Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Huey looked out the window with anticipation and excitement.

"I can't believe we're going to see Australia, find the fire spirit and visit the 'Tech of the Future' expo!"

"Well, two of those things sound fun at least." Louie said as he scrolled through his phone.

Fenton helped Gyro and Fethry double check on their projects. "And this expo is the perfect chance to unveil the GizmoCloud! It's going to revolutionize punk science, right Gandra?"

His fellow coworker slash girlfriend gave him a thumbs up. "You got it! Just make sure Mr. Friendly here doesn't scare people off before they even catch the name."

Gyro rolled his eyes and mumbled about 'sensitive buyers'.

Fenton grinned nervously and rubbed his arm, "A-Actually-"

"Look alive people, we should be landing in less than an hour!" Della called out from the pilot seat. She especially had to keep her focus, seeing as the Cloudslayer (Sunchaser when Launchpad flew it) was particularly full of Duck/McDuck family members along with their scientists and several delicate inventions.

"Welcome to Australia everyone!" Scrooge announced cheerfully, bringing everyone's attention on him.

"Did you know that Australia is the only country that is also its own continent?" Huey said, opening up the JWG. May leaned over to get a peak, Huey had told her about the Junior Woodchucks and she was thinking about joining. June wasn't as interested.

"And it's home to the Great barrier Reef!" Fethry exclaimed. "It's the world's largest coral reef system."

"It's also where that big Opera house is!" Dewey exclaimed.

"The Sydney Opera house is one of most famous performing arts centers in the world." Huey explained, grabbing Dewey's attention. "Unfortunately, we won't be seeing it." The blue duck slumped in his seat. "The Sydney Opera House is in....well, Sydney. We're going to Melbourne."

"Ugh...what's so special about that place?"

"It's considered Australia's unofficial Sporting capital." Gandra smirked. "It's the only city in the world with five standard sporting facilities."

Dewey sat up gain. "Now I'm interested."

"It was also the official capital of Australia from 1901 to 1927." Violet looked up from her book. "Before they shifted it to Canberra."

"It's also a renowned Tech hub." Fenton offered. "Hence, the Tech expo. Over half of the country's twenty technology companies reside there. That's where me, Gyro, Fethry and Gandra will be spending our time while Manny takes care of the lab back home."

Louie groaned loudly. "Ugh! What's with all the learning this morning?"

"Louie, you should be learning about the places you're traveling to." Elvira said as she and June looked over their own book.

"We do." Huey nodded. "Whenever we go somewhere, Mrs. Beakley incorporates it into our homeschool lessons. Remember everyone; we each have to fill out a worksheet and write a two page paper on something we find interesting in Australia."

Webby squealed with delight, May and Louie looked resigned and Dewey and June groaned.

Elvira patted her great-granddaughter's head. "I'm sure you'll find lots of interesting things about the county. It certainly sounds exciting to me! This is the first time I've travelled out of the country."

"I must admit." Penny stated as she caught Dewey from jumping in his seat. "This planet has much more variety of history and culture than the moon."

"I wish mom were here." May looked out the window. "She'd like it too."

Donald wrapped an arm around his daughter's shoulders. "She's busy setting up her boutique, but we'll take lots of pictures for her."

"She really wants pictures of the fashion stores."

"Focus!" Scrooge stomped his cane. "Remember; this isn't a vacation. We're here because of reported sightings of the fire spirit in the Outback."

"It's in someone's backyard?" Lena asked.

"Oh! Oh! Can I do this one!?" Webby asked and Huey nodded. "It's a huge wilderness that covers more than 80% of Australia. That's over half the size of the U.S. or China! It's wild, rocky and arid, so it's mainly unpopulated. Especially during the Summer months."

"Making it the perfect spot for the fire spirit." Elvira nodded. "He's a small but quick little bugger, so finding him will be a bit of a challenge."

"Hopefully before he causes too much damage." Gyro looked up from his checkerboard, keeping Lil Bulb balanced on his shoulder. "The dry climate and the vegetation make it a prime target of wildfires."

"The Fire Spirit wouldn't cause wildfires on purpose." Elvira sighed. "But he always had a bit of a temper. I'm sure once we calm him down everything will be fine."

Donald suddenly straightened up and looked out the window, the others noticed Della doing the same.

"Do you hear it?" Lena asked. Nobody needed to ask what 'it' was.

"Yup." Della nodded. "And even it's leading us to head down there."

"Well tell everyone sit down so Della can land us as soon as possible." Scrooge commanded. "We have a long search ahead of us."

Webby did several backflips down the cargo bay door and onto the ground. "This is it! Our first global quest for the spirits. This is so exciting! I wish Granny was here."

Indeed, Bentina Beakley and Ludwig Von Drake had stayed behind to catch up and keep an eye on the manor.

"Just be careful pink." Lena joined her. "If the spirits are here, then that means Merlock's not far behind."

"And neither is..." Webby's eyes widened. "Oh my gosh! I just realized how much we have in common!"

"Huh?"

"We weren't born from traditional means." Webby counted on her fingers."We were made to take down Scrooge but choose good, and we both have evil aunts!"

Lena chuckled. "Yeah, it's like we were made for each other."

Webby's face turned red and she looked away, causing Lena's own face to heat up.

"I-I mean, not necessarily in that way..." Lena murmured.

"I disagree." Violet said as she joined them. "But we have more than your ignorance to matters of the heart to consider."

"I will end you." Lena whispered.

"I'd like to see you try."

"Okay!" Webby clapped her hands, eager to take the conversation in a new direction. "Merlock! Hortense! Magica! And-"

"Poe." Lena folded her arms.

"It's ok to be nervous. I mean, you didn't even know he existed until recently."

"I finally learned how to deal with 'Aunt' Magica." Lena grumbled. "Now I have to deal with a new...'uncle'?"

"Technically speaking, if Magica is your 'Aunt', wouldn't that make him your father?" Violet asked.

"No." Lena stated. "Absolutely not."

"Considering you were born from their combined magic, wouldn't that make either one of them or both you-"

"Don't even go there." Lena glared. "You and our dads are my family, not them. From what Scrooge, Donald, Daisy, May and June say, he's apparently just as bad as his sister."

"From how Scrooge described it, it sounded more like Poe was Magica's leash. I do concede your point though." Violet nodded.

"It's going to be fine!" Webby reassured the teen. "We'll be right there with you. Just think of it as fighting two Magica's."

"Not really helpful pink." Lena smiled. "But thanks anyway."

A noise of flapping wings caught the girls attention and they turned to see a bird flying away from a nearby tree.

"That's odd." Violet tilted her head. "Ravens aren't common in this part of Melbourne, and that one looked bigger than other australian ravens."

Lena narrowed her eyes in the direction it flew off in.

Before any of them could think on it further, Scrooge called for everyone to gather their things. With one last look behind her, Lena went to join the rest of the family.

"A little to the left..." Gyro guided Fenton and Fethry as they unloaded the equipment. "Easy now...careful!" He scolded when the two nearly dropped the box. "Many of these could easily blow up half the continent if mishandled!"

"How exciting!" Fethry smiled while Fenton started to sweat.

"Just set it down over there." Gyro sighed. "Gently!"

"A little help here?" Fenton eyed the only woman in the room.

"Sorry suit." Gandra shrugged. "Heavy lifting's not in my contract. Besides, I already registered us, got a good booth spot and got us a prime showcase time."

"And how much of that was done without hacking?"

"A fair bit." She shrugged carelessly.

Both men grunted as they finally set the last box down, leaving not much space to move around in the hotel room.

"I just want to tell you all it is an honor to attend our first scientific exposition with you all!" Fethry clapped his hands. "I'm sure it will be an excellent learning experience for all of us!"

"Thank you new intern." Gyro nodded, sounding like he didn't really care. "Now, you, Dr. Intern and Dr. Agent will help me move and set up the both tomorrow. You three will be in charge of answering any questions and explaining what they do while I will do the actually important stuff-"

"Like making sure they don't turn evil and take over the Expo?"

Gyro shot a glare at Gandra. "...Yes. Then when it's time for presentations we'll head to the auditorium to unveil the...ugh...Gizmocloud. Honestly Dr. Intern, could you not think of a more original name?"

"Maybe if there's time, we can explore the wilds of the Outback with the others." Fethry suggested. "A junior woodchuck takes every chance to explore a new environment after all."

"There are also lots of cafes." Fenton suggested, leaning on Gandra's chair. "Maybe when we have time...just the two of us..."

"You are such a romantic." Gandra lightly punched his arm.

"Well, you can all do whatever you want after the showcase tomorrow." Gyro folded his arms, Lil bulb copied him.

"Sure, when all we have to do during that time is watch you talk about mine and Fenton's work."

Fenton rubbed his hands. "Well, actually..."

"Wait, I thought Gandra was going to present the Gizmocloud?" Fethry asked innocently.

"What?" Gandra asked with a blank look on her face.

"Fenton told us back in Duckburg that since you worked on it with him, and that you're new to the team, that this would be your chance to make your mark on the scientific community!" Fethry continued, cheerfully unaware of Fenton waving his arms around to get him to stop.

"What!?" Gandra got to her feet and glared at the bumbling scientist.

"I-It's just that you worked so hard on it!" Fenton stumbled with a nervous smile. "And Gyro's not really a people person-"

"And I am!?"

"You know as much about the Gizmocloud as I do, and you so passionate, and bold and-"

"-and he think this could be a good chance for you to make your mark without it being tied to an evil organization." Gyro deadpanned.

"You do realize we worked on it, while I was still working for an evil organization!?" Gandra folded her arms.

"Yes, but you were working on it to get out of the organization." Fenton countered.

"And look how well that went."

"Is something wrong?" Fethry asked, concerned. "I thought you would be excited."

"I am, it's just..." She sighed. "This is important for me...for us. I don't want anything to mess this up, especially something from my past."

"Hey," Fenton gently grabbed her shoulders. "Everything's going to be ok. You know the Gizmocloud inside and out, this is your chance to show the world you're more than someone used by F.O.W.L. That you want to use science to help people."

She smiled softly. "Thanks suit."

They quickly kissed. "We cans start practicing tonight." He smiled. "I promise; I will do everything in my power to make sure everything goes perfectly."

The raven flew high over the city and beyond it, until he spotted a makeshift hut on the edge of the city, just before the Outback started.

He flew down towards it and when he reached a certain height, he glowed purple and changed back into the form of a green feathered duck. He softly knocked at the door.

It opened slightly, and a yellow eye similar to his own peeked out before letting him in.

"Well?" Magica demanded as Merlock and Hortense acknowledged his arrival.

"They've all just landed." He nodded. "Just as we expected. The majority of the family was there."

"They key players, at least." Merlock adjusting the pieces on what looked liked a custom chess set, though the pieces looked like his group along with the Duck/McDuck family.

"Yes, the twins, Scrooge and the children were there." He glanced at Magica. "Along with some of their friends."

"Oh?" Magica folded her arms.

"I believe I heard some of them talking about an 'Expo' of sorts, so we don't have to worry about them."

"Don't count them out." Merlock shook his head. "They'll be at the family's beck and call. We must be prepared to face them."

"Of course. Especially..." He looked Magica in the eye. "The new 'niece' you were telling me about."

"You mean the little shadow creature?" Magica asked.

"I believe her name is 'Lena' but yes. She was sticking around Scrooge's daughter like you said she usually did and she didn't sound eager to meet me."

"Good."

"Which is a bit of a shame as I'm quite eager to meet her."

"Go-wait, what?"

"You sound like I'm crazy for wanting to meet a new member of our family."

"Wha-you, she's not our family!" Magica fumed. "She's a traitorous shadow creature-"

"Who is made from our magic." Poe folded his arms. "Honestly Magica I would have thought you would treat something made from my magic a little better. Especially since she's apparently quite the talented sorceress as well. Though in your defense, you never had much maternal instinct."

"Well what do you propose?" She huffed.

"One attracts more flies with honey than vinegar, dear sister." He smiled. "Let me try talking to her and see if there isn't something we can still use. Who knows? She might be a little more receptive to someone who won't blast her on sight."

Magica growled and began to respond-

"Will you two shut yer yaps?" Hortense groaned. "Yer givin' me a migraine. And in case you've forgotten; neither of yea are in charge here." She gestured to the wizard, who had been watching the two go back and forth.

Poe turned to their designated boss. "Well? From all reports she's very powerful on her own and could prove helpful to our goals."

Merlock scratched his chin. "It has potential, I'll admit. I've seen the girl in action and she's quite the force to be reckoned with. And besides, I'd already promise Hortense we'd bring her family in, and I'm a man of my word; if you can eventually persuade the girl, she can join."

"Thank you sir." Poe responded politely with a slight bow, causing Magica to roll her eyes.

"Just remember." He added sternly. "Tread lightly. Don't reveal too much of our hand. This is an optional scenario; if she agrees, great. If she doesn't, a disappointment but we just continue as before. Understood?"

"You won't regret it."

Huey eagerly looked over his checklist. They had just gotten checked in at their hotel and they were just waiting for Scrooge and Della to return from the rental car place.

"Okay, when Scrooge and mom get back, we'll go straight to where the fire spirit was last spotted and see if we can find any trace of it. Any questions?" He turned to his fellow children, and Penny.

"Just one." Louie spoke. "When we do find this mystical and all powerful fire spirit...what are we supposed to do then?"

"Well, Grandma said Mom and Uncle Donald would have to get it to calm down. That's why she's here. She knows all about the spirits."

"And why are we there, aside from serving as kindling?"

"Do not worry small Dellas." Penny announced proudly. "I will be right there to keep you out of harms way."

"Does she actually know our names?" May whispered to Louie. "Or does she just think we're small clones of Aunt Della?"

Louie just shrugged.

"While they re doing that, this is the perfect opportunity the catalogue the various species inhabiting the outback and earn my Outback Explorer patch!"

"Do the Junior Woodchucks have badges for literally everything?" Lena asked her sister, who nodded.

"I've got water, binoculars, a guide to the outback, mini fans, it's going to hot you know." Huey said as he rummaged through his backpack.

"Does he dot this a lot?" June asked Webby.

"He's very passionate."

A strange feeling came over the red capped boy and he looked into the distance.

"Huey?" Dewey asked, gently poking his brother.

Huey didn't respond and just kept looking at...something.

The sound of honking caught their attention as they saw the rest of the adults rolling up in rented jeeps.

"Pack up kids!" Della called. "We've going to conquer the outback!"

Huey shook his head and gathered up his bag.

"Are you ok Huey?" June asked.

"Yeah, just spaced out a little. Now come on! We've got a spirit to find!"

With eager smiles, everyone raced towards their next adventure.

Chapter Text

The Outback proved to be as wild and as hot as Huey predicted. Right now He, Louie, June, May, Violet and Penny were loaded in a jeep following the one with Scrooge, Elvira, Dewey, Webby, Lena and the guide Scrooge hired for this excursion.

