Sarrika herself did not want to believe it was a suicide attempt. Being a healer, all kinds of probabilities popped into her minds as she assessed injuries. Suicide among gummies was almost unheard of and even when it did occur, she could only recall two instances where such a thing happened: self-sacrifice when using a deadly weapon, such as Gummadoon Staff which was how poor Destini met her end and self-end when captured in battle to prevent others from being injured. She knew only two of the Gummadoon knights, in all of their history, had been forced to do such a thing, during some of those horrific battles before the Ancients made the decision it was best to flee. Plucki had been close to them both and their deaths had been deeply mourned as both a tragic loss and a demonstration of their devotion to the Gummi Way.
On a child however, it had never happenedever.
For this reason, Sarrika was almost certain that what Plucki said was not how it happened. Surely, it had been an attack of some sort, perhaps some kind of magical manipulation. She refused to believe that a gummi cub, especially one not yet ten, was capable of such a horrific decision and more so than that, what could a cub Cubbis age possibly have to justify such a rash action? Still
Sir Plucki was silent, watching Sarrika work and offering his hand wherever he could. He cast a side glance at his brother, Gumlittle.
Oh, to see such a face was heart wrenching. Being knights, they had seen their share of horrors but they were each extremely attached to their trainees. That was what made Gummadoon so strong, the strong link between the fighting forces. Most gummi cities followed their example. However, it was not without its price as Plucki was deeply reminded.
Gumlittle fell to his knees beside Tonis bed and once Sarrika had finished her stitching, he took the cubs small hand in his own. Being the largest gummi in Gummadoon, Tonis tiny paw vanished in just one of his hands, never mind two. Gumlittle reached out, stroking the boys white hair back, something he used to do when the boy was younger and would awake with nightmares. Gumlittles presence was something all his squires found comfort in, feeling safe and protected. Plucki hoped that his presence now would help young Toni recover.
Speaking of the young, he turned his attention to the two young squires who had been standing awestruck and silent for such a long time that Plucki had nearly forgotten they were there. He turned, kneeling to their level. Little Flynnwhat a first week! He had been promoted to a squire and Plucki had been anxious to ease his slightly nervous mind with a gentle transition from pagehood to squirehood but it seemed that Fate had other plans. As it stood, he still did not know, entirely, what had happened. He had just been following the boys cries
Plucki!
The Gummadoon Captain turned a corner, seeing young Flynn slid to a stop, almost falling on his face as he tried to turn quickly and tore towards him. The alarm in his voice instantly brought up red flags on Plucki. Gummies as a species, tended to listen to one another far easier than humans did. Plucki, in particular, spouted to his knights on a routine basis the importance of listening to their trainees. That, after all, was how a strong team was formed and Plucki and had followed his own advice, taking note of all the tones the children used. He was still learning Cubbis but he had already figured out that Cubbis doubting tone included drooped ears. As for Flynn, he knew the boys panicked and frightened yell when he heard it and that was what he hearing.
Coming around the corner to meet the boy who was still struggling to run, using his paws as extra legs, Plucki knelt down so he was level with the child. Almost instantly, Pluckis heart grew heavy, the cub was coated in blood. Flynns entire tunic had turned a deep dark red and the boys hands were slick with the red liquid. His face looked white but Plucki had grown to know the different types of pale, as war and battles tended to teach one such things ,and this was not a pale of blood loss. Still
Flynn, are you hurt
Its not my blood Plucki!The cub screeched even though the Captain was only a few feet in front of him. He grasped Pluckis hands with his blood stained ones and started to pull. Its Tonis! Toni needs help, please! Hurry!
Plucki instantly was on his feet and following the smaller gummi. Tonithat was who he had feared was in trouble. After seeing his mothers reactionher actions towards Cubbi well, the Gummadoon captain wasnt really sure what to expect now. Toni was small and that was a lot of blood he saw on Flynn. Stubborn as Toni might have been at times, he was still a little cub and that much blood loss worried Plucki immensely.
Tearing around a corner, Flynn burst through into the weapons room, Plucki on his heels. As the Captain entered, his breath caught in his throat and his blood ran cold.
Kneeling down on the floor was Cubbi, cradling a pale Toni in his arms.
