Chapter 1: Like A Tree In The Forest
Summary:
Donald asks his new friend a question about Dolly.
Notes:
Hi! Looks like someday ended up being today! Welcome to a brand new, umm, mini-story episode? Well, the point is that this will be a collection of short stories and one shots for my main series, "That Phantom Thief, The Duck Avenger" and the first story, "The Revival of a Legacy & The Birth Of A Legend." These won't be anything major, mostly going to have little fun side stories or conversations. You know, things like this character interacts with that character, or maybe share some extra information from the main story.
Really, this will be a spot to help the ideas form, since I've got only got a vague direction for where its going. Nothing set yet, but anyway, that's all I have to say. Enjoy!
Summary: Donald asks his new friend a question about Dolly.
Idea: "Why didn't Dolly Duck ever get caught?"
Date: July 9, 2025
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
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It's been a couple of days since Zero, now named Uno, had awoken with his new form. He was steadily getting use to his new shell, but was still having trouble with certain aspects such as spacial awareness and just how much lighter he's become. Gyro suggested to run more tests and have him practice navigating before letting him out to explore Duckburg. So while the newly redesigned android and A.I. adjusted, Donald made sure to visit whenever he got a chance.
Today was one of his days off, one where the family didn't mind that he, and surprisingly his sister, Della, weren't coming for an adventure. She thought the children needed their quality time with Uncle Scrooge, also, she wanted an excuse to play catch up; learning the cool stuff she missed for the past decade. Donald had offered to help, but she was too stubborn and wanted to discover everything on her own on, "a personal adventure," she called it. So, with no other obligations, he made sure to come visit the lab.
While there, watching his friend practice his fluid movement, he remembers the stories he read in the entrusted journal. Since receiving it, he found intrigue in learning about their lives. But one peculiar detail stuck out to him the most, one that bothered him about one of the thieves.
“Say, Uno.”
Said android looks up while attempting to maneuver an obstacle course Gyro had prepared for him to practice his smooth strides, “Yes, what is it, Sir Donald?”
He lightly cackles, “I told you already, it’s just Donald. We’re friends, so no need for the sir.”
“Right, long term use has caused this habit to remain a constant.”
“You’ll get it right someday... But there's something, I wanted to ask." He pauses for a moment and Uno nods for him to go on, "I was reading through the journal and I realized something. How come Dolly didn’t ever get caught?”
His green eyes went wide, “I beg your pardon?! You wanted Lady Dolly to be caught?!”
“What? No!" Donald flails his arms about as he quickly adds, "I don't mean it like that. I was just wondering why no one put two and two together. Dolly Duck and Dolly Paprika? I mean, they both have the same name, so wouldn't someone have connected the dots?”
Uno relaxed, “Ah, I understand. Actually, during the era, the name Dolly was a fairly popular and commonly shared first name."
"Really?"
"Indeed! You’d be surprised how many maidens with the name Dolly I encountered during our outings. Calling for the mistress while out together did have several unfortunate misunderstanding from those who…” Uno shudders at some unspoken incidents he refused to voice.
“Ah. I get it. But then, did anyone ever get close enough to catch Dolly and John here in Duckburg?"
Uno smiles playfully, "There were some notable attempts, such as Inspector Pinko and his capture brigade, and a couple of visiting rivals. But try as they might, my masters were just that good with their ability to hide among the flock."
"So, like a tree in the forest!"
"Indubitably! As long as there were those that were alike, it was quite difficult for them to pinpoint the identity of my masters."
.
Notes:
Yep, just an idea I had while researching the thieves back then. I always wondered why she's Dolly Duck in public and Dolly Paprika as her phantom thief name. So, the solution is simple, say that Dolly was a fairly popular name back in the day, that Uno had trouble calling her in public.
Short and simple, so not much else to share. Is there anything you're curious about, or just want to share your thoughts? If so, please, feel free to drop it in the comments! Always appreciative to you!
Thanks for reading! See you around on another chapter someday!
