#penumbra // relationship // penumbra and dewey

[scoobypineapple]

Not to Duck post on main, but totally to Duck post on main

It’s always rubbed me the wrong way that after her coming out as a lesbian, penumbra (from Ducktales 2017), never makes another major reappearance in the series.

This past Valentine’s Day Disney aired a new episode of its chibiverse series…

Penumbra from Ducktales 2017 is now CANONICALLY in a relationship with Della Duck, who for the uninitiated is Donald’s sister and the mother of Huey, Dewey, and Louie.

THIS. IS. HUGE.

I know the Ducktales fandom at least is a bit dead but I’m shocked more people aren’t talking about this.

[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

[mai-fanblog]

De Spell's Relationship Advances.

This will be a (very early) preview of the future relationships of the members of the De Spell's with each other in my more complicated fic: “The Pact with the De Spells”

Magica De Spell:

Gladstone Gander: Enemy, Partner, Semi-love interest. Roberta, the witch: Best friend Madam Mim: Best friend Rosolio Rhododendron: Ex-fiance, Disdain (on Magica's side) Scrooge McDuck: Mortal enemy Lena Sabrewing: "Niece," Enemy Webby Vanderquack Enemy Violet Sabrewing: Enemy Phantom Blot: Enemy

Adelia De Spell

Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera: Romantic interest (on the part of Adelia), Companion by obligation. Don Kargane: Falling in love (on Kargane's side), Good fellowship (on Adelia's side) Gandra Dee: Enemy (on Gandra's side) Dickie Duck: Crush (on Dickie's side), Good fellowship (on Adelia's side) Beagle Boys: Big Time Beagle and Bouncer Beagle: Crush (on their side), don't remember them (on Adelia's side) Burger Beagle: Indifference (on his part) Donald Duck: Friendship.

Matilda De Spell "Tilly"

Della Duck: Moral Enemy Donald Duck: Enemy Launchpad McQuack: Enemy Don Kargane: Enemy, Companion by obligation. Violet Sabrewing: Enemy Mark Beaks: Enemy, Slave (explained later, ok) Falcon Graves: Allied John D. Rockerduck: Allied Jeeves (Lusky): Allied

Harpette De Spell

Steelbeak: Allied; Falling in Love (on Steelbeak's side) Marks Beaks: Enemy, Slave (explained later, ok) Falcon Graves: Allied Kit Cloudkicker: Allied, Companion by obligation. Fethry Duck: Friend (formerly), Enemy Gloria Pascoalina: Enemy. Madam Mim: Friend. Samson Hex: Friend John D. Rockerduck: Allied Jeeves (Lusky): Allied

Abrezella De Spell

Penumbra: Companion by obligation, Crush (on Penny's part), Interest (on Abrazella's part). Bertina Beakley: Enemy, interest (on Abrazella's side) Webby Vanderquack: Enemy Scrooge McDcuk: Hatred. Abner Duck: Enemy Dugan Duck: Enemy Roberta, the witch: Ex-girlfriend, Friend (currently)

Streghella De Spell

Dewey Duck: Companion by obligation, Crush (on Dewey's part). Huey Duck: Secret friend Webby Vanderquack: Frenemy Violet Sabrewing: Rival Lena Sabrewing: "Sister" B.O.Y.D: Friend

Minima De Spell

Louie Duck: Companion by Obligation Dewey Duck: Enemy Huey Duck: Indifference (on Minima's side), crush (on Huey's side) Webby Vanderquack: Secret Friend Violet Sabrewing: Secret friend Lena Sabrewing: "Sister", Enemy Dugan Duck: Enemy Scrooge McDuck: Hate

Caraldina De Spell aka Nona or Granny De Spell

Scrooge McDuck: Hate Bertina Beakley: Hate Duckworth: Hate McDuck/Duck family: Spite. Roberta, the witch: Friend of the family Madam Mim: Friend of the family Rosolio Rhododendron: Friend of the family Phantom Blot: Enemy John D. Rockerduck: Allied

This is the most concrete, if I add any new one it will be noticed.

What do you think?

[writebackatya]

“I Think We’re Alone Now!” WIP preview

So bad news, I wanted to work on the next Indi-Quack because I’m making a lot of progress with it but couldn’t. Some good news, I was able to finish up two different scenes for this one-shot I’m working on. Granted they’re only introduction scenes but I liked how they both turned out.

The one-shot takes place during the third season of DuckTales when Gandra Dee was still working for F.O.W.L. and Fenton was the only one he knew. I always thought it’d be interesting if someone from F.O.W.L. were to ever find out about Fenton and Gandra’s relationship. Probably not the first person to come up with that.

Anyway here’s the scene that introduces Della, Penumbra, and Selene to the story. 

(TW: This scene contains alcohol consumption. The characters drinking are of the required drinking age)

“So this is the reason why we came out?” The moonlander inquired as she stared down at the drink that was ordered for her, which was the same as the other two drinks present at the table. “To drink a beverage? It does not seem like something that would be specific to us “girls” for a “night out” to make it special.”

“Well yes, but also no; the activities alone do not make it special, but the fact that it’s us girls are doing it together.” The goddess answered. “Besides, drinking is a lot of fun; especially when you’re with Della Duck.”

“Yeah!” Della Duck agreed as she smiled up at the two women accompanying her. “Besides, it’s not like I can do stuff like this everyday Penny. I’ve got kids! I can’t drink in front of them, especially Dewey. That kid is very impressionable. Now go on! Take a sip!”

Penumbra was not in her comfort zone tonight, but she was okay with that. She was out with friends. Well at least one friend, Della; Della’s other friend that was present a swan who was also the Goddess of the Moon that Penumbra was still getting familiar with. But so far, that night had gone smooth for the moonlander and she was glad Della convinced her to go out.

In fact the outing this trio was partaking in was all Della’s idea. It had been a long time since the duck had a night out with friends and the stars were all aligned for her.

Selene was in town due to her father temporarily losing his god powers and had wanted to have a fun night with her dear friend. Della was more than happy to fulfill her friend’s request for it had been far too long since she had a fun night out with friends and she knew a certain moonlander who had to be there. Penumbra did have an interest in trying out more of Earth’s customs and was curious about meeting her new friend’s old friend.

Della needed this night to be one her girlfriends will never forget. She wanted both of her friends to know how much she loved their company.

Della, Dewey, and Webby put together matching shirts for the group and their night out: light blue shirts with the words Moon Crew on the front. On the back of each of their respected shirt was their own name.

Della even took them to what she considered one of the best bars in Duckburg.

Clearly the duck wanted tonight to be special night. And Penumbra knew it.

The moonlander grabbed her drink and once again inspected it. In the light, the beverage did look like some shade of gold, yet the foam flowing out of the mug was white. Penumbra took a sip of the beverage known as “beer”.

Della and Selene sat in silence while the Moonlander took a big sip of her beer, tasting it in her mouth before swallowing it down.

“…This tastes awful.” Penumbra stated.

“Yeah!” Della nodded.

“…And yet” Penumbra stated as she inspected the beverage yet again, “I wanna take another sip.”

“Yeah!” Della nodded.

“Let’s all take a sip!” Selene suggested as she grabbed her stein.

“Oh yeah!” Della exclaimed as she grabbed her beer and rose it up high. “To the Moon Crew!”

“To the Moon Crew!” Selene rose her glass up.

“To the Moon Crew.” Penumbra solemnly repeated as she rose her glass up high.

Della and Selene clinked the beers against Penumbra’s. The three then began their sip.

Not knowing how long the sip was supposed to last, Penumbra kept an eye on her two companions who looked as if they intended on finishing their beverages. Which they all did.

“Woo!” Della exclaimed as she slammed her glass against the table.

CRASH!

Penumbra slammed her glass down a little too hard, the only thing that remained intact was the handle in her hands.

Selene had to stop herself from spitting her beer out at the table. Once she gulped down the remainder of her beer she burst out in laughter. “Oh you were right Della! Your friend here is a lot of fun.”

“I am indeed a barrel of monkeys.” Penumbra proudly stated as she set the handle on the table. “And it looks like our night out will be just that.”

“Oh yeah, that’s what I wanna hear!” Della excitedly told her friend.

“…Do we have to keep drinking this beer, though?” Penumbra asked.

“Oh no, there are plenty of other drinks you can choose from Penny.” Della handed the moonlander the drink menu as she called over for their server.

“Yeah, a round of Jell-O shots for the table, a Jack and Pep for me, and an order of nachos and the fried app sampler.” Della looked over to her goddess friend, “Selene. Do you need to see the menu?”

“I’d like a Xinomavro, leave the bottle.” Selene requested.

“That’s my girl!” Della looked over to Penumbra, “Penny do you need more time?”

“Hmm…” Penumbra looked at the menu and then to the server, she then pointed showed the menu to the waiter and pointed at her order, “I will have the Volcano.”

The server looked at the menu and then back to the moonlander, “Ma’am that drink is meant to be shared by at least three different people.”

“Then forget the Jello-shots and get three for the table!” Della requested.

“…All right then.” Their server walked away.

“Oh and three waters!” Della looked back to her friends. “Do you think they heard us?”

“Eh, we’ll see.” Selene shrugged as she looked around the bar. “Is this place normally this busy?”

“Oh yeah, every Saturday night is Trivia Night. I figured we could take a crack at that and show these regulars we mean business.” Della said.

“Our night will be a triumphant one.” Penumbra proclaimed.

“They don’t stand a chance against the combined intellect of the Moon Crew.” Selene smirked at her friends.

Just then the host of trivia night approached the mic.

           “Welcome to Trivia Night. Tonight’s category is Movies that Were Released from 2007-2017”

“Damn.” The Moon Crew cursed in unison.

“Well, we could always do darts or karaoke once they finish up.” Della shrugged.

Anyway, that’s it for now. Hopefully this won’t take too long. I just think it’s great that I’m working on two different WIPs were Della and Gandra can act chaotically good together

[digital-roots]

( i havent finished the season just yet only need to watch the last two left)

Pros of Ducktales season 3

- della in the intro

- gene from the ducktales movie is there

- goldies arc gets a great ending

- darkwing duck found family

- Boyd

- any episode involving Lena is perfect

- F. O. W. L. is a great threat

- Rockerduck returns

- Bradford is a really unique and interesting villain, similar to Lunaris but still very different

- we find out Scrooge and Santa were literally exes

- Donald and Daisys relationship was cute, way more sweeter than their relationship usally ends up like in other iterations of them

Cons of Ducktales Season 3

- Not enough Penumbra OR literally anything involving the Moonlanders like it feels like they shouldve been included WAY more

- not much Beakley either

- i fucking hate the voice Adam Pally uses for Kit Cloudkicker it makes the character sounds more annoying than haplessly charming

- i just think the episode overall was meh too

- NO FUCKING FOLLOW UP FOR NEGADUCK

- not enough Glomgold :(

- How is Huey in most adventures yet hes not the main focus of the season (like with Dewey in season 1 and Louie in season 2). This is the same problem i had with Scrooge in season 2

Tldr; I wish this show had at least one more season to fully flesh everything out (fuck disney for cancelling it)

[honeydewmuses-a]

Tag Dump!

Penumbra.

[therivergirl]

I so, so wanted to post this before the new year, but alas, that did not happen. Here it is now, the show, the chaos, the most chaotic episode of Dewey Dew-night!

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M, Gen

Fandom: DuckTales (Cartoon 2017)

Relationships: Louie Duck & Dewey Duck, Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera & Louie Duck, Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera & Dewey Duck, Scrooge McDuck/“Glittering” Goldie O'Gilt, Louie Duck & Dewey Duck & Gladstone Gander, Background Drake Mallard/Launchpad McQuack, Minor or Background Relationship(s)

Characters: Louie Duck (Disney), Dewey Duck (Disney), Scrooge McDuck, “Glittering” Goldie O'Gilt, Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera, Gladstone Gander (Disney), Flintheart Glomgold, Drake Mallard (Disney), Launchpad McQuack, Gosalyn Mallard, Webby Vanderquack, Penumbra (Disney: DuckTales), Emily Quackfaster

Additional Tags:, Family Banter, Family Feels, Light Angst, Dewey Duck angst, Louie Duck Angst (Disney), Scrooge and Goldie are not having a great time, but in a funny way, Quackfaster likes to mess with people, And this time she is messing with Goldie, Louie Duck is being the responsible one, he does not like it, Louie Duck Needs a Hug (Disney), Dewey Duck Just Wants Some Recognition, And an Autograph, Dewey Dew-night, Fenton is just here to be supportive, Lucky Gladstone Gander (Disney), Sort Of, He is in some trouble though, Gladstone Gander Needs a Hug (Disney), can be read as a stand alone story; angst

Language: English

Series: More Ducktales adventures, part 6

“Live from Dewey Dew-night!” Dewey, dressed in a blazer covered in blue sequins, sat in a fancy, velvet armchair behind an equally nice desk, Dewey Dew-night theme playing in the background, “Or should I say Dewey After-dew? Huh, huh? Doesn’t have the same ring, does it?” his pun was followed by mild laughter, and he grinned, a delighted if a bit surprised expression on his face.

