Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The houseboat rocked back and forth on the rough sea waves. Everything that wasn’t tied or bolted down was rolling back and forth, making it difficult for Huey to focus. He was tied to a chair with his life vest on while Donald tried to keep everything on the boat. Huey was attempting to do his homework, even though he could hardly understand what the teacher was talking about.

Most of the class, Mrs. Quillhaden had been talking about some new exotic fish she was thinking of buying. None of the kids were really paying attention, and whenever Huey tried to get them back on track by asking the teacher the problem he was currently stuck on, the entire class threw papers at him.

Now he was really regretting even reminding Mrs. Quillhaden that they were supposed to have homework. Not only does most of his class probably hate him now, He didn’t even know how to do any of these problems! He figured his teacher was supposed to teach the class about it today instead of where the gills were on a humuhumunukunukuāpua'a.

Whatever the case, he needed help. He tried the safe option first, calling out to his dad in hopes that he would hear him. Of course, that was a no-go, Donald was probably busy trying to tie down the ship and make sure nothing fell over the edge. Huey grumbled quietly in his makeshift safety seat, bringing his hands behind his back and untying the knot that Donald had made to keep him in his seat. He grabbed his homework, walking to the door still with his life vest on.

He carefully opened the front door. It was raining slightly hard, and the surface of the deck was all wet. He peeked his head out, looking around with narrowed eyes for his dad. Eventually, his gaze landed on the unlucky duck fighting a rope that was flailing around erratically. Huey couldn’t help the small giggle he let out as he saw his dad was, in fact, losing the fight. He brought his head back inside, grabbing his raincoat before starting to walk out, protecting his homework as best as he could. 

“Dad? Do you need some help?” Huey asked softly, and Donald looked over at Huey with a bit of a surprised expression before shaking his head with a small grin.

“Nope! All good here, Hue..go back inside before-” Donald started slightly before the rope thrashed more harshly, slapping Donald against the face. Donald grunted before snarling, rolling up his sleeves and clenching his fists.

“Why you no good-!!” Donald started before trailing off in a yell, gripping the rope tightly and yanking it harshly back. The houseboat suddenly stopped, making Huey and Donald fall back slightly. The rocking became less intense and Donald let out a soft sigh of relief before getting back up and quickly tying the rope. He wiped his brow softly as he finished, turning back to Huey and quickly helping him back up, holding his hand and leading Huey back inside.

“See! We’re all good” Donald said with a soft smile and Huey returned it with a hum. “What were you doing out there? I told you to wait inside.” Donald scolded softly and Huey nodded.

“I know, Dad.. But I needed some help on my homework” Huey replied softly and Donald sighed softly.

“Alright…” Donald started, sitting at the coffee table with Huey. “What’s complicated?” Donald asked with a soft hum. Huey pulled out a pencil, marking down the problems he was having trouble with… which was almost all of them.

“Mrs. Quillhaden didn’t teach us a lot..” Huey muttered softly and Donald grumbled quietly under his breath. Huey’s teacher was not a very good teacher.

“That woman can’t teach for sh-” Donald cut himself off as he saw his 8-year-old nephew’s expectant expression. Donald bit the inside of his cheek before correcting himself.

“She’s not a very good teacher, is she?” Donald decided on with a small playful smile. Huey chuckled softly before shaking his head softly.

“Not at all! Most of the kids in my class don’t even know the difference between multiplication and addition! It really shows what kind of class she’s…” Huey continued ranting about Mrs. Quillhaden, and Donald listened for the most part, but the more he watched his nephew grow up, the more he wondered.

.

.

.

“I wonder what the other two would look like now.”

»»——⍟——««

Turbo walked along the dusty ground, picking up different scraps of metal and rocks that he found cool. He inspected each one carefully, making sure there were no little creatures in any of the holes. He smiled slightly as he held yet another rock in his arms. He had a whole pile at this point and was determined to keep collecting until one of them fell and made a mini dust-splosion. He sighed quietly to himself, picking the rock back up and deciding that he should probably head back. He hummed his mom’s song quietly to himself as he walked to a familiar crater, a shiny red point sticking out of the side of it. He slid into the crater, holding the rocks and scraps tightly as he reached the bottom. He looked up at the intimidating red rocket ship he’d called home since he was hatched, tilting his head slightly as he realized somebody was missing.

“Turbo, Baby!! Over here!!” He heard from the side of the ship, looking over and seeing his mom standing next to an almost-complete leg of the ship. Turbo grinned, rushing over to his mom. 

“Hey, Mom! Look what I got!” Turbo exclaimed excitedly, holding up his arms to show off his collection. Della grinned down at him, setting her tool aside.

“Heck ya! What did you get today??” Della said with the same level of excitement, kneeling to be eye level with her star-clad son. Turbo set the rocks down in a row with a hum, arranging them from least to most interesting. He handed the metal scraps to his mom, knowing she would find them handy.

“Some basic moon rocks, some sparkly ones, and a bunch of metal!” Turbo replied with a grin and Della smiled proudly, ruffling Turbo’s hair. 

“That’s my boy!! Go and grab a wrench for mama, huh?” Della asked softly, smiling sweetly at Turbo. He blinked a bit before nodding with a small grin, giving Della a salute which she returned. He giggled softly before rushing off to the entrance of his home, humming as he entered the small-ish room where he was raised. 

He grabbed the toolbox and started scavenging through it, tilting his head in concentration before pulling out a wrench with a small ‘aha!’. He murmured his mom’s song under his breath as he started walking back to the entrance, but stopped once something caught his eye. 

In the corner of the ship, a small makeshift bed was made, surrounded by old toys and an ‘emergency stash of Oxy-Chew’. Above it, a small photo was hung, three adults, including his mom, had their arms around three eggs, all bundled up in a blanket. Turbo frowned softly, walking over to the ‘Family Room’ as his mom called it and gently taking the photo. He smiled softly down at it, tracing the eggs in the photo with his finger and humming quietly.

“I wonder what you guys are like…probably just as awesome as me, right?” Turbo muttered quietly to himself. He’d never met them, of course.. His mom only had enough time to get one of the eggs into her ship. Jet and Rebel, his brothers on earth…He couldn’t wait to meet them!

“Turbo!! Where’s that wrench, sweetheart??” He heard his mom call. He quickly put the photo back up, giving it one last smile before rushing out of the ship.

“Sorry, mom!!” Turbo called out, jumping from the entrance of the ship over to his mom. He saw his mom sigh softly in relief before playfully ruffling his hair again.

“What’d I say about jumping out of the ship, you rascal??” Della said playfully and Turbo laughed softly.

“What?? I’m fine!” Turbo retorted softly. He wasn’t sure why his mom was so worried. I mean, it’s not like he could get hurt jumping from the ship. Maybe a few scrapes if he landed wrong, but he always floated down alright. Besides that, he watched as his mom used the wrench to tighten up some bolts. He stood by awkwardly before he spoke up.

“Hey, Mom..?” Turbo started softly, looking up at his mom. Della paused her work, looking back at Turbo with a small smile.

“Ya, Baby?” Della responded softly, tilting her head softly, which almost made her goggles fall off. Turbo rocked on his feet a bit before taking a deep breath.

“Can you tell the story again? About what our family will be like when we get home?” Turbo asked softly, and Della blinked a bit before her expression softened and a sweet smile crossed her face. She set her tools down, turning to Turbo and gently scooping him up in her arms.

“‘Course I can, sweetie..” Della responded softly, gently spinning Turbo in her arms. “Let’s go back inside. I’ll try and find some more dehydrated hot chocolate.” Della said sweetly, and Turbo grinned before hugging his mom tightly. 

“Okay, Mama” Turbo said softly as Della started walking back up the ramp and into the ship again. In the distance, the Earth loomed over the horizon, peeking at the small, unfinished family with a mournful gaze.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The halls of the mansion stretched long, and all was quiet…save for the pair of children laughing and chasing each other down them. Louie zigzagged across the carpet, trying to outrun his sister, who was hot on his tail. Webby bounced off the walls, gaining boosts from them that helped her catch up to Louie. Louie glanced behind him, noticing how quick Webby was behind him and smirked. He looked back ahead of him, noticing a hallway connecting them to the one they were in. He grinned, making a sharp turn into it, sliding slightly before regaining traction. Webby laughed behind him, determined to catch up again. 

“Missed me!!” Louie called behind him and he heard Webby snarl, even more determined to catch up to her brother. He grinned like he always did when he was scheming, speeding up until he reached the end of the hallway. He smirked, turning around to see Webby coming at him full force. He stuck his tongue out at her before she lunged at him. Louie grinned wider before he stepped to the side, making Webby go past him and right into a hurried pillow trap. 

“Ha! You fall for that every time!” Louie teased softly, walking over to Webby with a giggle. Webby made a small hmph, but the smile on her face portrayed her pseudo-annoyance.

“I’ll get you next time!!” Webby exclaimed as Louie helped her up, dusting off her overalls and fixing her bow.

“Sure you will” Louie teased softly and Webby grinned before tackling Louie in a wrestle/hug. The kids laughed with each other until two strong hands picked them both up. The ducklings blinked a bit before looking up and seeing their granny. Webby and Louie looked at each other with a wince before Beakley spoke up.

“Webbigail, Lewellyn. What did I tell you two about making a mess in Mr. McDuck's manor?” Beakley scolded gently, still holding the two children up. Louie crossed his arms softly and Webby looked down with a guilty expression.

“That Mr. McDuck is busy enough without having to deal with a mess” Webby and Louie replied, Beakley nodded at that and set the pair down.

“Good, glad to see you two remember. Mr. McDuck is a very busy man…So why don’t you two clean up this mess and head back to your room? I’ll come get you at dinner time.” Beakley said softly, kissing Webby’s forehead gently and gently patting Louie’s head. Webby and Louie both nodded and Beakley smiled gently down at the two before heading off. Louie watched as she walked off, making a small scoff once she was out of earshot.

“It’s not fair! We don’t get to do anything!” Louie huffed, kicking a pillow softly and making stray feathers puff up into the air. Webby watched them gracefully float up for a moment before she turned back to her brother.

“Hey! We can always have fun in our room! And, besides that, we can do more research on your family! Try and figure out where you’re from and such” Webby said with a small grin and Louie let out a soft sigh, collapsing onto the soft pillows and blankets he used for his trap.

“Whats the point? It’s not like that would miraculously make them want me again.” Louie grumbled, turning to lay on his side. Webby frowned softly, walking next to him and sitting criss-cross in front of him.

“Hey, we’re not 100% on whether or not they abandoned you yet! Remember our other theory? Where they dropped you off here because Mr. McDuck is rich?” Webby said hopefully, trying to cheer her brother up. Louie looked up at Webby, his angsty facade falling at the hopeful look on her face. Now he was just frowning. He sat up softly, leaning against Webby with a grumble.

“Even if that’s the case..They still left me here. Mr. McDuck hardly ever talks to me, I doubt he even remembers my name” Louie said, rolling his eyes softly. Webby frowned more before standing up with a grin. Louie raised an eyebrow at her, but before he could even ask what she was planning, Webby was running off.

“Wh-Hey!! Webby!!” Louie cried out after her before harumphing and getting up himself. He hurriedly picked up the remnants of the makeshift trap before hurrying after his sister.

“Webby!! Wait up!!”

