Get your own Free Home PageIt was just another night in St Canard. The street lamps shone eerily under the dark blue, starry sky. All was quiet. It was the kind of night a certain duck hated......
Darkwing Duck paced up and down in the Bay Bridge Tower. “I don’t get it, Launchpad. We went all around the city FOUR times, and there was absolutely nothing happening. It’s like the whole world is asleep!”
“Almost the whole world.” said a voice. Darkwing spun around.
“Gosalyn! What are you doing here, little missy? It’s 2:00 in the morning!” Darkwing angrily said to a small, red-headed duckling.
“He’s right you know Gos. It IS late. Or early. Whatever.”the tired- looking sidekick said more kindly.
“I couldn't’t sleep.” Gosalyn whined.
“You were asleep when we left.” Darkwing pointed out.
“Yeah, right. Anyway, I’m awake now. What’s happening?”
Launchpad was about to answer, but Darkwing cut in.
“We’re taking you home to bed. Right now.”
“Ohhhhhh. Why?”
“School tomorrow.” Darkwing smiled down at his daughter.
“Aw, Dad. School doesn't count. How come you aren't’t out fighting crime?”
Launchpad jumped in quickly “There is no crime. We looked everywhere.”
Darkwing gave Launchpad a dirty look and tweaked his hat.
“Can we go look again? Pleeeaasseee?”Gosalyn begged.
“No. Launchpad and I might after you put you back in bed.”
“Let me come, let me come! I won’t be able to go back to sleep.”
“No!” yelled Darkwing.
Gosalyn gave Darkwing a pouting look. Darkwing could feel his willpower oozing away.
“All right, keen gear!” Gosalyn yelled as they speed through the streets of St Canard on the Ratcatcher, splashing through puddles.
“Gosalyn, if you yell like that there’s no way we’ll catch any criminals!” Darkwing irritably said.
“Ok, ok.”
They drove all around the city, but they didn’t find anything. At 4:00 Gosalyn started yawning. Darkwing looked down and sighed. He could have kicked himself for bringing her out in the first place. He silently changed direction and headed for the tower.
Gosalyn had fallen asleep on the way back. Darkwing gently lifted Gosalyn out of the bike and sat in the spinning chair to go home, leaving Launchpad to wipe down the Ratcatcher.
After putting Gosalyn to bed, Darkwing returned to the tower. He found Launchpad just finishing up.
“Thanks Launchpad.”
“Hey, no problemo. “
Launchpad went over to the chairs.
“Coming DW?”
“No. I’ll go home later.”
“Fine.”
Launchpad left. Darkwing sat on the bottom of the staircase to the computers. He sat for a long time, thinking. At around 6:00am he finally went home and collapsed into bed.
Gosalyn awoke slowly. Her alarm clock was ringing, but she was used to the sound. She turned off the alarm clock and sat up. She had a terrible headache. She groaned, got up and went to find Launchpad as Drake slept in usually.
Launchpad was in the kitchen. He looked up as she entered.
“Hey Gos. You don’t look so good.”
“Brilliant deduction Launchpad. I have an awful headache.”
“Come over here.”
Launchpad felt Gosalyn’s forehead.
“You’re a bit warm. How about we give school a miss today?”
“Sure thing. Like I’m gonna complain.”
“You aren’t faking are you Gos?”
“No. I’m going back to bed.”
Drake Mallard woke up at 2:00pm. He lay awake listening to the quiet house when he realized the TV was on. Was it Launchpad? He was usually at the tower this time of day. He listened some more. It was pro-wrestling. Gosalyn?
He jumped out of bed, grabbed a dressing gown and put it over his boxers. He walked downstairs. Gosalyn was lying on the sofa listlessly watching TV. She normally jumped up and down when pro-wrestling was on.
“Gosalyn, what are you doing? Why aren’t you at school?”
She jumped, then rolled over to look at him.
“Hi Dad. I’m not feeling very well” she croaked.
“Ohh, I knew I shouldn’t have let you stay up last night.” Drake groaned.”Gosalyn, where don’t feel well ?”
“I have a headache and I feel hot.”
“If you're sick, why didn’t Launchpad wake me up? Where is he anyway?”
“He tried, but you were fast asleep. He’s gone shopping.”
Drake went and sat next to Gosalyn, stroking her hair. He picked up the remote and turned the television off. Gosalyn didn’t even complain. She must be sick, thought Drake. Usually she would have at least grumbled, He gathered her up in his arms and gave her a hug. He picked her up.
“Come on Gos. Time for bed.”
He carried her upstairs.
Launchpad came in the front door, his arms full of bags. He dumped everything on the kitchen table. He started putting things away when Drake came in.
“Hey. How’s Gos?” asked Launchpad.
“Limp. She’s asleep.”
“I brought some aspirin. We were all out. Must have been that fall last week, when you.....”
“Yes, thank you Launchpad.” Drake broke in.”
“What will we do tonight? I think she’s too sick to leave on her on.”
“I’ll have a quick check of the city while you stay. It’s been very quiet lately anyway. It’ll be fine.”
That night Darkwing speed around the city. He had a habit of talking to himself when he was alone. It made things clearer in his mind.
“Twice should be enough. “he muttered. For once he hoped there would be no crime. It wasn’t so much fun if you were riding around by yourself.
Nothing happened. He went home.
Perhaps the reason that it was so quiet was that all major criminals had been summoned by Negaduck to his home in the mountains. Every villain who was or ever would be great was there. They had been there all week and they were finally getting down to business.
“Nice place you have here.” commented Tuskerneni. “Who paid for it?”
“Oh, a bunch of old ladies who never look in their safes.” Negaduck replied.
Everyone was gathered in a large hall. Negaduck called for everyone’s attention.
“EVERYBODY SHUT IT!” he yelled.
Everyone shutted it.
“I’ve brought you all here to discuss a point that is very important to us all . It concerns a certain Darkwing Duck. I have a plan to totally annihilate that nosy do-gooder for ever.”
“Eh,eh,eh. We’ve all tried that. It’s impossible.” interrupted Steelbeak.
“I said SHUT IT metal mouth. This is important. The problem is, we’ve been getting Darkwing to come to us. He knows where we hide. But he has a secret. He has another identity. If we can find out where he lives we can strike. He won’t be prepared.”
All the supervillians clapped happily.
