This chapter is FINALLY DONE YAY! I really hope it turned out okay;I honestly haven't had a chance to fully re-accquaint myself with the Darkwing Duck series so I probably didn't do as good a job with Bushroot as I would have liked but he was the perfect villain... for reasons... haha! As a special treat for anyone who waited around for this chapter I'm also uploading a sneak peek of chapter 9. Thanks to those who have stuck around for your patience, it is greatly appreciated!
Scrooge and Magica woke up and sniffed the air, something smelled… burnt!
"Oh, no…" Scrooge muttered as he and Magica quickly threw on their robes and left their room, following the burnt smell to the kitchen.
"Here you go boys! A hearty breakfast made with love by your mom!" Della said proudly, setting platters of pancakes, bacon and toast on the dining table for Huey, Dewey and Louie.
"Uh, mom… there's smoke coming from the kitchen…" Huey said, motioning to the kitchen door. "Oh! Ah, no worries I've got this; everything is just fine." Della reassured the boys as she went back into the kitchen to find the source of the smoke.
Scrooge and Magica passed through the dining room and entered the kitchen to see Della trying to put out a small fire on the stove. Magica recited a quick spell and a small rain cloud appeared over the stove and rained out the fire.
Della was suddenly soaked by an indoor rain cloud as the rain put out the fire. She turned around to see her Aunt and Uncle looking rather annoyed. "Uh, good morning Uncle Scrooge… Aunt Magica… I made breakfast, you want some?" she shrank back a little in embarrassment as Magica walked past and picked up a charred oven mitt off the stove.
"Watch where you leave things or you're gonna burn the house down." "Yes, Aunt Magica." Della nodded. Scrooge sighed. "You've only been back for one day and already-" "FIRE!"
Suddenly they were all drenched by a flood of water from the window and they could make out Donald hollering about fire, then the water stopped.
"Did I put it out?" Donald asked, standing at the window with a garden hose in hand. Magica turned and shot a look at Donald That could kill. "You're SO lucky I kind of like you…" Donald gulped and chuckled nervously. "Sorry…" Magica sighed. "I'm going to go dry off before I decide to kill you." She left the room dripping.
Scrooge turned to his niece and nephew. "Next time you watch what you're doing in the kitchen," he glared at Della then at Donald. "And you leave the darn hose alone." He then turned to follow Magica and dry off. "Otherwise your Aunt is going let you both have it I'm sure." He chuckled as he left the room and left a wet trail alongside the one Magica had left.
"He is such a moron!" Magica fumed as she rung out her hair. Scrooge chuckled. "True, Donald was never the sharpest tool in the shed, but his heart's in the right place." "Well someday his head needs to get there too." Magica chuckled a bit, calming down. "I wouldn't hold my breath." Scrooge laughed and she laughed with him. "Help me out Scroogie?" Magica held out a towel. "Of course." He took the towel and she turned around so he could towel off her hair.
They had gone into their bathroom and traded their wet things for dry bathrobes and now Magica was just trying to get her hair dry.
"Hey, come to think of it, you could just use a spell to dry your hair." Scrooge stopped toweling Magica's hair. She just gave him a mischievous grin over her shoulder. "But this is more enjoyable." She winked at him. He blushed slightly. "Sneaky witch." He gave her a light kiss and she grabbed the collar of his robe, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss.
After a few moments they broke the kiss. "And you're still a fool Scroogie darling. Let's go get dressed and have breakfast hm?" "Sounds good to me love."
"So? How's your breakfast?" Della asked, wide hopeful eyes looking at her three boys. "This is amazingly delicious Mom!" Dewey said between mouthfuls. "It's good." "Yeah, thanks." Louie and Huey ate theirs with less enthusiasm. "Is everything all right boys? Did I burn yours?" Della asked, concerned about Huey and Louie. "No. It's totally fine." Louie said as he picked a small bite. "Not burnt at all. I'm just not super hungry." Huey said, shoving his plate aside. "What's wrong with you guys? Mom made a great breakfast!" Dewey was surprised by his brothers' behavior.
"Okay, trying this again… Good morning all!" Scrooge said cheerfully as he and Magica entered the dining room. Then he saw the expressions of everyone in the room. "Is everything alright in here…?" "Everything should be great right?" Dewey looked at his brothers. "Our mom is home; our family is finally whole again and we have this delicious breakfast our mom made us. Everything couldn't be better right?" "Yeah, I guess…" Louie said, picking at his pancakes.
Huey however, couldn't keep his thoughts to himself anymore. "Really? You're just going act like nothing ever happened? Just because she's here and acting all parent-y? That doesn't make anything okay." He threw his fork down. "Huey I- why are you so upset?" Della asked, trying to put a hand on his shoulder only for him to shrug away. "Because; sure, maybe there was Selene and the Moonlanders and whatever but, you still left us." Louie nodded. "Exactly. You were scared and you ran away. You can't just start being a mom like that never happened." "Honestly, Uncle Donald is more our parent than you." Huey got up from his seat. "May I please be excused-" "Don't you boys think you're being a bit harsh?" Scrooge put a hand on Huey's shoulder. Huey just looked at him and brushed past with Louie behind.
"Della… are you okay? They boys shouldn't have-" Donald spoke up, having walked in just at the right moment to hear what Huey and Louie had to say and was interrupted by Della, who was clearly trying to keep tears at bay. "No, they're right Donnie; they have every right to be angry with me." She wiped her eyes, still trying not to cry. "I was scared and I did take off in the Spear because of it. Essentially, I abandoned them. I.." she trailed off as the lump building in her throat started to choke out her words. "Oh, Della…" Donald hugged his sister. "It'll all be okay." He soothed. "Yeah, just give them some time, they'll come around." Dewey joined in, making it a group hug. "Thanks…" Della hugged them both tightly.
"Are you gonna be okay lass?" Scrooge asked gently when the three released each other. Della nodded, sniffling and wiping away some tears. "Yeah, I'll be okay Uncle Scrooge. I guess I was just so happy to be home and to finally get to be a mother that I didn't realize it wasn't going to be that simple." "Things rarely are." Magica said, placing a hand on Della's shoulder reassuringly. "But that doesn't mean it's impossible." She did her best to give her niece a reassuring smile. Della smiled back. "Thanks, Aunt Magica. You're totally right."
Donald, Scrooge, Magica and Dewey had breakfast with Della then Scrooge headed off to prepare for the day's meeting.
