Gummi Glen

"Grammi?"

The elderly gummi turned, smiling briefly before her smile turned huge at who was coming in, "Sunni! You're back early?"

The teenaged girl gave a small smile at the reaction before rushing to embrace the motherly gummi. "Yeah, I meant to send a message to you but figured I could just show up."

The motherly gummi smiled again, as she felt she could not have stopped if she had wanted to, and guided the girl to the kitchen, "Have some cookies, sweetie."

Sunni took the offer this time. While Grammi was still not a great cook, with so many gummies to exchange recipes with, her cookies, as well as most of her other dishes, had improved dramatically.

"Thanks" the girl responded, savoring the taste a moment, "What did I miss?"

"Nothin out of the ordinary. Gusto's trying to convince Gruffi to let him redo some of the rooms…again." Grammi rolled her eyes a little bit at the last statement. She appreciated the artist's desire to redecorate, to add 'flare' as he called it but after the third time, it became bothersome but she was loathe to tell him that. She didn't want to kill his artistic drive. She got a kick out of it honestly. It was just some days it would be nice if the 'muses' as Gusto called them, would slow down a little bit.

Giggling, Sunni was glad to see not all had changed.

So much had changed in the Glen in just these few months, so many great things. In fact, as she had entered, she had seen so many faces, so many gummies, of all colors, all ages, all genders. For the first time in her life, she was coming home to a Glen that was full of life, full of new and old faces, full of energy. She had only imagined it a few years ago and seeing it in reality was a thousand times better. She still wasn't used to it.

Though, she had not been home to experience it very much. She had initially met their long lost cousins, though there were far too many to name. They had swiftly begun to repair the old halls and Gruffi found himself insanely busy, making and repairing furniture though at least he had aid in some of their cousins. Sunni had immediately latched onto a few of the girls, namely Berri and Pearli, two young teenagers from a small fishing sect of New Gumbrea. The three of them had bonded quickly over their desire to make different designs of clothes and hair. Out of the new gummies, Sunni probably considered them her closest friends thus far.

After the initial set up, Sunni had traveled with Gruffi and Zummi to help the Barbics get their Woods reestablished though they found that there was little they needed to help with. All the same, Gruffi offered his skills for repairing some huts and other equipment. Oddly enough, he and Ursa were not as at odds as they used to be. Sunni wondered if it was being back in their home and thus back in their element but she suspected it was something deeper. She had noticed Gruffi's attitude had changed towards the Barbics, slightly, even since they had returned at the end of the last war a few months ago. It wasn't the return of other gummies either. Gruffi had seen something before they rejoined them. Sunni wasn't sure what but it sure had an effect on him.

In any event, Sunni had requested to stay a bit longer with the Barbics and help with a few smaller things while Gruffi went back to the Glen. Though the gruff Glen had been reluctant, he had agreed. Sunni found a few days turning into a week, then two. It was then that she realized she should head back home. Truthfully, she had stopped being "helpful" around week two. However, Buddi was so excited to show her about, to introduce her to what had been lost and was now being rebuilt. She found herself easily caught up in his excitement and truthfully, she was curious about the Barbic way of the life, the way they had lived before losing everything.

She had learned how to shoot a bow and arrow (with a lot of help from Buddi and she did not miss Ursa's half-hidden smile at it), how to track some small animals and how to cook without a fire in that final week. She felt independent and strong, like anything was a possibility for her. It was such a stark contrast to life at the Glen, though she did admit it felt alien and a bit nerve wracking at times, not knowing what to expect. She had returned to the Glen for a few weeks, taking the time to tell her new friends all about her experiences before she found another excuse to go visit the Barbics again, for a few days. Then, she returned home again to leave a few weeks later again. This pattern had continued throughout the past few months, since their cousins had returned. She knew Gruffi was unsure about it but every time she left for Barbic Woods, she caught Grammi and Zummi sharing a sappy smile as they bid her farewell. All the same though, after her last visit, she had to admit she felt a bit homesick and as such, was glad to be returning.