“You might be wondering what is going on, why is a usually late-night show, or as late as mum and Uncle Donald allow,” he said, followed by another small bout of laughter, “happening in the afternoon.”

“Well, my deal ladies, gentlemen and of course, our nonbinary friends, it’s a very special episode of Dewey Dew-night, I mean guys, have you seen this set” he gestured to his surroundings.

The set was placed in the back of the large, cream-coloured room. A desk, behind which Dewey sat, was in the corner, and with Dewey Dew-night logo stuck to the wall behind it. The humble poster seemed somewhat out of place, next to a tall window covered by heavy curtains in front of which sat a luxury sofa and an armchair. Next to the desk was a beautiful changing screen, leaving a bit of intrigue for the show.

“It’s something, isn’t it? And, before we get to our tonight’s guests, I want to say that this episode is kindly being sponsored by Hotel Augorix, right here in Duckburg and this is their conference room. And guys, my old followers might know that in the past I struggled with getting a live audience but that is no longer the case, come on guys, let me hear you!”

There were a few shy cheers, but they quickly died down.

Dewey pouted, “Ok, come on guys, they’ll accuse me of just putting my aunts and uncles in the audience and telling them to act excited! Please, people, make some noiiiisee!!”

This time Dewey got a still shy, but more enthusiastic response.

“Ok, ok that was much better. Thank you! This is a trial period-it’s these guys first time they are in an audience like this and my first time with a large live audience but I’m sure everything will go right.”

“You are probably still wondering what this is all about, right? Well, one more thing before I get to our tonight’s guests! You will like who you see on the set, I promise! And I can promise a bit of drama! But tonight, this is not a one-man show. Firstly, we have a sound guy today, but he says he doesn’t want to show his face before the end of the show. He is a bit shy! But we can still hear him, right?” Dewey Dew-night theme filled the room once again.

“There you go, that was him, we’re happy to have him. But we have one more person helping out today, let me introduce my tonight’s crew member, she came all the way from St. Canard, the camerawoman Gosalyn Waddlemeyer! Come here, Gos, the camera wants to see your pretty face!”

“Oh, I’m sure it does, especially once I give it something actually nice to look at, next to your ugly mug!” Gosalyn bounced into the frame, dressed in a simple purple dress and a black blazer with black sequin trim.

“Hey, you just need to get my nice side!” Dewey said, posing for the camera.

“That is impossible!” she elbowed him slightly in the ribs, “I only can only get the ugly or the unsightly, so you’ll have to pick between those two!”

“Gos, Gos, Gos! Don’t insult the face of the show! Especially since that face lent you that jacket!”

“And this face is keeping it!” She said, playfully pulling on her own lapels, “We kind of match, though, equally sparkly!”

“Nope, nope, I’m way more sparkly!” Dewey made a few dance moves to show his jacket off, “look at all this pizzaz!”

“Yeah, you need it! To distract from your face,” Gosalyn teased.

“Uh-huh, you just make sure you get that face on camera, please!”

“Don’t tell me how to do my job!” Gosalyn laughed, “I think the camera is autofocusing on something that is not you, and we can’t have that, can we, oh all important star of the show! See you later,” she gave an exaggerated curtsey for the camera and then rushed back behind it.

“And that was Gosalyn, she does great work and I’m very grateful to have her! Just as much as I’m grateful to have our tonight’s guests! Yes, our dear viewers, this is the moment! We have not one, not two,” he counted on his fingers, making a small pause after each number, “not even three, but four guests! And I’m certain you want to meet them, don’t you?” He got some excited cheers from the audience, “Yeah, that sofa has been, empty for too long, let me introduce them.”

Gosalyn turned the camera, so it was facing the side door at the end of the room, and the drum-roll sound filled the room.

“They say ladies first so, I’ll start with the-“

“I AM NOT A LADY!” came a loud voice from behind the door. The drum roll stopped and everyone in the room started to laugh as Dewey stood in the middle of the set, slightly taken off guard.

Gosalyn’s voice could be heard, “Keen, gear! You tell them, girl! We don’t all have to be ladies!”

“Ok, ok, so we won’t start with her!” Dewey said matter-of-factly, still clearly in shock, promoting more laugh from the room. He cleared his throat.

“In that case, we will follow the rules of hospitality and say-the guest comes first. Gosalyn is not the only St Canardian with us here today. She is not even the only St Canardian in purple! Or maybe, she is. Because we don’t know where our tonight’s guest is from. You could say he is a daring duck of mystery. He was on this show before, please give a warm welcome to Darkwing duck!”

Darkwing got on the stage, dramatically showing off his cape, accompanied by an epic rendition of Darkwing Duck theme. His entrance was followed by very lukewarm applause and someone yelling “Wait, who is this guy again?”

Behind the camera, Gosalyn was stifling her laughter at Darkwing’s offended expression.

“Oh, come one guys,” Dewey said, trying to save the situation, “that is not a warm welcome! Come on, he is a hero, the champion of right! He-he has that cape!”

“NO CAPES!” someone yelled from the audience, followed by a bout of laugher.

“Oh, come one people…come on!”

“No, no Dewey, it was a mistake,” Darkwing said, recovering somewhat, whispering in Dewey’s ear, “I picked the wrong way to enter the stage!”

“Want to try again? We’ve got some time to spare!” Dewey whispered back and, when Darkwing nodded he spoke to the audience again, “I see you are tough crowd, huh? Well, want to see a special DW entrance!”

The audience gave affirming applause as Darkwing retreated to the side door and Dewey rushed to the light switch and dimmed the light in the room.

Smoke filled the stage, “I am the terror that flaps in the night,” came from the side door, “I am a pop-up you can’t skip” Darkwing’s voice was now coming from behind Dewey’s desk, Gosalyn following his figure, only barely noticeable in the smoke, with the camera, “I am Darkwing Duck!” Darkwing stood in the middle of the stage, showing off his cape in full.

“And I won’t stand for any anti-cape rhetoric brought by that film The Invincibles!” he said, making the audience erupt in laughter.

For a moment, he revelled in it, the recognition he received, he smiled at the camera, or rather, the girl behind the camera as in saying I told you so.

“Good stage entrance!” someone yelled then, and Darkwing’s smile fell somewhat. It was clear that he was hiding his frustration, especially as Gosalyn’s distinct laughter joined.

“Totally not cool from you, guys,” Dewey said, “It is not a stage entrance, it’s a superhero entrance. I’ve seen this man in action and let me tell you-it’s no joke when it’s not on a stage. You don’t want to be on this guy’s bad side! But now, we must get our other guests. Darkwing, please, take the seat!”

Darkwing did so, leaping over the set and landing on the sofa.

“She may not be a lady,” Dewey said, “but she might just be made of iron. Got to the position of Duckburg Fire Department lieutenant faster than any other officer in history of Duckburg, and just last week she helped save the city from another disaster brough by Mark beaks-unfortunately I was out of town, but I hear it was crazy-the one and only, Lieutenant Penumbra!”

Penumbra walked into the stage with much less dramatic panache than Darkwing. She stomped to the sofa and nodded at the audience, greeted by polite applause and someone shouting, “She saved my sister from a crazy robot last week!” from the back.

“Saved your sister, you said, good sir?” Dewey pointed to the man in the back, “Penny can I call you that on the show too? You will have to tell us all about it!

“All right! I shall regale you all with the tales of my achievement!” Penumbra said, earning a surprised look from Darkwing. He could appreciate her dramatic inflexions.

“And we shall listen intently,” Dewey said and then turned to the camera, “trust me guys, Penny might be a warrior of few words, but you will love her stories. One even involves yours truly,” he gestured to himself. “But enough about me, we will move to our next guest!”

He knew he wouldn’t be able to get Penny to just ramble about, or to kill time showing off as he could do with Darkwing. There was a reason he, or rather, Louie, persuaded her to come, but it wasn’t to chit-chat. The reason behind it was simple-the Moonvasion. With Flintheart Glomgold, self-proclaimed hero of Earth, and Penumbra, the actual hero of Earth in the same room, the drama was about to happen.

He knew Penny wouldn’t be able to hold back from calling Glomgold out once he started to brag about being the one and only saviour of Earth. In fact, he counted on it. It would just put more pressure on Glomgold, and then, it would be a simple matter of pushing the right buttons to get him to admit to his part in the entire Gladstone situation.

But for now, he had another guest to introduce. Smoothing his hair and smiling like he didn’t have a care in the world, Dewey reassumed the role of a show-host, “And now, you know him, you love him, you’ve seen him walk the very streets you take every day to work, or to class-that is if you live in Duckburg. If not, I’m sure you’ve heard of him, seen him on TV, or on the internet, I’m pleased to introduce-

“FLINHEART GLOMGOLD!!!!” Glomgold jumped on the set, pushing Dewey away, and walking so close to the camera that Gosalyn took two steps back, almost colliding with the first row of the audience “HEAD OF GLOMGOLD INDUSTRIES, THE MOST SCOTTISH CITIZEN OF DUCKBURG AN HERO OF EARTH! I DEFEATED LUNARIS AND SAVED THE PLANET. These people have nothing on me!” he boasted, pointing to the sofa.

Gosalyn kept the camera focused on Glomgold and Dewey, who fell to the ground. She avoided filming the two on the sofa. As soon as Glomgold spoke, Penumbra flared up. She was angrily pointing to Glomgold, glaring daggers at him and tried to get up, while Darkwing was doing his best to keep her seated. He failed, as Penny got up and started dragging him behind her. Looking at the Moonlander’s buff physique, Gosalyn had to admit, just the fact that he managed to slow her down was impressive.

She gave a slightly worried look to Dewey, who managed to get up, and was straightening his jacket. But he was calm. He was expecting most of this. The only thing that was a surprise was Penny’s I’m not a lady moment. He assumed Penny would take more time to snap, but her reaction wasn’t worth panicking about. Still, he had to give Penny a moment to cool down, he knew that.

“So, Mr Glomgold, you just couldn’t wait could you!” Dewey spoke genially as if talking to an old friend. He subtly moved to the other side of the set, nudging Glomgold to follow him.

“Oh, I could wait, but I know the audience couldn’t so I selflessly walked out early so they can see me! Can you hear the ovations!”

But the ovations never came. Only a single woman in the front row, dressed in a server’s uniform, gave a small, polite, barely audible clap. Someone from the back yelled, “Booo!”. Most people seemed more interested in the struggle between Darkwing and Penumbra.

Dewey glanced at Gosalyn and gestured towards the duo with his head. She nodded and went to help Darkwing out. He managed to stop Penumbra, or rather Penumbra decided to stop charging forward, but he was unable to convince her to return to the sofa or to stop glaring at Glomgold. Gosalyn caught their hushed conversation as she approached.

“….so let’s sit down and wait for the show to continue.”

“Oh, like you are not here partially to show off!” Penumbra countered.

Darkwing looked mortified, “I am offended! I’m here to help a friend set up a show!” Penumbra looked at him with a raised eyebrow, “Fine, a bit of notoriety is nice! But neither of us will get it if we ruin the show right away. Now let’s sit down and allow that big lump of fake Scottishness to make a fool out of himself and then we can grab all of the good press!” he gestured to the sofa, “Remember the exact reason why we’re here!” he grumbled under his breath.

“I don’t care he is spreading false rumours!” Penumbra replied, undeterred, looking at Glomgold in a way that made Gosalyn assume she was thinking of the best way to kill him.

“Yes, we know!” Gosalyn jumped in, “which is why we’ll put up a PSA, remember? Telling the truth! Also,” she whispered sharply, “trust me, everyone here knows he is full of shit!”

“Language, young lady!” Darkwing chided.

“Oh, now is not the time! Besides, Penumbra is not the only non-lady here!”

Penumbra glared at Gosalyn for a moment, the and the girl returned with an equally challenging glare. Finally, Penumbra’s face softened. She sighed, and rubbed her forehead, “Right. I apologize. It’s just that he makes me…ugh…”

“He makes you furious, we get it,” Darkwing said reassuringly, “Just remember, it’s all part of the show! Gos has to work on her language, but she is right, nobody here is stupid enough to believe him.”