Scrooge had a meeting for the charity organization he started with Glomgold industries. The organization had been planning something for Duckburg children's hospital so he assumed it had to do with that.
Scrooge double checked himself, making sure that his hat, coat and spats were neat and clean before stepping away from the mirror. "Are you ready yet?" he asked, turning to face Magica who was finishing her makeup.
"Yes, I'm ready now darling." She said, then did a little turn to show off her outfit. "Do I look appropriate for a business meeting?" He looked her over; when he'd told her about the meeting she asked to accompany him, she wanted to show her support for his business ventures, maybe even learn something about business but it went without saying that she also liked the idea of walking into these things with him just to see the looks they still got when out together.
Magica did look appropriate for the meeting. She was wearing a black pencil skirt with a matching blazer and a red halter with a sweetheart neckline that showed just the slightest hint of cleavage.
She accented her outfit with her black pearl earrings and she of course was wearing the amulet. She never took it off except to sleep, shower or bathe as it was one of her most prized and cherished possessions. The amulet that helped to finally bring them together and the dime that had been the catalyst of his fortune and their obsession with one another; in some ways it held more meaning than her wedding ring.
Scrooge smiled. "You look stunning my dearest. Now let's go before we're late." He held out his arm and she took it, a light blush on her cheeks and they headed out to the car.
"I still think he's gonna get us killed one day…" Magica whispered to Scrooge as they exited the car outside the Glomgold Industries office building, briefly glaring at Launchpad as he drove off to the parking garage.
Scrooge chuckled and took her hand. "Launchpad got us here in plenty of time so let's just get in there and get this over with." She nodded and they went inside.
"You know, I could offer some great schemes and plots for your villain there…" Glomgold said, nudging the lean hawk with a slight bed head beside him who just looked plain annoyed. "Your 'schemes' don't even make sense by comic book standards and trust me; those are pretty loose standards sometimes." He responded, rubbing his temples. "Miss Owlson, when will Mr. McDuck be here?"
"I'm here right now." Just as Owlson was about to answer, Scrooge and Magica walked in. "Scrooge McDuck, and this is my wife Magica." He motioned to Magica who smiled. "Pleased to meet you Mr.…?" Scrooge extended his hand to the hawk. He stood and shook hands with Scrooge. "It is an honor to meet you Mr. McDuck! I'm Tan Glider and I'm a comic book writer and artist and I've working on a new series I think you'll really be interested in."
"I thought we were going to talk about a children's hospital charity event?" Scrooge looked at Glider and Owlson, puzzled. "We are Mr. McDuck. Glider has a proposal for the event." Owlson explained. "Go on Mr. Glider, please explain your proposal." Owlson encouraged.
Glider showed Scrooge his comic book panels depicting a muscular superhero in familiar looking purple and yellow costume. "Is that what I think it is?" Scrooge asked, looking at the artist. "Yes sir, it's The Masked Mallard! He struck quite a chord with me so I decided to make a comic book series for him." "You're serious…aren't you?" Scrooge said, a little bit of embarrassment evident in his tone. "Wait… wasn't The Masked Mallard the super hero alter ego you tried a few years ago to boost your popularity?" Magica asked, looking at the comic book panels. Scrooge nodded. "Don't remind me. That pair of fancy long johns was more trouble than it was worth."
He turned back to Glider. "So, what are you trying to get at with this?" "Well, I've just been posting these online and they've become pretty popular so I wanted to ask you if you'd be interested in having your publishing company officially pick it up. You would get royalties of course; The Masked Mallard is your character after all." Scrooge rubbed his chin and thought about it for a moment. "It certainly sounds better than parading around in those pajamas again…"
"HEY! What about me? Shouldn't I get royalties from this deal too? I have character in there too!" Glomgold jumped up and ripped the panels away from Magica and pointed to one. "See? Right here!" Scrooge and Magica looked at the character he was referring to, a tall penguin in a gold suit with gold accessories.
"What are ya babbling about Flinty? This doesn't look like it has anything to do with you." Scrooge looked back at Glomgold. "Of course, it does! He's the Gold Glommer! Obviously, he's based on me!" "Uh, no he's not. He's actually inspired by Gold Feather from the old James Quack movies." Glider said, his tone somewhat exasperated. "Then why is his name Gold Glommer? It basically mine just backwards and with a 'er' added to it!" Glider shook his head, sighing. "He's the Gold Glommer because he aims to steal all the gold in the world, because that's what a 'gold glommer' is… a gold thief."
"Who's this character supposed to be?" Magica asked, pointing to a female duck that appeared to be a villain, dressed in a black catsuit with a dark magenta cape, a matching masquerade mask and belt that had several pouches attached to it. "That's the Sorceress. She's a villain who uses magic but she's also kind of like the Catwoman to the Masked Mallard's BatDuck." Glider explained.
"Oh really? So, is she based on or inspired by anyone in particular?" Magica asked, not sure how comfortable she was with the idea of this character possibly being based on her. "Well Catwoman obviously but there were a few other influences." Glider's expression told Magica exactly what the 'other influences' were and she just chuckled a bit to choke down her own thoughts on the matter. "Fascinating."
"So, what's your comic book got to do with our charity event?" Scrooge steered the conversation back to the charity. "Oh, well as it turns out my Masked Mallard comics have become quite popular with children, including many at the Duckburg Children's Hospital; so I thought, if you pick up the series at McDuck Publishing, we could have the Masked Mallard appear at the charity event for the kids." Glider said, somewhere between proud and nervous.
Scrooge thought about it for a moment. "Royalties for the Masked Mallard and The Sorceress plus ten percent of the profits from all the sales, including merchandise, and you've got a publishing contract." Glider looked ecstatic. "T-thank you so much Mr. McDuck!" he shook Scrooge's hand again enthusiastically. "Now there's just one more thing to establish…" Owlson started. "What about the Mallard's appearance at the children's hospital?" "Of course, The Masked Mallard will appear, courtesy of McDuck Enterprises." Scrooge said happily." "So, you'll agree to don the suit once again for the event?" Glider asked hopefully. "Mr. Glomgold already agreed to portray The Gold Glommer and I'm sure we could get a costume if your wife wants to portray The Sorceress alongside your Masked Mallard." Scrooge's face fell. "Come again?"
"I don't believe this." Magica complained once they were in the car, on their way back to the mansion. "Why would you agree to something so ridiculous, and drag me into it!" Scrooge sighed. "You were already 'dragged' into it because you came with me." Scrooge sighed, then gave Magica a little grin. "Besides, I'm not dealing with Glomgold and the ridiculous get-ups alone. For better or worse remember?" he snickered and Magica just put her head back against her seat and groaned. "Don't make me hit you."