"Ugh..." Louie groaned. Even ditching his signature hoodie hadn't helped much. Indeed, Everyone had swapped out their outfits for more desert appropriate apparel, thought that didn't mean they were suddenly fine with the heat.

Huey felt fine though, he always liked the heat, and never let it stop him and his quest to earn more badges. Though as he watched the plains go by, he felt his mind drifting between being here with his family and...somewhere.

"Oh!" June gasped. "It's that animal from the sign! The big bouncy one!" She pointed to a group of kangaroos bouncing past.

"Those are kangaroos. They're the national animal of Australia."

"They can also pack a pretty mean punch." Della said from the driver's seat. "Last time I was here-"

"Della don't encourage them to pick fights with animals." Donald sighed.

"Violet are you ok?" May asked, noticing how frizzy the hummingbird's hair had gotten, even breaking her hairband a while back.

Violet sighed. "Yes, unfortunately the heat and humidity cause this to happen to hair textures like mine."

"I do not see the problem." Penny looked around. "It was over twice this hot on the moon each cycle."

"I'm with ya there!" Donald leaned back with a smile. "Feels refreshing to me."

"Good for you two." Louie sarcastically replied as he took a swig of water.

"Yeah." Della quickly wiped the sweat off her brow. "I'm so happy you both are enjoying this. Meanwhile; I think my flesh has melted into the seat."

Before long they pulled up to a stop next to the other vehicle. The Guide; an aboriginal dingo named Grey, gestured to the field in front of them. "Well here it is folks, the sight of that weird fire from last week."

Everyone looked out at the scorched earth, of the ashes coating the ground.

"Thankfully we managed to put it out before anyone was hurt, but it was the strangest bushfire I've ever seen." He scratched his head.

"Why is he talking so...strange?" Penny whispered to Della.

"It's just his accent." Della said. "Different areas have different ways of talking, even if they share the same language."

"Look at the burn marks." Huey pointed to a few darkened lines that seemed to wiggle around, moving in seemingly no concrete pattern.

"That's what made it so odd. Normally fires start in one place and move around by touching nearby bush or the wind pushing it around. But this one seemed to have a mind of it's own. We managed to start a controlled fire before it got out of hand though."

"Controlled fire?" Dewey asked.

"A fire to counteract the wild one." Scrooge explained. "Ever hear of the term 'fight fire with fire'? Well, sometimes you need to start a controlled fire to stop the spread of the other one by burning any kindling and exhausting it."

"And before that we sometimes start smaller, continued fires to get rid of the dry underbrush and prevent the rest of the plants from drying out." Grey explained. "My people have practiced it for centuries, though we weren't prepared for a literal fire lizard showin' up."

Huey kneeled down and closely examined the marks. "Look!" He pointed to the tracks.

May narrowed her eyes. "Are those....prints?"

"They look like a type of lizard prints!" Huey opened the JWG and began to compare.

"The fire spirit takes the form of a salamander." Elvira explained.

Lena looked around at the wide, open space of the Outback. "So we're just supposed to search for a tiny lizard in one of the biggest open areas on earth?"

"We'll start with the footprints." Huey got out his magnifying glass and began to walk. "It's got to give us some idea of where it headed."

"June stick close to me." Elvira began to walk. "While the others look, we can perform a ritual to try and draw it out."

And so everyone headed out, some more eager in the heat than others.

Poe flew up high, keeping an eye on them and they followed the fire spirit's tracks.

He couldn't blame those who lagged, his dark feathers made the heat nearly unbearable

"I'm starting to see why i haven't seen too many ravens around." He muttered as he perched on a high rock. Finally, they seemed to reach the end of the trail and Scrooge called for them to split up into teams and spread out while Elvira and the blue girl worked on something.

He didn't pay attention to them though. He kept his focus on Lena as she wandered off with her 'sister' to a rockey area.

Now if he could just split them up and get a moment alone with her...

Scrooge combed through the bushes for any sign of the fire spirit.

He found; a large lizard that was not the fire spirit, some dirt, kangaroo tracks, and a spider the size of his top hat.

"Curse me kilts!" He kicked the dirt. "Trying to find a needle in a haystack would be easier than this!"

"Easy Scrooge." Elvira said as she set up an altar on the ground, explaining to June what each piece was for. "The fire spirit startles easily. And I feel like you know what startling it means."

Scrooge groaned. "It wakes up, causes a ruckus in Duckburg, goes into hiding before finally turning up an entire ocean away, and now we have to search through every rock and bush to find it!"

Elvira looked at him. "Scrooge, I've known you for too long to know that you're worried about something else."

He sighed. He could never hide anything from her, and she was right. "I'm just...the sooner we find all the spirits, the sooner we'll be rid of Merlock and figure out why all of this is happening to Donald and Della. If finding those spirits is the key to all this, then I'll rip up the continent till they show up!"

She gave him a sympathetic look. "Scrooge, I'm scared too, but when it comes to nature spirits, we can't rush things."

"You're literally preparing a ritual to hurry it up!"

She shook her head. "I'm preparing a ritual to encourage it to appear. Ultimately, it's his decision whether to show or not. The basis of my magic is the understanding of free will and the power of nature. If we try to dominate either one, terrible things happen. As for Donald and Della...I'm terrified of them running into Merlock again. But they're not little kids anymore. They're both brave, capable adventurers who are coming into their powers."

"Yeah!" June nodded. "They'll beat Merlock easily!"

"That's what we're hoping for." Elvira patted her head.

Scrooge still had doubts, many deeper and more complex than most would guess, but he headed her advice for now. She did have a point. "Alright."

"Good. In the meantime, I think your little girl's finding her own way of appreciating the local wildlife."

Scrooge was confused...until a kangaroo came hopping along with a laughing Webby in its pouch.

"Webby!?"

"Dad! The kangaroo thinks I'm her baby!" Webby smiled. "She just picked me up and put me in here! This is so much fun! Wheeee!"

"Webby!" Scrooge began to chase the large marsupial. "Get back here you hopping hooligan! That's my bairn not yours!"

Elvira and June could only laugh as the old Scottish man chased the hulking animal.

Lena half listened as Violet rambled on about the wildlife of australia as she looked around. She knew she should focus on finding the spirit but-

"LENA!"

Lena shouted and turned to her sister. "What!?"

"You weren't listening to me." Violet closed her book. "I suppose I should be used to it by now, but you seem disturbed by something."

Lena shook her head. "Look, I thought you wanted Elvira to teach you some of her hippie nature magic or whatever."

"I am intent on studying it and she and June have promised to she me some later on. And it is not 'hippie' magic, it is hundreds of years old. However, my sister instincts told me to keep an eye on you. And indeed, you appear troubled by something."

"It's just...you ever get the feeling you're being watched?"

"Certainly. Many have theorized it is a survival instinct-"

"LOOK OUT!" Grabbing the hummingbird in her magic, Lena tossed her away as several large boulders landed where the girl once stood.

"LENA!?" Violet called out from her side. The boulders had corralled Lena between two rock walls, separating the two. "Are you alright!?"

"I'm fine! Let me just-"

"Actually, I would like a moment of privacy if you don't mind."

Lena turned around and saw a raven flapping in the air. Before she could wonder what would create a talking raven of all things, the bird was enveloped in purple light, taking the form that looked way too familiar.

"Y-You're-"

"Poe De Spell." He gave a small bow as Lena gaped at him.

He was like Magica but in a male body, which made sense, considering they were twins, but that just made Lena even more on edge.

"Do not panic." He held his hands up in surrender. "I just wanted to talk to you."

Lena managed to get her mind to work again. "You knocked over the boulders."

"I just needed a little privacy is all."

"Lena!?" Violet's voice called out. "I hear someone else! What's happening!?"

"It's fine Vi!" Lena called out. "I can handle it! Just go!"

"But-"

"GO! I've got it!" There was a moment of silence and then the sound of feet slowly moving away. She sighed, she didn't want her sister anywhere near the De Spells if she could help it.

"Thank you."

Lena clenched her fists. "You could've killed her!"

"I knew she would be fine. She had you after all."

"What do you even want!?"

"Is it so strange that I want a private conversation with my family?" He asked as though he were talking about the weather.

"I'm not your family." She growled. "My name is Lena Sabrewing."

"But you came me and my sister's magic." He pointed out. "You may have changed your name, but that doesn't change who you are or where you came from."

It was all way too familiar, and cut way too deep.

"I understand my sister treated you less than what you deserved-"

"I was her slave!" She screamed. "She used me to get what she wanted! I don't know where you got the idea, but she made it pretty clear she wants nothing to do with me anymore!"

"Alright, I admit, you have some legitimate reasons for distancing yourself from her." Poe conceded. "But let me assure you; if I had been there I wouldn't have let her treat you like that."

"Really?" Lena knew he was trying to get to her. "From what I heard, you were pretty on board with a lot of the stuff she did."

"Yes, we did have some fun in our youth. But decades as a raven makes you think about a few things."

"And yet you're working for Merlock. AKA: 'The most evil wizard in history'." The teen recalled how strangely intimidated and awed her 'aunt' had sounded when she talked about the ancient wizard.

"I'm afraid I don't have much of a choice: he turned me back from my former state, so we're indebted to him. Besides; someone has to keep an eye on Magica. Can't have another 'shadow war' can we? Honestly I don't even know what she was thinking with that."

That struck with her. She remembered when Webby had allowed her to view her memory of Magica's reaction when Scrooge had returned the raven to her. The vulnerability. "...You two actually care about each other, don't you?"

"She's my twin sister." He nodded. "For the longest time, we only had each other. But now we want you to be a part of it."

"'We'?"

"I can handle Magica. I've always made her see reason before. And even if she's still hesitant, I still want to get to know you."

He made it sound so reasonable, so open. As much as she wanted to brush him off right then and there, she couldn't.

"I-I..."

The sound of distant screaming caught their attention.

"I believe you're needed elsewhere." He stepped back. "I'll let you go for now. We can talk again later."

In a flash of purple, he turned into a raven and flew away.

She stood there, a bit dazed about what just happened until the sound of screaming shook her out of it. She magical moved the boulders aside and rushed back to her friends.

Huey walked along with May, both looking through the JWG and searching the area. Without warning, he stopped and stared straight ahead.

"Huey?" May asked, concerned about her cousin.

"'m fine..." He mumbled.

"What are you looking at?"

Huey shook his head. "Nothing. Sorry. Just...felt weird there for a second. So, are you enjoying your first global trip?"

"You mean besides the Library of Alexandria?" She shrugs. "Honestly it's nice not having your possessed sister try to kill you."

"That's...nice...?"

"And I don't really mind the heat much, not a big fan of the dirt though."

He didn't respond.

"Okay, what's going on with you?" She folded her arms.

"It's fine!" He turned away, hoping to calm himself.

"Mr. Ludwig says communication is the key to trust and having healthy connections." She sighed. "Am I boring you?"

"No! Not at all!" He quickly reassured her. "I think it's just the heat getting to me."

May was quiet for a moment. "Y'know I used to think that too."

"Think what?"

"That telling other people my problems meant I was bothering them. But all that did on the trip was make things worse."

"I wish I could tell you, but there really isn't a problem. I've just been feeling weird since we landed."

"Are you sick? You might want to tell Dad or Aunt Della."

"No, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle it." He stood up as straight as he could. "I'm the oldest brother, the responsible one. It's my job to take care of others, not to have them take care of me."

"Dad and Aunt Della take care of you."

"They have enough on their plate right now, the last thing they need to worry about is me feeling weird! Look, the JWG says-" He paused an looked at something.

"You're doing it again!" May stomped her foot. "What-"

"LOOK OUT!" Huey tackled her o the ground...just as a ball of fire flew right past their heads.

The children stared as a moving flames scurried around them, encircling them in a ring of fire.

"...I think we found the fire spirit." May clung to Huey as he blew his standard camping whistle.

Donald and Della both froze when they heard a whistle's echo.

"That's Huey!" Donald gasped. "I know that Woodchuck emergency whistle anywhere!"

"BUSHFIFRE!" Grey shouted, pointing to the quickly spreading flames.

"HUEY!" Dewey and Louie gasped.

"MAY!" June shouted.

The source of the fire was quickly identified...because it was heading straight for them.

"FIRE SPIRIT!" Elvira shouted, clutching her athame.

The duck twins immediately went into action, Della using her own magic to eliminate the flames while got everyone out of the flames reach. Scrooge, Elvira, and Penumbra quickly gathered up the children; holding them as far away from the flames as possible.

However, it was quickly proving to be quite tedious; whenever Della froze one fire, another would appear. The fire spirit was too fast, had too much energy, and had too much room to move around.

Della froze the flames around her and was starting to feel out of breath. "It's too fast! What-"

Another figure landed on the ground, her blue magic putting out the flames around her.

"Lena!" Webby gasped happily as the blue and white sorceress gave them a smile.

"Lena!" Donald shouted. "I need you to put everyone in a shield while we take care of the spirit!"

"On it!" Gathering everyone in her magic, Lena brought them over to her and placed a protective shield around them; preventing the bushfire from reaching them.

"Nice!" Della gave a thumbs up, trying to catch her breath.

"MOM!" Dewey cried from inside the dome. "Huey's still in there!"

"And May!" Elvira exclaimed.

Donald and Della looked back towards where the fire had begun. It was still burning with vigor.

"You take care of the spirit!" Donald commanded, already running. "I've got the kids!"

Huey and May clung to each other, the flames preventing them from running.

"Help!" May coughed. "Dad! DAD!"

Huey knew he should be panicking. That he should be screaming for help and be terrified about burning to death.

The thing was....the fire didn't scare him. 

Being surrounded by it was strangely...soothing.

And that's what scared him.

But he couldn't focus on that right now. May was scared. She could be seriously hurt. He needed to get them out of there.

But he couldn't see anyone else and the fire was starting to close in...

"May." He said in the calmest voice he could manage. He took off his backpack, it would only hinder him. "Grab onto my back."

"Why-"

"Just do it!"

She quickly complied, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. He looked around and saw a spot where the fire didn't reach as high as the rest.

"Now just hold on tight and don't let go!"

Her eyes widened as she realized what he was suggesting. "What!? Are you crazy!?"

"Just trust me!"

JWG Rule 155: If caught in a wildfire, try to stay low to the ground.

JWG Rule 156:...Unless if the ground is also on fire, in which case, try to find a clear spot to flee to.

"One...two..."

May shut her eyes. Huey kept his eyes on the roaring flames.

"THREE!" 

He ran as hard as his feet could carry him and once he got close enough, leaped into the air just an inch or two over the flames. The two kids tumbled onto the non burnt ground, breathing heavily.

"Are you ok!?" Huey quickly began checking May for burns.

"I'm fine."

A noise nearby caught their attention and they saw a singular flame in a nearby tree.

At the center of the flame was a small salamander, looking at them.

Huey felt himself take a step forward-

"HUEY! MAY!"