Edit: Oh, before I forget, Question. Not sure what to do about a certain character tag, since it kinda gives away and spoils the first story episode. So I'm asking readers, do you think "Uno | One" should be kept as a character tag? Or should I take him out of the tags?
Chapter 2: It Hides In Plain Sight
Summary:
Huey and Webby try to interview Mrs. Beakley about her run in with the phantom thieves.
Notes:
Hi there! Back again with another short story for this. Honestly, there really isn't much here, since it's still a vague idea that may or may not come into play when I do start the next main episode story. Again, take this with a grain of salt.
Enjoy!
Summary: Huey and Webby try to interview Mrs. Beakley about her run in with the thieves.
Idea: The history between the phantom duo and agent 22?
Date: August 20, 2025
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
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It has been quite the productive week in Huey’s opinion. Ever since discovering the history between the phantom thieves of old and his Uncle Scrooge, it had driven him, as well as Webby, to preform a deep dive research investigation into unearthing the secrets of their elusive lives. Him being tasked with assisting in the creation a memoir for the duo was exciting enough. Webby eagerly offered her help, though her interest was directed towards her biography for Uncle Scrooge. Even so, their goals aligned, and the more help the better. There was so much information that had been lost to the era, as well as the odd impassivity of the public once they were out of the eyes of the media.
Why had the thieves simply faded into history when they were so well known and had a large amount of supporters?
What was the reason that no one spoke of their existence beyond more than a footnote in Duckburg history?
Where could they have gone and were there any others, besides his Uncle Scrooge, who could have seen them before they disappear completely from the limelight?
These questions and more propelled the two into what they were currently doing, more research. They had gathered enough material within the archives of the library, with Huey focusing on newspapers and Webby on the footage that was kept about their heists. But it wasn't enough to provide a fuller picture. The material was impersonal, dry, and only as objective as needed. So, that led them to the next phase of their endeavors, interviewing. What better place to start than with the people who were close to the action, right?
But, who, other than his uncle Scrooge, could he get a valuable account from within those whom were his closest connections? His mom and uncle Donald were definitely out of the picture, since they were only infants when they disappeared from the public eye. Duckworth would be a great source, but his account could certainly compromise the bias in favor of the thieves. He needed someone who had a lesser view to balance the butler's accounts. Then he recalled the briefly passing words of Mrs. Beakley when she mentioned her annoyance with said duo. Surely her words would be both from personal experience and avoid the rose tinted viewpoints.
It was settled. Their first stop, and second official recording, was to be an...
Interview With Mrs. Bentina Beakley - Recording Take 01
“I refuse to allow myself to make any mention of that... hoodlum.” She says as she continues her task of dusting the living room.
Huey raised his brow, intrigued by her choice of words to describe them, “Hoodlum? What do you mean by that? Weren’t the thieves known for their class and manner?”
She sighs, “I suppose the word is unbecoming of them when they became a pair. Yet, I will not divulge any further information, Huey.”
“Why, Mrs. Beakley? What exactly did they do that caused you to be upset by merely mentioning them?”
“It is not them per say, but rather, him. But I shall not-”
Webby excitedly pops in, “Oh! Oh! Did he steal a legendary artifact during one of your missions? Did he beat you in a battle of brawn or wits? Did he do something so inconceivable that you were sworn to secrecy?! Is that why you won't talk about-”
“Webby!”
“Oh come on, Granny! If any of those are the reason, then it was years ago! You can’t still be upset about-”
“I had many non pleasurable encounters due to his interference, and I will not recount them just because he-ahem. Excuse me.”
Huey wasn't sure where this was going, but Webby still pressed on with the conversation, “Granny! It’s for the memoir. They’re probably long gone by now. Not everyone could be like Uncle Scrooge and withstand the test of time.”
She sighs and turns to her granddaughter, “Be that as it may, our encounters were considered my lowest points as a young agent.”
Huey’s eyes lit up, “S.H.U.S.H. dealt with them?!”