Chapter Text

Donald was devastated, to say the least. It all happened so quickly, he hardly knew it happened at all. Della was…gone? His twin? The Della duck just…gone??? Not only did she make the risky move of going to space by herself, but she took two of her eggs with her! And now it wasn’t just her who had died, two of his poor little nephews had gone with her! What was she thinking doing that?? Leaving him behind like that?! Donald sighed, looking down at the lone egg he held in his arms that had to grow up without his brothers. 

He couldn't tell him that… That his own mother had gone off to space and now his family was gone? No, not ever could he tell this poor child that that happened, not until he was older at least. Donald stared down at the smooth surface of it for a bit, feeling the tears welling up in his eyes as he did. He carefully cradled the egg in his arms, wrapping it up softly in the blanket made to hold three. 

He couldn’t let Della down now.. No matter how stupid the entire thing was, he couldn't just let this egg grow up without a family. God knows he couldn’t hand the thing off to Scrooge, not after what he did. He looked up from the egg, looking around this houseboat he bought off a whim. It could make a good home… for a little while at least, just until he got a real home. Ya, he's got this.. How hard could raising one kid be? 

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Donald learned embarrassingly quickly how hard it was to care for a kid. First it was the constant crying, it kept Donald up way longer than he preferred and woke him up earlier than the sun. Then it was the struggle of trying to keep Huey on track once he learned to crawl and walk, always wanting to go to the most dangerous places or to the deck where he would almost fall into the water. Next was the terrible twos, that was probably one of the worst. Huey constantly wanted stories or to be coddled by Donald, it was hard especially when Donald started to need a job to pay for all of Huey’s things. 

He had only a select few toys and the shirts he bought him at the beginning of the year. His allowance from Scrooge was finally starting to dwindle and Donald realized for the first time he had to actually get a job. You’d think that companies would jump at the opportunity to have the Scrooge McDuck’s nephew on their job listings..but it was quite the opposite. 

Nobody wanted to hire Donald solely for that fact! Most saying along the lines of ‘financial risks’ as if Scrooge would play the same dirty tricks they would. It was tough, but it was all worth it when he came home to Huey quietly playing with the babysitter and lighting up at the sight of Donald in the doorway. He’d waddle on over to him, raising his hands and making grabby gestures at Donald, saying “dada”. It made Donald’s heart soar. His sister’s son, calling him dad. It made his heart feel so full yet so empty. Huey shouldn’t think Donald was his dad, He was his uncle, his mom was out in space somewhere, holding his brothers amongst the stars. 

But a little selfish part of him let Huey call him that. Let Huey think he was his dad, what was the worst thing to happen anyways? A little mix-up of words was fine, as long as Huey didn’t know he was actually his uncle, nothing bad could happen, right? Besides, he could always tell him when he was older and could actually handle such devastating news. It would be fine… everything would be just fine. 

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Della woke up with a start, gasping for breath under her helmet. She looked around desperately, finally noticing the box of Oxy-Chew a few feet away from her. She hurriedly pulled off her helmet, holding her breath as she opened the box and stuck two pieces in her mouth. She chewed quickly, sighing in relief as she was able to breathe again.

Though the relief didn’t last long as Della realized something important was missing. She looked around in alarm, looking around with wide eyes for the one egg she had managed to get on board with her. She felt tears pricking in her eyes, assuming the worst happened to her baby boy. Just as she was about to assume she’d been the cause of her egg’s death, she saw the smooth surface of it sitting comfortably in the hatch above her. 

She sobbed quietly in relief, chewing on her gum and shuddering softly at the flavor but ignoring it as she focused on her baby. She tried getting up, only to find her leg stuck. She snarled slightly, tugging harder and kicking the piece it was being pinned under with her good leg. She narrowed her eyes, kicking harder only for another piece to almost fall on top of her. Della’s eyes widened, glancing at the part before back at her egg. She sighed quietly, looking down at her leg and taking a deep breath before pulling out a trusty pocket knife.

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

Della hissed as she held her egg close to her, using it as moral support as she cauterized her now half-a-leg. She winced at a particular part, petting the surface of her egg gently and taking a deep breath. She looked down at the egg with a soft smile, kissing it softly.

“You better be worth all this, kid” She said softly, her smile never fading even as she began attaching her new leg. It took a long while, making sure the egg was covered in a cozy blanket with a star pattern. She sighed in relief once she was finished, lying back and staring up at the inky blackness. She frowned after a bit, realizing the gravity (heh, get it?) of the situation as she thought more.

“Gosh…you’re gonna be chewing a lot of gum..” Della teased with a watery chuckle. She wiped her eyes with her arm softly, sitting back up.

“Bah, what am i saying? Uncle Scrooge’ll come get us in no time.. And you’ll be able to grow up with your brothers safely. I’ll take you guys on a ton of adventures! When you’re old enough of course” Della said with a soft snicker, looking over at the little egg and smiling softly.

“You’ll be the most adventurous, won’t ya? You’ll brag to your brothers about how you were in space with mom for a bit, ha!” Della said with a grin, lying back down with a harsh thud. A small photo flew down from the cockpit, landing on Della’s beak. Della picked it up with a grin, holding it to the egg’s “face”.

“Look! That’s your brother Jet, That’s you, Turbo, And that’s your other brother Rebel!” Della started with a soft chuckle.

“Awesome names, right?” Della chuckled softly before pointing to the adults in the back. “That’s your uncle Don, he was so excited for you guys to hatch.. And that’s uncle scrooge! The richest, toughest, and smartest guy EVER! Oh, you’ll love him! He practically raised me an’ Don!” Della rambled on to the warm egg, leaning against it carefully. She stared at the photo sadly before looking back up and at the earth. Her smile faltered slightly and she sighed, looking back at the egg. 

“They’ll come get us, don’t worry” Della said in a soft, reassuring tone, holding the egg closer to herself and nuzzling her beak into the smooth surface.

“I promise.”

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

Scrooge stared down at the lonesome egg in his arms, his eyes wide with guilt and fear. He’d always been selfish but this…this takes the cake. Why did he assume he could do this? Why did he lie to Donald of all people?? He was stressed enough already trying to find della and his middle nephew, why oh why did he decide on hiding the second egg from Donald?? He couldn’t do this alone! He couldn’t do any of this alone! He sighed, holding the egg closer to himself and frowning down at it.

“I..I’m sorry, lad.. I should get you back to Donald.. Come on, then” Scrooge said sadly, starting to walk to the door when he heard the very thing ring. He rushed over to it, assuming Donald had come back to apologize after having cussed him out. But once he opened the door, he was met with a very different sight. 

Agent 22 stood in the doorway, holding a soft cloth-covered object. Scrooge blinked a bit in surprise, tilting his head slightly.

“22..? What’re you..?” Scrooge started before Agent 22 collapsed to her knees, crying. Scrooge gasped quietly in alarm, having never seen his trusty agent so..vulnerable.

“22??” Scrooge asked again, still holding the little egg in his arms as he sunk down to 22’s level.

“Scrooge..please.. I need help. My..My daughter she..” 22 trailed off in a cry, peeling back some of the cloth to reveal a small infant, a little bow wrapped around her head. Scrooge gasped quietly again. He hadn’t known a thing about 22’s family, let alone that she was a grandmother. Scrooge sighed quietly, giving 22 a small smile and putting a hand over 22’s. She looked up at Scrooge before returning her own smile. The two looked down at the children in their arms and frowned.

“I suppose we both have some explaining to do” Scrooge replied softly and beakley nodded in return.

·.·''·.·•$$$•·.·''·.·

Scrooge tried. He tried to be there for Louie, tried to be a good uncle to him like he was to the twins… but it was so hard. He looked so much like a little Della, and Scrooge couldn’t handle it. He was there as much as he could bear, but he just couldn’t handle it. He had opened up to Beakley about it once it had become to much. It had been exactly a year since Della had gone missing and he was quickly losing assets in an attempt to get her and his middle nephew back.

Louie was still a baby, and Webbigail and him were already attached at the hip like it came natural. Eveytime he saw the two interact he felt his heart break a little more. One of Louie’s brother may be in space, but he had taken him from the other and his uncle. Seeing him and Webby already acting like siblings only reminded him of the very thing he caused. After a while he had started to distance himself away from everybody else, drowning in the guilt of keeping Louie from his family, but he couldn’t just walk up to wherever Donald lived now. Not only had he kept Louie away from Donald, he had lied to him about it. He told Donald Della had taken two eggs with her instead of just the one.

.

.

.

What was wrong with him??

Chapter Text

Donald woke up with a start as his alarm started blaring in his ear. He sleepily reached for the snooze button, his eyes still closed from sleeping. He grumbled as he hit his alarm button and it hadn't stopped, hitting it harder before rubbing his eyes of sleep and looking at his clock. However instead of seeing the plastic of his alarm clock he saw the familiar red fabric of his nephew's hat. He jumped in alarm, looking at Huey for a bit before rubbing his eyes again. 

“Hue? What're you doing up??” Donald started, pressing his alarm button on his clock before scooting over on his bed to allow Huey to sit next to him. Huey hesitated for a moment before cuddling up next to his dad. 

“... Dad?” Huey asked softly, looking up at Donald and Donald realized there were tears forming in his nephew's eyes. Donald frowned softly, gathering Huey in a tight hug.

“Whats wrong? Did you have a nightmare?” Donald asked softly, cradling his now 10 year old nephew. Huey shook his head softly and looked over at the window… at the moon hanging high in the sky. Donald swallowed hard, he couldn't have found out, could he?? 

“Do you ever feel like… There's just something missing?” Huey asked softly and Donald tensed up slightly. Huey noticed and looked towards his dad with a small frown. 

“Dad..?” Huey asked after a bit and Donald sighed softly. 

“I think I should show you something… I think you're old enough by now” Donald started softly, giving Huey a smile that seemed oddly sad. Donald gently picked Huey up, walking to his closet before setting him down and reaching up for a small box. 

“A long.. long time ago, 10 years now already…” Donald started, frowning freely now. Huey tilted his head slightly as Donald pulled out a photo and kneeled down to Huey. He took a deep breath before gesturing for Huey to sit down. Huey raised an eyebrow but sat down next to his dad anyways, tilting his head curiously at the picture. 

3 eggs

3 eggs? 

Huey saw his dad standing on one side and a woman that looked like him on the other end. An old man stood in the middle, a wide smile on his face. Huey blinked a bit in surprise before looking over at his dad, who was.. Crying. 

“Dad? What is this? who..” Huey started, looking back at the photo. 

“That's… our family. Your family. Those eggs..? Those were.. were supposed to be..” Donald trailed off, wiping his eyes softly. 

“You were supposed to be a Triplet.. That woman? That's your mom, my sister.. I'm.. I'm not your dad” Donald said, his voice hoarse. Huey's eyes widened. He stared at the photo, at the two eggs on his side. 

His brothers? 

Supposed to be? 

Not his dad… ? 

“Wh- No.. What?? No!” Huey started, standing up quickly and still holding the photo. He sniffled softly before looking over at his Dad.. Uncle? What was he?? Donald quickly got up next to him, gently pulling Huey into a hug and stroking his feathers softly. 

“Hey, hey calm down, 1 2 3, remember?” Donald instructed softly, taking a deep breath and putting up three fingers. Huey followed after him, trying to think, trying to relax. 

»»——⍟——««

It took a while, but eventually Huey calmed down. He sat in his.. Uncle's bed, the owner currently making some cookies for Huey. 

He was supposed to be a Triplet. He was supposed to have two brothers. He was too busy freaking out about that fact, that he hadn't even asked his uncle what that meant. He was supposed to have two brothers. Not “you have two brothers” no, it was “you were supposed to have two brothers”. 