"Hey, it could be a lot of fun!" Launchpad said cheerfully, looking over his shoulder at them. All Magica saw was the light pole they were rapidly approaching. "Eyes on the road you idiot!" she screamed and Launchpad quickly righted the course. Magica took a deep breath while a chuckling Scrooge rubbed her back soothingly. "I swear, either he's gonna kill us or I'm gonna kill him…" she muttered. Scrooge just kissed her cheek.
After returning to the manor, Dewey recruited launchpad to help talk to Louie and Huey while Scrooge and Magica prepared for the charity event.
"Hey guys, come on… give your mom a chance. She's been through a lot and loves you all a whole bunch." Launchpad said to the door he was standing in front of.
"Yeah, you guys should be happy she's back, alive and well." Webby added. Then the door opened. "It's not that we don't want to give her a chance." Louie said as he and Huey emerged from their room.
"It's just that the truth hurts. Knowing that she wanted to run away from you before you were even hatched hurts." Lena said, leaning against the wall across from the door. A look of understanding in her normally cynical eyes.
Huey nodded. "Exactly." "I get that. I was resentful of my mom for dying and leaving me for a while so I totally get it." Lena put a hand on Huey's shoulder. "Thanks." He smiled up at her. "Yeah, at least someone understands." Louie added.
"At least all of you have parents…" Webby said, getting a bit emotional. "You're lucky and should all be grateful that you still have at least one of your parents."
Huey and Louie felt a little ashamed as Webby's words sank in. Both of Webby's parents were gone, they had been since she was very small.
"I don't even have memories of them because I was so little. That's why I was so invested in helping Dewey because I know exactly how he felt…" she sniffled. "Sure, your uncle and my granny are wonderful but… when everyone else has a mom and a dad, you feel like you're missing out." Dewey and Lena hugged her. "It's okay Webbs." Lena soothed. "Don't cry Webby." Dewey said, rubbing her back.
"Oh, Webby… we didn't think about it like that…" Louie started hesitantly. "It's different though; your parents died… our mom ran away. All these years I had thought she died but she actually ran away from me, that's not the same." Huey explained with a sigh. "Don't get me wrong, I totally get what you're saying and I am glad that my mom is okay and here with us again but… I'm just gonna need some time. That's all."
With that Huey disappeared back into his room. "I'm sorry but Huey's right. We both just need some time." Louie followed his brother back into their room and the door closed again. "Let's just leave them alone now." Lena suggested. "But…" Dewey started to protest but honestly just couldn't find the words. He just nodded his agreement and in defeat, walked away. "Everything will be alright in the end." Launchpad said loudly so as to make sure everyone heard him before heading off to the kitchen for a sandwich.
In the kitchen Launchpad found Della, going over a cook book and trying to decide what recipe to make for the boys.
"Let's see… Grandma Downey's Haggis? Ew, not a chance. Donald's Sailor Stew? The boys are probably sick to death of it. I know! My classic firework cake and Uncle Scrooge's sea salt ice cream recipe! The boys will love that!" Della excitedly started collecting ingredients until she caught sight of Launchpad trying to get to the fridge for sandwich meats.
"What do you want, not-my-replacement?" Launchpad held up his hands. "First of all, I never intended to replace anyone and now I just wanted to get a sandwich. Okay?"
"Fine. I suppose would-be-replacements need to eat too… Just don't touch the cake and ice cream I'm making for my boys!" "You know, while the quickest way to man's heart is through his stomach; Huey and Louie aren't men, they're kids. Maybe fun food isn't enough to win them over."
Della glared at Launchpad suspiciously. "What do you know about dealing with kids?" she scoffed. "Well, from personal experience; next to nothing. But, from DW a little bit." He replied. Della just gave him a cynical look before questioning him again. "DW?" "Yeah, Darkwing Duck. Have you ever watched it?" He asked. "Yeah, I think I saw a couple of episodes once…" "Darkwing Duck is the greatest and there's actually an episode that might help you with the boys. I have the whole series so come and watch it with me!"
Launchpad didn't give Della a chance to decline before grabbing her hand and dragging her into the living room and making her sit on the couch.
"Stay here and I'll be right back with the tapes and some popcorn." He instructed. "Make me, not-my-replacement!" She challenged. They narrowed their eyes at each other and stared each other down. "Stay here… or I'll really replace you as Mr. McDee's pilot." "Just you try it…"
They went back and forth for a bit until Launchpad had an idea. "You know what? If you leave, I'll REALLY be replacing you!" "Oh-ho no you won't! I'm gonna stay right here before you'll ever replace me!"
"Okay fine. I'll be right back." Launchpad left the room and then something occurred to Della. "Wait… did he just reverse psychology me, did I really just fall for that trick? Oh, he's good…"
"I can't believe that actually worked, normally you only see that in cartoons but now I know…. Cartoons really do mirror real life!" Launchpad laughed to himself as he made his way to his apartment room over the garage.
Della sat on the couch waiting for Launchpad when Duckworth walked in. "Duckworth! It's good to see you again!" She flew up and hugged him. "It is good to see you as well miss Della. You've been sorely missed." Duckworth smiled at her.
"So, tell me… how have things been for the last ten years?" Della asked eagerly. "Depressing until your brother and boys returned." Duckworth replied. "What?" "Your brother left with the boys after you were lost. Mr. McDuck was, in all honesty, very lonely until they came back." "Why would Donald cut off Uncle Scrooge… he blamed him didn't he?" Duckworth nodded.
"I… I'm sorry. Anyway, how about Aunt Magica? Has she been a good boss?" Della quickly changed the subject before her emotions could start choking her.
Duckworth sighed. "I can't say I'm completely comfortable with Ms. DeSpell, well, Mrs. McDuck; but so far she hasn't turned me into something else or cursed me so I'd say we're getting on as well as can be expected." Della rolled her eyes. "Am I the only one who thinks them being married is a good thing?" "Well, Mrs. Beakley and the children haven taken to her quite well."
Duckworth stifled a chuckle at Della's continued eye rolling. "If I am being completely honest however, Mr. McDuck has been happier than I've seen him in some time and, in my humble opinion, that is the most important thing." He and Della exchanged smiles.
Launchpad returned a moment later with his Darkwing Duck tapes and a large bowl of popcorn.