It was good to be home though she would be lying if she said she felt as at home as she used to. Maybe it was part of growing up or just because the Glen was so much more alive than when she was younger but she suspected it was a mix of a lot of things. For one thing, she missed Buddi, more than she ever remembered missing him before. While she was excited to be home, as well as to get re-accustomed with their long lost cousins and while she felt like a trip to Dunwyn was in order soon to see the now very-busy Princess/Queen Calla (according to the young girl, she was acting as queen but it would not be official until her coronation in a few weeks, a part of Dunwynian tradition apparently) she missed Buddi a lot. Her new friends had been quick to tease her about "always runnin' off to that 'bad boy' boyfriend of yours," but she took it in stride. While Buddi and she had yet to establish a relationship 'name' per say, she was fairly certain they were hovering on the 'boyfriend-girlfriend' stage. It was exciting and scary all at once.

So, while she missed Buddi, that was not really what was bugging her. The uneasiness was from something else. It felt like something was missing.

Okay, to be more accurate, someONE.

Cubbi.

It was so weird, even with all these new cubs that had come back with their cousins, it didn't feel the same without Cubbi there. Walking down the hall, she had paused by Cubbi's bedroom, still unused to the idea of it being empty. She still expected him to barge in while she was trying to dress or talk with someone and be his annoying-hyperactive self. Oddly enough, she found herself missing it. She never thought she would WANT someone to interrupt her time with stupid talks about battling imaginary dragons but she did miss it.

Taking a moment to smile at the memories from just a few months ago, she saw that same melancholy look in Grammi's eyes so she took another cookie, hoping to ease her heart some. "You miss Cubbi?" The young girl inquired knowing the answer without even looking. Grammi had always been the easiest to read but Sunni had learned over time how to read GRUFFI and if she was capable of reading that stubborn one, Grammi was a piece of cake. Though, it really wasn't a challenge. Even as she had walked in, she had heard some of their cousins commenting that Grammi really "missed her baby."

Grammi blinked, surprised that the girl had brought it up but as she looked about her kitchen, she could see why. Though she tried to hide it, she subconsciously found herself pulling out old projects that Cubbi did or making his favorite treat, the gummi pops, even though a lot of the cubs here now didn't eat them (said they were too sweet, amazingly). More often than not, when they gathered for meals, which involved lots of tables and dishes now to her absolute joy, she still found herself starting down that hallway or heading for the surface to call Cubbi in from the trees, only to have Gruffi or Zummi remind her that Cubbi was in Gummadoon now. She saw the same solemn look on Gruffi's face more days than she thought she would, more so now with Sunni off visiting the Barbics so much. Though the girl would not admit it, she and Zummi knew young love when they saw it and Sunni was knee-deep in its clutches. Gruffi had initially pushed his missing Cubbi aside, as was his nature, but with Sunni gone much of the time and Gruffi still a bit uneasy with making new friends among their cousins, it was easy to see the sadness poke its head up.

"Every day." Grammi's answer sounded so downtrodden yet not necessarily depressed, just sad. Despite the emotional weight, she put an arm around the teenager with a slight upturn of her lips, "Gruffi does too though the stubborn ol' bear won't admit it. I still catch him wandering into Cubbi's old room or sayin' he has to go track him down…" Grammi let out a hefty sigh as she walked the small distance and sat at the table as Sunni took a seat next to her. "I know knighthood isn't an easy path but I haven't heard from Cubbi in weeks. I know he's busy but Land Sakes, it wouldn't kill him to give some contact." Her face seemed a bit irritated for a moment then melt away to a small grin as she let out another deep exhale, "Unless he's giving those poor knights a run for their money," the elderly gummi surmised.

Sunni pondered this a moment(and she had to admit, giggled at bit as she imagined Cubbi's energy in Gummadoon) then gave the motherly gummi a grin, "So, why not do what you used to do, Grammi?" the teen suggested with a wily twinkle to her eyes, "Why don't you go to him?"