“Whose going to follow him?” asked Mr Banana Brain.
“ME, ME, ME !” everyone cried.
“We need someone who can blend in very well, so Dorkbrain won’t notice.” mused Negaduck. “Bushroot, how about one of your plants?”
“Ohh, okay.” Bushroot said doubtfully.
“Excuse me, Negaduck. Once we find him, how will we kill him? He always seems to manage to escape.” pointed out Tuskerneni.
“You’ll find out afterwards. Bushroot will send something to follow them, after we lure Dumbthing to the bank. That’s where others come in. Steelbeak, I want you and the eggmen to get the duck to the bank. Get him and anyone else away from his bike. Fight him, but retreat easily. While they’re fighting, Bushroot, I want you to plant a daisy or something on the bike. Sooner or later, they will take it to their house. Then the daisy thing can report back to us.”
“What do the rest of us do?” asked Moliarty.
“You?” asked Negaduck.
Everyone nodded.
“You lot stay out of the way. I don’t want any crime. I want Darkwing so bored he’ll respond immediately.”
“WHAT!” “No way!” “I’m not just gonna sit around! I’ve got things to do.” said the general public.
Negaduck reached behind him. He brought out a huge chainsaw, and reved it threateningly.
“Any one want to argue?”
Everyone shock their heads.
“Good. Now scram.”
Everyone filed out of the hall, grumpily. Negaduck turned to the Fearsome Four.
“I want the Liquidator and Bushroot working on a poison. To be taken with food. Quackerjack and Megavolt, we are going to work on some VERY interesting plans. Later. Right now, go have fun. Steal something. Bushroot, I want you to make sure your spy won’t be discovered. Be very sure about that.”
Negaduck turned to face a large window, and began to plot his revenge.
In the morning Drake decided to take Gosalyn to the doctors. She had a temperature, a sore throat, and a headache.
When they got to the surgery they had to wait 30 mins before being seen. During this time Gosalyn got droopier and droopier. She ended up with her head on Drake’s lap and the rest of her on the seat next door. When they were finally called, Drake had to carry her into the office, as she didn’t want to walk. The doctor checked her out all over. In the end he pushed up his glasses and said “I’m not sure what’s the matter with her. It’s probably a severe virus. You’ll just have to give her some Panadol and let her rest.”
“Just a virus?! She can hardly walk!” exclaimed Drake.
“I’m sorry Mr Mallard, I can’t do more to help.”
Drake sighed. He picked up Gosalyn and headed for the door.
“Are we going home now?”mumbled Gosalyn.
“Yes, sweetie.”
After Gosalyn was in bed that night, Drake and Launchpad had a conference.
“It’s no good LP. I’ll just have to go on my own. It was fine last time, and it’s been so quiet nothing can happen.”
“I guess so DW. But I don’t like it. It’s kinda, you know, too quiet.”
“Don’t be silly Launchpad. All the crooks know I’ll get them. They’re just scared.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Launchpad, those last to lines sounded just like something that’d say in a movie. This is real life!”
“Sorry DW. Heh, heh.”
“You’ll end up like Gos!”
At the mention of Gosalyn they both went quiet.
“Well, I’d better get going LP. See you later.”
“Yup. Bye.”
Darkwing left for St Canard tower.
“He should be coming any minute now.” Steelbeak said. “He never could resist a bank alarm.”
The awful ringing in the background was suddenly switched off, and a cloud of purple smoke appeared.
“Go Bushy, go. His bike is outside.” Steelbeak muttered.
Bushroot hurried outside to the bike.
“I am the terror that flaps in the night! I am the bit of material stuck in your fly! I am DAARRRKKKKWWIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGGG DUCK!”
“Ya don’t say.” said Steelbeak, sounding bored.
“I DO say! Are you going to come quietly Steely, or do I have to get tough?”
Steelbeak sighed.
Outside, Bushroot helped the daisy into the exhaust pipe of the bike.
“Oh, don’t forget your gas mask. You’ll need it.” he said, giving the flower a tiny mask. “Be careful. You know what to do.”
The flower gave him the thumbs-up, and climbed further into the pipe.
“Okay, Daisy. Bye.” Bushroot left the bike and gave his own thumbs-up to Steelbeak through the back door.
Steelbeak saw the sign and smiled. He hadn’t been sure how much more he could have taken from the stupid caped clown.
“I can beat you easily, Steely. I have JUSTICE on my si......
“Yeah, that’s nice duck, but I have this!”
Steelbeak threw one of Darkwing’s gas cartridges at him. It exploded, sending blue smoke every where. Darkwing coughed, caught by surprise. When the smoke cleared, the bank was empty.
“I don’t believe it! Stopped by one of my own bombs! How humiliating.” Darkwing mumbled to himself as he sped to the tower in the Ratcatcher. Daisy wiggled in the pipe, almost being puffed out.
“HELP!” she thought.
Darkwing drove up the sides of the tower and screeched to a halt. Still muttering, he jumped of his bike, and threw his hat on a peg. Daisy cautiously stuck her flower out of the exhaust pipe and watched him. He paced up and down, then came towards the Ratcatcher. Daisy held her breath, and pulled back. Darkwing reached for a rag, then changed his mind.
“I’ll clean the Ratcatcher later.”
Daisy gave a gasp of relief.
“Although, the engine is making a very strange noise.....” he continued.
Daisy shook her petals frantically.
“Oh, who cares.”
Darkwing walked towards the spinning chairs. Daisy again stuck out her flower. She watched him. Darkwing sat down, hit something, then disappeared!
“WHAT!” Daisy thought. “He doesn’t need the bike to get home. Should I follow him. Bushroot said to stay with the bike, but he didn’t know this. I’ll follow. I am my own plant!”
Daisy hopped over to the chairs. She scrambled up on one, and looked in between the chairs. There was a button. She waited an hour, then pushed the button, almost falling off the chair. She fell back in just in time, then spun away.
Daisy plopped out of the chair
“Ohhhhhh.” she moaned, very dizzy.
When her head cleared, she looked around. It was just an ordinary lounge room! She went into the kitchen. Normal. She looked up the stairs. NO WAY!
“I’m just a daisy. I ain’t going up there!” she cried, then kicked herself for being so loud.
