Kingdom Hearts III: The Army of Light

by J. Tom

Sora and his team are now traveling the worlds to save them from Master Xehanort's wrath and recruit friends both old and new to join their army of light. But as their adventure goes on, things become harder for them. Tougher foes, dangerous fights, all leading up to the final battle that'll determine the fate of all the worlds. My version of Kingdom Hearts III. Rated PG-13.

65. Chapter 65: Revelations

Sorry this one took a while. I was writing other stuff too, figuring out this story in different parts, and outside of writing, I had my sister's birthday and birthday party, a vacation to Savannah, Georgia, and then my sister, then mom, and then I got sick and I needed to relax to recover. But I am feeling much better!

And now, Della is about to learn what her actions in taking the Spear of Selene caused and indirectly caused her family to go through for over a decade.

But the first part starts out good!

So enjoy that!

---

Lanes-In-Between:

The Gummiship sailed towards Disney Castle.

"Finally! We're almost home!" Donald said happily.

"God, it feels like it's been forever since we've been back here!" said Max… subtly glancing at the readers.

"Max, we've only been gone for about two weeks." said Mickey.

"Well, I guess being an animal does that to you." shrugged Max.

"Technically, aren't you an animal… like all of us?" asked Makini.

"Yeah, but we're not like you guys back in your world." said Oswald. "We wear clothes, we walk on two legs, we have jobs, we pay with money, we live in houses, we drive vehicles, and we have so many streaming services ranging from Netflix to Hulu."

"What's a Hulu?" asked Bunga.

"You got me." Kion shrugged.

"So, where are we gonna stay once we get to your home?" asked Vitani.

"Yeah, can we all fit in your castle?" asked Kovu.

"Not the castle, but we have a great place for you all to stay alongside your fellow members of the Army of Light." Mickey said.

"It's safe, it's spacious, and has an amazing view of a forest." Kairi added.

"It sounds lovely." Nala smiled.

Simba then looked over at Isa. "Isa? I wanna thank you again for you help in saving all of our kingdoms." he said. "You really aren't a bad guy after all."

Isa smiled a little. "The first time as Saïx, I was. But the second, it was just a cover." he said. "I wanted to make amends. And that's what I'm doing today, both as a Guardian of Light, and a Keyblade Master."

"I'd say you more than made up for any evil deeds you've done." said Simba. He gazed at the rest of those in the Gummiship's cockpit. "Kovu, Vitani, and their Pride, as well as Janja and his clan, have all done the same."

"And to be honest, I don't completely blame you for being sketchy of Kovu." said Isa. "After everything Scar put you through and with Zira trying to keep his legacy alive, I understand your anger."

Simba nodded. "Thank you, Isa." he said. "But if I let my trauma control my life, it won't help me in the present and the future, especially now that Scar is alive again. And I can't push it onto my friends and family, especially Kiara. I know I can't protect her forever. But she is turning into a brave, strong, and fearless lioness."

"You taught her about being one." Isa said. "And in the end, it helped bring the prides together, regardless of Zira and Nuka's dark-filled hearts."

"I'm glad it did." Simba smiled.

"Heads up! We're almost there!" Sora called.

He sailed the Gummiship towards the world.

---

Secret Forest:

The portal from Disney Castle to the Secret Forest opened up and the massive group exited from it. The animals looked around in wonder at the sight.

"Wow… look at this place!" said Kiara.

"It's so green!" said Jasiri.

"And the skyline is so majestic!" said Ono as he, Zazu, and Anga flew up to get a good view.

"Not only that, but there's so much room to just run around." added Fuli.

"And I thought the sunrise over Pride Rock was quite the sight." said Zazu.

"So this whole forest is where the army is kept?" asked Kovu.

"Pretty much." nodded Riku. "We will show you where everyone is currently staying. Follow us."

The nineteen animals gazed around the forest as they watched the army members train or chat with one another.

Reno and Rude were sparing.

"Come on old man, keep up!" Reno snarked as he swung his electric rod over Rude.

Rude snorted. "I may be older, but that also means I have the experience." he retorted, slugging Reno in the face.

"Gah! Not bad, Specs." Reno said as Rude polished said specs.

"Very good." said Tseng as he walked over. "Alright, Elena, you and I will spar next."

"Okay, if you say so." Elena said as she stood face to face with her boss. "Should warn ya, I practice spar with Cissnei when I want some extra training!"

"Which is good for you both." Tseng said approvingly as he and Elena began to spar.

"You got this Elena!" Myde called as the group walked past.

"Thanks Myde!" Elena smiled as she dodged a punch from Tseng.

In another area, Vincent was riding Maximus across an obstacle course. The horse jumped construction barriers, raced around traffic cones, and Vincent ducked under low-hanging branches.

"I can see why you're the castle's top horse, Maximus." Vincent praised with a smirk.

Maximus neighed happily.

Angeal and Genesis were swordfighting near the cliffs.

"Takes me back to our younger days." said Angeal.

"I'm glad to relive them again." Genesis said. "Especially now that I'm on the right side of the battle."

"Boy are we all grateful for that." Angeal chuckled as he swung his sword.

The world-travelers led them over to the training area where they saw the members of the Army of Light training or observing.

Leon, Aerith, and Cid were operating the training simulator. Aladdin, Cinderella, Woody, Kristoff, and Milo were ready with their Keyblades.

"What's that thing?" asked Simba.

"Training simulator." replied Aqua. "Donald's cousin came up with it. He, Donald's uncle, and a bunch of other geniuses helped create it. It helps us practice against any times of enemies."

"Yeah, whether it be Heartless, Nobodies, Unversed, or even enemies you have fought in the past." said Ven.

"What's a simulation?" asked Beshte.

"See for yourself." said Donald, pointing.

"Ok, Heartless simulation beginning in 3, 2, 1." said Leon. "Engage."

Cid pressed some buttons and Aerith got ready with a notebook.

Simulations of Novashadows and Wyverns were made.

"Ooh look at that!" said Bunga.

"Poa, that's pretty neat!" said Beshte.

"Light 'em up!" said Aladdin.

The group split up and attacked.

Aladdin dodged a Wyvern's Corkscrew Charge Attack and casted a series of fire spells at it. It injured the Heartless and then he slashed it away.

Woody jumped from a Novashadow's scratch attacks as he slashed it and then casted Fira spells three times at it.

Milo rolled out of the way to avoid another Novashadow's Rush move and then casted Fission Firaga against it twice.

Kristoff dodged another Wyvern's Swoop Beak Attack from up above. He used Crawling Fire to send it backwards and then jumped up before spin-slashing it away.

Cinderella watched another Novashadow dive into the ground and then pop up under her, knocking the princess over. Cinderella quickly got back up, used a Firaga spell against its face, and then slashed its legs, destroying it.

Three more Wyverns came flying at them.

"All together partners!" shouted Woody.

Everyone spread out and surrounded the Wyverns and casted Firaga spells together that hit all three Heartless at the same time, destroying them.

"That was great! Well done everyone!" said Leon, turning off the mechanics.

"The fire spells are coming along very nicely." said Aerith. "Next time we'll venture into water and ice spells and maybe some more powerful creatures."

"Sounds good to us." Cinderella smiled.

"Alright, practice more until your bones ache or relax, I don't care. Gotta reset the system for the next group to use." Cid grunted.

"Alright, thanks again Cid!" said Kristoff as the group exited the simulator.

"Wow! That was un-Bunga-lieveable!" Bunag exclaimed.

"How did they make those Heartless come out of nowhere?!" asked Timon.

"It's all in advanced technology." said Oswald.

"Like those things humans ride in when they study us? Or your Gummiship thingy?" asked Pumbaa.

"Something like that." giggled Ortensia.

"Boy, this technology stuff is pretty complicated to understand." commented Kion.

"I'm sure you guys will get used to it in time." said Aqua.

"In the meantime, let's get you guys acquainted with your new allies." suggested Naminé.

"Lead the way!" said Rani.

---

The other army members were by the homes conversing with each other.

"So you went from the mailroom to top scarer?" asked Sweet.

"Yep. After getting expelled from Monsters University, we had to work our way up to the top." said Sulley.

"Indubitably, my friend!" Mike nodded. "From mailroom workers with the Abominable Snowman, then janitors, cooks, can wranglers, and then we were a scare team! And we were soon the top one in all of Monsters Inc, and of course, Monstropolis!" He laughed in victory before adding, "Take that Fear Co.!"

"What is Fear Co.?" asked Kronk, setting out plates of spinach puffs.

"Rival scare company run by our old college classmate and rival, Johnny Worthington III." said Sulley.

"So, since you guys have come up with the idea to use laughter instead of screams for your business, how will you turn that into power?" asked Eugene.

"MIFT will take care of that." said Sulley. "Hopefully the higher-ups can also find someone else to take over running the company with Waternoose in jail."

"Maybe you two could try running the business." suggested Rapunzel.

"After all, based on what we have learned from you guys, you know Monsters Inc. better than the rest of those in your workplace." remarked Elsa.

Sulley and Mike chuckled.

"It would be nice, but after all that happened with Boo, I'm not so sure." said Sulley.

"It would be a dream come true!" said Mike.

"Well, both of you did expose a corrupted man and his follower in a sinister plot." Kida pointed out.

"That's true. But I think it's best to wait and see where the road takes us for both Mike and me." said Sulley.

Then, Pacha noticed something. "Hey, Sora and the others are back!"

The army looked over to see the massive group come over.

"Hey, they are back!" said Kit.

"And it looks like they got more members." commented Buzz.

"A lot more it looks like." said Eugene.

At that moment, the Restoration Committee joined them.

"Hey guys!" said Sora. "Long time no see!"

"Welcome back everyone." smiled Aerith.

"Boy, you guys have been gone for quite some time." said Yuffie. "Felt like a month!"

"We were only gone for about 2 weeks." said Isa.

"But we do apologize for being absent for so long." said Terra. "The Pride Lands had a lot of enemies sided with Xehanort for us to deal with."

"And we appreciate all their help they've done for us." said Simba.

"Whoa! Talking lion!" exclaimed Kuzco. "Were you human once?"

Simba chuckled. "No, I am a lion. I was born a lion like how you were born a human." he said.

"Some of them are royalty just like some of you." said Daisy.

"Really? Well that is quite fascinating." commented Kida.

"Zugk zugk! Pretty pretty neat!" Jaq nodded.

"Let's see here…" said Zack, examining the members. "We got seven lions, three birds, two mandrills, two hyenas, a warthog, a meerkat, a honey badger, a cheetah, and a hippo. Quite the new team."

"After all Sora and his friends have done for us, we had to come and help." said Rani.

"Especially since some of us have Keyblades now." said Kion.

"Oh? Who are the chosen wielders?" asked Cloud.

The seven lions stepped forward.

"Nice! You guys are gonna have fun with them." said Aladdin.

"And upholding the responsibility that comes with being a Keyblade Wielder." added Jasmine. "But yes, quite fun too."

"Are all of you guys Keyblade fighters too?" asked Bunga.

"No. Some of them are, like my son Aladdin." said Cassim. "The rest of us are helping out because we want to."

"And are training how to be stronger heroes for our worlds, powers like that or not." said Sweet.

"Some of us train them while the Guardians of Light, a.k.a. Sora and his friends, go off on missions." said Tifa.

"That is a fairly good compromise." mused Zazu.

"You guys all look amazing!" said Eugene.

"Oh yes, those manes are quite slimming." commented Rapunzel.

"Why thank you." smiled Simba.

"And the gold in your fur is pretty bright. I like it!" said Kuzco.

"It is shiny, isn't it?" chuckled Kion.

"We haven't had many animals in the Army of Light now that we think about it." said Buzz. "It's usually humans… plus two toys, a genie, and an Atlantean. Only animals are Iago, Abu, Maximus, Pascal, and Sven."

"What about those from Disney Castle and Wasteland?" asked Anna.

"Well… yes and no." said Mickey. "I mean, we are mice, dogs, ducks, a rabbit, and a cat."

"But we're toon animals." said Oswald. "Like we told our friends here, we live in houses, have jobs, and wear clothes. We don't hunt, walk on all fours, or go clothless." He turned to said group. "No offense."

"None taken." smiled Nala.

"But it doesn't matter." said Leon. "Sora, Donald, and Goofy told us about you guys and your fights."

"So did Riku, Kairi, and Mickey after the incidents with the Outlands and scorpion sting incidents." added Cloud.

"Yeah, about your adventures and rescues all while protecting your lands." said Aerith.

"Well we are glad to be considered famous." chuckled Jasiri.

"And you're more than welcome to join the Army of Light." said Tifa.

"We're really happy to be a part of it." said Rani.

"This has gotta be the most unique army in the history of armies." Makini commented.

"That's one way of looking at it. Pretty much anyone is welcome here." said Kairi.

As if on cue, someone in a yellow chicken suit, red shoes, a black bike helmet, and long red and white-striped socks rode past them all on a bike. It tried to do a trick against a large slanted rock, only to fall over and crash.

"You see? We don't even know that chicken." said Sora. (1)

"Where did big cluck-cluck come from?" asked Gus.

"You got us." shrugged Audrey.

"Someone get him to the infirmary." said Cloud.

"We're on it." said Anna as she and Elsa lifted him up and took him away.

"And by the way you guys, you're not the only ones to bring in more members for the Army of Light recently." said Cid.

Sora and Co. were surprised. "Whaddya mean?" asked Mickey.

"Hayner, Pence, and Olette brought on some more members a few days after you left for the Pride Lands." replied Tifa.

"Really? Who did they bring?" asked Xion.

"See for yourself." said Aerith, gesturing behind therm.

Sora and Co. looked behind them and gasped.

Hayner, Pence, and Olette were checking on their recruits. Aurora was tending to the roses, Snow White was making pies, and Alice was playing with Chaca and Tipo while Chicha watched from a rocking chair, massaging her pregnant belly to soothe her unborn child.

"How's the pies coming along Snow White?" Hayner asked.

"Oh they're coming along perfectly!" Snow White smiled. "I made apple pie, gooseberry pie, and cherry pie too!"

Aurora sniffed a rose. "Ah, so lovely." she said before giggling. "No wonder my fairy friends gave me that name to hide me from Maleficent."

"They do smell and look nice." Pence said in agreement.

"Faster Alice! Faster!" shouted Chaca as Alice gave her a piggyback ride.

"I'm going as fast as I can!" Alice giggled as she continued to run.

"I wanna turn, I wanna turn!" begged Tipo.

"Be patient, Tipo." Chicha said calmly.

Alice eventually set Chicha down and Tipo excitedly climbed onto her back and began to give him a ride.

"Is that… Alice, Aurora, and Snow White?" Riku asked in surprise.

"It sure is!" said Zack.

"Three of the original Princesses of Heart…" Mickey said in surprise. "But how did they…"

"Their worlds were in danger of the darkness." said Leon. "But we couldn't contact you all since we knew you were on a mission in the Pride Lands."

"That and you guys wouldn't have had your Gummiphones on you while in your animal forms." added Yuffie.

"That is true." nodded Riku.

"So, since you guys were busy in the Pride Lands, we stepped up for you all!"

Everyone looked over to see Hayner, Pence, and Olette walk up. It had been Hayner who spoke.

"We took Cid's Gummiship and headed off to their worlds to help save them from the forces of darkness." Hayner added.

"And we helped you get more members for the army!" added Pence.

"You did?" asked Kairi.

"Golly that's amazing!" said Mickey, impressed.

"It's true!" said Zack. "I was there on a scouting mission and found Alice. They helped me bring her here."

"We had to face off against some other bad guys, but in the end it all worked out." said Olette.

At that moment, the three maidens joined them.

"Oh it's true! They were so brave in helping us save our home worlds." said Snow White.

"They fought through thick and thin to do so." nodded Alice.

"And we were honored to join the Army of Light to help you all as Keybearers. Phillip, Florian, and the dwarves too." said Aurora. "Especially after what these three did for us, we felt like we owed them."

"Amazing…" said Daisy.

"Well I'll be! A-hyuck!" Goofy chuckled.

"You three really did all of that?" asked Aqua.

"Like we said, someone had to do it while you guys were away." said Olette.

"The others trained the army while we did the missions." said Hayner.

"Despite fighting the likes of Past Terra, Dark Riku, Sephiroth, and even Maleficent, it was pretty fun all at the same time." said Pence.

The worldly-travelers were shocked.

"You fought my past possessed self?" asked Terra.

"And the past version of Vexen's replica of me?" asked Riku.

"AND SEPHIROTH?!" Donald quacked.

"I was just as shocked." Cloud lightly chuckled. "But Zack convinced me."

"And you had to fight Maleficent?!" asked Sora.

"It wasn't easy, but we managed to do it." said Hayner.

The group of twenty looked at them proudly.

"Hayner, Pence, Olette? What you did truly was the mark of Keyblade Masters and Guardians of Light." said Mickey.

"Yes. You stepped up to the task and you accomplished it." said Aqua.

"We're so proud of you." said Kairi.

"I knew you guys being Keyblade Wielders would come in handy." said Sora. "Well done you three. We're very proud."

The Twilight Trio smiled in appreciation.

"Thanks Sora." Hayner smiled.

"Thank you everyone." said Olette.

"It was the least we could do to help." said Pence.

"And we're very appreciative that you did." said Xion. "You saved three worlds and recruited more for the Army of Light."

"True qualities of Keyblade Wielders and Masters." added Terra.

Sora, Riku, Kairi, Aqua, Terra, Ven, Donald, and Goofy walked up to the three ladies.

"Hey you three." Sora smiled. "It's been a while."

"Quite a few years." Kairi nodded. "How have you been?"

"We have been great Kairi." smiled Aurora. "And it is nice to see you too."

"We want to thank you again for what you've done in saving us and our worlds." said Alice. "Whether you visited them or not."

"Hey it was the least we could do!" smiled Ven. "So where's Phillip and Florian?"

"And the 7 Dwarves?" asked Goofy.

"Oh they're exploring more of the forest." Snow White replied. "Except for Sleepy, he's… asleep."

"Sounds about right." chuckled Ven.

The ladies' eyes then went towards Terra and Riku, who's facial expressions were awkward.

"So… um… this-this is kinda… awkward…" Riku managed to say.

Terra sighed and stepped forward. "Aurora, look… I-I'm so sorry I stole your heart." he said in guilt.

Aurora smiled. "It's okay, Terra. The others told me what you told them. Maleficent forced you and tricked you into doing it. I heard good things about you and the brave actions you've done for the other worlds."

Terra sighed in relief. "Thank you, Princess."