As Darkwing and Penumbra returned to the sofa and Gosalyn moved back behind the camera, sticking her tongue at Darkwing one last time for good measure, Glomgold was revelling in what he perceived as utter infatuation from the audience.

“See, they are so thrilled to see me they are speechless,” Glomgold elbowed Dewey.

“Yeah, yeah, our audience is sooo overwhelmed by your presence!”

Completely deaf to the sarcasm in Dewey’s voice, Glomgold continued, “They have to be as I am the most beloved citizen in Duckburg!”

“You know what, why don’t we create a poll? We’ll allow our viewers to say who they think the favourite Duckburg citizen is? Now please, join the others on the couch!” he pointed to the empty spot on the sofa.

“But I should get a longer segment, I am, after all, the bestest guest you’ll ever have on the show!”

“You most certainly are, Flintheart, can I call you Flintheart? And I would absolutely love to chat about your accomplishments. I mean that giant squid you managed to catch with your bare hands? Just…leaves me speechless. But,” Dewey leaned towards Glomgold in conspiratory manner, “Between you and me, if we let you take more time, it might completely overshadow other guests. Not that you aren’t already overshadowing them, but I need them to still look cool, you know. Otherwise, I’ll get flack for having lame guests. And I can’t have that, can I?” he asked, even adding a wink at the end.

“Oh, right, right! And I am generous, you know. So, I will go sit down and let other, lamer guests, have their lame time in the spotlight!”

“You go do that,” Dewey said, mentally apologizing to both Darkwing and Penny, “And you will get your time to shine later, I promise!”

“We will talk about my last expedition, right?” Glomgold asked Dewey, “that hag Roxanne ruined my segment on the news today, and I need to tell everyone about how amazing my plan…I mean my finding is!”

“Yes, of course, we will discuss your plan in detail,” Dewey said, “and how absolutely amazing it must have been for you to accomplish such a great feat! But now, please, sofa, so I can introduce our next guest!”

When Glomgold was finally in his seat, Gosalyn came into the frame again,

“Before we continue with our next guest, allow me to issue a Public Service Announcement. You might have just heard that Flintheart Glomgold is solely responsible for saving the Earth during Moonvasion. This is false!”

“WHAT?” Came and offended growl from Glomgold.

“Yes!” Penumbra victoriously clenched her fist. The two proceeded to glare at one another and Darkwing, who sat in the middle, suddenly felt like a guy sitting at a dinner table between a liberal and a conservative relative and someone just brought politics up.

Gosalyn ignored the drama and continued, “While his involvement and contribution is, weirdly, undeniable, the defence of Earth was a group effort. To point a few contributors, we have tonight’s guests, one of which you’ll see shortly and the host, Dewford Turbo Dingus Duck!” she couldn’t resist not saying Dewey’s ridiculous full name, to which he rolled his eyes.

“And I would like to highlight Penumbra who,” Gosalyn turned to smile at the Moonlander who was quickly becoming one of her idols, “delivered the finishing blow to general Lunaris! Thank you for listening to this PSA!” With that Gosalyn moved back behind the camera, allowing Dewey to take back the spotlight.

“This show is chaotic, isn’t it?” he asked, “See, that’s the reason for you guys to watch Dewey Dew-night, just plain chaos, every time!”

“But now, we have to introduce our final guest. He fights chaos, yet he is chaos. Some call him the hero of Duckburg, and I don’t think he needs any further introductions, dear viewers let me introduce….” he allowed the drum roll sound to take over for a moment,

“GIZMODUCK!” he said, in unison with the superhero who rolled to the set. His entrance was greeted by roaring applause, approving shouts and whistles as he circled the small set two times.

“All, right, all right guys, calm down!” Dewey said, but the audience didn’t stop.

“We love you Gizmoduck!” a few people said from the audience.

“Can you sign an autograph?” someone asked.

Gizmoduck rolled over next to Dewey who was trying to get the audience to calm down, “Ok, so, we do have signed photos of all four of our guests tonight, you will get them by the end,” Dewey said, then turned to Gizmoduck, “So, Gizmoduck, did I do it right?

“What exactly?”

“The shout! Is it GIZMOOOODUCK? Or is it more like GIIIIIIIZMOOODUUUCK?”

“Oh, well, I usually put most emphasis on the U sound,” Gizmoduck said.

“So like GIZMODUUUUCK!” Dewey shouted.

“Yes, there you go you got it! Wait…don’t tell me you want to steal my career!”

“No, no, I just want to do my job right! You can still freely keep yours!” Dewey said, “Besides, If I wanted to take the superhero route, I’d go in a completely different direction.”

“Good, because I like my job. I’m finally getting used to the spotlight, took me two years…”

“Wow, two years? That’s a long time to be in a superhero business, isn’t it? And a long time to get used to the spotlight! I know I would not need that long!”

“Honestly, it feels like yesterday!” Gizmoduck shrugged.

“I bet it does. So, before we continue, can you tell us, the best thing about the job?”

“That’s simple. Helping people!” Gizmoduck said, sounding genuine.

“Oh, come on, we all know that you are a hero after all! Give me something less generic, something, well not personal, but you know, a little detail, something random!”

“Umm…I don’t know, I guess…I don’t have to worry about missing the bus,” Gizmoduck shrugged.

“Wait, wait, does this mean that it’s entirely possible that at some point someone saw you and was like oh look Gizmoduck, flying to another super important mission, getting someone from a burning car, saving a kitten stuck in a tree while you are just late to the movies with your girlfriend, boyfriend, significant other?”

“Well…I will neither confirm nor deny it,” Gizmoduck laughed sheepishly.

“So… it definitely happened,” Dewey said flatly, “Look, we all get it, we would all do it! But now, spill the tea! What is the worst thing about the job? I mean, besides getting punched and stuff, that is a given!”

“Umm… not sure,” Gizmoduck scratched his neck.

“I know what the worst to me would be!” Dewey said, “Not being able to moonwalk into the room, like this!” he rushed to the door and moonwalked back to Gizmoduck. “See, something Gizmoduck can’t do!”

“Unless Gizmoduck’s secret identity is a dancer, and he is now laughing at that pitiful moonwalk of yours!” Gosalyn shouted from behind the camera.

“Are you?” Dewey asked Gizmoduck.

“Hey, hey, my lips are sealed!”

“Nah, you are not a dancer. I bet you either have the most boring job in the world, like a night janitor or an assistant accountant, or it’s, like the coolest job ever! Like a stunt double or a wilderness explorer.”

“All I can say is, I like my day job,” Gizmoduck said, “And don’t put janitors down, kid! Or accountants!”

“Ok apologies to all the janitors and accountants. You are all amazing people, but I would still find your jobs boring. So, to me, it’s impressive you do them! Before we get further into the dangerous territory of revealing his secret identity to the world-this is not Iron Duck after all-let us end this small conversation. Gizmoduck, join the others, please.”

With one last bout of applause, Gizmoduck rolled over to the armchair

“See, when I started this show, I told myself, Dewey, this really should be a true Duckburg show something to encapsulate the essence of the city! And you can’t say I’m not getting that! I mean, talk about the chaos, the unexpected group of guests we have today, you could say-it’s like a hurricane! That was a bit too on the nose, wasn’t it? Yeah, yeah I know!”

“I think that was enough of an introduction for our exceptional guests tonight,” He back into his chair, relaxing into it. Now the important part began, “so, let’s start with our first guest. Darkwing, we heard about that chaos last week in St Canard. How did you handle it?”

“Well, Dewey, I handled it very professionally, and quickly!”

“What?” Glomgold stared at him, “We’ve all seen the video of you falling flat on your face!”

“Well, I was falling very…professionally!” Drake huffed.

“Glomgold, please, don’t try to put down the other guests, ok?” Dewey said. “You will get your turn!”

“Yeah,” Gosalyn yelled behind the camera, “It screams of insecurity! Oh, maybe his story of the week is so lame that even falling on your face, even outside of it being part of a superhero heist, would seem impressive in comparison!” she said, looking at him with a mischievous grin, the audience exploding in laughter.

“WHAT?” Glomgold growled, “you little-“ he tried to get up, but Darkwing grabbed his arm and pulled him back onto the sofa.

“Hey, no threatening the camerawoman with me around!” Darkwing warned.

“She was making fun of me, ye purple weirdo!”

“Well, she was making fun of me earlier, you don’t see me exploding!” Darkwing retorted.

“Huh, maybe he really is insecure,” Penumbra chimed in from the other side. “I mean, we are talking about a man who inflates his contribution in saving this planet daily!”

“I’m nea insecure!” Glomgold huffed.

“Hey, hey, guys! Guys!” Dewey got their attention, “Let’s not fight! Although, Flintheart, I really must agree with Darkwing that threatening our camerawoman is not acceptable. You’ll get your time to tell what amazing story behind that treasure must be hunt we heard about this morning. Now, back to Darkwing. Do you think I could pull off the same thing you do?”

“Being a superhero? Well…I guess you have the skills and the drive…”

“Not just a superhero, I know I could pull that off with enough training! I mean, like, adopt the identity of a superhero from a show I really, really like and be that! I mean, I’m assuming you were, and still are, a fan of Darkwing Duck the show?”

“Yes, I’m a huge fan of the show…but we’re reaching the territory where I could slip something about my secret identity. And we can’t have that, can we?”

“Well, something like that would certainly make the show memorable, and would get me a lot of views, but I guess secret identities have to stay secret! As I said, this isn’t Iron Duck! So, about me being a fandom-inspired superhero?”

“Well, I would not advise you to get into the field for a few years. And pick someone with your set of skills-I’m going to assume you can’t turn into a giant green monster on a whim or run super-fast.”

“Nope, but this one time I got my hands on a piece of Zeus’ crown and became a super-dancer. As in, my moves were literally electrifying! Ok, thanks Darwking, we’ll get back to you. Now, let’s talk to the other superhero we have with us tonight. Gizmoduck, I forgot to ask, how are you?”

“I’m fine, thank you very much!”

“Not tired from the fight last week?”

“Oh, I’m always tired. Chronically underslept. But, no more than usual, no!”

“Wow, the work-life balance must be bad when you’re a superhero,”

“Well, I think that this is one of the few things Darkwing and I agree on,”

“Don’t put words into my mount, you metal hunk!”

“…ant that is that, yes, it can get difficult! But the job is worth it! Isn’t it, Darkwing?”

Darkwing gave him a stink-eye, pouting like a child, “Ok, fine, I do agree with that! But that is like, one thing!”

“Now, last week, the Waddle disaster, I completely missed out on it! Can you give us a few details on it?”

“Huh, another interview about that, should have expected it,” Gizmoduck muttered, “Well, I can’t say more than has already been saying. Putting an improperly tested product out on the market like that was a disaster waiting to happen. And it happened. And stopping it was, first and foremost, a group effort. And a difficult one at that. If it wasn’t for your mother and Dr. Gyro Gearloose from McDuck labs, it would have been even worse. And I must put a highlight on lieutenant Penumbra’s contribution here,” he turned to Penumbra with a grin. “She got me out of a few scrapes.”

“Wow! Penny, can you tell us, what’s it like getting a literal superhero out of a clutch?”

Penumbra chuckled, “Well, Blue Della, I mean Dewey, I don’t see a difference. Although, he is more capable of saving himself than most of the people around me, Moonlanders and you Earthers alike. I do have to say you have a knack of creating troubles for yourself.”

“Hey, don’t put us all in the same basket as Mark Beaks!” Dewey complained.

“Apologies, the grey parrot is more annoying than all the other Earthers I’ve encountered so far, I understand if you would take offence!” she said, then smirked, “That being said, even the non-annoying amongst you have a knack of getting yourself into trouble! And I’m not talking only about your family and your adventures. I’ve seen a lot of stupidity as a firefighter.”

“Well…fine, I can’t argue with that! Now, Penny, how did you decide to become a firefighter?”

“Well, dangerous and challenging situations are my own version of Earth-fun. To a certain extent, last week’s event was not too hard but got frustrating repetitive. I realized that there are a couple of career tracks that align with my abilities and aspirations and becoming a firefighter seemed like the best option.”

“And moving through ranks so quickly, wow! That is impressive, is it even legal?”

“I assume it is, though I will admit I left that aspect to those who I assume are more well-versed in your laws than I. I will say that I’m aware of my abilities and I do believe I got the position deservedly.”

“I’m going to second that,” Dewey said.