She tried the front door. Unlocked. Not even shut properly. Darkwing isn’t worried about security! she thought. Not yet anyway. She gave the door a hard shove, and it opened. She hopped down the path, and noted the house number. She bounced down the street and read the street name and the house number. 537 Avian Way. She dug into her petals and pulled out a tracking device that Negaduck had given Bushroot. She sat down to wait.
Bushroot paced up and down in his greenhouse. He had just heard the report from Daisy and had given her a new pot in a nice shade of light blue as a reward for her hard work. He sighed. He was having second thoughts about Negaduck's plan.
“It’s not that I like Darkwing or anything.” he confided to Daisy. “I just don’t feel right about killing in cold blood. If it was in the heat of battle, fine, even just an opportunity taken when he wasn’t looking, fine again. But this is different Daisy. This is calculating every move, all focused on death. It’s not right Daisy. I guess nothing that we do ever IS, but this is different.”
Daisy sighed and wriggled in her pot. She had done all that work for nothing. Although, this WAS a beautiful pot . . .
“If they kill Darkwing, they can do it a different way. Daisy, I’ve got a plan.”
Gosalyn slid down the stair rail and bounded into the kitchen.
“Ta-da!” she yelled.
Drake and Launchpad looked up from their breakfast.
“I’m assuming you’re all better, hmm?” Darkwing asked, smiling.
“I’ll say! I feel great! What’s for breakfast?”
Launchpad turned around and picked up a plate.
“You can have Drake’s. He decided on coffee. It’s Egg Surprise.”
Gosalyn looked down at the greasy mess.
“Can I have some toast?”
“Sure thing, little buddy.” Launchpad turned to the toaster.
Drake put his coffee down, and Gosalyn jumped into his lap. He hugged her.
“I’m glad you’re feeling all better, honey. I was worried.” he said as he stroked her hair.
“Well, I’m fine now. What day is it?”
“Saturday.” Launchpad said.”Here’s your toast Gos.”
Gosalyn took it and sat down. She carefully inspected it before biting.
“Hey, Launchpad. This is great toast!” she gasped.
“I did it! I mastered the toaster! Hey hey, let’s celebrate!”
Just then the Flashquack flew into the room, clutching a piece of paper. Drake took the piece of paper.
“Oh great. It says there’s a blockage in the sewerage system. Don’t they have plumbers for this kinda thing? Oh well. I’d better go and check it out. I’ll catch up with you at Hamburger Hippo.”
“All right, Hamburger Hippo! Come on Gos!”
Launchpad and Gosalyn raced out. Drake sighed and went to change.
Darkwing Duck stood on a manhole in the street, wondering where to begin. Suddenly vines came up from the hole and wrapped themselves around Darkwing’s legs.
“Hey!” was all Darkwing had time to say before he was whisked at warp speed around the sewerage. They popped out another manhole, this time in a glass house. The vines dumped Darkwing on the ground, and he lay there groaning.
“Hey, Darkwing Duck. Are you okay?”said a soft voice.
Darkwing jumped up, or tried to.
“Bushroot! OK , you over grown flower, put em up.” Darkwing cried.
“No, no. I don’t want to fight! I have some information for you. Negaduck is trying to kill you, along with the rest of the Fearsome Five.”
“So. That’s what they always do.” said Darkwing skeptically.
“It’s different this time. They are trying to find out where you live so they can just kill you in your sleep! They don’t want to give you a chance at all!”
“Kill me? Hah, no one’s ever going to be able to do that! I’m the terror that flaps in the night, remember?”
“How could I forget?” Bushroot mumbled.
“And no one’s ever going to know where I live, either!”
“537 Avian Way.”Bushroot said.
“What?! How did you know that?”
“It was my job.”
“But how?”
“Secret.” Bushroot smiled.
“Now I’m gonna have to move! What a pain!” Darkwing paced back and forth.
“No. I won’t tell them. But Negaduck will probably look for himself when I say I can’t find it. And he wont be so nice.”
“Well, thank you. But Bushroot, why are you telling me this?”
Bushroot looked down. He picked up a dog-rose, and patted it.
“I guess I don’t think it’s right to not give you a chance. This is all the help you get, from me anyway. But, in your sleep! That’s not fair.”
“Hmmm. Thanks for the warning, I think. I’ll see my self out.”
“Bye, Darkwing.”
“Yeah.”
Bushroot hurried into the hall. Negaduck had called a meeting of the Fearsome Five, and he was late.
“Decided to come, eh, Bushroot?” Negaduck said sarcastically.
Bushroot didn’t answer, just hastily sat down. Negaduck looked at him, shook his head and started talking.
“Bushroot, what is happening with finding Darkdope’s home? I want a result now!”
Bushroot fiddled with his fingers.” I don’t know. Daisy hasn’t come back. I hope she’s okay . . .”
“You hope she’s okay? What about you? Are you going to be okay after I break your scrawny neck?” Negaduck yelled with mounting rage. He jumped up. Bushroot shrank back. Negaduck made a giant effort, and controlled himself. He sat back down.
“Quackerjack, plant a toy on Dorkwing’s bike. Liquidator and Megavolt, distract him by errr, hijacking a truck.”
“A light bulb truck!”
“No, a bottled water truck!”
“LIGHTBULBS!”
“BOTTLED WATER!”
“Oh, give me just a tiny break.”Negaduck growled.”You’re robbing a bottled water truck going to the people who enslave the light bulbs. There, happy?”
“4 out of 5 doctors say it’s a deal!”
Megavolt and the Liquidator almost shook hands, then realized and pulled away.
“Ummm, Negaduck?” tentatively whispered Bushroot.
“What, you nincompoop?”
“Wh-what do I d-do?”
“YOU are staying here where I can keep an eye on you. OK. you three get going. NOW!”
Darkwing had taken a detour into St Canard Park. It was midday, so it was fairly busy. Darkwing ignored the stares, but regretted that he hadn’t taken off his suit. He had come here to think about what Bushroot had said. Should he trust him? Not that there was much to trust, but it could be a diversionary tactic. Gosalyn and Launchpad! Were they all right? He jumped up. He’d better go and find them. They were going to Hamburger Hippo, right? He walked briskly to the road. The park just happened to be next to the power company. And the power company just happened to be receiving a truckload of bottled water. Darkwing was walking to the alley where he had parked the Ratcatcher when he heard the VERY loud cry.