He quickly felt himself lifted into his Uncle's arms.

"Are you two alright!?" Donald asked, looking between the kids in his arms.

"We're fine dad." May assured him.

"Take that!" Della shouted as she slammed her hand on the ground, putting out the last of the fire. "Stupid fire..." She breathed hard.

Huey turned to the tree and saw that the salamander was gone.

"Good." Donald put them on the ground and put his hands on his hips, looking at them sternly. "What were you doing!? Do you know how dangerous that was!?"

"It was awesome!" Della gasped before Donald gave her a look. "...But also very reckless."

"Huey was just trying to save me!" May protested.

"I'm sorry!" Huey begged. "It was just...the fire...and May was coughing and..."

Donald's face softened and he sighed. "I know you were just keeping her safe, so I can't really be mad at that. Just....try not to give us a heart attack next time, ok kiddo?"

"Yes Uncle Donald." Huey nodded.

Donald looked around and sighed again. "I think we lost the spirit. Let's check on the others and figure out what to do next."

As they walked back, Huey couldn't stop thinking over what just happened. He hadn't been afraid of the fire, the heat and smoke didn't even seem to phase him...

...and then there was the fire spirit.

It had been looking at him.

Huey hadn't felt scared of it either.

In fact he felt...connected to it somehow.

It was strange, straight into the unknown...

And it terrified him.

Chapter Text

They continued the search for a few more hours, this time with the kids (reluctantly) stored in the cars under Lena's protective bubble. Eventually, with no other signs and the sun setting, they decided to call it quits for the day.

"So we nearly got burned alive for nothing?" Louie said as they returned to the hotel.

"Maybe it got tired?" May suggested.

"Perhaps it felt threatened with so many people there." Violet said as Dewey and June put pencils in her (now completely frizzy) hair, smiling as they stuck in place.

Huey looked at the JWG without reading a single word on the page, his mind going back to the encounter.

What is going on with me? Did I catch something? 

"Hubert?" 

Huey turned to see her waving away the blue kids as she cleaned her hair. "Yes?"

"Are you alright? You were unusually quiet on the ride back."

"He's probably just going over how epic he was!" Dewey cheered. "I can't believe you jumped through fire!"

"Technically, it was over the fire." May corrected, trying to stop her twin from taking all the mints from the front desk. 

"It was still amazing!" Webby gasped. "I knew my and Granny's training would pay off!"

"Yeah..." He chuckled nervously. "I'm gonna go check on Fenton and the others. See you in a bit!"

He quickly ran off before anyone could stop him.

"Yeah something is definitely going on with him." Louie concluded.

"Considering he's taking the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator, I'd have to agree." Lena said through narrow eyes.

"What's going on kids?" Della walked over. "We're going over dinner options. Scrooge isn't happy considering how much it costs to feed a family of...how many of us are there now?"

"We think something's wrong with Huey." June said, patting her mint filled overall pocket.

"Why? Did he get hurt!?"

"No." May shook her head. "But he was acting weird during the fire."

"Well I don't know how one would act normal when you're in the middle of a fire-"

"But that's just it!" She exclaimed. "He was calm! He wasn't afraid of the fire! I was right there, I could tell."

Della frowned. "Huey? I-I know he tries to put on a brave face sometimes but-"

"Trust me. We also saw the fire spirit...and it was looking at Huey."

Della felt something cold grip her heart. "W-What?"

"I'm positive! It was looking straight at him!"

The caused the other kids to gasp.

"But...why!?" Webby wondered.

"Do you wish for me to go collect him so he will tell us?" Penumbra asked, causing everyone to jump.

"Seriously!" Louie held a hand over his chest. "How did you do that!?"

"I came over to tell you that we have found a suitable location to dine in, I just happened to hear what you were talking about."

"Sure Penny." Della nodded. "He went to either Gyro's or Fenton's room. They're the floor below us. You should be able to figure it out by the sound of Gyro shouting at someone."

"Excellent."

"And Pen?" Della sighed. "Don't confront him just yet. We need him to be comfortable to tell us himself. If we gang up on him, he'll just retreat more."

"Noted. I will return shortly."

After politely knocking and hearing Gyro shout 'We don't need any towels!', the door was opened by Lil Bulb, who, upon seeing it was Huey, quickly let him in.

""A-And in conclusion." Gandra announces stiffly other small audience. "The Gizmocloud will revolutionize super science while making sure no one gets hurt. Any questions?"

"You...did good for a practice attempt!" Fenton said supportively before turning to their newest guest. "Hey Huey, we're just practicing for the showcase tomorrow. Gandra and I are going to present the Gizmocloud."

"That's great!" He gave a shake thumbs up. "I can't wait to see the full thing tomorrow! I'm sure with a little more practice-"

"This was practice attempt number forty two." Gyro deadpanned. Next to him, Fethry was fast asleep.

"...Oh."

Gandra groaned and threw the note cards on the floor. "I'm never going to get this!"

"You will!" Fenton went over and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're passionate about science, about the Gizmocloud. You just need to channel that passion into your presentation."

"If your nervous about public speaking..." Huey pulled out the JWG. "The JWG has some tips to deal with stage fright. I also got my public speaking badge if you want me to help."

"Thanks Huey." Gandra sighed. "But how about we just admit I'm hopeless and have someone else do the presentation."

"But you've made so much progress since the first attempt!" Fenton argued.

The sound of Huey's stomach rumbling caught their attention. The boy blushed with embarrassment.

"Sorry...we're supposed to head to dinner soon."

"Dinner sounds great! You need a break anyway."

"Finally!" Gyro leaned back in relief, ignoring Gandra's deathstare. Fethry's eyes opened.

"Did I hear dinner? Wonderful! More brain food means more learning for tomorrow!"

"If you're heading out, why'd you stop by here?" Gandra asked, turning to the youngest person in the room. "Just wanted a sneak peak at how I'll crash and burn tomorrow?"

"No!" Huey shook his head. "I-I just wanted to see how you all were doing! Yup! Nothing else!"

"That's nice." Fethry nodded, buying it completely. "How did the search for the fire spirit go?"

Huey gulped. "W-We found it alright. But it got away."

"I'm guessing a creature called the 'fire spirit' isn't easy to catch." Gandra narrowed her eyes, more in tune with lying than her colleagues.

"Yeah, lots of fire for sure!" Huey tried to ignore the sweat dripping down his face.

"And you're here because you want to avoid talking to your family about something, right?"

"That's rig-GAH!"

"Huey?" Fenton cocked an eyebrow. "You know you can talk to us about anything, right?"

"W-Well...."

Another knock on the door made him jump.

"I got it!" Fethry claimed happily as he headed for the door. "Hello large, purple alien woman!"

"Hello small other red hatted duck." Penumbra nodded. "I am here to collect the small Della to dine with the rest of us. I am also instructed to invite the rest of you."

"No thanks!" Gyro got up and adjusted his hat. "I've been around enough idiots for one day."

The others declined as well.

"Very well. Come red Della." Without waiting for Huey's response, she promptly picked him up and carried him out.

"...I really need to study the biology of her species one of these days." Gyro muttered.

In the hall, Penny felt awkward with regards on how to approach the kid and his feelings.

"So...how are you feeling at this moment?"

Huey looked at her oddly. "Uh...pretty good. I can walk, you know."

Penny didn't seem to hear that. "You are free to discuss any distressing topic with us, do you understand?"

"Y-yeah..."

"Good..." Penny sighed.

Maybe she really did need to work on the whole 'emotions' concept.

Dinner was a somewhat awkward affair, as everyone was still reeling over their failure with the fire spirit.

Not to mention it seemed as though Huey wasn't the only one hiding something.

Violet and Webby observed Lena playing with her food, only eating when someone looked her way.

Scrooge (grumbling) payed the bill with the other adults promising to pick up dessert for the kids on the way back.

Huey and Webby looked at each other and nodded, a sneaky idea quickly forming in their minds.

"Hey mom!" Huey said not at all naturally. "It's still pretty early, why don't you take Penny around to see the sights of Melbourne? Maybe stop for something together on the way back?"

"Huh?" Della tried to hide the small blush on her face.

"Yeah! I heard Melbourne is really pretty at night!" Webby said to the stunned Penumbra.

"I-why-"

"Yeah." Louie quickly inserted himself in, figuring out what was going on. "You could walk by the shore, the park...lots of things to see and do."

"Kids..." Donald looked at them suspiciously, able to smell a scheme from a mile away.

Dewey and June were already pushing Della and Penumbra down the street.

"A-are you sure!?" Della asked, struggling against her kid.

"We'll be fine!" May called out sweetly.

"Should we try and stop them?" Scrooge whispered to Elvira.

"Don't. Della and Penumbra will be fine on their own. Besides, it's rather adorable, isn't it?"

"The kids playing matchmaker or the way Della and Penumbra trying not to blush around each other?"

"Yes."

Once the two women were gone, sweets were gotten (with Donald keeping a keen on on Huey and May's sugar intakes) and they returned to the hotel.

After a movie on Scrooge's (reluctant) dime, it was time for the kids to head to sleep.

Huey quickly rearranged his bag for tomorrow before climbing into bed.

He failed to notice something sticking it's head out of one of the smaller flaps and look around before climbing out.

Despite the initial awkwardness at having been forced to spend time together, Della and Penny found themselves having a good time.

"Nice place." Della looked around the ice bar they were seated in. "I feel weirdly at home in here."

"It is a unique spectacle of architecture." 

Della ordered her own alcoholic drink while Penny stuck with water.

"Aw c'mon Penny!" Della nudged her playfully. "We're kind of on vacation. Why not live a little?"

"I am perfectly fine with my own drink." Penumbra said with an edge in her tone Della didn't pick up on.

"Do you guys not have beer or wine on the moon?"

"We have several fermented beverages that work similar your alcoholic drinks." Penumbra explained, taking deep breath. "But as a mighty warrior, I must keep a clear head at all times."

Della sighed. "Yeah. I get ya there. Stupid McDuck blood means me and Don are lightweights. Can't really have more than one drink before I start feeling tipsy. So no drinking games for us in college."

"I do not see the point in it anyhow."

"It's to help take your mind off of day to day worries. Drown your sorrows and whatnot."

Penumbra looked at her own water like it was poison. "That does not mean it can be done all the time."

"Well, no you're right. There are people who rely on this stuff too much. Bad things happen..." She quickly shook her head. "Y'know I don't want to think about that right now while I'm holding a drink."

"Yes. Let us change topics." Penumbra's shoulders relaxed a little. "I tried to talk to red Della earlier."

"You know his name is 'Huey' but how'd it go?"

"I...did not accomplish much. I am not great at talking about emotions."

"Yeah, I get that too. Hey!" She brightened. "How about the Tech Expo tomorrow? You can bond then! Have him show you around, learn about earth technology."

"But I thought you were resuming the search for the spirit tomorrow?"

"We are later on in the day. Scrooge has to stick around until Gyro's showcase then we're heading out and leaving the kids here. We need a little break after, you know, nearly getting burned alive today!"

Penny looked at her friend before nodding. "Yes. I do think I can manage that."

"Great!" Della glanced aside before taking a long sip. "Y'know, I was a little nervous when the kids pushed us out here. Together."

"Is that not normal for them?"

"...Kind of? They only do these kinds of things when they're planning something."

It was then another drink was slipped down Della's way. She looked at the bartender, who pointed down to a man further down the bar who gave a flirty wink.

"What was that?"

"Oh." Della shrugged. "When at a bar and you see someone cute, you buy them a drink to get their attention."

"Oh..." Penny felt her stomach drop. "And...what do you do afterward?"

"Well, if you're interested back, you chat with them and get their number."

"And....do you...?"

Della looked at the guy again before shaking her head. "Nah. He's not my type. I can tell. Plus, I'm pretty sure he's not interested in a single mother who just got back from a decade on the moon."

Why was Penny's heart beating so fast? "And....what is your type? If I might ask?"

"Oh you know...strong, adventurous, good with kids. And since I'm bi, it means more chances to look."

"I-I see..." Why did her face feel so hot?

"What's your type? You into guys?" Della suddenly found the bar table very interesting.

"I am...not interested in men."

"You're a lesbian?" Della suddenly felt herself feeling more...hopeful?

"If that is the earth term for it, then yes. I prefer women. Although...." She looked aside. "I never had much time for that on the moon. Besides...many of the citizens found me a bit...intimidating."

"Their loss." Della tried to take another sip, only to realize she had frozen her drink.

Penumbra returned to her room feeling....swirly? That was the only way she found she could describe what her insides felt like.

"Hey." Penny saw Gandra Dee, her roommate for the trip, sitting on her bed in her pajamas. "How was date night?"

"Date...night?"

"Y'know, a date! Dinner, drinks, romance..."

Penny felt her face that up again. "We did have dinner with her family and got drinks afterward. But romance was not planned for tonight."

"It never is." Gandra shrugged, doing something with her hologram. "At least the kids like you, I hear that's the biggest hurdle with dating single parents. Kids usually don't like to see their parent with anybody else, but Huey's already planning your wedding. Don't tell him I told you though."

"I...won't." She tried to ignore the swirling feelings again as she got ready for bed.

"Uh..." Gandra rubbed her shoulder. "Can I ask you something?"

"You just did."

"Yeah, wait was that a joke or...you know what, never mind. You worked for that Lunaris guy right?"

Penumbra took a deep breath. She didn't like to think about her former General, how he had betrayed his people. "Yes. He was my superior and I was his partner of sorts as Lieutenant and later Captain of the mighty planet Moon. At least...before the invasion."

"Still not a planet but ok. Did....What happened when you realized what he was like? What he was planning?"

Penny turned and looked Gandra over. "...Perhaps this will be easier if I start from the beginning."

"I-If you want."

"I had worked under him for many years. Working through the ranks. He was the General of the moon, something he had inherited from his father, but he was a skilled warrior and leader, and while I didn't agree or understand some of his decisions at times, he...he always made it appear that they were for Tranquility's best interest...for our people's best interest. He was very good at hiding his plans...his madness, and even I never suspected anything.

Then...Della came.

We found her, and she was the most annoying creature I had ever dealt with! Always talking about earth and her family, never taking anything seriously, taming the mites with kindness rather than force. I hated her."

"Wow." Gandra's eyes widened. "You've certainly come a long way."

"It was not easy. Part of that hate was because she was a foreign entity. I thought she had come to invade the moon and hurt my people. I...did not have the best opinion of earth back then.

The other part...was jealously.

I had been a protector to my people, a hero! Then she came along with her stories about earth and everyone loved it! Loved her! I-I kept telling myself it was a ploy, a trap to get us to lower our guard. Even when she tried to befriend me, I kept telling myself it wasn't real. That she was using me.

It got bad enough that I...sent her back early. I started the launch sequence after she had promised to take the others to earth. I couldn't let that happen.

Then, the betrayal came...but not from her.