What had happened to them? And to his mom? He wanted to know why his dad lied to him about being his dad. His mind was going a million miles a minute, thinking of every possibility, every scenario. It didn't help with his worries at all. He took a deep breath, grabbing his hat and wringing it anxiously.

“Ok, ok, calm down.. Assess the situation and find the calmest solution” Huey muttered quietly to himself, closing his eyes and counting to ten. He let out a slow, deep breath before he felt his Uncle’s mattress dip beside him. He opened his eyes to look at his Dad Uncle, holding a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies.

“How’re you doing? It’s a lot to take in, I’m sorry” Donald said softly, setting the plate of cookies on the bedside table. Huey looked down into his lap, reaching over and grabbing a cookie before munching on it silently. Donald sighed quietly before giving Huey a small smile.

“She was in the Junior woodchucks too, y’know?” Donald said softly, sitting beside Huey. Huey blinked a bit before looking back up at his Dad.

“...Really?” Huey asked in a small voice and Donald grinned a bit before nodding. 

“She’d always drag me on adventures in the woods.. I miss it” Donald said softly and he felt Huey lean against him.

“What do you think…they’d be like?” Huey asked softly and Donald tilted his head slightly.

“Hm?” Donald asked quietly and Huey looked away bashfully

“My brothers I mean… what do you think they’d be like?” Huey asked softly and Donald smiled wider, gathering Huey in a hug and kissing his forehead softly.

“Just perfect.” Donald said softly and Huey felt his heart warm up a bit more.

»»——⍟——««

“AAAAHHH MMMMMOOOOOOOMMMMMMM” Turbo yelled out, running towards the ship, sliding under one of the legs and into Della’s arms.

“Woah there, kid! What’s up?!” Della asked, cradling her son’s face in her hands with a worried expression.

“That stupid bug’s back!” Turbo said, catching his breath before showing his arm, his star-patterned shirt had gained a new hole. Della narrowed her eyes before snarling and picking up a stray piece of metal.

“That's it! You can dissolve my ship all you want but don't you dare hurt MY kid!” Della yelled, rushing out from behind the ship. Turbo peeked out from behind the leg, watching as his mom bashed the moon-mite in the face. He grinned softly, stepping out and cheering Della on as she fought the beast. After a bit he looked away, trying to find something he could use to help Della. Finally he found a wrench and grinned, charging after his mom and the moon-mite.

“Raah!! Get off my mom!” Turbo yelled out, hitting the bug in the leg, making it stumble. From above he heard his mom laugh before she yelled.

“Heck ya, honey! Get those things legs, I'll go for its eyes!” Della exclaimed, climbing higher on top of the moon-mite. She dislodged her leg, hitting its eyes with it and making it screech. Eventually the thing toppled over, covering its eyes with a hiss before it started digging away again. Turbo panted softly before looking up at his mom with a wide smile. Della watched the direction the moon-mite went for a bit before turning to Turbo with a surprised expression. 

Turbo blinked a bit, opening his mouth to ask if his mom was okay before he was scooped up by Della and spun around.

“Turbo, Honey! You did amazing!!! I didn't know you knew how to do that!!” Della exclaimed, setting her son down and cupping his face, her own plastered with a loving and proud expression.

“I’m so proud of you!! Oh my gosh!!” Della rambled and Turbo just chuckled, hugging his mom tightly.

“I learned from the best!” Turbo retorted, looking up at his mom with a loving expression. Della’s smile softened before she gently kissed Turbo’s forehead.

“That’s right, honey! You learned from the Della duck! Oh you’re gonna be the best adventurer when we get home!” Della exclaimed, picking Turbo up once more. Turbo giggled softly as his mom started walking them back inside. 

However, one thing itched at the inside of Turbo’s head. His mom talked so much about going ‘home’... but Turbo only really saw the moon as his home. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Turbo sat in his makeshift bed, two stuffed animals placed in front of him.

“Alright, guys. Game plan. How am I gonna tell mom I’m scared to go to Earth?” Turbo asked the green and red clad stuffies in front of him. He grumbled when he didn’t get a reply.

“Why’d I even ask you, you're no help” Turbo huffed before sighing softly. He looked down at the little plushies before he gathered them in a small hug.

“I wish I knew what you guys were like.. Or if you guys miss me just as much.. I haven’t even met you and I miss you! That’s just how good of siblings we are!” Turbo rambled, looking at the ceiling of the ship. Della was in the other room, reading up on the guide and muttering to herself. He figured it was just some quiet thoughts that she couldn't keep in her head. He did that sometimes, so it was probably the same for her. 

He sighed as he closed his eyes, imagining what his brothers and family were like. He did his best but he could only really imagine red and green versions of himself which didn’t help much. He hadn’t even noticed he’d fallen asleep until the rocket started suddenly shaking and he shot up. He instinctively looked towards the cockpit, thinking his mom had somehow managed to start the plane even though they hadn’t gotten gold yet. But when he saw nobody there he really got worried. He hopped up from his bed, grabbing his plushies and his mom’s photo. He rushed to the entrance of the ship, looking out with a worried expression.

“Mom?!” He called out, seeing his mom fighting the moon-mite with something in her hand. Della gasped as she heard Turbo, looking over to him and grinning.

“Turbo! Hon, look!” Della announced proudly as she raised her hand and a golden glint hit Turbo’s eyes. He gasped softly before grinning widely, any previous fear of going back to Earth fallen at the sight.

“Gold!” He exclaimed and Della laughed before the moon-mite hit her side and sent her flying. Turbo gasped, his eyes wide in alarm.

“Mom!” He yelled out before the ship started moving more erratically and he fell back inside. He grunted as he hit his head, dropping the photo and one of the plushies. He gasped, reaching out for them before the ship started to fall. He cried out, falling towards the items before the ship hit the ground and he hit his head harder. He groaned before he closed his eyes again, getting knocked out.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Louie sat in his and Webby’s room, pretending to be reading some ancient war technique book when he was actually messing with some gold pieces he took from Mr. McDuck’s office. He’d somehow convinced Webby to go to the library without him, claiming he was tired and wanted to get caught up on some self defense. He yawned softly, setting the book down and lying back. He stared up at the bottom of Webby’s bunk, blinking a bit as he realized something was off.

He sat back up, looking at the doorway and practically jumping out of his skin as he saw Mr. McDuck standing there. Louie put a hand over his heart, taking a few deep breaths before peeking out from his bunk.

“Mr. McDuck…?” Louie asked in alarm, he saw Scrooge look away briefly, as if bracing himself before he walked in. The feathers on the back of Louie’s neck stood up in alarm. Mr. McDuck almost never interacted with him, and only really did so when it was a special event or if he was in trouble.

“Woah, hey, if this is about the gold pieces, I was about to put them back! I’m Sorry!” Louie said, putting on his best, apologetic child act. Scrooge shook his head slightly, his Tophat placed eerily on his head so his eyes were covered, but if Louie looked hard enough he would see that there was anxiety written in them.

“Ah, no, no… it’s not about…Wait, pardon?” Mr. McDuck asked suddenly and Louie perked up, putting on a nervous grin.

“Nothing” Louie replied before he cleared his throat and hopped off his bunk. “Is.. is something wrong? You don’t ever, y’know, talk to me? Like ever?” Louie said, not being able to help the bitterness in his tone. Scrooge flinched slightly at it, but cleared his throat anyway.

“I wanted to…get to know you, Louie. I feel like we hardly-” Scrooge started, looking down. Louie interrupted him harshly.

“What, talk? Look, I get it. This rando kid gets dropped on your doorstep, you can’t exactly kick it to the curb. I can’t exactly blame you for wanting to ignore me.” Louie complained, crossing his arms. Scrooge frowned deeply, shaking his head softly.

“What? No, lad thats not-” Scrooge started, tilting his tophat back and Louie blinked a bit as he saw the anguish on the old ducks face. 

“You’re more than just some poor child left on my doorstep, I promise you that.” Scrooge assured softly and Louie blinked a bit before narrowing his eyes.

“Oh ya? If that were true then you would think that you’d interact with me more, huh?” Louie retorted, scowling slightly. Scrooge held his cane tighter and Louie scoffed, rolling his eyes. 

“I knew it. Just some rando kid on your doorstep.” Louie grumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets and walking past Scrooge. Scrooge hesitated slightly, swallowing hard before speaking up.

“You look just like your mother.” Scrooge said, trying to add an affectionate tone to his voice, but it seemed more shaky. Louie glanced back before narrowing his now teary eyes.

“God, I hope not.” Louie muttered, walking off without even questioning why Scrooge knew what his mother looked like.

⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻

Louie covered his face with a groan, sitting in the seat next to Webby who’s jaw was dropped.

“You’re telling me…” Weby started, putting her hand over her beak before looking back at Louie. “That you had the opportunity to get more info about your family. Had the opportunity to talk to the Scrooge McDuck, the same person whose attention we’ve strived for our entire lives…. And you YELLED at him?!” Webby said with a flabbergasted expression and Louie groaned into his hoodie.

“I know!! I know! But I just- I got all worked up thinking about it and it just- flooded out!!” Louie exclaimed, hiding his face in his hands as Webby groaned. Eventually Webby took a deep breath and stood up with a determined expression.

“Okay! Just a little predicament, but we’ve still got the lead!” Webby exclaimed, looking over at Louie who finally looked up from his hoodie.

“Webby, I Yelled at him” Louie retorted but Webby only grinned wider.

“Ya, but he still wanted to talk to you! You’ve got this, Lou! If he wanted to talk then, he wants to talk now! Simple logic!” Webby exclaimed and Louie rolled his eyes.

“Simple logic my ass! I’m pretty sure simple logic is when somebody yells at you, you dont wanna talk to them anymore!” Louie said with a harumph and Webby chuckled, tackling him in a hug.

“Not by Scrooge logic!! You saw how he was when that one golden-haired woman came by! They yelled and argued forever, but I swear I saw them kiss!” Webby grinned and Louie stuck his tongue out in mock disgust.

“Pretty sure you were just blinded by hope, Webs” Louie replied, sitting back up and making Webby hop back to her chair.

“Maybe, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t wanna talk to you! Here, I’ll make a bet right now! 10 dollars, if you walk into his office right now he’d talk to you for hours!” Webby said with a grin and Louie smirked back.

“20 dollars says otherwise.” Louie retorted and Webby chuckled.

“Deal!” Webby beamed, taking her brother’s hand and shaking it harshly. Louie chuckled, shaking Webby’s hand back with the same amount of force.

“Easy money, i’m telling you now” Louie said playfully and Webby stuck her tongue out at him. 

“To quote the great Oliver Wendell Birdhouse Jr. 'If you don't know what you want, you will probably never get it'.” Webby quoted with a smirk and Louie rolled his eyes, grabbing the two coins from earlier and looking at the slight red and blue glint of them.

Chapter Text

Huey hummed as he tried starting the houseboat’s engine, thinking his Uncle had gone for the day and that he had time for himself.

“Just a quick trip around the bay! I’ll be back before Dad even comes back. Easy peasy.” Huey reassured himself softly, grinning as he heard the purr of the engine. He laughed softly amongst himself, standing up with a triumphant grin.

“I did it! Goodbye boring dock, hello…” Huey started, looking at the doorway and seeing his uncle standing there with his hands on his hips. Huey jumped slightly before swallowing hard and waving awkwardly. “Dad…” Huey muttered softly and Donald sighed, pinching his beak softly before walking over to Huey.