“WE’RE TAKING ALL THE BOTTLED WATER, BUT DON’T TRY TO STOP US! WE AREN’T SCARED OF YOU OR DARKWING DUCK!” yelled Megavolt.
“I think that was a bit over the top.” said the Liquidator.
“Who cares? It’ll work. Look, here he is now. I just hope Quackerjack isn’t goofing of like usual.” Megavolt mumbled.
They turned to face Darkwing who jumped into a Quack Fu position. They looked at each other, sighed, and began fighting.
Quackerjack shoved a toy soldier into that popular exhaust pipe. He and Mr Banana Brain saluted him, then ran out of the alley.
“Yoo-hoo! It’s playtime!” he called out to Darkwing. Darkwing turned around, away from Megavolt and the Liquidator. They ran away. Darkwing turned back to them, and while his back was turned, Quackerjack scampered off. Darkwing suddenly found himself all alone.
“Will somebody PLEASE tell me what’s going on here!” he yelled, losing his temper. He stormed off to the Ratcatcher, and , forgetting all that Bushroot had said, headed straight for home.
He drove the Ratcatcher into the garage. There was no one about, so he hadn’t bothered pretending to be just visiting. He went into the main part of the house. Gosalyn and Launchpad were there, full after their visit to Hamburger Hippo. Darkwing got changed, and they all had a nice family kind of afternoon.
Meanwhile the toy soldier had left the garage by the back door, and activated IT’S homing device.
Negaduck watched as a red dot started blipping on a map of St Canard.
“Yes. YES! I’ll finally be free of that idiot, and free to rule St Canard! Good work, you three.”
Megavolt, Quackerjack and the Liquidator smiled to each other. Bushroot looked ashamed.
“Here’s what we’re gonna do. Plan 1-Shoot Drake Mallard while he’s out shopping or something. Plan 2-Poison Drake Mallard. Plan 3-Kidnap the whole family and then shoot him. After we get rid of him, we can keep the others to remind ourselves how we beat Darkwing. And we’ll have people to torture whenever we want. We can’t keep Darkwing, because he’d probably get away. Obviously, Plan 3 is the most desirable. Now let’s run through Plan 1. Just wait at the shopping center for him to show up, then shoot him as he’s leaving. That way we won’t have to hide near his house, as we always give ourselves away if we hide. Besides, it’ll be far more fun to terrorize a pile of citizens while we’re at it, right?”
“But Negaduck, who is Drake Mallard? What does he look like?” asked Bushroot.
“Drake Mallard is Darkwing’s real name and identity. He looks...”Negaduck took of his mask "like this.”
For the first time the Fearsome Four saw their leaders face. They all gasped and shrank back.
“Remember this face.”Negaduck growled.
“Ye-yes.” they all stammered.
“Good. Now I get to shoot, got it? YOU are just coming to watch, and help me spot him. You must not let him see you, not under ANY circumstances.”
“Yes boss.”
“Good. Come on. Let’s go.”
Drake was just starting to cook a late dinner. He reached into the fridge to get the milk, but there was hardly any left. He sighed.
“LP, I’m going to get some more milk. I’ll be back in 20 minutes.”
“Sure thing DW.”
“LP, don’t call me DW.”Drake sighed. Launchpad was forever forgetting, and he was forever reminding.
“Sorry, Drake.”
Drake reached the front door. He was about to leave when the Flashquack showed up.
“A shoplifter! You’ve got to be kidding! I’m Darkwing Duck, I fight super-villains, not teenagers on a dare!”
“But DW, it has been kinda slow lately.” Launchpad said.
“Launchpad! I just fought Megavolt, Liquidator and Quackerjack! You call that slow? AND DON’T CALL ME DW!”
“But Drake, you just called yourself Darkwing Duck.” Launchpad said in defense.
Drake started to say something, then changed his mind. Launchpad had a point.
“He’s got you there, Dad.” Gosalyn called from the lounge room.
“OK , I’m sorry LP. I guess I better go. It might be bigger than we think.”
Drake quickly changed into costume, and jumped onto the Ratcatcher.
“Later!” he called. He headed for the shopping center. It was a very dark night. There weren’t many cars on the road and Darkwing got to the shopping center faster than usual. Only one store was open, the 7 to 11. He went in.
Outside in the bushes, the Fearsome Five were hiding. They were arguing about a bush. Megavolt wanted Bushroot to get rid of it’s spikes, but Bushroot refused. Quackerjack agreed with Megavolt, and Liquidator (since the spikes didn’t harm him anyway) sided with Bushroot. They had just gotten going when Negaduck had told them that they were knobs, Dorkwimp was here, and to shut the @~*# up.
“Wasn’t he meant to be in normal clothes?” whispered Megavolt.
“Does it matter?”growled Negaduck.
They all shook their heads.
“Well then.” Negaduck smiled an awful smile. He drew out a pistol from his jacket. He took of the safety catch and got ready.
Darkwing walked out of the store, grumbling.
“Honestly! This is what the police is for! Trying to steal a Mars Bar! At least I got my milk.”
He hopped onto the Ratcatcher. He started to drive down the road towards St Canard Tower. Negaduck stuck the gun out of the bush. As Darkwing drove by he shot repeatedly at him. Bang, bang, bang, bang. Darkwing fell off the other side of his bike. The Ratcatcher crashed into a nearby wall.
Negaduck looked at the crumpled pile of purple across the road. He laughed.
“Come on. Lets go.”
“Aren’t we going to go see if he’s dead?” asked Quackerjack.
“No. If he’s dead, good. If he’s not, good too. We can kill him more painfully later.”
The Fearsome Five ran off into the darkness.
Darkwing lay still . He felt dizzy. What had happened. He had fallen off his bike. Why? He was shot. His brain tried to understand what was going on. In that case, he thought, he was feeling dizzy through loss of blood. Where from? His side. He tried to touch it. His hand came back dark red.
“Help.” he croaked. “Help me.”
No one heard.
“Help.” he whispered, before passing out.
Two policemen knocked on the Mallard door the next morning. They shifted nervously. It was the kind of house call they hated to make. Launchpad opened the door. He was startled.
“Err. . . come in officers.”
“Thank you.” said the first policeman.”Could we sit down?”
“Sure.”said Launchpad. What had happened?, he wondered.
“You are the sidekick of Darkwing Duck, aren’t you?”asked the second policeman.
“That’s me.”
“Does he have a family anywhere?”
