#dt17 lunaris

[thecrusadercomrade]

Thoughts on Whatever Happened to Della Duck? How was it seeing Della fully fleshed out? How was the moon lullaby? How are Lunaris and Penumbra so far?

She's a very rough-and-tumble sort, which I liked. Definitely makes sense that someone like her in the mother of the triplets. The show doesn't go into it too much, but it would be so horrifying and depressing to be stuck on the moon for over a decade like that, never able to meet your children. I'm surprised she held up as well as she did.

A nice little song! Hopefully her kids will get to hear it for themselves one day.

Definitely suspicious of them. I have a feeling they're going to be villainous down the line. Lunaris is almost certainly more evil than he first appears, while I could see Penumbra either going along with him or actually ending up being the good one of the two.

Also, I have to see, that oxy-chew is one of the most extreme examples of plot convenience I've ever seen in any story XD.

"How does Della survive on the moon?"

"I dunno, maybe she has special gum that gives her oxygen, water, AND nutrition. And it also lasts forever."

"Sounds good!"

[best-ducktales-episode]

ROUND #6 [FINAL]

[stargayzerlily03]

More "Odin Eidolon in Ducktales 2017" stuff. And can you tell I totally used DonDaisy kiss from the actual show as a reference to just draw a DonOdin version of it, because that ship rocks and I'm so normal about them hahaha. 😳

Also it's too late Odin, Scrooge knows you're gay for his nephew and so do the kids too.

(Odin's Ducktales 2017 design belongs to @marziafantasia94 !)

[foxymc]

Lunaris @ the moonlanders: Some of you may die, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make

[yourlocalduckgremlin]

Dumb Ducktales Poll

[pidayforpi]

Wish

"Your wish is my command. Shabooey!"

With an explosion of purple smoke, everything returned to normal.

Normal, as in the middle of a ruins, caught in a deathtrap, and surrounded by killer scorpions.

Normal to everyone in the McDuck-Duck family. Everyone.

After the purple atmosphere had dispelled, Huey inspected his surrounding: No more props, lightings, cameras or weird anthropomorphic primates.

Just one more thing to confirm.

"Say something funny, Dewey." Huey asked his younger brother.

"Something funny, Dewey." Who replied with a silly joke, before waiting for a canned laughter from nowhere, like his friends and family were doing.

Silence.

Great.

"Ah-ha! The sound of nobody laughing never sounded so good!" Huey cheered in ecstasy. Everything was really back to normal.

Huey heard an unintelligible whisper from behind him, before the eccentric genie caught his attention.

"Best episode ever!" Gene zoomed into the sky in a trail of purple smoke, lying on his back on a purple cloud.

Everyone lifted their heads to look at the laughing genie, still surprised that they accidentally found the lost lamp of Collie Baba. That was, before yet another voice diverted their attention away.

"Gosh, that's sweet." An unfamiliar voice made everyone turn around, only to see a touched Goofy actually standing on the side of the sinkhole.

"Wait, Goofy was really here this whole time?" Della questioned, perplexed; while Launchpad gave Goofy a little wave. The kids were just as confused, but it was mostly due to the fact that they didn't know who that person was. Only the adults seemed to know him.

Although, Della was even more confused as to how the seemingly clumsy and lanky father from Spoonerville could navigate to the depth of the ruins alone and unscathed.

"Of course! Magic's got nothing over the power of a big-name guest star!" Gene flew towards Goofy in the blink of an eye, his legs now a ghostly wisp of ectoplasm, as one would expect from a genie. He seemed to want to put a hand over his guest's shoulder, but he ended up wrapping his overly stretched arm literally around Goofy's body. When Gene suddenly released, the quick motion caused Goofy to spin around rapidly, disorienting the poor dog.

Unknown to everyone, Donald had been watching everything from the side. He held the golden lamp in his hand, his heart full of doubts and conflicts. He just wished for something he had always wanted to come true, and then immediately made to undo that wish. Granted, even if his family wasn't asking him to do so, Donald would still nullify that wish. He only wished for his family's happiness, and nothing more. Even if that wish was an accident, that happy, normal family photoshoot was something Donald had been dying for. However, seeing them disappointed or even being attacked was enough to make Donald regret his decision.

Although, that meant danger would once again find its way to harm his family, like it always did. He would have to protect his family with his own hands, like he always did.

And the fact that Goofy was here was not a good omen. Hopefully no one noticed his frown when he saw Goofy, or would question Donald why he was so sad to see his old friend.

When Donald was still worrying, that overly excited genie teleported to his side, oblivious to the uncle's heavy heart.

"You know...you have one more wish. You could have anything..." Gene held his arm over Donald's shoulder, his other hand rubbing his fingers as magical sparkles glittered. He pated Donald on his chest, before extending his hand to the air and drawing out an arc, as if showing Donald all the possibilities he could achieve with his last wish.

Everyone in the family thought he was pondering for his final wish when Donald averted his eyes, but only he knew he was thinking about something much, much deeper.

He didn't have time to think about petty wishes, to be honest. Not before knowing what bad news had brought Goofy here.

"I...need some time...alone." Donald said, much to the disappointment of other family members.

"Aww, come on, Don! Don't tell me you still believe in birthday wish rule?" Della complained.

"Curse me kilts! Time is money, lad. And money doesn't grow on trees, y'know?" Followed by Uncle Scrooge. Dewey was about to rebut with the money tree in the Doomsday Vault, before being shut up by Huey.

Meanwhile, Donald tried to formulate a lighthearted reply. They didn't have to know what was going on in his mind.

"My wish, my rules." Donald feigned a childish pout, before starting to move away from the group to somewhere more secluded. He held the magic lamp in his hands, thus the cheery genie followed.

"Goofy, you come too." Donald turned his head to look at his old friend, who, after a daze, quickly nodded in reply and followed as well. The invitation aroused some complaints from others about how Goofy was allowed to know his wish, but Donald couldn't care anymore.

Once the three people were in a nearby cave, somewhat deep within the stone wall, Gene started asking his "master" about what his wish might be, while Goofy began to ask his friend about what he had wanted to say. The recipient of both questions however kept silent, merely looking down on the golden lamp and the ground below. When both adults stopped their questionings due to a lack of response, they could notice that Donald was actually tilting his head, seemingly listening for something or someone.

After ten more seconds of absolute silence, Donald suddenly spoke up.

"Dewey, I am serious. Please leave us alone."

Upon hearing his uncle's words, Dewey revealed himself from his hiding place with a sheepish smile. Apparently the middle child had also followed along to eavesdrop on what his uncle's last wish might be. Dewey would have complained and stayed or hide again later, but the sudden lack of emotions in Donald's words let even the most playful triplet know he should leave and never come back.

After Dewey ran away, Donald still waited and listened for an extra minute, before turning his attention to the other two.

Other one, actually. He really didn't have time for petty wishes.

"Gene. I'll get back to you later. I'll have to speak with Goofy first." Donald plainly stated his intention, much to the genie's dismay. "I brought you along only to not arouse suspicion from my family. I am already being lenient. I should be talking to Goofy alone. You can stay, but don't speak a word to anyone about what we are going to talk about. Especially to my family."

It was a command, not a request. Before Gene could complain about having his queue cut, Donald made his point clear with a serious stare. With that, Gene retreated to give some space to the two friends, keeping unusually quiet.

Once he was alone with Donald, Goofy too dropped his cheery demeanour. "Heh...I can't hide anything from you, eh Don?"

"You are telling me? You just traveled to the middle of nowhere, only to see me adventure? Come on." Donald drily chuckled. "You didn't even wait until I've got home. Or, even until I've got out of this ruins. You just had to venture through the temple alone. Don't be surprised if they later ask you if you really are a knight."

"Well, with all the mysterious stuff happening around you, I am surprised they haven't asked you if you really are a wizard already." Goofy rebutted.

"Well, then good." Donald huffed. As much as he wanted to talk with his old friend, he knew he could only stall for so long. "So what brings you here?"

Upon hearing Donald's question, Goofy's eyes dimmed. Although he was sure Donald could already guess half of it, telling him the entire news was very, very hard. He knew already how much Donald had on his plate, and he hated to add more. But Goofy was a terrible hider, and an even worse liar. And even if he didn't tell, Donald would definitely find out one way or another.

"The enemies...The Heartless...The Organisation...they are attacking the kingdom again..." Goofy whispered, his voice lowered involuntarily as he too struggled to deliver the bad news.