“Huey, I thought I could trust you!” Donald scolded, narrowing his eyes. Huey frowned before replying.

“You can! I was just gonna go around the bay!” Huey retorted and Donald shook his head.

“You were gonna take the house! What if it sank and I wasn’t here?! Oh.. I knew I shouldn’t have left you alone.” Donald said with a sigh before taking Huey’s wrist and leading him to the car. Huey sighed, looking back at the houseboat before he was set inside the car and buckled in. He blinked a bit, looking up at Donald.

“Where are we going?” Huey asked softly once Donald got into the driver’s seat. Donald sighed, pressing his lips together tightly.

“Somewhere I never thought I’d take you” Donald replied, pressing the car’s screen and setting a GPS. 

[“Destination: McDuck Manor”]

The GPS called out, and Huey gasped, his eyes sparkling.

“McDuck Manor?! Like Scrooge McDuck?!” Huey exclaimed, gripping his seatbelt tight. “Why?!” Donald just sighed, rolling his eyes.

“He owes me, and I don't trust you to stay home alone!” Donald replied and Huey huffed but didn’t say anything else. Donald frowned slightly at that before looking back at Huey.

“Maybe someday soon.. you can’t blame me for being overprotective, can you?” Donald asked with a small, worried smile. Huey’s expression softened and he shook his head, looking back at his uncle.

“I guess not..” Huey muttered and Donald nodded, starting to drive the car out of their parking space.

“Don’t worry, it’ll only be for a little while.” Donald reassured as he drove, more to himself than to Huey, not letting his worry show.

»»——⍟——««

The drive took longer than Huey anticipated, it felt even longer when he had to wait at a large gate since they weren’t being let in. He sat in the back of Donald’s car, reading a book until he heard the sound of a car horn behind him. He raised an eyebrow before peeking his head out to see a limousine behind them, with an old duck aggressively honking the horn. Huey’s eyes lit up until he felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned to his uncle.

“Wait here until I say it’s okay to come out, alright?” Donald instructed softly and Huey nodded, slumping back down into his seat. Donald smiled softly at him before exiting the car, meeting the old duck halfway. Huey watched from the window as the two argued, perking up once he heard his Dad say something that made his junior woodchuck heart soar.

“Uncle Scrooge”

.

.

“UNCLE SCROOGE?!” Huey exclaimed, laughing excitedly and jumping in his seat. Donald glanced back briefly before back at the old duck and continuing his conversation. Huey watched them with a wide grin, seeing Scrooge deflate slightly and shrink slightly into himself. At that, Huey tilted his head and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. But he didn’t have much time to think about it when Donald gestured for him to come out. 

Huey lit up, quickly unbuckling his seatbelt and making a beeline to stand in front of Donald. Donald patted his head softly before he placed his hands on his shoulders. 

“Huey, meet Scrooge McDuck, your great uncle.” Donald announced with a slightly smug grin, Huey ignored it, putting his hand out with a giddy expression. 

“Nice to meet you… erm, Mr. McDuck?” Huey said, not quite sure on how he was supposed to address Scrooge. Scrooge swallowed hard, only staring at Huey for a long while, which made Huey hesitate and look around awkwardly. Eventually, Scrooge blinked back to reality and perked up, realizing he was being addressed. Scrooge awkwardly looked around before flimsily shaking Huey’s hand. 

“You aswell…eh, Huey, was it?” Scrooge replied, bringing his hand back. Donald cleared his throat, narrowing his eyes at Scrooge before turning Huey around and looking him in the eyes.

“Call me if you need anything, got it?” Donald asked softly and Huey nodded, smiling at his dad and giving him a quick hug. Donald hugged back softly before standing up and walking back to his car. He waved goodbye to Huey before driving off and Huey beamed, turning to look at Scrooge only to find him in the limousine already. Huey’s smile briefly dropped before he hurried over to the door and hopped in behind his great uncle.

»»——⍟——««

Turbo groaned as he regained consciousness, recognizing the cool metal beneath him first and almost falling back asleep until he realized it was darker than usual. He shakily stood up, feeling his head pounding and making it worse when he shook it to clear his mind. His eyes widened as he felt a surge of dizziness and he put his hands over his mouth to resist the urge to throw up. Finally after what felt like forever, Turbo regained his footing and blinked a bit, realizing the spear of Selene was knocked over. He hurriedly gathered his things, holding the plushes tightly to himself and looking around in confusion.

“Okay…not ideal..but mom’s probably gonna come get me soon.” Turbo reassured himself softly, sitting down on the makeshift bed he grew up with. He hummed his mom’s song to himself as he set up camp, expecting Della to come any second. He held his plushes tightly to himself, finding comfort in the red and green as he looked around the dark ship. He quickly shook his head, holding his plushes tighter.

“Just a bit dark.. You’ll be fine! You live on the moon for Selene sake..” Turbo muttered quietly and he relaxed a bit, setting his plushes down in front of him and starting to make conversation with nobody in particular. After a bit he was lying on his back, blabbering about some ideas he had about what he wanted to do with his brothers once he got to earth when he heard a scutter from the other side of the ship. He shot up, blinking a bit before holding his plushes to himself again. 

“Hello…? Mom??” Turbo asked hopefully, slowly getting up and starting to walk over to where he heard the noise. He tilted his head slightly, seeing a small figure moving along the ground. Turbo tensed before the thing came out of the shadows quickly at him, making him yell and hold the plushes in front of him. The figure made a small growl as it started chewing on one of the plushes’ arms. Turbo peeked his eyes open, seeing a mini moon-mite munching away.

“Ohmygosh” Turbo gasped, dropping the plush and instead picking up the baby moon-mite.

“Awww!! You're so cute!! Oh I'm so totally gonna ask mom if we can keep you” Turbo said playfully as the mini moon-mite squirmed in his arms before making a cry-like sound.

“Aw, no! Did I hurt you?!” Turbo asked softly, carefully setting the mini moon-mite down, though it continued to cry. He quickly looked around, frowning softly until his gaze landed on a stray piece of metal. He grinned, quickly grabbing it and holding it in front of the baby.

“Here! Moon-Mites like metal, right? I mean, your mom does anyways” Turbo said with a shrug, waving the stray metal in front of the mini moon-mite. The baby sniffled before crying harder and making Turbo wince.

“Please stop crying! I’ll give ya a piece of my sweater if you want!” Turbo said with a small frown, gripping an edge of his blanket-made-shirt and ripping a small piece of it off, waving it in front of the mini moon-mite. The small thing stopped its crying momentarily before slowly munching on the cloth. Turbo grinned, patting the little thing’s head.

“Boom! See? I’d be an awesome brother.” Turbo said with a grin, putting his hands on his hips in a confident pose. The mini moon-mite closed its eyes, finishing the cloth and making a small squeak. Turbo chuckled softly before starting to dote on the baby again. The mini moon-mite seemed calmer now and let Turbo play with it until it turned to the wall and started squeaking again. Turbo tilted his head, a small smile on his face.

“Whatcha doin, Turbo Jr?” Turbo asked softly, scooting his way over to the mini moon-mite. The baby looked at him briefly before back at the wall and squealing. Turbo hummed, hearing something scuttling just outside the ship. Turbo grinned, assuming it was his mom. He cupped his hands over his beak and yelled out.

“MO-” 

But he was cut off by two giant pincers piercing the ship and ripping off a part of the wall. Turbo gasped, falling back and staring up at the intimidating face of the mother moon mite .

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Webby narrowed her eyes as she watched a red-clad being in her and Louie’s old playroom, looking around and trying to figure a way out. She quietly snuck out from the vents in front of the door, carefully lockpicking it like how Louie taught her to. She smirked as the door quietly creaked open and made the figure look towards it curiously. She slowly unwielded her rope, waiting for the perfect moment before capturing the supposed burglar. 

The figure yelled as Webby dragged him to her and Louie's room, pleading for help. She grinned, embracing the thrill of the catch. She rushed down the halls quickly, giggling quietly to herself. Finally she reached her room and hung the figure up by his feet. Webby turned on a singular, bright light and aimed it at the figure’s face.

“Who sent you?! What are you here for?!” Webby questioned, still not taking a good look at the figure, who started to sniffle. 

“I want my dad!!” The figure cried out and Webby raised an eyebrow, clapping the lights on and gasping as she saw an almost spitting image of her brother. Webby stared for a bit, making the duck frown more. 

“I'm sorry I snooped around!! Please let me go! Uncle Scrooge!!” The duck cried and Webby gasped again

“Uncle Scrooge??” Webby asked, tilting her head before blinking a bit in realization.

“Oh my gosh the lone egg!” Webby exclaimed giddily, grabbing her dagger and quickly releasing the duck from the ropes, making him flop onto the ground. Webby chuckled softly, helping the duck back up. 

“Sorry about that!! I thought you were trying to rob us!” Webby said playfully, running off and grabbing her camera before quickly taking a picture of the Duck. 

“Huey Duck! Great nephew of Scrooge McDuck on his sister Hortense’s side!” Webby said excitedly, tugging on a rope connected to a map covered in different band posters. Underneath, half of a board was covered in strings with Scrooge in the middle. On the other half there was a drawing of Webby and Louie in the middle, surrounded by different photos of ducks vaguely looking like him. 

“Ignore the clutter..” Webby said bashfully and Huey just looked on in surprise and a bit of fear. 

“Do you just… have a whole board dedicated to my family?” Huey asked with, surprisingly, a bit of hope. Webby tilted her head slightly before grinning and nodding. Huey perked up, moving closer to the board, failing to notice the photo of an identical-looking duck to him. After a bit Huey looked back at Webby, suddenly aware that she had essentially kidnapped him.

“Sorry, what's your name?? And why do you know so much about my family?” Huey finally questioned, taking a few short steps back. Webby blinked a bit before looking away bashfully. 

“Oh, right! My name's Webby, me and my brother live here.. My granny's the housekeeper” Webby admitted softly and Huey tilted his head more. Webby chuckled nervously, looking to the side. 

“Researching about Mr. McDuck’s kind of my hobby..” Webby admitted with a giggle and Huey's defensive posture lessened. 

“Um.. Alright..” Huey started before looking back up at Webby with a bit of a pleading expression. 

“Do you… know anything else? Like.. About my.. Brothers?” Huey asked, holding himself softly. Webby blinked a bit in surprise before gasping dramatically, making Huey jump. 

“BROTHERS?! There's McDuck family members I DON'T KNOW ABOUT?!” Webby exclaimed and Huey frowned softly. 

“I’ll take that as a no..” Huey said dejectedly until he heard quick foot steps approaching the room. Webby looked towards the door, tilting her head slightly until the door slammed open revealing her green-clad brother. 

“I heard screaming! What happened?!” Louie said, panting as he looked over and saw the duck next to his sister, making him jump. 

“Louie!!” Webby exclaimed, throwing her brother into a tight hug and making him wince. 

“Webs, who is that?!” Louie asked in alarm, holding Webby close since he was wary of the stranger in their room. 

“Huh? Oh!” Webby exclaimed, walking back to Huey and pushing him towards Louie, his own eyes wide with both unfamiliarity and the familiarity of his own face. 

“This is Mr. McDuck's nephew, Huey Duck!” Webby exclaimed with a grin. “He's my new friend!” Louie nodded, still clearly freaked out. 

“Ok, ya, cool whatever.. Why’s he in our room?? Where’d he even come from??” Louie asked, scrambling away from the stranger and back to Webby. Webby blinked a bit before looking back at Huey with a small smile.