“And I’m going to third that!” Gosalyn shouted supportively from behind the camera. “You totally kick butt!”

Dewey nodded in agreement, “You saved me and Webby once and, saved that guy’s sister, most impressively, you saved Gizmoduck! How many people can say that?”

“I was not on duty when the last week’s fight occurred, so it can’t count into my rank.” Penny pointed out.

“Who cares? Still proves you are absolutely amazing!”

“Hey, it’s my turn now!” Glomgold interrupted

“No, no it’s not! I’m still talking to Gizmoduck and Penny, heroes of last week. Don’t worry Flintheart, we’ll get to you! I mean, the stunt you pulled this morning! Finding that comb!  You beat Scrooge McDuck to that treasure! A feat not easily achieved, and I should know, he is my uncle, well great uncle! I’m leaving the best for last!” he kept mentally apologizing to Uncle Scrooge.

“Well, of course! I’m Flintheart Glomgold and I-“

“Will not be interrupting this conversation anymore!” Dewey cut his gloating off, making him cross his arms and grumble under his breath.

“Huh, I would assume you just faked the comb scenario,” Penumbra said coldly. “I mean, you are utterly incompetent, even by the lowest of standards.”

“Tricked? Faked? Incompetent? How dare you, you moon scum! I am the most capable person in this city!” Glomgold jumped on his feet, “I’ll have you know I had the perfect scheme to get to Scrooge McDuck! Not just beat him but beat him using his own! I knew that with the comb being lost and if he and other explorers couldn’t find it, if I, who is better than all of them haven’t managed to find it using me own abilities, it was no matter of skill. It was a matter of luck! So, I hatched my plan! You see there are good luck charms out there but none strong enough than Scrooge’s own…nephew? Relative?”

He turned to Dewey, “I don’t get how your family works! But whatever, he is Scrooge’s family. So the defeat would be worse by his hand! I remembered him from the day the Moon invaded. And I saw him on TV when he won the lottery. I knew he was lucky, and he was stupid!  I tricked this naïve fool-seriously, kid,” he addressed Dewey again, “Scrooge is a worthy opponent. Even you would be somewhat worthy opponent, how is that naïve fool related to you?”

Before Dewey could even consider answering, Glomgold continued rambling, “But he has this magic luck! He is a useful tool! So, I tricked him into working for me! And I used him to find me the comb! I used Scrooge’s own family to win over Scrooge and now, I can say I found a treasure he didn’t! I’m better! DOU YOU HEAR ME SCROOGIE! I’M BETTER, I HAVE BETTER PLANS THAN YOU! MWAHAHAHAHA, MWAHAHAHAHA!”

Gasps of shock and outrage and confusion filled the room. Some of the audience members were looking at Dewey, watching the boy’s reaction to the revelation. Penumbra grinned smugly and Gosalyn smiled with delight, while Gizmoduck somewhat anxiously watched over the audience, in case someone starts making a ruckus.

Dewey allowed a few moments, so everyone had time to let it out of their systems. Glomgold was still laughing maniacally while doing a mocking dance at the camera in the middle of the set, showing his rear towards the camera which prompted Darkwing to rush to Gosalyn’s side, and much to her annoyance, attempt to cover her eyes.

As the crowd started to calm down despite the chaos, now looking more confused than outraged, Dewey looked towards the changing screen and nodded to whoever was behind it, his eyes resolute.

Slow claps could be heard from the screen in the corner. A child, or a young teenager, dressed in a dark green outfit and with a dark helmet on his has walked from behind it and took nonchalant steps towards Glomgold, “Bravo! Way to foil your own plan!”

“What! No, no I didn’t!” Glomgold said, his face turning from victorious to angry.

“Dear guests, I mentioned him before, but now you can meet him!” Dewey announced, acting as if a huge drama wasn’t just occurring on his own set and everything was just a normal development of the show, “DJ Daft-duck!”

“No, no, I’m not taking your stupid DJ name,” the teenager, sounding like a boy, said “If anything, I’m DJ sharp-duck! Or DJ Sharpie or something!”

“Huh, those don’t sound half-bad actually!” Dewey nodded approvingly.

“Especially since I came up with them on the fly, right?” the DJ said, “But, enough of this! How do you breathe in this helmet?” he tried taking it off, but failed, “Help?”

Dewey tried to help remove the helmet but had no more success than the DJ so Penumbra rushed to their aid and a few seconds later, the helmet was off, revealing...

“Llewellyn duck?!” Glomgold gaped, while a few members of the audience started to whisper among themselves. “Oh no…”

“Ugh, please, not my full name!” Louie complained, “But yes, it’s me! Surprised?”

“So, you’re behind all this?” Glomgold asked in shock.

“Um, no, no I’m not! Haven’t you heard this is Dewey Dew-nigh? Not Louie Lou-night! I did help a bit, though. You know how it is, family helps family and all that jazz!”

“It was a team effort,” Dewey said, throwing his arm over Louie’s shoulders.

“Well, your scheme was fruitless! You got nothing on me, you can’t prove anything!” Glomgold said, putting his hands on his hips.

“Oh really? You mean, besides your recorded confession? Dewey, please, can I take over for a bit?”

“The stage is yours, brother of mine!” Dewey gestured towards the middle of the set formally.

“Thank you,” Louie said, amping up his charm to the max, “Lovely people in the audience, viewers at home, dear guests, people backstage, I’m asking you for a bit of attention,” Louie said, but it was unnecessary. Every eye in the room was focused on him ready to learn the secret behind the drama unfolding on the set. “I mean, what I’m about to explain is relatively simple, really, so I won’t take long!”

“You have no proof you little-“

Louie pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket, raising and eyebrow.

Glomgold’s eyes started to twitch, “The…the contract?!?”

“Yup! AKA: the proof. Do you want me to read this out loud for everyone to hear? By the way,” he turned to the audience “if there are any English teachers in the audience, for your own sake I would advise you to cover your ears. If you’re watching this at home, turn the mic off. The contract itself is not too bad but the grammar? Atrocious! I could have probably called the contract invalid just based on that, but where is the fun in that?”

“No, no I…didn’t go against any of the clauses!” Glomgold insisted but he seemed very unsure about that.

“Oh, so you do want me to read this out loud! Any lawyers in the audience? No? Well, I guess my own casual interest in the topic will have to suffice! But before we get into the nitty-gritty details of the contract, allow me to give everyone a briefing on what is going on because I’m assuming everyone is a bit confused by this development. Long story short, earlier today Dewey and I had reasons to believe our uncle Gladstone Gander, yes that Gladstone Gander who you heard about on TV because he won the lottery three times this year, was working for Glomgold. Or rather, has been tricked by him ad was being exploited for his rather extraordinary luck.”

“So,” Dewey joined in, “after some poking and prodding, a bit of convincing, out-of-the-box thinking, thinking on our feet and quick thinking, we realized not only were we right in our suspicions…”

“…but we also found proof of them. Henceforth, the contract!”

“Ha-ha!” Glomgold jumped, sounding victorious once again, “if you know about the contract that means Gladstone broke it too! So he-“

“Nope!” Louie said, so confident he almost sounded bored.

“What do you mean nope?” Glomgold look like he was about to pop the vein, “He must’ve told you about it! And you are Scrooge’s associate!”

“Ok, so, before we were rudely interrupted, I wanted to say that according to the contract, Uncle Gladstone has to work for Glomgold. Now there is a non-disclosure agreement in this, AKA, they can’t talk about it with other people. However, there is something specific about this NDA. It only applies to Scrooge McDucks associates or public discussions of the topic! And the same goes for the employer, that is, Flintheart Glomgold right here.”

“And he broke it first if you know about it! You are Scrooge McDuck associates!” Glomgold pointed his finger at the brothers, who simply exchanged a lazy look and it started to dawn on Glomgold that there was a possibility he was fighting a lost battle.

“Nope again!” Louie smiled innocently, “see, in legal terms I’m not Scrooge McDuck’s associate! My former company, Louie Inc., is currently under restructuring, not working and most definitely not working with Uncle Scrooge or McDuck Enterprises. And while I’ might associate with him, in the same way, everyone associates with their family, well, legally that word holds no weight in that context. The same goes for Dewey. Since the NDA only applies to associates in legal terms, there is absolutely nothing stopping Gladstone from discussing it with people who do not work for, work with, and are not business partners off Scrooge McDuck, as long as it’s done in private spaces. And we’re the only two people Gladstone talked to about the contract and the arrangement, while in his private hotel room.”

“Bu-but…you are talking about it right now!” Glomgold said, “Publicly!”

Louie shrugged, “So? There is nothing in the NDA, and trust me I checked it, I combed through it, that says anything about us not telling anyone about it. Nothing against spreading second-hand knowledge. So, the terms are not broken, not on Gladstone’s side at least.”

“Lou, you used a pun!” Dewey said, delighted, putting his hand over his heart.

“Well, in that case, I didn’t break it either!” Glomgold insisted, but he was losing his resolve.

“Oh really? Because, oh look!” Louie feigned surprise, “Gizmoduck is here! And he is McDuck enterprise employee! And look there, at the door! See that tall redheaded man? That is LP, Scrooge’s driver and pilot! And there at the back, that guy, dark blue suit, striped tie,” he pointed to a tall pigeon in the back of the audience, “Uncle Scrooge recently made a deal with him, joining businesses, I don’t want to bore everyone with details! So, there are three associates in here!

Dewey jumped in for the last bit, “But even if none of them was here, you still revealed the details about the contract,” he took one long, sweeping step to the camera and pointed to it, smiling deviously, “on a public platform!”

“What? No!!!!!”

“You played yourself, Glomgold!” Louie smirked, “Firstly, why did you even put that you can’t talk about the agreement into the contract? You just had to keep your mouth shut and only brag about the comb and not the plan!”

“No! Curse you Llewellyn Duck!”

“I win again, old business partner,” Louie said smugly as the audience broke out into pleased chatter. Half of them were still not entirely clear what just happened, but none liked Glomgold much.

“Wait, so this entire ruse is over?” Penumbra asked.

“Seems like it,” Darkwing said.

“That took…surprisingly short time…” Gizmoduck said.

“I was trying to make him annoyed, but I didn’t expect he would blurt everything out at my slightest teasing,” Penumbra noted. “It was too easy.2

“Yup, I had all this plan to grill him but, no, he gave up the truth almost instantly,” Dewey said “I’m almost disappointed! I had this whole thing planned out!”

“I am disappointed, that would be fun to watch!” Gosalyn agreed.

Glomgold turned to them, flabbergasted, “So, you were all in on it! But why?”

“Because I don’t want to see a man used for another’s gain?” Darkwing said.

“Because that’s just what heroes do!” Gizmoduck straightened.

“Because it’s fun seeing your pathetic ass get humbled!” Gosalyn teased.

“Language!”

“Because you are constantly underplaying my achievements and achievements of my friends and allies only to inflate your own ego,” Penumbra said bluntly, her eyes gleaming dangerously, “Also, you keep referring to my people as moon scum.” She gave Glomgold a toothy, slightly unsettling, grin.

“So, it was about revenge? I curse you all, I am better! I don’t need some luck guy! I’ll get all the other elusive treasures myself. I don’t need anyone! I don’t-

“You might need a better security system, though,” Louie said smugly, “I little birdie told us you left the comb in your personal vault. And said birdie, golden birdie, just texted me that you are currently being robbed of your glittering possession!”

“What? O’Gilt! No, not my precious finding!” he said taking his phone only for it to have 5 unread messages from his head of security. “Curse you O’ Gilt! Curse you Scrooge! Curse you Lewellyn! How’d you even figure it all out? Never mind! Curse all of you!” with that, he rushed off the stage, almost pushing Launchpad and Gladstone who stood there.

Gladstone looked a bit sad for a moment, finally fully accepting that he was simply being tricked and used, but then he lifted his head and smiled at Louie.

Dewey was wrapping the show up, thanking the audience, all of them the workers and patrons of the hotel. He knew there was no point in trying to restart the casual conversation, even if it included two superheroes, after the spectacle that just occurred. No matter what story they told, it would be overshadowed.

“So, that went decently well,” Dewey said.

“It would be greater pressure to trick someone who is, you know, more competent,” Louie said, pulling his brother in a side hug, “but yeah, it was pretty good. Hey, Uncle Gladstone, come one out, no need to hide your involvement into all this now the show is over and the cameras are off!”

Dewey and Louie turned to their uncle to be met with a grateful grin. Just as Gladstone was about to take a step onto the set, Launchpad tapped him on the shoulder, awkwardly looking behind them. Gladstone followed the taller man’s gaze, looking over his shoulder.