Donald frowned. As vague as Goofy put it, he understood the message completely. There was only one kingdom Goofy could be talking about, and only one group of enemies of the kingdom.

And even if that was all Goofy had said, the hidden request for help from the kingdom was clear as day.

The kingdom for which they had fought many years ago, before either one became a father or an uncle. When they were just a young knight and a young wizard, fighting against the forces of evil with their friend, the young king Mickey.

And now, the remnant of the past had come back to bite them.

Donald didn't reply, understandably so. Goofy felt his guilt intensifying.

"You...you don't have to join if you don't want to..." Goofy tried to take back what he had said earlier, or make Donald feel better. Or, at least lessen the crushing guilt in his heart. He shouldn't have told Donald about the reignited war, because...

"You know I will join, don't you?" Donald took a silent deep breath.

"...I know." Goofy sighed, putting a hand on Donald's shoulder. "You always will. For them..."

Goofy turned to look at the happy family at a distant. Donald's happy family.

"...you would do anything, wouldn't you?"

Goofy didn't need an answer from Donald. Everything he had been doing was for his loved ones. From the first day Donald became the court wizard, and stepped onto the battlefield, he only had one goal on his mind.

He was fighting for his family's safety and happiness. Fighting so that his family could live another day with a smile. Fighting to stop the fires of war from spreading to where his beloved ones were.

That was the reason why he had joined the war all those years ago, and that would be the same reason he was joining again today.

"I will be joining the kingdom. I have Max to protect." Goofy continued. "Pete will be there too. He's got an entire family."

Donald had guessed Goofy and Pete would be involved. They were both loving fathers after all, however obvious or subtle they might seem.

"Very well. I'll be joining t-"

"No. You won't be." Donald was about to give his reply, when Goofy suddenly cut him off, much to Donald's confusion.

"What on earth? You asked me for help and then refused my offer?" Donald was visibly annoyed, before hearing Goofy's words.

"No. You alone won't be going." Goofy was being unusually serious.

"Pal. My magic skills have not gone rusty. If anything, they are even stronger now."

"I mean, you need someone to come with you."

"Then what do you want me to do? Ask the kids to tag along?"

"You can't keep putting everything on yourself, Donald."

Goofy raised his voice. Even if it was only slightly, for a usually casual person, he had made his point clear. And Donald could feel that.

"You...Goofy, you know I can't ask any of my family for help. They don't even know I am-"

"Of course I know that."

Everyone who truly understood Donald would know that telling him to "come clean to his family" was never an option. It might work for other families, but not the Duck Family.

The kids were too young to understand. Della was too impulsive to understand. And Scrooge, the person who definitely could help, was too stubborn to understand.

That's why Donald never told and would never tell his family about his hidden duties: They could know, but they would never understand. Imagining letting his treasure-loving uncle know about an inter-dimensional world: That self-confident Scrooge McDuck would just recklessly rush into the danger - along with the kids, of course, whom he always thought he could protect - and Donald would always be the one to keep them safe from the shadows.

"I know you have someone who truly understands you. Who will support you no matter what. I want you ask them to fight with you." Goofy stressed his request, before sighing once again. "I believe in your ability, Donald. You are the best fighter in the entire kingdom. But you can't carry all the burdens yourself."

Of course Donald knew of such "someone". He didn't easily open his heart to someone, but those whom he had done so, they were good friends who would fight for him at a heartbeat. A certain parrot, rooster and aracuan bird appeared in the back of his mind.

And that's what made Donald so reluctant to ask for their help: They would fight for Donald. They would let themselves get hurt for Donald.

Although, deep in his heart, Donald would like someone to have his back, to share his burdens. He always told himself that he was strong enough to handle everything himself. That it was selfish to give someone else the task.

However, it would be a lie to say Donald was completely willing to sacrifice himself. Not even Donald could lie to himself that he was the selfless uncle, friend and hero others believed him to be.

Especially...perhaps, just perhaps...he might be giving up his life this time...

Whether that was his true feeling, or he was tired and just wanted to satisfy Goofy for now, Donald reluctantly replied.

"...alright. I will ask José, Panchito, and Ari. Can't make any promises for now. Don't tell others about them for the time being." Donald muttered.

Goofy let out a heavy breath. At least Donald had agreed.

"But I can't join you now. I..." Donald paused, looking at the direction to his family. "...I still have them to look after for now. After all this, however, I will definitely come."

Before Goofy could reply, a voice shouted from outside the cave.

"Hey Don! You done yet?! Take longer and your wish will have to be a ride back to Duckburg!" Della yelled, impatient.

Donald didn't reply. He didn't want to keep his family waiting as well, but he was in no state to hurry up.

The other two in the cave had heard Della's words as well. Goofy smiled sheepishly. "Right, Don. Don't you have a wish to make?"

While Gene strutted from the ledge he had been bored to death on, towards where Donald and Goofy were. He was about to make another cheeky remark, before seeing Donald's serious face and thus keeping all those jokes to himself.

Donald looked at the magic lamp in his hands. What wish could he still wish for? He just wished for a normal family, where it was safe and happy, and everyone hated that.

"You've been able to wish us out this whole time?"

"Come on, it's not so bad here, is it?"

"Silly problems, comforting music, and everything gets resolved nicely in the end, with no one getting hurt, or captured, or lost..."

That was the closest Donald had to confessing his true feelings to his family. Everyone seemed to understand, as well. They must understand. They had to. They had experienced those things themselves, after all.

"But it's not who we are. We go on adventures, travel the world, defy danger...That's what makes us, us."

Yet even after hearing his true voice, his family just brushed away his concern like nothing. Even Huey, his most sensible nephew.

No one questioned why Donald would make such a wish five times a day. No one asked why Donald would always tag along despite his obvious dislike for adventures. No one wondered how they could always end an adventure without anyone getting hurt, captured or lost.

"If I didn't do anything, everyone is going to be killed...

Everyone is going to die..."

Was what Donald thought when the family was trapped in the deathtrap, facing off countless ferocious arachnids. He hugged his legs close to himself, rocking back and fro as terrible memories of the war invaded his mind and paralysed his body.

"I wish we could just have normal family problems...

...is that...too much to ask for...?"

Donald wanted so badly to tell them everything he had seen in his days as a magician or a superhero. Dangers beyond their imaginations and abilities to handle. Tragedies that could unfold if Donald didn't do his best to prevent them from happening.

He wanted so badly to just blast away all the scorpions with a simple magic burst, and dispel all obstacles with his extraordinary magic talent.

But Donald kept silent. He couldn't tell them anything. He couldn't let them know. They wouldn't understand.

And if they got hurt, or worse, because of him...Donald would never forgive himself.

Staring into his melancholy reflection on the golden treasure, Donald's eyes dropped. Everything he wished for was for his family. The first two wishes were evidence for that. And his third wish would be as well.

"Gene." Donald held the lamp tightly in his hands. "You can grant any wish, right?"

Donald doubted even a wish-granting genie was able to magically solve all his problems and protect his family, but he was desperate to try anything.

"Y-yes...?" Hearing how serious Donald sounded was making Gene uneasy, and that reflected in his uncertain answer.

"Then I wish for the end of the war. The war between Light and Darkness."

Donald requested as a matter of fact.

Gene blinked his eyes, stepping back involuntarily.

"I...I don't know what you are talking about." Gene's feigned ignorance was betrayed by his clear nervousness.

"Gene, if you can't do it, you must tell me." Donald advanced towards the genie. He didn't have any hopes in the first place, and he would hate to be left hanging like a fool.

"N-no...! I-I mean...I just have n-no idea what you are referring to-" Gene had never encountered a wish he could not grant.

"Gene!" Donald placed his hands on the genie's shoulders, causing the brown duck to jump.

"You know very well what I am talking about." Donald continued. "You constructed my first wish with my cognition and memories. Everything was tailored to me. You must have access to your client's mind."

"W-well...Like I s-said, I-I had been i-in the lamp s-since 1990...I o-only know everything b-before then...!" Gene still didn't want to disappoint Donald. He knew just how much Donald would like this wish to come true, even if Donald never had his hopes up that a genie could magically fix everything.

"1990 is late enough."

Goofy intercepted. Memories of the past war emerged in his heart.

"Back when Donald and I were still young, we had already been fighting in that never-ending war. It only reached a stalemate, not even an armistice. Well, until now, that is." Goofy leaned onto the stone wall, looking at the night sky through an opening of the cave.