Grammi jerked a bit at the suggestion. Truth be told, she had been discussing this very possibility with Zummi. Zummi seemed to be pressing it though he wouldn't tell her why. Grammi knew Zummi well enough to know it had little to do with wanting to visit, though that was certainly a partial reason, but more to do with something else. Zummi couldn't give her a good reason though, just kept saying it seemed like a good time. That had become his mantra, "it's a good time," and while Grammi suspected there was more to it, she also knew that sometimes, as part of being a magician, you just 'felt' things, often times without having a good explanation.

Now, with Sunni's suggestion as well, plus Gruffi's silent hints that he was interested in seeing Cubbi once again, she had to admit her heart swelled at the thought of seeing the youngest of them again. Oh, the things he probably had to tell them!

Knowingly, just from her smile and the light in her eyes, Sunni stood up and said, "I'll tell the others to pack.."

Gummadoon, Council Chambers

Well, if the air got any thicker, you could have sliced it with a knife, Cubbi was fairly certain.

Well, maybe it wasn't quite that bad because there certainly was a sense of communication and cooperation, which was a huge improvement, but Cubbi didn't like seeing adults frightened and quite frankly, it was just really weird. The knights had led the way down to the council chamber fairly quickly, with the squires following closely, Cubbi still clutching the book. Luckily, Tavi had managed to have just as much luck as they had. Finally! It was about time they were due for a break.

Cubbi stole a glance around. He had not really been in the Council Chambers before, not for any length of time at any rate. He remembered seeing them briefly, when he had taken a tour when he first came to Gummadoon. However, sitting in it, actually conveying with ruling party of Gummadoon was another issue altogether. With a quick glance about, he saw the other squires with the exception of Corvi had the same awestruck look he must have carried. This was normally a no-cub zone so to be allowed in and actually allowed to participate was a great privilege.

As it currently stood, Tavi had told the council what they had discovered just when the knights and squires had come in. So, at least they were all on the same page now.

Berrybottom shook his head but with a smile, "Incredible, children. Truly incredible. And all under our very noses at that."

"Not purposely," Tavi cut in, wrinkling her nose as she folded her arms across her chest.

Wooddale gave her niece a gentle look, "Yes, and we apologize it had to be so, child."

Sir Plucki cleared his throat and inquired, "Indeed, we encourage you to always be able to come to us. It disheartens me to see you felt unable to."

Cubbi frowned, but not for the reason the knights thought. He wasn't angry at the knights or the council. Not really. He had seen what fear could do and it made you do really stupid stuff sometimes. However, his frown was misinterpreted and Sir Gumlittle inquired,

"Why the solemn face, lad? Still hiding some anger at us under that hat of yours?"

Cubbi flushed deep red and replied, "No." Embarrassed, he addressed his mentor simply, "What's 'disheartened' mean?"

The room was quiet a moment but then Blastus chuckled, lightly. Oddly enough, that simple statement broke the tension like a hammer on glass. Why, they really were not sure but the sudden pressure seemed alleviated as they were reminded that while the threat was real, immense and truly to be dreaded, they were among friends, among family and that strong bond would carry them through. Blastus was quick to speak out after his chuckle though, seeing the boy's face grow a bit darker,

"Non, non, I am not laughing at you, mon ami. I am just grateful to be reminded of the strong group we are blessed with." Blastus' comment filled all their hearts a moment, refreshing a sense of hope and strength that was sorely missed.

Plucki jostled his squire's shoulder gently, "And it means to discourage, lad. Never be afraid of asking questions, no matter how foolish you think they may be, understand?"

Nodding, the cub felt his cheeks cool somewhat and he felt inclined to add, "Couldn't really blame you all for being so secretive." He grinned at the book that now sat before them on the table, "Even the book said it—you were afraid. I don't know a whole bunch" he swore he saw Plucki give him a faint scowl at that but continued, "but I know that adults get all…"

"Weird?" Toni cut in.

Cubbi nodded, "Weird, when they get scared." He addressed the whole of the group, "And honestly, the older you are, the weirder you act and you guys are old."