"Alright, let's get dangerous!" he cheered as he put in the tape he wanted to show Della, then took a seat on the couch with the popcorn bowl between himself and Della.
"Okay, this is even more ridiculous than I thought." Magica deadpanned, walking out of their shared closet in the "Sorceress" costume and glaring at Scrooge, who had to take a second to pick up his jaw.
"Well you certainly look better than me…" he said, turning around to look in the mirror as he adjusted his mask. "Honestly, we both look stupid. I mean with that fake muscle they put in that costume you look like a deformed balloon and don't even get me started on how mine is purely for the male benefit…" she scoffed, scowling at the tight bodysuit in the mirror on the closet door.
Scrooge nodded silently and kept his thoughts to himself. No need to upset her further by admitting that he did see the benefit she mentioned, although he didn't care for the false muscle in the revised costume he'd been given, it just made the fancy long johns bulkier and harder to move around in.
"So, are we ready to get this insanity over with now?" Magica asked once Scrooge finished adjusting his mask. "Yes, so let's just go and be done with it." He turned around and threw on his cape, completing the costume.
Scrooge and Magica tried to get out without being seen but their efforts were in vain, Launchpad spotted them sneaking out the kitchen door.
"Mr. and Mrs. McDee? Are you two sneaking out or something?" They froze and slowly turned around and glared at Launchpad. "One word, Launchpad, one word about this and-"
"Uncle Scrooge, Aunt Magica… what are you two wearing?" They all looked in the doorway and standing there was Louie, laughing hysterically at his great Uncle and Aunt. They tried to hush him but his laughter drew attention and soon Della and the rest of the kids were standing in the doorway giggling, snickering and chortling at the sight.
"I thought you weren't into superheroes and comics Uncle Scrooge." Della snickered.
"Oh yeah, you didn't see the Masked Mallard…" Dewey laughed. "The Masked Mallard?" Della asked. "Yeah, Uncle Scrooge's superhero persona." Dewey said through his laughter.
Huey and Louie explained about the Masked Mallard while the others chuckled.
"This is priceless!" Lena said as she snapped a picture on her phone.
"And just what are you going to do with that?" Magica demanded somewhat nervously.
"Just a little dirt, you know, for blackmail purposes in the future." Lena grinned mischievously.
"Brat." Magica muttered.
Before another word could be spoken between any of them there was a loud bang and the kitchen filled with smoke.
"Alright, Launchpad did you set the microwave too long, again?" Scrooge coughed.
"Really? I'm no busted microwave, you, senile old bird!" a familiar voice with a southern drawl screeched.
"Oh, great. It's her again." Magica groaned.
"Her who?" Della asked as she opened a window to try to clear out some of the smoke.
"Rochelle LaQuack! The most powerful witch in the world!" Rochelle cackled manically.
Magica scoffed, almost laughing out loud. "You wish!"
"Shut your mouth! You're a total disgrace and I intend to prove it!" Rochelle screeched.
"Oh, she's the one you were telling me about Aunt Magica, the crazy bayou b-" Della was interrupted by Rochelle, continuing her screeching.
"Don't you even finish that sentence!" Rochelle glared daggers at Della and Magica who wore matching smirks. "Ooh! I am gonna teach you a lesson you won't soon forget!"
Then, before anyone could stop her, Rochelle quickly chanted a spell and with a puff of strangely colored smoke, Scrooge and Magica had both disappeared and in their place was a pair of kids.
The girl was a duck and had bright red pigtails, a pink and purple raglan shirt and creamy off-white feathers, the boy was a goose wearing oversized, red glasses and a green polo shirt with a pocket protector and a backpack.
"What in the world just happened?" The girl asked, coughing and waiving away the remaining smoke.
"I don't know but something tells me we're not in Kansas anymore…" The boy replied uneasily through a stuffy nose.
"What did that lunatic do to us this time?" Magica coughed as the smoke dissipated.
"I don't have the slightest clue. But at least we're-" Scrooge was cut off by an unfamiliar voice.
"Who are you and what did you do with Gosalyn and Honker?"
"First of all, who are you and what's a Gosalyn and a Honker?" Magica questioned, studying the figure in front of them as Scrooge took in their surroundings.
They were in the middle of a city street, lined with parked cars and lit by streetlights that competed with the moon and stars above them. In front of them stood… Darkwing Duck?
"Don't make me ask you no goods again, where's Gosalyn and Honker? They were right there and then smoke appeared and now you're here and they're gone so the only explanation is that you two took them!" Darkwing barked as he aimed his gas gun at them.
"I have no idea what happened to them, I don't even know how we got here!" Magica snapped.
"Exactly! We don't know what happened, but if we work together maybe we can-"
Darkwing didn't let Scrooge finish. "I am Darkwing Duck, the terror that flaps in the night, the hero of St. Canard; I don't work with bad guys, it goes against everything I stand for!"
"Look, we didn't kidnap anybody and we're not bad guys!... at least I'm not really anymore…" Magica realized she wasn't really helping and just stopped talking.
"If you would just listen to us for one-" Scrooge was again cut off by Darkwing.
"If you won't tell me what you did with those kids then I guess I'll just have to beat it out of you! Eat gas, bad guys!" Darkwing fired his gas gun at them and, realizing they weren't getting anywhere with the stubborn hero, they both ran.
"What did you do?" Della demanded of the bewildered witch.
"I thought I sent those two away… why are there children here?"
Rochelle stood puzzled, trying to figure out how and why two random children were now standing where Scrooge and Magica had been.
"How do you not know what you did, you dummy!" Donald barked angrily.
"Geez, Aunt Magica was never this pathetic." Della scoffed.
"Don't compare me to that lousy excuse for a witch! I'm ten times the witch she could ever hope to be!" Rochelle screeched.
"Um, excuse me but… could somebody please explain what's going on here?" Gosalyn finally snapped.
"Uh, Gos, if she's really a witch then maybe we should just keep quiet…" Honker said nervously, clinging to his friend fearfully.
"Oh my gosh it's Gosalyn and Honker from Darkwing Duck!" Launchpad exclaimed once he got a good look at the two kids.
"You mean that old cartoon? So then does that mean that I… Oh, that's simply fantastic! That buzzard and the pathetic excuse for a witch are trapped in a cartoon!" Rochelle cackled wickedly upon realizing what her spell had done.
"Oh no! Uncle Scrooge, Aunt Magica!" Della rushed to the TV and saw them on the screen.