She sighs, bothered by her slip of the tongue, “Indeed, Huey. The organization had to tussle with their antics whenever they felt the need to peruse our archives for particularly stored away artifacts or inventions. But my encounters were from a far earlier time in his dubious career.”
“That’s incredible! Tell me everything!”
Mrs. Beakley gently pushes Huey away, preventing him from coming closer.
"I'm sorry, but the answer is no."
"I bet I can piece together what happened." The trio looked behind them when they heard who was talking.
"Louie?"
"You couldn't catch his tricks, no matter what he did, couldn't you."
Mrs. Beakley's face twitched at the mention of tricks.
"I bet, you had Fantomallard cornered a bunch of times only to get pranked back and him disappearing with some brand new trick, ones you and S.H.U.S.H. couldn't figure out right away. Probably took a few years later to solve it too. Or you only learned because he was playful enough to tell you how he did it."
"I think that's quite enough young man.”
"Oooh, I'm right on the money now, aren't I?”
Still, she remained silent to his speculations, "I will not speak of this any longer. Now if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to."
Webby and Huey let her go, seeing as she wasn't budging from her conversation, now instead turning to Louie, "How did you manage to get all that information?”
"Ptth, you doubt me, Hubert? I should be offended." Huey rolled his eyes, but Louie decided to indulge him, "It was all context clues from Uncle Scrooge's story. The playful banter, the pranks, the clean getaways, all the same things he experienced. Though, I don't know what Fantomallard did to Mrs. Beakley specifically, but high chance it must have been something mortifyingly embarrassing enough to keep her quiet."
"No way! Granny wouldn't.. but then again... she did say... Now look what you've done, Louie! I don't think I can leave this alone. I've gotta find out now!" So, Webby leaves the two of them alone as she makes an agile leap into the vents above.
"Hmm... Are you sure that's all that was, Louie? I get the feeling that you know something more."
Louie shrugs as he pulls out a Pep, "No more than you think. I only see all the angles, the ones you tend to not notice." He smirks as he casually takes a sip of his soda.
Huey looks skeptically towards his youngest brother, but then pulls out his phone to record, "Interview attempt with Mrs. Bentina Beakley has failed. Note, come back at a later date when interviewee is willing to participate. Note, ask Uncle Scrooge about others who could be valuable potential sources."
Louie then walks away, looking intently at his phone, the name on the text screen reads, Aunt. He types out a few words and hits send, "Thx 4 info. Need more next time."
An immediate reply returns, "That's gonna cost you, sharpie."
Louie looks up, sighing, but still smirking, "Of course it will."
.
Notes:
This one is sort of coming together. There's still some parts that need sorting out, so this may get a re-edit at another time. I'll let you know when it does though. For now, I wanted to explore the memoir's creation and the process behind Huey and Webby doing research. But whatever Fantomallard did in his early days to Mrs. Beakley, before Dolly, it really left an impression that's got her either embarrassed or irritated. Now wondering what it was?
As for Louie, he kind of popped up on the scene last minute. It also seems like he took an interest and is doing his own side research from an unlikely source. Wonder what "Aunt's" story was about?
Again, take this with a grain of salt, cause the story this time was just to form and test out some ideas. If there anything you're curious about, or just want to share your thoughts, please feel free to drop it in the comments! Always appreciative to you!
Thanks for reading! See you around on another chapter someday!
Chapter 3: Awaiting Those Who Will Notice It
Summary:
Daisy invites Donald to her family home, where he gets to learn of her family's past.
Notes:
Here we go! Time for another test piece for a short story. This time, let's return to Donald and let's introduce a new person into the story, Daisy. Let's see how the two enjoy their time together and learn some new things.
Enjoy!
Summary: Daisy invites Donald to her family home, where he gets to learn of her family's past.
Idea: A date taking an unexpected turn and some quality time with family members from the beautiful, older generation.