“Huey, this is my brother, Louie! Hey! Your guys’ names match!” Webby exclaimed, ignoring Louie’s question. Louie rolled his eyes slightly, but clung to Webby’s side all the same. Huey just blinked a bit, staring at Louie with wide eyes, making Louie shrink into himself a bit.

“...alright” Huey muttered finally, dropping his gaze from Louie back at Webby. “You sure you don’t know anything about my brothers? Or maybe even my mom?” Huey asked softly, tilting his hat up and pulling out a small photo to show Webby. Webby tilted her head a bit as she looked at the photo, feeling Louie peek from behind her. Webby frowned softly before shaking her head.

“No..I’m really sorry! I didn’t even know Della had triplets!” Webby said with a sigh and Huey perked up.

“But you knew her name??” Huey asked curiously, tucking the photo back under his hat. Webby perked up before grinning and nodding.

“Ya! Della Duck! She mysteriously left one day.. Nobody I’ve asked knows where she went!” Webby exclaimed, feeling Louie slip out from behind her and sneak behind Huey. Webby blinked a bit before she put her hands on her hips and a scolding expression on her face. Huey raised an eyebrow, glancing around awkwardly as he thought Webby was mad at him.

“Louie! Put it down!” Webby said, crossing her arms as Huey looked behind him. He jumped as he saw the familiar duckling right behind him, staring at the photo with narrowed eyes. Louie blinked a bit, looking at Webby and Huey again before shrugging.

“Hey! I’ve got valuable intel here!” Louie said with a hmph, tossing the photo back to Huey, who clumsily caught it. Huey blinked a bit before frowning and moving closer to Louie with a pleading expression.

“Anything’ll help.” Huey said seriously and Louie faltered a bit, having not known how serious Huey was about this.

“...I think Mr. McDuck knows something.” 

⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔

[Earlier that day]

Louie sighed as he stood in front of Mr. McDuck’s door, debating whether or not he should even knock. What was he even gonna do? Apologize? Louie Vanderquack does not apologize! He took a deep breath, shaking his head. Now was not the time for pointless morals, he had the answer to his family right at his fingertips, he couldn’t fumble it now. He raised his hand to knock when the door opened by itself.

Louie’s eyes widened, looking up at the old duck himself. He was tired from just waking up, and probably had to leave soon for his job, but Scrooge seemed just as surprised to see Louie standing at his door.

“Louie..? I… Is something the matter?” Scrooge asked, if a bit awkwardly. Louie froze up, staring up at the man he tried his whole life to get to like him. He swallowed hard before he shook his head.

“nah, it’s not that important…uh.. Have… have a good day….?” Louie said, breaking his gaze away from Scrooge. Scrooge frowned softly, reaching a hand out before quickly bringing it back and instead tilting his hat down at Louie before walking off. Louie sighed, burying his face in his hands and groaning.

“Damn it, Louie!” Louie scolded himself, snarling slightly and about to walk away until he realized Scrooge left his office open. He raised an eyebrow, looking back to where Scrooge walked off before back at the room and smirked. He quickly made his way in, closing the door behind him and turning off the lights. He walked through the dusty room, swiping some things that seemed valuable until he reached Scrooge’s desk. 

He hummed and sat in the plush seat, letting out a soft sigh as he sank into the nice furniture. He mumbled quietly amongst himself, relaxing for a bit before he opened his eyes again and started to snoop through the desk. He hummed a small song he didn’t remember learning as he scavenged through the drawers, pulling out a few things before placing them back in when he realized they weren’t valuable.

“Richest duck in the world and no cash in his desk? Pfft” Louie grumbled, looking up from the drawers to see a framed photo with Scrooge in the middle. He blinked a bit, raising an eyebrow as he saw two other ducks on either side of him and in front of them, three smooth eggs. 

He carefully picked up the photo and smiled slightly at it, feeling a warmth he couldn’t describe as he looked at the three eggs. He hummed, about to place it back down when a small note slipped from underneath. He raised an eyebrow, setting down the framed picture and picking up the note.

“Dear Uncle Scrooge… I’ve left with the last egg. I can’t believe you. you of all people should have known better than to give her that! You know how reckless she is! And now we’ve lost three family members. Three. And two weren’t even able to experience life! I’m leaving, and I might not ever see you again.

-Donald”

Louie blinked a bit as he read, frowning softly. Whoever this was…was mad. There were crossed out sentences, some spots where it seemed like tears dried, and most notable of all, it was hidden. Louie sighed, glancing around the home office quickly before quickly setting everything back in its place and hurrying out, holding the note in his hands.

[Present Time]

Louie shrugged as he handed the note to Huey, frowning softly again.

“I don’t know if this helps much, but it seems important, kinda” Louie muttered casually, backing away from Huey again. Huey quickly read over the note, a saddened expression crossing his face.

“It’s…something. Thank you….” Huey trailed off awkwardly, having already forgotten Louie’s name even though he was just told. Louie rolled his eyes, putting his hand out.

“Louie Vanderquack” Louie said softly and Huey looked at the output hand and smiled before replying.

“Huey Duck” Huey said, taking Louie’s hand to shake it.  And as soon as the feathers on their hands touched, the two felt somewhat complete. 

⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻

Chapter Text

Huey hummed as he unpacked his suitcase into his new room, taking the time to look around the new place. He already knew it would be bigger than what his room was like on the houseboat, but it was still a surprise to see how much of his own space he got. He had a nice, big bed, a desk that didn’t take up the entire room, a closet that could actually fit all his clothes, and he could even fit a rug in the space if he really wanted. It’d only been 2 days since he met his great uncle and already everything felt different. 

He made two new friends, one who knew a little too much about his family, and one that looked suspiciously exactly like him, if his hair was a little less curly and he wore green instead of red. Other than that, it was great to have actually bonded with people his age instead of his dad’s book club friends. It was weird how they all just… clicked so quickly! Huey’s never been able to do that before! He smiled a little wider to himself as he hung up his clothes, the same type of red shirt over and over. He made a small, satisfied hum as he finished, placing his hands on his hips as he grinned at the sight of his own closet.

“What a diverse lineup of clothing!” a sarcastic voice came from the doorway. Huey harumphed as he turned to look at the green-clad duckling in the doorway.

“I’ll have you know, it’s a key part of my look, of which I pride myself on” Huey sarcastically responded, hiding his grin. Louie raised an eyebrow, quickly glancing over Huey before smirking again.

“..You sure about that?” Louie said with a cheeky grin, a small giggle coming from the hallway, revealing Webby to be close by. Huey blinked in surprise before chuckling slightly himself, which in turn made Louie chuckle a bit too. They stopped after a bit, kind of just looking at each other before Huey awkwardly glanced away. 

“.. This place is actually…really nice” Huey said with a small smile, looking back at Louie, and now Webby apparently, having snuck in while Huey wasn’t looking. Louie shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets.

“Well, I mean, it's a mansion. What else did you expect?” Louie teased slightly, making Webby lightly punch his arm. Louie narrowed his eyes at his sister before looking back at Huey.

“Well, duh, but I mean like-.. It’s more homey than I thought it would be. More cozy” Huey responded, a small smile on his face before he looked down again. “And I’ve actually got friends now, I didn’t really have any of those”

“I would have never imagined.” Louie remarked, making Webby punch him harder, which in turn made him wince. “Ow!”

“What Louie means to say is.. We get it! Our granny never really lets us out and Mr. McDuck never really talked to us before this whole adventure!” Webby responded with a sweet grin, and Louie did his best to mirror it, but it seemed more relaxed and lazy. Huey chuckled slightly, ever-so-subtly wiping his eyes. 

“Ya.. sorry, I didn’t mean to get all sappy… we just met and i’m already being a big crybaby” Huey muttered apologetically, making Webby frown softly before rushing over to give him a hug. Huey blinked a bit, not expecting somebody he met two days ago to already be willing to hug him. Then again, neither she nor Louie really knew how to interact with people.

“Don’t be sorry!! We’re best friends now! We’ve gone on two adventures together, we fought bad guys together, We’ve…. hmm… done… more stuff together! Certifiable best friends!” Webby beamed, her eyes sparkling with a friendliness that Huey hadn’t seen since that night he found out about his brothers. He smiled softly at Webby before hugging her back tightly.

“Ya! Best friends!” Huey responded with a grin, making Webby squee. Huey glanced behind her, looking at Louie standing awkwardly in the doorway, rocking on his feet. Webby turned to look behind her at her brother, rushing over to him and grabbing his wrist before throwing him into a hug as well.

“Ack- Webby! You know how I am about hugs!” Louie complained, struggling in Webby’s arms, who grinned wickedly in turn. 

“Don’t care, didn’t ask!” Webby replied, dragging Louie over to Huey before trapping them both in a hug. Huey laughed softly, hugging back both Louie and Webby with a wide grin. Louie grumbled after a bit, stopping the attempt to escape the wrath of his sister’s love. Webby beamed down at him, hugging both him and Huey a bit tighter. Huey winced slightly, patting Webby’s arm.

“Web- can’t-” He choked out softly, making Webby blink a bit before releasing the both of them and putting her hands to her mouth.

“Ohmigosh, Sorry!” Webby said quickly, helping the two boys up. Louie shrugged, leaning against Webby softly

“You get used to it after a bit, don’t worry” Louie told Huey with a small smirk, until he noticed Webby frown and tensed up. “Not that it’s a bad thing! I love your hugs!” 

“You just said you hate them!” Webby accused.

“No! I said ‘you know how I am about hugs’! There's a difference!” Louie defended, crossing his arms. Huey watched from the sidelines, tilting his head softly. Is that what siblings were like? Seems like a pain, but a welcome one. He smiled softly, interrupting the fight by hugging the two tightly. Louie made a small surprised noise, but Webby beamed and hugged back quickly.

»»——⍟——««

The mother moon-mite screeched loudly, making Turbo cover his ears as he stared up at it. He flinched as its pincers came down next to him, effectively trapping him between its claws and sharp teeth. He closed his eyes tight, whimpering and holding his hands in front of his face, feeling the moon-mite’s hot breath against his wrists. He wasn’t ready to die! He hadn’t met his brothers yet! He hadn’t met his Uncle Donald yet! He hasn’t even seen his family! 

He swallowed hard, tensing as he felt the moon-mite raise its arm, about to strike, before frantic squeaking came from beside him. He peeked his eyes open at the mini-moon-mite beside him, feeling himself shaking with fear and adrenaline. The mother moon-mite made a small coo as it saw its child, bringing its claws back and turning to the little thing. Turbo let out a deep sigh, collapsing back against the metal in momentary relief. He let himself relax for a bit before looking over at the moon-mites. The mother moon-mite was busy with its child, distracted by its squeaking. 

Turbo remained still for a bit before carefully grabbing his things again and quietly getting up. He kept his gaze on the moon-mite as he started slowly making his way to the now giant hole in the wall. He swallowed hard before dashing out, holding onto his plushes and the picture tightly as he booked it. He laughed amongst himself, grinning victoriously as he darted away. He heard the moon-mite roar behind him, along with the small cries of the mini-moon-mite, but he didn’t care right now. He hummed, stopping once he thought he got far enough away from the mites. He panted softly, glancing back at the ship, now far away, and chuckled. 

“Ha! Take that..you.. Stupid moon…mite” Turbo trailed off, glancing around at an unfamiliar space. He was definitely still on the moon, that was for sure considering the dust, but everything seemed so unfamiliar. He swallowed hard, it was dark, darker than it was normally, and there was a roof with holes that revealed the surface.