Blood pooled on the stone floor, Cubbi had a firm grip on the lads arms, holding them up and into the air but that really didnt seem to be doing much good. At least not by Cubbis standards. The blood was still oozing in rivers and it was staining his own arms and tunic but as Plucki jogged over, he could see it had slowed it. Upon closer inspection, he saw the cub had created a makeshift tourniquet by typing strips around Tonis upper arms. It was slowing it, and it might just have slowed it enough to make a difference.
Plucki fell to his knees, his pant legs getting stained in the cubs red blood and took the limp child from Cubbi, freeing the young squire from the responsibility. The small blue cub never moved and Plucki didnt waste any time from there. He wanted answers but he knew it was not the time to ask. The cub was in too critical condition. Scooping the child up, in a bridal carry, careful to keep a firm grip over the wounds on his wrists, the Captain gave a sharp command, Follow me, boys.
The three some tore down the hall and Plucki called something Cubbi couldnt understand to one of the knights that they passed. It musta been Latin or some sort because Cubbi heard Cavin use it sometimes. The knight gave a salute and tore down the halls and Cubbi heard shouting and yelling. It was all pretty overwhelming but Cubbi was determined to follow his Captains order to follow even if his legs did feel like jam.
So, Cubbi turned to young Flynn who still looked like he wanted to slip into blissful unconsciousness and offered his hand. The younger cub took it gratefully, responding to his elder teammate with a nod as Cubbi pulled him to his feet. Cubbi was leading the way, keeping a firm grip on Flynn. They were both coated in blood, both of their hands were slick with the stuff but they pressed onward, jogging after the Gummadoon Captain.
And that was where they were presently. Flynn looked like he was ready to cry but he was trying not to. Plucki knew that Flynn would do better if Blastus was there but at the present moment, they needed some answers. He sat on his knees, so that the boys could feel a little more at ease. Boys, first off, Im very proud of you both, as is Gumlittle. He looked up to his brother who was still holding Tonis hand but the Gummadoon knight did raise his head and give a genuine smile to the younger bears.
Toni owes you his life, boys.
Cubbis head shot up, shocked, hes gonna be okay, right?
Sarrika spoke up, Luckily. He lost a lot of blood but I think hell recover. She set her sights on Cubbi, Cubbi, how did you know to tie off his arms and elevate them like that?
Ele-what?
Sarrika chuckled and clarified You raised his arms up. We call that elevating.
Oh.. Cubbi rubbed his head I..I just watched the Barbics do it when they got hurt and it seemed like it worked. I dunno why it worked but it seemed like it did.
Sarrika blinked, again dumbfounded by this child. While he seemed to drag behind in things like reading, analyzing, and scholarly knowledge, not to mention his somewhat hick manner of speech, he prevailed at survival skills. He was also an observer, she had already learned that. She saw him watching Plucki a lot, especially when Plucki would lead the adult knights in their own practice. Plucki had told her that Cubbi used that to his advantage as when they would do their sparring practices later, the cub already knew a great deal of his moves. It was a clever strategy.
Cubbi had always been an observer, always a curious and inquisitive thing. That was something that the Gummadoon Captain had learned when the cub had just moved into their halls. That very first night he had here and there, asking questions about this, inquiring about that, wanting to know about whats over there. Plucki had been worn out without even doing any training that day but Sarrika likewise had never seen the Captain so happy.
Now, it appeared that Cubbis inquisitive nature had paid off. He had pursued Toni and his remembrance of his Barbic friends ways had without a doubt in her mind played a key factor in saving young Tonis life. Flynns retrieval of Sir Plucki so quickly had been another factor. So, while she and Gumlittle had admitted that it seemed so much of Gummadoon was falling apart, it seemed that there was still a great deal of hope and life in it.
Sarrika gave Cubbi another smile Well, that was a smart call on your part, Cubbi. It slowed the bleeding down just enough.
Cubbi gave a hefty sigh at this news. He hadnt known Toni too long but he didnt want to see anyone else hurt. He had seen enough hurt and pain to last him a life time. The small pink cub cast a look at Tonis mother. She was limp, silent but there was an odd feeling about her that made Cubbis blood run cold. Likewise, when hed looked into her eyes, he had seenno, he had FELT something so cold and dark and so ungummi.