“Me and Gos, we’re like his family.” Launchpad shifted nervously.”Is he all right?”
The two officers looked at each other.
“Actually, he’s not. He was shot last night.”
“HE WHAT? Is he gonna be okay?”Launchpad had a chilling thought.”Is he. . . dead?”
“No. Or at least, we don’t think so. We haven’t been to the hospital.” said the first.
“We spent most of our time looking for you. We don’t think he’s dead. We heard it was a shot in the side, but we don’t know. I’m very sorry.”said the second.
“I gotta get down there.” Launchpad started getting his things. He stopped suddenly.”Gee, I gotta tell Gos.”
“We’ll drive you and . . .Gos to the hospital.”
Launchpad nodded. He knew his driving skills were not good at the best of times.
“Just give me a minute with Gos.”
“Gos is. . .?”
“Er..my daughter. She and Darkwing were. . .are very close.”
Launchpad walked slowly up the stairs. He knocked on one of the doors, then went in. He closed the door behind him. A minute later there came a NOOO! from behind the door, and muffled sobbing. Another minute later Launchpad came downstairs, carrying Gosalyn. The policemen, helped them into the car, and they drove off.
At the hospital, Launchpad asked for Dark W Duck. It was the name DW always used when entering hospitals. The receptionist typed in the name.
“We have a Darkwing Duck. Is that him?”
Launchpad nodded. This meant that DW hadn’t been conscious when entering the hospital.
“Can we see him?” asked Gosalyn.
“Go down the left corridor, turn right, turn left, and ask the nurse there.”she said, pointing.
“Thanks.”Launchpad mumbled.
They followed the receptionist’s directions. They stopped a passing nurse.
“Darkwing Duck?”Launchpad inquired.
“Darkwing Duck? He’s in there. Go on in. He’s been asking for you.”he smiled.
“Thank you.” Launchpad said, relived.
Gosalyn ran into the room. Darkwing was lying in the bed, in white hospital pajamas, but still with his purple mask on.
“Dad!”Gosalyn cried. She ran to the side of the bed.”The police didn’t know if you were okay or not.”
“Of course I’m okay. I’m Darkwing Duck.”He flinched as Gosalyn rested her arms on his stomach.”Ahh.”he gasped.
“Oh, I’m sooorrryyyy! Are you SURE you’re okay?”Gosalyn asked.
“We were worried about you.”Launchpad said.
“Thanks for the concern. Whoever it was was aiming from a distance, in a hurry, and not too concerned what they hit. They practically got my leg! I’ll be out of here by tomorrow.”Darkwing said happily.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. It obviously hurts. See.”Gosalyn poked him in the side.
“Ahhh! Honey, don’t do that, please!”
“Point proven.”Gosalyn folded her arms.
“Gosalyn, could you go ask a nurse for some water? I’d like to talk to Launchpad.” Darkwing gave Gosalyn a pleading look.
“Can’t I stay?”After receiving one of Darkwing’s ‘looks’ she grumbled “Oh, all right.”
She left the room in a huff.
“I’m glad you’re all right. You gave us a scare! Police at the door and everything!”
“Yeah. I’m sorry. The thing is, I should have been prepared.”
“How could you be prepared? No one’s ever taken a shot at you before. Not like that, anyway.”
Darkwing looked away.
“Bushroot told me. Yesterday he gave me a warning. He said that the Fearsome Five were trying to find Drake Mallard. Launchpad, they’re going to try and shoot me in my sleep!”Darkwing sighed.”I’m in trouble. BIG time.”
“They wouldn’t!”
“They would. Negaduck’s behind it. I should have known they’d think of it sooner or later.”
Launchpad didn’t know what to say.
“You know, I guess that was the good thing about being only Darkwing Duck. I was lonely, but I didn’t have to worry about the villains hurting me when I wasn’t ready. I was always ready.”
“Gee DW. You couldn’t have been ready all the time. You’d have let your guard down at the tower.”
“No. Everything was training. I never slept without being half alert. Don’t know why I bothered. No one knew who I was. They didn’t care anyway.”
“DW, I think you’re just a bit depressed. Don’t worry about it now” Launchpad was getting a bit worried. Darkwing NEVER talked like this. He was always confident that he was in control. He usually was. Launchpad looked around the room. It was a depressing place. He looked at Darkwing. He was lying there with his eyes closed. He suddenly looked so small. Launchpad put his hand next to Darkwing’s. His was almost twice as big.
Darkwing opened his eyes. His side was throbbing. His eyes meet Launchpad’s. He looked at the hands. He smiled faintly.
“You know what the worst thing about all this is? They could hurt you or Gosalyn. One stray bullet, that’s all it would take. Gosalyn’s head is almost level with where I was hit. If either of you were killed instead of me. . .”
“DW, it’s not gonna happen.”
“But it COULD! As long as Drake Mallard exists, there’s every danger it could! I COULD move into St Canard tower, and let Drake Mallard go, but I’d miss you and Gos, and be miserable. If I don’t, I’ll still be unhappy, cause I’ll be too worried! I don’t know what to do!”
Launchpad’s eyes sparked.
“I’ll tell you what you’re going to do! You’re gonna get better, get out there, and catch the Fearsome Five! Then you wont have anything to worry about!”
At that moment Gosalyn came back in.
“What are you worried about Dad?”she asked.
“Worried what YOU are going to eat while I’m here! Think you can manage Launchpad’s cooking for a few days?”he winked.
“I”ll be okay.”She knew very well that they’d be eating take-away every night.
The nurse bustled in.
“I’m sure Mr Darkwing wants to leave as soon as possible, so let’s leave him to rest, shall we?”she said importantly.
“Bye Darkwing.”Gos hugged her Dad good-by.
“Bye Gos.”Darkwing sighed.
“See ya later, DW.”
“Bye Launchpad. Be careful. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Don’t you mean do anything I wouldn’t do? That would be safer!”Gos giggled.
“Whatever.” Launchpad shrugged and waved.
After they’d gone Darkwing settled down. What Launchpad had said had given him an idea. But would it work?
“Oh Steve!”Negaduck called.
A small bulldog in a leather jacket came running up.
“Yes Negaduck, SIR?” he said saluting.
Negaduck rolled his eyes.”Thank you sooo much for coming a such sort notice.” he said pleasantly.
