Time And Consequences
Part Three

“Come in,” Gosalyn Mallard called, staring quietly at her hands. She wasn’t really in the mood to deal with business right now, but it probably would be better to just keep up with it instead of falling into a depression. In walked Tank Muddlefoot, along with two figures that she had not seen for thirty years.

“Dad?” she gasped, rising to her feet in utter shock. “Launchpad? Oh my God, what... Tank?” Drake quickly moved to embrace her, feeling her convulse with sobs against him.

“It’s okay, Gossie, I’m here. I’m here, sweetie.”

“I never thought I’d see you again,” she whispered, pressing his chest. “I thought...”

“Gosalyn,” Tank said gently. “It’s about Xavier.” She barely spared him a glance.

“What?” she asked, her voice suddenly very cold.

“He sabotaged the mission. Without me having the time machine, history would have repeated itself.” She drew herself away from Drake, her eyes going hard.

“I don’t believe you.”

“Gosalyn,” Drake protested. “I was there, it’s true.” She shook her head.

“Be quiet,” she snapped, the anger in her voice becoming apparent. “You don’t know what it’s been like these past thirty years. You don’t know what I’ve been through.”

“Gos, I’m sorry! But what could I have done?” She turned white, her fingers gripping the armrest of the chair.

“You could have stopped,” she said quietly, the contempt obvious. “No one would have thought less of you. But no, you didn’t even stop to think once about me! Never!” He flinched, but remained calm.

“Gosalyn, I tried...”

“Shut up. Just shut up.” She straightened and pulled something out from under her desk.

“Watch out!” Tank shouted, pulling Darkwing as he dove to the right.

“Gosalyn!” Launchpad yelled. “Have you gone nuts?” Ignoring him, she fired directly at Tank’s chest. Crying out, he collapsed onto Darkwing.

“I tried,” he whispered. Drake stared at her in horror.

“Gosalyn! Gosalyn, please honey, stop it!” She shook her head, as if trying to battle an inner demon, taking a step forward and stepping back. Launchpad extended his hand.

“Just give me the gun, Gos. You don’t want to hurt anybody.” Swallowing, she lifted the gun and then lowered it, shaking. Out of the corner of his eye, Launchpad could see Drake moving toward her, his gas gun on the floor. I’m sorry Gosalyn, he thought, grabbing it and firing the sleeping gas canister at her. She collapsed in a heap. Stricken, Darkwing fell to his knees next to her. Launchpad grabbed his arm.

“Come on, DW, we gotta get out of here!” He shook his head, holding Gosalyn against him.

“I left her once already, LP, I can’t do it again!” Launchpad bit his lip, trying to find a way to make him see reason.

“DW, if you go back, this won’t happen, it’ll be like you never left!” Drake shook his head again.

“I don’t know, LP....” Launchpad grabbed the time traveling device off Tank and hit a few buttons. Hope this works, he thought desperately. The world spun around them and in a few seconds, they had arrived back at SHUSH.

“Gosalyn!” Drake yelled, struggling against him. Launchpad released him and hurried toward the bomb, pulling a few cords and silently praying. Nothing happened.

“Yes!” he yelled. “DW, we’re back! We’re home!”

“Gos...” he whispered.

“DW, she’s all right! She’s at home!” Darkwing shook his head.

“This is all my fault, LP.”

“Huh?”

“You heard what she said, Launchpad.” Launchpad frowned and patted his friend’s shoulder.

“DW, if you’re not Darkwing, who’s going to make sure she grows up safe? Who’s going to make St. Canard criminal free?”

“Yeah.....” Darkwing murmured. “I guess you’re right.”

“I know I’m right! Come on, let’s go home.”

That night, Drake stood outside Gosalyn’s door, wondering what to do. Maybe LP was right. But if he wasn’t, what would happen to her? Gosalyn stuck her head out of the door.

“Hey, Dad, watcha doing?” He smiled faintly at his little girl.

“Just thinking, honey. Gossie?”

“Yeah?” Drake paused.

“It’s bedtime.” Gosalyn made a face and started to protest, but was interrupted by an enormous yawn. Drake laughed and picked her up and tucked her in bed. As he turned to go, Gosalyn spoke up.

“Dad?”

“Hmm?”

“What were you going to say before?” He sighed quietly.

“Gosalyn, maybe I should stop being Darkwing Duck. I mean, you’re growing up, and.....” his voice trailed off. “I want you to be safe.” Gosalyn sat straight up in bed.

“Dad, you can’t!” She ran over to him. “Who’s going to protect me?” she wailed, realizing who sappy it sounded and not really caring. Drake held her close.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes!” Drake knelt down next to her.

“I love you, Gosalyn.” Gosalyn tightened her hug.

“I love you too, Dad.”



The End! (Really!)

And that was my first attempt at a DW fic that I’ll show anyone.....it’s not too bad, considering. Hope you enjoyed it!

Darkwing, Gosalyn, LP and all related characters are copyright Disney. Time and Consequences is copyright me!