THE TERROR THAT FLAPS IN THE NIGHT (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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happilyeverbeginning2022-06-17 02:55 pm
flapsin) wrote in happilyeverbeginning2022-06-17 02:55 pm
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Two Darkwing Duck Adventures for the Post of One!
[For Morgana]
[Drake's quest to find answers about the missing Professor Waddlemeyer was full of dead ends. He had made no progress, and he felt bad about the effect that had on Gosalyn. She was still her normal chipper self most of the time, but he had learned to see the cracks in that. And he wanted to do everything he could to help her feel better until he could reunite her with her real family.
These days, it seems the thing she got most excited for was a band. To Drake's relief, it's not like other music of the youths which register just as noise for him. This actually sounds like the kind of thing he'd listen to in high school! And the singing is just great... but this is about Gosalyn! In a spot of bad timing, Gosalyn's fallen sick while the band's has come to St. Canard for a concert. And so Drake's claimed to be out for a night of quiet patrolling while Launchpad tends to the sick kid, but in actuality he's doing something as Drake Mallard. If she can't attend the concert, maybe he can at least get an autograph for her or something. Maybe that will raise her spirits!
And so, Drake Mallard sneaks around backstage at the concert, for any sign of mysterious melodist...]
[For Della]
[It was a long night of fighting crime in Avalon for one Darkwing Duck. Some sort of magical monsters were on the loose, and he didn't get out of it without a comical number of bruises on his head. He was also left somewhat disoriented...
So when he slinked back home in the wee hours of the morning and tried to clamber into his bedroom through the window, he did not realize that he was going through the completely wrong window, into the room of the one person who didn't yet know his secret!]
[Drake's quest to find answers about the missing Professor Waddlemeyer was full of dead ends. He had made no progress, and he felt bad about the effect that had on Gosalyn. She was still her normal chipper self most of the time, but he had learned to see the cracks in that. And he wanted to do everything he could to help her feel better until he could reunite her with her real family.
These days, it seems the thing she got most excited for was a band. To Drake's relief, it's not like other music of the youths which register just as noise for him. This actually sounds like the kind of thing he'd listen to in high school! And the singing is just great... but this is about Gosalyn! In a spot of bad timing, Gosalyn's fallen sick while the band's has come to St. Canard for a concert. And so Drake's claimed to be out for a night of quiet patrolling while Launchpad tends to the sick kid, but in actuality he's doing something as Drake Mallard. If she can't attend the concert, maybe he can at least get an autograph for her or something. Maybe that will raise her spirits!
And so, Drake Mallard sneaks around backstage at the concert, for any sign of mysterious melodist...]
[For Della]
[It was a long night of fighting crime in Avalon for one Darkwing Duck. Some sort of magical monsters were on the loose, and he didn't get out of it without a comical number of bruises on his head. He was also left somewhat disoriented...
So when he slinked back home in the wee hours of the morning and tried to clamber into his bedroom through the window, he did not realize that he was going through the completely wrong window, into the room of the one person who didn't yet know his secret!]
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[He grunts as he's shoved out through the exit! But he won't accept defeat that easily. Instead, he stays by the door and tries to get a peek at what's happening! Sounds like the whole band's here...]
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Morgana sighs in relief, leaning on the door as the band advances on her. "Who was that?" one asks, rightfully suspicious. ]
Who, that guy? Nobody! He's nobody, just a fan. Honestly, you all worry way too much.
[ Disgruntled murmuring.
"First you go soft on that Darkwing Dingwing, and now you're letting strangers invade our terf? You're not THAT desperate for fans, are you?"
Morgana growls in return, unaware the following attempt at taking back control is definitely going to stab Drake repeatedly. ]
I think you're all forgetting who's in charge of this operation! I am the one who brought you here! I am the one who thought of robbing these mortals blind! And I am the one who gives the orders around here!
[ Mutter mutter, murmur murmur. They're clearly not happy with her leadership, earned or not.
"Fine, boss lady. You're on our side? Prove it. We wanna go on a heist tonight. And if that cuckoo in a cape shows up..." ]
... I'll handle him. Leave it to me. All you have to do is follow my orders...