Flynn was there first. Cubbi blurted out suddenly. He had been with adults long enough to know an unspoken question when he saw it. He only knew what he had seen. Flynn had been there first and he knew what had truly happened. Cubbi had figured it out soon enough but he didnt know wha the adults would want to know and that was answers. He would tell them all he knew but it would be easier if they ALL heard what had happened before he had charged in on the charnage.
Plucki set his eyes on the smaller cub who was still looking at his feet. Plucki tilted the cubs head up and met his eyes with a gentle look. Flynn, I know this is all very frightening and unnerving but we need to know what happened. The more we know, the better we can help Toni when he wakes up. Plucki was careful with his wording. He didnt want to frighten the poor child more but he also knew not dumb down his talk, at least not more than was necessary. A calm, clear and logical address usually insured more cooperation than any other method.
As for Flynn, he was still more than just a little unnerved but hearing Plucki speak so calmly and firmly instilled a sense of duty in his heart. He wanted Toni to get better and he knew enough about him to know that the way Toni had spoken in that room had not been of his own will. At least not entirely. Toni was one of the stronger of the cubs, always cracking jokes and getting into mischief. To see him crumble like he did
T-toni ran right into the weapons room. I-I-I think he was trying to lose me but I thought itd be a really bad idea to leave him alone so I followed him. The cub bit his lip. I betcha hes gonna be mad at me.
Gumlittle smiled at the small cub and spoke up, though he never left Tonis side. Perhaps, Flynn at least for a while. But he was thank you for it one day. You used your instincts and sometimes that has to override good relations.
Flynn looked up at the large knight and asked, can you say that again? I dont get it.
Patient as ever, Gumlittle relented. Of course. What I mean is that in battle sometimes one knight cant see the whole picture. The job of the others to keep one another safe. Sometimes, that might mean that our friends dont understand us at first but in time, when they are able to see clearer, they come to appreciate what we do.
Cubbi stared, listening intently from the side. He knew that several times the adults would not tell him the whole truth, presumably to spare him or because they felt he couldnt understand it. He knew Plucki had to have done so a few times as well so it was quite shocking to him that Gumlittle was so honest about it. Adults were weird that way. Some things they would tlel and some they didnt think you were able to comprehend.
Still, Cubbi found himself oddly, reflecting on he and Tavis old argument, over that face cream and her telling on him. Looking back on it with the reflection he had now on what hed been doing to his body and about what Plucki had taught him about teamwork and leaning on one another, he could now determine that he had not seen things clearly then either. Tavi had seen what he could not. Is that what Gumlittle meant? This was all very overwhelming to Cubbi but he tried to grasp the things he was being shown and taught as best he was able. He set his sights on Flynn, hoping that the boy could give them even more answers than what they already had.
Flynn seemed to take this to heart and looked genuinely relieved so he went on.
Toni was talking to himself and he was saying stuff like not worth it just a burden and waste of gummi blood. Flynn looked deeply distressed as was the majority of the room.
Gumlittle shifted his eyes down to the small blue cub that slept deeply. Stroking the boys white hair away from his face, he was left in a great sense of dismay. Toni was a good child. He tended to be a bit wild, a bit unruly and at times faintly defiant but no more than any child could be at times. What would drive suchsuchhorriblethoughts into his mind. Low self esteem was uncommon but it was also not unheard of. It happened upon occasion but once it was discovered, the entire clan would rally together to eradicate such thoughts. Toni was an odd case though! He had always been Gumlittles little smart aleck, his little fighter. If anything, Gumlittle found himself often having to keep Tonis ego in check. He was usually proud of his accomplishments and Gumlittle and the others always tried to encourage them. Strong belief in ones self would lead to strong fighters.
But thoughts this intense were not normal and they were not gummi!
Especially given Tonis age; he was only a small cub, not even ten yet.
Flynn was not yet done with his tale yet though. The cubs voice shook and his tiny fists balled up. It looked like he was ready to break down into tears at any moment. Th-then Toni took up one of the daggers and he cut his wrists! Just jabbed it in and tore it open. An-an-and blood was going everywhere but he didnt cry or nothing. Th-then he put it up to his neck and II just snapped and knocked him down and the blade went spinning and Toni started talkin about how he was sorry it took him so lon Flynn broke down, crying. Plucki pulled the cub into his arms, gently.
