed, huh? Now, I wonder if you can guess who Zero's programmer originally was and who the brothers are? As mentioned in a previous chapter, I did mention the addition of some "PKNA - Paperinik New Adventures" elements in this little story. So that could give you a good hint.
I still would like to leave the question up here for you all, since when I looked through my notes, I saw I have two different routes the story could take. If it's alright, mind helping me choose an event?
I'll give you a Small HINT since there are 2 different directions:
1: Nothing Is Nothing
2: When You Lose A Letter
Now to everyone who has given favorites and follows to this story, thank you so much! Also, to you who have stopped by to read this, I just have to say thank you so so much! Thank you so much for reading and enjoying this story! :D
If you've got questions or just want to know something, feel free to drop it in the comments. See you next chapter! :D