I know it sounds sordid, but you'll be rewarded, when at last I'm given my dues. And in justice deliciously squared...
[ She begins to storm off with her crew, ready to take on the night once more.]
Be prepared!
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What he hears, though, is not just disappointing, but heatbreaking. He sinks down to the ground as he listens and feels the sting of betrayal echoing throughout his body. This is even worse than when she knocked him out last night... it feels like his heart is being knocked out.
Deception... Disgrace....
Was he asking for trouble the moment he came? He wonders. He lies there for a long time, until he peels himself up. He steels himself... because he has a job to do. And that's stopping her. It's time to get dangerous!]
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He knows they're planning some kind of heist, but he doesn't know where. So he goes from rooftop to rooftop, scoping out a number of heist-able buildings around town for any sign of the gang...]
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Operation: Divide And Conquer was well underway!
An alarm is sounding off at the biggest jewelry store in the city. The guards are tied up with spider threads, and the security cameras are busted to pieces. Inside, the band is giddily smashing open displays and taking whatever pretty shiny things they can find... But this isn't the real theft of the night. After all, as Morgana had (repeatedly, with much frustration) explained, they couldn't sell these things right away. Therefore, this bit of enjoyable destruction would just be a smokescreen.
When Darkwing Duck inevitably made his entrance, Morgana would take the lead in distracting him and leading him away, while the rest of the band headed for the real target - Sant Canard's First National Bank! A truly perfect scheme! As for what Morgana would do to keep him occupied... that was a separate plan they didn't need to know. She couldn't knock him out with the same lullaby spell - no doubt he'd see that coming, that genius he was. (Cue Eek and Squeak side-eyeing.) And she'd given away the valuable parts of that spell as autographs! So she'd have to try... a little something different.
For now, as she calmly awaits the smoke and speeches, Morgana gussies herself up with stolen rings and necklaces. He'd need a reason to chase after her, so why not accessorize? ]
Hmm... I don't know why they say diamonds are a girl's best friend. They're not even skull-shaped.
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I am the terror that flaps in the night!
I am the reboot that ruins your character...
I am Darkwing Duck!
[He poses dramatically as he steps out from the smoke. And ge shames his head.]
We have to stop meeting like this. [He tries to sound quippy... Even if he really feels disappointed.]
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Oh, Darkwing Dreamboat, you wound me! ... But not as much as I'm about to wound you!
[ She runs right for him, ready to re-start their last tango with a swing of her guitar - meanwhile, Eek and Squeak head for the wires that keep the store lit. A few good chews, and in a minute or two, it'll be lights out! ]
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I think you've already caused enough heartbreak. It might be time to cool this off! [He does that much quipping whole dodging and deflecting her blows - but his attention is enough on her for the moment that the blackout might succeed!]
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[ Three - Two - One - Lights out! The entire store goes dark and each band member splits up for their job. As for Morgana? She heads right for the nearest window and opens it, bathing her in moonlight - as is the point. Step Three - the chase. ]
It'd be rude to keep a lady waiting, Dark. Let's take this dance to the next level!
[ After sporting a classic "come hither" finger, she leaps out! ]
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If you're that set on filling my dance card, I might as well oblige! [He leaps out the window after her.]
But you're gonna have to save the last dance for the law!
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... Though she might go back to one window and quickly magically zap a confused civilian's radio, in order to get some mood music ready. But then back to the rooftop! ]
Let's take this relationship to the next step - all the way up!
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You're moving a little too fast for me. ...Good thing I know a shortcut!
[Her says that as he brandishes a grappling gun and fires it, in order to grapple his way up to her!]
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Step Five - the step she didn't tell the band about. She knew if she did, they'd absolutely reject it. It might not even work, but she felt it was still worth the effort.
She calmly sits on the corner of the rooftop, strumming a few strings on her guitar as she waits for him. When he's there, she lifts her head, smiling calmly, and takes off one of the stolen rings. ]
Before we resume our little "tête-à -tête", I thought I'd try something... different.
[ She lightly tosses the ring at him, a sign of good faith. Or a warning. ]
I have a proposal for you.