Suddenly, both men looked like boys caught in a prank as they walked to the stage, much to everyone else’s confusion. Louie shot a questioning look to his uncle, and Gladstone opened his beak to answer, but before he could say anything, someone else started to speak.

“I would love to know how this entire thing occurred!” came another Scottish voice from the door, sounding more amused than angry. Scrooge McDuck walked to the stage, looking around himself like he simply found casual interest in the set, but there was a gleam behind his eyes. Still, he smiled at the group of surprised people on the stage, and Louie and Dewey knew that, while they had a lot of explaining to do, Scrooge truly wasn’t angry.  If anything, he seemed somewhat impressed, “Kids, Gizmoduck, Darkwing, Penumbra! Nice to see you too, Gladstone,” Scrooge McDuck tilted his hat.

“Come on, Dewey, let’s put this all back the way you found it,” the old businessman said, and then he addressed Gladstone, “After that, let’s get some tea in your room, I want the whole story!”

[samioli]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: DuckTales (Cartoon 2017) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Lena (Disney: DuckTales)/Webby Vanderquack, Minor or Background Relationship(s), Della Duck/Penumbra, Past Donald Duck/Storkules, Past Scrooge McDuck/Santa Claus, Launchpad McQuack/Drake Mallard/Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera, Drake Mallard/Launchpad McQuack, Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera/Launchpad McQuack, Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera/Drake Mallard Characters: Webby Vanderquack, Lena (Disney: DuckTales), Della Duck, Donald Duck, Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack, Louie Duck, Huey Duck, Dewey Duck Additional Tags: Fluff, Insecurity, Insecure Webby Vanderquack, all the past relationships are on good terms Summary:

Della stopped, squinting at her brother and putting her hands on her hip. “What is that supposed to mean? I’m dating a moon person! Who would know better than someone dating a moon person?!”

“I dated a literal god!”

“Would you two stop your yapping?” Scrooge cut in, looking very unimpressed. “It’s not like it’s a competition. Besides,” He continues, smirking confidently, “If it were, I would win. I dated Santa.”

Complete silence falls upon the room.

“WHAT?”

Or, the fic where Webby asks for dating advice and then chaos ensues.

[princeasimdiya12]

Unpopular Ducktales Opinion

So there’s been alot of news and rumors about Ducktales being cancelled after it’s third season. And there’s been alot of back and forth of how official it is and how it’ll be the end of one of the greatest cartoons/reboots of the modern era. And for that, I’d like to say...

I’m okay with Ducktales ending at season 3.

Don’t get me wrong. I do love Ducktales. I enjoy everything about it and I would love to see more content and episodes from them. But I’m honestly willing to settle with the show ending now. For the most part, it’s had a remarkable run with so many strong and compelling episodes that anyone can enjoy. There were a few base breakers every now and then, but nothing too big that would tarnish the show’s popularity. 

Plus with how season 3 has been progressing, you can tell that alot of the main cast’s character development and story arcs have become “completed” in a sense.

Scrooge is now more accepting of his family and is willing to own up to his mistakes along with embracing change when it comes to adventuring.

While Huey’s arc is still in progress, the nerd is becoming more comfortable with embracing his interests while also learning that there’s more than one way to solve a solution.

Dewey is shown to be more thoughtful and considerate towards others while channeling his impulsivity to a positive effect.

Louie learned, or is still learning, that it takes more than smooth talking and “seeing every angle” to get what he wants and that he needs to put in the effort to accomplish his goals.

Webby became more confident in expressing who she is while also achieving her dream of being part of the McDuck-Duck family.

Donald is more accepting of his family going on dangerous adventures and has also started to take the time to focus on his own interests (reuniting with his friends as the Three Candelabras, his new relationship with Daisy). 

Della is back from the moon and has been able to connect with her kids, brother and uncle while learning how to be a good mom.

Launchpad is living his dream of fighting crime alongside his boyfriend/partner Drake and their adopted daughter Gosalyn. (Not to mention that LP hasn’t been very involved in the show after the Let’s Get Dangerous special).

Gyro is now significantly nicer after making amends with B.O.Y.D. and treating Fenton as an equal. 

Fenton is happier now that he has a better balance of his identities as a professional scientist and a bionic superhero, both of whom want to help people.

Lena was able to cut ties to her abusive aunt Magica as well as forming healthier relationships with her friends and sister while also becoming a good witch in her own right.

Goldie is starting to be less selfish when she realizes how much she cares for Scrooge (and Louie) and decides not to run from them. She’s still greedy but she is more considerate of them.

Penumbra and the Moonlanders have already adjusted to life on Earth and there doesn’t seem to be any hostile tensions between them and the humans.

The only one left would be Beakeley who is still going through her own arc this season along with her past relation to F.O.W.L. But as it stands, most of the main characters have either obtained positive character development or are in a much better place compared to how they were at the start of the series. So I find it kind of hard to see how these characters can grow if we’re given a fourth season. 

One of the risks of making the series longer would no doubt be the characters having to relearn their lesson while also undoing their development. That would be incredibly risky if done incorrectly and the DT crew doesn’t feel like the type to do that constantly.

And in regards to story, it’s also hard to imagine what the Ducks will go through after defeating F.O.W.L. and reclaiming the Missing Mysteries in season three. What else is there for them to do after they obtain all of Isabella Finch’s mysteries? Is there really a mystery that’s just as big as the MMs or even Della’s disappearance that season 4 could work with? What type of villain/antagonist could possibly replace the fiendish organization that’s been established as one of the greatest threats in the Ducktales universe? Even greater than Magica de Spell who unleashed a shadow themed apocalypse upon her return or General Lunaris who staged a global scale alien invasion and was close to destroying the Earth. 

While it’s true that there are other elements from the Disney Afternoon Universe that could be implemented for season 4, I think it would be too risky to include those elements. Mainly because they’ll draw more attention towards them and less on the Ducktales cast or their original show. It’ll kinda tie to the whole “jumping the shark” problem as the show would need to rely on outside sources or escalated plot points in order to keep the viewer interested. Or as stated above, the characters would need to undo their character development in order to relearn the same lessons but in different formats. If not done properly, that can very well damage the show’s image and fans would start to hate on it for trying too hard. 

And after seeing that type of switch from love to hate happen on so many cartoons in the past (Steven Universe, Star vs the Forces of Evil, Voltron, Miraculous Ladybug) I don’t want the same thing to happen to Ducktales.

I personally think it would be best if Ducktales ended as it is now. So that it can end in peace and be fondly remembered for years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you agree or disagree with anything I’ve written here, you’re more than welcome to reblog this with your thoughts on the matter. 

[glomgay]

What are some of your favorite relationships/dynamics between characters in the show?

Ship-wise, I absolutely adore Scromgold, Dellumbra, and Drakepad.

For just friend/family dynamics..? Man. I could write a book because I love so many. Let’s see if I can list some.

Webby/Scrooge, Webby/Penumbra, Dewey/Webby, Glomgold/Sharkbomb, Drake/Gosalyn and Launchpad/Gosalyn, Donald/Della, Scrooge/ALL the kids, Selene/Della, Team Magic, HDL... Okay yeah this is getting out of hand. I just adore them all and all their relationships so much. Family is the greateOH NO THE END OF THE POST

[attachedtopotentialchildhood]

Chapters: 15/? Fandom: DuckTales (Cartoon 2017) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Della Duck & Donald Duck, Della Duck & Scrooge McDuck, Della Duck & Donald Duck & Scrooge McDuck, Della Duck & Donald Duck & Fethry Duck & Gladstone Gander, Della Duck & Dewey Duck & Donald Duck & Huey Duck & Louie Duck, Della Duck & Lena (Disney: DuckTales), Della Duck & Webby Vanderquack, Della Duck & Everyone Characters: Della Duck, Donald Duck, Scrooge McDuck, Dewey Duck, Huey Duck, Louie Duck, Fethry Duck, Gladstone Gander, Webby Vanderquack, Lena (Disney: DuckTales), Launchpad McQuack, Gyro Gearloose, Penumbra (Disney: DuckTales), Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera Additional Tags: Della Duck has ADHD, Della Duck Has PTSD, Della Duck-centric, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Fluff Summary:

A collection of one shots of the notorious Della Duck.

[hearmeouteliza]

Chapters: 17/? Fandom: DuckTales (Cartoon 2017) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Della Duck & Donald Duck, Dewey Duck & Huey Duck & Louie Duck, Dewey Duck & Huey Duck & Louie Duck & Webby Vanderquack, Della Duck & Dewey Duck & Donald Duck & Huey Duck & Louie Duck, Della Duck & Dewey Duck & Huey Duck & Louie Duck, Bentina Beakley & Donald Duck & Scrooge McDuck & Launchpad McQuack & Webby Vanderquack, Donald Duck & Scrooge McDuck, Della Duck & Scrooge McDuck, Dewey Duck & Donald Duck & Huey Duck & Louie Duck, Bentina Beakley & Della Duck & Donald Duck, Bentina Beakley & Webby Vanderquack, Dewey Duck & Donald Duck & Huey Duck & Louie Duck & Webby Vanderquack, Louie Duck & Duck Family, ALL THE FAMILY TIES, Daisy Duck/Donald Duck, Della Duck/Penumbra Characters: Louie Duck, Huey Duck, Dewey Duck, Webby Vanderquack, Della Duck, Donald Duck, M'ma Cabrera (Disney), Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera, Scrooge McDuck, Bentina Beakley, Launchpad McQuack, Daisy Duck, "Glittering" Goldie O'Gilt, Duckworth (Disney), Black Heron (Disney), Bradford Buzzard, Penumbra (Disney: DuckTales), Bentley Buzzard, Buford Buzzard, Lena (Disney: DuckTales) Additional Tags: Sibling Love, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Injury, Major Character Injury, Sacrifice, mysteries that are not mysteries, Parent Donald Duck, Parent Della Duck, Louie Duck Needs a Hug, Mother-Son Relationship, Family Feels, there will be catchphrases, though not quite to the 'quack pack' extent, shameless duck puns, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Trauma, Honorary Duck Family Member Webby Vanderquack, Flashbacks, Launchpad is part of the family too, Because of course he is, Della has PTSD, Recovery, Injury Recovery, Webby's parents, Family Reunions, FM Technology - Freakin' Magic, Inappropriate Use of Science, FOWL (Ducktales) - Freeform, Espionage, some tagged ships don't show up until later chapters, but if i tagged it it's in there Summary:

The McDuck/Duck Family and associates have been finding their new normal since Della's been home and, for once, things are going smoothly. Sibling shenanigans abound. They're prepared for the drama and danger of any adventure.

What they were not prepared for was for tragedy to strike on a random Tuesday in an insultingly mundane fashion. With Della's life hanging in the balance, everyone is a mess. But Ducks don't back down...and nothing can stop Della Duck. Then things really get interesting, because nothing can ever be simple with this family.

----

Chapter 17 is (finally) up!

[the-chronicles-of-emilie-duckman]

Chapters: 7/9 Fandom: DuckTales (Cartoon 2017), Disney Duck Universe Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Gladstone Gander/Original Character, Donald Duck/Daisy Duck Characters: Original Characters, Scrooge McDuck, Donald Duck (Disney), Daisy Duck, Gladstone Gander (Disney), Fethry Duck (Disney), Huey Duck (Disney), Dewey Duck (Disney), Louie Duck (Disney), Violet Sabrewing (Disney), May Duck (Disney), June Duck (Disney), Webby Vanderquack, Della Duck (Disney), Brigitta MacBridge, Dickie Duck (Disney), Dickie Duck's Mother (Disney), Flintheart Glomgold, Penumbra (Disney: DuckTales), M'ma Cabrera (Disney), Gandra Dee (Disney), Pepper (Disney: DuckTales), "Glittering" Goldie O'Gilt, Gyro Gearloose, Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera Additional Tags: Cross-Posted on Wattpad Series: Part 2 of The Chrioncles of Emilie Duckman Summary:

A year after F.O.W.L.’s defeat things change drastically for the McDuck family when Donald, and Daisy return from their trip around the world married, and with two eggs,along with many changes as well.

[drummergirl231-2]

How was They Put a Moondlander on the Earth? Was it as cute as you thought it would be especially with Webby and Penumbra's relationship? Was it good as Penny's only hurrah this season since Sam King said she wouldn't really be featured after this episode?

I knew as soon as I saw this:

this episode would exceed all my cuteness hopes, and it did.