"After the war paused, we went our separate ways. But we promised to return to the kingdom, when the fires of war burn again." The knight sighed. How the days had passed. "We have already been given too much resting time. We are lucky the war restarted only now."

"And as a price...The fire seems to be burning much, much brighter this time."

Donald looked at his old comrade in empathy, while Gene slumped his shoulders at Goofy's words.

"...Sorry. These are wishes, not miracles." The genie confessed in a whisper. "I can only grant things within the capacity of my magic. What you wish for, Donald...is not possible to be granted. I am sorry..."

Donald loosened his grip on the genie's shoulders. He should have expected that.

"Then how about the Evronians? Can you do anything about that?" Donald asked plainly. He wasn't even begging at this point. He just wanted any answer.

As expected, Gene shook his head.

"Then you can keep that wish."

Donald released his hands, picking up the lamp from the ground and returning it to Gene. He wasn't even mad or disappointed, much to Gene's relief and sorrow.

Seeing as Donald was about to depart, Gene swiftly caught up with the lamp in hand.

"You...you really don't want anything? We may not meet again after tonight..." Gene asked, hoping Donald would wish for something, so that he wouldn't have to bear the guilt in his heart for being unable to help Donald.

To which Donald shook his head, still facing the exit of the cave. Even without seeing the genie's expression, Donald could sense that Gene was feeling terribly guilty.

"Please, no hard feelings, Gene. Thank you for being honest with me." That was Donald's true feeling as well. The worst thing Gene could have done was giving him false hope.

Watching his friend return to his responsibilities without a reward, Goofy's heart went cold as well. Remembering how happy Donald had been in his wish just now, Goofy could only lament that it was all but a dream.

At least, however, he could give Donald a souvenir. A picture of what could have become reality.

Goofy grabbed Gene from behind, telling him his idea. He did take some pictures in that wish, and those photos persisted even after the wish was gone (because Goofy hadn't been affected by the wish in the first place).

Donald could hear the other two chattering indistinctly behind him, but he decided to ignore them. He knew Goofy was trying to do something to cheer him up, and that made him flash a bittersweet smile. He stood still, waiting for whatever his friend was planning to do.

A mere minute later, Gene tapped Donald on his back to gain his attention. When Donald turned around, he was presented with a photo frame.

With the big family photo in the middle.

It wasn't the formal one Donald had planned to take in his wish - and it had been taken in the middle of a skirmish - but it was a family photo nonetheless.

"Here. Something for you. No wish required." Gene smiled sadly. He knew he couldn't help Donald in any way, shape or form, but at least he could make him just a bit happier.

Donald stared at the photo Goofy had taken, a small, sorrowful smile forming on his face. His heart went a bit sour, but he knew he couldn't be emotional now.

"Thank you, Gene. Thank you." Donald hugged the genie duck, much to the latter's surprise.

"Y-you're welcome..." Gene stammered in response. No one had ever thanked him, not even for his wishes.

"And Goofy..." Donald moved to his old friend. Of course he had guessed that was Goofy's idea.

Seeing Donald's dejected state, Goofy gave him a warm embrace, patting his back a few times.

"You are doing great, Don. You are doing great." Goofy comforted, even though he knew those were just empty words.

"Same to you, Goof." Donald returned the hug. Goofy had gone through a lot too. If he could, Goofy would have asked for a family portrait of him, Max and his late wife as well.

After a deep breath, the two friends let go, and walked towards the exit of the cave together. Afterwards, they would depart from each other once more, but soon they would meet again, under very, very different circumstances.

For both were sailors trapped in the waves of life, their destiny controlled by the cruel hand of fate.

(26-2-2023 ~ 12-3-2023)

----------------------

Another anime headcanon-heavy piece after "Ice on Fire" (omg i still cringe at that name), but this time focusing on Donald in Kingdom Hearts.

Like last time, I will make a list of headcanons used.

→ Okay. First of all, despite using the Kingdom Hearts (KH) setting, I...really cannot guarantee total lore-friendliness.

I haven't even played all the games due to various restrictions (availability of the games, platforms/consoles, time). And even if I had, if you know anything about KH lore, it is...complicated rich. Therefore, I really can't be 100% lore- or canon- friendly (especially) when dealing with KH-related businesses, nor can I include everyone in the KH universe (to be honest I don't even know if I can fit Sora into the story). I will do my research and try my best, but otherwise it is mostly headcanon patching.

(Like I am aware that KH still wasn't a thing in 1990 but just let me-)

→ What you need to know about my KH setting is that what is happening is literally war.

Not a modern warfare. A fantasy one, but a war nonetheless.

Like Paperinik is dealing with (alien) invasions, Donald Duck the Magician is dealing with war against Darkness. The war has been there since around 20 years ago (because KH the game series has also been here for 20 years), with the fires of war reigniting here and there.

→ KH is the very first event Donald experienced chronologically out of his three identities (Wizard, Superhero, Caballero).

[Chronological order of my Donald's story:

KH → DT17 (adventures with Della and Scrooge) → Paperinik → LotTC → DT17 (taking care of HDL and subsequent events in the main series) → KH]

Donald, Goofy and Mickey are essentially soldiers/warriors. The three have been old friends since youth, as well as old comrades who fought in the war together when they were still young adults. The war lasted for a long time, before a stalemate was finally reached, and the war lay dormant for many years.

At this point, Donald and Goofy left the battlefield to start their own lives: Donald had his other duties (Paperinik, Caballero, accompanying/protecting Scrooge and Della on their adventures), while Goofy started a family in Spoonerville. Mickey stayed behind in the realms, preparing for when the battle resumes.

The return of the war referenced in this story is actually the events of KH3. "The fire seems to be burning much, much brighter this time", because it is the final battle in the KH story arc.

→ Donald, as stated before, is absolutely powerful. If you have done KH3, you will definitely know what I am talking about. His physical strength is also very strong, but the focus is on his magic in KH.

Something I would like to expand on the topic is a brief introduction of "magic" in my universe (this knowledge is mostly useless and very cringe but it's what I work with).

Magic is very common in my setting. Everyone has magic to a certain extent, only with varying strengths.

Generally, magic can be categorised into 4 types: Black, White, Elemental and Special. Most people are born with only one type of magic, but exceptionally strong ones can be born with multiple types. Acquisition of another type is also possible, but not easy.

(For one, Donald is a natural Black + White + Elemental Magic user. He is thought to be a White Magic user only, but he actually knows the other two types as well.)

(1) Black Magic is a mostly offensive type of magic. It has devastating attack powers, and is easily the most destructive type of magic. It can also do things that are considered traditional "black" magic, such as blinding, silencing, invisibility, hypnosis, mind control etc.

On the hind side, repeated and/or strong uses of Black Magic can cost the user's life, either by shortening their lifespans, inducing diseases, or outright killing them. In the most extreme case, Black Magic can even cost the user's soul (in additional to their body, i.e. killing them). Not even ghosts remain in this case (therefore resurrection is impossible). The person is truly gone forever.

(This "cost" is the reason why Scrooge doesn't use his magic albeit having very strong Black Magic. The only thing Scrooge values more than his money is his life.)

Notable Black Magic users include: José, Scrooge, Felldrake, Poe, Magica, Maleficent

(2) White Magic is a mostly defensive type of magic. Common abilities include healing, repairing, barrier, reflection, resurrection (not necromancy), enhancement of growth and strength etc.

White Magic does have offensive capabilities, although limited and weaker than Black and most Elemental. Reflection of attacks is the main way for White Magic users to deal damage. However, with strong enough magical strength, direct attack with White Magic can be powerful as well.

Notable White Magic users include: Pete, PJ, Mickey, Goofy (technically), Lena (after "awakening"), Flintheart

(3) Elemental Magic is basically any "-kinesis". It can range from simple elemental synthesis and manipulation, to more complex abilities involving elements. For example, Panchito can infuse his bullets with fire, or generate magical ammunitions. Elements are usually one per user.

Notable Elemental Magic users include: Panchito (Fire), Xandra (Light), Bobby (Sound)

(4) Special Magic actually means "the rest": Any magic that isn't categorised into Black, White or Elemental. Special Magic isn't especially rare, nor is it especially powerful. It just means "others".

Still, Special Magic can be very unique and esoteric, such that it can seem very useful and/or uncommon. Special Magic may also show certain kinds of heredity more commonly. For example, all aracuan birds are users of Special Magic.