Shh, now, lad. Thats enough.
Cubbi watched this, silently. Plucki was so good with kids, Cubbi had already figured that out. On the one hand, he could have the sternness of Gruffis voice and then some but at other times, like this, he reminded Cubbi more of Grammi, holding and stroking Flynns hair back and letting him cry into his chest. Cubbi remembered how Plucki had looked at him when he had come in from that nightmare. It was remarkably like he looked now. His eyes were soft and he wasnt talking. He didnt push Flynn anymore, just tried to still his fears. Cubbi didnt know his own father but he wondered, briefly, if Plucki acted this way when hed had Aldi around. Is that how he got so good with cubs? Cubbi had seen little of the other knights but they seemed good with children as well. It was like their entire lives had been devoted to the younger generation. Hed seen Gumlittle calm Toni the night before; hed seen Blastus spend time with Corvi, working on some kind of lessons that Cubbi had yet to grasp. Cubbis grasp of the life that Gummadoon led was very limited yet though. He had grown up with his clan members and they constantly supported one another but their lives were built upon survival, upon keeping their ways intact, at least until recently. By most Gummadoonian standards, one would call him a country boy because that was the kind of life he knew: survival of the clan, then the fun things such as play and hobbies. Being thrust into this world where cubs could be tended to much more readily due to the threat of survival not being as intense was a little mind boggling.
But the overall ideal was the same: clan members were essential and to be defended and protected at all costs which was why this situation threw everyone off.
Tonis mother.
Cubbi eyed the still woman off on the other bed with more than just a little distrust. He was not a wizard by any means but those possessed do not soon forget the signs and the pin kcub was certain in the small amount of time that he had interacted with the elder that he knew the darkness that had gazed out through those eyes. The cub shook his head; now was not the right time. Once they had gotten things straightened out then he would talk to Plucki but he knew enough that if he mentioned that now, that Flynmn would probably panic. Cubbi honestly didnt want to talk about it much anyway and if he could do it with as little people as possible, then the better. Besides, now, they needed to focus on Toni.
I ran in right after Flynn cause I heard him screaming. Cubbi started up. He was determined not to break down like Flynn had but he was shaking inwardly. The mere thought that a simple possession could drive Toni to do THATwell, Cubbi didnt like thinking about what had almost happened when he possessed. Maybe that was why he put up with Tavi even when she annoyed him to death by her spontaneous hugs. He didnt want to remember how he had almost killed her. It hadnt been him but thenit had been. He had fought Zorlocks influence off. But the thought entered his mind now thatwell, what if he hadnt been able to. Had Zorlock LET him fight him off? Toni wasnt even possessed himselfand yet this had come of it. The thought of anyone having this kind of influence over someones actions and thoughts made Cubbi shake. The thought that that person might be the sorceress he thought it was
Well, when I got in there, Flynn was holding to his wrists really tight. He trembled. He had never wanted to even imagine that Toni had done the injuries himself though he suspected some part of him had always known that. Still, he wouldnt believe it, even hearing it and even seeing it! It was so ungummi. Even knowing that which the others didnt, that Tonis mother was not herself, he didnt want to believe itHe didnt want to think about it and he didnt want to remember what Toni had looked like. He hated the sight of blood, more so now than ever before. He never had been real fond of it, mainly because pain usually came along with it and he didnt like pain (who honestly did?) but also with the blood came the reminder of the war
No, he was drifting! Focus, he scolded himself.
Cubbi rubbed his head So, I tol Flynn to go get help. He bit his lip I tried to get the bleeding to stop but they wouldnt soso I tore my clothes and made those little strips. He motioned to the strips Sarrika had taken off.
Gumlittle nodded and stroked Tonis head again You both did well.
Plucki nodded and pulled away from Flynn a little Indeed. Im quite proud of you both.
Cubbi normally would have beamed at the praise but it hardly seemed appropriate right now. So he just nodded and sat down by the bed, watching Toni silently.
Flynn wiped at his eyes, ready to ask Plucki when Toni would wake up when-
Mon ami, whats going on?