I was beyond happy Penny referred to her and Dewey as small Dellas the whole time, and even called Dewey “Blue Della.”

Webby having that sweet vulnerable moment with Penny was lovely. And also a great look into how Webby views her journey and how she’s processed all the changes that have gone on in her life since meeting the boys. I think having her talk about growing up stuck in the mansion and finally getting out will be important later. Betcha Beakley’s gonna want to lock her up again.

And wait a sec... Sam King said Penny wouldn’t be featured after this episode??? I mean, it’s a nice conclusion to her arc, for sure. She’s content on Earth, her social life is improving, she’s tolerating Della more, she and LP are the brotp I didn’t realize I needed in my life, etc.  But like... she’ll be back for the finale with everyone else, right? The finale always has everybody. I’m not ready to say goodbye to any of these characters. TT.TT

[honeydewmuses-a]

Tag Dump!

Launchpad.

[therivergirl]

It's finally here!!! Sorry for the wait!

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M, Gen

Fandom: DuckTales (Cartoon 2017)

Relationships: Louie Duck & Dewey Duck, Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera & Louie Duck, Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera & Dewey Duck, Scrooge McDuck/“Glittering” Goldie O'Gilt, Louie Duck & Dewey Duck & Gladstone Gander, Background Drake Mallard/Launchpad McQuack, Minor or Background Relationship(s)

Characters: Louie Duck (Disney), Dewey Duck (Disney), Scrooge McDuck, “Glittering” Goldie O'Gilt, Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera, Gladstone Gander (Disney), Flintheart Glomgold, Drake Mallard (Disney), Launchpad McQuack, Gosalyn Mallard, Webby Vanderquack, Penumbra (Disney: DuckTales), Emily Quackfaster

Additional Tags:, Family Banter, Family Feels, Light Angst, Dewey Duck angst, Louie Duck Angst (Disney), Scrooge and Goldie are not having a great time, but in a funny way, Quackfaster likes to mess with people, And this time she is messing with Goldie, Louie Duck is being the responsible one, he does not like it, Louie Duck Needs a Hug (Disney), Dewey Duck Just Wants Some Recognition, And an Autograph, Dewey Dew-night, Fenton is just here to be supportive, Lucky Gladstone Gander (Disney), Sort Of, He is in some trouble though, Gladstone Gander Needs a Hug (Disney), can be read as a stand alone story; angst

Language: English

Series: More Ducktales adventures, part 6

Scrooge and Goldie stood in the middle of a library aisle, surrounded by piles of books, scrolls, and sheets of parchment with luck spells and searching spells inscribed on them. Some of them fake, some real, most so convoluted that it would almost make sense that Glomgold, master of convoluted plans, used them.

It was an arduous task and, especially after Quackfaster bothered them with her bullshit for almost an hour, Goldie was cursing herself for deciding to come to help the old sourdough. There were much simpler, if more morally ambiguous, ways for solving the mystery.

Still, she was not willing to give up just yet, not before Scrooge. No way was she admitting defeat by a pile of books. She stood there, leaning on one of the shelves, flipping through the book with the same amount of enthusiasm as a college senior reading the textbook for his ultimate exam before graduating.

“Nothing helpful in this one either,” Goldie tossed a book aside, “How about you? Scrooge?” she looked at her partner and sighed.

Scrooge’s shoulders hung limply as he stared up the bookshelf as if it had all the answers to life, “Years…decades of searching…”

“Oh boy,” She knew that stance, that tone, the everything is wrong with the world and I’m going to wail state Scrooge would never assume when things were genuinely dire, instead falling into it when something stupid happened.

“Team after team, countless expeditions…” Scrooge continued his lament.

“So, we hit the rich bottom,” Goldie muttered.

Scrooge turned to her, his face grief-stricken. He put a hand on her shoulder, nodding emphatically, “Ye are right Goldie, we did! After so many years, we lost to that good-for-nothing copy of me! It would be less embarrassing to lose to a toddler! What has become of once-great Scrooge McDuck?” he hung his head and Goldie barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes, “Just a husk of myself, having lost a race to the Comb to Glomgold!”

Goldie patted his hand and then pushed it off and sat on the floor, leaving Scrooge to his despair. She didn’t have time for it. If she was there, no matter how genuinely uninterested she was in the process, she would at least try to use her time for something other than wailing.

She grabbed another book and tried to read it but in the end, she barely skimmed through it as the pitiful display in front of her became too distracting. Scrooge sunk to the ground and, on his knees, he was cursing the heavens.

She heard Quackfaster sigh heavily somewhere behind her, knowing immediately that this wasn’t the archivist’s first rodeo with Scrooge’s mood swings either. The librarian was on what must’ve been the tenth phone call, asking around about possibly missing luck-granting artifacts from museums, galleries, and personal collections.

And apparently, one thing Quackfaster and Goldie shared was that they didn’t like their respective tasks being interrupted by Scrooge’s loud laments. Was she upset about Glomgold getting the Comb first? Sure. But Scrooge was a Drama Queen about it.

“What am I to do now! I should abandon adventuring! This defeat is too humiliating…” he went on.

“Uh-huh,” she tossed a book to him, aiming for his head. It hit him and he turned around.

“Do you have to kick me while ah’m down!” he snapped.

“Yup. Remember, he snatched that thing under my beak too, and you don’t see me rolling in the carpet lint! Just tell me when you’re done with this so we can get back to the search because that book was useless!” she took another book from the shelf. “So, I had it join you so you can be useless together.”

Scrooge frowned, “Ye are right, useless…” he picked the book and looked at it with a sorrowful expression. Then his face shifted, the lines growing harsher, eyes blazing.

“How even dares he?” he clutched the book so hard Goldie thought he would rip it to pieces, “To go there and just get it through some, some, cockamamie scheme of his! Well, if he wants the stupid comb, he may have it! I don’t care! I’m going to find a better treasure! There must be something here, something I can go look for! There!” He reached for a random scroll from a shelf, unwrapped it roughly, and looked through it!

“Blasted, useless piece of old parchment!” he rolled it roughly, almost tearing the corner of and proceeded to push it into the container with little regard.

“Be careful with those,” Quackfaster chided from her desk, “you are in a library after all!”

“And what, only librarians have the right to treat books badly?” Goldie sneered, “Or is throwing books at unsuspecting readers part of the job description?”

Quackfaster opened her beak to retort but was cut off by Scrooge's angry ramblings, “Haggy horrendous hogwash!” He said as he opened and skimmed through another scroll. He haphazardly placed it back on the shelf.

Then Scrooge searched the shelf frantically and noticed something high up. Instead of going for the library ladder that was less than three feet away, he started climbing the shelf like an overgrown spider.

Goldie was fuming by this point. She got up, grabbed Scrooge’s cane from the floor, and reached up with it, hooking Scrooge around his leg. Then she pulled down, making Scrooge tumble from the shelf, bringing a few books with him. He landed on his rear and looked up at her, disgruntled.

“Hey, I don’t care about what is going on in there,” she flicked his forehead with a finger, “but this is not just about your ego being bruised, remember?”

“My ego? Like yours isn’t bruised because he got it before you!”

“I’m not saying it isn’t but I’m not the one wallowing like miss Tenderheart because Mr. Handsome is not returning her letters of affection

“I’m nea wallowing!” he pouted.

“Oh really? Because what I see is a wallowing old man, who might just be out of his prime!”

“What did you just say?” Scrooge frowned.

“Oh, nothing,” she said, turning around, playing with her hair while casually looking through the titles of the books on the shelf, “just if you are sooo easily deterred, you might not be in your prime anymore, that is all…”

“You vexatious vixen, I know what you are trying to do!”

She looked over her shoulder, “Is it working?”

“Hmph…aye, it is. You know me too well….” he reluctantly admitted, and she smiled, satisfied with herself. “Since when do you care about things other than getting to that treasure first?” he asked her.

“Who said anything about me caring about anything more than that? I still want to get it from him!”

“Then why are you here, helping me out why he found it instead of just breaking into his office and getting the Comb for yourself?”

“Oh, don’t be so smug! No person with even a bit of common sense would like to live in the world where that man holds any more power!”

“Right…, well. Yer, right!” he got up and straightened his coat, “We need to put a stop to him.”

“And when I’m not?” she handed him his cane.

He looked at her with a frown, but continued, “We are a couple of the greatest explorers and treasure hunters in history. We won’t be beaten by that fake Scotsman. Quackfaster,” he asked, somewhat calmer, “did you get any information?”

Quackfaster studied the two for a moment, deliberating whether fighting them over the treatment of her precious books was worth it, and sighed, “Nothing is missing from any of the museums or collectors I’ve contacted. I’ve even called Athens to see if they are missing any of Fortuna’s artifacts and they are all there! How likely is he found another?”

“Glomgold? That man couldn’t find his own beak without looking in the mirror!” Scrooge commented. Just as he was about to re-join Goldie in their research, his phone rang, “What?”

Someone on the other side said something in a slightly frantic voice.

“THEY WHAT?!?” he groused. “How in the dismal downs have they managed to…” he rubbed his temple with his free hand, looking more frustrated and worried than he did the whole morning.

The person on the other side, a man by the sound of it, answered something.

“Aye, Gyro, lad, I’m coming over,” he hung up and let out a heavy sigh, clearly refraining from punching something.

“What was that about?” Goldie asked. Now this was a genuinely concerned Scrooge.

“Gyro ordered some parts for his newest project. Special delivery. All those stamps about it being fragile, important, dangerous material, that it has to be given to Gyro personally, were on it. And we had it delivered through my personal delivery service no less. And somehow those, those, daft deliverers managed to lose it!”

“Let me guess, if the wrong hands get to whatever your mad scientist ordered, it might cause global destruction?”

“Well, perhaps not global, but city-wide, sure. I’m off to solve this issue, you do…whatever…not like this was productive anyways, curse me kilts can this day get any worse?”

The two women watched him grumble out of the library and then, once he was in the hall, heard a litany of Scottish curses.

“Well, this will have to continue later,” Goldie tossed one last book over her shoulder, letting it tumble on the ground, satisfied with Quackfaster’s scowl.

“Oh really? First you barge in requesting I let you in the archives and skim through the trials, and now you just stop? So, what wise idea do you have now?”

“I’ll go get results. My way!” Goldie smirked and left the stuffy archives, very much bent on committing a minor crime.

….

If there was one thing you could say about Gladstone, it was that the man had flair. No matter what, comedy or tragedy, a day on a beach or a horrifying trek through the woods, he always knew how to make things big.

He was in the bar-room, the one next to the salon where he hosted the boys and Fenton. The room was filled with pizza boxes, almost every available surface including a good percentage of the floor, covered with them. The entire space looked like someone decided to place pizzeria storage in a luxurious sitting room and let a downtrodden rich man sulk in the middle of it.

He wasn’t certain what urged him to call every pizza delivery place in the city. He had a feeling it would make things better, perhaps.

It didn’t.

He lay on his stomach, sprawled across a chaise like a heartbroken prince from a romantic novel after his chosen one left him for a stable boy. He was dressed in a lavishly expensive bathrobe in green velvet, drinking wine from a crystal glass.

“Well, that is one thing I have left, my friend,” he said to a small horse statue standing on the end table, “my flair!”

He let his head fall limply on the silk cushion unwilling to change his position in the slightest. He felt empty, like his life was over, worthless, like an old, empty box drifting in the ocean.

He grabbed a slice from a Green Stone Pizza box. When he called, he was told that they were having a game, if anyone guessed the exact date of the owner’s daughter's wedding, they would get 5 pizzas for free.

He said February 26th next year. He was right.

A decent number of pizza boxes in the house got there in a similar manner.

1000th customer.

Guess the number.

10000th customer.

Gladstone sighed. He didn’t know why he felt the way he did. He didn’t like feeling the way he did.

It all started right after Donald and Scrooge freed him from that spirit in Macaw. He felt the same pit in his stomach, the same loss at the realization he must’ve relied on his luck a bit too much.

Then a golden yacht stopped him from thinking too much.

Why would he feel that way? He was Gladstone Gander, he was amazing. He had everything he wanted, he deserved his luck. He was living his best life, life in a lap of luxury. Life those around him envied him for, that they would do anything for.

But then, a disaster struck. That good-for-nothing Phantom stole his luck, and he was left to fend for himself. His luck was awful that day. He felt like Donald. In one moment, he looked like Donald.

He was grateful to Webby and her friend for saving him from the misery of living on with the awful luck. He was the amazing Gladstone Gander again, the luckiest person on Earth. Once again, all was right with the world, the stars aligned the way they should be so Gladstone could live the life worthy of an extraordinary person such as himself.