Lunaris convinced everybody that Della was a spy, a traitor. And that earth really was planning to invade us, and that we had to invade them first. When we were alone later, he told me that the people needed motivation, and that Della had truly liked me. I felt like a fool."

"D-Did you try to stop him?" Gandra asked softly.

"I was one person, and I didn't know anything about the rocket plans Della had left, so I had to play along.

Then Donald came.

I realized I had to stop this. Together, we learned that Lunaris had been planning this invasion for years behind all of our backs, even before Della had arrived. He didn't care about our people getting hurt or killed, he just wanted to show everyone he wasn't afraid. I was captured, but Donald got sent back. Thankfully, I managed to escape later to the original Spear of Selene and sent my own warning signal."

"Looks like turning tail didn't work out for either of us." Gandra mumbled. 

"I do not know what 'turning tail' means."

"It means...it's hard to just leave something you were so into. You try to walk away and they pull you back in."

"Ah. Then yes."

"Did you...regret not going along with his plans? When you were captured, at least."

This made Penumbra think for a minute. "No." She shook her head. "In spite of my former loyalty...I knew that I couldn't let that continue. Lunaris was planning on hurting innocent people. Planning on hurting Della's family.  I could not stand for that."

"At least you didn't know that guy was a jerk." Gandra sighed. "You thought you were doing what was best for your people, and one guy ruined that. I knew the people I was working for wanted to hurt others, that they were evil. But I went along with it anyway because I needed funding for my work. Because I wanted to keep doing my experiments without worrying about the consequences. Because I wanted to be the 'cool, punk science' gal who would 'stick it to the man'." She scoffed. "Reality really gave me a kick there."

"I did not understand half of what you just said, but I think I understand the meaning."

"How...how do you come back from that? How did you show people you weren't evil?"

"After deflecting...all i could think about was Della, Donald...and their family. How I had put them all in danger. How I had put everyone in danger. So I repaired the original Spear and rammed it into Lunaris's ship."

Gandra's mouth dropped. "Holy shit."

"It was not pleasant."

"But...you could've died!"

"I knew that. I was very fortunate that I did not. I was picked up by Della's ship and...I expected her to be mad at me. To blame me for what just happened. I would've deserved it too. But...she and her family welcomed me into their home. Into their family."

Penny took a deep breath. "Look Ms. Dee."

"Call me Gandra."

"Gandra. When you asked how I showed people I wasn't evil...I didn't."

"Huh?"

"I mean...I didn't think about that at all. I was a traitor to my people, so I couldn't afford to care how they saw me anymore. I...wouldn't have even blamed Della if she didn't want to be my friend. All I could focus on were my own mistakes and how I could fix them. I wanted to be able to see myself and...know that I tried at least. That I wasn't a bad person."

"But...what about after you came to earth?"

"Some earthlings were still frightened, yes. But Della and her family embraced me. And...I knew I wasn't the monster Lunaris was. That's all that mattered to me."

Gandra hugged her knees to her chest. "...I wish it were that easy."

"It took a while, but now I am content with where I am."

"Sure." She gave the alien a sly grin. "I'm sure you're with not even getting to first base with Della."

"I do not know what that means."

"...I'll explain it in the morning."

Lena carefully got out of bed, careful not to wake Violet, and made her way to the balcony.

She took in a lungful of night air and tried to sort out the thoughts going on in her head.

Had Poe really been sincere when he had said he wanted to be her family? Was he only working for Merlock because he and Magica owed him?

Lena groaned.

"Lena?" 

The teen turned and saw her sister rubbing her eyes as she joined her on the balcony.

"Sorry Vi, had a little trouble sleeping."

Violet gave her the same look every time Lena tried to lie to her. The 'don't even bother trying to lie to me I am not buying your bull stuff' look.

"Lena, what happened back there?"

"...It was Poe."

"Really?" Violet gasped.

"Yeah, he can turn into a raven and he knocked over the boulder to get me alone."

"I am already disliking where this is heading."

"He didn't hurt me. In fact...he said he just wanted to get to know me."

Lena explained everything Poe had told her.

Violet put a finger to her chin. "What do you think Lena?"

"I don't know!" She leaned against the railing. "I know it should be clear cut; Magica's evil brother trying to manipulate me. But I keep thinking back to what Scrooge said and how Magica reacted when she saw him again. She actually seemed...happy! And no 'blasting my enemies into dust' happy. I think she was about to cry! They actually cared about each other! And he...he seems so different from her. He sounded like he actually wanted to be my family. And..."

"....Part of you wants that too."

"I knew it sounded dumb."

"I do not think it is dumb. It think it is natural." Violet looked over the city. "You are aware I was a surrogate baby, yes?"

"Yeah."

"I often wonder about her. Who she was. Dad and Papi have her number in my files and they say I'm free to try to reach out to her anytime I want but...it feels like a betrayal to them."

"I'm sure they don't see it like that."

"Perhaps, but there is always that looming fear of the unknown that persists in everyone. Hubert especially exemplifies this.

You know enough to be cautious, yes?"

"Yeah."

"And not to reveal too much to him so soon?"

"Duh."

"Then...try to do what you feel is best."

Lena looked at her sister like she had just sprouted two tentacles from her back. "Seriously? No patronizing moral lesson? No written instructions on what to do next?"

"I...am afraid I cannot help you much with this. I only know that you have more experience with that part of your life than I do. And that you're smart enough to make the right decision when it comes down to it."

"So...no pressure then?" Lena gave a nervous smile.

Then she sighed. "Thanks Vi."

"You're very welcome. Now I feel like it is best we head to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow."

"Go ahead. I'll be in in a few."

Now alone again with her thoughts, Lena began to wonder whether Violet's faith in her was well placed.

Chapter Text

The Expo was already full of activity by the time the Duck/McDuck family arrived.

"Woah..." Huey gasped at the sight of advanced robots performing tasks, scientists discussing the latest advancements, and posters announcing lectures being performed by esteemed Doctors.

"Wow..." May awed. "It's definitely a lot cleaner than the underwater lab."

"And shinier too!" June said as she and Dewey watched a floor cleaner shine the floor after them.

They quickly found the booth for McDuck enterprises, where Gyro was already tinkering with the electronics on display.

"Hello everyone!" Fethry greeted them warmly. "And welcome to the Technology of the Future Expo!"

"This place is amazing!" Huey exclaimed, throwing his arms up.

"The showcases don't start for an hour." Gandra smiled. "So while Gyro and Fethry hold down the fort, we get to see what's in store for the future."

"Good. These places are an excellent way to find new talent....and new employees." Scrooge smiled and was quickly joined by Louie, who hoped to scout some for Louie Inc.

"There's some new farming technology I'm curious about." Elvira headed off, followed by Webby, Lena and Violet.

May was already dragging Donald to a section where they were combing fashion and tech, Huey was on their tail, which caused Penumbra to follow after them.

Della watched the others leave in amusement before turning to Fenton and Gandra. "So looks like we're stuck together."

"Oh, um..." Fenton stammered. He had been hoping to use this to spend time with Gandra and prep her further for the showcase. "Y-You don't have to..."

"Yeah, but you do."

"And why's that?" Gandra folded her arms.

The sound of electricity and Gyro's shrieking brought their attention back to the booth, where he was prying Dewey and June off a piece of colorful (and dangerous) lab equipment.

"Because I need at least one actual adult to help me keep an eye on those two in particular, and there's no way Gyro's gonna help with that."

The scientist in question was already dropping the blue children at Fenton and Gandra's feet, smoke coming from his own singed feathers. "You two keep these two away from my space."

"Hey! What about-" Gandra realized Della had already wondered away to a nearby booth.

"Oooh..." She eyed the colorful buttons eagerly, much to the nearby scientists' worry.

"...Just keep them from blowing up the continent." Gyro grumbled as he returned to his work.

At a designated food area, marked off from the rest of the Expo, sat two people keeping an eye on what was going on around them.

One was a woman with dark brown hair and sunglasses, who was pretending to read a book while across from her was a man with dark hair and pale feathers, who was looking more the machinery itself than the people.

"I must say, technology really has come a long way from my time."

"I prefer chemistry over those techno doodads, but focus." The woman snapped. "Remember why we're here."

The man just rolled his eyes. "Yes Hortense. We're here to keep an eye on your progeny while Merlock and Magica track down the fire spirit."

"Nice to know you were payin' attention to that part at least."

"Though i must say, these glamours you've come up with are pretty convincing. Though did you have to make them so dull?"

"We're not here to be seen. We want to blend in with the crowd." She rubbed a finger on her amulet. "I've spent decades learnin' that the best disguises are the simplest ones."

"I suppose I can't argue with that."

They continued people watching for a few more minutes until Poe stiffened.

"Do you see them?" She followed his gaze a found a group from the Duck/McDuck household.

Just not the ones she was looking for.

It was Elvira, Webby, Lena and Violet walking, talking and laughing. She noticed how Poe's gaze focused on Lena in particular.

She sighed. She could keep watch alone for a while. "Ye can follow them if ye want."

"Huh?"

"As much as I want to give my mother-in-law a smack or toss that inheritance stealin' girl in the river...they're not my targets right now. Just kept yer distance and don't make a mess of it."

Poe narrowed his eyes at her. "You're being surprisingly generous for a McDuck."

"I want my own kids back. I don't know where shadow-magic beings fit into things, but she technically came from ya, so I suppose that counts."

He gave a grateful smile. "You are truly an understanding woman."

"If Merlock gets mad, yer takin' the heat."

"Of course." He got up, brushed off his outfit and followed after the group, keeping a safe enough distance to make it look like he was continently going the same way.

Under normal circumstances, keeping an eye on two active children around a bunch of shiny machines would be a challenge.

Add in the fact that they had to watch those two children and one adult who all had ADHD and had a tendency to run headfirst into danger with no regards for self preservation?

Yeah, Gandra and Fenton barely had time to look at the tech themselves. At least Della had a good handle on her children.

...Most of the time.

Because when she wasn't dragging June or Dewey away from high volts of electricity, she was often distracted by the robotics herself and would lose no time in asking the scientists everything about it. Which is where they found her after getting the blue children away from the automatic shears.

"...So what you're saying is that by increasing the wattage you can improve the rotations by seventy percent?"

"Della!" Gandra groaned, trying to get a hold on Dewey.

"Oh! Sorry! We'll talk later! Dewey do not touch that!"

Needless to say, after a few minutes, Gandra was already wondering if it was ethical to put leashes on children this old.

"Okay kids." Della clapped her hands. "If you behave yourselves and don't touch the dangerous machines for at least ten minutes, we'll get ice cream after this."

"What kind of ice cream?" Dewey asked, narrowing his eyes. June, after a moment, mimicked his expression.

"Whatever kind you want."

The kids eyes brightened and prospect of sugary delights won out over pushing the shiny buttons.

"One of the first lessons of parenting Donald taught me." Della said as the kids walked ahead, though still within sight. "Don't be afraid to use bribery to get them to behave."

"I'd imagine raising triplets made him use that lesson a lot." Fenton said.

"Yup. Gotta be extra careful with these two though. Dewey's just like me; he'll run straight for the most dangerous thing he can find." She sighed. "At least Huey and Webby know where to draw the line, but June just seems to follow his lead."

"She's literally just a few months old." Gandra stretched her arms. "At first she would just follow May's or Heron's lead."

"She's still learning about the world." Della nodded. "And there's a lot she doesn't know about it. Huey's been leading her through that, something Don and Daisy are eternally relieved about."

"Huey's one of the most responsible people I know." Fenton smiled. "He'll keep her from getting hurt."

They then came upon a booth where the lead scientist was showing off new prosthetics that could connect to the brain, allowing for easier movement and reducing phantom limb pain.

"It'll feel like they've never lost that limb!"

"Yeah, but does it came with a can opener?" Della said jokingly.

That's when Gandra noticed she was gently taking pressure off one of her legs. The metal one.

Della caught her looking. "Like what you see?" She asked teasingly.

"Oh, sorry! I-"

"Don't worry about it." Della tapped her metal foot. "You know how I was trapped in space for a decade, right?"

"Huey told us." Fenton nodded.

"Believe it or not, the crash wasn't the hardest part. I woke up with a giant hunk of rocket over one of my legs and another about to crush me. I was alone, with only pieces of shrapnel around me."

Fenton and Gandra's eyes widened at the realization.

"Oh mierda..." Fenton gasped.

"Yup. Not fun. Managed to block out most of that particular memory. Took a few weeks to heal, and in the meantime I made this baby out of scraps from the rocket." She patted her leg.

"Wait...you built and maintained a working prosthetic that allows you to walk effectively on the moon and on earth from spare parts!?"

"Spare rocket parts, but yeah." Noticing that the inventor was now free, she walked up and began asking questions, and Fenton and Gandra were surprised by the type of questions she was asking; not just the typical 'how does it work' but questions specific about the parts used, the technicalities regarding movement, and about the use of specific technical components.

Questions that only an inventor would ask.

"Huh." Gandra looked on. "She's a lot smarter than Gyro made her out to be. Of course, given its Gyro..."

"Yeah, mom's wicked smart!" Dewey smiled, eager to let out some that pent up energy. "Did you know she rebuilt a rocket all by herself?"

"WHAT!?" Both McDuck scientists couldn't believe it.

"B-But it's one of the most complicated scientific areas!" Fenton stammered. "It's literally rocket science! It takes years, even decades, to understand it!"

"Really? But Aunt Della said she used the instruction manual." June tilted her head. "Don't they have instruction manuals in college?"

"She also makes all kinds of stuff in her room." Dewey continued. "She doesn't like us going in there, but I looked and saw all these weird beakers and robot parts and stuff. Apparently she also built the cloudslayer!"

"...How?" Gandra wondered.

"The PhD I have in aeronautical science helps." Della shrugged, having finished her conversation with the inventor.

"You have a PhD!?" Fenton gasped again.

"Yup. Gyro was being a big shot about all the hard work he put into his own, so I took a few accelerated courses and double majored in aeronautical science and robotics. Managed to get it just in time for my year in the airforce." She shrugged casually, putting her hands in her pocket. Dewey and June nodded as though all that made sense to them.

"...So let me get this straight." Gandra said slowly. She was speaking because her boyfriend's jaw had practically slammed into the floor. "You're not only a seasoned adventurer, but you're also a pilot, got the quickest doctorate I've ever heard of just to spite Gyro, an astronaut, a veteran, a survivor of the moon, and a mother?"

"And bisexual." Della added. "I know that's not usually an achievement in of itself, but I dated the Goddess of the Moon."

"...You are officially my new hero. I regret ever joking with Fenton about McDuck making you and your brother his secretaries just because of nepotism. You are literally overqualified for any of our jobs."

"Aw thanks! Though to be honest, I think Scrooge only hired us because his other secretaries kept quitting after a few weeks. And because he doesn't want another 'enemy hiding right under my nose' incident."

"Wow." Fenton breathed. "Just...wow. Wait..." He shook his head. "Why not become a scientist yourself!? Work in the lab with us!? Dewey makes it sound like you only do that as a hobby!"