Riku Replica briefly appeared behind Riku from his heart, though no one saw him. "Come on Riku. You managed to make amends with Kairi, Belle, Jasmine, and Cinderella. You can do it again for the rest of them." he said before going back into Riku's heart.

"Ladies…" Riku finally managed to say. "I'm sorry too. For capturing you and using your light to open the keyhole. I was in a bad spot and-"

"Riku, it's okay." Alice smiled. "The others told us about that too."

"Both Maleficent and this Ansem character are quite the troublesome villains." said Snow White.

"They ended up tricking you and manipulating you. But you overcame it all in the end and are making amends to this day." added Aurora.

"They have made amends from our perspective." said Kairi. "They're just doing what they love; fighting for the light."

"I may walk the path of dawn, but I chose to fight for the light every time." Riku nodded.

"And we're happy to be fighting on the same side." said Alice.

"And to be with old friends again." said Aurora, looking at Kairi. "While also making new ones." she added, looking at Kida and Rapunzel.

"By the way, this is another one of the New Seven Hearts." said Ortensia, gesturing to Kiara. "Princess Kiara of the Pride Lands."

"Um… hello." Kiara shyly greeted.

"An animal Princess of Heart?" Aurora asked in amazement.

"That's incredible!" said Rapunzel.

"I never imagined an animal would be a Princess of Heart." Cinderella commented. "Not that that's a bad thing."

"Well, she is!" Rafiki chuckled.

"Well then, let me be the first to say, welcome to the club, Kiara." Kida smiled.

"Once Anna and Elsa get back we must have a talk." said Jasmine.

"I'd be happy too." smiled Kiara.

And the Princesses of Heart - old and new - walked off. Kairi was the only one that stayed behind.

"Well they seem to be getting along well already." Naminé giggled.

"So we still need to find the last new Princess of Heart… wherever she may be." Minnie surmised.

Mickey then counted his fingers. "Let me see here… Kairi, Alice, Aurora, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White… that's six of the original Princesses of Heart." he said.

"That means that the only original one that's not present is Belle!" said Sora.

"Cid, have there been any signs of darkness coming from the Beast's Castle?" Riku asked while addressing the mechanic.

"Based on what I last read from my computer monitors, Belle's world is fine for now." said Cid.

"In addition, Merlin can't sense any darkness over at Beast's Castle." added Aerith.

"Well, I guess that's an adventure for another time." shrugged Myde.

"By the way, where will we be staying?" Timon suddenly piped up. "Because while I do enjoy the scenery out here, I do think shelter would be nice."

"Timon does have a point." said Makini.

"Follow us." said Leon.

The Restoration Committee led the animals towards the army's homes, followed by said army members. At the end of the block, a large cave formation with a large tree similar to the Tree of Life appeared through some magic.

"Wow!"/"Whoa!"/"Hevi Kabisa!"/"Zuka Zama!"/"Poa!" everyone said in awe.

"What kind of magic was that?!" Janja asked.

"The magic of the Secret Forest." Yuffie replied with a smile.

"Yep! You'll find yourselves comfy and at home here!" said Kit.

"Or whatever's comfy for animals like you." Eugene shrugged.

"Zugk-zugk! You all like!" Jaq nodded.

"Uh, yeah! Uh zugk zugk!" Gus said, copying his best friend in agreement.

"We're looking forward to the hospitality this world and shelter provide." Zazu said as they ventured inside.

"I'm just not looking forward to the gas the pig and honey badger pass at night." Janja muttered.

"I can agree with you there." Jasiri said with a slight chuckle.

"Don't worry! I can keep it under control." Bunga smiled.

"And I'll try do my best..." Pumbaa said.

"That's all we pray for." Anga muttered.

The other army members left as the worldly-travelers talked more with the Twilight gang.

"So where are the others?" asked Naminé.

"Seifer and his crew are back in Twilight Town for some of that bird to cuisine." Pence replied. "Setzer's there too to get some more potions from the stands."

"Rufus is currently keeping an eye on Midgar in case any Heartless decide to attack, all while the Turks are helping oversee training for the army today as well as improving their own skills." Hayner added.

"And my family?" Donald asked.

"Last we heard they were on some adventure in the mountains looking for gold." said Olette. "Also, Xandra's visiting her god friends at that Planet Tree place, Gladstone and Fethry are visiting Grandma Duck, José and Panchito are visiting some relatives from that song Panchito sang to us, Ari and Humphrey are in Tahiti, Professor Von Drake is on a science expedition, and the Rescue Rangers are fighting Fat Cat and his gang."

"Sheesh, and I thought we were busy bees." commented Roxas.

"Some of them aren't busy, they're on vacation!" snorted Myde.

"Not everyone, Myde."

The Melodious Nocturne yelped as Dilan, Aeleus, Even, and Ienzo walked up. It had been Aeleus who spoke.

"Some of us are still training the army or by ourselves to improve our strength." Aeleus continued.

"Hiya fellas!" Mickey greeted. "Good to see you again!"

"Likewise, your majesty." Ienzo said. "We trust that mission in the Pride Lands was a success even after an estimation of two weeks?"

"After a while, yes, yes it was." said Ven. "Got 19 new recruits."

"And 7 of them are their world's chosen Keybearers!" added Oswald.

"Interesting." Even said, stroking his chin in fascination. "Usually the worlds would have 1, 2, or 3 chosen wielders."

"Have you seen the amount of enemies they've had to put up with?" Lea asked. "I'd say it's justified."

"That is fair given what Jiminy told us over the computer after logging more stuff in his journal." Ienzo nodded. "All the same, we're glad you're back."

"Thanks." smiled Sora. "So you guys here to help train too?"

"Quite." nodded Dilan. "And we also thought that in addition to the simulator that our scientist companions came up with, we should also see how well the army fares against other enemies or objects outside of the main creatures of darkness."

"I like the way you fellers think!" said Goofy.

"It has been a while since we used objects for training practice." noted Terra.

"Also, Yuna, Rikku, and Paine have found something for you on one of their 'treasure hunts.'" Even added. "Aeleus?"

Aeleus handed Roxas a summon charm. It was red with a black spider on it.

"A summon charm?" Roxas said, looking it over before pocketing it in his pocket. "Thanks guys."

"Well now, I think we have some training to do." Dilan said.

"Why don't you lot take a load off?" suggested Ienzo.

"That's a good idea Ienzo." said Lea, stretching his arms. "After one helluva adventure, we could all use some recreational time."

"Let's just hope the villains are thinking of taking it easy after their last botched scheme." Max said.

"That'd be wishful thinking." Roxas snorted.

"Do what you must." said Even as he and the other apprentices of Ansem the Wise walked off.

"So what will you guys do to relax?" asked Pence.

"I'm not sure. Maybe some video games." Max said.

"Or a TV show or movie marathon." Xion added.

"Order some Chinese and chill by the pool." Ven chimed in.

"Either way, we could all use time away from danger or any kind of crazy." Donald said.

Then, Olette noticed someone running up. "Hey, Donald? Isn't that your sister coming towards us?" she asked.

"Wak?" Donald quacked in confusion before turning around.

And the brunette was right. Della came running up towards her twin.

"Hey, sis! I'm ba-!" Donald was about to greet.

He's cut off when Della grabbed his shoulders in panic as she embraced her brother. She surprised everyone with the tears gushing out of her eyes.

"Oh, thank goodness you've come back, Donald!" Della cried, her tears not stopping.

"Della? What's wrong?!" Donald asked as he let go of his sister, all while surprised to see her crying.

"Don, I...I need your help! I-I-I-I-I don't know what to do!" Della cried louder.

"Whoa, Della, calm down. What the hell happened?" Sora asked.

"It's Louie!" Della answered.

"What about him?" Donald asked, worried.

"We were on an adventure and he was injured! Horribly, horribly injured!" Della answered.

This horrified the Guardians, especially Donald and Daisy.

"WHAT!?" The Guardians of Light screamed.

"WHAAAT!?" Donald and Daisy screamed louder.

"Injured!? What do you mean, injured!? What happened, Della!?" Donald screamed again.

"We were attacked by monsters! There was a cave-in and Lena and I were about be crushed. Louie saved us and ended up getting crushed by so many rocks instead!" Della explained.

"Oh my god! Louie!" Kairi shouted, covering her mouth.

"That's horrible!" Aqua gasped.

"Oh dear! Is Louie alright!?" Minnie asked.

"Barely! We got him to a hospital and bandaged him up! Then we brought him back to the castle! He's barely hanging in there! He needs healing and I don't know what to do!" Della cried out.

"Where's Louie right now!? Take me to him!" Donald shouted.

Della grabs his and Daisy's hands. "Follow me!"

Della dragged them back towards the portal to Disney Castle. The others quickly followed behind the three ducks.

---

Disney Castle:

Everyone rushed out of the portal and into the elevator, comically squeezing in.

"Hey, watch the hair!" grunted Lea.

"Donald, your butt's in my neck!" said Max, annoyed.

"Mie facsh is against cheh vall!" said Ven, muffled.

"Gah I'm pressing all the buttons!" groaned Roxas as the doors closed.

---

Bedroom Hall:

The elevator opened and the 24 fell out. Outside the hall stood Huey, Dewey, Scrooge, Webby, Violet, Lena, April, May, June, and Launchpad.

"Oh there you all are!" Scrooge said in relief. "I had a feeling you were back when we saw the Gummiship fly in."

"So, how was the Pride Lands?" asked Launchpad.

"Crazy." Max replied bluntly.

"Where's Louie?!" Donald asked in worry.

"In bed." May replied.

"We just got back from the hospital." said April.

"They patched Louie up, but he's still in a lot of pain on the inside." June said gloomily. "Mrs. B's trying to soothe him now to ease it."

"Gawrsh…" gasped Goofy.

"Oh my goodness…" gasped Minnie.

"What can we do to help?!" asked Naminé.

"Don't you guys have healing spells!? Use them!" said Huey.

The 23 Keybearers traded looks.

"Well… yes, we can." said Aqua. "Though they aren't as powerful as you may think."

"They can heal cuts, bruises, and scrapes." said Mickey. "But bad injuries… it may take a while-"

"It doesn't matter!" Donald cut in. "We have to do it for Louie!"

Ven snapped his fingers with an idea. "What if we all use the spells together?" he asked.

"That could work." said Aqua. "Come on. One at a time inside the room."

One by one the 23 made their way into the bedroom. When they were all inside, they gasped.

There stood Louie, bandaged and bruised in bed. Beakley was trying to soothe him with an ice pack and a glass of water.

"Oh my god, Louie!" Donald gasped.

"Quackers…" gasped Daisy.

"Jesus Christ, he's really banged up…" breathed Xion, shocked.

"How is he Mrs. B?" asked Sora.

"I managed to patch up the bleeding on the plane." Beakley replied. "The hospital did all they could to patch his wounds and give him the necessary painkillers. He's unconscious now, but he's still okay."

"Good god…" Isa muttered.

"Well he's alive. That's the important thing." said Terra.

"Bentina, step back please." said Aqua. "We'd like to give our own treatment."

"Of course." Beakley sat as she got up.

Donald came near his youngest nephew and gently rubbed his bandaged head. "Hey kiddo." he said softly. "You probably can't hear me… but you're gonna be okay. You may feel this or maybe you won't, but just know that it's to help you get better after your little escapade."

Donald summoned Mage's Staff and his friends summoned their signature Keyblades. He nodded at them.

One by one, they all casted Curaga on Louie. The evil triplet briefly glowed until it simmered down. His bruises disappeared and any leftover blood stains vanished too.

Once things settled down, everyone dismissed their weapons and Donald gently pressed his ear to Louie's chest and heard his heartbeat.

"He's okay!" he said with a relieved smile.

Everyone sighed in relief as well.

"Oh thank goodness…" said Ortensia.

"He's okay…" breathed Lea.

"How long is he gonna be out for?" asked Pence.

"He was struck hard. All we can do right now is let him get some rest." said Beakley.

Everyone nodded in agreement as they exited the room and went back into the hallway, though not before Donald and Daisy each planted a kiss on Louie's head.

In the hall, the others were anxiously waiting.

"How's Louie?" asked Huey.

"Is he gonna be okay?" asked Lena.

"Don't worry little fellers, he's gonna be fine." promised Goofy. "He just needs some rest."

The Duck/McDuck family sighed in relief.

"He's gonna be okay!" cheered Webby.

"Guess calling him 'Rebel' wasn't too far off." commented June. "Rebelling against death."

"That's my boy." Della said with tears of joy.

"Now that that's settled…" Lea said before asking what was on the Keybearer's minds. "What in the hell's bells happened while we were gone?!"

"It's uh… it's kind of a long story." said Huey, rubbing the back of his neck.

"To get one thing out of the way, I won the bet against Glomgold." Scrooge chimed in.

"You did? Congratulations, Scrooge!" smiled Sora.

"Yeah, way to stick it to that Scottish-wannabe duck!" said Donald.

"Thanks lads." said Scrooge. "But before that, a few days before that, there was a storm in Duckburg."

"Let's continue this downstairs while Louie rests." suggested Minnie.

"Good call, Min." said Daisy.

"Alright, so tell us what exactly happened while we were gone." Donald said.

"Well, you see lad..." Scrooge began to say.

What follows is the Ducks/McDuck family telling Donald and the rest of the Guardians everything, and they mean everything. They first told them of what happened in their recent escapade. About how their adventure to the Mountains of Marvelglade went wrong when the Unversed attacked and Louie's plan succeeded in destroying them, but also nearly killing them, especially Louie. This was then followed up with the family dropping the big bombshell as they told the Guardians about the Timephoon as well as Louie being the one to cause it by stealing Gyro's Timetub all so he can find treasures from the past to be used for his company as everyone made their way downstairs and into the main hall near the front doors.

---

"HE DID WHAT!?" Donald screamed so loudly that crows outside the castle flew off.

---

Back inside the castle, Donald's family recoiled a little from his shouting.

"Didn't you hear what we said or are you just shocked?" Launchpad asked.

"The second one!" Donald angrily answered.

"So let me get this straight." Sora started. "Louie stole Gyro's timetub and used it to travel back in time to take treasure from the past."

"And as a result, he endangered the space-time continuum." Mickey added.

The Ducks nod and the Guardians had their mouths agape in disbelief at Louie's irresponsible actions.

"Okay, I know I joked about time travel a while ago, but I didn't think he'd take it to heart." Lea commented.

Donald facepalmed. "Where did I go wrong with that boy?" he groaned.

"I can't believe he would do something so reckless." said Kairi, disappointed.

"I know he was struggling with his business, but to go this far…?" said Naminé.

"How could Louie be so irresponsible!?" Daisy shouted.

"Gawrsh. Louie's a sharp kid. Shouldn't he have known that taking lots of things from the past would damage the time stream?" Goofy asked.

"Louie realized that much. That's why he only took treasures that were never found by anyone before the exact moment they were lost to history." Scrooge explained.

"That's… actually clever." Terra admitted.

"But as sharp as Louie is, even he didn't count on Timetub being unstable and causing a time vortex, did he?" asked Riku.

"Yeah. Louie ended up bringing more than just treasure with him. He brought historical figures from the past too." Huey explained.

"And unfortunately, Louie ended up time traveling a bit too much." Webby added.

"And as a result of his actions, the Timephoon not only brought people from the past, but it also blasted us through history as well." Beakley explained.

The Guardians exchanged looks as realization dawned on their faces before looking back to the Ducks.

"You said you got blasted through history, right? Did this involve getting hit with a bolt of blue lightning out of nowhere?" Terra asked, surprising the ducks.

"Yeah! How did you know?!" Della asked.

"Because we got hit by that same lightning while we were at the Pride Lands." Sora answered.

"It happened when we were in the middle of a fight." Ven explained. "We all got zapped by lightning bolts and sent to different points in time."

"Luckily, we were gone for only a few seconds in the Pride Lands. Otherwise, Simba and his Pride wouldn't have lasted." Roxas added.

"Those bolts of lightning that sent us through time…could they have actually come from the Timephoon?" Aqua wondered.

"Wait, you mean the Timephoon got you guys too!? And while you were in another world!?" Dewey asked, dumbfounded.

"How is that even possible?" Lena asked.

"It would seem the temporal bolts made from the Timephoon ended up leaking outside our world somehow." Violet deduced.

"But how? And why did it affect them?" May asked.

"Well, half of us here come from this world." Oswald answered.

"And us humans have been living in this world for months now." said Isa. "I'd say we have a strong enough connection to be affected by whatever events may take place here."

"That would make sense." April agreed.

"Still, it's hard to believe that we were unintentionally involved in Louie's scheme without realizing it..." Sora said but as he kept speaking, realization dawned on his face as he remembered something very important.

"NO WAY!" Sora exclaimed.

"Sora, what wrong?" Riku asked.

"Guys, remember the letter that we got earlier?" Sora said as the other Guardians were confused at what he said before they started to recall the details of a certain letter that they had gotten earlier from their arch-enemy as the rest of the Keyblade Wielders gasped in realization.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me. THIS is what he was referring to earlier?" Lea exclaimed.

"I guess if you think about it, it makes sense given the words he used in his message." Aqua said.

"Uh, what are you guys talking about?" Dewey asked.

"Yeah, what do you mean by 'letter'?" Webby added.

"Well, right before we came back here on the Gummiship, Master Xehanort sent us a letter." Roxas explained.

The Duck/McDuck family gasped with surprised looks on their faces.

"Xehanort himself sent you all a letter?" Scrooge asked.

"For what purpose?" Beakley added.

"Well, part of that letter was him informing us about a resurrection spell that the Organization can use to bring previously dead enemies back to life." Isa said.

"But that's a matter that we can go into more detail about later. What he said after that is related to our current discussion." Oswald said.

"Xehanort mentioned that while we were in the midst of saving the Pride Lands, we unintentionally ended up involved in another scheme that wasn't his or any of the Organization's doing. And that due to all of us being in the Pride Lands, we were powerless to stop it." Riku said.

"Hold on, are you trying to say that the scheme that Xehanort was referring to in his letter, was none other than Louie's time-traveling scheme?" Violet asked.

"We think so. It seems that Xehanort must've caught wind of Louie's actions somehow. However, there's still something that doesn't add up." Sora said.

"And what may that be?" June asked.

"Xehanort said that due to our inability to stop the scheme, the damage has already been done with little chance to fix it. But from the looks of things, everything seems to be normal." Sora said.

"So, I guess the big question here is, what happened after the Timephoon?" Myde asked.

It is then at that moment that the Guardians note the sad looks on the Duck/McDuck family's faces, especially Della's.

"Well, Louie was able to use the Timetub to send everything and everyone he brought with him back to their respective timelines." Huey explained.