Not the luck that befell his unfortunate cousin.

Except, one day he was sitting in a bar and managed to overhear a conversation next to him.

“Just wait till you hear about the day I just had,” a young female dog said as she took a seat next to him. Her suit was dripping wet, and he was about to give her the free coupon for a hair salon visit because, gosh, she needed it.

“So firsts of, I leave the house, my umbrella breaks,” the woman continued her story, ”And I was going to a meeting! You know, the most important meeting of this quarter, where I was supposed to present my project!” She sighed at her faith and Gladstone thought to call Donald to check if something happened, something that might’ve caused his cousin’s poor luck to somehow transfer itself to this woman sitting next to him.

“Oh I feel you, girl,” the other woman said, “the same thing happened to me when I was applying for an internship!”

“Oh wait, it gets better!” the first woman went on, “So, I go to the nearby market, to get myself a new umbrella, but the place is closed! And then, I decided to take the bus instead of walking, and, of course, the bus was late and the rain shield on the station is broken! Finally, I got to my office, I still had three minutes left, leave my jacket because it was completely soaked, put on a cardigan so I look somewhat professional, grabbed the things I need for the presentation, and rushed off to the conference room.

“And then as I was getting into the building, hurrying up, I see my boss. I’m not late, but you know him with “you have to be 10 minutes early, Roxanne,” so I’m trying to open the door of the conference room and get in but of course…”

“The keys are in the other pocket!” the other woman filled it in for her.

“Aren’t they always?” the bartender cut in.

“Worse! I left them in the jacket which was back in my office!”

“Oh, lord…”

“Uh-huh, but it gets even better!” Roxanne smiled somewhat hysterically, “As I’m taking the keys from the jacket, I realized I forgot the USB stick my presentation was on, and I reach into the pocket I put it in and…it’s not there. But there is a hole just large enough for it to fall out…”

As she went on talking about the horrible day she had, the bartender joined in, telling his stories of daily unlucky horrors.

Listening to these people sharing their woes and, weirdly, starting to laugh at them after a while, he realized-the when the girls helped him, he wasn’t facing Donald’s luck.

He had the luck of regular, ordinary Joe-shmo.

When this realization hit him, he had two thoughts.

Firstly, how the hell was Donald still alive if regular luck involved getting locked out of the bank, being sprayed with dirty water before your date, stepping on a rusty nail and needing a tetanus shot, and all the other things he heard from that same trio in the bar.

He could remember what Louie said to Donald that day in Macaw, about Donald’s tenacity.

Gladstone used to believe that he was the coolest person in the world. As much as he loved his cousin, a part of him believed he was superior to them. He always thought that having his luck, being what he was, made him great. Better than everyone else, that he had his luck because of some nebulous trait of his that made it so he was the one who deserved it and that he was even better for having it.

But…what if he was wrong?

The truth crashed down on him and crashed down hard.

He wasn’t as determined as Della, nor as smart as Fethry. He wasn’t as sharp as Louie or as clever as Huey nor quick on his feet like Dewey nor as skilled as Webby.

Lord knows he wasn’t as brave or as tough as Donald was.

Hell, even that Roxanne girl was clearly more resourceful than him because even after appearing at a meeting in an old cardigan, late, soaking wet, and lacking materials necessary for a presentation she managed to pull through and get her project approved.

What if whatever higher force was responsible for him having his luck saw how little he had to offer and it stuck him with luck, so he didn’t make a complete fool out of himself in life.

Was he making a total fool out of himself in life?

Did he have anything to offer?

Were Scrooge and Donald right, was he just a complete layabout.

Well, he would prove them wrong! How hard would it be to get a job?

Turns out, he found one thing where his luck would not really help him. Because, even if he got an interview for a certain position, his lack of experience and degree would usually get him rejected immediately.

Finally, his luck smiled back at him and he was offered a lucrative opportunity for a secretive rich man from Duckburg. Sure, in retrospect, a shady man offering him a job in a shady alley seemed, well, shady, in retrospect. Like something from a crime drama.

Except, he thought it was just TV stuff. Not something that happened in real life.

By the time he realized who he was working for, it was too late. He was working for Glomgold. He wasn’t sure whether his luck was fading or was his sheer dumbassery enough to break his own luck and get him in the situation where he is working for Scrooge’s greatest rival.

But one thing was certain. Nobody could know about it.

And then he bumped into the kids. The ever-observant wonderful little Donalds.

He seriously wondered if Phantom Blot was roaming around again but in every other aspect, his luck seemed to be working fine.

The kids figured it out. He felt a sting of guilt at pushing Green-bean and Blue Sky away. Those two and their friend in a ridiculously outdated suit probably only had good intentions.

But if word got to Uncle Scrooge…

No, that was one thing he was determined this time. He would not go wail to his family. He knew he was in a pickle, Dewey yelling at him only made it clearer. And somehow, he would get himself out of that pickle.

As soon as he was done with his daily luxury meditation…and maybe a few more pizza orders…

…..

As she watched the old con-woman leave the library, Quackfaster sighed. She couldn’t even say this was unusual. Scrooge’s laments were common in the archives, a place where he often visited after failed adventures, looking for one last clue.

She had a feeling Goldie’s way included way fewer books and way more breaking and entering but she decided she didn’t care. Not only was she particularly worried about the person whose house Goldie O’Gilt was about to break into, but she also wasn’t an officer of the law and didn’t much care for it.

Except for the law of the archives.

Which both Scrooge and Goldie held in high disregard so Quackfaster getting them out and doing so quickly was actually a plus.

Still, she had to agree with O’Gilt on one thing-living in the world where Glomgold has more power was a terrifying concept. So, she reached her mobile phone to call the Berlin Museum head curator. Sure, due to time zones the man was probably getting ready for bed, but he was a personal friend. He would answer to her.

That’s when she noticed a text on her phone.

11 NEW MESSAGES FROM LOUIE DUCK (THE GREEN ONE)

If that child is trying to find another get rich quick scheme…

Still, she was not an archivist to Scrooge McDuck for no reason. Curiosity won and she opened the message.

Hi Miss Quackfaster

Sorry to bother you (again).

But can you please tell me if there is some luck-granting magical object?

I promise I’m not asking for myself

And it’s not the “I’m asking for a friend” situation, I’m really asking for something important.

I pinkie promise!

Wait, I said that last time and I lied…

I swear on my part of inheritance

There

Now you know I’m saying the truth

So please, can you tell?

Quackfaster frowned.

In any other scenario, she would ignore the boy’s message. This wasn’t the first time he was asking about magic items. But, could it be a coincidence?

Even for this family that would be too much.

The kids were apparently trying to solve the mysteries to…

Well, she had a feeling she should go tell her boss about this

And she would. But first, Emily Quackfaster decided she deserved a cup of tea.

….

Dewey and Louie stood in front of the suite door, each with a pile of pizza boxes in their arms. They asked one of the delivery people to take the order to the doors instead and the guy did not complain. After that, Fenton left for the lounge as they all agreed he was probably right when he said Gladstone might have an easier time talking to just his nephews.

With both of their head fully in the game, two brothers were on a mission-finding a way to get Gladstone to tell them exactly what was going on, how he got into the mess he was in, and then figure out how to help him to get himself out of the said mess. And their time was even more limited than they initially assumed since, on their way into the hotel, Louie realized that he made a mistake.

Earlier, he texted Quackfaster.

Quackfaster, who was a librarian.

At McDuck archives.

The same archives where Uncle Scrooge and Aunt Goldie were.

And then she would tell Scrooge about the text and Scrooge would realize that they were also looking for the truth behind the Comb mystery and then he would call him like, “Louie, lad did you figure something out?” and Louie would try to manoeuvre his way out but there was only about a fifty-fifty chance of that working and the entire story would unravel and…

Yup. They had to act quickly.

Dewey and Louie looked at each other, nodded and then Dewey knocked on the door.

“Go away, I don’t need room cleaning today!” Gladstone’s voice came from the inside.

“It’s pizza delivery, from Olives and Oregano!” Louie said, altering his voice slightly.

“In that case come in, the door is open,” Gladstone’s sounded a bit distant as if speaking from a few rooms into the suite, and he seemed unusually unenthusiastic

Dewey pushed the door open, and they walked into the foyer that was filled with pizza boxes. The double door they assumed led to the sleeping chamber was closed, but the way into the living area was cluttered with more pizza boxes.

They waded through the mess, into the salon, and then into the bar area.

There they found Gladstone, spread miserably across a chaise.

“Just leave the food wherever,” he said without lifting his head to look at them. “And there is 20$ on the bar, that is for the tip.”

“So, are you trying to get into world records for most ordered pizzas or something?” Dewey asked as he placed his pile on a bar stool, the only unoccupied surface in the entire room.

At the sound of Dewey’s voice, Gladstone sputtered, choking on the slice of pizza he was eating as he snapped his head around to look at the boys. He tried to get up quickly, so quickly he slipped from the chaise and fell to the ground. Or rather, he fell on the pile of cushions right under the chaise.

“Wha-“ he coughed up the offending bite of pizza, “Blue sky?”

“Yup!” Dewey said, “And not just me!” he pointed to Louie, “Taaadaaah!”

Gladstone looked between Dewey and Louie, seeming a bit skeptical as he took in their determined faces. "Little Donalds? What are you doing here?”

“Getting you out of this flunk!” Louie said.

“I’m not,” Gladstone tried to get up from the floor with some dignity, He closed his robe and cleaned of pizza crumbles, trying to make himself somewhat presentable “I’m not in a flunk!”

“Uh-huh, so you are what? Organizing the party for the entire city but nobody showed up?” Louie asked, his gaze unrelenting.

“Um…think fast!” Gladstone grabbed a pizza box from the floor, threw it at the boys, and tried to make a break for it towards the salon.

Dewey grabbed the box, taking a step back and crashing into Louie and they both stumbled, leaving an opening for Gladstone.

“Dew!”

“Sorry, sorry,” Dewey said, tossing the box away and immediately chasing after Gladstone. “reflex”

While Gladstone’s luck allowed him to step right where there were no boxes, he couldn’t match Dewey’s dexterity and acrobatics as the boy jumped between them, eventually performing quite an impressive leap and landing in front of Gladstone right as he was about to pass through the arch that separated the salon from the foyer.

“Nuh-uh,” Dewey wagged his finger, “come on Uncle Gladstone, you can tell us what is going on!”

“Nope, nope, I can’t!” he tried to turn around and return the way he came from, but Louie was behind him, blocking the path.

“Seriously? What, are you going to keep me here until I say how I got into this trouble?” he realized his mistake immediately as Louie grinned.

“So, you are in trouble!” Louie’s eyes gleamed, “I knew it!”

“Gee kid, way to sound devastated!”

“Sorry, sorry! I don’t like you in trouble, I just like being right!” Louie shrugged. “So, what kind of trouble are you in?”

“Ok, how do I make you understand that I can’t tell you? Which language will you understand? Ich kan nicht saggen! Non posso dire! Ne mogu reći! Non possum dicere!”

“Maybe try sign language?” Dewey suggested.

“Still counts at telling!”

“Wait, wait, wait, hold up!” Louie asked, “Is this the I can’t tell you because I don’t want to or the I can’t tell you because I’m legally bound? Because if it’s the former please, cut the crap!”

“Hey, language!”

“Oh, don’t pull an Uncle Donald now! Which is it? Is there like, a contract? You signed a contract, right? Now you’re afraid to break the terms!”

“Ummm…no, no there isn’t a contract, I, I mean there is one but that is not a problem!” for a split second, Gladstone’s eyes turned towards the sleeping quarters' door.

Louie smirked. Gladstone had to have a copy of the contract and it was somewhere behind that door. And he was not above digging through his uncle’s stuff to solve this one.

“Hey…NOPE!” Gladstone picked up on Louie’s intentions. “No, guys it’s not what you think!” He tried to rush to the door, but Dewey and Louie worked together like a well-oiled machine. Before Gladstone could even take a step, Dewey grabbed both of his arms, keeping him in place while Louie slipped by Gladstone and ran into the foyer. “Oh come on! Let go!”

The door wasn’t locked-as if that would stop Louie-and he rushed down the luxurious hallway, through a small sitting room, and then into the bedroom the size of the manor’s den.

Louie didn’t pay attention to any of the luxuries, tempting as they were. Instead, he scanned the room for possible hiding places. The bedside tables were empty, the bed made, there were a few vases with dried flowers in the room.