"What are we gonna do?" "How are we gonna get them out of there?" "Better question; what are we gonna do about the crazy witch of the south?" Huey, Dewey and Louie had followed their mom into the living room.
"Easy; we knock her stupid block off!" Della said, grabbing a sword from a wall display and charging at Rochelle, who was still cackling.
Rochelle saw Della just in the nick of time and barely managed to dodge her attack, then saw a few small strands of her hair fall to the floor.
"You cut my hair!" Rochelle screeched. "Now you're going to get it!"
"Bring it on!" Della challenged, then swung at Rochelle again.
Rochelle dodged and attempted to counter with a spell only for Lena to jump in with her own spell, countering Rochelle's counter spell.
At that point Donald jumped in, helping his sister fight the witch.
"I don't know what's going on here or what they're talking about but we should try to help them." Gosalyn said, looking around the room and then at her quivering companion.
"When you talked about running away, I just knew it was a bad idea." Honker replied.
The two then joined the others in trying to subdue the witch.
Once they were sure they'd lost the stubborn superhero Scrooge and Magica stopped running, both slumped down against the nearest wall and tried to catch their breath.
"Well that negotiation failed miserably." Magica deadpanned. "Obviously, we'll have to figure out how to get home on our own." Scrooge sighed frustratedly; then he had an idea.
"Say, can't you just use a spell to take us home?" he asked. Magica just rolled her eyes. "Scroogie darling, how many times must I tell you that magic is not a magical fix-all?" He just raised an eyebrow in response. "What I'm trying to say is that while yes, I could use a spell to transport us home, it isn't that simple."
He continued to just look at her with a raised eyebrow and she groaned. "Look around us Scrooge; I'm pretty sure we've been sent to another reality; the reality of that cartoon Launchpad loves so much." She sighed. "If I tried to zap us back to Duckburg it most likely would end up being the Duckburg of this reality, if it even worked!"
"So, what you're saying is you can't actually get us home; what good is your magic at all?" Scrooge snapped.
Magica just looked at Scrooge, a little hurt. "Well, if I'm so useless maybe you should figure it all out yourself." She turned her back to him, got up and started to walk away.
"So, you're just going to walk away and sulk like a child? Fine! I'll figure out how to get home myself!" Scrooge snapped back. "Fine!" She repeated and they both went their separate ways.
Sometime later Scrooge was wandering the streets, realizing he should find and apologize to Magica when he was nearly run over by a… plant?
"What in Dismal Downs!" he cursed as he looked at the large, anthropomorphic, dandelion looking plant that had almost trampled him.
The plant turned and tilted its head, seeming to look at Scrooge curiously for a moment, before releasing some sort of spores.
Scrooge coughed and hacked, trying not breath in the spores but his efforts were in vain as more of the large dandelion looking plants appeared and he lost consciousness.
Meanwhile; Magica, now totally lost in the city, leaned back against the wall of a nearby building and sighed.
"He just doesn't understand how magic works, I really need to remember that." She groaned in frustration. "But he doesn't have to be so stubborn!... like I'm one to talk…" she shook her head. "And now we're separated and I'm not totally sure how to find him again. This is just great-"
She interrupted herself with a sudden realization. "Wait, if we really are in an episode of a cartoon then anyone watching is seeing what's going on and- I just broke the fourth wall, didn't I?" She stood straight and groaned again. "I need to find Scrooge and get home before I lose my mind!"
When Scrooge awoke, he found himself in a cage in what seemed to be a large green house or botanist's laboratory.
There were all kinds of plants everywhere, some monstrous looking like the ones that abducted him, some appearing normal and others still seedlings in small pots and test tubes.
The humidity was making the stupid costume that much more uncomfortable as Scrooge tried to find some means of escape. Then there was a voice.
"Now that I have captured Darkwing Duck the city of St. Canard belongs to- wait, who the heck are you?"
Scrooge turned around and saw a duck in a lab coat but, with his mossy green feathers, vine-y arms and root-like feet he looked like a plant himself!
"Bless me bagpipes, just who, or what, are you supposed to be!" Scrooge jumped back at the sight of his captor.
The plant-duck ignored him as he turned to the anthropomorphic dandelions.
"That's not Darkwing Duck!" he barked.
"But you said a hero dressed in purple!" the dandelion defended itself.
The plant-duck face-palmed and sighed. "Whatever. Maybe I can still salvage this situation." He turned back to Scrooge. "Okay, whoever you are, you're my prisoner and I'll think of some way to use you to my advantage."
Scrooge groaned in annoyance and decided that for the time being he'd just play along.
"I am St. Canard's newest hero; the Masked Mallard and you won't get away with this." He said flatly.
"The Masked Mallard? So, you're posing as Darkwing Duck? Geez, like we don't have enough of him already; first Negaduck, now you?"
Scrooge groaned again. "Well just who are you anyway? The evil weed?"
"I am Bushroot, the world's greatest botanist and soon all of St. Canard will be covered in my greenery and be the eco-friendly city in the world!" Bushroot cackled and Scrooge just sighed.
"Of course, I get kidnapped by a crazed environmentalist, I have them breathing down my neck at home too."
"Of course! I know what to do about you! But first, I need to take care of some business." Bushroot cackled some more at his idea, then turned to his anthropomorphic dandelion. "Watch the prisoner and I'll be back." He gave the dandelion some kind of fertilizer treat and the then left the room.
Morgana Macawber was watching the evening news when suddenly the reporter was grabbed by the large vine of an anthropomorphic Ivy plant and the plant shoved a paper in his face.
"Uh, we interrupt this broadcast with ah, um, breaking news." The anchorman stuttered. "Oh, my! It seems the mutant botanist Bushroot has captured Darkwing Duck! The city is doomed!"
"What! My Darkwing has been captured; I need to help him!" Morgana flew up from her chair in a panic and began readying herself to fight Bushroot for Darkwing.
Darkwing was searching the city for Gosalyn and Honker when from a rooftop he saw the female half of the duo from earlier and decided to swoop down and talk to her.
"Halt no-good-doer!"
Magica groaned at the sound of Darkwing's voice. "For the last time; I'm not a bad guy and I didn't do anything to your kids!" she snapped as he landed in front of her and pocketed his grappling gun.
Just before Darkwing could respond another voice called out to him.
"Oh, Darkwing you escaped from Bushroot! Thank goodness!"
A tall, slender female duck dressed in a red gown rushed over and threw her arms around the now confused Darkwing.