"And he even apologized for what he did. We forgave him of course, since you know, it's classic Louie." said Dewey.

"But, well… one of us wasn't as forgiving as the rest of us, and thus Louie ended up getting punished." Webby nervously finished.

The adults gave Della a look and she looked away, rubbing her arms in guilt which Donald noticed.

"I…guess that's reasonable. It's good Louie made things right, but he has to learn he can't get away with something as reckless as time travel." Minnie admitted.

"But haven't we time-traveled a couple of times ourselves?" Goofy asked, thinking back to their time-traveling adventures in Timeless River, Hill Valley, and the MCU.

"We didn't time travel to steal treasure Goofy. We were either dragged into it or we had to do it." Kairi reminded him.

"Hold on. Something's bothering me here." Donald called out.

Everyone looked at Donald who was giving a stern look.

"What's wrong Donald?" Daisy asked.

"Louie was punished. But who punished him exactly?" Donald asked. "Was it you Uncle Scrooge?" Scrooge shook his head. "Mrs B?"

"Well, I…" Beakley started.

"It was Della." Lena answered.

Della and the kids (except for June) looked at Lena in shock for ratting her out.

"Lena!" Della shouted.

"What? He would've figured it out anyway." Lena scoffed.

Della looked at her brother who was shocked and worried his sister punished Louie when she wasn't even at that stage of learning to raise her kids yet. Daisy, Mickey, Goofy, and Minnie were also worried while the rest were a little confused.

"Della? You punished Louie? You!?" Daisy asked, surprised.

"Gosh. A little too early to be punishing your kids, don't you think, Della?" said Mickey.

Donald walked up, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Yeah. You weren't supposed to be learning to give out punishments until a month or two." said Donald, hiding the anger in his voice.

"Well… I… I mean… I was… I guess it was a little early, but… I was just following Beakley's advice." Della tried explaining.

"Is that right?" Donald glared at Beakley.

The former agent tenteds her fingers, nervous and anxious from the glare Donald's giving her, remembering the argument she had with him before he left for the Pride Lands.

"Bentina? What is Della talking about?" Ortensia asked.

"I was teaching Della about putting her foot down and showing tough love every now and then to her children if they ever stepped out of line." Beakley tried explaining.

"Tough love? You mean, punishing her kids?" asked Xion.

"Bit soon for that, isn't it lady?" said Lea.

"She's only been back for about a month after 11 years being on the moon." said Mickey.

"Yeah. Shouldn't Della still be getting to know her kids at this point, Mrs B?" said Sora.

"They're right Bentina. Della shouldn't be learning how to punish her kids yet." said Daisy with a stern look. "That's supposed to be handled by me and Donald. Or you and Scrooge and even the professor when we're not here."

"Yeah. I'm sure I told you that before I left the Pride Lands." said Donald, the anger behind his voice slowly rising at Beakley ignoring his warning.

Della's eyes widened upon hearing that and turned her head to angrily glare at Beakley. "Donald told you that I wasn't ready to show tough love to my kids? And you kept it from me?!"

"I…look, if you just let me explain-" Beakley tried to defend.

Donald cut her off. "Save it. We'll talk later."

Beakley gulped in fear and shared a look with Della, starting to regret her decision teaching Della about tough love behind Donald's back and the pilot was starting to wonder if she shouldn't have taken Beakley's advice so soon.

Launchpad was now a little nervous from the tense situation. After the number of arguments he's gotten involved in lately, he preferred not to be part of another one. For once, thinking quickly, he jerked his thumb towards the exit.

"Hey, would you look at the time? Uh…I think I'll just go and do some…uh… non-pilot stuff… far away from the awkward family drama, so… see you guys around." Launchpad stuttered. "If you need my pilot expertise… I'll be in the cabana!"

And with that, Launchpad ran out towards the back door before he could get involved in another awkward situation.

"Wow. LP made a smart move getting out of here." Lea commented.

"Can't say I blame him." said Riku.

The Mage of Thunder looked back to his sister.

"Della? What punishment did you give to Louie?" He asked, crossing his arms.

"I mean, Don, come on. Does it really matter how I punished Louie? I mean, what's done is-" Della tried to defend.

"Della…" Donald sternly cut her off.

Afraid of the look being given to her, Della sighed and came clean.

"After the Timephoon, I…sorta grounded him." Della admitted.

Most of the Guardians exchanged looks, not too bothered so far.

"Oh." said Kairi.

"That's not so bad." said Aqua.

"Yeah that's pretty much the best response given the situation." said Oswald.

"And I may have shut down his Louie Incorporated business." Della nervously added.

"For how long?" Daisy asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Um…permanently…" Della admitted, anxiously.

The Guardians widened their eyes in shock at this.

"You mean you permanently shut down the kid's dream business!?" Lea asked in disbelief.

"And I forbade him from ever scheming." Della admitted guiltily.

"And she yelled at him in front of the entire family, including Gyro and Launchpad." Huey added.

Donald shared a look with Daisy and the rest of his friends, all not liking what this was leading up to. Sure, Louie needed to be punished but shutting down his business permanently and forbidding him from ever scheming was a bit too much. And yelling at him in front of everyone? Something that serious is best discussed privately. They needed to understand just how far Della went. After all, she does tend to go overboard. The cakes, story, and activities back at the mansion before the Gilded Man's accidental reactivation were prime examples.

"What happened after that?" Sora asked.

"We all went on an adventure that Louie would've actually liked, this being Big Rock Candy Mountain. And I made it clear he couldn't come since he was grounded." said Della.

"Wait. You all went on an adventure without Louie?" Daisy asked.

"Are you telling me you left Louie at the manor ALONE!?" Donald shouted.

"I mean…yes, but he wasn't completely alone. Duckworth and the DT-87 were looking after him." Della defended.

"The DT what?" Sora asked, dumbfounded.

"One of Gyro's inventions that tried to kill us last year." Huey answered. "Mom had him program it to babysit Louie and stop him from scheming or leaving the mansion."

"You mean to tell us that you left Louie alone with a faulty robot and your ghost butler?" Terra asked sternly.

"Yeah, that's not very good company, lady." Lea commented. "I mean, I get Duckworth since he is a good ghost butler, but a robot built by a scientist whose past inventions have been known to go haywire… I'm not feeling that confident. Next, you're probably gonna tell us you made Louie feel like he was in prison."

The kids all glared at Della who held her arm nervously.

"Well…the thing is…" Della anxiously chuckled, taking off her pilot helmet and goggles to scratch her head. "I mean… it's funny you should say that… because I… I…"

"You, what? Uncle Scrooge what happened?" Daisy looked to her future uncle-in-law.

"Let's just say, Della overdid things…again." said Scrooge, tugging his collar

"Why am I not surprised?" Donald sighed.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?" Della asked, offended as she put her helmet and goggles back on.

"You know, it's funny that Lea said what he said earlier. Because with the restrictions Della made here, Louie might as well have been in prison!" June angrily stated with her hands in her pockets.

"Restrictions?" Daisy asked.

"Della, what exactly did you do?" Donald crossed his arms again. "If you did overdo it like you usually do, it'd be enough to make Louie mad at you, but he wouldn't disown you as a mom if something happened to him because of it. Or if you said something that hurt his feelings."

"No! I-I mean, I admit I put him in danger but I'd never-" Della tried to explain something.

"Can I say something?" asked Naminé, grabbing everyone's attention. "Maybe we might understand what really happened if we see things from Louie's perspective. I can use my powers and we can view Louie's memories!"

"Yeah, you're right. That's a great idea Naminé!" Roxas agreed.

Everyone else nodded in agreement, including Della who wanted to understand why her son has been so mad at her lately.

"Actually goldilocks, you don't need to bother." Lena held up her amulet, grabbing everyone's attention. "While Louie was at the hospital, I used my amulet to absorb his memories."

Everyone was taken aback.

"You did?" asked Xion.

"Huh. Another surprise from the duck born with shadow magic." quipped Myde.

"I didn't know you had powers over people's memories too, Lena." said Naminé.

"Well, I can't rewrite memories like you used to, but I can use my powers to look into them." Said Lena.

"Can you show us the memories, Lena?" asked Sora.

"Well, duh! Of course I can! And I don't need the Gummiphone to show you." Lena bragged.

Lena pulled out the amulet and it shined brightly.

"Ooh shiny…" Donald and June breathed, hypnotized by the shiny glow and trying to reach for the amulet.

Daisy and April smacked their hands away, giving them stern looks. The two ducks gave sheepish smiles.

The amulet then showed the memory of Louie sitting on his bunk watching the videos Della sent him.

"Hi Louie, I figured you would try to use your khopesh to destroy the DT-87 and get yourself out of being grounded so I also had Gyro make a special bracelet device that'll prevent you from ever summoning it and use your new powers. And don't bother trying to find it the old fashioned way because I confiscated it while you were sleeping and Beakely also advised me to confiscate your friendship bracelet."

Louie gasped in shock and disgust when he saw Della presenting his khopesh and friendship bracelet. He looks at his wrist, finally noticing his bracelet missing.

"And hey, I'm not one to ignore the wisdom of a retired spy after what you did. Anyway, you're not allowed to have either of these, especially your khopesh ever again until I think you deserve to have them. Bye!"she said.

The Keybearers were shocked.

"You took his bracelet and khopesh?!" exclaimed Sora.

"You idiot, those were his weapons for self defense!" exclaimed Roxas.

Lena was pretty pissed off herself. "And I made that bracelet for him to symbolize our friendship! And you had no right to take that from him!"

"I didn't think of that!" Della said, wincing. "I thought he could use them to break out of his punishment! Plus, he had Duckworth and the DT-87!"

"Don't you remember how many enemies Scrooge has?! They could easily damage that robot and send Duckworth flying!" exclaimed Daisy. "Especially since Magica and apparently Black Arts Beagle have magic now!"

"That… did not cross our minds." Beakley admitted.

"I don't like this…" Oswald said to Ortenisa, who shook her head in agreement.

Louie tried to leave his room, but was blocked by lasers.

"Lasers?!" Sora, Roxas, and Ven exclaimed in unison.

"Oh so that's what you meant by prison!" Goofy realized.

"Seriously Della, that's going a bit far." Donald frowned.

"Yeah, he was grounded, not quarantined." Daisy added.

Della nervously tugged her scarf.

"Incoming call from Huey!" said the DT-87.

The screen revealed Huey happily checking up on his youngest brother.

"Hey, Louie, cool hat."he said.

"Thanks a lot, HUEY!" Louie exclaimed as he threw down the cap, miffed.

The scenery of Big Rock Candy Mountain was astonishingly beautiful. The mountains were covered in different coloured jewels and diamonds, clouds in the blue sky are pinkish and the water was Pep!. Huey, Dewey and Beakley wee floating on a raft, Dewey was fishing and Beakley was sitting on a crate playing around with something.

"You would love this place! We're floating up a river of fresh, natural spring Pep!."said Huey.

Dewey pulled in a giant fish and it landed right on top of him.

"What!? Really!? Describe the flavor to me in intimate detail!" Louie excitedly demanded.

Huey drank natural Pep! from a boot and was about to when Della angrily appeared on screen.

"Describe nothing! He hasn't earned it!"she said firmly.

Something then shines from the distance that Louie couldn't see but Della and Huey certainly could. Della gasped in awe.

"It's the Hobo King on a gold silk reclining throne! HE'S GLORIOUS!" she cried.

Now Louie was desperate. "Just shift the camera slightly to the right!" he cried.

With Della there there was nothing Huey could do and he was forced to hang up.

"Oh that is just cold." frowned Lea.

"I'm afraid Lea is right Della, that was pretty mean." said Minnie, shaking her head.

Della cringed at seeing that memory. "Looking back… maybe it was?" she said.

"You really took the family to Big Rock Candy Mountain?!" Donald scowled.

"It was a last-minute adventure to win the bet!" Scrooge replied.

"I thought I told you that was the one adventure Louie wanted to go on since we moved back in!" Donald said, furious. "And you went to it anyway while he was left alone?!"

"If that was your way of teaching him a lesson, doing his favorite kind of adventure without him, that is kind of mean too." said Kairi. "Especially if you rub it in his face about the good stuff he's missing."

"And you agreed to it, Uncle Scrooge?" asked April.

Scrooge rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Well… it was still an adventure… and my last attempt at making sure the bet against Glomgold was still in my favor…"

"Focusing more on that stupid bet than Louie's safety and feelings? Unbelievable." Naminé said in annoyance.

And then the amulet showed a montage of Clan Glomgold breaking into the mansion, destroying the DT-87, launching Demonworth away, and Beaks hacking the phone lines. and fighting Louie. While Louie managed to hold his own with makeshift weapons and ultimately win, the villains hurting him during the fight was still a horrific sight to see.

Everyone was shocked at the sight.

"Whoa…" gasped Sora.

"Holy crap…" gasped Ven.

"Oh my goodness!" cried Minnie.

"The villains did attack the mansion!" cried Daisy.

"And they hurt poor Louie!" exclaimed Olette.

"Though it is impressive he managed to hold his own… albeit barely." Isa said.

"My baby! That's how he got hurt!?" cried Della.

"They didn't hold back…" Dewey said in horror.

"Of course they didn't, they hate Scrooge with a vengeance!" Webby cried.

"I didn't even think Mark Beaks could sink that low." said Huey.

"That idiot would do anything to keep himself on top." scowled April.

"This is just what I feared…" Aqua muttered. "Glomgold may be an idiot, but he was so desperate to win that he took such a drastic option: teaming up with all the villains. And since we have fought some of them before, such as Magica, Don Karnage, and even the Beagle family based on what I recall of them trying to capture Lena earlier, it's safe to assume that ALL of them are working for Xehanort."

"I guess that explains how Xehanort found out about what happened. He must've heard about Glomgold's plan!" added Ven.

"But still, have you all not even thought about the possibility of your enemies showing up when you left Louie behind?" snapped Xion.

"We dinnea know they were gonna attack!" Scrooge argued.

"Regardless of your security, you still left Louie vulnerable to them all!" said Riku.

"You've made so many enemies that they wouldn't hesitate to try and harm your family, including the kids!" added Kairi.

"Guess Glomgold was smarter than we expected." murmured Violet.

"This is Pete and Mortimer's scheme with Vexen's power-blocking shackles all over again…" muttered Roxas.

Then the amulet flashed again and it showed Della speaking to Louie again while reading a book.

"Ethics is concerned with how your actions negatively affect those around you." she said.

Lea snorted. "You're teaching ethics? What is this, 1967? You are so old school."

"I am not old school!" Della scoffed.

"And don't go around saying the rest of us older toons are too!" said Oswald, waving his finger.

"Keep telling yourselves that…" snorted Sora.

Della sighed. "Look…your plans…your schemes…they only lead to bad things for your family. If you wanna be a part of this family… you've gotta stop."

Silence. Stunned silence. Everyone but Della stared in shock at what they just heard, jaws dropped, eyes wide as dinner plates, Lena even almost dropped her amulet had it not been for the string hanging on her frozen fingers.

Did Della really say that? Did she actually just threaten her own son's place in the family by telling Louie he couldn't do what he was good at for both himself and even the family? That made him feel like he belonged?

"Yeah I was hoping that lesson would get into his head." Della said casually. "I mean, no good truly does come from cockamamie… schemes…"

Della trailed off when she saw everyone glaring daggers at her. Eyes narrowed, teeth and fists clenched, faces almost red.

Della found herself nervous at all the looks she was getting. "Uh… w-why are you all looking at me like that…?" she asked.

The eight kids were about to step forward, but they found themselves blocked off by some of the world-travelers' arms, much to their surprise.

Della backed up nervously, but ended up backing into Lea. She turned around and saw the redhead staring at her with a neutral expression, arms folded.

"I know that you're new to this whole parenting thing, but let me ask you a question…" Lea said calmly… before his expression became enraged. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!"

"YOU DO NOT SAY THAT TO A CHILD!" Isa shouted.

"ARE YOU CRAZY DELLA!? WHY WOULD YOU SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO LOUIE!?" Sora demanded.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!?" Ven snapped.

"DELLA, THAT'S A HORRIBLE THING TO SAY TO A KID! ESPECIALLY YOUR OWN SON!" Aqua yelled.

Della was taken aback. "Wait! What!? What're you talking about!?" she asked.

"YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU DID WRONG!?" Riku shouted, aghast.

"YOU IDIOT! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM!?" Terra snapped.

"All I did was say that if Louie wanted to be a part of the family he had to-!" Della began when Minnie angrily stepped up.

"THAT'S EXACTLY IT DELLA! DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU'VE JUST DONE!?" The queen furiously asked.

"DELLA! HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT TO YOUR YOUNGEST SON!?" Mickey snapped.

"IT'S NO WONDER POOR LOUIE PUT HIMSELF IN DANGER LIKE THAT AND ALMOST GOT HIMSELF KILLED!" Kairi yelled.

"YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!" Goofy said furiously.

"HELL YEAH!" Max angrily said in agreement. "DAD'S GROUNDED ME A COUPLE OF TIMES IN THE PAST, BUT HE NEVER SAID STUFF LIKE THAT!"

"ORTENSIA AND I HAVE 420 CHILDREN!" Oswald yelled.

"BUT NEVER IN OUR LIVES DID WE THREATEN THEIR PLACE IN THE FAMILY BY SAYING SOMETHING SO AWFUL!" Ortensia snapped.

"I…I…" Della stuttered.

Roxas then realized Della wasn't the only guilty party here. He furiously walked over to Scrooge and Beakley.

"SCROOGE! BEAKLEY! I CAN'T BELIEVE THE TWO OF YOU STOOD THERE AND LET THIS HAPPEN!" Roxas yelled.

"HOW COULD THE BOTH OF YOU DO NOTHING AS DELLA SAID THOSE AWFUL THINGS TO LOUIE?!" Naminé furiously demanded.

Scrooge and Beakely looked down in guilt for allowing things to go this far.

"Well, we, w-we were trying to help Della be a proper parent and learn when to be strict and firm with the children, like I said." Beakley managed to say.

"But we dinnea know that she told Louie those things through the DT-87." Scrooge added.

That response made the group angrier.

"THAT'S NO EXCUSE!" Xion snapped.

"AND IT CERTAINLY WASN'T RIGHT TO LET HIS LOUIE INC DREAM GET SHUT DOWN!" Myde added crossly.

"YOU TWO KNOW FULL WELL DELLA'S NEW TO BEING A MOM!" Olette scowled.

"YOU SHOULD'VE TRIED TO GIVE DELLA ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO! NOT LET HER DO ALL OF THIS ON HER OWN WHEN SHE'S STILL NEW!" added Hayner.