(Note that heredity is not unique to Special Magic, though: Panchito's fiery bullet magic is a familial ability passed on from fathers to sons)

Notable Special Magic users include: Ari, Gladstone, Max

→ [About Goofy] Goofy (and Mickey) is one of Donald's few "close friends", which also includes José, Panchito and Ari. Like his other close friends, Donald trusts Goofy deeply and vice versa, and both know each others' "secrets" (e.g. Goofy knows about all of Donald's secret identities)

In my setting (and headcanon), Goofy is a widower: His wife/Max's mother passed away shortly after Max's birth. Although it was out of natural causes (illness), that affected Goofy very much, as well as shaped his overprotective nature, because Max is all he is left with. Max knows about what happened to his mother (once he is old enough, of course).

Like Donald's family, Max doesn't know anything about Goofy's involvement in the war, while Goofy also doesn't want Max to know. It is not that Max is too young to understand (Max is older than HDL), but Goofy doesn't want Max to get involved at any cost, because he can't risk losing Max (as well).

Goofy is known by Donald's family as Donald's "old friend". Only the adults know him (at that moment), because Goofy hadn't been there after HDL were old enough to remember him (because he had Max to take care of).

As stated in the story, Goofy is much more powerful than he looks. Magic may not be his specialty, but his physical strength makes it up. He is a kind soul and is usually unwilling to hurt anyone, but he is fiercely protective towards those he cherishes.

→ [About Pete] Pete is not really in the story, but I guess I will give an introduction to him in my universe (because it is quite different from canon).

First of all, Pete (and Maleficent) is not a villain in my setting. He is de facto a "hero", only borderline "anti-hero". To be honest, even in canon KH, Pete is basically just a nuisance. In my universe, Pete isn't "officially" on either side of the belligerents, but he does help Goofy's side more often than not.

In terms of personal life, I adopt Goof Troop as the basis for Pete's relationships: Pete and Goofy are good friends (really), while Pete is the father of a family of four (Pete, Peg, PJ, Pistol).

Pete here is strict but not dominating, loving but not dotting (and nowhere evil or mischievous). He sometimes has a hard time balancing between being stern and soft, or trying to express love without being affectionate (because he would be embarrassed). Like Goofy, his role as a father does affect his self-esteem quite heavily. He doesn't think he is a good father (as compared to Goofy), but he is trying his best for his children.

But unlike Goofy and Donald, Pete is open about his duties as a fighter in the war, as well as any other things that may be considered "secrets" (such as his magic). Therefore, Pete's entire family knows of the war, and Pete's involvement in the war. Pete's rationale is that "those who should know will eventually know". However, he understands why Goofy is keeping it hidden from Max, and he respects that decision (but also warns Goofy that Max will know one day).

Pete is a White Magic user in my setting. However, he has developed an offensive technique that allows strong direct magic attacks (still relatively weak compared to Black Magic, but it is as strong as White Magic can be). He also hones his reflection skills to the finest. He is currently passing his White Magic techniques to his son PJ.

→ [Back to the story] This story is an alternative universe of the Ducktales (2017) episode "Quack Pack", as well as a product stemmed from watching said episode. (omg as a persona fan that episode is just so painful like that right there is Donald's dungeon/palace i can't even)

I added my own explanation as to why Goofy is there in the first place (because Gene states that Goofy isn't part of the magic), which is to deliver an urgent message to Donald about something only the two know. I also added his relationships to the other characters (especially Donald), because everyone seems to know him but it is never expanded upon.

It is also my first time explicitly writing about my KH headcanons (which are very crazy, as you can see).

Oh, and Gene's "these are wishes, not miracles" is a reference to what he said in the original Ducktales movie, when kid Huey asked for world peace.

[digital-roots]

Need to confess: Lunaris has the body of a total drama character

Please tell me you agree

[usertransducks]

sorry I just needed to add these tags because yeah!!!

I kinda love how, even when Donald’s wish was supposed to make the family a normal family that goes on normal adventures, they just…weren’t. Della’s still a traumatized amputee that got stuck on the moon for 10 years. Beakley’s still a spy, Scrooge is still the Richest Duck in the World, Webby is even more crazy and violent if anything, the triplets and Launchpad are literally just themselves in new outfits and with a touch of stir-crazy, and it’s clear from how they’re all talking that they at least go on their usual adventures off-screen(the bear picture comes to mind). Because Donald doesn’t want a normal family with normal problems, not really, not at the expense of them being themselves. He just wanted a break and it got out of hand and his stubbornness set in.

[thecrusadercomrade]

Ducktales Richest Duck in the world. What did you think of Louis keeping the money and the ending with the monster. Owlson finally quitting. Dewey and Della plot, and weather Penumbra was her friend or not and learning of Lunaris invasion? Next week the season 2 finale.

Somehow, I am both completely unsurprised and yet very disappointed with Louie for taking all the money for himself. I was actually impressed with Scrooge for taking it so well. I guess he knew he’d get it back one way or another. Also, good on both of them for learning a lesson on humility in the end. Louie realized he wasn’t ready for the responsibility, and even Scrooge became a little more humble. That’s a lesson that many people, regardless of wealth, would do well to learn for themselves.

I cannot blame Owlson at all for quitting. She’s put up with so much nonsense from all of these people for so long. I hope she actually does manage to become a billionaire, and that we’ll see her again in season 3. I’m rooting for her!

Dewey didn’t mean to make Della feel like that, but it was still very insensitive of him. Also, Della hating her own reflection gives me a fun idea for a one shot XD.

Dang it, Louie. His shortsightedness has left Earth wide open to the invasion. The family is gonna have their work cut out for them to deal with it, especially since Lunaris is targeting the kids specifically.

[best-ducktales-episode]

ROUND #4

[magicvicky1]

It’s yapping time because I can’t stop thinking about Magica’s different lairs in Dt17 and how goofy they are…

Like, starting with the one in the swamp: is not exactly uncommon for the main villains of the show to have themselves/their aesthetic incorporated on their workplace; I’m pretty sure Lunaris’s base was literally shaped like his dumb face and Glomgold Industries’s building is just Flinty showing off how scottish he wants to be is. But there’s NO way that Magica, being powerless for a season and a half, managed to build her house and shape her face onto a tree of that size on her own. So the only explanation I can think of is that while living as an average duck and getting a job, she went to an architect and requested them to design a plan for a house build onto an specific tree located in the middle of a dark, scary swamp, and not only that, but the exterior of it had to be shaped like her face.

I’m imagining the confused architect asking “Don’t you prefer a normal looking house?…In a normal neighborhood?” only for her to reply “Of course not! A house like this is the only way in which whoever decides to approach, will know that they’re stepping on the lair of the most MENACING AND POWERFUL SORCERESS ALIVE!”…And since that house ended up being constructed, she’s must have payed very well for it XD

Then, there’s the castle in which Magica and Poe lived and is not hard to figure out how it was made. If they had an entire village enslaved that provided them food and treasures, then they would have no problem with forcing them to build them a proper place so they could rule over more comfortably (I do have my own headcanon in which the castle was owned by an actual king and/or queen who was later defeated by the De Spell twins when they took over, but I won’t be considering it for the sake of simplicity). It’s not that deep…Still, you can’t tell me that an argument like the one above also didn’t happen if Poe was around xD Magica probably had to explain how important it was for their castle to look as scary and imponent as possible, and after a while of insisting, he just went “…*sigh* Alright, then. We’ll have your face sculpted into the entrance.”

[georgiarose]

Y'all I'm DYING!! I love these!!

Continuing on with some Zelda/Ducktales content with Twilight Princess (A.k.a my favorite Zelda game)!!

I may do more in the future, I had LOADS of fun drawing these!!

Natalie belongs to the beautiful @georgiarose!!

[violetganache42]

A collection of highlights celebrating some of the best dads, uncles, and father figures in the Duckverse/Mickey & Friends franchise:

"Donald's Happy Birthday"

Donald's birthday being on THE DAY BEFORE KRABS FRIES

hueberryshortcake: "WHAT THE FUCK LUEY" puffywuffy8904 and caro: "LUEY?!"

WriteBackAtYa admitting how some of the Donald shorts he streams are reminders on why his DT17 iteration is the best one

"Darkly Dawns the Duck"

Godfrey and Missy joining JUST IN TIME for the theme song

A man has fallen for a man in St. Canard

"Oh brother, this guy STINKS!!!"

Darkwing always forgetting the milk

Clips from the theme being featured in the episode

Everyone passing on Hammerhead in "Smash or Pass"

Godfrey and I joking about the vulture being Bradford

Everyone happy to see Launchpad!

"I'm a pilot!"

