She turned the small cubs wrists over, checking the stitching. It was still holding firm but it would be a few days before she could tell if it was healing correctly. As it looked now however, she didnt foresee any problems. The boy would wake up before too long. The herbs were simply to keep him under long enough for her to ensure everything was patched up as well as could be expected. Now, all that was left to do was wait. What the boys mental state would be upon awakening was something she had to consider but in all honesty, she feared the worst. Fear however, especially given their current state of events, was not something she wished to dwell on. Instead, she devoted herself to hoping for the best.

To divert her attention, she focused on the still form of Tonis mother. There was still no change. She checked the womans vitals and paled slightly. The womans heart still beat so quickly and erratically. It was difficult to force herbs into one who would not respond. However, she must do the best she could because such a high heart rhythm was the first sign of failure. If the pulse continued as it was, her system would burn out before two nights had passed.

Taking some herbs from her cabinets, she started to slowly grind them together, adding some water to make it more liquefied. Force feeding was something she did not do often but being a healer, she had done. It was easier with children actually than adults but in this case, she had little choice. She would have loved to have an additional healer with her to make the process all the more easier but it was not an option. Once again, she wished her sister had remained behind to aid her.

Karleni.. She spoke softly, again, hoping that she could break through the poor gummi womans catatonic state. She hoped to get some kind of reply but as before, all the gummi woman did was stare blankly ahead, mouth slightly ajar, breathing deeply and heavily. She took the womans jaw and slowly opened it slightly more, easing her liquid concoction down her throat, rubbing her throat to make it contract and push the medication down her system. It was labor intensive and emotionally draining but it was also vital. She worked for almost a half hour before she calculated enough had been administered.

Sitting back, she pushed the sweat off her forehead. She gazed over at Toni and walked over, feeling his forehead. It was still hot. His body still battled a savage fever. He didnt have the symptoms of Cubs fever thank Gum. However, the presence of a fever was always alarming since gummies as a race got ill very rarely. In a young cub, it was even more alarming. So, she started to sort through her probable causes.

She had ruled out any common illnesses as well as some of the rarer ones. His flushed body and fever indicated infection of some sort and she had ruled out the wounds on his wrists. She had cleaned them thoroughly and if he had used a blade in the weapons room as the cubs had said, then there was no fear of that. The weapons were constantly kept sterile by the Gummadoon knights.

Waitshe remembered Gumlittle telling her briefly that Tonis leg had been bothering him. She turned to the small child and slowly started to undress him. She, again, wished for another acting healer, preferably a male one. Even though Toni was unconscious, she felt a twinge of embarrassment for him and whispered her apology to him, all the while reminding him that she was a medic and she needed to check him over. Truth be told, being unclothed or at least minimally clothed would help that fierce fever.

Removing the boys slacks and shirt, she started to look him over, seeking out any possible source for his infection. It didnt take her long to find the wrapped leg. She unwrapped it slowly and winced visibly.

The large cut was oozing puss and had turned the skin around it to a dark color, the pulsing hot of infection. She took out some of her disinfectant and started to wipe it down. The skin protested and screamed at the invasion of the antiseptic. It looked like she would need to drain it a bit but she wanted to clean as much of it as she could with the herbal sterilizer as she could first. That would reduce how much she would have to drain it, hopefully, by killing what it could on the surface.

She finally put down her bottle and wipe and came back with a small scalpel in hand. Cutting as gently as she could, she started to push and squeeze out the infection. The puss came out for what seemed like hours. She would press then clean, press and clean. It took forever but when she finally saw blood and no more puss, she pressured a little longer just be sure. She cleansed it and looked it over. It didnt look like it would need stitches but she did them anyway. No chance risking it. Last thing she needed was it to develop a second infection. As it was, she would need the boy on some herbs for a few days to drive the infection from his blood.

She took a seat by the boys side.

Those herbal remedies could wait until he awoke. And judging by the boys louder and longer moans, she would not need to wait long.

Gummadoon, Sir Pluckis Office

Plucki chose his office specifically because none of the boys liked to come within ten feet of it. He didnt know why. Somehow or another no doubt, the rumor had spread he held some kind of horrific punishment to be dealt out to the wrong doer within the oak doors. That could not be further from the truth. Plucki would have welcomed cubs into this room but as they didnt dare, he made use of it and used it to meet with his two brothers.