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... Okay, now you're really moving fast! S-so, uh... Can't promise an "I do", but... What exactly is this proposal?
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I've done my homework... or, at least, I tried to. I searched and searched for any information I could about you, trying to find some weakness to exploit, some flaw I could take advantage of... and I found nothing. To be specific, I found nothing about you.
[ She begins walking around the rooftop, nails trailing the edges, looking down at the city streets below. ]
I learned more about a cancelled movie than I did about the flesh and blood man that protects this city. These poor, unfortunate souls... they come flocking to your shadow, crying "Help, Darkwing, please!" and do you help them? Yes indeed.
But what do they give you in return? No gratitude, no thanks, nothing! You're out there, risking your life for these people, and they don't even bother to give you an internet shrine! You work so hard and they don't give you the respect you deserve!
[ There... might be a smidge of self-projection going on here as she clutches the roof's edge, glaring daggers at the cars passing by below. And by smidge, we mean - ]
Everything you do - nothing is good enough for these ingrates! No matter how hard you try, no matter how much passion or life you give, they turn your backs on you! They ignore you, they won't give you a chance... There's nobody out there who wants the real you!
[ Deeeeeep inhale. Phew. Almost... lost herself for a moment there. She clears her throat, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she turns back to him. ]
... But I do. You and I? We're not so different. We play in the shadows, because the waking world won't have us. I see in you the potential these people never will.
You should join me! With my magic, and your genius mind, together, we would be the ultimate power couple! If this city won't rise to our applause, then we'll bring them to their knees! You could have everything your heart desires! Fame! Fortune! And...
[ The space between them has closed super fast, as she's now right in front of him, hand under his beak, and leaning in. ]
... me.
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Instead, he's been met with indifference or gotten caught up in misunderstandings or been ignored in favor of different heroes, like freaking Gizmoduck. Where's the respect he yearns for? The admiration, the validation? ...He feels the need to stop himself before he sounds too much like Jim.
Not only that, but when Morgana is up so close and has her hand on his beak it's tempting to forget everything and just run off with her. It's almost like it's own kind of hypnotic spell. Almost.
He gazes into her eyes, his breath heavy.]
Y-you. You and me. You're right. We... would make the ultimate team. Me and you.
[Now he reaches for the hand on his beak - to gently hold it and lower it.]
But it can't be a union of villainy. No way. We could do so much good, Morgana! It's not about the recognition or anything like that. ...Of course I try to strive for that too, but at the end of the day, it's about doing what's right and helping those in need.
If you turn away from this life of crime, you'll see. You don't win every battle, and you usually don't get the headlines or a parade. ...Maybe a few fancams if you're lucky. But these deeds touch the hearts and minds of the people. That's worth more than any ill-gotten goods! And that's why... I have a counter proposal. Fight crime alongside me, and atone for your misdeeds!
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"But-"
Record needle scratch.
Rejection she had expected, sadly enough - but for him to flip the script?! ]
Huh?!
[ Wait, what???
He wants her to become... a hero?! There's no way he can be this naïve! Look at her! She's bad to the bone! Drake believing she was a good person was one thing, he was clueless about her criminal career, but why did Darkwing think the same?!
... And why wasn't she instantly rejecting the idea out loud? ]
I... I... I...?
[ It must be because of those gorgeous (familiar?) eyes of his and his gentle touch... and maybe because "touch the hearts and minds of the people" is exactly what she wanted to do with her music in the first place. Does he... actually know that, in his own way? That this criminal path she chose was never the first option? Does he know her better than she knows herself?
Maybe it's also time to test if he's a better kisser than Drake. It'd help the decision making. Really. ]
Darwking... I...
[ Alas, to quote a certain revenge-based series, you didn't think it was going to be that easy, did you?
Alarm bells go off - not metaphorically in their heads, but literally out in the streets. The rest of the band had started the next robbery... but simply went to the store right next to the jewelry store.
Startled and enraged for several reasons, Morgana brakes out of Darkwing's hold to stomp over to the roof's edge and yell - ]
YOU FOOLS! I SAID ROB THE BANK! B-A-N-K! WE WENT OVER THIS SIX TIMES! I DISTRACT DARKWING, YOU GO TO THE BANK! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SKIP REHEARASAL!