"Escaped Bushroot? Was I captured?" he asked.
"That's what they said on the evening news, that Bushroot had captured you!" she explained.
"Um, excuse me but; who are you and what are you talking about?" Magica interjected, more curious about the newcomer as she looked to be a witch as well so she was hoping that she was someone she could actually talk to.
Morgana looked Magica over and giggled. "Just what are you supposed to be in that silly costume?"
"Never mind the outfit; my name is Magica De- er, McDuck and if I'm guessing right, you're a witch like myself?" Magica cut straight to the chase.
"Morgana Macawber and yes, I am a witch, are you here to fight Darkwing?" Morgana gave Magica a serious look.
"No, I'm not. My husband and I are actually from an alternate dimension; we were sent here by another witch who hates our guts." Magica explained.
"So, then what happened to my daughter Gosalyn and her friend Honker?" Darkwing demanded.
"Your daughter? Well now I understand why you're so uppity."
"It's possible the spell used to send Magica and her husband here caused them to switch places with Gosalyn and Honker, meaning they're in the dimension Magica is from." Morgana explained.
"That makes sense…" Magica said thoughtfully.
"So, your husband was the guy you were with earlier right? The guy in the… purple… costume… you don't think…" Darkwing trailed off as a thought occurred to him.
"Bushroot must have nabbed him!" Morgana gasped.
"Great, I leave him alone for fifteen minutes and he's been kidnapped! Now tell me who or what is a Bushroot!" Magica demanded, trying not to panic. She now felt extremely guilty for letting her emotions get the better of her and storming off, leaving Scrooge alone.
"No time to stand around chit-chatting, we'll tell you all about that maniacal weed while we search for his current lair." Darkwing said as he motioned for the witches to follow him and began walking away.
Rochelle soon realized that Della, Donald, Beakley, Launchpad and the kids vastly outnumbered her and when Della hit her in the head with her robot leg, she knew she had to retreat so, with another loud bang and plume of smoke, she was gone.
"Coward!" Della yelled through her coughs, holding her scarf over her face with one hand and trying to fan the smoke out a window with the other.
After several moments of coughing and choking the smoke finally cleared out.
"Geez, and I thought my dad's gas gun was bad." Gosalyn commented when the air was finally somewhat breathable again.
Lena had pulled her sweater over her face and now let it hang back down normally again. "One of these days someone needs to lock her up for air pollution." She said as she waved away some of the remaining smoke.
"At least she's gone for now." Mrs. Beakley looked over at Gosalyn and Honker. "Now the question is, what do we do with you two?"
"What do you mean? We're just a couple of kids who had nothing to do with this." Gosalyn gave her best sincere and innocent smile while Honker still stood somewhat behind her. "We don't know how we got here or who that witch was, honest!" He added.
"Hey, it's okay kids; we know you didn't do anything wrong; we just want to help you get home." Della tried to reassure the two kids. "I'm Della and that's my brother Donald…" she introduced herself and the others to the kids.
"I'm Honker Muddlefoot and this is my best friend-" Gosalyn cut him off. "Gosalyn Mallard and I'm not going back home."
"Why not?" Huey asked. "Because, my dad doesn't have time for me."
"Gee, that sucks." Louie said sympathetically.
"It's not a big deal really. I can take care of myself." Gosalyn shrugged. "What about you?" Huey looked at Honker. "I'm just along to keep her out of trouble, but I really would like to go home." He explained.
"So where are we anyway?" Gosalyn looked around the mansion. "Fancy place." "You're in the McDuck mansion." Huey said. "As in Scrooge McDuck? Wow!" "You know about our Uncle Scrooge?" "Well yeah, Scrooge McDuck is pretty famous you know."
"I guess even in a cartoon universe Uncle Scrooge has a reputation." Dewey whispered to his mom. "Guess so." She nodded back.
"So, your dad doesn't take care of you?" Della asked. "Well, I mean he does but he's more interested in being Darkwing Duck than being my dad." Gosalyn explained. "He's gone so much he just doesn't really have time for me. I kinda think he doesn't want me anymore." "Your dad is Darkwing Duck? That's so cool!" Dewey said. Gosalyn just kind of glared at him.
"Honey, he's protecting the city, he's protecting you. He may not be around as much as you want him to be but that doesn't mean he doesn't love you." Della said, kneeling down to look Gosalyn in the eye. "I bet he wishes he could be with you all the time if he could. I know I felt exactly that way when I was separated from my boys." "You really think so?" "Uh-huh, I really think so. Maybe when you get home you should go talk to him, tell him how you're feeling and give him a chance to make up for his mistakes." Della smiled.
"She's right Gos." Honker nodded. "Your dad really loves you; he just doesn't always know how to show it the right way." Gosalyn smiled. "Okay fine. I'll give him another chance when we get home… say, how are we gonna get home?"
"I'll call my dad; he can help." Lena said, pulling out her phone to call Poe.
"So, you say your creator, eh, boss takes you and all your fellow living plants for granted huh?" Scrooge sat in the cage Bushroot had locked him in, talking to his dandelion guard and learning just how messed up his captor really was.
"Exactly, he's desperate for companionship but doesn't see that we want to be his friends and takes us all for granted." The dandelion shrugged. "I think it's because he wants a lady companion of his own kind so badly."
Scrooge, sat, legs and arms crossed as he listened to the plant monster's sob story and shook his head. "Well, I can't say he's gonna have any luck with the ladies what-so-ever. His appearance is off-putting enough but, his mentality and attitude would be the major deal breakers." He looked the plant square in where its eyes would be if it had any, "Why don't you help me out of here and I'll see if I can't help you and your friends get relocated to a wonderful garden somewhere, you could meet other plants and people, and I bet you'd take excellent care of the smaller plants."
The dandelion monster seemed to perk up. "Really? You'd do that for us?" "Why of course, Scrooge McDuck is a man of his word!" 'and a man who wants to get out this blasted cage.' He added mentally. "Alright, you've got yourself a deal!" The dandelion extended a… leaf, to shake Scrooge's hand and Scrooge accepted it. "Just wait here while I get the key." The dandelion left the room and Scrooge looked around trying figure out his next move.
He didn't have long to think about it.
Suddenly one of the walls was shattered and in swung Darkwing Duck with Magica and another witch behind him.
"Scrooge! Are you okay?" Magica rushed to the cage and used a spell to turn the bars to rubber so he could climb out. "Yes, I'm fine but, how on earth did you get that loony toon to help you?" He looked at Darkwing, then back at Magica. "His girlfriend was easier to talk to." She responded, a smug grin on face.