“Am I…below the surface?” Turbo asked quietly to himself, holding his plushes tighter. He looked around more, it was hollow and there were tunnels everywhere, probably made by the moon-mite. He frowned deeply before shaking his head and replacing it with a confident grin. 

“Whatever! I’m not scared! I just faced off against the moon mite! I can find the way back to mom myself, Or my name isn’t Turbo Duck!” Turbo exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air before starting to walk around, humming. He ventured around, holding onto his plushes as he peeked into some tunnels, kicked the dust and tried to jump high enough to where he could just leave the inside of the moon. He groaned when it didn't work.

“This is stupid! There’s gotta be a way up, right?” Turbo asked softly, looking at his plushie clad in red as if it would answer. He rolled his eyes, setting the plush aside for a moment.

“Great, thanks for the help” He muttered sarcastically before flopping on the ground with a sigh. “I wonder if mom’s here yet. There’s, like, no way she’d just leave me here.” Turbo muttered, closing his eyes and realizing how bad his head hurt.

“I hope she doesn’t go to the ship.. That mite’s scary. The baby’s pretty cute tho..” Turbo rambled, smiling sweetly. He continued rambling to his plushes and the photo, rolling his eyes and overall just complaining. He was bored. Real bored. It was boring here. It was boring and it was dull and cold and scary. It was scary on the moon. He didn’t like it here. 

“...I can’t wait to get to earth.” Turbo muttered softly after a while, looking at the poorly made quacky-patch dolls beside him and frowning. “It looks so..pretty from here. And you guys are there. I miss you and I don’t even know you. Do you guys miss me too? Do you even know I exist?” Turbo rambled softly, looking back up into one of the holes in the surface. He watched the stars lazily twinkle and the Earth stood perfectly in the middle, like a painting he couldn’t quite touch. He took a deep breath, sticking his tongue out at the lingering taste of black licorice. 

“I miss everybody else too, obviously. But there’s just this..lingering feeling of…emptiness, if that makes sense? I mean, it probably does for you guys, since, y’know, you probably feel the same. But I mean, you guys probably have each other, right? I hope you do, you guys deserve it. Probably.” Turbo continued, watching the Earth mesmerized. After a little while he let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes again, relaxing on the soft, cold dust. 

He hadn’t realized he’d fallen asleep until he woke up to the sound of a devastated scream. He jumped in surprise at the sound, blinking his eyes open quickly and noting silently that his plushes seemed closer to him. He shook his head, choosing not to dwell on it in the moment as he shot up and darted towards the sound. The closer he got the louder the crying seemed to be until he finally came upon the ship he just escaped from. He tilted his head slightly, seeing the figure of Della on her knees, her face in her hands. He immediately lit up, about to run over to his mom until she lazily got up, swaying on her feet a bit.

“Mom?” He asked, but he was either too quiet or Della just hadn’t heard him, because she instead walked over to somebody else, which made Turbo immediately get curious. His eyes sparkled as he took in the other person, they were purple and looked nothing like him or his mom, but besides that, they were dressed in gold! Him and his mom could get to Earth! Finally! He grinned widely, starting to walk over as Della snatched something from the other person’s hands, aiming it in front of her. Turbo tilted his head again before light burst from the thing in Della’s hands, along with angry and sorrowful yells coming from Della as she shot at the ship, and what Turbo presumed to be the moon-mite and her child.

Turbo watched with wide eyes as his mom destroyed the entire ship, leaving the moon-mite and the mini-moon-mite burnt to a crisp. She finally stopped after a bit, crying out and collapsing to her knees to sob. Another figure came into view, placing a hand on Della’s shoulder and holding their hat over their chest, the other figure followed suit, bowing their head and revealing lavender hair. 

“It had to be done. I’m sorry for your loss, Della.” The taller one spoke, taking their hand back and looking at the more muscular one with a nod. The muscular one frowned, glancing at the taller one before back at Della. They tensed slightly, looking back at the taller one and shaking their head. The taller one snarled before gesturing their head to Della, and the muscular one snarled back and shook their head more. 

Turbo watched in confusion before he saw the sharp glint of gold in the muscular one’s hand and gasped. He looked back at his mom before back at the other figures and narrowed his eyes. He dropped his plushes beside him, cupped his hands around his beak and yelled out.

“Mom! Look out!” 

Della gasped loudly, snapping her head back, not to look behind her at the threat, but at Turbo with teary eyes. Della immediately smiled wider, hurrying up and over to her son, scooping him up and spinning him around with loud cries. 

“Ah- Mom! What-?!” Turbo asked in alarm, hugging his mom back despite his confusion. Della just cried louder, smiling widely and holding her son tightly.

“Turbo!! Oh my god! Sweetie! You scared the crap out of me!” Della exclaimed, pulling back slightly to look at her son with a loving, relieved expression. Turbo frowned softly, hugging his mom tightly again.

“How?? I literally just got here!” Turbo complained as he was set down, della cupping his face softly and tilting it left and right to check for any wounds. 

“Just got here?! I thought those stupid bugs ate you!” Della scolded softly, kissing Turbo’s forehead softly. Turbo blinked in surprise before wincing, realizing how bad everything seemed.

“Oh.. I didn’t think of that.. I was hiding from the big one, the baby one was fine” Turbo explained softly. Della raised an eyebrow, digging in her pocket and pulling out a small, wet scrap of Turbo’s shirt.

“That little one coughed your shirt up!” Della explained with a small chuckle.

“I fed it to him! He kept crying!” Turbo defended with a small grin.

“Aww!!” Della exclaimed

“I know!” Turbo cooed, his thoughts being interrupted by the clearing of somebody’s throat. Della and Turbo turned to look at the two figures, awkwardly standing beside the trashed ship. Turbo narrowed his eyes at the tall one, hugging his mom again.

“Oh! Honey, look! These are my pals! That's Penny and that’s Lunaris!” Della exclaimed, getting up to introduce them all, but Turbo stopped her.

“The tall one told that one to kill you!” Turbo snarled, Lunaris tensed slightly before chuckling softly.

“Oh, you must be mistaken, child. I was simply gesturing for Penumbra here to… comfort your mother. We all thought you died to our dreaded foe, the bug monster.” Lunaris spoke in a smooth voice, a voice that Turbo didn’t trust.

“Then why did she pull out a spear?” Turbo retorted, crossing his arms. Della frowned softly, glancing behind Penumbra at the golden spear. Della gasped quietly, looking up at the purple figure with a small, betrayed look.

“Penny?”

“It’s Penumbra. I’ve told you.” Penny reminded, looking away guiltily. Turbo made a small hmph, narrowing his eyes. Lunaris winced, looking between them all before grinning.

“Well, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for that! You see, me and my people for years have assumed the bug monster could only die through means of stabbing. Della, however, has proved this wrong. We thank you, Della Duck.” Lunaris recovered, bowing with a small, regal smile. Penny blinked a bit before nodding and doing the same, Della perked right up, smiling widely and bowing back.

Turbo didn’t fail to notice Penumbra’s tight grip on her spear, or the guilty expression on her face.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Louie wasn’t sure what to feel lately. He didn’t mind Huey anymore, and Mr. McDuck has actually made efforts to talk to him more, but Huey wasn’t the only person to move in after what happened in Atlantis. Huey’s uncle, or dad, or whatever Huey called him, lived outside in a boat. It wasn’t a fancy boat either, it was old and the paint on the side of it was peeling off. That wasn’t the weirdest part though. 

Louie hadn’t interacted with the older duck much, but every time he did, Donald’s answers were short and his mind seemed like it was elsewhere. Not to mention, it was only Louie he did this with! He could interact with Webby and Huey just fine, but whenever Louie would try to talk, Donald would tense up and even seem sad. Louie didn’t even know what he did wrong! He hadn’t met the guy even 2 days ago and he already disliked him? Was Louie really that unlikable?! 

“I just don’t get it! He’s chill with Webs, why not with me?!” Louie complained as he laid on his bed, Webby and Huey were on the ground, reading through different books to try and find out anything about Huey’s family. Huey frowned slightly, shrugging. 

“I dunno, he doesn’t usually act like that, not even with his exes” Huey explained, closing his book softly. Webby perked up slightly, her eyes sparkling.

“Your uncle has exes? I thought he was too busy!” Webby exclaimed with a small grin.

“Oh they're just some people from his old college, nothing too exciting.” Huey explained with a small smile before Louie snapped his fingers.

“Hey! Let’s focus on my problem here instead of some old college drama please!” Louie complained exasperated. Huey rolled his eyes briefly before looking back at Louie.

“I could go and ask him if it’s bothering you so much.” Huey said with a tilt of his head. Louie narrowed his eyes slightly to think before shaking his head.

“No way! He could always just lie and say nothing’s up! We need to be smart about this!” Louie said with a hmph, jumping down from his bed to sit between Webby and Huey. Huey frowned but Webby brought her book back up.

“Well how do you know he will?” Webby asked, moving to lean against her brother as she continued reading ‘Scrooge McDuck (The Whole Scoop)’ by Felicity Fieldmouse 

“Oh come on, if you didn't like somebody you wouldn’t just outwardly say it, would you?!” Louie accused softly, messing with Webby’s bow slightly.

“I don’t think Webby is even capable of not liking somebody” Huey teased softly, making Louie grin as Webby perked up.

“Hey! I don’t like a lot of people!” Webby defended with a ‘hmph’.

“Oh ya? Name one person you don’t like that you’ve actually met and didn’t just read about” Louie said with a teasing grin. Webby blinked a bit before making a confident hum.

“Ma Beagle! I’ve actually faced off against her! You have too!” Webby declared and Huey and Louie sighed in defeat, in almost the same exact tone.

“Ok, you’ve got a point. But still!” Louie said with a grumble, relaxing back against his sister.

“But you do have a fair point, Louie. Dad never really outwardly dislikes somebody, and even if he does, he doesn’t act like that! He usually scrunches his face up and snarls at them. But whenever he looks at you, he just looks..” Huey trailed off, trying to find the right words.

“Sad?” Webby and Louie finished at the same time, making Huey nod. 

“It’s weird! I haven’t seen him look like that since he told me about my siblings and mom.” Huey continued, narrowing his eyes slightly. Webby and Louie exchanged glances before they looked back at Huey.

“Maybe… it’s something about them” Webby offered slightly, frowning a bit.

“What?” Huey asked, perking up.

“Well I mean, you guys are about the same age, maybe he’s just thinking about your siblings!” Webby said, lighting up. “Not to mention how similar you guys are! It’s gotta be a stab in the heart.” She muttered with a small frown. Huey mirrored it before looking back at Louie.

“...Maybe you should talk to him about it” Huey offered and Louie blinked a bit in surprise before crossing his arms.

“Why me? He’s your uncle!” Louie retorted and Huey shrugged

“Maybe he could just use your help a little more. Also i dont wanna” Huey said with a small smirk and Louie groaned.

“Fine, sure, whatever. But if I'm killed in a fit of rage, I'm haunting both of you!” Louie exclaimed as he got up. Webby giggled, waving her brother off.

“I’ll get a ouija board for you!” Webby yelled after him, making Huey laugh as Louie left the comfort of his room sister and new friend. 

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

Louie whistled as he made his way outside to where the pool normally was, looking around as if anything would be different in the old mansion. He sighed quietly as he opened the door that led outside, squinting his eyes in the sun and seeing the small houseboat in the middle of the pool. He frowned slightly, fiddling with his fingers as he made his way to the front, hearing a raspy voice muttering a song from inside. He took a deep breath before knocking, rocking on his feet.