[ ... Oops. One of those things should not have been said out loud. Sheepishly, she looks over her shoulder at him. ]
... I can explain.
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He was starting to go into a lull as she spoke, his eyes closed and beak puckered-
Only for that alarm to be a wake-up call in multiple senses. He stands there for a moment, hurt and betrayed. Then, he narrows his eyes.]
I think you explained enough. Is that all this was to you? A ruse... A distraction? You... You really are a villain...
[But he knows that he can't waste time here. He has to channel these feelings into something instead of wallowing in the heartbreak. So he runs up to the edge of the roof and dives off to glide after her bandmates!]
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[ The idea was to distract him, yes, but the offer itself was genuine! If - if she could just explain it - she didn't mean for things to go this way! This wasn't supposed to happen!
She tries to reach after him, maybe grab him, but he's already gone. He was right. She was a villain. Wasn't that what she'd been telling herself all along? Wasn't he only saying the truth?
Then why did it hurt so much? Why did she feel like she just got dumped when they weren't even dating?
The weight of the stolen jewelry on her now feels like its ten tons, and she violently rips if off, throwing it to the ground. She can't even stand to look at it. Instead she goes to grab her guitar, and head back for the theater. Her foolish bandmates had messed up the plan, they could deal with the fall-out. She was the one with the magic, they were the muscle, so even though they outnumbered Darkwing, a few clever moves would be all it took for them to be sent running with no stolen goods to show for it.
Darkwing would get the win tonight - but no one would really feel like they won.
... Morgana did manage to steal two tubs of rocky road ice cream on the way back to the theater, but that was completely and totally unrelated to anything ever. ]
Forget about that guy,
Forget about the way you fell into his eyes,
Forget about his charms,
Forget about the way he held you in his arms...
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There was a time when I was sure
That you and I were truly one.
That our future was forever,
And would never come undone.
And we came so close to being close!
And though you cared for me,
There's distance in your eyes tonight,
So we're not meant to be.
The love is gone.
The love is gone...
The sweetest dream,
That we have ever known...
The fight's over before he knows it. Drake is left breathing heavily at the attempted crime scene. The band got away, sure, but he made sure they didn't get away with a single thing.
But he knows that he can't let this drag out any longer. Not when such underhanded tricks were used against him and his heart! So he makes his way back towards that theater, to seek out any traces of them...]
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If there's a prize for rotten judgement?
I guess I've already won that...
No man is worth the aggravation
That's ancient history, been there, done that-
[ But this musical number is soundly interrupted (after all, she lacks back-up singers!) by slamming doors - the band is back, and they are furious. The shortest one, the cyclops, heads straight for Morgana, grabbing her arm harshly.
"Where were you?! You said you were going to distract that clod in a cape!"
Morgana bitterly pulls her arm back. ]
And I told you what to do, and you blew it. Now leave me alone, I need to... find my muse.
[ "I am so SICK of this!" The girl snarls, suddenly forcibly turning Morgana around to face her! "It's time you started acting like a real monster! No more small-time screw ups, we need to grab this city by the collar! We need to use the ultimate spell - The Hocus Pocus Focus!"
Even though Morgana's already a pretty pale duck, even she seems to be aghast at such a suggestion, whatever it means. ]
FIRST of all, that spell is completely forbidden, and for good reason! SECOND, I told you when we started this I'd never use something so... so awful! And THIRD...
[ Since the first two reasons don't seem to affect the others, she shrugs and looks away. ]
... I gave a vital part of that spell away. As autographs. So even if I wanted to use that spell, I couldn't. They're long gone. There's no way a loyal fan like Gosalyn would ever give it up, and Drake...
[ At this she falters, and seems to crumble on the piano bench, hanging her head. ]
... After how shabbily I treated him last time, he probably never wants to see me again... I... I need to be alone.
[ Fighting off tears, she storms off towards her dressing room. The rest of the band glower and grumble after her, cracking their knuckles.