Scrooge smiled but looked Magica in the eyes with a serious gaze. "Magica… I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have said what I said, forgive me?" She just smiled. "I'm sorry I stormed off on you like that, I forgive you if you forgive me." She said, a playful tone to her voice.
"Aha! I knew I could lure Darkwing Duuu- Hello, who are you?" They had all turned around when they heard Bushroot's voice and Magica immediately became a hundred times more uncomfortable when she saw his gaze fall directly onto her.
"I don't think I've seen you around before… you're so pretty…" He couldn't seem to find many words as he was completely captivated by the beautiful new face in his greenhouse. Magica scowled, a look of fear, discomfort and disgust enveloping her face. "What in Circe's name are you and why are you looking at me like that…" Magica stepped back as Bushroot began to draw nearer.
"Maybe you might like to… have dinner with me after I deal with Darkwing Duck?" As soon as Bushroot asked the question Magica found herself cowering back even more; this creepy duck-plant thing was giving her goo-goo eyes and it made her skin crawl, Rosolio had nothing on this guy, he was annoying but never so utterly creepy.
"Stay away from me! I'm a happily married woman; not available! Not on the market!"
Scrooge saw the look in Bushroot's eyes and his blood began to boil; he stepped in front of his wife protectively.
"Don't you touch her you lecherous weed!" Scrooge snapped, swinging and landing a punch to Bushroot's face.
"OWWWW! You're gonna regret that! Attack my plant minions!" Bushroot rubbed his cheek and bellowed attack orders. Suddenly a very large Venus flytrap sprung out and snapped at them, along with several other plant creatures that began to come out from various areas in the greenhouse.
Darkwing, Morgana, Magica and Scrooge fought off the plants for several moments until they suddenly all stopped.
"Stop! Don't attack them, they're our friends and they're going to transplant us to a brand-new garden home!" Scrooge turned when he heard the dandelion cry out to the other plants, causing them to stop their attacks. There was a murmur amongst the plants as they all talked to one another about what the Dandelion had said.
"What is the meaning of this? Why are you stopping them?" Bushroot looked at the dandelion, and it just crossed its leaf-arms. "What do you mean you're leaving me? You can't do that! I raised you all from little seedlings!" Bushroot cried but the dandelion simply shook its head. "I'm sorry! Please don't leave me!" He pleaded as all the plants returned to their places and the dandelion remained firm.
"What in the world is going on here?" Morgana asked. "Just what I'd like to know." Darkwing added. "Heck if I know, do you know what's going on Scrooge?" Magica questioned her husband who seemed to know what they were witnessing. "It's simple, the crazed environmentalist plant has taken his plant friends for granted because he's so focused on finding a girlfriend; so, his plants are staging a mutiny. Didn't you hear any of the conversation?"
Scrooge returned the confused stares of Darkwing, Morgana and Magica. "Why are you all looking at me like I've grown another head?" "What conversation? It's just the mutant creep talking to his plants." Darkwing said. "Yes, the plants aren't talking, it's just Bushroot… are you sure you're feeling alright?" Morgana asked. Scrooge just looked at them, dumbfounded; didn't they hear all the plants chattering about Bushroot?
"Scroogie, I think you need to get home and rest; we can talk about this later." Magica looked at Scrooge, deciding that she needed to talk to him about this; first the tree in Eldorado, now he's a plant whisperer? Something was definitely up with Scrooge and she needed to know what.
The concerned look on Magica's face worried Scrooge but he decided that she was right, they needed to get home, then they could talk.
"Okay well, I promised the plants a new home in lovely garden as reward for helping me so could you help me find one for them?" Scrooge asked Darkwing. "Uh… Morgana dearest, do you have any ideas?" Darkwing turned to Morgana. "I think I know of a good place for them." She smiled.
"No! You can't take my precious plants!" Bushroot pleaded. The dandelion wrapped him up with a hose to prevent him from doing anything to stop them. "You can visit and maybe if you learn your lesson, some of us will come back." "Okay, fine." Bushroot pouted.
Once they relocated the plants to a local botanical garden; they all convened in Morgana's house where she and Magica discussed how send her and Scrooge home and return Gosalyn and Honker.
"I think I may have an idea but I'll need to locate Gosalyn and Honker to be sure." Morgana said, pulling out her crystal ball.
"Alright so, Magica and Scrooge got zapped into a cartoon?" Poe asked, making sure he understood the situation clearly.
"Yep. That's it in a nutshell." Lena replied, leading her father into the living room where everyone was watching the Darkwing Duck episode as Scrooge and Magica worked with Morgana to come up with a plan of return on their end.
"Okay guys, my dad's here so hopefully we can fix everything." Lena announced as they entered the room. As soon as he saw the screen Poe immediately began to laugh. "What in the world are they wearing!" He tried to stifle the snort that came out as he laughed.
"He's the Masked Mallard and she's supposed to be his villainous counterpart Sorceress." Launchpad explained.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, who are you?" Della asked as she turned from the TV screen to see a male version of Magica standing in the room beside Lena. "This is my dad, Poe. I would have thought you'd know that." Lena explained. "Holy cow, you're Poe DeSpell? Wow… I've never seen you not a raven." Della looked at Poe in wide-eyed wonder. "Yes, here I am, back to normal thanks to Scroogie and as a token of my everlasting gratitude, I gave him my sister." He laughed.
"Literally; he gave Aunt Magica away at the wedding." Huey added. "Awwwwe! That's so sweet! Okay, back to business, how do we get them back?" Della returned her focus to Scrooge and Magica. "That's what I'm here to figure out- oh, well would you look at that, she's got a crystal ball; I wonder if I can make this work?" Poe then spoke a quick spell and with a snap of his finger he had Magica's crystal ball in his hand.
Poe sat down on the sofa and held the ball in his lap, tried to see if he could make it work and after a few minutes they could see Morgana in the ball.
"What's happing… Who is that?" Morgana questioned as the image in her crystal ball fuzzed out for a moment and then a face appeared. "Poe!" Magica gasped, recognizing her brother in the crystal ball. "Hello Magi, looks like you and Scroogie got a bit animated tonight huh?" He laughed through the magical static. Magica scowled. "Not funny. Did you borrow my crystal ball to make fun of us or to help us?" "Of course, my intention is to help you Magi, I just can't ignore a good joke like that." He snickered.