"Well, it kind of is for me. I mean, I love science, don't get me wrong, but when most people hear 'scientist' they think; stuffy old white guy with no social skills who wears too thick glasses and purposely uses words normal people don't understand."

"True that." Gandra nodded.

"Now, when I was younger I thought about it but....things happened."

"Oh...right..."

"Not just the spear, but yeah. Now, Gyro may act like jerk of the year, but he's actually a pretty cool guy. Of course, if you ever tell him I said that, I will deny it and haunt your nightmares till the day you die."

"Got it!" Fenton nodded nervously.

"But most of them....man! You'd think science was their only reason for living! They forget that there's a whole world to enjoy, interesting people to meet. And the snobbery! Some of them are like the rich people at the galas Scrooge makes me and Don go to. They think that unless you have at least one doctorate, you're no better than a caveman, even though there are plenty of smart people who aren't into science. Now look, you're both pretty cool, and I'm thrilled Huey likes hanging around you two. But just...remember that there's a life outside of the lab. And there are plenty of geniuses who choose not go into STEM careers."

The younger couple nodded in sync.

"Nice. So...not the environment for me. I'm an adventurer at heart....even though I ended up with that same mindset I just described and applied it to adventure. But I learned. Right now I just want work on myself and be there for my kids." She looked and saw Dewey talking excitedly bout something, with June nodding along eagerly. "It may seem like a waste to someone looking in from the outside, but it's my life and it makes me happy. Do I have regrets? Plenty. But they're mine and nobody made them for me.

Now, I hope take something from the fountain of wisdom I just poured and apply it to whatever problem you have."

"Me?" Gandra blinked.

"Yup. Huey told me you were nervous about the showcase, and not just because of stage fright. I've noticed people giving you dirty looks."

It was true; while they had been walking; people, particularly the scientists and inventors, had eyed Gandra with suspicion, often hiding some of their inventions when she walked by.

"Now, there are probably plenty of reasons for that regarding your race and gender that I'm not gonna get into today because that's an thirty page essay in of itself and I'm getting tired of talking and wow how does Dewey do this, but the biggest reason if because of F.O.W.L., right?"

Gandra nodded slowly.

"Don't listen to what they say. They can call you a criminal and thief all they want, but at the end of the day only you can decide what you want to be, and the only people's opinions who matter are the ones who know and love you. Had to learn that one the hard way myself."

Before Gandra could come up with a response, Dewey's voice echoed across the hall.

"IT'S BEEN TEN MINUTES! C'MON JUNE!"

"Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta focus on making sure those two keep all of their fingers. You two get back here!"

Fenton and Gandra watched the strange, bizarre woman chase after the two hyperactive children.

"I'm gonna be honest; she's the last person I would've thought I'd get life advice from." Gandra said, still dazed.

"She did make some pretty good points."

"Yeah..." They walked on, Della's words still playing over in their heads.

The group watched as a scientist explained the process she developed could convert certain metals into a type of fabric.

"Did you earthers really have trouble finding uses for your metals?" Penumbra asked Donald. "On the moon, even our pillows were made of gold."

Donald chuckled. "Yeah, but you had tons of the stuff, and more time to experiment with it. Here, it was used more for jewelry and as currency. We didn't have the tech to adapt it for a long time."

Penny turned back to the demonstration...or rather, focused on Huey's reaction to it.

Donald immediately took notice. "If you really want him to open up to ya, try getting him to talk about science, or the Junior Woodchucks, something he's interested in."

"I am not good with most people, especially not children. Even the moonlander children seemed to avoid me."

"Well, our family's not like most people. It takes a lot to scare us."

"Dad!" May grabbed his arm. "There's a display of fabric that acts like a kaleidoscope! Can we see?"

"Sure Maybelle. Huey, why don't you walk around round with Penny in the meantime?" He gave the shocked alien a wink before letting his daughter drag him away.

Warrior and Woodchuck stared at each other for a moment.

"So..." Why was Penny so nervous? "Della says you are a....woodchip?"

"Woodchuck. A Senior Junior Woodchuck to be exact."

"Would you mind explaining that to me?"

Huey's eyes and smile widened to a degree that Penny wondered is she had accidentally broken him.

He then explained the Woodchucks in great detail, starting from the beginning. Apparently was descended from the man who founded the organization. The more he explained the badges and activities, the more Penny liked the sound of it.

"It is good that they are preparing you to survive in any situation. The skills you learn there will come in handy."

Huey agreed with certainty. "Can I ask you about moonlander culture and history? I can write a chapter about it and submit it to the next edition of the  JWG!"

Penny was still a little confused by how such a small book could hold so much information, but she happily obliged, answering Huey's questions about Tranquility customs and history with ease.

"...And that is how we concealed Tranquility's location from outside threats."

"Incredible!" Huey wrote down everything she had said.

Penny couldn't help but feel happy. She had actually formed a bond of trust with one of Della's children. He was not as warrior like as Webby, but she could appreciate his intelligence and passion.

Maybe she was improving at the whole 'communication' thing.

Huey enjoyed explaining to Penny the various machines she pointed out as they walked. He also liked that she listened rather than tune out like Dewey and Louie did. He also enjoyed answering her questions about earth.

He wouldn't mind having her as a second mother.

After all, he knew his mom wouldn't even think about dating someone unless he and his brothers were important to them too, so establishing a bond of trust and open communication was essential to getting them to move forward.

Maybe he could even tell her about yesterday...

The tip of his pencil broke and he opened his backpack to get a sharpener-

-and saw two small eyes looking up at him.

"AH!" He screamed and jumped back.

"Red Della?" Penny asked. "Is something wrong?"

"Fine!" He said a little too loudly. 

"Just...uh...gotta use the bathroom! Yes! That! I'll be right back!"

He quickly rushed off, leaving her standing there, confused.

He rounded a corner and, after making sure the coast was clear, opened his backpack and saw a small red salamander climbing on his books.

It was the fire spirit from yesterday. Only not spouting flames from his body this time.

"This isn't happening...this can't be happening!" Huey shook his head and he began to feel his heart race. "What are you doing here!?" He hissed. "What do you want!?"

The salamander only tilted his head and, before Huey could close the bag again, scurried out and raced across the floor.

"WAIT!" Huey cried out, trying to keep track of the red lizard. "Come back!" He begged.

The spirit didn't listen, quickly disappearing into a forest of legs and feet.

Trying to keep his anxiety in check, Huey grabbed his back and chased after the fiery spirit.

He needed to find it before it burned down the whole building.

Chapter Text

Huey quickly moved around the wandering people, giving hurried apologies whenever he ran into them.

The fire spirit was hard to keep track of, one moment he would lose sight, only to see it again further away.

He spotted it again, running under the tablecloth of a booth-

"Hi Huey!" Fethry greeted him. "Enjoying the Expo? Lot's of neat innovations going on!"

Huey screamed and jumped before realizing he had returned to the McDuck booth without realizing.

Which meant-

"Red Nephew." Gyro greeted bluntly.

"Uh, hey!" Huey greeted with a nervous smile. "H-How's everything?"

"It's been great!" Fethry enthused. "Lot's of people coming over to look at our stuff, and Gyro only yelled at two of them!"

"I told them not to touch the machines!"

"Great!" Huey scotched over to the table. "Now if you'll excuse me I...dropped my pencil! Yes! That's it! Under the table...where I will now look for it. Excuse me." He quickly got on all fours and dove under the table cloth. He looked around, but the lizard was nowhere to be seen.

"How can something move that fast!?" He whispered.

"Something's going on with him." He heard Gyro say.

"Really?" Fethry's voice replied. A moment later, the cloth lifted and his head poked through. "Hey Huey, is something going on with you?"

"What!?" NO!" He quickly shook his head. "Everything is under control! Just uh...needed time to myself?"

Fethry nodded with empathy. "I know. I sometimes get overwhelmed in crowded spaces like this. You can stay there as long as you need."

"Who are you talking to?"

Huey almost felt his heart stop at Penny's voice. In all the commotion, he had completely forgotten about her.

"Hello, giant alien woman." Fethry greeted as he lowered the cloth again. "Are you enjoying the Expo?"

"I was..." He heard her sigh. "But I am afraid I did something to offend red Della."

"What happened?"

"We were just talking when he said he needed to use the restroom. I waited for him but he never returned. Also to note: you earthers are very confusing when it comes to who can go in which restroom."

Huey felt terrible. He had made Penny think he had ditched her because he brought the fire spirit into the building! And now that fire spirit was lost in a huge building with thousands of people roaming around!

What had he done?

"Aw, I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it!" Fethry reassured her. "I'm sure he just got lost!"

"In the meantime, did you notice him acting...odd?" Gyro asked.

"Actually...yes. He seemed nervous just before he left."

"Maybe he just really needed to go?" Fethry offered.

Huey sighed. He needed to make things right. He crawled out from under the table.

"Red Della!" Penny gasped. "What were you doing under there?"

"I'm sorry Penny, I didn't mean to leave you. I was having a great time talking with you."

"I appreciate the concern, and I was enjoying myself as well, but are you alright?"

"The truth is-"

There was a screeching noise as the speakers came to life.

"Attention everyone!  It is now time for presentations! Everyone please proceed to the stage area, groups presenting will be shown to the backstage area! The Expo will continue right after! Enjoy your day!"

"And that's our cue." Gyro said as he put away the inventions for now. "We can meet the others there."

Everyone began rushing to get to the theatre area, making it impossible to talk or look for the fire spirit.

"Come Red Della!" Penny picked Huey up and put him on her shoulder. 

He sighed. He just hoped the fire spirit didn't mind crowds...

They quickly found Fenton and Gandra behind the stage, waiting for their turn. Gandra was pacing back and forth nervously while Fenton tried to calm her down.

"Just try to remember those breathing exercises we practiced-"

"Do you need any tips for eye contact and volume control?" Huey offered.

Gandra shook her head. "No...I'm good. I think?"

"Oh! Backstage snacks!" Fethry quickly went over to the snack table.

"Try not to screw up too badly out there." Gyro nodded before following Fethry.

"Ignore him." Fenton rubbed Gandra's shoulders. "You're gonna be great!"

"Hey...can I ask you something?" Huey asked.

"Go ahead. I need to take my mind off this for a second." Gandra nodded.

"Have...you ever accidentally messed up and tried to fix it by yourself only to mess that part up too?"

"Who do you think you're talking to?" Gandra smirked while Fenton nodded. She kneeled down to his level. "I tried to fix my mistakes by myself and got nowhere. It wasn't until I met Fenton and you that I could actually make progress. If you think you messed up badly, you need to tell someone who can help you."

"But...what if this mistake has a mysterious connection to you that you don't know what to do about?"

"...Ok, now I'm lost."

"Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll sort it out." Fenton assured him.

"And now, next to the stage; the representatives of McDuck enterprises."

"Right after our presentation!" He took the cart with their stuff and wheeled it onto the stage. "I promise we'll help you as soon as we're finished!"

"Good luck!" Huey called out. He found spot behind the curtain so he could see the stage without being a distraction. He quickly found the rest of his family in their seats and was about to wave to them when he spotted something small scattering unseen on the theatre floor.

"Oh no..." He felt his stomach drop. "Please be a rat...please be a rat..."

Gandra tried not to focus on the suspicious glares as she went to the center of the stage as Fenton set up the equipment.

"Greetings everyone!" She announced into the microphone. "I'm Dr. Gandra Dee. Me and my colleague, Dr. Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera, are here to present our latest innovation to the scientific community; the Gizmocloud!"

Fenton started up the screen, where 'Gizmocloud' showed in bright colorful font.

A raised hand.

"Yes?"

The inventor stood up. "Is the 'Gizmocloud' any way related to Gizmoduck?"

She smiled. "Excellent question! The name is in fact to honor the hero of Duckburg!" Thankfully they had prepared for questions like that. Fenton gave a thumbs up, then played the video of the Gizmocloud. "The Gizmocloud is a VR world where you can perform any experiment that would be considered too dangerous in real life with no consequences. Imagine: being able to advance super science without fear of anyone being hurt!"

There was a murmuring in the crowd.

"Has this world been tested?" Another scientist asked.

"Extensively. We've just cleared out the last of the bugs and are now opening this world to the general public!"

A louder murmur.

"And is it true that you developed this while working for a criminal organization?" A skeptical voice asked.

Gandra took a deep breath. "The network has no affiliation with any criminal organization. It has been tested and approved by McDuck enterprises."

"And Mr. McDuck trusts you and your work?"

"Well-"

"How do we know this isn't some kind of scheme?"

"Are you trying to steal ur ideas?!"

"No! I-"

"Is there a chance of it becoming sentient and trying to take over the world!?"

"I heard that happened even before she came along!"

Quickly, people were shouting over each other, making their questions and comments non understandable and overwhelming.

Wiping the sweat off her forehead, she looked back at Fenton, who looked just as panicked as she did.

"Quiet please!" She begged. "I can't hear-"

Quietly, she was praying for a distraction.

Unfortunately, that's just what she got.

Huey quickly switched between watching the presentation, and watching the fire spirit scurry around the floor unnoticed.

Please don't burn the place down...just go away...please...

Then it reached the stage. Thankfully, it still went unnoticed as it crawled near the back curtain. Strangely, it also seemed to be watching Gandra's presentation.

That's right...come to me...

Then the crowd started getting rowdy. People started shouting, Gandra was getting nervous...

...and the Fire spirit started looking agitated.

"No!" He whispered. "Ignore them! Come over here! It's ok!"

The fire spirit looked at him before turning back to the crowd, small flames forming over his body.

He looked back at Gandra, who was trying desperately to get the crowd to quiet, and anger began to flare up inside him.

"STOP IT!" Huey shouted as he ran onto the stage.

"Huey!?" Gandra and Fenton gasped.

"Everyone stop shouting!" He yelled. "Gandra is a good person! If you don't calm down then-"

"Why should we listen to you!?" A random voice called out. "You're just a dumb kid!"

There was a hissing and Huey turned around just in time to see the back curtain catch on fire.

"Aw phooey..."

The fire spirit ran along the curtain, spreading the flames further and faster.

The screen wobbled before falling off towards a panicked Huey.

Gandra quickly grabbed him and rushed away just as the screen shattered to the floor.

The audience's angry suspicions were now screams of panic and fear, the addition of the fire alarm made it almost deafening.

However, both Gandra and Huey could faintly hear someone shout 'Blathering Blatherskite'!

A new figure flew above the crowd.

"Everyone please head towards the exits!" Gizmoduck commanded as he began putting the fire as fast as he could with his built in fire extinguisher.

"Huey!" The boy in question looked and saw his family rushing towards the stage.

"Over there!" Donald pointed to the fire spirit sprinting across the walls. "It's heading back into the main hall!"

"I'll make sure the building is evacuated!" Gizmoduck said as he flew to help security clear the building.