“Come in!!” a voice called from within, it was a comfortable tone, but Louie couldn’t help his nerves. He opened the door a crack, hesitating before opening it the rest of the way. “Whats up-” Donald started, looking in the doorway and freezing halfway through his sentence. Louie tensed, swallowing hard before waving awkwardly, which only seemed to make Donald more tense.

“Um…hey, Mr. Duck…” Louie started, glancing away awkwardly. Donald did the same before smiling nervously.

“Hello, Louie… can i… can i help you?” Donald asked, a small, feigned grin on his face. It would be convincing to everybody else but Louie (and maybe Huey). Louie was quiet for a bit before answering.

“Just.. can we maybe…talk?” Louie asked, and Donald’s expression softened slightly before he nodded.

“Of course! Do you need anything? I’ve got.. Instant coffee? Or maybe just hot water?” Donald listed off, tilting his head at the coffee maker in the corner, wincing as it spontaneously breaks down. He sighs softly before looking back at Louie. “...tap water?” 

“uh..no- im fine, thanks” Louie muttered awkwardly before hesitantly walking to what he assumed was the dining room and sat down at a small table. He looked at the fridge, seeing different drawings hung up or small awards along with a photo of Donald and Huey hugging. Louie couldn’t help but smile at the sight until Donald sat across from him, not even looking at Louie.

“What did you wanna talk about?” Donald asked after a bit, his gaze locked on the inside of his mug. Louie swallowed hard again before folding his hands in front of him on the table.

“Do you.. Not like me? Did I, like, do something?” Louie finally asked, holding his own hands tighter. Donald perked up, looking at Louie finally before quickly looking away, tense again. “I mean, every time I try to talk to you, you just seem…. Really disinterested. And- and it really sucks because Huey’s like, my first friend besides my sister, and I don't want his family to hate me and-” Louie rambled, feeling his voice wavering slightly before Donald cut him off.

“No, Louie, that’s not it at all! You’re an amazing kid, and I’m really glad Huey met you and your sister.. It’s just..” Donald trailed off, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before facing Louie again with a small smile. “You remind me of somebody… Somebody I knew a long time ago. You look exactly like her, and it just hurts to see her face again.” Donald explained softly, his own voice shaky. Louie looked back up at him, his face slightly shocked.

“Mr. McDuck said the same thing.. He said ‘you look just like your mother’.... Was she, like, a family friend? Did you guys know her? Do you know why she just…left me here?” Louie asked finally, feeling everything spilling out. “I-I’ve been trying to figure out for years who she is, who she was. I just want to know why she abandoned me! Why- Why she didn’t want me or why she couldn’t keep me!” Louie vented, wiping his eyes and continuing to spill how he felt… and Donald sat there the entire time, listening but slightly shocked. After Louie finally finished, sniffling and wiping his eyes, Donald put a hand on Louie’s shoulder, a soft smile on his face.

“Hey.. it’s alright, let it all out, it’s ok” Donald comforted softly, and Louie didn’t know why, but he felt the safest right where he was. He couldn’t help himself as he dived into Donald’s arms and cried into his chest. Donald was surprised, but he hugged back with a soft smile. After a long while, they both pulled back, but Donald looked away once more, his expression hardened.

“Wh.. you okay..? Did I do something-” Louie started, concerned about the anger on Donald’s face. Donald blinked a bit before quickly shaking his head.

“No, no no, don't you worry about upsetting me ever. You said Scrooge told you you look like your mom..?” Donald asked, gaining a nod from Louie in return. Donald tensed more, kneeling down to be eye level with Louie, and Louie could see the tears in his eyes.

“Louie.” Donald started

“y..ya?” Louie asked warily

“You look like my sister,”

“Huey’s mom,”

“Like Della Duck”

Chapter Text

How could he? 

How could he keep something like this away from Donald?

Donald stared down at the young duckling in his arms, his eyes now wide with a glimmer of hope. He looked so much like Della it hurt. 

“Y-you mean-” Louie started but Donald shook his head quickly, looking away.

“I.. I wouldn’t assume anything yet. Scrooge would have told me…” Donald muttered, gently setting Louie down and giving him a soft smile, effectively hiding behind the ‘good dad’ mask. 

“You should head back to Webby and Huey…I’ll see what I can find out about your mom, alright?” Donald hummed, ruffling the top of Louie’s head, a gesture he’d grown accustomed to after raising one boy. Louie looked down for a bit, clenching his fists before he sighed and looked back up at Donald.

“...Okay. Thanks for talking with me, Mr. Duck” Louie muttered softly, though it was clear he wanted to say something else. Donald nodded before watching Louie start to walk away, and before Donald could stop it,

“Call me Uncle Donald, I insist.”

Louie paused, looking back at Donald before swallowing hard and looking away again.

“I’ll see you at dinner, Mr. Duck.” and he walked away.  

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Donald paced in his houseboat with his hand to his chin. Scrooge wouldn’t lie about something as serious as that, right? Sure the fight they had was…bad, but not to the point where Scrooge would hide his own nephew from him! Scrooge was a selfish, cheap old man… but he always put his family first. That was a given. Donald sighed and collapsed on the old couch he and Huey had when he first got their home. 

He looked over at the photos on his wall, a bunch of family memories, or the fragment of a family anyways. It was mostly just photos of him and Huey, a few with him, José and Panchito playing with a little Huey. It was cozy, he should call them soon. 

That was besides the point, he should go talk to Scrooge and set things straight. Maybe Louie just reminded Scrooge of somebody he knew. Maybe Louie’s mother was just a friend who couldn’t take care of a little duckling. That had to be it. 

It had to be.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Huey hummed as he helped Webby arrange her board on his family. People he hadn’t seen in years or hadn’t even known about were scattered about and he couldn’t help but think…this was impressive.

“Webby, I have to tell you, this amount of research is astounding! It would take me years just to reach even the same amount of information on.. Anything! And the decoration, oh i could only dream of the scrapbooking skills!” Huey gushed, taking in the board as Webby beamed.

“You really think so?! Thank you! Louie just says it's a nerdy thing.. He helps out with the decorating sometimes, though.” Webby hummed, grabbing a heart pin and placing another picture next to the one of scrooge in the middle. Huey tilted his head, not recognizing the name or the figure.

“Oh, who’s that? I don't think my dad ever talked about her.” Huey asked, tilting his head and resting his cheek on the stool where Webby was.

“OOH! Mrs. Goldie O’ Gilt! Louie says she’s not anybody important, just somebody who steals, but I know for sure her and Mr. McDuck have something! It’s really cute” Webby cooed, making Huey chuckle. 

“Hm, she looks nice..” Huey said with a grin, but Webby immediately shook her head.

“Looks are deceiving! One time when she came over and stole a ton of things! Granny shooed her away, but Louie seems super charmed by her so I can’t hate her too much.” Webby spoke with a soft smile, stepping down from her stool to grab more pictures. Huey scooted away, focusing now on cutting out shapes from paper. He watched as Webby moved from the McDuck board over to where the drawing of her and Louie was and started pinning some photos under “possible suspects-Louie”

“I’ve been meaning to ask, actually..” Huey started, walking over to Webby and looking at the much less organized board scattered with different photos of random-looking ducks. “What’s this board for? I know that one’s about the McDuck family, but this one just has you and Louie on it.” Huey pointed to the drawing in the middle. Webby perked up and pointed at the top of the board.

“This is the Vanderquack board! It’s my family and Louie’s family! See? There’s granny, Mr. McDuck, our old butler-” Webby pointed to each photo correlating to the person she was talking about before Huey interrupted and pointed to a photo of two ducks who seemed lovey-dovey.

“And these are your guys’ parents?” Huey asked abruptly, looking over at Webby’s surprised expression and wincing. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt, I was just wondering.” Webby blinked a bit more before chuckling and shrugging.

“Don’t worry, I do it all the time!” Webby assured before clearing her throat and looking at the photo Huey pointed to. “Ya, these are my parents! Louie’s parents, though..” She looked over at the various photos of different ducks, very vaguely looking similar to Louie.

“We…aren’t too sure” Webby muttered softly. Huey seemed surprised, looking at the different photos.

“You guys aren’t related..?” Huey asked with a small frown and Webby shrugged sadly.

“Not that we know of.. Granny just told us that Louie’s egg was dropped off here sometime before Granny came with me.” Webby said with a soft sigh, pinning another photo. 

“We’ve been trying to find who Louie’s parents could be, but it’s kind of hard when we don’t even know his real last name….or have internet access…or access to the outside.. But that didn’t stop me from giving up!” Webby beamed again, a sense of determination in her voice.

“Louie told me to give it up, but I can tell he wants to find out just as bad.” Webby hummed, placing another photo, this one having her, Louie, and Huey in a group hug. “Plus, our family just keeps growing.” Webby said sweetly, turning to Huey with a soft smile, blinking a bit as she saw Huey blinking back tears.

“That's.. So sweet!” Huey wailed and hugged webby, who hugged back quickly. She giggled before squeezing Huey tightly

“Aww! Huey, don’t cry!!!” Webby cooed before swinging Huey and setting him down. “Come on, let’s get back to organizing!!!!”

»»——⍟——««

Della hummed as she trailed behind Lunaris and Penny, looking around the barren moon and holding Turbo’s hand. Turbo trailed behind Della slightly, eyeing the moonlanders warily. Della frowned slightly at the sight, dragging him a bit closer so they’d be side by side. 

“Honey, what's wrong? They told you why they had that spear. And look, I'm completely fine! Everything’s alright, alright?” Della tried to reassure, but she was never really good at that type of stuff, usually Donny would be the one to comfort. Turbo sighed and shook his head, the quacky patch dolls still in his arms.

“Ya, I know.. But still! I know what I saw, mom! We shouldn’t, uh, believe them?” Turbo said defensively, not quite sure what the words he was looking for were. All the same Della sighed and held Turbo closer.

“Look, hon, they’re my friends, I promise! And if they even try anything, I've got my brave little knight right here!” Della said with a grin, ruffling Turbo’s hair gently.  “I raised you to be an adventurer, didn’t I?” Della tilted her head, moving her hand to cup Turbo’s cheek making him smile slightly and lean into the touch.

“Ya…” Turbo looked past Della at the moonlanders, seeing Penumbra looking back at them. “...ya.” 

“Attaboy! Alright! Get hyped!” Della cheered, raising her arms to flex them and Turbo giggled before doing the same. Della beamed before hurrying after Lunaris and Penumbra, knowing Turbo wouldn’t stray too far. They walked for a bit further until they reached a large rock. Turbo and Della looked at each other before looking over the rock. 

“Uh…nice.. House! Where I'm from we call this a rock, eh, Turbo?” Della said, trying to be polite in the only way she knew how. Turbo simply blinked at her.

“I wouldn’t know” He replied with a deadpan expression before both him and Della chuckled. Lunaris chuckled a bit after them before clearing his throat and pressing his palm to the middle of the rock. Della and Turbo tilted their heads at the sight before the rock began to glow, slowly consuming the rock in intricate patterns before it started to fade away. Turbo gasped at the sight, his eyes sparkling as a whole city uncovered itself, shining a bright yellow. Della started slowly walking into the entrance, Turbo hesitated before following her. 

“Welcome to… Tranquility” Lunaris spoke behind Turbo, placing a hand on his shoulder. Turbo flinched slightly before rushing to be beside his mom instead, looking back to see a glimpse of Lunaris glaring at him before his face grew a friendly smile again.