Date: September 22, 2025
Rewrote Chapter Date: December 5, 2025
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
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Daisy Duck often though herself to be tenacious, firm on her stance, and never seemed to let anything sway her from a set direction. Of course, there were moments that flexibility was necessary, but this day was meant to be the exception to the rule. For today, she was going on a date, with her dear companion, and possibly, soon-to-be-steady, Donald Duck.
She was prepared for it to be a nice, simple date; away from all forms of hindrances of her date’s family, brought in the form of, “adventures.” That meant, no detours, no last minute changes, no anything that would get in the way of their time together; barring genuine emergencies of course. Other than that, everyone in his household was made very much aware to respect this time. Although, she pondered upon her own blunders in forgetting remind her own.
How did it all come to where she is now, questioning the things her dear date seemed to know?
Well, it all began after their departure, on the road to their next date destination. It was her turn to pick the location and she had chosen quite an unusual spot. Her choice, a giant showcase warehouse featuring the latest in furniture and home goods. When Donald had first asked her reasons, she told him that while searching for inspiration for her next design, she came across a dating article suggesting that going to spots that promote D.I.Y. make great conversation starters for a relationship. It opens the doors for communicating how each would visualize their future together living in the same space. Each would be able to widen the scope of their imagination of their lives together and help to build upon the foundation for a solid relationship. Thus, she deemed it the perfect place to visit next.
Donald had smiled at the brilliance of her plan, and he loved how, in his words, “absolutely unusual, in the ordinary sense," it was. She was glad. It was definitely a needed break from the erratic nature of his family’s unpredictability. But a single phone call changed all that.
The name on the screen glowed bright for both to see, and with each ring, Daisy tried so desperately to ignore the call. But the compunctions of her conscious weighed heavily upon not picking it up, until at last, he smiled and encouraged her to do answer. Donald, bless that sweet and tenderly heart of his, was not opposed to the sudden detour because of the caller and willingly adapted. So, their destination changed and they were currently on their way, to her family’s home.
.
-Ducktales 2017-
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It was past noon when they pulled up into driveway of her great-grandmother’s bungalow styled property. As soon as the car was parked, her fingers start to fiddle about as she glances reluctantly in the direction of the house. Looking to her date, she couldn’t help but utter, “I’m sorry about this last minute change. It’s not exactly what we planned, but…”
Donald, her darling sweetheart, gazed at her kindly in understanding, “You don’t have to apologize, Daisy. You know I understand how important it is, especially the value of family. Besides, I needed to meet some of them sooner or later, right?”
“Oh, Don.”
“Daisy.”
Both gaze lovingly into each others eyes, admiring how wonderful and caring each were towards the other. Slowly, their hands move closer to touch, and gently their faces draw near, until…
“Ah! Mi bella Daisy!”
“Ah, nonna!” Both ducks are shaken by the elder’s loud and perky voice.
“I’ma sorry, mi Bella. OH! Is the young man you spoke about?”
“Yes, he’s-”
“Ah, quite a catch you’ve found ah, Daisy!”
“Nonna!”
“Although, he looks so thin, close to skin and bone. Dear, are you not being fed well?”
Donald becomes flustered at her words, “No, uh, m’am, I, uh… eat well. I just, get a lot of… exercise?” Yeah, he knows how scrawny he appears, sleeper build and all. But it was probably the best way to explain the workout he gets from carrying his family out to safety during adventures.
“Oh, no no no! We can’t have you so light. We must get food right in you. Gain energy and have a great meal on the table!”
“Nonna!” But her grandmother ignored Daisy’s complaints as she cheerfully guided Donald into the house, definitely aiming for the kitchen. All she could do was shake her head as a small smile grew on her beak, then soon lagged behind them. Oh well, she’d let her grandmother have her fun.
.
-Ducktales 2017-
.
“Ahhh,” Donald sighed in content, “This was absolutely the best meal I’ve had in a long time, M’am.”