"Curse me kilts!" Scrooge rubbed his head. "What in the world is it doing here of all places!?"

"It must've followed us." Della said as she froze the stage. "But why?"

"I-I found it in my backpack!" Huey shouted.

"WHAT!?" Everyone exclaimed.

"I found it in my backpack earlier! It must've crawled in yesterday! I tried find it but it ran off so fast and-"

"Huey." Gandra rubbed his back soothingly. "Slow down. We're not blaming you for this, but why didn't you tell us?"

"B-Because I brought it in! I needed to fix it and-"

The sound of people screaming brought them back to reality.

"We can talk about this later!" Scrooge declared. "Lena, get the kids out of here! Everyone else try to round up the spirit into a more contained area. If you see someone who needs help, help them!"

Poe cursed under his breath as he managed to sneak away from the crowds. He had been so focused on Lena that he had completely missed the fire spirit crawling around.

"Poe!" He saw Hortense approaching him. "What's goin' on!?"

"It appears the fire spirit hitched a ride with them yesterday. He's now inside the building!"

It was Hortense's turn to curse. "Feck. I'll let Merlock know. You try to keep your eyes on it."

He nodded before turning into a raven and flew away.

"Well Gandra, you'd said you'd give anything to get out of that presentation." She muttered to herself as she grabbed a fire extinguisher from the wall and put it to use.

More screaming. She turned and saw a small group of people trapped by fire. She quickly put it go. "Go!" She waved her arm as they rushed past her to the exits. Thankfully most of the people attending the Expo were in the theatre which meant they got out quickly. However, there were still Expo employees and scientists who didn't attend the showcases to think about.

"Help!" She found another group being attacked by a malfunctioning barber-bot who was cutting a little to close too their heads for comfort. Leaping onto the back of it, she removed her glove and zapped it using her nanites until the barber-bot finally shut down.

"There's an exit over there!" The group quickly thanked her and fled.

"Nice job!" Gizmoduck shouted from over head. "According to the Expo's attendance records and employment sheet, that should be nearly everyone!"

Then the table next to he burst into flames as the little flaming salamander crawled on by.

"How exactly are we supposed to contain something that's literally on fire!" She shouted as she grabbed the extinguisher.

"By putting it in something it can't burn through!" Gizmoduck shouted with realization.

The same 'eureka' moment hit Gandra. "There's gotta be some fire proof metal or something around here!"

"Come on!" He scooped her up. "Let's get looking!"

Della froze the the flames surrounding the volunteers.

"All right everyone!" Fethry called as he helped them out. "Follow me in a nice, orderly fashion. Fire safety!"

"Why aren't the sprinklers going off?!" Gyro shouted, looking up at the ceiling.

"Maybe there's a malfunction or something!?" Della suggested as she used her leg to beat away a small flying teapot. "The fire's messing with the robots! That must have something to do with it!"

"Alright. New Intern!" Gyro shouted. "Follow me! We're going to get the sprinkler system up and running again!"

"Sir yes sir!" Fethry saluted as she followed the scientist to the control room.

"Let them go!" She yelled when she saw her brother run to stop them. "If they get the sprinklers running, then our jobs get way easier!"

Meanwhile Elvira was holding her athame out in front of her.

"Oh great fire spirit, please hear me..."

"You got anything!?" Scrooge shouted, trying to track where the spirit went.

"It won't listen to me! It's too agitated!"

"What the blazes does it want!?"

"I...I don't know!"

"Hey!" Both of them looked up to see Gizmoduck and Gandra handing out large, flat pieces of metal.

"This is a special kind of fireproof metal designed to allow people to get closer to volcanoes and forest fires." Gizmoduck explained, handing it to Scrooge.

"Perfect! Now we just have to corner it."

"Tell Donald and Della to drive the spirit towards the end of section C!" Gandra shouted as Gizmoduck flew them away.

"You heard em'! Let's stop that slippery salamander!"

Gyro and Fenton quickly found the control room. Finding the door unlocked, they ran inside and found a mess.

"One of the robots must have made it's way in here." Fethry whispered as he and Gyro made their way around the room. Soon they found the robot in question...banging away at a panel.

"That's the sprinkler system!" Gyro hissed. "I can fix it, but we have to get it away from there."

"Allow me!" Fethry walked up to the hulking bot. "Hello there my good sir! I hear you were created to help bring down old buildings in a safer way?"

The robot, sparks shooting out of him, turned to the hatted duck.

"Unfortunately, it seems you've brought down the sprinkler system and there's currently a rather large fire that needs to be taken care of. So if you wouldn't mind..."

The robot lifted it's large hammer hand...and brought right above Fethry.

"...Well that is what I asked...."

He jumped away just as the hammer came crashing on the spot where he had been standing.

"Perhaps we can discuss this elsewhere?" Fethry smiled, dodging the blows easily.

"...Huh. Maybe he has his uses after all." Gyro went up to the panel. "Alright Lil Bulb, let's put out a fire."

Huey pulled Dewey away from a burning banner as they followed Lena to find a safe exit.

"Stay low to the ground everyone!" He said. "The floor is likely to be cooler and we decrease the risk of smoke inhalation."

That's when he saw it. In the center of a hallway.

The fire spirit, looking directly at him.

Without thinking he rushed forward and tried to catch it in his hands.

"HUEY!" The other kids screamed at him as he followed it down the hall and into another section of the building.

Suddenly a blue aura surrounded him, preventing him from moving.

"WHAT WAS THAT!?" Lena demanded.  "Aren't you the one who's all about safety!?"

"I...I..." He struggled to find a good explanation, but there was none.

None that didn't sound crazy anyway.

"...I don't know."

"What are you talking about!?" Louie demanded.

There was a noise coming from he ceiling, and then a few drops of water which quickly turned into a shower.

"The sprinklers are on!" Dewey cheered as the nearby flames were quickly extinguished.

"Obviously." Violet nodded.

"Look!" May pointed to a dome structure made out of medal. Moving into a different spot, they could see Gandra, Penumbra, and Gizmoduck working on it, Scrooge and Elvira hiding near it...and Donald and Della leading the fire spirit right towards it.

'Wait..." May frowned. "Wasn't the fire spirit near us about a minute ago?"

The fire spirit tried go left, only to be blocked by a wall of ice. It tried to go right, only to be blasted by a bolt of electricity.

"Ha!" Della laughed. "That's right, just keep on heading forward! Got ya now little guy!"

The fire spirit hissed.

Then his eyes met Huey's.

"GET DOWN!" Huey pushed Lena and May to the ground as the fire spirit shot a ball of fire over their heads, causing the others to scramble.

"KIDS!?" Scrooge gasped.

"Get out of here!" Gizmoduck commanded, trying to repair a wall of the dome that he had dropped.

Donald leaped for the spirit, only for it to shoot right out of his reach.

"Don't hurt him!" Huey shouted. "He's just scared!"

"Of what!?" Louie shouted. "It's a living ball of fire! What could it possibly be scared of!?"

"It's in an unfamiliar place surrounded by strangers! Wouldn't you be freaking out too!?"

"How do you know that!?" Violet asked.

But he never got the chance to answer.

Ignoring the dome completely, the fire spirit encircled Huey in a ring of fire as it hissed.

The flames rose.

Huey screamed.

The flames consumed him before exploding and dying down.

"HUEY!" They screamed, as they stared at the charred circle where the boy had stood only a moment before.

Chapter Text

Della collapsed at the circle of ash.

"No no no no no!" She shook her head, hands combing through the ashes.

"NOOOOOOO!" Dewey cried out.

"Help!" Huey's voice echoed in the hall.

"It's Huey!" Elvira exclaimed with relief.

"I know...I think I can still hear his voice...." Dewey sniffed.

"Someone!" Huey's voice rang out again.

"His whiney, nerd voice..."

"Anybody!"

"We will mourn his passing..."

Louie whacked his arm. "Dude. He's clearly still alive....or at the very least haunting us from beyond the grave."

"What the heck!?" Lena gasped.

Aaaaahhhhhhaaaaa

"There it is!" Della gasped.

"HANG ON LAD! WE"RE COMING!" Scrooge shouted as he and everyone ran towards the sound of Huey's voice.

They ran into Gyro and Fethry just as they caught sight of Huey.

"Hello everyone! We got the sprinklers working!" Fethry said, carrying a severed robotic arm.

"That's great!" Donald said, brushing him aside and rushing towards his panicking nephew-

-only for him to disappear in a burst of fire again.

"Oh come on!" Donald groaned.

Gyro looked over him. "...I'm assuming we missed something here or...?"

That's when Donald noticed something in the center of the circle. "What's this?" He picked up a small twig with thin leaves on it.

Violet quickly took it. "It appears to be a specimen of Acacia, commonly known as mimosa or wattle, belonging to the subfamily of-"

"Uh, no offense, but we're kind of in a rush here." Gandra pointed out.

"Basically, it's a tree in the outback. I noticed some when we were exploring yesterday." Violet deadpanned. "Satisfied?"

"I...I think the fire spirit is telling us where he took Huey." Elvira said, taking the plant.

"That tiny lizard planted that to send us a message?" Lena asked skeptically.

"Spirits are different than normal animals. They're a lot more intelligent than we assume."

"But why Huey?" Donald asked, exasperated. "First it hides in his bag, then it kidnapped him and takes him back to the place we were searching for it! WHY!?"

"I think he's testing you two." Elvira gripped Donald's shoulders. "Too see if you have the drive to continue forward on your quest. As for Huey...I wish I knew."

Aaaaahhhhaaaaa

"Well, only one way to find out!" Della marched to the parking lot. "We're getting my son back and taking down a spirit!"

Hortense snuck out of the building, trying to process what she just heard.

The fire spirit had apparently been attached to her eldest grandson. But why? Was it really part of a test as Elvira claimed?

She almost didn't hear the sound of Poe landing next to her.

"Well that couldn't have gone worse." He folded his arms. "Now what?"

"Now...we call Merlock. We're heading to the Outback to see what is going to happen."

He sighed. "And If just got all the dust out of my feathers too...very well. Let's see where this leads."

He gripped his shoulder. His amulet glowed, and in a flash of purple, they both vanished.

Huey hugged his knees to his chest, trying to keep his breathing calm. The moon and stars now shone overhead, but the real source of light was the fire surrounding him.

The fire spirit had brought him back to the outback. He currently sat against a rock wall with a half ring of fire surrounding him. The fire spirit situated himself just outside the circle, as though guarding Huey from whatever was out there, and occasionally looking back at the frightened young boy.

Why was this happening?! What had he done to deserve this!? And why....did he feel like the fire spirit wasn't going to hurt him?

"Please." He pleaded softly. "I need to know what's going on! Why me!? What's going on with mom and Uncle Donald!? WHY IS THIS HAPPENING!? I JUST TO UNDERSTAND!"

"You will soon."

Huey leaped when he realized he wasn't alone. Sitting next to him when there hadn't been anybody a minute ago, was a male hawk wearing long trousers, a jacket, leather boots and a hat.

What really drew his attention were the wooden horns growing from his head.

"Wha-how-"

"Easy. Take a deep breath. Don't worry the smoke won't hurt you."

Huey did as the man said. "Who are you? How did you get here!? Why are you dressed like a cowboy!? How did you get past the fire!?"

"Hey! You never heard of a bushranger?" The man asked with a smile. "As for the rest...let's just say I have a few tricks of my own. Now let's talk about you kid."

"Me?"

"Yeah. What are you so scared of?"

"You mean BESIDES THE FIRE!?" Huey shouted, gesturing to the blaze surrounding them.

"You know the fire spirit won't hurt you. But you won't reach out to it either. Why?"

"I...I don't know! I don't understand anything that's going on!"

"Don't worry. That happens to a lot of people. Me too. There's a reason my wife's the brains between us."

He laughed and Huey, despite everything, felt himself relaxing.

"I...Why me? I feel...connected to him. But why?"

"Won't know till you step forward."

"But this is unknown territory!"

"Most of life's unknown territory."

"But what if I get hurt?"

"Playing with fire is dangerous. That's why you gotta be careful. But I get the feeling you're a pretty careful guy already." He put a hand on Huey's shoulder. "Take care, but remember to never let it put out your inner drive and curiosity. You'll be fine, especially when you have your family exploring the unknown with you."

Huey nodded, but his eyes remain downcast. "...What if it means something is wrong with me?"

"Huey." The man's voice took on a more authoritative tone that reminded him of Uncle Donald. "There is nothing wrong with you. Things that can be improved? Always, but nothing that needs to be removed or feared. Look at this fire." He gestured out. "When it's out of control, it can destroy ecosystems, harvests, and even people's lives. Yet it's also one of the biggest sources of life. You remember what Grey said about controlled fires?"

"That they were needed to prevent bigger wildfires."

"Exactly. And after the burning, the soil becomes richer, allowing life to grow, bigger and better. And if you get a little burned, take the time to heal and try again later."

Huey smiled and met the man's eyes. "Thank you. I'm ready to take that step forward now."

"Good. But he's still gotta test them first. They've gotta learn to respect the fire too."

"I guess...what, what do you-" Huey looked back, but the man had vanished.

"How did-" He shook it off. "No time for that. Step forward Huey. You can do it." He took a step forward. "Hey little guy."

The fire spirit looked at at him curiously.

"I'm Huey Duck." He kneeled down and held out his hand. "C'mon, I'm not gonna hurt you."

The fire spirit skittered in front of him, looking him up and down.

"Why did you take me? What do you want from me?" He put his hand on the ground. The fire spirit sniffed it before smiling and climbing on it.

"Ouch! Hot! Oh!" Huey quickly shifted the hot spirit back and forth until the heat died down a little. The salamander smile dup at him and nuzzled his chin.

"That's nice, but should I understand what you're trying to say?"

The spirit tilted his head and stuck out his tongue.

Huey sighed. "Well, nobody said this was going to be easy."

That's when he noticed figures approaching the fire.

Figures that he recognized, and made him shrink back.

"Well now." Merlock clicked his tongue. "Isn't this a surprise?"

They arrived to the smell of smoke.

"Over there!" June shouted and pointed to a large plume of smoke rising in the air.

AAaaaahhhhaaaaa

Della parked her jeep. "C'mon! Kids stay in the car!"

"Aww..." Dewey, June and Webby groaned as the adults jumped out and raced onwards.

"Under normal circumstances, I would be encouraging everyone to run away from the fire!" Gizmoduck shouted.

"Our life doesn't have any normal circumstances!" Donald retorted.

"I see him!" Della shouted. "Wait, who's..." Her eyes widened. "Oh no...."

Huey backed up against the rock wall when he spotted Merlock and Hortense.

"You're Huey, aren't you?" Merlock asked with a smile.

Huey could only nod while the fire spirit hissed at the villains.

"It looks like the spirit's taken' a liking' to ya laddie." Hortense said gently. "Now why don't ya come and give it to us so we can make all this fire go away?"

The red boy shook his head. Part of him was glad for the fire keeping them away.