Thus far, little had been achieved.

The honest fact was that as well trained as Gummadoon Knights were, and these three were the best of the best, they could not attack something without a physical form. They could not defend against a threat that had yet to present itself. None of them needed reminders of Emi. All three of them had been involved in capturing her the first time. In fact, they had been the sole survivors of the attack to contain her. Plucki had led a team of fifty gummi knights and they three had been the sole knights who emerged with their lives.

There was still so much they didnt understand about Emi and all three knew that such a fact was not strength.

They needed more information.

They had obtained all the information they could on Zorlock, on the Aerials and all their other old enemies. The knowledge had told them how to attack, how told them of weaknesses. As it currently was, Emi had no weaknesses but they did not know anything of her. They knew she had originated from one of the warrens a while ago. They knew she had ravaged many a warren, torn them to pieces. They knew everywhere she went; she obtained knowledge and more magical ability. They knew more gummi blood had been spilled by her than by the Gummi Human Wars.

They knew she showed not speck of regret.

But mostly, they knew when they had gotten lucky and last time, they had gotten lucky.

Capturing her had been luck and skill but without the luck, it would not have happened. If Emi was appearing the young Tavi as the small magical apprentice reported then there had been no change of her heart. But it seemed her intelligence had had time to improve, to strategize. Every minute that passed gave her the advantage.

We need to find out more about her. Gumlittle reported simply.

Plucki nodded Agreed.

Blastus interrupted. Maiswhen we captured her, the Council received stacks of information from her home and those who had met up with her. Remember?

Gumlittle nodded I do, it was the later dated journals that sealed her fate. He shook his head. The little they translated for her trial strengthened the case.

Plucki nodded, his mind trying to block out that horrific day from his thoughts. They didnt need to translate much. Her actions in the trial sealed it more than anything else. At this, he shook his head. She had tried, almost succeeded, in killing Lumina, the one member from what would be Gummi Glen, that had come to ensure justice was served. Through magical and physical interference, she had been spared. It had been she who had volunteered the chamber and means to lock Emi away.

The Council took the manuscripts on her and hid them away.

Do they recall where?

I doubt it. Plucki mused. It was Destini who hid them and she never spoke of it again. He frowned I think they would prefer to forget it.

Gumlittle nodded I can understand that reasoning.

Silence surrounded the brothers again. Plucki sat at his desk, tapping his fingers together. The three brothers really had reached an impasse. They all agreed, silently, that the notes on their enemy were most likely their best defense but as it was, they remained hidden. It was very likely that an all out search of Gummadoons large walls was in the future. Such an undertaking was no small step. Doable but difficult. There was more the fear of the panic it would ensure.

Thankfully, their meeting was broken up by the door opening. Sir Gumlittle

Sir Jerri, how can we help you?

Sorry for the interruption Sirs, but Lady Sarrika has reported to me that Toni has woken up.

Gumlittle was instantly on his feet. Plucki gave him a smile and nod Go to your squire, brother. Perhaps he can provide some insight and even if not, he will need your strong presence.

Gumlittle gave a nod and tore out, following Sir Jerri. Blastus turned and eyed Plucki. The Gummadoon Captain stated

You should go to the other cubs Blastus. Assure them that we have not forgotten our word to them. I will join you presently once I have settled some things.

Blastus nodded; he knew his brother liked to be alone to think when he was stressed so he darted out, seeking out the trainees.

Gummadoon Library

Tavi where are we going?

Shh! she hissed as she led him to the back of the library. Hopefully to get some answers.

She pushed open a door Cubbi had noticed but always just assumed led to one of the old research rooms or something. However, as he followed her in, he gaped as a velvet colored book came into view.

A Great Book?

Tavi nodded Of course. She walked up, having to stretch to her tiptoes to reach it. Auntie says that it has a ton of answers. Maybe itll tell us something

Cubbi followed her. Gummadoons Great Book looked oddly like the Glens but it seemed so much larger. It was locked. Tavi pressed her fingers to the seal and it hummed the brilliant golden hue before the pages flipped open. Cubbi walked up behind her, standing on his tiptoes as well. Tavi started to turn the pages, one at a time then faster and faster. She reached past the Ds before she slowed down.