“You’re welcome SIR!” Steve said, drooling at the mouth.
Negaduck tried not to notice.”How would you like a spot of tea?”
“Yes please SIR! I’ve been a bit sick lately. Spot of. . .”
“That’s nice. Here you are.” Negaduck quickly.
Bushroot had handed him a tray with a cup of tea. Negaduck gestured to him, and he bent down to listen.
“Poisoned?”Negaduck quietly asked. Bushroot nodded. Negaduck smiled. “Does it taste bad?”Negaduck asked.
“Well,no, SIR! But. . .”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Steve drank his tea fast. Negaduck offered TEA to people?Suddenly Steve’s eyes rolled back in his head. He collapsed onto the ground.
“That was quick!” Negaduck smiled.”Next stop, Avian Way!”
“But isn’t Darkwing still at the hospital?”the Liquidator asked.
“Who cares? It’s not important. We’ll kill his family instead of him.”
They had just put the poison in a carton of milk, while Launchpad and Gosalyn had still been asleep.
“I wish I could see the look on Darkdope’s face when he hears that his precious daughter or sidekick are dead! Maybe even BOTH!”Negaduck smiled once again. He was smiling too often. Smiling was a bad habit. He’d have to break it.
They all laughed.
Launchpad looked up as Gosalyn walked in.
“Eat your breakfast, and then we’ll go see DW.”
“COOL BEANS! Can I have cereal?”
“Yup.”
He passed her the cereal, and she grabbed the milk. She filled her bowl with both.
“What did you have, Launchpad?”
“Not hungry.”
“Oh.”
She took a mouthful, and quickly swallowed it.
“This tastes GROSS! I don’t think I’m hungry either.” she groaned as she tipped the contents of her bowl down the sink. “Let’s go.”
“Rightio!”
Negaduck was sitting thinking of all the pain he’d cause Darkwing, when he had a sudden thought.
“BUSHROOT! GET IN HERE!”
Bushroot ran in.
“What was Steve sick with?”
“Err, the flu, or a cold I think..”Bushroot quivered.
“WHAT! YOU KNOB! DON’T YOU SEE! IF YOU HAVE A COLD, YOU CAN’T TASTE ANYTHING!”
“So? Ohhhhhhh. Opppss. Heh-heh.”Bushroot visibly withered.
On the way to the hospital, Gosalyn started to feel sick.
“Launchpad, I don’t feel so good.”
“Is it that bug again?”
“No, this is different. Ohhh. Launchpad. . “
“What?” Launchpad glanced down at her. She was slumped forward.
“Gos! GOS!” he shook her. Nothing. Launchpad put his foot down on the accelerator.
“Er, Darkwing?” Launchpad gently said.
Darkwing was staring at the wall. Launchpad looked at him. He looked at the wall. He looked back at Darkwing. Darkwing shook his head and looked bleary eyed at Launchpad.
“Oh, hi LP. I didn’t hear you come in. Where’s Gos?”
“How’s your side?”Launchpad avoided the question.
“Sore, but getting better. Where’s Gos?”
“Nice place.”Launchpad said desperately.
“Launchpad, what is wrong with you? It STINKS! And WHERE is Gos?”
Launchpad looked at him. Darkwing went pale.
“Please tell me I was wrong about them hurting you or Gos.”Darkwing said quietly.
“I can’t. You were right.”
“What did they do to her?! If they’ve killed her, I SWEAR I’ll kill them! I’LL KILL THEM!” Darkwing panted.
“They didn’t kill her. She’s just sick.”
“FOR HEAVEN’S SACK LAUNCHPAD! WHAT DID THEY DO?!”
“Poison. They poisoned her.”
“Is she going to be all right?”
“Yeah. She didn’t drink hardly any. I wasn’t gonna tell you, I thought you might be worried, or do something stupid. She’ll be fine. The doctor says she can go home real soon, she should just take it easy for a couple of days.”
“You were honestly not going to tell me? I AM HER FATHER! I SHOULD BE WORRIED!”
Darkwing slowly pulled himself out of bed. “I have to see her.”
“DW, this is what I meant! You might hurt your self.”
“Launchpad, I couldn’t just lie here. She means everything to me. I’d go crazy.”
Launchpad looked at him. Darkwing’s eyes pleaded silently.
“Oh, OK. I’ll show you. Here, let me help.”Launchpad grabbed a wheelchair.”Here, sit in this and I’ll wheel you.”
“No way!”Darkwing was insulted. He just needed to get warmed up, that’s all. He felt better already.
“We’ll get there faster.”Launchpad coaxed. Darkwing immediately jumped in.
“Oh, Gosalyn, sweetie. Are you okay?”Darkwing jumped out of the wheelchair. Gosalyn jumped out of her bed and into his arms. Darkwing staggered a bit, but stood his ground. He hugged her, and patted her hair.
“I’m fine Dad. You worry to much.”
“Seems I have too, with you around.”
“This hasn’t been a good week.”
“No kidding!”he smiled.
“I want to go home. It’s boring here.”
Darkwing looked her over. “You look okay. What do the doctors say?”
“They said she can go home any time. She’s a tough kid.”Launchpad put in, after asking a passing doctor.
“Then I guess you can go. But be careful. Get take out.”Darkwing winked, looking more cheery than he felt.
“Cool beans! But Dad, when are you coming home? It isn’t the same without you.”Gosalyn said softly.
Darkwing looked at his side. He put Gosalyn back on the bed, and poked it. Not too bad. He stretched a bit. Still fair. He must’ve gotten better faster then they had expected.
“I think I’ll come home this evening. You go home now. There’s a few things I need to sort out here first.”
“YAY!”
“Well, I’ll see you later.”He kissed Gosalyn good-by.
“Bye.”
Darkwing walked back to his room, feeling much better.
That night Drake looked about him. It could be his last night here. He’d tell the others his plans tomorrow.
“I’m going to bed.”Drake announced.”You should too, Gos.”
“Yeah, okay, I’m coming.”Gos grumbled.
“I’ll go as well if you both are. Lonely down here, by yourself.”
“I know what you mean.” Drake and Gosalyn said at the same time. They looked at each other.
“Come on Gos.”Drake said. He and Launchpad ushered her up the stairs.
Drake looked at his Darkwing Duck costume. He put it on, except for the hat, which he left by his bed. He slid under his sheets, fully clothed. He was careful to lie on his back. He closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.