Darkwing suddenly shoved his way to the crystal ball, practically shoving his face into it. "Where's Gosalyn? Is she okay?" Just as Poe turned to ask who he was and what he was talking about, Gosalyn ran up to the ball. "I'm right here dad and I'm okay." She said, waiving at the ball. Honker walked up shyly. "I'm here too." "Oh, now I understand. Yes, your kids are right here safe and sound. Now can I please speak to my sister again?" Poe smiled as he realized what had happened.
Magica shoved Darkwing out the way. "Can you help us or not?" Poe grinned. "I believe so, we've established a link between these dimensions so now all we have to do is use a transportation spell to bring you home and send these kids back to their home."
Morgana pulled her crystal ball back so she could speak to Poe. "I think I have just the spell in one of my books." She pulled a spell book from a shelf and flipped through it until she found the spell she was looking for. She showed Poe who nodded after reading the page. "It sounds good to me. Just to be safe though I think we should both cast it at the same time, that way we have a magical portal opening on both ends to be sure it will work." Morgana nodded. "I agree with you. Let's get prepared and cast the spell."
After making the necessary preparations; Poe and Morgana cast the spell simultaneously and in a matter of seconds Scrooge and Magica were standing in the living room and Honker and Gosalyn were on the screen; then static filled the screen for a second and when it cleared up the episode had resumed playing as normal, as though Scrooge and Magica had never been in it.
"Bless me bagpipes, that was an adventure I'd rather not experience again!" Scrooge laughed as his family dogpiled on him and Magica. "I swear, next time I'm gonna trap LaQuack in a cuckoo clock!" Magica laughed as well.
"Are you guys okay?" Della asked as everyone let go of Scrooge and Magica. "Yes, we're fine." Scrooge said, then he saw the clock on the wall. "We're running late now though." Magica followed his gaze and groaned. "Are you serious Scrooge? I've had more than enough superhero nonsense." Scrooge just grinned mischievously. "But we agreed Magica; besides, I'd pay good money to see Glomgold in his costume!" Scrooge laughed and as Magica remembered the costume that had been made for Glomgold she snickered as well. "You make an excellent point darling!" Everyone just looked at them curiously and they explained that Glomgold was also involved in the charity event they had agreed to do.
Once Scrooge and Magica had left to go to their charity event Della, Donald, Poe, Launchpad and the kids settled in to watch the Darkwing Duck episode.
"So? Do you see now why I wanted you to watch this specific episode?" Launchpad asked after they finished watching the episode.
"Yeah, I do and it totally makes sense." Della had to admit Launchpad was right, the episode did relate to her troubles with the boys.
The episode's plot had centered around Gosalyn feeling neglected and running away, getting kidnapped by Bushroot, who tried to convince her to be his sidekick by empathizing with her loneliness and culminating in she and Darkwing making up and learning to communicate with each other better and to try to understand the other's point of view.
"I guess they do make a good point." Louie said and Huey nodded. "Yeah, they do. I guess it's understandable that the idea of trying raise three kids alone is kinda scary." They both looked at Della.
"Exactly, and I can see how the idea of your mom abandoning you is really hurtful." Della smiled, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "I am so sorry I hurt you boys, that was never my intention." Huey and Louie teared up. "We forgive you mom…" Huey wiped his eyes. "And we're sorry we acted the way we did." Louie added and they both hugged Della.
"This show has quite the influence doesn't it?" Poe remarked, smiling as he watched the family making amends. "Oh yeah, Darkwing Duck is really deep." Launchpad wiped a tear from his own eye.
After ending the hug with the boys Della looked at Launchpad. "I admit it, you were right, thanks… Launchpad." "Hey! You called me my name, does that mean we're friends now?" Della smirked. "Maybe. We'll see."
"Ahhhh… this is definitely one of my favorite perks of being married to you Scroogie… this Jacuzzi tub is amazing." Magica sighed contentedly as she leaned back in the warm, bubbly water against Scrooge's chest.
After the charity event they decided a hot bubble bath was in order to relax and unwind.
As they sat together in the tub, enjoying the bubbles and water jets, they laughed about everything that had happened and about Glomgold in his costume, a large mascot-style, foam suit of the Gold Glommer that, due to the character's height, had the opening for Glomgold's face in the abdomen.
Watching Glomgold try to play his role in the over-sized suit was worth its weight in gold.
Scrooge closed his arms around Magica as she leaned back against him. "So, I believe you wanted to talk to me about magic and plants, now seems like a good time."
She sighed again, cuddling up to him a little more. "Yes, we do need to talk about that. I think you need to have a better understanding of how magic works my love." She giggled a little before continuing.
"Most people think magic is instant gratification… that's not so; The laws of magic are actually much closer to scientific laws than many realize." She explained. "Really?" Scrooge didn't expect that. "Yes, really. I mean, obviously it doesn't exclusively obey all of those laws but there are certain things no magic can do." "Like what?" "Well, raising the dead for one thing. Once a soul has passed nothing can bring it back to a corporeal form. The physical body can be inhabited by magic though, hence zombies." "I see. So why couldn't you just zap us home?"
"Because, inter-dimensional transportation is tricky and a simple transportation spell would have either brought us to that world's Duckburg or not worked at because that world had no Duckburg." She looked up at him with a little smirk. "Don't forget Scroogie, just because a fictional world contains references to unseen locations doesn't mean they actually exist in that world." Scrooge laughed. "That's a good point." He squeezed her lightly.
"So, what about the plants? You said we needed to talk about my hearing them when everyone else couldn't." He asked and she stiffened a bit.
Magica had given it more thought and was no longer sure she wanted to tell him what was really on her mind; she didn't want to upset him since he seemed completely oblivious that something of a magical nature, something she didn't understand, was going on with him.
She decided to leave the subject and do some research before telling him.
"I think I know what that was all about now; it was probably that fictional world trying right itself." She lied, silently promising to tell him the truth when she knew what it was. "Basically, Deus ex Machina; since the plot of that episode most likely required one of those kids be able to talk to those plants you were given that ability so the story could progress as needed."
Scrooge nodded. "I guess that makes sense… or maybe…"
As he trailed off, she worried he could tell she was lying and held her breath until he spoke again, letting out as small a sigh of relief as possible when he finished his thought.
"Maybe I was exposed to something in that lab." He said thoughtfully. "There's no telling what kind of things were in there."
Magica relaxed and settled back against him. "I'm sure it was something like that." She knew it wasn't but decided it best to let him think whatever he wanted for the time being.