“Ah, Donald, grazie! This is only a mere slice of our Italian culture. But please, call us your Bisnonna and Nonna now. Because we’ve shared a meal, that makes you practically family.”
“Alright, bisnonna, nonna.”
Daisy smiled fondly as she watched him compliment her and her nonna’s dinner, and her bisnonna’s recipes. It was also sweet to see how welcoming they were to invite him call them family already. She had never expected the date to take a turn like this. But all in all, it provided a pleasurable experience. For, upon coming into the house, Donald was made to sit down for lunch and everyone talked. Of course, there was the usual granddaughter talk, catching up on life, the mild interrogation of her sweetheart, and the usual neighborhood chatter about who was doing this or what happened between this person and that. But after lunch, they invited the two to stay and also have dinner, with Daisy helping to cook. She gave in, easily and happily.
That left Donald and her great-grandmother to get to know each other. It was awkward at first before she smiled warmly at him, and enthusiastically spoke about the days of old. She eagerly went into great detail about her own grandparents life and her mother’s own. Then, she spoke lovingly about their love stories and how it inspired her to find her own someday. Eventually, she gave birth to her daughter and the rest had been a wonderful adventure. Daisy couldn’t help but glance over his way and admire how Donald seemed to absorb the stories, and be enraptured by every word. Every moment uttered in nostalgic bliss delivered a sense normalcy in the immigration tale. For him, it must have been so endearing and refreshing, unlike the chaotic mess of his Uncle Scrooge’s own journey to the west.
Come the dinner he just complimented, and they’re still exchanging stories. Her nonna speaks of her own adventures between Italia and the Americas, then he speaks of his own family and how much he cared for his nephews. Her grands eyed her playfully, completely in approval over the fact he’s a dedicated family man. She blushes in embarrassment, only for her to go more red as she sees her nonna pull out what she sees are…
“Oh, nonna, you didn’t-!”
“Mi Bella, I’m sure you’re, ragazzo wouldn’t mind.”
“Oh, please, no! Not the family albums-!”
But her grandmother ignored her and opened the book for Donald to see, immediately flipping past the ones of her family and into the section with Daisy’s childhood. He cooed at how adorable duckling Daisy looked and giggled at the labels she had added, of her, “fashion faux-pas,” in her early preteen years. Some were labeled, “never again,” particularly the hairstyles. Daisy’s eyes, widen at the sight, wanting to quickly grab the book, but instead she slid her hand gently under one of the older sections and quickly flipped it away from own. He was startled by her action, but understood her embarrassment. But upon flipping to the random page, his expression became perplexed by one of the pictures in the section. Something seems to be churning in his mind as he intently examined the image.
“Say Daisy, that photo…”
“Oh? That?”
“It’s weird…”
“Huh?” Grabbing her nonna and bisnonna’s attention as well, all three peer in for a closer look.
“At first, I thought it was you, since she looks so similar. But, it’s in the older section, so it couldn't be. But then, who is she?”
Both grans squint their eyes before one realizes, “Ah! I remember her! A great one she was, my dear great-aunt.”
“Wow! The genes must be so strong in your family, cause it’s kind of uncanny how she looks a lot like Daisy.”
“Ah, sì!” Then she turns to Daisy, “You would have liked her, mi Daisy. Though my aunt shied away from the camera so often, she was a great lady. Intelligent, gentle, poised, and well rounded in all kinds of subjects. She was a woman of action, knowing just what she wanted outta life, and always fashion forward as you are now.”
“I can tell.” Daisy smiled, but then noticed how Donald could see how strained she looked. He was probably wondering why she seems a bit uncomfortable to even be talking about the person. He would probably even ask later. But only when she was comfortable to tell. He was patient like that, another admirable quality.
Her bisnonna sighed long, “After she found her love, we barely saw much of her, except at the reunions. Now decades have passed, so I doubt she’s and her marito are still around. Though she was a social lady, she rarely spoke much of her family life. We only met prozio John a handful of times… But if there’s one thing I know, whenever we saw dear Dolly with that husband of hers, she was definitely a girl in the constant honeymoon phase of their relationship. Those two loving each other was just as sweet as young lovers.”