"THAT'S WHAT LEAD ALL OF THIS TO HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE!" Pence added. "HOW COULD YOU BOTH NOT SEE THAT!?

Daisy stormed up to Della. "DELLA! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU! WHAT YOU SAID TO LOUIE WAS COMPLETELY THE MOST AWFUL THING I EVER HEARD! DON'T YOU GET HOW YOUR WORDS JUST IMPACTED HIM, WHY DIDN'T YOU THINK BEFORE YOU-!"

"STOP!"

The shouting stopped and everyone looked over to see Donald with his hands up to calm everyone down.

"I'll deal with this." Donald said.

Donald stepped up and walks right in front of his sister with a really blank expression that scared Della and worried the rest.

"Donald…?"

SLAP!

Donald slapped Della right across the face, much to everyone's shock.

"OW!" Della yelled, holding her red cheek before glaring at her twin. "What was that for!?" she yelled.

Donald suddenly yanked Della up by the scarf and pilot uniform, a vehement expression on his face. Huey and Dewey attempted to do something but Scrooge halted them with his cane and shook his head.

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!?" Donald angrily asked.

"Donnie…I…I…" Della stammered as Donald let her go.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU DID, DELLA!" Donald yelled, furious. "DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU'VE DONE?! HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT TO LOUIE!? HOW!? YOUR WORDS JUST BROKE YOUR OWN SON'S CONFIDENCE! HE'S BEEN EMOTIONALLY SCARRED BECAUSE OF YOU! LOUIE IS AS EVERY PART OF OUR FAMILY AS ANY OF US! YOU HAD ABSOLUTELY NO RIGHT TO SAY OTHERWISE, ESPECIALLY TO YOUR OWN SON!"

"But I'd never mean it like that!" Della protested. "Of course Louie is a part of our family. When I said that I didn't think-!"

"THAT'S THE POINT! YOU DON'T THINK!" Donald angrily cut in. "THAT'S YOUR PROBLEM DUMBELLA! YOU ALWAYS SAY AND DO THINGS WITHOUT THINKING OF THE CONSEQUENCES OR THE PEOPLE YOU HURT, PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY! IT GOT ME HURT A COUPLE OF TIMES ON SOME ADVENTURES WE WENT ON! THIS IS THE SPEAR OF SELENE ALL OVER AGAIN! THIS IS WHAT CAUSED US TO ARGUE, AND WHEN YOU TOOK OFF IN THAT STUPID ROCKET, YOU DIDN'T GIVE A THOUGHT TO THE DANGERS THAT I TRIED TO WARN YOU ABOUT OR THE DAMAGE YOU'D LEAVE BEHIND!"

Della was stunned that Donald would bring up the Spear of Selene this way. She looked like she was about to cry from that reference. First her youngest son made the reference which broke her heart enough to push her in grounding him and now her own brother. Seeing the heartbroken expression on Della's face caused everyone to soften up, especially Donald. The mage looked down and sighed in sadness.

Aqua approached Donald. "Donald? It's time to tell her." she gently said.

"You did say you were gonna tell her when we got back." Terra added.

Donald looked at the two and sighed. "You're right…" he said.

Sora walked up to Della. "Della… you don't know the kind of damage your disappearance did to your family, to Donald, Scrooge, and the boys." he said.

Donald, Scrooge, Huey, and Dewey's expressions saddened, wishing that they didn't have to tell her this. But given the circumstances, they had no choice.

Della was confused.

"Lass. Perhaps it's time we told you the truth." Scrooge said.

"W-what are you talking about?" Della asked.

"Sis. After we lost contact with you, Uncle Scrooge and I fell out hard. I blamed him for everything that happened after you blasted off into space. We were no longer on speaking terms." Donald confessed.

Della was shocked. "What do you mean you were no longer on speaking terms!?" she asked.

"Della. Donald and I got into our own nasty argument. Though it was mostly one sided because Donald kept blaming me for losing you… but I was too stubborn to admit it." Scrooge said in guilt.

And much to everyone's surprise, Lena's amulet suddenly showed the argument.

Donald and Scrooge stood in the control room.

"My sister is gone because of you!" Donald snapped. "If you hadn't built that rocket, this wouldn't have happened!"

"Don't go blaming me for this!" Scrooge snapped back. "She was the one who took the rocket on a joyride!"

"She wouldn't have if you didn't build it!" Donald argued.

"It was supposed to be a surprise!" Scrooge argued back. "I don't know how she found out, but that doesn't matter!"

"No! What does matter is the fact that Della, my own sister and best friend, is gone!" Donald yelled. "And her kids are gonna grow up without her! It's bad enough their dad is already dead! And thanks to you, she's gone too! You're not even trying to find her anymore!"

Scrooge angrily gripped his cane. "I put my entire fortune into finding her!" he snapped.

"Yeah right!" Donald scoffed. "You probably stopped before your bin went dry!"

"That is not true!" Scrooge yelled. "I tried finding her!"

"Well you didn't try enough!" Donald seethed. "I'm not gonna let the kids get involved in any of this when they hatch! I'm taking them and keeping them safe and away from the likes of you, Scrooge McDuck!"

"Fine!" Scrooge scowled. "Take them away, leave everything behind! After all I have ever done for you and your sister!"

"All you ever done for us is drag us onto dangerous adventures! That's all you ever cared about!" the sailor snapped.

"Adventures bring money to the bin and to the town!" Scrooge angrily said. "Including an ungrateful person like you, Donald Duck!"

"I don't ever wanna see you again!" Donald yelled.

"Fine by me!" Scrooge yelled back.

Scrooge went back to the monitors as Donald went out to the hall and wheeled away the stroller with the eggs in them. He glared behind him as he left.

"Crazy old man, always caring about the next adventure." Donald growled.

"Family, bah! Nothing but trouble." Scrooge seethed.

Everyone stared in shock as the memory ended.

"Okay...I didn't expect my amulet to be able to recreate that memory." Lena said in surprise.

"Jesus…" breathed Terra.

"So that's how the family got separated…" Violet said grimly.

Della was in silent shock and horror after that. She couldn't believe this happened after she got lost in space and stuck on the moon.

"At the time, Donald couldn't forgive Scrooge." Riku said.

"And because of that I left that mansion…forever…" Donald revealed.

"And he took the three of us with him." Dewey added.

Della could only turn pale as she heard all of this.

"Your brother and I never spoke or saw each other again for 10 years… until your boys showed up on my doorstep." Scrooge said.

"I… no… wait… you mean …the two of you didn't raise my boys together?" Della asked in disbelief.

"No, Mom." Dewey spoke up. "Uncle Donald raised me, Huey, and Louie all on his own. He had the occasional help from his friends, Grandma, Uncle Ludwig, Uncle Gladstone, even Uncle Fethry and Aunt Daisy but… it was always him."

"We didn't even know that much about you or that Uncle Scrooge was even our relative." Huey added.

Della was stunned, and also hurt and confused.

"But… did none of you guys really receive any of my transmissions from the moon?" she asked.

"Transmissions?" asked Ven.

"While I was on the moon I sent hundreds of transmissions to Earth, hoping someone would be able to find where I was." Della explained.

"You said they were filled with hundreds of hours of heart-felt lessons but… we never got any of them." Dewey replied.

"Della. If we had gotten those transmissions we would've known you were on the moon sooner." said Scrooge.

"And I'm sure you would've been found way sooner than this." Terra added.

Della was shocked and in disbelief as she faced her brother. "But… but… Donald… why!? Why wouldn't you tell them about me!? You mean, you didn't mention me at all!?" she asked, hurt.

Donald looked at his twin sadly. "Della, if I was the one that disappeared into space and you were so traumatized by it, would you have the courage to tell the kids about me?"

Della was about to speak but stopped, realizing the point which Donald was getting at.

"I couldn't tell them what happened to you Della. If I told them the truth it would break their hearts and I didn't want them to go down the adventuring path. I was afraid I'd lose them like I lost you." Donald went on.

"Donald…" Della said sadly. Then, she realized something else as she faced everyone. "Hold on… you all knew about this?!" she asked.

"When we started getting to know each other more, Donald told us." said Sora.

"Especially those of us that live in this castle." added Mickey.

"Many of our friends know too." said Kairi. "Master Yen Sid, Seifer and his crew, Ansem the Wise and his Apprentices, the Restoration Committee from Radiant Garden, our allies from Midgar, and the rest of your relatives."

"He trusted us enough to tell us." said Terra.

"Wha-Why didn't you tell me when I got back?!" Della demanded.

"We wanted to, but Donald, Daisy, and Scrooge told us not to say anything." said Aqua.

"You had just gotten back home." said Roxas. "They didn't wanna wreck your return by dumping all that information on you so quickly."

"They were gonna tell you after you got to know your kids better." said Riku. "And we promised we wouldn't say anything unless something bad happened and this was a major factor…"

"Which it sadly is." sighed April.

"That… that makes sense." Della reluctantly admitted.

"But we eventually found out anyway…" Dewey sighed. "After our first adventure with Uncle Scrooge to Atlantis."

Lena's amulet showed the memories.

Dewey and Webby investigated the library and saw the note about Della taking the Spear of Selene.

Then we go to Ithaquack where Dewey blocked Webby from going through the door to the Garden of Selene.

"What're you doing!? The door is going to close soon!" said Webby.

"We're not going in." said Dewey.

Webby pushes through. "But all the answers we've been searching for are in there!" Webby reminded

"I don't care! My Mom was a HERO!" Dewey shouted.

Dewey finds the strength to push back and throw her off. Webby drops her phone as she recovers by landing and jumping off her hands. She flips and lands on her feet. When she stood up, the two glare at each other.

After that we see a bunch of shots of Dewey and Webby fighting.

Everyone was shocked by the fight they were witnessing. While they're impressed Dewey was able to hold his own against Webby despite being less experienced at fighting at this point, the two of them were best friends. They're so close it's hard to imagine them ever fighting like this. Watching this memory caused Dewey and Webby to look away from each other in regret. Della's beak was agape in shock to see what her actions are doing to Dewey.

After more fighting, Webby has Dewey in an armlock, twisting his arm a little. He cried out in pain and struggles to escape her grip, though Webby looks at him with an expression of pleading and regret, crying with tears streaming down her face.

"Dewey! Please, no more! I don't want to fight anymore! I don't want to hurt you! You're my best friend!" Webby cried.

"You're my best friend too Webby! But I have to do this! I have to protect my Mom." Dewey cried, as he held his shoulder.

"But Dewey! This is the only chance we'll get! Don't you want to find out the truth about Della!? About your Mom!? Don't you want to know if she was truly a hero!?" Asked Webby.

"MY MOM IS A HERO!" Dewey shouted.

Dewey manages to spin his entire body and lands a kick in Webby's face, sending her screaming and flying. She got up but couldn't stop Dewey from delivering two punches to her face and then another right in stomach. Webby shouts in anguish but quickly steels herself and grabs Dewey's wrist. She tosses him over her shoulder, pinning him down.

"Why!? Tell me why Dewey?! We're so close to the truth! Why won't you let us find it!? Why are you so afraid!?" Webby shouted.

Hearing these constant questions and Webby theorizing that his mom could be evil has made Dewey reach the breaking point in his anger. And then, he suddenly snapped.

"SHUT UP!" Dewey screamed.

Like Webby in the memory, everyone recoiled from Dewey's outburst.

Dewey delivers a headbutt right in the forehead, causing Webby to shout and grab her head in pain.

"SHUT! UP!" Dewey screamed again.

Dewey got and Webby ends up screaming more when Dewey knees her in the stomach and begins pummelling her with his fists, tears gushing out.

Everyone, especially Donald, Della, Beakley, Lena, and May, were horrified watching Dewey beating on Webby like this. Dewey himself felt even more ashamed seeing what he did back then.

"YOU DON'T KNOW! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ME!" Dewey screamed in rage. "I'VE BEEN AN ORPHAN FOR 10 YEARS OF MY LIFE! I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MOTHER OR FATHER! I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MY FAMILY! NOW I HAVE FINALLY FOUND A CLUE ABOUT ONE OF MY BIRTH PARENTS, ONLY TO HAVE TO HEAR YOU CONSTANTLY THEORIZE THAT MY MOM IS EVIL AND THAT SHE BETRAYED THE FAMILY! I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT! I REFUSE TO BELIEVE MY MOM WAS A TRAITOR! SHE WAS A HERO!"

Everyone watches Dewey's emotional rant in sorrow, some of the girls covering their mouths and letting tears leak out. Webby feels even worse for her insensitivity that day and Della is most horrified of all to see the emotional damage her disappearance did to Dewey.

It all ends when Dewey lands an elbow in Webby's left eye, sending her screaming and falling on her back. Dewey gasped in horror, realizing what he just did after watching his best friend writhe, holding her eye. Webby revealed her black eye.

"Ooh. That's quite a shiner." Myde grimaced.

Beakley glared hard at Dewey, enraged at him hurting Webby. She suddenly grabbed him by the shirt.

"YOU ATTACKED MY GRANDDAUGHTER!?" she snapped.

Dewey sweated in fear. "I-I-I didn't mean to-"

"Stop!" May grabbed Beakley's leg, trying to pull her back.

Della grabs Beakley's waist. "What are you doing!? Let my son go now!"

Beakley ignored them, growling at a terrified Dewey until Sora grabs her wrist with a stern look.

"Hey! That's enough, old lady. You've made your point. Let him go." said Sora firmly.

Before Beakley could say or do anything, Webby pleadingly grabbed her other leg.

"Granny, stop! It wasn't Dewey's fault! It was mine! I caused the fight to happen in the first place! Please, let him go!"

Seeing Webby's pleading look causes Beakley to soften, noticing the disapproving looks she's receiving and the fear in Dewey's face. She gasped, realizing what she was doing and releases Dewey immediately, stepping away from him. Dewey got up on his feet with Webby and May doing their best to comfort him, the former giving him a hug. The former agent could only watch this in guilt.

"I…I'm sorry, Dewey. I was… I…" Beakley tried to explain.

"It's fine. It's fine." Dewey managed to say. "I get it, she's your granddaughter..."

Webby stood up, facing her grandma. "Please, don't be mad at Dewey, Granny. That fight was all my fault." She sighed in guilt. "While we were on Ithaquack, I kept coming up with theories about what had happened to Della… and one of them was her selfishly stealing the Spear."

"I was afraid that Mom betrayed the family and was a bad person…" Dewey said sadly.

"Dewey…" Della said in sadness.

Beakley sighed heavily. "Oh Webbigail, I do like your enthusiasm when you come up with ideas and theories about people. But you must understand that some of them may come off as insensitive towards the rest and can hurt their feelings as a result." she gently scolded.

"I know, I know." Webby sighed, looking down in shame. "I should've understood sooner how much I was hurting Dewey with my words. But I was dumb and too caught up in the adventure to realize that."

"I never should've started that stupid fight. I thought I was defending my Mom, but really...I was just protecting myself. I'm sorry, Webby." Dewey said in shame.

"No, Dewey, I'm sorry." Webby said. "I caused it all by being so insensitive and making theories about your Mom that put you in emotional turmoil without even considering how you felt."

At Castle McDuck, Dewey had no choice but to tell Huey and Louie about the investigation so they won't give up her scarf to the Terror Dog.

"How could you keep this from us!?" Huey demanded.

"I was trying to protect you from a potentially devastating revelation." Dewey replied.

"Or you just kept it to yourself so you could feel special!" Huey accused. "Classic Dewey! She's our mom!"

"Were you really?" asked April.

"Of course not!" Dewey huffed. "I wanted to know the full story instead of coming out empty-handed! Things… just got out of hand thanks to that pooch."

"From what you told us, we can see that." said Roxas.

"It's just... First, I didn't tell you tell you because I didn't want you to get hurt. Then I couldn't tell you because I found out all this stuff and I didn't want you to hurt me! I'm sorry, okay!?" Dewey confessed.

"You're only sorry because you got caught!" Huey accused.

They then looked over at Louie, cradling Della's scarf as the torch they used to light the way went out.

"Louie? You okay?" Dewey asked his little brother.

"You kept a secret about Mom." Louie looked up at him, upset and hurt. "That is not okay."

Dewey looked down, ashamed.

"Louie…" Della said sadly.

Dewey looked down sadly as well as Huey and May patted his back.

"I guess Louie took it the hardest out of the triplets." said Oswald.

"He is the youngest. He did mention that he doesn't know how to have a mom, especially after Della disappeared, right before they hatched." Ortensia pointed out.

"We did make up." said Dewey. "The three of us and Webby tried to find out the truth together."

"And then while we were going on another adventure in the Cloudslayer, er, back when it was temporarily renamed the Sunchaser, we got stuck on the tip of a mountain." said Huey.

"And I was so desperate for the truth, I'll admit, I almost got us all hurt." Dewey admitted.

"To stop the madness… Donald, Daisy, and I finally told them the truth." said Scrooge. "What happened the day you took that blasted rocket, and how it led to our fight after you disappeared."

"And then." Donald gulped. "History repeated itself… but worse."

Della felt her blood run cold as Lena's amulet showed the memory.

The triplets and Webby had just been told the full story. At that moment, Dewey glared at Scrooge.

"Great…so you're the reason our Mom is gone!" Dewey accused.

Scrooge was taken aback by this accusation. "What!? No-I-I-!" he stuttered.

"Um…guys…" Launchpad said, trying to warn them about the crumbling mountain.

But the triplets were too busy yelling at Scrooge.

"YOU BUILT HER A CRAZY, DANGEROUS SUPER ROCKET!" Dewey snapped.

"Which she stole early-!" Scrooge tried to say.

"THEN YOU ENCOURAGED HER TO KEEP FLYING THROUGH A COSMIC STORM! YOU COULD'VE CALLED HER DOWN, THERE WERE TOO MANY VARIABLES!" Huey yelled.

"Now boys, you don't know-!" Beakley tried to say.

"AND YOU'RE THE RICHEST DUCK IN THE WORLD! WHY DIDN'T YOU SEND UP MORE SHIPS TO LOOK FOR HER!?" Louie asked.

"I spared no expense!" Scrooge retorted.

"Huey, Dewey, Louie, please! Calm down! It wasn't anything like that! Scrooge didn't know Della would take the Spear of Selene like that! He did his very best to look for her!" Daisy tried to reason.

Dewey just scoffed, not believing a word Daisy was saying. "YEAH, RIGHT! CHEAP OLD SCROOGE PROBABLY BAILED AS SOON AS IT PUT A DENT IN HIS MONEY BIN!"

Scrooge was hurt by that remark. His own temper began to rise from the accusations.

"Um…guys…" Launchpad tried again.