Both cubs were silent. Cubbi knew little about Emi but knew if he had mentioned the name at home that Grammi would change the subject. Not even Zummi mentioned her. If that was true, then there was definitely something to her.

Here!

Cubbi snapped his attention to the book. Tavi was pointing to a picture of a gummi with slick black hair and black fur. There was writing next to her portrait but it was unlike any writing Cubbi had ever seen. He eyed Tavi who was skimming it, moving her lips slowly, trying to read it. Tavi, can you read it? I cant.

Nu uh. She shook her head. Its Old Gummi, this hadda been written a while ago.

OldGummi?

Youve never heard of it?

Uh uh he frowned So you cant read it?

Nopehavent learned yetbut I know who can.

Gummadoon Halls

Corvi was headed inside himself after Blastus had met up with them and ushered them inside. He promised them a night of stories and games, followed by a trip of some sort in the morning. Corvi knew that the delay was due to Toni. He couldnt really blame them. They were all feeling it. He was glad that it seemed Toni was alright but the feeling ofuneasiness refused to settle.

Hed seen Cubbi on his way down the hall peek into Pluckis office. The cub looked like he was ready to burst, like he needed to talk but then he had frozen in the doorway and just stared. Corvi knew why. When Plucki got into thinking mode, he always looked so old, so worn. The cub had slipped away and walked slowly then torn down the hall. Curiously, now that Coriv thought of it, he had headed for the kitchen.

Responsibility for the young cub filled his heart and he went after him to see if he could aid in some form.

Cubbi wasnt sure how many leaves to use, or even if he was seeping it right but he wanted to try.

Tavi had run off to find Corvi, said that he would know what the writing said. Cubbi had insisted on going straight to Plucki, sure that the Gummadoon Captain would offer answers. However, he had never seen Plucki look like he had and it had frozen him in his tracks. Hed never seen anyone look so worn or tired. He had drawn back, not wanting to irritate him. Whenever Grammi got stressed or looked tired, Sunni would make her tea.

So, he surmised he would do the same for his captain.

Dumping the tea leaves into the water, he let them seep while he got together honey and some of the sugar. He wasnt in the kitchen much here but he knew where most of that stuff was. Setting them on a tray, he went back to the pot of water, pleased that it had turned the dark color he knew was tea.

What are you doing, Cubbi?

Cubbi whirled around and blinked. It was Corvi! Figured he would find him and not Tavi! Still, his thoughts were on Plucki now and not the writing. He tended to switch between goals readily and he had been raised that tending to anothers needs was more important. So, he reasoned that once he gave this to Plucki that he could ask Corvi. But, itd be rude not to answer so, Making some tea.

Are you? Corvi eyed the handfuls of tea leaves the cub pulled from the water and how dark the water was, internally wincing. Plucki was the knight with the most experience with children but all the same, Corvi pitied the knight. Cubbi poured some into a cup and walked out of the room, saying

When Im done, can I talk to you, Corvi?

Sure, kid. The teen replied, following after Cubbi. He should have said that he wasnt allowed to make tea, being only ten but Cubbi looked kind of cute and it was a sweet gesture so he figured it was excusable. Besides, no one had mentioned it to Cubbi yet so he could plead ignorance. He considered interfering so that the cup would never be delivered but Corvi had learned firsthand how stubborn Cubbi was and he really didnt know how he would do that without crushing the cubs feelings. He couldnt say the cub didnt know how to make it as he had observed the boy from the door. Cubbi seemed to have the basics of tea making down, but Corvi had never seen so many leaves or herbs go into one pot.

Poor Pluckitea that strongd knock out a horse.

Sir Pluckis Office

Cubbi remembered to knock and he got a reply that he guessed was Latin. Plucki musta been working really hard if hed switched to Latin. Cubbi only heard him do that if he was training the adults. Still, it had been a gentle reply and when it was repeated, he surmised it meant something along the lines of it was okay to enter. He pushed the door open, balancing his small tray in one arm.

Plucki was still as he had been before. Head in one hand, slowly rubbing his face. He would occasionally tap the desk with his fingers. Cubbi took a deep breath and walked over, slowly sliding the tray onto the desk. Plucki blinked and opened his eyes at the noise and turned, meeting Cubbis bright but concerned face,

Brought you some tea, Plucki.