The first crash of the Not-the-Thunderquack

Everyone also happy to see Gosalyn making her debut!

Gosalyn's adoption monologue

puffywuffy8904: "ON HIS YEEYEE ASS BIKE"

ACAB! Again! (Except to M'ma)

"I'm a kid. I'm supposed to be irresponsible."

Missy: "im gonna choke gosalyn and drake" WriteBackAtYa: "-Darth Vader" Godfrey: "Nooooo" WriteBackAtYa: "-Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith"

Little Girl Blue

Godfrey: "Major motion picture DW CHILL"

Darkwing Kung-Fu

Jail bird

Launchpad crashing into the jail cell

Thunderquack

Darkwing Duck: "Let's get dangerous!" Us:

"Before I met you, I didn't have a life worth risking."

Bulba: *steals the gold* Godfrey and I: *Scrooge mention* caro: "ME MONEY, ME BEAUTIFUL MONEY"

hueberryshortcake: "it's over taurus bulba i have the high ground" Me: "YOU UNDERESTIMATE MY POWER"

Drake adopting Gosalyn

The theme song playing before the credits rolled

"Life, the Negaverse, and Everything"

Fearsome Five appearance!

Missy's Negaduck Mode going into overdrive

hueberryshortcake: "ATTENTION DRAKE MALLARD!!!!!!!!" Godfrey: "I'VE COME TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT-"

"I hate the Muddlefoots, and I hate their parties!"

Drake's relationship with the Muddlefoots:

(Meme by @blondedonaldduck)

Fearsome Five in a nutshell:

(Meme by @hueberryshortcake)

melcat33: "they are so desparate to appease the boss" Missy: "i'm desparate to appease negaduck, too"

(This has become a running gag with these highlights. lol)

Darkwing Duck: Into the Negaverse

Nega Gosalyn and Nega Launchpad appearance!

Della 🤝 Darkwing NOTHING CAN STOP THEM

Nega Honker being a FUCKING MENACE

Friendly Four appearance!

"Gosalyn's guardian is Negaduck."

Us: "NOT THE TOWER"

"LOSERS"

Spider-Clown

Darkwing's Ducks

MY ACCIDENTAL TIMING (I was actually crying from laughing so hard! lmao)

puffywuffy8904: "MEGAVOLT'S YEEYEE ASS MASK"

Nega Gosalyn having four Darkwings to take care of her

Negaduck getting killed

"What Ever Happened to Donald Duck?!"

Lunaris Hate Club

Donald getting beak clamped like: "You can't mute me, old man!"

Phooey mention!

Dewey and Webby's ghost pepper conspiracy theory:

Penumbra appearance!

"Unlikely roommate situation"

Dew-tective and Bad Cop

SAVE THE SAD, WET CAT

Dewey and Webby getting to be kids

"Bills, bills, more bills. Man, being an adult is not fun."

Missy: "Jones needs to learn how to word his letters better"

Anger management therapist Jones being based off of Neighbor Jones

Classic Donald Duck shorts humor and slapstick in this episode

"Fine, but if that summer camp shuts down, it's on you."

"Aw, phooey."

Scrooge, his enemies, Della, and the triplets being among potential threats to Lunaris

puffywuffy8904: "lunaris is such a nice man surely he would never target children specifically OH NO"

Lunaris electrocuting Penumbra:

(I am sorry if Tumblr butchered the quality from 1080p to 720p.)

Scrooge sounding OFFENDED at Dewey calling him "old man"

Jones' monologue about Donald's anger issues and how he was able to channel it healthily

Donald attacking Lunaris:

"PK FIRE" "PK THUNDER" "PK FREEZE" "ZETTAFLARE"

"Goofy's Grandma"

"HUMANS"

Dreamy: "GO MILITARY GRANNY GOOO"

Donald disguised as Goofy and getting paid for it

Mickey seeing a giant ass spider right as he opened the front door a la "Wormy"

A Goofy Movie (Rewatch)

caro: "Watching a movie. There better not be any goofy shit" puffywuffy8904: "WHAT THE FUCK"

Max dressed as Powerline

Pete losing Peg and Pistol in the divorce

Speaking of which, THE MOVIE THAT STARTED THE PETE HATE CLUB

The FUCKING principal

🎵STAND OUT ABOVE THE CROWD🎵

puffywuffy8904: "that was megavolt jr."

Donald being Goofy's best buddy!

Us whenever Idaho is mentioned: "POTATOLAND! POTATOLAND!"

puffywuffy8904: "you know who else is gonna end up in the electric chaaaair" WriteBackAtYa: "MY MOM"

melcat33 being Cinemasins (Ding!)

WriteBackAtYa: "To me, it's a regular movie." Me:

Wilhelm Scream

Mickey and Donald cameos!

Lester's Possum Park

Dreamy: "Max isn't white enough to like country music"

Lester mascot being Phantom Blot

SQUIRRELS IN MAX'S PANTS

WriteBackAtYa: "Stupid Rat Show"/"YOU LEAVE MIC'S NAME OUT OF THIS"

Amphibia AU of A Goofy Movie because Bill Farmer

The absence of Max's mom + the absence of the triplets' dad (*cough* Daffy *cough*) = they eloped together

Spam: "yeah i'm going to the zoo i'm going to the zoo and then i'm gonna see some animals"

The PIZZA

Seriously, between Three Musketeers and this, WHO THE FUCK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE PETE FANSERVICE?!

"CHECK DA MAP GOOF"

The colors and lighting throughout the movie

DuckLooneyHistorian: "'My son respect me!' Really Pete, what about your wife? 😂"

Any joining at the WORST possible time

The scene that inspired Puffy's DT17 fanart…

…and the "Draw the Squad" meme

"I just want to be a part of it."

Just how fucking amazing the soundtrack is

WriteBackAtYa: "Don't tell me. We're about to go over a huge waterfall." Me: "Yep." WriteBackAtYa: "Sharp rocks at the bottom?" Me: "Most likely." WriteBackAtYa:

THE PERFECT CAST

Reminiscing about how "I2I" started playing RIGHT as Godfrey's birthday began

Any: "Dat ass ahyuk"

Powerline:

Jamming out to "I2I" during the credits

melcat33: "/to the tune of Bill Nye/ WILL WILL WILL WILL"

DuckLooneyHistorian doing the Goofy holler

[pidayforpi]

Ice on Fire

[Blood and Violence, Attempted Murder, Character Breaking, Reference to Cigarette Use, General Craziness/Weebiness/Cringiness]

(Some crazy music to accompany this crazy piece:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay0o_Mfhhik)

Lunaris had never thought the invasion would end like this.

They were about to win. They reverted the planet back to a Snowball Earth. They captured or subdued almost all of Duckburg's - no, Calisota's - population in a blitzkrieg attack. The Earth's orbit was changing, all according to plan.

And then...Just one man, and the entire army was overpowered.

Granted, most of the soldiers were civilians to start with. But "strength in number" does hold some weight, doesn't it? And their technologies were nothing sort of subpar.

Moreover, Lunaris did do his research beforehand, especially on that blasted Duck Family. He knew every detail of all the members (or so he thought). Not to mention he did fight the man in question before. That person was terribly weak and pathetic. He even thought the duck had died on the trip back to Earth, in that makeshift rocket. No one could have survived that faulty prototype spaceship.

Then how? How come it would end like this? Even in his final moments, Lunaris couldn't think it through.

Although, the fact that he had made it through that deadly trip should already tell Lunaris something.

===

Donald Duck stood on the frozen ocean, if he was really Donald to begin with: The duck on the ice looked exactly like the nephew of that rich old Scrooge McDuck, but he felt nothing like what Lunaris had known. His expression was unreadable, as if a combination of wrath and madness. His eyes were entirely covered by the strange helmet on his head, but a silent anger could be seen emitting from them. His entire body was covered in an invisible atmosphere that Lunaris couldn't make sense of, yet bloodlust and violence could be felt however faraway.

They were already at their last step of the operation, when the sole duck suddenly appeared on the frozen waters. He didn't say or do anything; he merely walked towards the clusters of golden war spacecrafts, as if taking a midnight stroll. Lunaris thought he was there to negotiate or surrender. After all, he couldn't be there to fight, could he? He was alone and unarmed, while facing hundreds of armed Moonlanders. Even an ambush would just be suicide.

Lunaris even came down from his spaceship to "greet" his late night guest personally. Donald didn't respond to his fake kindness. He only glanced around him, as if looking for any family or friends nearby. Once he confirmed he was truly alone, Donald only said one sentence.