Webby tried to calm things down. "Take it easy Dewey, he may have a point." she said calmly before glaring back at Scrooge. "EVEN IF GIFTING AN EXPERIMENTAL ROCKET TO A MOTHER OF THREE WAS CLEARLY A TERRIBLE IDEA!" she shouted.

That made Scrooge very cross. "This is a family matter!" he said, pointing at Webby. "YOU are not family!"

A profoundly hurt Webby could only glare with tears forming in her eyes.

Scrooge felt everyone glaring daggers back at him.

"Low. Blow. Dude." Lea hissed at the billionaire.

"How could you say that to Webby?!" Lena furiously demanded.

"That's colder than any ice spell I've ever cast." said Ven.

"More colder than any ice spell Vexen ever cast." Myde countered. "And he was called the Chilly Academic back in the day. He was more colder than his original self, for Pete's sake!"

"I was angry and not thinking…" Scrooge said in guilt.

"None of you were." Naminé sighed sadly.

No one who was on that plane that day could argue with Naminé. She was right.

"SCROOGE! HOW COULD YOU SAY SUCH A HORRIBLE THING!?" Daisy exclaimed in anger.

Beakley put a shoulder on Webby. "SEE HERE MCDUCK! YOU WILL NOT SPEAK TO MY GRANDDAUGHTER THAT WAY!"

"YOU WILL NOT SPEAK TO ME THAT WAY! NONE OF YOU!" Scrooge roared. "AFTER EVERYTHING I DO FOR YOU, YOU'RE ALL NOTHING BUT TROUBLE!"

Donald glared at his uncle. "SHUT UUUUP!" he angrily quacked, marching over to Scrooge, getting in his face. "WE'RE NOTHING BUT TROUBLE!? SAYS YOU, YOU RECKLESS ADVENTURER! SOMEONE ALWAYS GETS HURT! And you want to know something! It's not because of adventure, it's because of YOU! SOMEONE ALWAYS GETS HURT BECAUSE OF YOU!"

Scrooge angrily got back in Donald's face. "THAT'S BECAUSE NONE OF YOU EVER LISTEN!"

"WHY SHOULD WE?! YOU ALWAYS PUT US IN HARM'S WAY!" Donald snapped.

"YOU DO THAT ON YOUR OWN!" Scrooge snapped back.

Daisy tried to intervene. "Guys please! This isn't healthy!"

"Yeah, this old coot thinks he can do anything but keep us safe!" Donald seethed.

"That's not what I meant!" Daisy cried.

"YOU stay out of this!" Scrooge angrily barked at Daisy. "This is between me and my DEADBEAT OF A NEPHEW!"

Donald was furious. "Don't you dare yell at Daisy for your own incompetence! Everything that's happened is ALL YOUR FAULT!"

"My fault!?" Scrooge furiously scowled.

"Yes, it's your fault! My sister, my other half is gone because of you! You killed her!" Donald accused.

Scrooge angrily gripped his cane. "I did nothing of the sort! Della was the one who stole the rocket!"

Donald pointed at him. "WHICH YOU BUILT! I TOLD YOU HOW DANGEROUS IT WAS AND YOU BUILT IT BEHIND MY BACK! IF YOU HAD LISTENED TO ME INSTEAD OF BUILDING THAT STUPID SPEAR OF SELENE, SHE'D STILL BE HERE, THE BOYS WOULD HAVE A MOTHER, AND NONE OF THIS WOULD'VE HAPPENED YOU ARROGANT MISER!" he yelled.

Scrooge gritted his teeth. "I ONLY BECAME AN OLD MISER BECAUSE YOUR TROUBLESOME SISTER-!"

"DO NOT! SAY A WORD AGAINST MY SISTER!" Donald cut in.

"-STOLE THE SPEAR OF SELENE AND BECAUSE YOU ABANDONED ME WHEN I NEEDED YOUR HELP TO GET THROUGH IT ALL!" Scrooge finished in rage.

Like Daisy, Webby, and Beakley in the memory, everyone could only watch in horror.

"Jesus Christ…" said Riku.

"Good lord…" breathed Isa.

"Newton's apple…" gasped Violet.

"And I thought our falling out was bad." Ven said to Terra and Aqua.

Della was staring at the memories in horror, her jaw shaking. History was repeating itself in two different ways. Donald and Scrooge were fighting again thanks to her disappearance, this time with her sons involved, and this was reminding her of her fight with Donald after their parents' demise, only thinking about how themselves felt and not the other(s).

"YOU'VE GOT SOME NERVE WANTING MY HELP AFTER WHAT YOU DID ME!? TO ME AND DELLA!" Donald roared.

"WHEN YOUR PARENTS PASSED ON, I TOOK YOU BOTH IN AND RAISED YOU AS THOUGH YOU WERE MY OWN! I'VE BEEN PROTECTING YOU YOUR WHOLE LIFE! I HAVE THE HUMILITY TO APOLOGIZE THAT ONE TIME ON ITHAQUACK, AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME?!" Scrooge roared back, gripping his cane to the point of it nearly snapping. "YOU'D DO WELL TO REMEMBER IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR ME, YOU'D HAVE BEEN SENT STRAIGHT TO AN ORPHANAGE!"

"I'd rather have lived in an orphanage than have to look at your ugly miserly mug!" Donald snapped as the two got into a fight, wrestling and exchanging punches of anger and hate.

"STOP IT! Both of you!" Daisy yelled.

The fight was causing the Sunchaser to rumble out of control, making it close to falling off.

"Uh…guys!?" Launchpad tried again, desperate.

But the fighting just continued as the girls tried to stop them.

"GUYS!" Launchpad yelled. But no one was listening. Thinking quickly, he grabbed the communicator and spoke urgently. "THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING! WE ARE FALLING!" he shouted.

This finally grabbed the attention of everyone who looked to the cockpit in horror. "Wait, WHAT!?" they all exclaimed in unison.

The Sunchaser began to fall down the mountain and everyone screamed. Launchpad pulls the wheel with all his strength. The screaming stopped when the Sunchaser straightened out and slid along the ground. A disappointed Launchpad was confused that he didn't crash the plane.

"Huh…that was weird." he quipped.

He leaned his elbow on the control and accidentally flipped the accelerator switch which activated the propellers and sent the plane crashing into a nearby mountain, much to his relief.

"Phew…there we go…" he said.

Everyone was stunned, even those who knew what had happened thanks to previous storytelling.

"I know we heard the story… but, damn that was… that was intense." Sora managed to say.

"That is seriously putting it lightly, Sora." said Max.

Huey sighed. "After the fight, the three of us and Uncle Donald moved back in the boat, Webby, Beakley, and Duckworth took their vacation days…"

"And I became a bitter old miser again, gorging myself on endless pizzas." finished Scrooge.

"Beakley and Daisy managed to get through to us about how Scrooge really did care about family because it was the most important thing to him, even more important than any treasure he could find." said Donald.

"And the real reason why Scrooge stopped looking for you." said Sora. "Bradford, Bentley, and Buford Buzzard."

Della gasped. "Scrooge's tightwad board?!" she asked.

"Scrooge was literally pouring his whole fortune into finding you." said Xion. "But those stupid birds literally dragged him away from the project when the bin was below the halfway point."

"Yeah, they talked about how Scrooge would eventually go broke if he kept doing it." added Hayner. "Felt like he had no choice, and the board shut it down."

Della scowled angrily. "Great! Just great! Not only was it a moon monster and a stupid signal messing up my chances to get back home, but those stupid buzzards shutting down Uncle Scrooge's rescue operation too?! No wonder it took so much longer! Oh I am gonna give them a pounding they'll never forget!" she seethed before pausing and looking at Scrooge. "You really spent almost all of your fortune to look for me?"

"I had to lass." Scrooge said firmly. "Even after you and Donald grew up, I still cared about your safety. You were family. And family was important to me. Even if I became broke, it would've been worth it to have you safe. I would've felt like I let myself, your brother, your unhatched kids, and your late parents, including my own sister, down."

"Uncle Scrooge…" Della said, stunned and touched.

At the houseboat, the boys confronted their uncle for lying to them.

"SHE'S OUR MOM! DEAD OR ALIVE, WE DESERVED TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT HER!" Huey shouted.

"WE'VE BEEN ORPHANS OUR WHOLE LIVES! SOME STUFF ABOUT OUR PARENTS INSTEAD OF CONSTANT WAVING IT OFF OR CHANGING THE SUBJECT WOULD'VE BEEN FINE! BUT YOU LIED TO US!" Shouted Dewey

"AND WE'RE SUPPOSED TO TRUST YOU AFTER LYING TO US FOR A WHOLE DECADE?! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US?! YOU AND SCROOGE?!" Louie demanded.

"Boys, I'm very sorry. I really mean it! I never meant for this to happen!" Donald cried. "This was what I was trying to avoid! I didn't want you to suffer like I did by finding out about what happened to your mom!"

One by one they begin leaving.

"Well guess what! We did find out and now because of it…I'm not sure if I can trust you anymore." said Louie, disappointed before walking away.

"If you've been keeping secrets about our Mom, then who knows what other secrets you've been keeping. So…I'm not sure if I can trust you either." grumbled Huey.

"I guess…you weren't that cool after all." Dewey walked off with his brothers.

Daisy is hugged onto Donald afterwards as he has dropped down crying hysterically.

Della looks at her brother who looked down in emotional pain over this memory.

"Bro…" said Della, tears welling up in her eyes.

Most of the girls for the rejection Donald suffered. Huey and Dewey in particular looked down in guilt, feeling terrible for how much they hurt their uncle. But they were taken out of it when he gave them a forgiving smile.

Scrooge angrily sat in his seceret room, looking at the picture of the Spear of Selene.

"Well, you've successfully pushed away your family and everyone who cared about you away…again!" Beakley's voice echoed.

Scrooge growled as he tore the picture apart in tears.

"I hope you're happy." Beakley's voice echoed again.

Scrooge looked up with tears of hatred.

"I am…" he hissed.

Most of them were speechless; those who were there sadden upon re-telling the sad events, feeling sorry for Donald, Scrooge and the boys who looked down in guilt upon reliving this memory. None could be more saddened than Della who is forced to watch the chain of events caused by her actions, her eyes welling up with tears.

"That's so sad." said Kairi, crying a little.

"Man, that is some messed up family drama." said Hayner.

"Gee, Webs. We knew everything was messed up that day…" Lena started.

"This was far worse than we anticipated." Violet finished.

"Which is why I didn't want to talk about it in the first place…" said Webby.

"I…I can't believe it…I-I saw this all happen in a dream, but I thought it was just a dream! I-I had no idea! Did me taking the Spear really do all this?" asked Della.

They all look to her again.

"I'm sorry Della…but it played a big contribution…" said Naminé.

"We were all really heartbroken after finding out what happened to you." Huey frowned.

"But Louie took it harder than the three of us. Out of all of us, he's the most emotionally vulnerable." said Dewey.

Huey sighed. "After the fight, the three of us and Uncle Donald moved back in the boat, Webby, Beakley, and Duckworth took their vacation days…"

"And I became a bitter old miser again, gorging myself on endless pizzas." finished Scrooge.

"And then things got worse." said Webby.

"Wha-h-how did things get worse?!" Della asked in disbelief.

"Because of what you did. Scrooge was left vulnerable, and the stage was set for my aunt to strike." said Lena, angrily.

"Your aunt?" Della asked.

Lena sadly sighed. "Della… the truth is, I'm a creation of Magica De Spell from almost 16 years ago."

Della's jaw dropped as she stared at Lena.

"You're… you're serious. You're fucking serious. You were created by fucking Magica De Spell?!" Della asked in disbelief.

"I'm afraid so. That's why I have magic." Lena sighed. "My life as her creation was hell. Always talking about getting revenge on Scrooge, getting his Number 1 Dime so she would have her physical form back. Always talking about getting revenge on Scrooge, it was driving me crazy! That's all I ever was to her… a pawn. A tool for revenge. I just wanted my freedom, but I couldn't get it. She wanted me to get close to the McDucks by pretending to be friends with Webby. At first, it was an act, but eventually, I actually saw her as my best friend." Webby takes hold of Lena's hand. "Huey and Dewey, I saw as my little brothers. The adults… they were better parent figures than she ever was. And Louie… Louie was someone really special to me."

Lena then gulped.

"But then… after an incident at The Other Bin… she possessed me." she said shakily. "She had me go into the mansion when Scrooge was miserable after that fight on the plane… and then we fought, I got the dime… and she came back."

The amulet suddenly showed Magica's return. She had taken her physical form and she floated down in Scrooge's study.

"Feed my power, Dark Eclipse, free my from the abyss, dormant magic now unchained, the Shadow Queen be whole agaaaaain!" Magica cackled happily. "Ha ha! Yes! The magic! The body! I'm back!" She then turned Lena's amulet into her staff and came up to a shocked Scrooge. "Hello, Scroogie. I've missed you."

"Oh. My. God." Della whispered, stunned.

"Crazy woman knows how to make an entrance." commented Lea.

"And then… it happened." said Daisy.

"The Shadow War." Donald said grimly.

The amulet then showed Magica imprisoning Lena in her shadow, Scrooge into his dime, and the shadows of everyone in Duckburg coming to life, including the shadows of Donald, Daisy, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webby, Beakley, Launchpad, Gladstone, Glomgold, and Fenton, the latter's stealing the Gizmoduck armor. Everyone ran around in panic, including Violet who tried to fend off the shadows with her book.

"Geez that's freaky." said April.

"Oh my god…" Della breathed in horror.

"And then… I knew it was time." Donald said as the amulet showed a certain memory, him looking at it fondly. "It was time to show everyone that didn't know my biggest secret… that I was a mage."

Della watched the memory of her brother transform into his world-traveling clothes.

"You… you actually showed them that day." she said in shock. "I mean, I knew they knew since I got back, but I didn't know how and why."

"I had no choice." Donald replied simply.

"It was still awesome to see!" Dewey grinned.

"I saw it beforehand when Merlock captured Daisy!" Webby chimed in.

The amulet showed everything in the Shadow War. Everyone fighting the shadows, Donald, Daisy, and Beakley at sea, Launchpad from his plane, the kids as they ventured out to the Bin.

"Eventually, we learned from Lena about her origins." said Webby. "But she did care and had written a letter that we found from her."

"But the war got so bad to the point that the three of us had to come help." said Mickey, the amulet showing him, Minnie, and Goofy flying on the Gummiship to the bin.

"You guys really fought hard that day." said Riku.

"And you took charge well from what you told us, Donald." smiled Aqua.

"What can I say? I am the storm." Donald boasted.

But then the memory showed the kids trying to fight Magica, but she was curb-stomping them with ease.

"I just got a family! I thought I had a best friend in Lena! Yah! And you took that all away! Guah!" Webby yelled as she fought Magica. "YOU ARE NOT... A... NICE... PERSON!"

"Lena couldn't be your friend, because she was never real!" Magica taunted.

"I don't believe you!" Webby scowled.

After a one-sided fight with Magica, Dewey and Webby are bruised and sat against a pile of gold as the witch floats towards them.

"You had sleepovers with a shadow. You gave it a friendship bracelet. Honestly, it's embarrassing how pathetic you were." Magica huffed. "Here, let me put you out of your misery."

Magica sent a dark blast from her staff.

"She is real you heartless bitch!" Sora scowled.

"She cares about us all!" said Kairi.

"That witch may have created Lena… but Lena deserved better than a no good palooka like her for a guardian!" Della snapped.

Lena was touched but then began to breathe heavily at what was about to come next. Webby and Violet did their best to comfort her, even though they knew what was about to happen.

Lena's spirit suddenly formed and she began to fight Magica, much to everyone's shock.

"Get away from my best friend, Aunt Magica!" Lena yelled as she attacked her creator, pulling on her staff.

"LENA?!" Louie and Webby shouted.

Donald, who was in the computer room, saw this and was amazed. "Come on Lena! Get her!"

"Aunt? You're even worse than her! You aren't my family. You are nothing!" Magica scowled.

Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webby and Lena all teamed up to fight Magica, putting up a good fight against the sorceress.

The Guardians were impressed with how well the kids worked together against Magica.

"Wow. I'm impressed. You kids fought hard against Magica." Said Terra.

"Yeah. The five of you made a really good team." Ven complimented.

"Thanks. But…it wasn't enough." Dewey was forced to admit.

"And Lena was forced to… to…" Webby looks down, tears forming.

The kids were beaten and battered after a hard fought battle. Magica sent out a massive blast to kill them, prompting Lena to get in between and form her barrier, struggling with all her might to protect her friends. After giving a heartfelt goodbye to Webby, her best friend and Huey and Dewey, she and Louie share one last talk.

"Shadow or not, you're the only one who understands me! There's no other friend out there who understands what it's like to be me!" Louie cried.

"I feel the same way, Louie." Lena teared up.

"Then why are you doing this? Why!?" Louie asked tearfully.

"Because…Louie…I lov-" Lena tried to say.

Before she could finish, her barrier is shattered in an explosion.

In reality tears well up in Lena's eyes before bringing out the gem Louie gave her and Webby holds her wrist.

After destroying the barrier and injuring the kids, Magica had Lena held by the collar, smirking sadistically at her fear.

"I said it once before and I'll say it again. You…are…NOTHING!" Magica shouted.

Magica slams her staff against Lena's chest and she becomes engulfed in purple electricity that tears her apart from the inside and out. Louie and Webby could do nothing but reach out as they watch their love interest/best friend scream in pain and get vaporized right before their very eyes, all that was left of Lena was the purplish-pink oval shaped gem Louie gave on her first sleepover which drops to the floor.

"NOOOOOOO!" Louie and Webby screamed.

Donald's jaw dropped in horror as he saw Magica destroy Lena. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" he cried.

"LENA!" everyone who wasn't there that day shouted in horror.

Lena trembled as Webby, Violet, Huey, and Dewey embraced her, shaking themselves.

"It… it was so horrible…" she said, beginning to cry. "I thought… I thought it was over… I saved them b-but… it was still scary!"

Without hesitation, Della ran over and wrapped Lena in a hug. Lena didn't hesitate to hug back. Mad at Della for what she said to Louie or not, she needed this.

"Y-You poor kid…" Della managed to say, tears in her eyes. "It's ok… I-I-I got you…"

Everyone was horrified.

"Jesus Christ!" gasped Sora.

"Oh my god!" cried Mickey.

"What the fuck, Magica?!" cried Pence.

"I knew what happened… but seeing it… good god in heaven…" Isa said in shock.

The memory montage continued.

Huey was unconscious and Dewey and Webby were getting pounded by Magica.