He heard the struggling steps coming towards the room. It sounded like two people fighting against one another with one person dragging the other after them, even as the dragged one desperately tried to stop the first.

“Come on kid, let me go! Green Bean, please, let it be, I’ll get out of this one! Just…ugh…Dewey, let go! You won’t find the contract! I hid it well!”

Louie casually approached the bed, checking both pillows and under the mattress. He doubted even Gladstone would hide the paper there, but it was worth a shot.

“See,” Gladstone, having finally dragged himself over said as he entered the room. “No contract!”

“But you said that I won’t find it because you hid it well,” Louie said, grinning wickedly while Gladstone’s facepalmed. “So, the contract exists, you have it, and it must be here somewhere!” he walked into the large walk-in closet that led into an even larger bathroom.

He was trying to refrain from ogling everything, but he had to admit-the suite was truly impressive. Not the type of décor he would use for his dream manor, but still gorgeous and somewhat up his alley. But there were other things he had to focus on other than figuring out how much the marble tiles were worth.

Think! he said to himself, If you were Gladstone, where would you hide the contract. You are not someone dealing with his on a daily, you don’t have a place such as The other bin to hide important stuff. You are not like Mrs. B who could probably hide a dead body from a bloodhound. You are not even like a parent who had to hide Christmas presents. Where would you get ideas for hiding things?

Spy films.

Mystery novels.

TV series about hiding from the evil government.

He looked around the bathroom trying to find any place an allegedly smart character from a film might hide something. Someplace that would be glaringly obvious to an experienced eye, but impressive enough to keep the suspension of disbelief for the audience.

He knew where he would hide his contract. He didn’t want to think about that place on an off chance someone was somehow listening into his thoughts, but he knew of a few great hiding places in the manor.

However, he was trying to deduce where Gladstone would hide his contract. Vases were too obvious, so were the drawers…or were they…

A lightbulb lit up in Louie’s head and he rushed back into the main part of the bedroom and bolted for the bedside tables. In the corner of his eye, he noticed that Dewey and Gladstone still struggled against one another.

“Green-bean, come on you don’t think I would just…no, no Louie don’t-ouch!” he yelped and there was a sound of a body falling to the ground. “Dewey let me go!”

“Louie! Hurry up!” Dewey shouted, “I have to wrestle him down! You are weirdly fit!” he said to his uncle.

“Free yearly personal trainer services subscription! I got it from-wait, why am I bragging? No time for that!” Gladstone struggled against Dewey, “Come on, let me go!”

“Lou, hurry up!”

“I am, I am, Louie said as he pulled the drawer entirely from the bedside table and…nothing. “Shit!” he cursed, and proceeded to crawl over the bed to the opposite e bedside table, pulled the other drawer out as well and…

Still nothing.

“I told you, I hid it well! Just let it be!” he sagged on the carpet, Dewey sitting on his back. He was cautious, waiting for Gladstone to start struggling again.

“No way, we’re not leaving you to be used by Glomgold for his gain!” Louie jumped off the bed and looked around the room, trying to find another hiding place.

“Right, I’m sure Scrooge hates seeing this guy win something…”

Louie turned around, “What?! You think this is just about Scrooge? We’re here to help you!”

“Well… it’s not not about Scrooge,” Dewey shrugged, “just to be transparent!”

Louie rolled his eyes at his brother, “Ok, I will say, it’s also somewhat about Scrooge,” he turned on his heel and approached Gladstone on the floor. “Nobody wants to share the roof with Scrooge while Glomgold is doing something successfully, he gets awfully moody. But even if you signed the contract with someone else, even if it was an ally, even if it didn’t influence us directly in any way, we would still try to help you!”

“Yeah, you’re our uncle! We love you!” Dewey added, letting go of Gladstone but still sitting on his back..

“You seemed annoyed by me, like Donnie and Scrooge…” Gladstone muttered into the carpet.

Dewey winced, looking to Louie for help.

“Well, no offence but you can be annoying,” Louie said bluntly, yet with a hint of amusement tinting his voice. He sat in front of Gladstone while Dewey slipped of his uncle’s back, “But so can this dunderhead right here!”

“Yup and so can he!” Dewey scooted over to Louie, throwing his arm around his brother. “And then there is Huey…”

“Huey the annoying…” Louie joked.

“Kind of annoyance!”

“The emperor of annoyance!”

“Point is, family annoys one another, that is part of the deal!”

Gladstone sat up and looked at his nephews, smiling nostalgically, “Ok, ok fair. God knows Donald, Della, and Fethry all annoyed the hell out of me when we were kids. But…ugh, I don’t want to be just the helpless family member that always gets in trouble! There, I said it!”

“You think we’re not rescuing each other all the time?” Dewey asked, “The number of times Huey and I had to rescue this idiot…”

“Almost surpasses the number of times Huey and I had to save this idiot” Louie said in return, “Look I get if you want to try to get yourself out of this one,” Louie said, “but allow us to help. We don’t think less of you because of it. We simply dealt with Glomgold before, we know how he functions. And I know how contracts work and how to find loopholes. And trust me, there is definitely at least one in whatever Glomgold has scribbled down.”

Gladstone wanted to protest, but not only did he have a feeling that no amount of luck would help him against the combined determination of the two brothers, he was genuinely touched by their insistence. Besides, a very adult part of his brain was telling him that it wouldn’t be right to break down on two young teens who were already doing a lot to help him anyways,  “Ok, thanks kids. Sorry I’ve been a jerk today,” he scratched the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly.

“Yeah, well, sorry we weren’t direct immediately,” Louie said in return.

“No, no, don’t apologize, you are trying to save mine but! Ugh, why do I always get myself into these situations!”

Louie looked at him, his eyes narrowed, “Do you want an honest answer?”

“I’m not sure…yes?”

“Ok, you are naïve!”

“Wow Lou,” Dewey elbowed him lightly, “way to kick the man while he is down!”

“No, no, Blue sky, he is right! I’m an idiot!”

“No! Not stupid, naïve,” Louie pointed out, “Uncle Gladstone, look, you can be really cool, ok? And you were the only one who was there for us back when we lived with Donald. And, while we’re on that topic, he won’t tell you this, but he actually really appreciated it. Even as you were probably a bit braggy, looking in retrospect. But you can also be more oblivious than a 60-yea-old housewife at an MLM meeting.”

Gladstone nodded, “I know. I never figured that before, you know,” Gladstone said, “I guess you do. I wanted to find something I’m good at, but I’m only good at using my luck and,” he shrugged, “now we’re here.”

Louie winced. He suddenly felt bad about all the stuff he said about Gladstone earlier. His uncle lacked basic life skills, mostly because he never needed them. However, he also had a decent amount of knowledge on certain topics, “You’re also knowledgeable about luxury items,” he said, “You’re the only person other than Mrs. B who I saw being able to hold a conversation with Daisy about different fabrics and stuff! And Daisy has a fashion degree!”

“Hey Green-bean, thread count is an important topic!”

“See, I don’t even know what threat count is! And you speak what, 7 languages? One of them being sign!”

“See, it’s not true that you’re only good at using your luck. I’m sorry if we implied that.” Dewey said.

“Yeah, sorry.”

“Naw, nothing to apologize for!” he waved it off, “It did feel weird to have you kids roll your eyes at me, the cool uncle,” Gladstone said, smiling at them.

“Well, you’re the last one we stopped idolizing too much, I guess,” Louie shrugged, “get used to it, ask Uncle Donald, mum and Scrooge for the advice we do it to them plenty!”

“And we’re entering puberty! We’ll be insufferable now!”

“Awww, you two think you can beat the original Duck cousins!” Gladstone teased, pulling them both into a hug and tussling their hair “that is adorable!”

“Ok, so, enough mushy stuff,” Louie pulled himself from the embrace, “You are still cool but  signing a contract without reading it…yeah that was…that was dumb…”

Gladstone smile sheepishly, “I, I know…I read it later and…they bamboozled me good! Oh also, Louie, the contract is-“

“Found it!” Louie pushed his hand into the nightstand compartment where the drawer used to be, feeling the upper surface and finding a document stuck there.

“How?!” Gladstone blared at him.

“Well, I know you adore that film with Italian tourists getting wrapped up with a spy ring and they hide some important documents like that in that movie, so I figured!”

“Ok, the cat is out of the bag now,” Gladstone said, “See, this is why I was hesitant about you seeing the contract. I think you will have to call your magic friend for this one since I probably broke this direction…” he pointed to a line in the text.

Louie frowned, “Why would that mean I should call Lena, it’s just using-“

“Turn to the last page, Louie,” Gladstone said, cringing.

Louie turned the page, saw the signatures, and facepalmed like he never facepalmed before, “You signed it with magic ink?! Uncle Gladstone!!! Why?!?!?!”

“I don’t know, ok? I know it was stupid!” Gladstone wailed.

“Magic contract? Again? NOOOOOO!!!!!” Dewey sunk to the floor.

Louie got an idea, looking at the signatures again, “Oh, wait, wait, maybe…Aw, phooey!”

“What?” Dewey, quickly getting to his feet, and Gladstone both looked over Louie’s shoulders.

“So Glomgold’s legal name is still Duke Baloney. So whatever he signs as Flintheart Glomgold is about as valid as if I signed legal documents as Green-Bean Duck. And once I managed to invalidate a contract with him by using that little fact, but it seems like he took that lesson to heart,” he pointed to Glomgold’s signature. Duke Baloney, it said in fancy cursive.

“I don’t get it, why doesn’t he change his legal name! It’s not hard people do it all the time! Hell, I did it when I legally took Turbo as my second middle name!”

“Dewford Turbo Dingus Duck…” Louie snickered.

“Hey, I didn’t choose the Dingus part, Llewellyn!” Dewey said into his face.

“Ew, ok, ok, I concede!”

“So I am doomed?” Gladstone asked.

“Not yet! Give me a minute….” Louie skimmed through the contract. It was decently written, without too many glaring mistakes and loopholes. He still noticed a few minor issues, lines that didn’t work right, things that could possibly be used, and put a pin in each and every one of them. Some phrases were a bit off as if someone who didn’t have a full grasp on idioms wrote it, so he assumed it was Glomgold’s moonlander assistant who worked on a decent part of the contract.

Weirdly enough, parts he assumed were written by Gibbous were legally sounder than those he assumed Glomgold wrote himself.

He then checked the line Gladstone pointed to and a smile spread across his face as gears started to turn in his head and a plan started to form. He flipped two pages back and looked through the contractor requirements and…yup, there it was.

“What, what? Lou, you got something?”

“Yup! Gladstone, you didn’t break any rule. Whoever wrote this part, and I’m going to say it was Glomgold because it brings me more satisfaction, made a small mistake. The hireling shall not explicitly discuss the terms of the contract in public spaces or platforms. They shall also not discuss the terms with any of McDuck associates! And then they have the same condition for the employer.”

“Yeah, and you associate with Uncle McMoneybags! I’m doomed! Read what happens if I break the contract!”

“I don’t have to, because you are not doomed, you didn’t break anything. See, in legal terms, an associate is a business partner, or a partnered company or even an employee. Dewey and I aren’t. Just because you associate with someone, it doesn’t legally make you an associate!” Louie said with a sly smile.

“Ok, good!” Gladstone smiled widely, but his smile immediately fell, “How do I get out of it!”

“I told you, the same rule applies Glomgold!”

“Yeah, but he won’t go talking about it to Scrooge or Mrs. Beakley! And he won’t talk about it publicly!”

Unlike a very frustrated-looking Gladstone, Louie looked as if he didn’t have a care in the world, “So, we get him to talk! You were with him recently, I’m assuming, did he at any point spill the beans.”

“Ok, he almost spilled the beans back in Russia when some reporter asked him for details, the secret of his success!” Gladstone recalled.

“Yeah, he is weak for that.”

“But what reporter will help us?” Gladstone said, once again sounding desperate, “I can’t go to Roxane Featherly and ask her to interview him. She is not a McDuck associate but I would be speaking about it publicly…”

“Not like she would help us, that woman can’t stand Glomgold. Plus, if we’re going the media route, we would need a media space where we have full control!”

Gladstone nodded, “Yeah, like if there was a talk show held by someone we…know…Oh my God…”

Gladstone turned his head to Louie, grinning. Louie smiled back and then they both turned to Dewey.

“What, what? Ouuu…” Dewey’s smile grew, his eyes shone. He was bursting with excitement and then turned to Louie, asking with hesitation that seemed to contradict his demeanor, “Wait you’re serious?”

“Yup!” Louie smiled, “Dewey, get your equipment! We have a Dewey Dew-night episode to film!”