The statement was out of his mouth before he could stop it, as was a common problem with him but it seemed even worse now!, and he saw Corvi and Martinni slap their foreheads before the heat came to his face again and he suddenly decided that burying his face in his hands was an excellent idea. He felt a gentle chuckle next to him and then Sir Plucki's hand ruffling his hair, "No offense taken, young knight."

"Indeed," Councilor Flurryfeather cut in with a small laugh as well, "There is much we could stand to learn from our young."

A bit comforted by this, it was a great relief still when the door to the chamber opened, and two cook assistants entered, bringing trays of muffins, croissants and mugs of tea and juice. "The cooks insisted," they explained as they swiftly made their exit.

The treats were not rejected in any sense. The cubs were quick to forget their practiced decorum and snag the berry muffins and juices without another word, though Corvi restrained himself as Tavi reached across and snatched the blueberry one, biting into it in almost the same movement. Had it really been so long that breakfast was now happening? Glancing at the clock, Corvi saw it was nearly 8:30 in the morning! Wow…they had laid down yesterday at about 10 or so after the stories and it had been about midnight when he and Cubbi had snuck out. The others must have joined them not too long after so, all things considered, with the exception of 2-3 hours, they had been awake for 24 hours! No wonder Cubbi was starting to slack in the restraint department.

"So…"Corvi cut in, breaking the silence, "We know what she did…"

The council nodded solemnly. "Does the book tell you the extent of her crimes, young Corvi?" Berrybottom asked.

Corvi gave a nod and took a sip of a mug of tea (an advantage of being the oldest) saying, "Over 11,000 gummies killed, and probably around 3,000 humans."

Toni spoke up "And it looks like she-"

Gumlittle reached across and put a hand over his squire's mouth, "Chew, swallow THEN add your input, young squire."

Toni did so, saying, "I was saying, it looks like she had a hand in pushing the human-gummi wars."

Martinni nodded "If what the book says is right, she wasn't just a gummi problem, right?"

The knights nodded solemnly. "Indeed, she caused issue for human and gummi, alike."

Cubbi frowned, "Would the humans be able to tell us anything?" he inquired "I mean, anything we don't know anyway?"

Spinwillow gave a shake of the head "Possibly but unlikely. So much was lost to rumor in those days." A deep sigh resonated about the room, "_We_ let so much fall to rumor, out of fear, out of horror, out of so many things…"

Cubbi interrupted, though he was trying to keep himself still sounding dignified. He had embarrassed himself enough already! "Can't change that now." He stated the obvious. "We're tryin' to fix it. Can we figure out what we do know and how to get to know more?"

Tavi bit her lip but was quick to add her own input, "So…do we ask where she is then? Or what happened at her sentencing?" That seemed the next logical step to her. They all knew what she had done. Now, where was she? How was she imprisoned and why was her prison weakening? Why now?

The room was silent and then gradually, one by one, everyone nodded. The time had come to really move forward, to address why they were all gathered here. They all knew the dnager, as much as they had wished to spare their little ones but their bravery and relentlessness was a welcomed relief, like a balm to an exposed wound. The adults drew on that comforting energy and it reminded them of the strongest of spirits they had all once possessed. Perhaps they could reach those reserves of courage once again. It seemed believable, for the first time in a long while!

Cubbi, being the closest, took the book opened it, saying "Okay, Book, what happened after the trial? What happened to Emi?"

The book was silent a long moment then gradually words began to appear, slowly. "Imprisonment was determined to be the best course of action. Magical imprisonment was the only option available. A grand total of 20 wizards cast Emi Gummi into a magical prison, kept locked by an external key. Once imprisoned, her final location was entrusted to her mother clan of Gummi Glen under the guidance of Lumina Gummi."

Toni eyed his friend as the book turned blank again, "Lumina?" he questioned. "Who is Lumina, Book?"

The words wrote across the page: I have limited knowledge of Lumina. She was one of the advisors from Gummi Glen and one of their carpenters." The book spelled out, "She was involved with creating Emi Gummi's prison and worked closely with the wizards to create the key. My knowledge of Lumina Gummi ends here."

Corvi frowned as did the entire room at this. It seemed they had something to go off of but with limited means to do anything. "Do you know anything about anyone named Lumina, Cubbi?"