And Louie was looking back at Lena's jewel, the entire background turning black as he cries.

"Lena…I can't believe you're gone…" Louie choked.

"Oh, Louie…" Said Lena, touched.

"Mom, this is all your fault!" Louie angrily said to himself silently, memories of the Spear of Selene photo playing in his mind.

"My…fault…" Della quietly cried.

Eventually Donald had arrived, donning his Court Magician outfit and Magica had donned her own battle outfit and summoned her swords. The Mage of Thunder battles the Shadow Queen in a showdown between mages.

Then Daisy arrives and after both take a severe beating, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy join the fight. The Fabulous Five worked together to fight Magica but were still easily beaten when the shadow witch increased her power.

Scrooge was eventually freed from the dime and joined in. The entire family, including the kids fight together but Magica curb-stomped them even worse, Donald and Daisy receiving the worst of it.

It wasn't until Donald unleashed his 100% True Power Form and used the last spell he could think of. His most POWERFUL and DANGEROUS spell.

"ZETTAFLARE!" Donald roared as a blast of magic from himself and his Save the Queen staff engulfed Magica.

"NOOOOOOO!" Magia cried.

And after emerging alive from the floor of gold, Scrooge takes advantage of his enemy's weakened state to mockingly disarm her of her staff and Donald smashes his own staff against the orb, cracking it.

As a result, the shadows are vanquished and Magica could only scream as she loses her powers.

And with that, the battle was over. Magica had lost her power and her green feathers were now white. And to add insult to injury, Launchpad landed right on top of her.

"It was one of the most intense battles of our lives…" said Huey.

"But we won." said Dewey, grinning. "We won the Shadow War."

"And Donald didn't have to lie to them about being a mage anymore." said Daisy.

"And we made up." said Donald, smiling at the image of the whole family hugging in the amulet. "We realized that family is more important. And Scrooge knew it too. We were just too blinded by anger and the pain of the past to see it."

"At the cost of Lena's life…" Webby said sadly. "Little did I know her shadow was safe in mine…"

The amulet showed Webby holding her friendship bracelet.

"Lena's gone…" she said sadly.

"But she sacrificed herself to save you." Huey said.

Webby managed to smile. "Hah, I guess she really was my best friend."

"She'll always be with you." Dewey comforted.

The two boys hug her, and she reciprocates before putting her bracelet back on. Webby smiled, not noticing Lena in her shadow, smiling at her.

"Webby…" Lena called quietly.

As for Louie, he is sat down clutching the gem tightly in tears, nuzzling his face and sobbing quietly over the death of his love-life like Rocket after Groot's first death. Huey, Dewey, and Webby slowly approach the youngest triplet. He stops crying and turns away, not wanting anyone to see him so emotionally weak and vulnerable. Webby and Dewey silently sit next to him on opposite ends and Huey stands behind his brothers, all with sympathetic looks.

Unable to hide it anymore Louie loses care over trying to look cool and cries more loudly, like Rocket did over Groot's first death.

Most of the girls, especially Della, Lena, and June, are in tears for Louie.

"Oh Louie..." Lena cried quietly.

"My poor baby..." Della also cried.

"What he's gone through…that's messed up…" June shook her head.

"I know the feeling..." Sora looked down, remembering losing Kairi.

"Me too." said Kairi.

"Poor kid." said Lea.

"Oh…this is so sad. It's like my heart is being torn to ribbons." Minnie cried.

"Gawrsh. This reminds me of how Rocket cried after losing Groot the first time." Said Goofy, remembering the raccoon's emotional breakdown after defeating Ronan.

Webby smiles through her tearful eyes, gently stroking Louie's hair. Huey and Dewey place comforting hands on his shoulder, making him flinch in surprise.

In an act of emotional gratitude Louie tackles Webby for a hug, crying and sobbing onto her torn vest. Webby reciprocates and hugs back while crying onto him as well, Huey and Dewey joining in and the four of them mourn.

After watching the horrifying and painful memories of the Shadow War everyone saddened and looks to Della who's speechless and struggling to process the damage her actions caused.

"Ohmygosh…I-I-I don't know what to say…" said Della.

"The Shadow War had left its emotional scars on us lass." said Scrooge.

"Yeah, if Donald hadn't been there, we'd have all likely died." Said Daisy

"If I hadn't unlocked my true power and used that spell we would've died." Said Donald.

"But Louie was traumatised over the whole thing." said Dewey.

"The Spear of Selene, the Shadow War, Lena dying…" Webby started.

"It was all too much for him." Violet finished.

"I didn't know me dying made such a big impact." Lena shook her head.

"Believe it Lena." said Huey.

"As you can see we did manage to bring Lena back eventually." said Violet.

"But it was… still hard to see… and relieve…" Webby sniffed.

Lena pocketed her amulet and embraced Webby in a hug. Webby immediately recuperated as tears streamed down both their eyes. Lena then dragged Huey and Dewey into the hug as well.

Della was horrified, realizing the damage her reckless actions caused to her family and that they were not fine at all for over 10 years.

"I… I had no idea…" Della said, stunned. "For years I thought the both of you were raising the boys together and everything was fine. I-I didn't think twice about the sort of damage my disappearance had on everyone."

"We weren't doing fine at all, Della. I turned into a pessimistic, overprotective uncle." Donald sighed.

"And I became an old miser." Scrooge added.

"And we had to lie to the boys about what happened to their mom for years." said Daisy. "It was easy to say that their dad died thanks to his declining health before you laid their eggs, but this was a much more… difficult matter…"

"It was hard since we were all close together… but it was also hard becasue two of your relatives were arguing so much…" Goofy added.

"We did our best to offer support." Minnie said.

"Say, how come Master Yen Sid and Merlin couldn't sense where Della was?" Pence suddenly asked.

"No idea. Maybe some sort of darkness blocked their magic from finding her. Like why it was hard for him to find Ven, Terra, and Aqua… or something like that." Roxas shrugged.

"The darkness really does work in mysterious ways if using it can help you time travel." Terra reluctantly muttered.

"But… what does this have to do with Louie?" Della asked.

"Mom, when the three of us found out about what happened we were pretty upset… but honestly… I think Louie took it the hardest out of all of us. After the Shadow War, he became terrified of adventuring." Huey admitted.

Della was horrified. "He was!?"

Huey nodded. "Yes. He wanted to avoid it at all costs, no matter what. At first, he loved adventuring because it always led to treasure. But then, after finding out what happened to you and seeing Lena die in the Shadow War, he felt it just wasn't worth it and didn't wanna get hurt. Louie didn't even understand how he fit into the family anymore. He lost his confidence and because of that, he found nothing special about himself."

"That's so sad." Aqua said sympathetically.

"I had no idea how badly affected he was." Della said in shock.

"It was worse than you think." Donald nodded.

"That's basically what he was telling us the day you came back." April said.

Della didn't know what to think. "I… I don't know what to say… I mean, during my time on the moon, I kept fantasizing that everything would go perfectly when I came home and that I could make up for the years I lost with my kids…"

"Della… that's kind of too much wishful thinking." Aqua said with a frown.

"It took over a decade." said Olette.

"Stuff like that isn't easily remedied overnight." said Isa. "Maybe for some, but not so much for others."

"Your sons are a prime example." added Riku. "Huey and Dewey were ready to welcome you back. But Louie was different. He's not like his brothers."

"Yeah! I mean you've known Max a while! And he's nothin' like me!" said Goofy.

"He's right." said Max. "He may be my Dad, and maybe on occasion I'm a little, well… goofy. But that's not my core personality."

Sora kneeled down to Della's level. "Della. We know you're trying to be a good mom to your kids and we admire that. However, being a good parent doesn't mean threatening your own son's place in the family."

"We know you grounded Louie for his own good, but what you said was wrong and so was the way you went about punishing him." Kairi added.

"Yeah, punishing is one thing, but how you do it is another. Especially if it damages their psychological feelings." April added.

"And they were right, you kinda did go overboard." May added. "A demon ghost? Yeah, powerful. Robot that has a history of easily going out of control thanks to even minor tampering? Not feeling confident. But laser bars? Louie's a kid, not an out of control meta hellbent on world domination."

"And you have seen all the enemies your uncle made over the years." June said. "And the way Louie used his powers and weapon against the Gilded Man. Having that kind of stuff would've been useful."

Lena wiped off her tears and then walked up. "No offense Mrs. D but… you really need to work on your parenting skills. I mean, sure Louie messed up with that whole Timephoon thing but he's not a bad guy and his schemes don't always lead to bad things. If it hadn't been for him I'd probably be taking a permanent one way trip to the Shadow World." she said firmly.

Violet nodded. "I concur, Mrs Duck. While I do respect you, I can't agree with what you said to Louie. It wasn't right to tell him to stop scheming."

"She's right Mom. You can't just tell Louie to stop scheming. The ability to scheme and look at all the angles is what makes him feel truly part of the family. By telling him to stop doing all of that, you made him feel like he wasn't a part of the family anymore." Huey said with a frown.

Dewey sighed heavily. "Mom, I'm sorry. I don't mean to gang up on you or anything, but… I think you're wrong about Louie. I mean, yeah… sure, okay, some of Louie's schemes almost got us and himself killed a couple of times. However, there have been instances where some of his schemes have also saved our lives. If it hadn't been for Louie, we never would've survived Uncle Scrooge's crazy Game Night, and don't forget that Louie's ability to see all the angles is what saved you and all of us from the Gilded Man."

"Yeah. You gotta understand Della, that nobody is perfect. Everyone makes big mistakes in life. Sure Louie almost got us killed, but it wasn't really right to ground him right in front of us and isolate him from the family. That's kinda a little cruel." Webby admitted.

Scrooge placed a hand on Della's shoulder and sighed. "Lass. I wish I had said this sooner but I'm going to say it now. I don't think it was right for you to punish Louie right in front of us like that. Something like that should be done via a private conversation. It especially wasn't right to do it after Louie witnessed all of us disappear."

"Yeah. We understand you were upset when Louie's actions forced you to watch his brothers and everything you fought for to get back disappear right before your eyes." nodded Ven. "But by that logic, how do you think Louie felt?"

"For a brief moment, he was all alone and he watched us disappear too. Don't you think that would make him feel incredibly terrified and guilty?" Huey asked.

Della took this into consideration and realized she only thought about how she felt after the Timephoon. She never gave a single thought about how Louie. It was his mistake. And he did feel guilt. If he didn't, he wouldn't have apologized for letting his scheme go out of control and affect his family.

"I… I never thought of it like that before. I was so upset with what happened that I didn't even stop to consider how my own son felt." Della admitted.

"You said you saw your family get zapped out of existence. Did you seriously forget that they were technically still alive since it was a time machine?" asked Lea.

"We get why you'd think that... but in the end, there's a difference between being zapped out of your timeline and erased from existence." said Riku.

"How do you know?" Della asked.

The 23 Keyblade wielders trade uneasy glances, much to the others' confusion and concern.

"That's not important right now." Sora answered.

"What I cannae agree with the most is you shutting down his Louie Inc. business." Scrooge added with a frown.

"He's right." Donald nodded. "Louie Inc isn't just some simple business he's using to emulate Uncle Scrooge. It's more than that. It's his dream Della. HIS DREAM!"

Beakley sighed and walked up. "Della. Perhaps I pushed you too hard when I said you show some tough love every now and then, dear." she admitted. "When I said that, I didn't mean you should punish them straight away. I meant you should give them a good scolding and try to understand the reasons behind their actions. To you, and probably to all of us, it may have seemed like Louie only cared about finding a shortcut to riches, but there could've been more to it. Perhaps the reason Louie traveled through time without thinking of the consequences was that he wanted to prove that he could be as good an adventurer as anyone else in the family. Maybe he wanted to prove himself to you."

"When the lad learned from me of his gift for seeing all the angles, he took that as a sign. A sign that he was indeed capable of being as good an adventurer as you and Donald. That's why he decided to create Louie Inc. in the first place." Scrooge said.

"What wasn't helpful was the way you punished him." Goofy said. "I've punished my son before, but even I would never go that far."

"Trying to crush your kids' dreams like that isn't teaching them discipline, it makes you look just downright mean in their eyes." Ortensia added.

"Plus, you made Louie feel even worse than he already did after he tried to make things right." Oswald added. "While we understand he had to be punished, you plagued his guilt by only thinking about how you felt."

"You didn't even talk to him about it. You just left on an adventure the next day leaving him to his guilt." Naminé added. "Like Mrs. B said, you didn't bother to see if there was more to this than some scheme. It's like you couldn't even face him in person, but instead by a screen."

"And even if you didn't know they would do it then, you left him all alone and vulnerable to your family's enemies. He could've died." Isa said bluntly.

"Della, we know you're still new to being a parent." said Daisy. "Scrooge said so himself. But you do tend to rush into things and go overboard."

"While we do love that about your personality, there is a time and place for going over-the-top… especially when it comes to parenting your children." Minnie added.

"It doesn't hurt to ask for help." said Mickey. "Donald and Daisy have over 10 years with each set of triplets. And when they, Scrooge, and Bentina are unavailable, you can ask us. Minnie and I have watched our nieces and nephews before and learned to care for them."

"Ortensia and I have been parents for a bunch of kids for just as long. And we've had help from many family members and friends for a long time too." said Oswald.

"And you can talk to me too. I have been a parent the longest for Max's generation." said Goofy. "I've raised Max by myself for over 15 years and I still help guide him every now and then."

"It's true. I may be a young adult, capable of my own choices, but even I know when I would ever need help from my dad." Max nodded.

"You see Della? It doesn't hurt to ask for help." said Ortensia. "Even your other relatives can help you. Von Drake, Matilda, Grandma Duck, Downy and Fergus, and even Gladstone, Fethry, and Gus."

"And while some of us don't have experience being parents, some of us have babysat and have been older sibling figures to each other." Riku added.

"And we've seen how parenting should and shouldn't be done across many worlds, including this one and our own homes." said Roxas.

"The least we could do is just help out in some forms." Sora said.

"You also should think before you speak." Xion added. "Donald told us about how your words to him after your parents died affected your relationship."

"Believe us, we have all said things we regret to each other, some more than others." admitted Lea.

"Even when some of us were bad guys." Myde chimed in.

"Words can hurt as badly as fists, Della." Aqua said gently. "Even if they are used for someone's own good, if not said better, it can damage their self esteem."

"And that was what you did to Louie." Terra said bluntly. "He was already insecure about how he fit into the family. His dreams and reassurance helped him feel better."

"Some of us have felt insecure before." Roxas added. "But what helped was having good people by our side."

"We're not saying you're a bad guy Della, but there has to be limits. For both kids and parents." Hayner said.

"Same applies to you two." Olette said to Scrooge and Beakley. "Like we said, you both knew she was new to this. And yet you didn't interfere."

"Why didn't you Scrooge? We get that 22 was teaching her tough love." April asked.

Scrooge sighed. "Seeing Della and Louie argue like that, it… it brought back memories of the family's argument on the Cloudslayer… the argument that led to our family separating again and eventually the Shadow War." he admitted. "I didn't want that to happen again."

"Oh Scrooge…" Daisy said softly as Huey and Dewey traded guilty glances and Webby patted their shoulders.

"But Scrooge… you let things get bad between two of your family members by not interfering." Aqua frowned.

"You let tensions escalate between your niece and grandnephew." said Olette.

"We get that you don't want to let history repeat itself." said Roxas. "But when you let the horrors of the past cloud your judgment… it just makes things worse for you and the people involved."

"Because of you guys not making sure Della was doing things right, things got out of hand." Daisy scolded. "Louie felt like he wasn't part of the family and nearly died to make things right."

Donald approached Della again, calm, but serious.

"Della. They're all right." Donald said. "What you did was wrong. Grounding Louie was understandable and acceptable. His actions almost destroyed time, space, and the family, so he had to be punished. Otherwise, he might've ended up being like you one day. I've grounded the boys a few times myself whenever I feel they've played a prank that has gone too far. But what wasn't acceptable was threatening Louie's place in the family by saying he can't be a part of it unless he stops scheming when that's what makes him part of the family in the first place. And it wasn't right to shut down Louie Inc., which is supposed to be his dream. Dreams are something no one can take from anyone else. If it were me, I would've only closed it down for a week or so. Your punishment and words weren't teaching Louie a lesson. They completely broke his heart and shattered his confidence."

Della let everyone's words set in. She remembered everything she said to Louie.

"You can come out when you learn that no good ever came from cockamamie schemes!"

"Not all my schemes are like that!"

"I don't buy that nonsense for one second!"

"Describe nothing! He hasn't earned it!"

"Look…your plans…your schemes…they only lead to bad things for your family. If you wanna be a part of this family… you've gotta stop."

A harsh realization crossed the pilot's mind as she realized her words and actions towards her youngest son broke him. She didn't know him that well and immediately assumed that thanks to one disaster, he was a bad, scheming kid. And because of her words, Louie felt like he didn't belong and he almost lost his life trying to prove himself.

Della was horrified and ashamed. She suddenly broke down crying.

"What have I done… WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" Della cried. "HOW COULD I BE SUCH AN IDIOT?! I BROKE MY FAMILY, I CAUSED THE SHADOW WAR, AND I BROKE MY OWN SON! I THREATENED HIS PLACE IN OUR FAMILY! LOUIE'S HURT AND TRAUMATIZED AND IT'S ALL MY FAULT! I THOUGHT I WAS DOING A GOOD JOB BUT I SCREWED IT ALL UP! I CASUED MY FAMILY SO MUCH PAIN AND SUFFERING! I TORE US ALL APART! ALL BECAUSE I STOLE A STUPID ROCKET FOR ONE LAST ADVENTURE! I'M SUCH A HORRIBLE PERSON!"

Letting all of it overwhelm her Della drops to her face crying hysterically and loudly as possible. Donald, Scrooge, Daisy and the rest look at her in sorrow and sadness, letting go of their anger. Donald placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. Della looks up with tears still streaming down.

Everyone looked at Della in sympathy. Donald placed a hand on his sister's shoulder.

"Della... you have to make things right. Go to your son and tell him just how much you mean to him. He needs you more than ever now." said Donald.

Della wiped her tears away. "Y-You're right." she sniffed. "I have to make things right. I've been trying to do that ever since I came home. Louie needs his mother."

Della got up and dusted her jacket off.

"Glad we're at an understanding here." said Naminé.

"I hope Louie can forgive her." Kairi sighed.

"We all do, Kairi." said Terra, patting the redhead's back.

"Well, he did save her and Lena from getting crushed." Aqua pointed out.

"And if he doesn't...?" Della nervously asked.