“OK, you know what to do. Do it quietly, and do it now.”Negaduck ordered. The Fearsome Five split up and climbed into their respective windows.
The Liquidator poked the sleeping Launchpad. He woke up slowly. He looked up. The Liquidator grinned down. Launchpad opened his beak to warn Drake, but before he could say anything, the Liquidator’s solidified arm came down on his head. Launchpad slumped. The Liquidator started tying him up.
Bushroot gazed around him, nervously. Why did he always get the girl? It wasn’t fair! He had the tree outside her window hit her on the head. Mean, he knew, but the job was done. He tied her with the rope he’d been given.
Negaduck looked at the duck sleeping in the bed. The other two had been captured. He could kill him so easily. Just one bullet. . .nah. After all, there are things so much worse than death. He went closer to the bed. What the. . .he was wearing his mask! Oh well. He twanged the ducks beak. He opened his eyes and stared at Negaduck. He just watched as Negaduck forced him out of the bed. Negaduck wondered why he was wearing his suit.
“Don’t say much, do you?”Negaduck sneered.
“What do you want me to say?”Darkwing asked quietly. Suddenly he kicked out at Negaduck’s legs. Negaduck saw the kick coming, and jumped out of the way.
“Too slow, butterfly. My turn.”Negaduck gave a swift kick where he thought he’d shot him. Contact. Darkwing crumpled. Bingo. Megavolt expressed his congratulations as he tied Darkwing up.
Darkness. Pain. What hurt? HE hurt. Everywhere. Still darkness. Pain going away. Open eyes? Okay. After a self interrogation and a self examination Darkwing slowly sat up, grunting at the pain that returned. The pain was now only in his side. He looked around. About two metres away from him, and two metres away from each other, lay Launchpad and Gosalyn. They both had bruises to the head. He remembered Negaduck kicking him in the side, but not the head. He was tied up, as were the others. They appeared to be in some sort of warehouse, deserted, of course. He cleared his throat.
“Gosalyn. Launchpad. Wake up. Come on. You can do it. Please?”he pleaded.
Launchpad groaned “We’re already awake. Please be quiet. My head is KILLING me.”
“Yeah, shut up Dad.”Gosalyn mumbled.
Darkwing looked at them pityingly. He knew what they felt like, even though by now he was used to it. He wondered why LP wasn’t the same. Oh well, I guess no one’s as good as me, he shrugged. But if he was so good, what was the way out of this mess?
“Yeah.”a voice said. “How are you gonna get out of this?”
Darkwing startled. His inner voice wasn’t THAT loud. Ohhh, Negaduck.
“You can pear around all you want, duck. There’s no way out. Finally, end of the line for Darkwing Duck. I can’t wait.”Negaduck sneered.
Darkwing carefully felt up his sleeve. Yes, it was still there! Negaduck hadn’t searched them very well. Negaduck sniggered and aimed a kick at Darkwing’s head. Darkwing ducked and scowled. Negaduck just grinned.
Launchpad had seen the glint of light as the morning sun reflected off the small knife in Darkwing’s hand. He hoped that Negaduck hadn’t seen it. Negaduck turned his way. He quickly shut his eyes. He waited till he could hear Negaduck’s breathing very close to him. He swung his legs along the ground, knocking him flat. As soon as he saw Launchpad move, Darkwing ripped his ropes. He hurried over to Launchpad, and was about to set him free when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He dropped the knife. Negaduck had leaped up as soon as his back was turned.
“You four, get in here! You’ll want to watch this!”Negaduck called. He took a gun out of his jacket and forced Darkwing up against a wall. “I’ve waited a VERY long time for this. TOO LONG.”
Darkwing pressed a button in his other sleeve. He tried to knock over Negaduck. Negaduck just stepped out of the way. Darkwing was much slower than usual, owing to his wound. Negaduck shoved the gun right into his chest.
“I’ll never miss at this range duck. I’m sure to hit something.”
“Never say never.”Darkwing growled.
“Always the optimist aren’t you? I hate that.”
He was about to pull the trigger when he remembered something. He punched Darkwing in the side. As he doubled over, Negaduck pulled of his mask. The Fearsome Five laughed. Drake looked at Negaduck, his eyes unreadable.
“Give me back my mask.”
“Let me think . . .NO!”
“GIVE ME MY MASK!” Drake was angry. They weren’t killing Darkwing anymore. They were killing Drake Mallard, and that wasn’t fair.
“Touchy. Ya got any last words, duck?”
Drake seemed to give up.”
“Gosalyn, I love you. You gave me a reason to protect St Canard. I protected it to make it safe for you. Launchpad, you were the most helpful, kindest, loyal friend I ever had. Thank you.”
Gosalyn burst into tears, headache forgotten. Launchpad struggled.
“Oh PUKE ! That is the most disgusting thing I have ever heard.”
“You know what your problem is Negaduck?”Drake said softly.
“Yeah. YOU! But that’s gonna change any second now.”Negaduck sniggered.
“No. You’re just scared to love someone. You think you’ll get hurt. But THAT’S what true cowardliness is.”
“Oh yeah? I’ve had it with you. Who do you think you are? Some kind of saint? Well you ain’t. Not by a long shot. Say good-by Darkwing. Say good-by Drake Mallard. Don’t think I’m gonna let your kid and friend go. We’re gonna have a LOT of fun today, ain’t that right fellers?”
The Fearsome Four grinned evilly, trying to copy Negaduck. Bushroot was shaking. He had to admit though, it WOULD be nice to see the back of Darkwing.
“Good-bye Gos. Good luck LP.”Drake shouted.
Negaduck pulled the trigger twice. Drake slumped to the floor. Negaduck laughed. It was the worst laugh any of them had ever heard. Gosalyn wished she could cover her ears. She closed her eyes instead. She’d have nightmares about this for the rest of her life. Though it wasn’t looking like THAT would be a problem. But Dad. . .She opened her eyes. Drake was lying on the floor. Negaduck was kicking and punching him, just making sure that Darkwing was dead. Launchpad was trying to reach the knife that had been dropped. He grabbed it and cut himself loose. He ran to Gosalyn, who was staring at Drake. He cut her loose.