Blastus had finally made his way up, no doubt having heard bits and pieces from the guards and knights he had passed. Flynn broke from Plucki and rushed at his mentor. Blastus knelt to his knees and held Flynn tightly, taking note of the blood decorating Flynns clothes, realizing with relief after a moment that it was not Flynns. He set his eyes on Plucki, then Gumlittle, Sarrika then finally back to Plucki.
What in Gums name happened?
Lady Banes Castle
The dark sorceress barely suppressed her laugh as she observed the foolish gummies, babbling back and forth in their infirmary which held the limp form of that infernal cub. He would live, she knew that much. Unfortunately, her attack and control had slipped too far to end the boys existence as she had wanted. That in itself was infuriating. She had been so close; the boys wrists would hold scars for years. It was yet to be seen how well Sarrika could repair wrists almost sliced clean down to the bone.
The cubs spirit thoughTHAT would be another matter entirely. He was a broken spirit beforehand. What remained of his will would be an enticing discovery! Seeing that huge male knight, brought down to his knees by a tiny child was only the start of what she felt would be the pinnacle point of her plan: break then destroy. Death was, by all counts, not the harshest end to be met.
That was perhaps where she and Igthorn varied, besides their obvious differences in their intelligence. While he had potential, he was often too soft, stopped where he should have continued. Igthorn was so youngshe herself had been around when the gummi ancients had fled. It was where she had first learned a great deal of her magic. She had sat by and watched her mother work with Zorlock, though Mother was most certainly the commander of that duo, learning a great deal by their interactions.
That was where Zorlocks troubles had begun. His fascination with her mother. Mother was not something to be trifled with it. Lady Bane had been scarcely six when Mother had slaughtered Father for no longer being of any use to her. She herself had been beyond any connection to anyone by that point. That, in her mind, was what made gummies so weak!
Look at them, she said aloud to herself. A grand knight reduced to a mess of tears on his knees because of a stupid child! Here, she scoffed and she scoffed without remorse. Stupid fools. These bonds among yourselves only makes you far easier to conquer.
Mother had shown her that.
Mother had learned early that Zorlock had a deep fascination with her. Much as she had in their short partnership during the war, things that Mother had yet to unearth. He was useful.
Zorlocks terms had been foolishly different. He was astounded by Mothers beauty. That was truly the purpose that he came around so often. She had been around off and on so much that she didnt doubt he hadnt even recognized her when she had summoned him back from beyond. Oh, he would have known Mother.
Mother knew no limits. She wanted to know the magical secret abound in Zorlocks family and she used anything and everything to achieve it. Mother gave Zorlock praise; Mother gave Zorlock resources. In their later years, shed given him sex, wine and gold. It was like plucking the strings of a harp.
Zorlock in return had shared with her the secret of her sorcerer family: the spell of possession. Zorlocks father had been what they called a white magician in that he used his magic to better those with whom he was partnered. His wife had been a priestess and the two of them had offered their services to drive away demons from villages and especially from the wealthy. Back then, it had been tribes, far before the monarchies had become firmly established.
Mother was even older than them but she had shared the secret of long life when shed first met Zorlock, all those centuries ago, as a peace offering of sorts. As a result, Zorlock, in an attempt to win Father and Mothers approval, had granted them extended life and youth. Father was strict after all
It had backfired immensely.
Zorlocks father had accused his son of being allied with the devil. Zorlocks mother had collapsed in tears, saying her son had damned his soul to eternal Hell. Zorlock had fought back, insisting that he would do well by them. He came to see Mother more, trying to learn more and Mother had fed his knowledge in pieces.
The partnership lasted at least two thousand years.
Zorlock had gone to see his father years later, claiming that there had to be a way to win back his approval. He had promised.
The attempt had failed and Zorlocks father had cut off any attachment to his son, casting him out of the family. Zorlock had come back to mother and the two had remained as partners for quite some time. In fact, it was the Ancient Gummies that caused their break up. Zorlock was the one who had determined to wipe out the gummi kind so that their magic was accessible. Zorlock, along with Mother, had created Fire Plague but it was Mother who had urged him to unleash it on Aldi and Illsi, to test both its effectiveness and what it would do. The gummies stupid bonds to one another had been a subject of great mystery to her.
When the gummies had cornered her and Zorlock, Mother had abandoned her partner and escaped for several more months.