“Apologies, little duck, I didn't mean to frighten you.” Turbo narrowed his eyes in suspicion before jumping at the sound of his mom’s voice.

“WAIT. This whole time there's been a city here and we’ve been slumming it in the moon desert?!” Della grumbled, subconsciously running her hands through Turbo’s hair until he playfully swatted them away. 

“Mom, look!” Turbo exclaimed before running ahead to a large statue. Della gasped, her eyes sparkling as she took a good look around.

“You guys have..” Della started before grinning and turning towards Turbo.

“GOLD!” The two exclaimed loudly before laughing in relief. 

“You have gold! So much too!” Della turned back to penumbra, beaming. Penny shrugged.

“Of course, it’s our most plentiful resource. We use it for..well, everything.” Lunaris hummed, Penumbra looked aside guiltily.

“Wow…that’s… incredibly infuriating…But amazing! Turbo! we can.. Fix our…ship.. Oh no” Della trailed off, realizing she had burnt her ship to the ground when she thought she had lost Turbo.

“Mom? What’s up?” Turbo asked, concern evident in his eyes as Della sunk beside him on the ground.

“The ship! It’s still under the surface! I blew it up when..” She looked over at Turbo and sighed again, flopping onto the golden road. Turbo frowned softly, making the mistake at glancing at Lunaris, seeing a furious glint in his eyes. He flinched slightly and looked towards Penumbra instead, seeing her grumble something beneath her breath before making her way over to the two ducks. Turbo blinked slightly in alarm, scooting closer to his mom, ready to defend her. But, Instead of pulling out her spear, Penumbra sat down next to Della and put a hand on her shoulder.

“Della. Not…all hope is…lost? In the short time I've known you, you have proven yourself an excellent warrior…even if it was only because you thought the bug monster killed the little Della. I am…sure you can..get through this..?” Penumbra spoke clumsily, as if she didn’t know what to say. All the same, Della blinked back tears before pouncing on Penumbra with a grin.

“Awww Penny!-”

“PENUMBRA”

“Whatever! See, I knew we would be best friends! Delle squeed as she hugged Penumbra. Turbo stood off to the side still, keeping an eye, not on Penumbra, but the commander in charge… who was eyeing Della with a malicious grin.

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

(After Della and Dewey moved in with penumbra)

“RISE AND SHINE, SUNSHINE!!” Della yelled as she hopped off of the top bunk, Turbo following soon afterward with a large grin. Penumbra groaned from her bed, covering her head with a pillow.

“Della. It is too early for this.” Penumbra grumbled, throwing the pillow right over Turbo’s head, making him blink in surprise and scoot a bit closer to his mom.

“Wow… great arm, Penny! Hey, maybe you could teach Turbo a couple tricks, ha!” Della teased before Turbo playfully shoved her.

“Hey! You were the one who was supposed to teach me how to throw! If i suck it’s your fault!” Turbo huffed before crawling back to the top bunk to check on the quacky patch dolls before Della yanked him back down to her side.

“Anyways… It’s never early on the moon! It’s the moon for Pete's sake! Me an’ Turbo here are gonna go collect scraps from the ship, penny! We’ll see you later!!” Della beamed, waving bye to Penumbra along with playfully blowing her a kiss as her and Turbo started walking away. Della hummed until she reached the door to Penumbra’s house, when Turbo stopped and held his shirt a bit tighter.

“Uh… mom?” Turbo asked with a nervous grin. Della stopped and turned to him, offering him a soft, motherly smile.

“What is it, hon? Got a fever, feelin’ sick? What’s up?” Della asked in minute alarm, tilting Turbo’s head side to side before he chuckled and shook it.

“Can I… stay here? I wanna get to know the Moon-landers better! They all like you but never interact with me so…” Turbo said with a small pbbt and shrug. Della narrowed her eyes in thought before grinning and hugging Turbo tightly.

“‘course you can, baby! But stay safe, alright? Strangers are still danger! So don’t interact with them unless Penny says they're alright! Okloveyoubye~~!!!” Della hummed, waving bye to Turbo as Penumbra shot up.

“Wait, what do you mean ‘unless Penny says’?! Della! Della come back here and take the mini Della! DELLA!” Penumbra yelled after Della, but she was already far away. Penumbra groaned and turned towards Turbo, only to see nothing in his space. “Mini Della..? Oh moon no, I couldn’t have lost him already-” 

“I’m over here, Ms. Penumbra.” Turbo said with narrowed eyes, pointing a weak flashlight in Penumbra’s face. “I’ve got a couple questions.”

───  ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅  ───

Scrooge hummed in his office, smiling down at the picture of Him, Donald, and the two eggs in front of them. He sighed softly as he looked on the other side of the photo, where his lost Niece and Nephew laid forever in that image. It was a melancholy feeling, a sense of loss he never quite got over even as 10 years passed. He set the picture back down, making sure every person in the photo was visible, even the ones who weren’t here anymore. 

He had gotten most of his family back, that’s what mattered. Donald was back living in his home, even if it was outside in a houseboat. He had finally gotten to meet little Huey, and he was even better than he could imagine. He had gotten to know Webbigail more and had grown to love her despite the scary amount of knowledge she knew regarding him. And finally Louie-

Scrooge jumped as his door was kicked open and a short green-clad duckling stood in the doorway with clenched fists.

“Louie..? Lad, is something the matte-” Scrooge started, about to get up but Louie sat in the chair across from his desk and slammed his hands on the surface.

“Tell me about my family. About why I’m here.” Louie spoke with no room to argue, making Scrooge blink a bit before chuckling nervously.

“Are ye sure you really want to-?” Scrooge began again but was, unsurprisingly, interrupted by Louie once more.

“Now.” Scrooge faltered before sighing and nodding.

“Alright, lad. Close the door, I'll tell ye everything.”

.·''·.·•$$$•·.·''·.·

Louie wiggled uncomfortably in his chair. He did it. He confronted Mr. McDuck- The Scrooge McDuck- about his family. Now it was just a matter of waiting as Scrooge cleaned his specs, pretending like he wasn’t nervous. A short while later, Scrooge rested them back on his beak and turned to Louie.

“Now, Lad, I just want to ask first, why do you want to talk about yer mum?” Scrooge asked with a hum, Louie knew he was just stalling, but it’d be nice to get it out. He looked to the side 

“It’s just… You’ve never told me anything about my family..other than that I look like my mom. Granny told me she doesn't know anything, and Webby insisted I just talk to you, a-and now there’s this whole thing with- with Huey and Uncle- er- Mr. Duck and it’s just all so confusing and-!” Louie held onto the sides of the seat tighter, resisting the urge to cry yet again. He’s been doing that too much, he couldn’t risk his reputation again! Scrooge stared at him for a bit before he swallowed hard. Louie noticed he held his cane tighter.

“I- I suppose it’s a... worthy curiosity… I haven’t exactly been a very good caretaker.” Scrooge muttered with a sigh, leaning his cane against the desk and leaning forward so his arms rested on the surface. “Alright, Louie. I’ll tell you about yer mother.” 

Louie hid a grin, leaning forward to listen to an old man ramble.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

“Louie, 10 years ago, yer mother came to my doorstep, a small bundle in her arms. You were but a wee thing… an’ yer mother had nowhere to go.” Scrooge started, watching as Louie listened intently from across him. Of course he felt bad lying to the kid, but how do you dump that you separated a child from their entire family in one sitting?

“I let her stay with me for a while, I bought an entire baby set an’ everything! Waste of me money anyways since you were too big for it!” Scrooge joked sweetly, feeling a little spark as he saw Louie chuckle a bit. “She was great company, especially since Don an’ his sister weren’t around a lot much anymore.” Scrooge shivered at the feeling that gave him. 

“Anyways, she stayed around as much as she could, darling…but..” Scrooge faltered slightly, he had to come up with something, and quickly.

“...but?” A small voice said in front of him. Scrooge made the mistake to look at him, his worried expression an exact mirror to Della’s. Scrooge felt himself freeze up, any chance of him getting away with this lie dissipating the second he saw those teary, worried eyes. 

“But… Oh, curse me kilts… I can’t do this” Scrooge cursed, turning to look away from Louie and holding his arm tightly. Louie seemed immediately alarmed and bounded from his seat to the front of Scrooge.

“Mr. McDuck? Is everything alright?? Sh-should I go get Granny?? Hold on, I’ll go get help” Louie muttered in alarm, about to leave when he felt Scrooge grab his arm.

“N-no, Lad, everything… everything’s fine” Scrooge said, emphasizing it with another sigh. “Louie…that…what I just said..” Scrooge frowned more before looking Louie in the eye again and turning him to face Scrooge fully. “That was a lie. I’m sorry.”

“...what?”

“I was…lying to you. Your mother wasn’t some poor lass who came for help. She was..” Scrooge hesitated, looking at the photo on his desk. Louie’s eyes followed his, and he felt them widen.

“Della Duck.” Louie whispered softly, and Scrooge flinched slightly.

“You…know-” Scrooge started, but was interrupted by Louie pulling his arm back.

“S-So Mr. Duck was right. He is my.. Della’s my..” Louie clenched his fists before glaring up at Scrooge. “You… you kept me from them?! F-From my brother? My family?!” Louie yelled, feeling his tears sting with tears again.

“Louie-” 

“YOU KNEW WHO MY FAMILY WAS! WHO THEY WERE! WHERE THEY WERE!” 

“Louie-!”

“AND YOU MADE ME WONDER FOR YEARS! MADE ME SPECULATE WHO THEY WERE! WHY THEY ABANDONED ME HERE WITH YOU!!!” 

“LOU-!”

“Louie..?” A small voice came from the doorway. Scrooge and Louie turned to look, seeing another duckling, clad in her famous pink bow, standing with her hand to her chest.

“Webs!” Louie gasped, hurrying over to Webby with a small frown. “Hey, look, I didn’t mean to yell-” Louie started but Webby looked past him at Scrooge by his desk. She stared for a while before snarling and standing between Louie and him.

“Was…was what Louie said true? Did you really..?” Webby kept her stance protective, but the tone in her voice made it obvious that her whole world just crashed around her.

“Webs.. you weren’t supposed to hear that..” Louie muttered from behind her, but reveled in her presence all the same. Webby took a breath before bringing her hand down to hold Louie’s fiercely. 

“This isn’t nothing, Louie. I couldn’t not listen in. Not after everything. I thought you knew that by now.” Webby tried to joke, but neither of them really felt better.

“Louie, Webbigail.. Look, I was going to tell ye soon, but-” Scrooge started, having subtly wiped his eyes with a rag.

“I can’t believe you.” Webby said, ducking her head. “I-I try to see the best in things.. I’ve defended you for years, Mr. McDuck. But…” Webby looked back at her younger brother with teary eyes before holding his hand tighter. “I thought you were all about family… but you took somebody from theirs. You’re mean, Mr. McDuck.” Webby finished and began to walk out, still holding Louie’s hand. Louie didn’t fight being dragged away, knowing he could trust his sister. He rested his head against Webby’s back, letting angry tears drip onto her vest as the two left Scrooge’s office.

.

.

.

“Webby?” Louie spoke up after a bit.

“Ya?” Webby replied, her own voice watery.

“...atleast one good thing happened thanks to all of this.” He continued

“Really? What?” 

.

.

“I got a sister… thank you for… that”

.

.

Louie heard sniffling, and next thing he knew he was trapped in another one of his sister’s tight hugs… and he hugged back just as tightly.