Frowning, the cub let out a deep sigh, as the realization that he knew so LITTLE about his clan's past hit him like a ton of bricks. It wasn't for lack of wanting to know either. He remembered asking Grammi and few times about the others, the gummies that used to fill the Glen. She had told him some, though not much. She claimed it was painful and he did not doubt that but all the same, he knew almost nothing. He didn't even know names! All the gummies here seemed to know so much more about their past than he did. He didn't think much about his past, or at least he had not before now and suddenly realizing how ignorant he was…

Well, he supposed he understood why Zummi clung to their knowledge of the Great Book once they got it!

Feeling a bit, what was that word Sir Plucki used—yes, disheartened, that was it!- the cub responded, his ears drooped, "I don't know none of the old gummies, Corvi. I don't even know what my mom or dad's name was."

Silence.

Plucki reached over and squeezed his squire's shoulder. It was evident the cub felt a sense of failure. "Not your fault, my lad."

Cubbi took a breath and remarked, "I bet Zummi and Grammi would know though." Here, he wrinkled his brow, feeling a sense of…well, almost betrayal. It was his home! How could he just NOW be hearing about this? Did Tummi know? Sunni? Heck, did Gruffi know? He wasn't that old so he would have had to be told…had someone told him? Was his entire clan keeping such a huge secret from him? From the others? Why? What was the reason? He knew he was young but c'mon, couldn't they have said SOMETHING?

Berrybottom broke the silence. "Perhaps we could contact your clan, young Cubbi?"

Now, the boy's eyes lit up a bit. As much as he enjoyed life in Gummadoon, even with the troubles, he did miss his old clan and it shouted from his eyes. A nod from Plucki and the others confirmed this as a course of action and then the talk shifted, to their options once information was obtained. Cubbi tried to participate but his mind was doing flips at the thoughts of seeing his old clan again. Oh, he would be able to tell them so much! What he had learned, how well he was learning and wow oh wow, he could actually wait now! Oh, Gruffi would be so impressed. And the stuff he had learned lately, even if it was scary, it was so much stuff about his clan he didn't know. All because of Corvi knowing—hey, maybe Corvi could teach him some Old Gummi to really throw his clan for a loop—

Gradually, Cubbi's racing thoughts grew grey and weathered. The lack of sleep, despite the sugar burst he had been given, was catching up to him again, as it was to the other boys as well. He could see Flynn swaying and Toni would keep grabbing more juice (and swiping sips from Corvi's tea). Adrenaline rush eventually left him and despite putting his own input at what course of action to take next, or at least attempting to without sounding stupid and drunk, he found he was resting his head against Plucki's chest and gradually the council chamber faded into misty haze and then nothing.

Lady Bane's Palace

Hissing through her teeth, Lady Bane released her control on the cub. Luckily, walking on atrophied muscles made the cub pretty useless when she released her control. It had started so simply, letting a little of the cub's soul back in but eventually the sorceress realized that unless the entire soul was present, the movements were choppy, control nearly impossible. It certainly would not have fooled anyone, least of all the gummies that knew this cub as well as they did. When she allowed the entire soul to rejoin, the fluid movements returned. The access to the memories to answer as he would have, the little tics and habits all were opened to her.

However as she wiped her forehead, she realized all too fully that in order for this deception to be successful, she needed total control. She had to look out through this cub's eyes, direct his muscles on her own. She needed full on possession, which unfortunately meant she would need to abandon her own body. The idea of doing so had always been a possibility but it had been one that she had been actively trying to avoid. If anything happened to her own body, she would be stuck in this blasted cub's body. The idea of never again possessing her beautiful youthful figure, especially now that it truly was youthful again, was anxiety-producing. She would need to take the deepest of precautions. Looking towards the east, she saw the sun was creeping up, she would need to act quickly. The less quickly she moved, the closer the gummies came to uncovering her plan.

Glancing at the cub at her feet, she managed a disgusted snarl. The cub was glaring back at her and though he could not stand as of yet, his muscles were repairing quickly. If she did not take him soon, she would look her chance.