"Leave in a minute, if you don't want to die."

The volume of his voice indicated he was speaking to the entire army there, which made Lunaris snicker. Had Donald lost his mind? Had fear and stress driven him crazy? The captain could have pulled out his pistol and shot Donald dead in an instant. What did Donald have to fight against all the personnel present?

Some of the militia were slightly shaken by the duck's words. Even if he was truly alone, a person appearing at their base in the middle of the night was at least a bit scary. Some had encouraged one another with the idea that it was just an intimidation tactic, but some did leave their posts temporarily. If nothing would happen after a minute, then they could safely call Donald's bluff.

Lunaris paid no attention to his men's reactions. He took his laser gun out, giving a mocking counterproposal: That if nothing happened, he would pull the trigger. Donald said nothing, not even his expression had changed upon seeing the firearm aimed at him. He merely counted the seconds, waiting for the clock to strike 3:00am, when the lighthouse bell would ring. Donald hoped the aliens hadn't broken it yet; that would be for their own good, after all.

When the minute hand hit 12, the sound of the bell echoed throughout the frozen pier. Donald didn't do anything immediately, merely waiting for the sound waves to dissipate and die down. His eyes weren't even brimming with confidence or smugness; they were just staring at the Moonlander general dead in the eyes.

After the echoes had faded, Lunaris raised his pistol to Donald's head, about to make him pay for his foolish insolence.

Then, the spaceship behind him suddenly exploded.

Shouts and yells roared out in an instant, causing the general to turn around: The spaceship he had been on just a few moments ago was blasted in the body, as if someone had fired a missile at it. His men who were still inside the vehicle immediately evacuated before it collapsed onto the ice floor; but instead of getting to arms right after, the soldiers quickly fled in fear. The other personnel still on the field were all looking at the fallen spacecraft in shock. Needless to say, no one knew what had happened just now, despite everyone was at their full focus.

When an equally puzzled Lunaris turned to face Donald again for answers, he was met with a punch to the face, the force of which sent him flying to the wall of the toppled spaceship. Was it not for the helmet he had equipped, he wouldn't still be barely conscious.

And in a split second, Lunaris could clearly see the assailant this time, though he couldn't believe his eyes.

Donald Duck was holding his fist up, now clad in a full-on golden armour.

His expression, however, was still as unreadable.

Donald turned to the remaining soldiers still lingering around, annoyed with those "interruptions". The attacks just now, and the ferocity of his gaze already scared a number of enemies away, and confused the remaining to a brim. Wasn't that duck the same one they had seen on the Moon? That same helpless, pathetic duck that was the traitor Della's brother? How could he suddenly be so strong?

To show the ones still loitering around he meant business, Donald raised his palm to a nearby spaceship. He did it slowly and vividly, making sure anyone still wanting to fight back could see what he was capable of.

Literal magic - strong enough to be visible - was gathering in the hand of the duck, glowing brighter and stronger in the faint darkness. The energy had an overall colour scheme of blue, but a deep crimson could be seen shimmering from the periphery. When the power reached the maximum, the blast was released as a bullet would, flying straight to another spacecraft, and detonating upon impact. The vehicle crashes onto the frozen sea, falling into the waters.

When the last of the Moonlander soldiers had fled the scene, Donald turned to the prone general on the ground. He could still sense life energy, which was good. He clenched his fists, walking slowly to his target. He didn't need his sword for this one, nor his staff or metallic gauntlet. His bare fists would suffice, and would be most appropriate.

The rest of the Moonlanders could go - They were manipulated civilians anyway.

This man, however, could not.

No. He could go all right. Donald would help him go.

All the way to hell, that is. A slow, painful trip, too.

----------------------

José sat down on the floor of the dinning hall. It wasn't that there weren't enough chairs in McDuck Manor, nor there were too many people in the room. The mansion was never short of furniture, and not a lot of allies were still free and uninjured.

He was worried. About his friend, Donald Duck.

José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles were called to Duckburg to help out in the invasion, although not even Scrooge McDuck (who invited them in the first place) knew how they could possibly help.

So now, the rest of the Duck family and friends were hiding in the McDuck Manor. The children were asleep, unable to stay up late so long ; but the adults stayed put, José and Panchito included. The parrot leaned against the wall, his heart extremely conflicted. Panchito was opposite of him, sitting with his legs crossed. He seemed equally worried, too.

Mister McDuck might not know about it, but the two people he had invited over definitely had a chance to turn the tides. They were the descendants of the legendary Caballeros. The mythical, magical warriors. Along with their best friend Donald, the three birds had once saved New Quackmore from a reawakened Felldrake Sheldgoose. Even without Xandra or Ari by their side, The Three Caballeros were sure to win this time. They still had their pendants with them, after all.

And not to mention one of the trio, Donald Duck, was not only a Caballero. He was also a powerful wizard in a foreign kingdom, and a superhero across time and space. These titles were something not even his family knew. Only his closest friends, like José and Panchito, had knowledge of his secret identities.

With such a legendary figure on their team, there was no reason they could lose, right? Even Donald alone could carry the whole fight, couldn't he?

That is, if he was allowed to exercise his powers.

Remembering the family's "military council" just a few days ago, José couldn't help but feel sorry for Donald.

===

It was right after Della came back to Duckburg with her children and cousins, including the long-missing Donald who had apparently gone on an involuntary round trip to the Moon.

The situation was grim. The city had already fallen. Their defence was falling apart, let alone their chance in offence. In a desperate attempt, Scrooge asked his niece for advice, for she had been acquainted with the invaders after all.

Della, being only a pilot in training, was unable to give any groundbreaking insights. Rather, however, she had one request for everyone.

To solve this conflict in peace.

For the Moonlanders, despite enemies now, had been her friends since she was invited to the Moon city of Tranquility. She knew there must be a misunderstanding that had caused her friends to turn against her so suddenly. Before she could make sense of the entire situation, she asked that no one would use force against the enemies.

José immediately felt how ridiculous the request was. They were actually the stronger ones. They could fend off the invaders more than easily. Why, then, were they being so passive and submissive?

Even more surprisingly, almost everyone agreed with Della's request. Perhaps it was due to how close the family was. Perhaps it was because she had just come back from a 10-year castaway. But to José, it was absolutely unbelievable.

He saw Panchito's reaction too, though his reaction was more surprised than frustrated.

Meanwhile, Donald said nothing, did nothing. He wasn't nodding, nor shaking his head.

Being an outsider, José could do nothing but obey. Especially when his good friend Donald had already silently agreed.

Although, José knew just how hard it was for Donald not to explode right then and there.

Because José knew Donald very well. Perhaps, even better than his own family.

Donald wished for nothing but the happiness of his family. That was the reason he became a wizard and a superhero in the first place: To protect this world where his beloved ones lived in. That was the reason he kept going on, despite the crippling stress inflicted on him.

Family was Donald's number one priority.

When Donald came back to Duckburg, he would have immediately gone to the enemies' base, and beat the living daylight out of everyone.

And then, Della made that restriction, completely shattering Donald's plan.

Donald knew his decision was the best for his family. Peace was no longer possible at this stage. Force was the only option left. Lethal force if needed, if that could permanently prevent another invasion. Horrible as that might sound, it wasn't a baseless radical solution: For Donald had seen the future in his times as Paperinik, and only god knows what painful dystopia had poor Donald witnessed.

A Duckburg destroyed by Evronians...His family captured or slaughtered...Donald would do everything to prevent such a tragedy from becoming the reality.

Even if he would bear the reputation of a violent individual...Even if he would bear the guilt of hurting or killing...If that meant his family could live another happy day, Donald would undoubtedly execute the action.

Despite knowing everything...now that his little twin sister had made that decision, Donald would only follow.

After all, family was Donald's number one priority.

And José felt extremely sorry for him, but feeling sorry was the only thing he could do.

===

"Hey, José?"

Panchito called out from opposite of the room.

The parrot lifted his head to look at his friend as a response.

"What...what plan do you think Scrooge has in store...?" Panchito was being unusually meek.

José knew the talkative rooster just wanted to say something. Panchito had been quiet for too long, since they arrived at Duckburg in such a dire time. They both knew the answer to that question. That old man was at the end of his rope.

José merely shrugged. He didn't feel like engaging in small talks now.

In an absent-minded fashion, he took his phone out for no particular reason, although he did note the time then being 2:55am, and see the lock screen photo.