Lady Bane shook her head, that wasnt important right now. The point was that she meant to use what she had learned from watching the two to crumble her enemies. Mother and Zorlock had both known that possession made for a difficult way to counterattack. Mother had shown her that the bonds between gummies could be both crumbling and encouraging. But Lady Bane also knew from seeing the look on Zorlocks face when Mother abandoned him that too much abandonment, or in this case, too much of an emotional attack was more effective. The gummies were still recovering from the war so now was the perfect time to strike.
That little female sorceress would be her next target. She eyed the form, limp and decaying in the corner and was pleased that it was nearly complete. It was a difficult spell and quite draining. As it was, she had not been sure that she would have able to obtain the body but surprisingly, with the panic over Cubs Fever and the knights planning a small break for their boys, it had been fairly simple:
She rose and walked to some of her old spell books. She had to keep the gummies distracted for the moment. Storm spells were easy to create. She needed one that would keep them inside. Perhaps not kill them although she wouldn't be sorry if it did. Just one with enough gall to keep them away from her target.
With a wave of her hand and the mutter of ancient tongues, winds, hail and rain began to pound Gummadoon and Dunwyn alike. It would keep the knights inside and the squires from spying reach.
She conjured a simple teleportation spell and was gone.
Reappearing beside numerous graves, she walked along them, scoffing with each step. She despised being among dirt and mud and she had to be swift to avoid being caught in her own storm.
Each name on the graves she repeated until she reached the one she wanted, one decorated brightly with flowers and notes from family. She rolled her eyes at the sentimentality. The grave of that little girl's brother.
With a sweep of her hand, she exploded the ground into wood, dirt and mud before lifting up the partially decomposed body she had sought. The fur and skin had shrunk and started to rot and the very process of lifting it made her wince but it was for the good of her spell. With a second utterance of her teleportation spell, the sorceress vanished away, leaving behind an empty grave and upturned stones.
Tossing the corpse at the floor of her hall, she made a face, but swiftly sought to remedy it. Resurrection was difficult and strength sapping but she had her plan and was determined to go with it.
"Open wide the Gates of the After life. Return to this land, with body and soul, the essence of Lucki Gummi!"
Lady Bane eyed that limp form. The flush was slowly beginning to return to the cheeks. Before too long, the rest would reunite and she need only eliminate the cubs soul to have in her possession a fighter that would be able to shatter the soul of that up and coming little magician.
Gummadoon Infirmary
Cubbi splashed water on his hands as he got the last of the blood from his fur. Gumlittle and Plucki were catching Blastus up to date as they waited for Toni to recover enough to wake up. Cubbi hadnt said much. He was thinking over a lot of things. Yes, he wanted to talk about Tonis mom and yes, he was glad Toni would be okay but there were also other things on his mind. Now, that the immediate danger had passed, he was free to look over the little details that were prodding his brain.
He knew that entering the weapons room would be excused in this case.
Why was he even worrying about this?
He shook his head. Plucki would understand.
Still, the nagging sense of forthcoming trouble was still preying on his mind and he never liked that feeling. He had learned that certain things were excused in cases of danger and mayhem but some were merely pushed aside for later. He still knew so little about Plucki and despite the Captains praise, he found himself worrying, especially since he himself took such great pride in-
Lad, do you need any help?
Cubbi froze and responded, too quickly No!
Unfortunately, that just made Plucki come in.
Unlike Cubbi, the Gummadoon Captain could see full well that the cub was still in shock, probably feeling overwhelmed. He was figety, he was tense and he would eye the adults like one would eye a hungry animal, as if expecting an attack. Plucki suspected the cub was still frightened. Perhaps seeing such an act, even the aftermath of one, had placed the child in a sense of shock, possibly a sense of guilt over not arriving in time, but as he had learned about Cubbi, the small child liked to hide such things inside until they exploded. This was not a good technique and Plucki had come in here, determined to fix it. In some cases, this could be overlooked but given the stress as of late, he worried about the cub making himself sick.
Are you alright lad?
Im fine! he answered, again too quickly. He wasnt looking at Plucki.
The Captain sat on his knees and tilted Cubbis head up.
Forced to look him in the eye, the cub stared, muttered a bit then said:
Sorry I tore my uniform up Plucki.