On the other hand, it meant he couldn't get away.

"Now now..." Hortense cooed. "We aren't goin' to hurt ya. We just want you and the spirit to come with us."

"I-I'm fine here..."

The fire spit jumped to the ground, flames burning on his back.

"I'm your grandmother sweetie. I know this sounds hard to believe, but I'm trying to help yer mother and uncle."

"I seriously doubt that."

Without warning, the spirit hissed and ran out of the fire...and right past Merlock and Hortense.

"It looks like our honored guests have arrived at last." Merlock looked back at the approaching shadows.

"MOM! UNCLE DONALD! UNCLE SCROOGE!" Huey shouted.

Donald frowned at the scene in front of him. He could see the fire spirit hissing at the two wizards while Huey sat in the ring of fire, scared but not noticeably hurt.

Something wasn't adding up...

"GET AWAY FROM MY SON!" Della screamed as she ran towards the two villains, only to jump back as the ground in front of her burst into flames.

"FIRE SPIRIT!" Scrooge shouted as the salamander scattered around, separating them in the flames,

Della coughed into her elbow and upon looking up, realized that Merlock and Hortense had vanished.

"Over there!" Donald shouted as the salamander practically flew by him.

"But Huey-"

"We've got him!" Ganda shouted as she, Penumbra and Gizmoduck headed towards the trapped boy. "Take care of the spirit!"

Della smiled as her hands glowed.

She had a fire to put out.

Huey coughed as smoke filled the air.

"Red Della!"

He looked up to see Penny jump over the flames and land in front of him. Without hesitating, she picked him up and leaped over the flames a second time.

"Uh..." Gizmoduck activated his fireexitiguishers and put out the flames. "You know I could've done that first right?"

"But it wouldn't nearly have looked as epic." Gandra nodded as she used her eye buds to scan Huey over. "No sign of smoke inhalation. No burn marks either...weird."

"Are you alright small Della?" Penny asked, still holding him.

"I'm fine! The spirit didn't hurt me. Actually-"

"Put my grandson down, you alien abomination."

They all turned as saw Hortense standing there, pointing her amulet at them.

Penny's arms tightened around Huey as she glared at the old woman.

"I'm guessing this is McDuck's evil sister?" Gandra asked as she took off her gloves and activated her nanites. 

"Yes." Penny nodded, never taking her eyes off of the woman. 

"Alright," Gizmoduck rolled in front of them. "We're not here to pick a fight-"

He then screamed in agony as he became surrounded by a green glow before collapsing on the ground.

"Suit!" Gandra looked him over. Unconscious, but alive.

"Anyone else?" Hortense asked, amulet glowing.

Gandra rolled out of the way and then leaped at her, hands sparking. Hortense managed to only get electrocuted once before grabbing Gandra by the arm and tossing her into a nearby tree, knocking the wind out of her.

"I've got other skills besides magic you know. And weren't you working for that silly organization? Now I suppose yer trying to prove you've changed. Well, I've got some news for ya sweetie." She grabbed Gandra by the color and looked her in the eyes. "People. Don't. Change. Scrooge is just as selfish and arrogant as he was when I travelled with him, Donald has the same temper from when he was young, and you..." She smirked. "No matter how much you deny it; once a villain, always a villain."

"Not...true..."

Hortense rolled her eyes. "Please. Trust me, once yer tired of playin' by my brother's rules and that boy's fawning all over you, you'll happily go back to doing science by yer own rules. No limits, no consequences." She sent a small shock of magic through the woman before tossing her hard on the ground. "I can admire that, actually. Took a similar path myself."

Gandra writhed on the ground, too out of breath to try to fight just yet.

That's when Hortense noticed Penny trying to make a break for it with Huey. She responded by grabbing her amulet and summoning a glowing spider that immediately chased after the alien.

Penny looked back just in time to see the creature leap towards her-

There was a sickly green glow...

....and Penny lay on the ground, bruised and beaten, but still holding onto Huey, having shielded him from the blast.

Hortense walked over and gently took her son from the weakened warrior. 

"Now Huey..." She said as he tried to squirm away. "You don't want me to blast her again, do ya?"

His eyes widened and he shook his head, not saying a word.

"Good. Now come along. Let's go fetch yer brothers."

With a firm grip on his arm, she began leading him towards the cars.

Gandra could only suck in lungfuls of hair as she watched Hortense start to walk off with Huey.

"So much...for being a good guy..."

"I say you're doing a pretty good job."

She looked up and saw a blue duck woman wearing a dark blue cloak with the strangest hair Gandra had ever seen. Her face and arms were painted with white lines and dots.

"Uh...thanks. Who are you?"

The woman shrugged. "I'm a friend of the family. But we're here to talk about you."

"About how much I suck at being good?" She groaned as she tried to lift herself off the ground before noticing the woman offering a hand to help her.

"I highly recommend talking to Lena about that, she knows a lot about it." The woman pulled Gandra to her feet and leaned her against the tree. "But even so-"

"I let that witch get away with Huey!"

"You put a pretty good fight and took a good beating. But she's not the main issue here." The woman gave her a knowing look, and Gandra...strangely felt comfortable confiding in her.

"You should have seen all this people at the Expo! They were practically accusing me of trying to take over the world!"

"Who cares what they think?"

"I do!"

"Since when? You didn't before."

"And look where that got me!" She shouted. "It made me a prime target for F.O.W.L.! It made me accept the first offer of funding without thinking about the strings attached to it! It made me make things that were used to hurt people! When you don't care about what other people think, you don't think about how they'll feel either, or what the impact of your actions will have on them! What if people start think Fenton is a bad guy too? Or Huey? I....I can't do that to them."

"Gandra Dee, I want you to remember what Della told you earlier. I also want you to remember about the people at the Expo you saved, how much good the Gizmocloud can do, and how hard you fought to keep Huey safe. You aren't a good person because people tell you you are. Being a good person, being a hero, means acting like one. People can make assumptions about you all they want, but what matters is if you choose to act like those assumptions or not.

And yes, you do have to care about what some people think....but those people should be the ones who know and love you and want you to be better. Like him." She pointed to Gizmoduck. "He knows you and loves you enough to know the assumptions people make about you are wrong. He knows who he is enough to stand by your side and not care what people call him. He still chooses to be a hero and encourages you to be one because he knows you can be a great one.

And sometimes...being a good person means making the right choice, even if they may seem boring."

The woman placed a hand on Gandra's shoulder, and she felt a wave of coolness flow through her body, giving her enough strength to move around.

"Huh." She looked down at herself. "Thanks....Wait...How did you know-"

She lifted her head, and the woman had vanished.

"Well that's spooky." She looked off in the direction Hortense went, then in the direction Donald and Della went, and she began to run.

Donald and Della worked together to herd the spirit towards the rock wall.

Della froze the the flames and created ice walls to prevent it from running off in another direction while Donald gave her directions where to aim and where to herd the spirit until, finally, they cornered it in a small rock alcove.

With nowhere left to run, the spirit fired a ball of fire at them. They ducked, causing it to hit a nearby try, setting it alight.

Without looking, Della froze the flames and prepared to strike-

"Wait." Donald whispered. "Close your hands."

"Why? So we can let it fry us in peace?"

"It's not evil. Like Grandma and Huey said; it's scared. We're here to tame it; not battle it. We have to show we're not a threat."

"It took Huey!"

"But it didn't hurt him! It didn't let Merlock or Hortense anywhere near him. In fact, I think it was..."

"...trying to protect him." Della's eyes widened at the realization. She looked down at the tiny lizard, running around and looking every which way, eyes wide, flames running down its body.

In a strange and bizarre way...it reminded her of Huey whenever he got scared or anxious, unintentionally lashing out until they could calm him down. Or when he lost his temper and the 'Duke' came out and he unleashed his anger in a way that fondly reminded her of Donald.

Following her brother's lead, she closed her hands and kneeled down.

The spirit paused and looked them over. Realizing they weren't going to attack, the flames died down as it approached them, sniffing at them.

Slowly, Donald unfolded his hand, laying it flat on the ground. After a moment, the spirit accepted the invitation and climbed on.

Donald immediately hissed. "Ow! Hot! Ow!" Gently tossing the spirit between both hands until the heat died down completely. Smiling, Della gently sprinkled some snowflakes over the little creature, who immediately stuck out it's tongue and began eating as many as it could catch before happily laying flat on Donald's hands.

"Aww...." Donald cooed.

"It's actually kind of cute when it's not trying to burn us to death." Della let the spirit crawl onto her hands next. "Hey there little guy. You certainly caused quite the mess today."

Aaaaaaahhhhhaaaaaa

The twins, including the spirit, froze and looked at the direction of the voice.

"You can hear it too?" Della gasped. "Do you know who it is?"

The spirit smiled at her, but made no noise, only sticking out its tongue and licking its eyeball.

'Should we know what that means?" Donald shrugged.

"Donald? Della?"

The twins looked up to see Scrooge and Elvira approaching them.

"I see you brought peace to fire." Elvira smiled and held out her hand, allowing the spirit to crawl over to her. "Hello there. Remember me?"

The spirit responded by smiling and nudging her chin.

"Bless me bagpipes." Scrooge smiled. "Well done you two!'

Della puffed up her chest in pride. "Aw, it was no-"

"GUYS!"

Everyone turned and saw Gandra limping over.

"What happened!?" Donald asked in shock. The fire spirit leaped onto his shoulder as Elvira and Scrooge helped support the injured woman.

"Your mom....attacked us...she's got Huey...going after the kids next."

Without a moment's hesitation, Donald and Della raced over to the cars while Scrooge and Elvira followed at a slower pace, still supporting Gandra.

Chapter Text

"So...why are you two here again?" Louie asked Gryo, who was tinkering on his tablet and Fethry, who was busy watching a snake slither on by.

"Because we're not qualified spirit wranglers." Gyro replied, sarcasm dripping in every word. "Nor do we feel like being burned to death on a different continent."

May squinted in the darkness. "I think the fire's gone!"

"That means they've got the spirit!" June clapped.

"And Huey!" Dewey cheered.

The kids cheered even louder when they noticed a figure approaching with what had to be Huey-

-And quickly stopped when they realized just who that figure was.

"Good evening children." Hortense nodded, keeping firm grip on Huey's arm.

"Hubert!" Violet shouted in alarm.

"Evil McDuck sister!" Gyro cried before pulling out a custom ray gun and attaching Lil'Bulb to it.

"Aunt Hortense!" Fethry smiled. 

The woman looked him over. "Wait...you're Eider's younger boy aren't ya?"

"That's right. Fethry Duck!"

"...You take after yer mother."

Lena jumped out of the car and took on a fighting stance, hands glowing. "Let Huey go right now!"

Hortense's free hand encased her amulet. "I'm just here to collect my grandsons."

Dewey and Louie were pushed further into the car by Webby and May as Lena shook her head.

"Yeah...no. Full offense lady, but you're not someone I'd leave around kids."

"Why you-"

"Hortense!"

She turned just in time to see Della and Donald stop just a few feet away.

"Well would you look at that." Hortense smiled when she noticed the fire spirit. "Looks like the two of ya are well on your way to doing what ye were born for."

"Which is...?" Della asked.

"Something grand." Hortense smirked.

The fire spirit hissed at the red headed woman.

"You're surrounded." Donald said, hands lighting up. "Let Huey go."

Hortense went silent for a moment, eyes going between the twins and the children.

Huey eyed the fire spirit, before summoning his courage to stomp on Hortense's foot as hard as he could.

"Curse me kilts!" She shrieked as she let go of Huey to grab her foot.

"Great job sweetie!" Della smiled as Huey joined them.

"Kids!" Scrooge shouted as he, Elvira, Penumbra and Gandra, who was being carried by Gizmoduck, joined them.

Hortense sighed. "I know when to cut my losses." She gripped her amulet and, in a flash go green smoke, disappeared.

"Is everyone alright!?" Elvira asked as the kids hopped out of the cars.

"Now we are." Della put a comforting hand on her red son's shoulder. The she noticed Penny and rushed over to her.

"I am fine." The warrior assured her. "I will need to work of fighting against magic."

"Is that the fire spirit!?" June gasped excitedly as the fire spirit smiled at all of them.

"Yup!"

Louie yelped as the fire spirit jumped onto his shoulder.

"Don't worry." Donald assured him. "He's calmed down now."

The fire spirit continued on, jumping from kid to kid, sniffing and smiling at them.

"Aww!" Webby gently scratched his head. "He's so cute!"

"Hard to believe such a little guy could make such a big mess." Lena looked him over in her hands.

"According to the JWG: Even the smallest of sparks can cause the biggest fires.'" Huey quoted.

"One spirit down, three to go!" Della said. "We're getting the ball rolling!"

"Mind if me and Fenton sit out the next one?" Gandra smiled. "We're more into science than magic."

"Actually, there is a developing field of techno-magic." Violet explained.

"Really!?" Gizmoduck asked excitedly. "Do you mind sharing the information with us? Imagine what we could do-"

"We will discuss it when Mr. McDuck adds it to the budget." Gyro replied.

"What a fascinating creature!" Fethry gushed as the spirit rolled in his hands. "Setting things on fire and traveling through the fire? What other tricks are you capable of?"

"Please don't jinx us." Donald groaned.

But jinx it he did.

Because then the fire spirit jumped to Huey, climbed to the top of his head, and began to glow red...

...a glow that quickly spread to Huey.

"Huey!" Donald and Della gasped.

"LAD!" Scrooge cried out.

"WHAT!?" Huey looked over his glowing self in panic. It felt like a fire had incited deep in his core and was spreading throughout his body."I-I feel weird!"

Before he could panic more, the glow faded.

He gave a sigh of relief. "Well that was strange. I-I feel-"

"Warm?" Louie asked, eyes wide.

"Yes! Like...like something inside me just woke up. There's this new energy roaring through me like-like a..."

"Like a fire?" May continued, eyes wide as well.

"Yes! Now what-" That's when he noticed everyone looking at him in wide eyed horror. "What is it?"

"...Do you not feel it?" Violet asked slowly.

"Feel what?"

"Your head's on fire." Gyro said, pulling out a mirror from his bag.

Huey looked into it and sure enough; the complete top of his head, including his hat, was on fire.

And he didn't even feel it.

So he did the only thing he could do.

He screamed.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!" He waved his arms. "WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME!? WHAT DO I DO!? WHY ARE MY HANDS ON FIRE!?" Indeed, even his hands were on fire, though he felt no pain.

He quickly found himself the recipient of a quick spray from Gizmoduck's fire extinguisher.

"...Thank you."

"You're welcome!" He gave a nervous smile.

"Huey." Lena approached and placed calming hands on his shoulders. "Just try to stay calm, ok? Magic gets real crazy when you're frantic. Trust me; I know."

The fire spirit crawled back up to his head and gave a smile.

"WHAT WAS THAT!?" Della asked Elvira.