It was one of José, Panchito and Donald, during The Three Caballeros' trip to Acapulco.

To everyone else, the trip was just a silly little band tour of three silly little college bandmates. To The Three Caballeros themselves, it was another expedition to pursue the annoying Felldrake, ending in a group wrestle between everyone. The "angry audience" and "guitar to the head" story was just to make up for their injuries, and Donald's "amnesia" was an excuse for him to hide the details when challenged.

Before they were banished to the underworld, they did take a group photo, which was the one on the phone's lock screen now. Panchito had insisted that they did so, because they were in his home country. He smiled the brightest in the photo, too.

Thinking back again, José felt his heart ache for Donald. For more than 10 years, Donald had been doing nothing but helping his friends and families. And the time might be even longer, given his other two duties. When was the last time Donald had done something for himself? Had he ever done something solely for himself?

After the ordeal with Felldrake, Donald was abruptly called back to Duckburg before he could take a break, just to take care of the triplets in place of his missing sister for 10 years. Now that the children's mother was back, however, another adversity had found its way to harass his family.

If Donald hadn't been putting the children to sleep at that time, José would have given him a hug.

Looking out of the window, José swore to the stars in the sky: If Donald wasn't willing to make his sister sad, José was. He might not be strong as Donald, but he was still one of the warriors, and a practitioner of black magic. He wouldn't even drag Panchito with him. He just couldn't let Donald bear the burden alone while he sat back and did nothing.

The bell from afar rang a sorrowful melody, signalling the arrival of another hour. Grasping his black umbrella firmly, José gathered his black magic in his other hand. It had been a while when José had a good scuffle, and taking a whole army head-on would be even more demanding. Still, he held his green pendant, looking at his reflection with cold, orange eyes. He needed to do something. That's all José knew.

And then, the pendant in his hand glowed. He hadn't channeled his powers into it yet, nor was he about to transform. José stared at the magical artefact in shock, the item shimmering a jade green gleam, and emitting a faint pulsation.

Before long, at the corner of his eyes, José saw a bright red light travelling from opposite of him. He lifted his head to see an even more confused Panchito, looking at his own magical pendant glowing all of a sudden. Unless Panchito was also preparing to launch a midnight assault - which was more than unlikely for the chicken - there must be someone else causing the sudden commotion.

Immediately, José got up from the floor. He propelled himself from the ground, and rushed to where the children's room was. Beside, a vacant room had its doors open, as well as its windows. José approached the windows, his eyes quickly scanning the night for his friend. And downhill at the frozen shore, José found who he was looking for. He wasn't the only one thinking of a direct attack, apparently.

When Panchito finally caught up with his parrot friend, and before he could ask what had happened, José pointed his umbrella to the person in question.

Someone was using the pendant's magic, after all.

----------------------

Donald had lost count of how many blows he had thrown, yet the fire in his heart only smothered a bit.

Perhaps it was a never-ending flame, for the prideful alien had crossed an unbreachable line in Donald's heart.

Lunaris could capture him, imprison him, torture him, as he had done on the Moon. But hurting Donald's loved ones, even just a single feather, was an unforgivable sin.

Right now, the once majestic general was at the brink of death, no longer able to move a finger or make a sound.

Donald said nothing more after his first warning, but his burning anger was visible by the naked eye, and exemplified by his furious attacks.

Punches after punches. Kicks after kicks. His white feathers were stained with blood.

A disgusting sound echoed after each hit. It was the only sound that could be heard in the dead of the night.

Until Donald heard footsteps coming his way.

He paused, holding his fist midair. His blood-splattered bill curled to a frown. Friend or foe, it didn't matter who the witness was. Both would be just as bad.

Actually, foe would be better.

"Donald!"

Panchito was the first one to call out, even before Donald entered his view of vision. When he did, however, Panchito was shocked to the point of becoming temporarily mute.

Meanwhile, José only silently ran across the ice floor, and came to see exactly what he had expected.

For one, Donald was glad that only his two friends had arrived. He looked behind the two: No sight of other people following. Especially not his family.

Although, letting his two besties see him literally beating someone to death wasn't a pleasant idea to say the least.

Donald only turned to José and Panchito, not caring to make any excuses or explain his aggression. He merely stared at them in the eyes, waiting for whatever they had to say.

"W-what do you think you are doing, Donald?!" Panchito shouted, both his voice and body trembling.

"...what do you think I'm doing?" Donald replied, coldly.

"I..." Panchito was silenced once more. The absolute lack of emotions of his normally expressive friend scared him, as much as he didn't want to admit he was terrified of his good amigo. Panchito stepped backward, tripping on an ice cube.

The rooster turned to José for help, hoping the parrot shared his feeling of unfamiliarity towards someone they were both very acquainted with.

However, José's expression didn't change at all, as if he had long known this side of Donald. While Panchito fell to the ground, José took a step forward.

"Donald."

José's voice was calm, completely different from Panchito's, which surprised the rooster very much.

Undeterred by the blood on the ice, José advanced a bit more so that he didn't have to shout, but leaving enough room between him and Donald.

"I know this is something you have thought about, and not an act of impulsiveness." José continued, his tone unwavering. "This is a choice you have made yourself. I will not stop you."

Nor could he. José knew the strength difference between him and Donald. Even with Panchito, they wouldn't stand a chance if Donald was serious.

Panchito was about to interrupt and ask his parrot friend what he meant, but José took another step forward. His oranges eyes stared closely at Donald's black ones.

"If you won't regret your decision, if you think this is the best for everyone..."

"...then, go ahead. Finish the job."

Panchito had been suspicious of José's unusually calm demeanour. Hearing the parrot's insane words was the final ultimatum.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Panchito got up from the ice floor, and grabbed the collar of José's jacket. "Do you realise what you've just said?! Are you encouraging Donald to kill?!"

José merely let himself be lifted, looking at the furious rooster without expression.

"I don't know what's got into Donald, but this is not helping, damnit!" Panchito shook his friend rapidly, although he was as confused as he was angry. "What kind of sick joke is this, Carioca?!"

José said nothing more. He had said what he needed to say, and everyone could already hear him.

Although, if Panchito really knew nothing about the situation, José could give him some insight to make him shut his beak for a moment.

"Donald knows what he is doing. He knows it very well." Was José's response.

It wasn't solely a decision for the sake of his family. In fact, he was disobeying his sister's wish.

It was Donald's decision that mattered.

The fact that he was making his own decision was what mattered.

No need to follow Dumbella's words. No need to wait for Uncle Scrooge's commands. No need to listen to the kids' begging.

For once, Donald was doing something for himself. Even if that something was ultimately for his family, it was Donald's own idea to get rid of whoever wanted to hurt his loved ones.

For once, Donald was doing things his way. He was taking fate in his own hands, and that was what mattered the most.

Panchito let go of José. He was still scared at the thought that Donald was about to kill someone, but he knew he couldn't stop the much stronger warrior.

He could only watch as Donald turned to his enemy once more, looking at the dying soldier with stone cold eyes. Magic stronger than Panchito had ever seen gathered at the fist of the duck, concentrating enough power to deal the final blow.

José turned around and closed his eyes. He knew Donald wouldn't want them to witness his dirty act. José began leaving the venue, searching his pockets for a spare cigar and a lighter.

The whirling of centralising magic echoed through the chilling wind, the current of which picked up from the supernatural energy. José only waited for the end, and then the next day he would never mention that night again, treating everything as a dream. It would be another secret between the three of them, and everything would remain the same.

Even that would have been good, actually. Because that wasn't what had happen in the end.

The whirling suddenly stopped increasing in volume, allowing José to hear a new wave of footsteps. He felt someone ran past him, and heard voices he knew.

Voices Donald knew.

The cigar in the parrot's hand dropped to the cold, hard ground.

"Donald...what are you doing...?"

Scrooge asked the person he thought was his nephew. The person now covered in blood, holding a bloodied fist up, about to strike down at the helpless man on the ground.

Even without looking behind him, José knew just how terrible Donald was feeling.

It wasn't a dream. It was a nightmare.

Through tears, Donald slowly glanced to his side with widened eyes.

The family must have heard the commotion too, and unwisely came to check it out.

At least the kids weren't there. That made Donald felt just a bit less horrible.

"Don...who are you...Is that General Lunaris...?" Della made out the figure of her so-called friend despite the magical gleam. She had even more questions as to how her brother was doing what he was doing now. "I...I thought we promised not to..."

"D-Donald...h-how could you do such a thing...?"

Donald wanted to crush his own heart right then and there.