"We need to get those autographs back! But how?"
"We gotta find whoever those two are. And then... we have to do something about her."
"You'd think she'd have learned her lesson, after what happened the last time she had a band!"
The hyenas crowd around, trying to figure out how to devour Scar, while Eek, Squeak and Archie scramble after their mistress. ]
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Morgana's words throw him off further. Is she showing... remorse for how she's treated him? ...No, no, she probably just feels remorse about losing her spell. That's it! Close enough. He almost believed in her again - and he's afraid that would just make things hurt more.
But after she leaves, some things become clear: the bandmates are after the autograph, meaning Gosalyn's in danger. And Morgana's in immediate trouble - no matter his feelings now, Drake doesn't think she deserves this punishment. So it's time to act! He drops a smoke bomb into the middle of the scheming scoundrels.]
I am the terror that flaps in the night!
I am the same repreat that plays every evening until you're behind bars...
I am Darkwing Duck!
[With that, he dropkicks his way down into the nearest member of the band!]
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"GET HIM!"
It's a madcap of muscle as all three of them try to tackle Darkwing down, ready to pound, pulverize, punch, and - what's this? The Cyclops rolls off after a particularly nasty kick, having tried to grab the cape, and instead grabbed something else. She blinks rapidly, then stares before cackling in mad glee...
"I don't believe this! Our luck is finally turning around!" She stands up, triumphantly holding up the autograph! Her sinister looks somehow gets even worse, as she sweetly calls out. "Oh Morgaaaanaaa~! Your little boyfriend just dropped off the sweetest present~!"
Of course, the second Morgana had heard that familiar call in the theater, she'd run as fast as her high-heels could take her. Darkwing came after her? Did he want to hear her out? Maybe he changed his mind! Maybe she changed her mind! She could apologize, they could start over and...
She stumbles onto the stage, her look of sheer elation fading as she sees what the Cyclops is holding. ]
... Wh... what? How did...? Where did you get that?
[ Cyclops gives a smug little look to Darkwing, before creating a lie she's that will shatter any remaining hope and goodness in her boss.
"Ain't it obvious? Drakey Wakey must have... THROWN IT OUT!"
And Cyclops is correct - because Morgana is so utterly stunned and devastated by that, she falls right to her knees. ]
... What...?
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He stands there, wide-eyed with uncertainty as she starts questioning the autograph. He really doesn't know how to explain this... without giving himself away.]
I... I... I...
[It seemed like this was it. Any moment now, his secret identity would be blown!
...Except it doesn't. He just stares, dumbfounded, as the one-eyed bandmate offers an alternate explanation. One that... hurts, but... an alibi is an alibi.
Then again, even as he tries to harden his heart against her, it hurts even more seeing her on her knees like that.]
N-now, now! That's... It's not... It was the wind! Yes, that's it. A stray gust of wind brought that autograph to me. It must have been snatched right out an open window. [He just... tiptoes towards the cyclops and meekly smiles as he reaches for the paper.] Now, let me just return this to its rightful owner...
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Morgana, for her part, seems able to believe this terrible lie despite how much it's killing her. She holds herself, eyes staring beyond the people there. ]
I thought... I thought... he... he understood me, that... he liked me...
[ "It's like we've been trying to tell you, boss - nobody is ever gunna understand someone like you. Especially not some goody-goody mortals. What a pity. But! Luckily, that doesn't matter anymore!" Cyclops dangles the autograph in Morgana's face. "We both know what this does! Unlike that other spell that just makes people into mindless zombies... this spell makes people WANT to obey you! They'll be HAPPY to hand over all their loot! They'll cheer your name all the time!"
Cyclops shoves the autograph into Morgana's hands, grinning right at Darkwing. "In fact... why don't we try it out on your hero here? I mean, I don't think he gets the big deal... why don't you tell him, before we make him your slave? WHY is that ONE stupid autograph worth so much to you, boss?"
Morgana closes her eyes, a single tear running down her cheek. Why, indeed, was she so stunned to be asked about autographs the first time they met, and why does it hurt so much to get it back? Because after all this time, after trying so hard... ]
It... it was... my first one.
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