Riku gave her, Beakley, and Scrooge a deep frown. "Then you three idiots get to explain to the rest of your family why Louie is like this the next time they see him." he said bluntly.

"Louie needed to be punished and not weasel his way out of it like he thinks he can easily do, but what wasn't a good call was how it was done." Sora reminded.

Della could only nod as she made a beeline upstairs to the triplets' room.

Donald gave off a sound of discomfort and self-disgust before dropping to his knees, heartbroken over what he just did like Della did after grounding Louie.

"That was not fun..." Donald sighed. "I can't believe I shouted at her like that...again."

The Guardians of Light and McDucks all gave Donald looks of sorrow as they could tell how terrible he felt for yelling at his twin sister. Truth be told, those that had yelled at Della too felt bad as well. Beakley wanted to comfort him like she did with Della after grounding Louie, but remembering her talk about tough love was what started all this, she respectfully stood back. Instead, Scrooge and Daisy walked over, the old man placing a hand on his shoulder and Daisy dropping to her knees to hug him.

"Oh Donald..." said Daisy.

"Don't be so hard on yourself lad." Scrooge comforted. "You did what you had to. We all did."

"He's right. Della needed to hear this, Donald. It's not your fault." Daisy assured.

"I guess. But that doesn't mean I have to like it." Donald muttered. "This wasn't how I wanted to tell Della the truth. Now she's heartbroken. And so is Louie." He faced his friends. "You guys were right. I should've told her sooner… and Isa, you were right too. This fight between Louie and Della almost broke the family apart."

Isa sighed as he approached the mage. "I'm not gonna say 'I told you so.'" he said calmly. "Enough damage has been done by Louie's recklessness and Della's overboard tendencies."

"Besides man, you didn't know this was gonna happen… like… this." Myde added.

"He's right. Everything just happened so quickly." nodded Hayner.

"All we can do is help make things right." said Kairi.

"And offer our support in doing so." nodded Naminé.

Sora walked up behind. "Don't blame yourself Donald. Scrooge and Daisy are right. This isn't your fault. Della made some major mistakes and she had to know the truth." he said. "You had to tell her. Sure, she's heartbroken. But a broken heart can heal."

"Ya think?" Donald asked, turning to Sora.

Sora smiled. "Your heart broke a couple times, didn't it? And it ended up healing fine."

Daisy and Scrooge smiled at Donald with Sora in agreement. Donald smiled back, feeling better as he was helped up. Riku couldn't help but laugh a little much to Sora and everyone's confusion.

"Hey! What's so funny?" Sora asked.

"Sorry. It's just weird hearing you say something smart." Riku said as he continued laughing.

Sora was offended. "Huh!? What's that supposed to mean!?"

Everyone laughed, many of them glad that the tension was cut down.

---

Castle That Never Was, Throne Room:

Master Xehanort and Maleficent were in the throne room. The two were currently watching the events at Disney Castle unfold thanks to Maleficent's magic with frowns on their faces.

"Well, well, this was not what we were expecting. I didn't think that the Guardians, the McDuck family, as well as that insolent mage, would be able to get through to Della so quickly." Maleficent frowned.

"Neither did I. It seems that despite what I mentioned in my letter to them, I underestimated the Guardians when it came to pointing out what Della did wrong. And now, she's on the verge of forgiving her son for what he did so long ago." Xehanort said.

"What's the plan, Xehanort? After what we just witnessed, the Guardians and the McDuck family are not as vulnerable as we may think. And if Della and Louie reconcile, the pilot may very well achieve her full magical abilities." Maleficent said.

"I can see that. Which is why the time has finally come. Maleficent, I need you to inform 'Clan Glomgold' to launch their attack immediately! If they can get to the McDuck family before Della and Llewellyn reconcile, then we may still be able to stop Della from achieving her full power." Xehanort said.

"Very well then. I will do so immediately." nodded Maleficent.

"And while you're at it, inform Pete to begin his mission as well. If the attack fails, then there's still a chance that we can gain the advantage against the Guardians." Xehanort ordered.

"As you wish, Xehanort." Maleficent said as she then opened a dark corridor and proceeded to walk through it. Once she was gone, Xehanort smirked.

"You may have stopped my plans for destroying the Pride Lands, Guardians. But let's see how you handle against all of Scrooge McDuck and his family's enemies... all... at... once..." Xehanort says to himself as he continues to watch the events at Disney Castle unfold.

---

Triplets' Castle Room:

Louie slowly began to wake up in bed. He grimaced as he felt his bruises and patched wounds.

"Ow! Agh, geez…" he groaned. "What the hell happened-oh right. Avalanche."

Louie sighed heavily. "Nice job Lou, you nearly got your whole family killed… again. Some scheme and angle work…"

Then, there was a knock at the door.

"Louie? Can I come in?"

"Huh? Oh y-yeah… sure Mom." Louie sighed. "Great, she's here to tell me I'm out of the family. You really did it this time…"

Della entered the bedroom and closed the door. She sat down on the chair in front of her youngest son.

"Hey. How are you holding up, kiddo?" she asked with a smile.

"I still hurt like hell." Louie muttered. "Like I was trampled by a stampede of bulls."

"Yeah, an avalanche will do that to ya." Della managed to snort.

"Is…is Lena okay?" Louie asked nervously.

"She's okay, Louie." Della assured.

"You didn't get hurt in that cave-in, did you?" Louie asked.

"Of course not. I'm alive because of you." Della smiled. "Thanks to you…we're all okay. It's you right now that I'm worried about."

"How bad was it?" Louie asked.

"Most of your bones were broken and we were afraid you got into a coma. When we managed to get you out from under those rocks there was so much blood, and you were barely breathing. I had never been so scared in my life. You're really lucky, Louie." said Della.

"I don't feel lucky…" Louie scoffed.

"YOU COULD'VE DIED!" Della shouted, causing Louie to recoil in fear. Della gasped a little. "Sorry, I didn't mean to shout! I was just scared, you understand, right?"

Louie cautiously nodded.

'Oh boy…she's gonna disown me. I just know it.' Louie thought.

Della sighed. "Louie, I need to talk to you."

Louie winced. He knew what was coming. "O-Okay…" he said.

Della sat down on the bed next to her youngest son.

'This is it.' Louie thought. 'You're outta this family for good.'

"Louie, I'm so sorry." Della said in guilt, her eyes already welling up with tears.

Louie stared at his mom in shock. He was not expecting that response.

"W-What?" he asked, stunned.

"I'm sorry." Della repeated, tears falling down. "I'm so sorry for all of this. It's my fault you got hurt."

"What are you talking about?" Louie asked.

Della sighed, trying to wipe her tears away. "Look, I wasn't wrong to ground you. You stole Gyro's time machine, used it during a storm which created the Timephoon, and made your family disappear." she said, sniffling. "But… but I went too far! I threatened your place in the family and that wasn't right! I told you to stop scheming when that's what makes you who you are, what makes you special!"

Louie looks at Della sob and cry hysterically in shock and is utterly touched. He feels a pang of guilt and begins to cry too.

"No, no you were right." he protested. "I'm the one who's sorry Mom…for everything I've done to you. I caused the Timephoon and nearly destroyed time, space, and our family for a stupid get-rich-quick scheme. And what I said at the Bin…" Louie's voice breaks. "I-I-I'm really sorry! I just felt so angry and betrayed that I-I took it all out on everyone; especially you. I shouted at you, avoided you, called you by your name just to insult you, kept comparing you to Uncle Donald, and said horrible things that I don't think I can ever forgive myself for! I was the one making things worse."

Della watched in guilt as her youngest son lets out all his emotions, tears gushing out their eyes.

"Getting crushed by those rocks… I completely deserved it for the way I acted recently. You finally came home to the family you wanted to get back to… and I almost took that all away from you. I've been the worst son ever! All I've done was insult, hurt you, the family, and make bad things happen to us all! I don't deserve to be forgiven…" cried Louie.

Della wiped away her tears, then rubbed Louie's face. "No, honey. You're wrong. Those things you said hurt… but you had a point." Della admitted. "I was a rotten mother. What I did to you was cruel and I was too blind to see it. I treated you so horribly. I left you guys for one last adventure that got me stranded for 11 years. I tried to rush things so quickly to reconcile, and because of that I never got to know you at all. You're a good kid, Louie. And I was too angry to remember that."

"I'm not a good kid. My schemes cause nothing but trouble. The Timephoon was one thing. The avalanche nearly killed us all!" Louie shouted.

"Louie, the avalanche was gonna happen when we got that treasure." Della pointed out. "You saw the angles, saw one way out and made a big gamble for the end result."

"That still proves nothing." Louie huffed. "No good has ever come from my cockamamie schemes! I'll never be a good schemer and see the angles you can." Louie's voice breaks, about to cry again. "You were right about me, Mom. All my schemes do is lead to nothing but bad things for the family. I'm not part of this family at all. But without schemes…without seeing the angles…I was never part of the family anyway. I…I'm nothing…"

"That's not true, your family told me that your schemes have helped out before." Della argued. "Game night, the Gilded Man, and when you guys told me about Monstropolis a while back after I came home, I was impressed. And I was wrong to think they were all bad."

"Mom, look, you were right the whole time!" Louie said defensively.

"No, I wasn't!" Della argued.

"No, you were! My schemes only ever caused trouble for the family!" Louie scowled. "They were only created out of greed! My greed! Selfish motivations out of just wanting whatever I want in life!"

"That's not what they're all for! I know that now!" Della protested.

Louie sighed loudly. "Why the sudden change, Mom?! Why aren't you mad at me for what I did earlier? And for what I said in the cave?!"

"I'm more mad at myself." Della grunted. "I thought I was getting this Mom-thing down to a T, but I'm not. I may have done well with Huey and Dewey, but I haven't with you. And that's on me."

"No, it's not." Louie argued. "I was more focused on my schemes and Louie Inc. as well as getting everything I wanted. I wasn't thinking of the consequences like you said. And that needed to be stopped!"

"Louie, I went too far-" Della began when Louie angrily cut her off.

"No, you didn't!" Louie yelled, tears in his eyes. "My schemes, my plans, they're nothing but trouble! For me, for you, for the whole family! You told me to stop! You told me nothing good ever came from them! You told me that I had to stop if I wanted to be in this family!"

"AND I'M TELLING YOU I WAS WRONG!" Della screamed, tears in her eyes.

Silence. Louie was stunned by Della's words. The pilot duck sighed heavily.

"Louie…when I was your age I had so many dreams." Della sniffed. "I wanted to be so many things, but never expected to be a mom. However…when I laid three eggs, I wanted nothing more. I was excited. So excited, that… I wanted to go on one last adventure. I wanted to give you boys the stars. But only now I realize I made the biggest mistake of my life. I abandoned you, Louie. You, Huey, and Dewey! In my selfish desire for one final adventure, I missed out on the greatest one of all…raising three kids. You three didn't need the stars. Or an astronaut like your mom. All you boys wanted was a mom and I couldn't give you that because of my stupid obsession with adventure. I chose adventure over my own sons…and I did with you twice." Della sniffed. Fresh tears stream down her face as Della softly rubs her son's face. "I was wrong about you, Louie. You're not a bad kid." Della tearfully admitted. "The Timephoon was a big mistake. When I saw you make the same mistake I made, I freaked out. I panicked. You had to be punished, but I shouldn't have done it the way I did. Cutting off your outside contacts, taking away your means of self-defense, leaving only a ghost and robot behind to watch over you, locking you up in your room like a criminal… I should've stayed with you instead of going to Big Rock Candy Mountain. I could've protected you and talked things over with you…but instead, I made the same mistake I made a decade ago and chose adventure again. And those things I said through the DT-87 about your schemes… it was awful. I shouldn't have said that. I threatened your place in the family by telling you that you couldn't be who you were, doing what made you special, and feeling like you fit in. Louie, I'm so sorry for all of that."

"Mom…" Louie breathed. "What… what changed your mind?"

"Everyone downstairs called me out for how I punished you." Della replied. "They agreed you had to be punished for being reckless… but not how I did it. They also called out Scrooge and Beakley for their involvement in not stopping me, or in Beakley's case, for teaching me tough love early."

"But… isn't tough love important?" Louie asked.

"Not when you go overboard." Della muttered. "Donnie was right, I do go overboard sometimes…" Della then paused. "And… now I know why you gave me a much harder time, not just for grounding you, taking away your dream business and adventure, and accidentally leaving you vulnerable to a bunch of villains."

Louie's eyes widened and he gasped. "Wait, you mean… you know?"

Della nodded sadly. "They told me everything, about what happened after I got lost in space, Donald and Scrooge's fight, you boys being raised by Donald by himself, Scrooge being a depressed old man, your brother and Webby investigating about what happened to me, the fight on the plane, the Shadow War, and even Lena's death and how a lot of that impacted you…" She sighed. "I had no idea things were so bad after I disappeared. I thought everything was okay, but I guess that was just positive wishful thinking…"

Louie could only nod sadly. "We weren't okay. While Uncle Donald did raise us well, it was rough dealing with him being so overprotective." he said. "Not knowing much about you. All he ever told us about our birth parents is that Dad died of a heart attack. Uncle Ludwig, Uncle Gladstone, Grandma, Gus, even Aunt Daisy, they never said anything about you."

"And I understand why." Della sighed. "Ugh, if only my videos reached you from space… but I guess I got some of Donald's bad luck too."

"Mom… when you came back, it-it was all too sudden." Louie said honestly. "Things were happening so fast, I didn't know how to have a mom, and I guess focusing more on Louie Inc. helped distract me from those conflicting feelings… but I should've come to you."

"I don't blame you for being so distant." Della said, gently patting his back. "I get it, it was a sudden change. And… I'm also sorry for not considering your feelings when the Timephoon got us."

"No, I get it." Louie muttered. "You watched everyone disappear."

"So did you." Della pointed out. "But I do get now that you felt guilty for what you did. Yeah we were all scattered in time, but you managed to get us back."

"I was scared and horrified by what I did." Louie sighed. "Even if the scheme was a good idea, it was too reckless to use a machine made by Gyro Gearloose during a storm. But I was too blinded by riches that I wasn't thinking."

"That's also why I was extra hard on you." Della revealed. "I saw a bit of myself in you after it all happened… how reckless I was when I took the Spear of Selene."

Louie cringed. "Oh yeah… I'm so sorry I called you out on that." he apologized.

Della snorted. "I'd say you did and didn't have the right to do that." she said. "Yeah it hurt, but you were the only one to call me out for what I did. I guess I was being a hypocrite, but only because I didn't want you boys to make the same mistakes I did back in the day."

"But, isn't making mistakes part of life?" asked Louie.

"Yeah. They do help us grow. We do learn from them… or we don't. I just wanted to make sure you did." Della nodded. "And I'm also sorry for not considering your feelings." She groaned. "That was like my argument with Donald after our parents died. I only thought about how I felt, not him too."

"Yeah, he told us." Louie murmured. "And I'm not sure if you knew, but the reason why no one looked for you after a while was thanks to Scrooge's Board of Directors cutting down the searches and pulling him away from it all."

Della snorted again. "The others have told me about that as well. I never liked Bradford, Bentley, Buford, and their 'cuts'." she huffed. "And yet Scrooge still kept them on after all of that? They're cheaper than he is!"

"Oh please! Scrooge is just as cheap!" Louie scoffed. "Our allowance is literally a nickel a week!"

"He still does that?" Della asked in amusement. "That was basically my childhood! Donald's too! God, I can't even imagine what the will is gonna look like."

"Did you know Donald and Daisy are in it?" Louie asked.

"Donald and Daisy are in the will?!" Della asked in surprise. She paused. "You think I'm in it?"

"Now that you're alive, maybe." said Louie. "Depends if you're on Uncle Scrooge's team and how well game night goes."

"Oh, I'm all too aware of that." Della laughed. "Honey, I lived with that reckless old coot for a long time to see it all."

Both mother and son laughed together. They then looked at each other and smiled.

"I think we needed this." Louie said softly.

"Me too. This was long overdue." Della nodded before sighing. "Louie. I really am so sorry…for everything. When I put my foot down and stopped your scheming, this wasn't what I wanted. I wanted you to think about the consequences and then try again, but different. But all I really did was shatter your self-confidence. I should've understood how emotionally vulnerable you really were, but I was too stupid to see that. It was wrong of me to take the stress I felt from being alone on the moon all out on you! You think you don't belong with us but that's not true! I…" Della looks down in sorrow and guilt. "I'm so bad at being a mom. I thought I was being responsible…but instead I said something that broke your heart. I still have so much to learn about you."

"But…" Louie tried to start but was cut off.

"I'm the adult here, and you're the kid." said Della. "It was wrong for me to put so much pressure on you in such a terrible way. You're part of the family, sweetie, more than I could ever be at the moment. I never should have made you doubt that.

"I-I…" Louie couldn't speak.

She holds out her arms and Louie doesn't stop her from bringing him in to embrace her youngest son in a hug which he was too shocked to return.

"I'm sorry…Louie. I wanna try to keep making things right. For you, your brothers, everyone in our family. Do you think… you can give me a second chance? Can you ever forgive me?"

Louie was silent for a moment as he gazed into his mother's eyes. Della did look regretful for everything she did. Not just dating back to the Timephoon, but also dating back to the Spear of Selene. She really wanted to make up for it all. She was trying her best, he'll give her that. She just needed proper guidance. And with Donald back, things could work out better. He then managed a smile.

"Of course, Mom." he said.

Della began to tear up with a smile and embraced Louie in a hug, which he quickly recuperated.

They held the hug for a little bit before pulling away.

"Mom? You are a part of this family too." Louie said sincerely.

"Thank you honey." Della smiled. "And so are you. And don't let anyone tell you differently."

"I won't." Louie said as he got up.

"And by the way, while it was completely reckless… thank you for saving me and Lena." Della added. "But next time, leave the risk taking to the grown-ups, if you can." she added. "I don't wanna see my babies hurt like that again."

"Okay, Mom. I'll try. But if I'm gonna be completely honest, when the chips are down, and I mean, all the damn chips… I might have no choice but to do it again." Louie shrugged. "I did what I had to do for the people I love."

Della chuckled. "Yep. That's my boy." she said. "Now come on, you look better now. Let's go show everyone the good news."

Louie seemed hesitant. "You uh… you go on ahead… I'll uh, I-I'll be right behind you."

"Okay kiddo." she said. "Don't stray too far."

---

Main Hall:

Everyone was waiting around anxiously until they heard Della's footsteps echoed down the hall. She came down and everyone came up to her.

"So? How is he?" asked Dewey.

"Is everything okay now?" asked Scrooge.