He looked down at the invading alien on the ground. Perhaps it was due to the tears, but now the Moonlander somehow looked similar to an Evronian. The same alien species who would one day destroyed everything and everyone he loved, if he didn't do enough to prevent that dreadful fate. The Evronian even had a smug smile on his face, mocking the almighty Paperinik for being stopped from saving his family by his own family.

Even just one remnant of evil could lead to countless destruction, as the future of a certain remaining Evronian had told Donald. Even if his hands would be stained in blood...he couldn't bear to risk that possibility. That's why he would go to this extreme to protect his friends and family.

And now, he could do nothing but watch that possibility slip away, praying that nothing would come back and bite him.

Holding those unfair tears in, Donald let go of all of his magic. The raised fist relaxed and dropped. The golden armour dispelled into faint blue light. The shore was once again quiet and dark.

Donald bent down, slowly helping Lunaris up and giving him a shoulder. Lunaris didn't think he could still stand up without immense pain, even with support, but he somehow could.

"Sorry. I lost my temper. I was just venting." Immediately, the duck who had just tried to kill him gave him an apology and an explanation. "You will be alright. I have healed your wounds."

Obviously it wasn't "just venting".

"We will take you to a hospital. After you have rested, we will talk about what happens next." Donald continued, as if the blood splattered on his white feathers were non-existent. "Launchpad, would you kindly give us a ride?"

Watching as Donald returned to who he had always been, José felt only melancholy.

Everyone would forget what had happened, when dawn arrived. The frozen sea would return to normal, when the sun came out.

Although, someone's heart only got colder.

(3-11-2022/14-11-2022 ~ 21-11-2022)

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List of headcanons used:

(By the way, these headcanons are (usually) true for all stories with the same background I write. They may just not be utilised in the plot.)

(Extreme cringe ahead, but I guess it's okay since you have already endured so much cringe above.)

→ Donald has like one of the highest power levels in my setting, like Goku. He is stronger than mostly everyone present. He is not invincible like Saitama, but he is very powerful. Probably the strongest person in Duckburg, at least. He cannot defeat "boss-level" enemies easily such as Emperor Evron or Xehanort, but he won't be defeated easily as well.

→ Donald is simultaneously a Caballero (a mystic knight), a time-travelling superhero and a white magic wizard in my setting (i know it sounds extremely like a mary sue scenario i am so sorry). A reference to Legend of the Three Caballeros, Paperinik/Duck Avenger comics and Kingdom Hearts series respectively. Only a few characters know these titles of his (examples being Ari, Jose and Panchito, with varying understanding of his actual circumstances).

→ Donald also doesn't want most of his friends and (especially) family to know about his secret identities, because he doesn't want them to get hurt because of him. As such, he seldom uses his powers (among other reasons, such as "too violent") even if they would be definitely useful.

Because imagine HDL seeing their uncle all awesome and magical, they would be like "OMG CAN WE JOIN TOO???". And knowing how..."self-confident" Scrooge is, and how "adventurous" Della is, they would agree more than likely. But what is happening in (my) Paperinik and KH settings is literally invasion and war. These aren't some everyday adventures that the Duck Family is more than used to. Donald would do anything to prevent those crises from affecting his family, as well as getting his family involved. Those would be Donald's worst nightmares.

→ The Evronian Incident stated in the story is...well, self-explanatory. I headcanon that Donald's Paperinik duty takes place in the future, so Donald is time-travelling to the future in order to save the future and the present. In one of these missions, Donald encountered The Raider again, or he approached Donald intentionally. The time-travelling thief had seen something during one of his heists, something concerning Donald. To repay a favour (and being a father himself), The Raider took Donald to a dystopian future, where Duckburg (among other civilisations on Earth) would be dominated and destroyed by Evronians, in an alien invasion. The vision devastated Donald, and the thing Donald took away from the experience was that he must do everything he could to protect his loved ones from harm. This shaped Donald's overprotective mentality, to the point he would go to extreme to eliminate any chance of the prophesied catastrophe.

(Which, again, contradicts with the point above. Because he can't let his family see him using Kaio-Ken, otherwise he risks getting them involved. Therefore, Donald can only work in the shadows to ensure their safety. Moreover, Donald loves his family more than anything else, so he will respect almost all of their decisions, while still being their bodyguard from aside (Such as when Della and Scrooge went on adventures in the past. The reason why Donald tagged along was to keep them safe in the adventures). When "respecting their decisions" and "keeping them safe" directly contradict each other (such as the case in this story. Donald is hellbent on eliminating all alien threats for obvious reasons), Donald will become extremely stressed and thus make extreme decisions that he deems are most suitable.)

→ (An extension to the point above) Donald, to put it simply and rudely, a "sucker". His happiness is his number 2, but his loved ones' happiness is always his number 1. Therefore, even in expense of his wellbeing and against his wish, he will do anything for his friends and family. Examples include fighting alongside his new friends Jose and Panchito (LotTC), protecting his sister and uncle on their adventures (DT17), and taking care of HDL who aren't even his children to begin with (cross-media).

Therefore, Donald never has the chance to make his own decisions. Of course he wants a break, especially after the LotTC incident. But when his three nephews were suddenly orphaned (and their great-uncle wasn't willing to take responsibility, while I still can't figure out what happened to the actual father), Donald loved his family too much to leave them alone. Therefore, even though he was stressed as hell, he still raised HDL for a decade of his life.

This is what makes "Donald's choice" so important in the story, because Donald is being finally "irresponsible" for once and making his own decision. However, when his "irresponsibility" is witnessed by his family, Donald can only revert his decision and back away. Because his family's happiness is always his number 1. Once again, he gives up his will for his family, and that's what makes his heart colder.

→ [About Jose and Panchito] Jose and Panchito both have magic/powers. Jose's "black magic" and Panchito's "pistoles magic" (not shown in this story) are references to the original The Three Caballeros film. (Of course, they both can henshin like Donald because of LotTC) They are not weak, but they are nowhere near Donald's level (because Donald is just too damn strong).

Jose has a closer and deeper relationship to Donald, than Panchito has to Donald. Out of the trio, Jose and Donald are the closest to each other, a reference to Donald meeting Jose first chronologically (they first "met" during the "Saludos Amigos" film, while Panchito was introduced only in the TTC film. Donald also met Jose first in the TTC film). Interestingly, I realised that in all subsequent productions involving Jose and Panchito (e.g. DT17, LotTC, House of Mouse), Donald meets Jose first before meeting Panchito (afaik).

This (along with personality differences. Panchito is sort of like a himbo, while Jose is more pensive and emotional) causes Jose to have a deeper understanding of Donald's situation, thus leading to the different responses from Jose and Panchito in the story:

Panchito thinks Donald is acting out of impulsion (like his usual "anger issues", which are actually stress responses), and just doesn't want to see Donald hurting anybody (or anybody getting hurt). He doesn't know why Donald is acting out "all of a sudden", because "that's not the Donald I know", and thus tries to stop him.

Jose knows "the Donald they know" is at least partially a facade. He understands that Donald has been hiding a lot of stress and problems inside his heart, even though Jose may not know all the details (to be fair, Donald doesn't easily tell anyone 100% of his story) (for example, Jose doesn't know about Donald's vision of the Evronian apocalypse). As such, Jose understands what Donald is doing is something he has thought about, and Jose trusts him in his judgement. Therefore, Jose only reminds Donald about bearing any consequences and feelings of regret, before giving Donald some space (figuratively and literally) to make the final decision.

→ [Actual A/N] I had actually thought quite a while about how to write the "explanation" of Donald's action (i.e. What you see above). I thought about recruiting Ari into the story, and giving the explanation through him in a conversation with Lunaris in the hospital. I also thought about not giving an explanation at all. I considered asking some good buddies about their opinions after I finished the story. But in the end, this version just came out naturally as I wrote.

(also I literally spent 2 more days thinking of the story title and I still think it is so cringy)

[godfrey-the-chaos-duck]

STOP I THOUGHT THIS WAS A SCREENSHOT I FORGOT ABOUT WHAT

"All according to plan..."

Happy holidays @dalia1784-art!! I'm your back-up secret santa for @duckblrsecretsanta2023! One of your requests was for Moonlanders, and I saw a lot of Lunaris on your blog, so I went with him!

He's having a very good villain day, planning out a certain invasion. 😉🤫 Hope you enjoy, and hope you're having a wonderful new year! ✨

[jenkys-hoard]

Whumptober day 16: No one's coming