Donald, who had been drinking water lightly coughed on it, and Daisy looked worriedly at him, “Donald, are you okay?”
“Ack, ack,” he coughed into his napkin, “I’m okay, I’m okay. Swallowed wrong. But… did I hear you say, Dolly… and… John?”
"Ah, that's right, mi la mia famiglia. Dolly Papera Duck Quackett and her marito, John Lamont Quackett. Both were so lovely, but kept to themselves quite a bit. I still wonder how they are after all this time."
"Oh you! You know her parents never added Papera to her name."
"She still is a Papera through and through!"
"Sadly, they're probably long gone now."
"Yet, we're still around?"
"That only means we're stubborn and eager! Just waiting to see all our family live their beautiful lives, especially you, Daisy.”
“I couldn't agree more.”
The conversation soon returned back to other grand stories of reminiscing the past and more inquiries about Donald’s life. Eventually, it tapered off into more lighter topics throughout the night. Both Daisy and Donald had very much enjoyed the evening there, but soon realized it was getting so late. They politely excused themselves and promised to visit another day. Her nonna gave them both the leftovers and extra meals they had cooked and both departed from their house, back to Duckburg.
On the drive back, they sat in silence with the soft melodious jazz playing on low volume. Daisy was slightly nodding off, but was really lost in thought. Her mind lingered on the evening and the pleasantness of the unexpected date spot. But then, she thought of the photo, the one she hadn’t meant to bring any attention. She though of Donald’s reaction as the gears seemed to turn in his head at the sight of the lady’s appearance, and how he nearly had choked on the water when hearing their names. That reaction wasn’t in the sense of knowing their Duckburg fame, but it felt, more personal. How could Donald know anything about them?
The moment Donald arrived back at the mansion, Daisy was gently shaken awake and blushed. The two spoke nightly farewells and ended with a light kiss goodbye before getting into her car to go home.
But again, her mind was fixated on the night. Something was there, and she knew it. Her gut feeling told her she shouldn’t let this alone. But what exactly was important about why he knew about them? Why were her middle school investigative journalism club instincts kicking into high gear? Why was her curiosity and need for answers restless within her? She knew the answer. But she also knew she had left that all behind in her past, among other things. But this mystery, why Donald was unearthing a buried past, she now needed to dig deeper into what he knew. It was time for her to do what she did best, research her topics, find inspiration, get answers, and hope it didn’t signal the return of something more.
.
Notes:
As I've said before, these ideas are still in the testing phase, and all about trying out some new ideas and concepts. So please, as before, take it with a grain of salt. Let's see if they show up in the next episode story someday?
In this we see Donald meeting Daisy's grandmother and great-grandmother. If you're wondering about her parents, they live elsewhere now, still not sure where yet. But maybe I was thinking New Quackmore or Quacktown? Anyway, it seems Daisy has some Italian origins here and, surprisingly her family tree is connected to a certain few familiar ducks. What will Daisy learn since Donald reacted so suddenly to the name drop I wonder? Also, why did she become uncomfortable with bringing attention to a picture of Dolly?
For now, that's it for this next test idea. I'm sorry if anything looks incorrect or if there's mistakes. Please let me know if it needs fixing. Oh and If there's anything you're curious about, or just want to share your thoughts, have any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to drop it in the comments! Always appreciative to you!
Thanks for reading! See you around on another chapter someday!
Rorythehedgehog09 on Chapter 1 Tue 29 Jul 2025 04:50PM UTC
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Formastory on Chapter 1 Wed 30 Jul 2025 02:18AM UTC
Last Edited Wed 30 Jul 2025 02:18AM UTC
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63n3437 on Chapter 1 Fri 24 Oct 2025 08:23PM UTC
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Formastory on Chapter 1 Fri 24 Oct 2025 09:20PM UTC
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