"I think Louie and I made the best progress since the Gilded Man." Della smiled. "He's much better now."

"That sounds great." smiled Kairi.

"So does that mean he's better?" asked Xion.

Della nodded. "We talked it out. Heart to heart. Mother to son. It really helped us."

"That's good." Donald said approvingly.

"You did good lass." smiled Scrooge.

"So where is he?" asked Ven.

"He's said he was coming down behind me." Della said.

At that moment, Louie came down the stairs, revealing himself to be wearing a sack covering his entire body from his head to his thighs.

"Over here… in the shame sack." said Louie, embarrassed.

Aqua giggled. "Louie, there's no need for that."

"Come on, Louie. Lose the sack. We won't hurt you." Kairi assured, bending down a little.

"Alright, then." Louie sighed.

Louie loses the sack, revealing himself to be back in his hoodie but still covered in bandages to cover his bruises that remain.

"LOUIE!"

Louie is taken by surprise when Lena rushed and embraced him in a huge hug, crying profusely.

"Thank god you're alive! I was so worried! I-I-I thought I lost you!" Lena cried.

Louie wipes the tears out of Lena's face. "Hey, it's okay, Lena. I'm okay. Bit banged up and possibly traumatized for life, but I'm alive."

"I…I'm so sorry Louie! This happened because you tried to save me! It's my fault you almost died!" Lena cried guilt.

"Whoa, whoa! Lena, it's okay. It wasn't your fault." Louie assured with a smile. "I'd risk my life to save you and I'd do it again."

Lena was touched. "Louie…what you did was so stupid and reckless. But you saved me and your mom. Thank you."

The two of them shared a warm smile as they held each other's arms, blushing.

The moment is ruined when Huey and Dewey tackle their youngest brother, laughing with joy.

"You're alive!" Dewey yelled, crying.

"Don't ever scare us like that again!" Huey shouted.

Louie pats his brothers' backs. "Yup. I'm alright."

Webby jumped in, joining in the hug, followed by Violet, May and April and they ended up pinning Louie to the floor.

"Louie! I'm so glad you're alive!" Webby cried.

"We all are! We can't tell you how relieved we are, Louie!" Violet cried.

"When we pulled you out from all the rubble, we almost thought you were dead!" shouted May.

"We're so happy! We've been waiting for you to wake up for ages!" April cried.

The kids continued showering Louie with emotions which he struggled to escape.

"Ow, ow! Hey, guys! I'm happy you're okay but could you ease up. My wounds are gone but my ribs still hurt!" Louie cried in pain.

The kids were quick to pull back.

"Sorry." Dewey apologized on their behalf.

Louie stood up, brushing his hair which got a little disheveled. June slowly walks up to Louie, embracing him in a soft hug which he returned.

"Louie. I'm happy you're okay." said June, crying a little.

"Thanks, June." Louie thanked.

When June pulled back, Louie was suddenly scooped into a big hug by Donald.

"Louie! I heard what happened in the cave! Are you alright!? Are you hurt!? Any scars or cuts we haven't healed!? How many fingers do I have in one hand!?" Donald asked in panic, holding up one hand.

"Whoa! Uncle Donald! I'm fine! I'm okay! Really!" Louie assured.

"Answer the fingers question!" Donald shouted.

"Four." Louie answered.

"No! See, something's wrong with you! I have one… two… three… four? That's all I have?" Donald then smiled, setting Louie down. "You're okay." He then sighs sadly. "I'm sorry, Louie. I should've been here."

"Can we drop the thing where someone blames themselves. I'm alive. That's all that matters, right?" waid Louie, making Donald smile as he looks to Sora and the other Guardians. "You guys came too."

"Of course, we did. We're friends, Louie." said Sora.

"We came rushing here as soon as we heard what happened." said Ven.

"It's a good thing we made it back here in time to get you fixed up." said Roxas.

"We know what you did in the cave, Louie. How you risked your life to save Lena and Della." said Kairi.

"That was incredibly reckless." Minnie scolded before smiling. "But it was also very brave and sweet of you, Louie."

"You should be proud of yourself." said Daisy.

"Thanks. I'm surprised I'm still alive to be honest. For a moment I thought I was gonna die." Louie said grimly.

"If we hadn't made it back here when we did, you probably would've been." said Max.

"Yeesh. Even after healing you, you still look like crap, don't you kid?" Lea commented.

"Lea!" Xion scolded as she elbowed him in the arm.

"It's fine. He's not wrong." said Louie. "I've had a really crappy time."

"Yeah, we know. We heard what happened." said Riku.

"Wait? You mean…you guys know about the Timephoon?" Louie asked, afraid.

Donald, Sora, and the rest of the Guardians nodded their heads in confirmation, causing Louie to sigh, assuming the worst.

"Let me guess. You came here to yell at me for almost destroying time and space for some dumb get-rich-quick scheme. It's been a rough time, okay. If you guys are mad at me, just hurry up and get the shouting over with." Louie blankly said, hands in his pocket.

"Whoa, easy, kid. We're not gonna yell at you." Myde assured, raising his hands defensively.

Louie was surprised. "You're not?"

"Of course we aren't, Louie." said Naminé.

"But aren't you like…super mad at me for what I did?" asked Louie, confused.

Sora scratched his head. "I wouldn't say we were mad, Louie. We were just a little disappointed. I mean, you did do a number on the timestream after all."

"Yeah, don't remind me." grunted Louie.

"But we heard how Della punished you, Louie. And I think we can all agree when we say she took it WAY too far." said Sora, glaring at Della with the rest and making her rub her arm, embarrassed.

"We know what you went through after the Timephoon Louie, and it wasn't right. While you needed to be punished for what you did, being trapped in your room like a prisoner and cut off from everyone with nothing to defend yourself with was too much." Donald glared at Della again. "And that recording of Della telling you to stop scheming was the worst."

Della shrinks even more, blushing in shame. Louie looked down.

"I mean…it's not like she wasn't completely wrong. My scheme did almost kill everyone." said Louie. Della was surprised her son was defending her.

"No one's gonna hold that against you, Louie. You just made a bad call, that's all." said Sora.

"I guess, but…how could I be so unbelievably stupid?" Louie asked. "I almost destroyed my family and quite possibly the entire universe."

"Come on, don't say that, Lou. Not all your schemes are that bad. I mean, sure, you messed up with the timetub, but most of your schemes have saved our lives." Lena assured.

"We all make mistakes, Louie. What's important is that we learn from them." said Aqua.

"Yeah. So try to not be so hard on yourself, Louie." said Ven.

"And after what you went through with Glomgold and Magica, I think it's clear you suffered enough." Daisy added.

"Especially after what happened in the cave." added Donald.

"So…Uncle Donald, you're not super mad at me for almost destroying time, space, and our family to find a shortcut to riches?" Louie asked nervously.

Donald placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "I was at first. But I think you've learned your lesson, more than you were supposed to. And after what you went through with the villains attacking the mansion and trying to hurt you and that avalanche, I'd say you've been through enough." He glared at Della. "It's your mom I'm super mad at."

"No one's ever gonna let that recording go, are they?" Della asked, rubbing her arm.

"Not for a while." Daisy said. "But give it time. That's all we ask."

"Well, I'm glad everything's good now." said Ortensia. "Louie's okay, Della now knows the truth, she and Louie have made amends, the bet is over, we're all back home after a very exhausting mission, and the army has grown!"

"Yeah! Everything seems to be going smoothly now." Oswald nodded.

Then they all heard a meow outside.

"Aww, Figaro wants to come inside." said Ven as he walked through the main doors. "Here, kitty kitty!" he called.

Mickey was confused. "Uh, I thought your nieces were watching both Pluto and Figaro while we were gone." he said to Minnie.

"They are..." Minnie said in confusion.

BOOM!

Ven was suddenly thrown through the window screaming as he landed on the ground surrounded by shattered glass.

"VEN!" Everyone cried in shock as they crowded around him.

Aqua and Xion lifted a bruised Ven up.

"Ven, what happened!?" asked Xion.

"No cat." Ven muttered. (2)

Suddenly, purple magic blasts struck the castle, shattering some of the windows.

"What's going on?!" gasped Webby.

"We're under attack!" cried Mickey.

Suddenly, Launchpad ran up.

"Hey guys! So I was just in the cabana, I looked up through the window and… did we order an Iron Vulture?" he asked.

"Iron Vulture?!" Scrooge, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby exclaimed in shock.

"As in, Don Karnage's airship!?" Sora exclaimed.

"Oh crap…" Riku muttered.

"Okay, this is bad, I'm calling the cops!" said Roxas, grabbing a wall phone.

"Do-do-do, We're sorry, the number you're trying to reach has been blocked, cause we're invading the castle! Alright, see you all in a sec, bye!" came Mark Beaks' voice.

"Oh god, Mark Beaks has tapped our phone lines!" cried Roxas, slamming the phone back in the holder.

"Wow, talk about serious déjà vu." Louie said while noting how familiar their current situation was in comparison to what he went through a while ago.

At that moment, the doors were burst open. Big Time, Bouncer, and Burger came in first, followed by Ma Beagle, backed up by Black Arts, purple magic coating his hands.

"Finally!" Ma grinned.

"It's the Beagle Boys and their Ma!" cried Goofy.

"How'd ya like your flight kid?" mocked Bouncer.

Ven scowled.

Then on the left, Leopold burst through the window, flying through the air with Sheldgoose and Felldrake on board.

"Fly, Leopold, fly!" Sheldgoose cheered.

"Finally made it!" Felldrake grinned from his staff.

"Not those idiots again!" cried Daisy.

"He's an idiot! I'm not!" Felldrake quickly retorted.

"Oh, thank you very much!" Sheldgoose said sarcastically.

Then through the damaged right window, a blast shattered the glass as Black Heron and Steelbeak jumped through.

"Surprise your Royal Highnesses!" Heron cackled.

"Black Heron!" cried Webby and Beakley.

"Curse me Kilts! You're alive!?" Scrooge exclaimed.

"Of course I'm alive, idiots! It'll take more than a simple fall to kill me." Heron sneered.

Webby laughed nervously. "Uh…you're not still mad I beat you and caused you to lose your arm, are you?"

"Oh no, child." Heron grinned maniacally. "I wouldn't dream of holding that against you. Really…"

"For those of you who've never met me, the name's Steelbeak." Steelbeak taps his beak. "You know, because of my steel beak."

"Steelbeak? I've read your files. You were the last agent F.O.W.L. had recruited before S.H.U.S.H brought it down." said Beakley in surprise.

"You're a F.O.W.L. agent too!?" Webby cried.

"Got that right, Pinky!" Steelbeak sadistically grinned.

"F.O.W.L. is back!? Wait a minute, are you both working for the Organization!?" shouted Scrooge.

"Just us two. We're the only members of F.O.W.L. that are on active duty after our organization fell." said Heron. "All other agents are either imprisoned or MIA… for now."

Don Karnage suddenly swung in by rope through the doorway and landed with a bow.

"And that's how an entrance is done!" he laughed.

Mark Beaks rolled in on his hoverboard inside.

"Please, you are so old school!" he huffed.

Magica suddenly burst through the ceiling, purple magic surrounding her as she levitated to the ground.

"Surprise you miscreants! Miss me?!" she cackled.

"MAGICA!" The Guardians and the Duck/McDuck family exclaimed.

Lena went pale as her blood froze. "No, no, no… NOT YOU!" she cried.

"Why yes! It is me, Lena!" Magica smirked.

"Or rather, it's all of us!" laughed Heron.

"We're back for more!" said Karnage.

"And in greater numbers, no less!" said Felldrake as Leopold landed and he and Sheldgoose got off.

"It's true! Y-you really do have all your magic back!" Lena cried.

"Aww. You noticed. I'm touched." mocked Magica.

"B-but how!? How is this possible!? There's no way!" Lena shouted, shaking. "You lost your powers! I was free! You shouldn't even be able to get in here with them with the Cornerstone around!"

Magica just cackled at Lena's fear.

Clan Glomgold gathered together just as the leader of their brigade walked inside.

"Daddy's home." Glomgold smirked. "And is back for much more revenge now!" he then cackled.

"Flintheart Glomgold..." Scrooge scowled.

"That's right McDuck!" Glongold laughed as he walked forward. "You thought you were done with us… but now we're back and-AH!"

He suddenly tripped over his own foot and landed on his face.

"Gah! Curse you floor!" he yelled as he got up, relaxing his beard fell off and yelped as he hastily struggled to put the fake facial hair back on.

The villains rolled their eyes and Beaks took a picture of Glomgold and posting it #GlomFails as the heroes stared, blinking.

"Seriously, Scrooge. This guy... THIS guy is your archenemy?" Sora asked incredulously.

"Believe it or not, there's worse than him. You'll learn not to question my villain roster." Scrooge deadpanned.

"I'm standing right here!" Glomgold shouted, offended.

"We shouldn't underestimate him…" reminded Aqua.

"What the hell are you all doing here?!" demanded Della.

"You have some nerve showing up to our castle!" Mickey scowled.

"Uninvited too!" added Goofy.

"Really big mistake you low-lives." sneered Oswald.

"Oh, but we're not making a mistake!" Steelbeak retorted.

"For once, the rooster isn't dumb." said Heron. "As you can see, we've all teamed up!"

"Aren't you already siding with Xehanort, Maleficent, and Organization XIII?" asked Terra.

"Oh, we are!" nodded Magica. "But we've teamed up for a different reason, something more… personal."

"As you may have heard, our last attempt to claim our revenge on the McDuck family didn't work out so well." said Karnage.

"Yeah, we know." deadpanned June.

"Watch it Missy!" sneered Sheldgoose. "And that was when Glomgold came up with a brilliant idea!"

"My idea to create a family of my own to fight against all of you was a good one, but it didn't work out in the end because, somehow, I still underestimated this wretched family Scrooge has!" said Glomgold.

"That was when he decided to expand his family like all of you did!" said Ma Beagle. "Gain more allies."

"And even the odds in our favor!" added Beaks.

"An even bigger, badder family out for revenge than anyone has ever seen!" said Felldrake.

"Especially since we all have bones to pick with this despicable family." added Magica.

"So you all teamed up to take us down?" asked May.

"Yeah-DOY! That's the gist, Orange!" replied Beaks.

"Seperated, we are dangerous villains." said Karange. "Some more dangerous than others…"

"But together, we're a force to be reckoned with!" said Big Time.

"And together, with the odds now in our favor, we will finally claim our revenge, take what's rightfully ours, bring an end to the McDuck family once and for all, and once all's said and done, I will finally be the one thing I rightfully deserve to be!" said Glomgold. "THE RICHEST DUCK IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!"

Glomgold laughed evilly so much that he lost his footing again and fell down the front stairs, making him yelp as he hit himself several times. He struggled to climb the stairs from his bruises as he managed to get back inside the castle.

There was a long silence as everyone stared at the odd scene before them. And then, Lea broke it.

"Oh brother, this guy STINKS!" Lea shouted. (3)

No one could contain their laughter. Even the villains Glomgold was leading couldn't but either snicker, chuckle or full-blown laugh too.

"No more laughing!" Glomgold shouted.

"Whatever you say, New Pa!" said Burger.

"You guys made the mistake of trying to come here with all of us in the same room!" said Sora.

"Sora's right, we outnumber all of you!" said Kairi.

"No matter how powerful any of you are!" added Riku.

The villains laughed evilly.

"Oh but that's where you're wrong, Islanders." said Sheldgoose. "You see, we don't want you. We just want the McDuck family!"

"My idiotic boob of a descendant is right!" said Felldrake. "You're our priority!"

"Though if we have time, we could fight, destroy, and kill all of you." Steelbeak said to the others.

"Uh… thanks?" Goofy replied, bewildered.

Max facepalmed.

"Even if you were out to get us all, we will still hold our own against you!" said Scrooge.

"We did it at the Bin and we can bloody well do it here too!" said Beakley.

"And in case some of you haven't heard, we have powers now!" added Dewey.

"We may not be mages like our uncle, but we are still tough fighters!" said Webby.

"So you guys are just gonna be wasting your time against us!" said Donald.

But the villains just smirked.

"See, that's where you fools are wrong again!" said Heron.

"This time, we came prepared!" said Black Arts. "With a secret weapon of our own!"

"We recruited one of your greatest enemies to be on our side to help take you down!" said Ma Beagle. "'Course, no one will ever surpass us." she whispered to her four kids.

"Someone, you least expected, that will blow your minds!" said Beaks, playing an explosion video on his phone.

"Pah!" snorted Scrooge. "What hogwash! Who did you even recruit? Peghook? Graves? A bunch of harpies?"

"Because we can take any of them down with ease!" added Donald.

Clan Glomgold suddenly began to laugh evilly as their response, which didn't sit well with the heroes.

"I don't like this…" said Launchpad, nervous.

"Why are they laughing like that?" asked a nervous April.

"Whoever they recruited has to be one evil guy…" said Ven, uneasy.

"Oh, but he is, Ventus!" said Sheldgoose.

"An old friend of some of us." said Felldrake.

"Come on down from the Iron Vulture, Old Friend!" Magica called outside the door.

"It's time to gather the whole family." Glomgold said, grinning darkly.

Suddenly, an evil cackle was heard outside and it echoed around the main hall. While many looked confused, Donald, Daisy, Della, and Webby went pale, their blood freezing like ice.

"That voice..." Donald started, shocked.

"No way..." said Della, horrified.

"Is that...?" Daisy questioned in fear.

"It can't be..." Webby shook her head.

A blast of dark magic landed on the front stairs. A figure coated in said magic walked into the main hall and stood before the heroes. Clan Glomgold grinned at the heroes' sudden fear as the front doors slammed shut. And then… the dark magic disappeared, revealing it to be Merlock the Terrible Magician, much to the absolute horror of the McDuck family, especially those who had met him.

"Greetings, Donald. We meet again." Merlock grinned darkly.

"MERLOCK?!" the family exclaimed.

To be continued…

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Hugespecial dialogue thanks to Super Sayian 3 Odd, Guest2000 (aka Wald2000), and jdimock.

Up next, the rematch between Clan Duck/McDuck and Clan Glomgold. This may take a while too, just a heads up.

Rate, review, and I'll see you all soon!

(1)The Thundermans - Mad Max: Beyond Thunderhome

(2) Cobra Kai - December 19

(3) SpongeBob SquarePants - Squirrel Jokes

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Dedicated to Various Celebrities:

Jon Landau

Judith Belushi Pisano

Shelly Duvall

Shannon Doeherty

James B. Sikking

Richard Simmons

Bob Newhart

Erica Ash

Robert Banas

Charles Cyphers

Connie Chiume

May they all rest in peace.