Suddenly police swarmed in. The place was packed. Before the Fearsome Five knew what was happening, they were caught! Megavolt had been dumped with water, Bushroot with weed killer, the Liquidator with cement mixture, and Quackerjack had simply been pounced on from all sides. Negaduck was oblivious to anything going on around him. It wasn’t till his gun was pulled out of his hand just when he was going to shoot Drake in the head that he realized what had happened.
“You’re nicked.”said a policeman with a British accent.
Negaduck was annoyed, to say the least.
As suddenly as they had appeared, the police had gone. Gosalyn picked up Darkwing’s mask. She knelt beside Drake, and put his mask on. Launchpad gingerly touched his chest. His fingers came back red. Gosalyn held Darkwing’s hand in hers. She cried. Launchpad tried to hug her, but she pushed him off.
“Just let me. Please.”Gosalyn sobbed. Launchpad let go of her hand, and looked at Darkwing. There was red everywhere. His chest looked very puffy. Darkwing looked rather chubby. Must have been Negaduck jumping on him. Launchpad checked his pulse. Hang on. He carefully felt around Darkwing’s neck. Blip. He was alive! Launchpad didn’t care how.
“Gos, he’s alive!”
“Yeah, right.”she sniffed.
“No, really.” He moved her hand to his neck. Gosalyn stared.
“I don’t believe it.”her face changed into a look of wonder. “How? Look at his chest. He’s shot in the heart and the stomach.”
“I’m calling an ambulance.”Launchpad leaped up.
Gosalyn sat next to Darkwing. She started to cry, out of relief.
“Oh, Dad. You’ve done it yet again.”
She started to try to clean the stray blood from his face. Underneath was a mass of bruises. She patted his beak and smiled. She looked at his jacket, and frowned. How DID he do it? She wiped some blood off his cuff. A sudden realization came to her. She sniffed the blood. She couldn’t believe it.
At the hospital Darkwing lay unconscious. Launchpad sat on the chair next to him, with Gosalyn on his lap. Darkwing began to stir.
“Dad? “
Darkwing could hear something far away. It sounded like Gosalyn. He forced his eyes open. Blinding white. Not again.
“Let me guess. The hospital, right?”he joked.
“You got it.”Launchpad grinned.
“Did they get the Fearsome Five? Oh, I guess they must have. Otherwise we wouldn’t be here.”
“I’m glad you’re okay Dad, but you could have told us.”Gosalyn said.
“Maybe, but it wouldn’t have been very effective. It was hard enough acting like I was never going to see you again.”
“You mightn’t of. What if they shot you in the head?”Launchpad asked.
“I don’t know. I had a feeling they wouldn’t, because it would be more fun to see me dead, face to face, if you get my meaning.”Darkwing grimaced.
“Dad, Negaduck was one second away from doing it when the police got him.”
“Oh. I was out of it WELL before then. I didn’t know he was going to jump on me. I’m sorry if I scared you. “
“That’s okay. Just tell us the whole plan.”Gosalyn said quickly.
“Well, I didn’t want to die. Not one little bit. I didn’t want either of you to die. Obviously. I figured I had to find a way to catch the Fearsome Five. But with Negaduck's trigger finger, it was going to be, well, dangerous. A bullet proof vest under my jacket solved that problem, slightly. While they were off guard, wondering why I wasn’t dead, the police could swoop in and get them. Then I thought how much better the plan would be if they thought I was dead. They’d be really off guard then. Bullet proof jackets don’t bleed, so I lined the space between the bullet proof jacket and my regular jacket with tomato sauce sachets. THAT was the finishing touch, I believe. I called the police and they equipped me with a tracker. I pressed the button, they found us, waited out side, when they heard gun shoots, they burst in. I told them the best way to deal with each villain, and there you go. A brilliant plan, if I do say so myself.” Darkwing folded his arms behind his head and smiled.
“Why were you so worried when they took your mask?”Launchpad asked.
“I didn’t want the police learning my secret identity, of course! Thanks for putting my mask back on.”
“I thought it was your last wish! Humph.”Gos pouted.
“Well, thanks anyway, kiddo.”Darkwing smiled.
“Don’t do it again, kay?”Gosalyn pleaded.
“Oh, Gos! It’s a good trick! Why not?”Darkwing grumbled.
“It might not work next time. Besides, everyone knows it now!”Launchpad agreed with Gosalyn.
“Oh, okay. Only if I get a kiss and a hug from my girl.”Darkwing winked.
“All right.”Gosalyn kissed and hugged him with relief. “I’d miss you soooo much if you were gone, you know.”Gosalyn whispered so only her father could hear.
“I know. Gos, I love you.”Darkwing whispered back.
“Same here. You aren’t saying it to make the moment dramatic?”
“Course not. I meant it in the warehouse too.”
“Good.”
“Launchpad,”Darkwing said in a normal voice.”Could you do something for me?”
“Sure thing, DW. What?”
At SHUSH labs, Launchpad asked Dr Bellum Darkwing’s question.
“Certainly.”She handed him a vial of pink liquid. “This should do the trick. Just put it in their food. Two drops each should be plenty.”
“Thanks! See you later.”
The St Canard top security prison gave each of the Fearsome Five a coke. In it were two drops of Dr Bellum’s potion. The Fearsome Five drank them quickly, and almost at once went to sleep. When the Fearsome Five woke up, they had no idea how they’d ended up in prison.
“How on earth did we get here?”Megavolt asked.
“I don’t know! Shut up, I’m thinking.”Negaduck yelled. “Oh well, lets get out of here. On three, Quackerjack." The Fearsome Five covered their ears. Quackerjack put his little known opera talents to good use.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”
He hit such a high note that their manacles and prison bars shattered.
“That’s enough.”Negaduck said. But Quackerjack wasn’t finished.
“AIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!”he hit an even higher note, and the prison walls tumbled down. All around them lay rubble.
“That’s one way to bring the house down.”Bushroot joked. The others groaned, and chucked bits of prison at him.
“Let’s get out of here.”Negaduck said. They ran off.
“Your sure it worked?”Darkwing quizzed Launchpad.
“Yup. No memory from two weeks ago. Your secret identity is safe.”Launchpad grinned.
“You should have erased their memory completely. No more problems then.”Gosalyn smiled.
“Perhaps.”Darkwing pondered. “But it's only fair to give someone a chance.”
By Rachel Baker. Story copyright Rachel Baker ‘98. Characters copyright Disney and used without permission.
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