The older woman blinked. "I...I don't know. This has never happened before." She kneeled down in front of her great-grandson. "How are you feeling?"

"I..." He looked up at the spirit. "...Fine actually. Bruni didn't hurt me."

""Bruni'?" Fethry asked.

"That's his name." Huey explained.

"How do you know that?" Elvira asked gently.

Huey blinked. "I...I just know it. It...It doesn't feel bad. It feels....right, somehow."

Elvira nodded.

Donald waited until his grandmother moved before pulling Huey into a hug. "It's going to be ok. We're going to figure this out."

Huey leaned into the hug as Della joined in, quickly followed by his brothers, cousins and even Penny.

Scrooge rubbed the bridge between his eyes. "It's been a long day. Let's get back to the hotel and then we'll figure out everything in the morning."

Everyone exhaustedly agreed and they were quickly back on their several hours trip back to the city.

Huey carried the fire spirit in his hands, looking between Bruni and the passing enviorment.

He could only wonder what it all meant, and what it had to do with his mother and uncle.

"Bless me bagpipes..." Hortense whispered from where she, Magica, Poe, and Merlock watched.

"HOW!?" Magica gaped, and even Poe looked genuinely surprised. "The twins I get! But this!?"

Merlock frowned and rubbed his chin. "I need time to consider this. Let's go back. Poe?"

"Understood." He nodded before turning into raven and flying after the Ducks.

In spite of the late return to the hotel and the life altering event of yesterday, Huey found himself up before any of his brothers.

Unable to be alone with his thoughts in bed, he quickly got dressed and headed down to get breakfast.

Bruni, having stayed near him, even sleeping on the nightstand beside him, happily joined him, quickly taking shelter under his hat. When he passed by the girls' room, June stuck her head out and grinned.

"Huey!"

"Shh!"

"Oh...right. Can I join you? Even Webby's not up yet and it's boring sitting in bed."

"Sure." He waited as she got her overalls on and they quickly got an elevator, June excitedly recounting the previous days events as they headed to the dining room.

There, they found Penny, Gandra, Fenton, Fethry, Gyro and Donald already there, enjoying breakfast.

"Hey kids!" Donald brought over two more chairs for them. "Grab some plates, it's open buffet. Huey'll show you how it works."

After filing their plates, and making sure June didn't pile hers higher than herself, they joined the others.

"So how'd you two sleep?" Gandra yawned. "Because even living through a fire won't stop moon warriors from doing their morning workout routines."

"It is a training session." Penny clarified. "And Della told me that for some reason they don't like it when you do it in the lobby."

"We were just too excited to sleep!" Fethry exclaimed.

"We're supposed to be expecting an email from the Expo people this morning." Fenton explained, noticeable bags under his eyes. "To see how our presentation did and whether anyone was interested in the Gizmocloud. Although, considering the fire..."

"Believe it or not, the fire wasn't the worst thing about the showcase..." Gandra sighed as she took a swig of her coffee.

"I thought you did great!" Donald offered.

"You mean besides freezing up when everyone began accusing me of being a villain?" She took a deep breath. "But you know what? Screw them."

"Gandra!" Donald scolded as she covered Huey's and June's ears.

"Sorry...I mean, I saved people from the fire! I fought a witch! I don't care what they call me anymore, I know I'm a good person."

"So do I." Fenton put his arm around her.

"Me too!" Fethry and Huey said at the same time.

"I do as well." Penny nodded. "You fought valiantly yesterday. You could not ask for more."

"Mmmphmmmp!" June said through a mouthful of waffles, but said it in a tone of agreement.

"June don't talk with your mouth full." Donald scolded.

Gyro gave a grunt in an agreeable tone and he used his electronic pad. "All things considered, you did an adequate job for someone in your position."

"We'll find a way to get the Gizmocloud out there, Expo or no Expo." Fenton promised.

Gandra smiled. "That's what the lady from last night said; the only people's opinions I really care about are yours."

"Wait..." Donald slowly turned his head. "What lady?"

"Oh, yeah. Weird lady with strange hair showed up out of nowhere and gave me some advice. Disappeared into thin air."

Before she could offer more insight, Bruni stuck his head out and, upon seeing the food, quickly climbed down to the table and began sniffing around.

"Oooooh!" June held out her hand for Bruni to crawl on. "He's so cute and small!" She tickled his belly.

"Just like you." Donald patted his daughter's head.

"So did Elvira say anything?" Fenton asked.

Huey shook his head. "It was too late. She and Lena are going to look me over later. Although..." He held out a finger and focused, and a small flame appeared on the end of it.

"Ooooohhhh...." Fethry and June marveled at the sight.

"So you have magic too!?" June asked with an excited smile.

"Maybe?" He turned and saw his uncle frowning at the display. "Do you not like that idea?"

Donald shook his head. "No! I-I mean no I don't like...I don't care about the magic it's just..." He sighed. "It's just a bit to take in. Considering." He eyed Bruni as he explored the table.

Gandra held out a finger and tickled Bruni under his chin. "Well you seem a lot happier today."

"It's incredible that such a small creature could produce flames of that size." Fenton allowed him to walk on his hand.

Fethry smiled when Bruni walked up his arms and shoulders. "I would love for him to visit the lab! Imagine all the fun experiments we could run with him."

"Just keep him away from the flammables." Gyro said, sipping his own coffee.

Penny stared down the salamander. "You will bring no harm to red Della. Is that clear?"

Bruni tilted his head.

"I think he understands." Huey ate his breakfast with Bruni next to his plate, staring up at him.

Hortense paced back and forth, the events of the previous night playing through her head over and over again.

"It appears you McDuck's have more magic in your veins than we thought." Poe observed from his book.

"At least she's focused on a useful endeavor." Magica retorted.

"Patience, dear sister. She was responsive when I talk to her, sometimes you need to leave a trail of crumbs before you offer the real prize."

"These things take time Magica." Hortense said, still pacing. "She knows she can't change where she came from."

The sorceress replied with an eye roll. "So it's the two of you against me. Wonderful."

Before either Poe or Hortense could respond, Merlock emerged from his study, grinning and holding up a scroll triumphantly.

"It appears my dear student, that the decades long delay may have been a blessing in disguise!"

Hortense blinked. "How do ye figure?"

"Look here." He pointed to the scroll. 

She squinted at the page for a moment, then her eyes widened. "Ye don't think..?"

"It's just a theory for now. We'll need the water spirit to be sure."

"What theory?" Magica demanded. "What's going on?"

"We have just moved one step closer to our goal." Merlock looked at the chess set, moving the piece that resembled the fire spirit...along with the piece that resembled Huey.

Gandra and Fenton decided to have a quiet lunch at a cafe before they left.

"I really wish we had more time to explore the city." Fenton sighed.

"We've still got a little while." Gandra shrugged. "All my stuff's packed so we can do a little sightseeing before takeoff."

Fenton smiled. "You're one of the best people I know, you know that?"

Gandra blushed. "Gross. But also...thank you. I could never have gotten this far without you suit."

"And don't worry about the Gizmocloud. Dewey said we could talk about it on his show-"

"INTERNS!" Gyro's voice rang out as he and Fethry ran over to their table.

Gandra rolled her eyes. "Not interns."

"What is it Dr. Gearloose?" Fenton asked.

"We got an email from the Expo committee!" Fethry exclaimed.

"To tell us we're banned for life?" Gandra replied.

Gyro shoved his iPad in from tof Fronton's face. "Read it. You're the only one she'll listen to without giving a snarky comment."

Fenton quickly read through the email and gasped. "This is incredible!"

"What?" Gandra was now genuinely interested.

"It says they love the concept of the Gizmocloud! And that they want to test it out themselves before endorsing it!"

"WHAT!?"

"Congratulations Dr. Dee!" Fethry shook her hand. "You've made a huge mark in the field of science."

Gandra shook her head, trying to wrap it around the idea. "How!? Yesterday as a disaster!"

"Apparently many of them saw and heard how you rescued people during the fire, some of them were their own family members! They're calling you a hero!" He got up and spun her in a hug. "I knew you could do it!"

She could only give a dazed smile. "Wow..."

"Yes. Good Job Dr. Cyborg." Gyro nodded.

"And you came all this way just to tell me?" She grinned at him, causing him to frown.

"Don't think too much into it. Your reputation reflects mine. Bigger reputation means more funding. Simple as that."

"Then why did you start laughing in joy when you saw the email?" Fethry tilted his head.

"Quiet intern! Now let's get back to packing out things. And be careful-"

Gyro and Fethry left, leaving Fenton and Gandra to bask in their achievement in peace.

Lena walked around the airport. The rest of the family was finishing loading the plane and she needed a minute of peace away from so many people.

She heard the flapping of wings and turned to see a familiar raven watching her from a nearby tree.

"I know it's you."

In a flash of purple, the raven was now a man standing in the tree's shade.

"Have you given any thought to our talk?" He asked patiently.

Lena sighed. "Look...I've got a lot of history with Magica. None of it good, so I was happy to toss the De Spell name. And then there's the whole 'working with Merlock' thing. But....I'm open to talking with you for now, and seeing where it leads."

"Fair enough." He gave her a smile. "I cannot express how delighted I am by this."

"Nothing big yet. There's still a lot of stuff going on."

"Of course." He gave a slight bow. "I look forward to talking with you next time."

In another flash of light, he flew off.

"...You can come out now."

Webby stepped out from behind a crate, a sheepish smile on her face. "Sorry."

"Nah. I completely understand." Lena rubbed the younger duckling's head.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Webby asked cautiously.

Lena shrugged. "Honestly? I have no idea. But I gotta see where this takes me."

Webby hugged her tightly. "And I'll be right there with you."

"In case it goes south?"

"In case it goes either north or south."

Lena gave a grateful smile and small blush. "Thanks Pink."

"C'mon girls!" Scrooge walked over to them. "We're nearly done packin' and we're gonna take off as soon as we get the all clear."

Webby immediately ran back to the plane, leaving Lena and Scrooge to walk together.

"So...you and Webby are close." Scrooge eyed the teen.

"Yeah, I owe a lot to her." Lena rubbed her arm nervously. It had been nerve-wracking enough being around Scrooge while being his arch-nemeses' shadow, and now it turned out she had been best friends with his daughter the whole time too.

"And I trust you'll keep her safe in whatever magical mayhem you get in? I know I have my reservations about magic, but she dives in head first."

"No kidding. I usually try to talk her out of most of the demon summonings she wants to do. The more dangerous ones at least."

"Good. I'm countin' on you to keep her safe in your mystical shenanigans."

She looked at him wide eyed. "You're...trusting me with your daughter's safety?"

"Of course I am! You've saved her life more than enough times to earn a spot in our family. Goodness knows there's only so much either Beakley or I can-"

"Wheeeeee!" They looked on ahead and saw a kangaroo hopping away, a gleeful Webby in her pouch.

"Curse me kilts, not again! How'd it even get in here!?" Scrooge ran off after them. "WEBBY!"

Lena could only watch on with a smile.

"Hey!" Della and Donald approached Team Science on the plane. "We heard about endorsement. Congratulations!"

"Thanks." Gandra smiled at the moon twin. "And thanks, for the advice at the Expo. I really needed it."

"Della gave you advice?" Donald asked, side eyeing his sister. "About what?"

"Just to only focus on the opinions of people who matter to me with regards to my past. Even if the world calls me a villain, I know who I am."

"She gave you good advice?" Donald gasped, earning a shoulder punch from his twin.

"Well, I'm glad you managed to pick that up though all the rambling." Della's smile became wistful. "Kinda wish somebody else took it."

"Who?" Fenton asked.

Donald gave a sad smile. "Just...somebody we knew a long time ago. They did bad things in their past and wanted to change, to be a good person, but..."

Della sighed."...But no matter how much we supported them, the world held their past against them and screamed too loud for them to ignore, and they just decided to say 'screw it' and go back to being a bad guy."

"Oh...sorry." Gandra murmured.

"Yeah...sometimes we just wonder if there was something else we could have done to change things. To make it easier for them."

"I'm sure you two did everything you could." Fenton offered.

"Well, even if things didn't work out for them, I'm grateful for everyone here." She squeezed Fenton's hand. "I don't know where'd I'd be without you guys."

"Aaaww....." Fethry gushed.

"Yeah yeah....sappiness time is over."

"Hey." Fethry tilted his head. "Who was this friend you were talking about? I don't remember anyone like that."

"You never met them." Donald waved it aside. "They were...part of another life."

"How's Huey?" Gandra asked.

"He's doing...pretty good, all things considering." Della looked over to see her eldest son talking with her grandmother. "We're just all wondering...why? Do you think this is because of us?" She turned to her brother, who had the same nervous expression.

"He's slightly more intelligent than his brothers." Gyro said, fiddling with lil bulb. "He'll be fine."

"I'm sure everything will be just fine!" Fethry assured them. "It's turned out alright before!"

Neither Donald or Della looked inclined to believe him.

"Della." Penny walked over. "Yellow Della wished to show Donald the pictures she took of the city, Blue Della wants to play with that 'boom-rang' he bought, and red Della is going to help the others with their 'home-work' while we are flying home, in case you wanted to help them."

"Thanks Pen." Della smiled. "We'll be over in a bit."

"She's really good with the kids." Fenton observed and Penny walked back to them.

"I know right?" Della never took her eyes off her purple friend.

"Sounds like a real catch." Gandra game a knowing smirk.

"Huh!?" Della turned to her, face completely red. "I-I don't know what you mean."

"I'm sure you do." Donald elbowed her with his own smirk.

"...and no, we are not bringing a kangaroo home with us." Scrooge said as he entered the plane, carrying a pouting Webby like she was a football. "We've got the all clear! Let's get going!"

"Yes sir!" Della ran over to take her place at the pilot's seat.

"How ya doin's lad?" Scrooge asked Huey while strapping Webby securely to a seat.

"Fine...I think." Huey looked at Bruni, who seemed to have made himself comfortable on the boy's shoulder. "Part of me's terrified...but another part of me's excited."

"Don't worry about the magic part." Lena offered. "I'll help you with that too."

"Thanks."

"It seems you've been blessed by the fire spirit." Elvira said. "It's the only way I can explain it. There have been stories about our people being gifted with powers, but it's been so long since it last happened."

"How come Huey gets superpowers!?" Dewey whined. "I would love to be able to shoot fire at people!"

"...And thus why they picked Huey for this." Louie replied.

"We can start practicing once we get home." Violet observed the fire spirit and wrote down her findings in her notebook. "Perhaps there's more to it than what we know."

Soon though, they were in the skies, flying towards home.

"Can you show me that fire thing again?" June asked, wide eyed. "Please?"

Smiling, Huey conjured a small flame at the tip of his finger.

"Just be careful-"

"I know." She nodded. "Fire's hot and can hurt you."

"But it's also a source of life." The God's words played through his head again.

He looked at the flame. It was frightening....but also fascinating.

And he was going to understand it as best as he could.