Grasping the cub by his hair, she dragged him down the hall, snorting lightly at his pathetic attempts to break free. His little punches would not have done much if he were at full strength. As he was now, they felt akin to a fly's flutters against the skin. Annoying and bothersome but easily ignored and no determent. Nonetheless, she would not take the cub with her all the way, just close enough that she could complete locking away her youthful form before taking off to bring ruin to her enemies.

Down and down the halls they went, from floor to floor until they came to the uppermost level, beyond her usual wanderings, near the back. Here, she had not set foot in over six centuries and it still unnerved her. Most people, when visiting the rooms at which they grew and learned, would be caught up in warm waves of nostalgia. However, she loathed this part of the palace. It was the only part of her home where no Troggel, servant, guest or any life ever entered, resulting in a large room coated in dust and aged time.

Tossing the cub to her feet, she ignored his strangled coughs as he stirred up some of the dirt on the ground. Walking to the wall, she pressed a sequence of indents as the side panel beside a mirror slid aside revealing a hidden walkway. Slipping through, as silent as a shadow, she made her way swiftly through the dark halls, slipping down one hall and then another before finally stopping before one closed door. Taking a breath, ignoring the pounding of her heart, she pushed open the door. Closing her eyes briefly to block out the old memories, she ignored the old children's books she passed, ignored the beginner's results of magic that decorated the wall and took a seat then lay down upon the bed.

Normally the dirt and dust would have made her shriek but she forced herself to remain calm before chanting a simple but strong protection spell. It settled over her body like a mist, turning her vision misty. Closing her eyes completely, she set her sight on that damned little cub in her halls. She forced herself to link to his body, to focus on making his limbs hers, to make his memories her toy. To completely and utterly own him…

It took some time to adjust but the cub's eyes opened. They blinked, still unused to light, after having been dead for several months. Irritating and they burned a little.

Yes! Pain, she was processing pain. Looking downward, she clenched and unclenched her hands, delighting at the green furred fingers curling in and out. Standing was a bit harder, as the knees and muscles were still weak from lack of use. They shook like an old woman's and she hated that notion. The idea of being old…she shuddered. A few strand of green hair draped into her eyes and she pushed them back with a simple gesture. Yes, yes, yes! Complete and total control! Now, could she…

Yes! Success! With nary a bit of strain, she focused on memories, pushing aside her own and invading the spirit of the one she owned. She saw faces, heard information:

Gumlittle, Cub calls him 'Little. Used to run to him with the littlest thing, was trained in weaponry by—

GET OUT!

The sudden resistance came so quickly and out of the blue that the cub tumbled to the ground, smacking his face and earning a split lip on the hard marble floor.

GET OUT

Blast it! That damned cub was annoying. But his will was strong. It was not like when she had moved his body from her own. Then, it had been difficult, like pushing through molasses. This was a different kind of difficult. The closest thing she could think of as a comparison was that it was like struggling through an ocean wave. She felt like she was being hit and tossed every which way. How did she deal with this? Pushing him back was a temporary solution, how did she shut him up…

Frowning, she pushed through the cub's memories until she felt his heart pause in fear. Snarling the cub's face into an unnatural sneer, she replayed that moment, over and over again. Yes, it was making him be silent!

And why shouldn't it?

That glorious moment when her shadow had clasped the cub in suffocating darkness. But now, she saw it from the cub's memory. That memory of when ice cold death had taken him. Blocking out his air, stopping his breath. His panicked thoughts, his desperate unspoken pleas to "Little, save me!"

She grinned wider when the memory played the cub's plea out for her in pure agonized shouts that he had been rendered unable to mutter.

Over and over until she felt the cub's will lessen, draw away.

Standing to her new feet shakingly, she set her sights on the horizon. Closing her eyes again a moment, she poured through the memories, those nauseating memories of love, of hugs and kisses and laughing and…ugh!

There.

Turning, she set her sights on the rising sun as her bare feet went from floor to floor and finally out to the stone drawbridge. Oh, yes, this boy knew his way home.