The Gummadoon knight gave a gentle smile. "There is not much to tell, Corvi but I shall try." He stood, offered Corvi a hand up, which the lad took. Once on his feet, Blastus added "But let us talk in my chambers." Corvi was surprised but not surprised at that. Knights generally reserved their chambers for their more private talks. As much as Corvi wished to follow where they had taken Lucki, he was also rightly unnerved. What in Gum's name was going on? Or perhaps it was not in Gum's name but the darker half of that deity. He shuddered lightly at that and turned as Blastus stroked that tender spot on his head, "I'll get you some ice for that as well."

It was in this way that the two found themselves in Blastus' quarters, Corvi in one of the chairs, pressing a small ice compress to his head. Perhaps attempting to break the tension, he snorted lightly and said "Please tell me I didn't faint like some kind of hysteric."

A small chuckle as Blastus took his own seat, a mug of hot tea in hand. He handed a second to his squire, stating "Not like a hysterical anything but yes, you passed out."

"Gum…" the teen's cheeks colored a bit and his mentor managed another smile,

"No one would blame you for it, Corvi." the knight reassured him, "If I recall correctly, Sirs Aendi and Templi had the same reaction."

That was some comfort but Corvi added quickly, "So…that WAS Lucki?"

The knight gave a nod "It was."

"B-but he's dead. I saw him…we all saw him…"

Blastus gave a firm nod "Yes. We do not know how it happened but Lucki is alive." he stayed Corvi's questions with a hand "He is no copy, he is no ghoul, he is not possessed. He is very much alive."

Corvi's breaths came short. He thought such a thing impossible. Not even Gummi magic held that kind of ability. How was it possible that one dead could be brought back? Perhaps selfishly, he thought to his lost mother. If it were possible with Lucki, then perhaps…"I thought reviving the dead, heck, even healing people, was impossible with magic."

A nod "It is. Such a thing is unnatural and we only know stories of those restored. The souls and bodies do not reconnect well. We do not know how Lucki is affected. He may just be here temporarily; he may have some unforeseen consequence to this. We just don't know." Blastus sounded like a reflection of his older brother's same speech but really how else could this be said? There was so much they didn't know. All they knew thus far was that he was alive and seemed healthy. It was about the most unnerving thing one could experience.

The hope that had started in Corvi's heart died like a flower in winter's grasp. "Then how…"

"Lady Bane." Blastus took a moment to grind his teeth and close his eyes before addressing his squire. Corvi saw that so little. He nearly forgot what it was like to see Sir Blastus truly angry. Given the circumstances though, he could hardly blame him. "Lucki had little information on her plans, just that there was one."

Corvi nodded, staring at his tea. It suddenly seemed unappetizing but truthfully, lately, not much was. He honestly couldn't remember how much he ate anymore. It had become an almost robotic action. Maybe that was why the tea that normally tasted so good seemed to burn his gut? "Wow…where is Lucki now?"

A gentle and caring smile as the knight reached out and stroked his squire's cheek. "Gumlittle took him to rest and I assume someone will be alerting Wooddale and Tavi soon. Once they have had their greetings, I am sure Lucki would welcome a reunion with his best friend."

For what felt like the first time in weeks, Corvi smiled.

Gummadoon Outer Halls

Cubbi eyed his mentor, "Sorry." He finally stated. It seemed a petty statement after the major mess-up he'd just done but the Gummadoon Captain merely smiled. He knelt to the cub's level and held him at arms' length. The cub looked him over; he was unused to seeing such emotion in his Captain's eyes. It was bothering him. He didn't want him to be sad or anything. The fact that he probably TRIGGERED it made it even worse. Yet the Captain still just smiled and lifted a thumb, wiping at the bottom of the boy's left eye.

Drat! He was crying?! Cubbi swiftly mashed his hands into his eyes, commanding the tears to cease. Despite his embarrassment, that act got a small chortle from the Gummadoon leader and that reassured him. As did Plucki's strong voice, "Sorry for what, my lad? If it is about your inquiry, do not be. I would be lying if I did not say the thought entered my mind." He locked eyes with the boy "And if it is because of the running, do not apologize for that either. Though, I do wish you would run TO me rather than away when you are frightened."

Cubbi's cheeks flushed. "Wasn't—" he went quiet as he realized denying being afraid would just make him look like a lying idiot. So instead, he trailed off and drooped his ears.

"Do you not recall what we discussed about fears, my lad?"

The cub shook his head "I 'member." He reassured him, "Just…pretty stupid fear to have." He pouted to himself "Being 'fraid of spirits and stuff."

"Oh, I do not think so," Plucki argued "Everyone has their own fears, for different reasons. It is by facing and pushing through them that we are truly brave."

Cubbi frowned, eyed the Captain "So, what are YOU afraid of?"

The Captain gave a smile as he stood "It might surprise you to learn that the Captain of Gummadoon despises snakes."

Cubbi gaped "No!"

The Captain ruffled the boy's wild hair "Oh, yes. I always have. Just as Blastus despises medical exams." He chuckled lightly at that. "It takes much convincing from Big Brother to make him seek out a Healer."

Cubbi protested "But you've fought dragons and stuff and those are like huge snakes!"

Plucki nodded "I have. But do you not recall the second part of my lesson, young knight?"

Cubbi thought deeply. "Yeah, you said it was fighting through your fears, not being not afraid, that makes you brave."

The knight cocked a brow, waiting patiently for the cub to come to his own conclusion. It did not take long. "Oh." The boy said simply.

Plucki said nothing more on it, simply stated, "We have sent a messenger for your clan, my boy. They should be here soon." He knew how fast Crobi could be and it would not surprise him to see the Glens here within a few hours. The sooner, the better!

That got a smile from the cub, whose eyes obtained that beautiful sparkle again as he beamed widely at his mentor "can I introduce them to the others?"

The Captain responded gently, "Of course. I have no doubt you will have much to tell them. Just know that we will need to speak to them swiftly so do not be disappointed, understand?" He did not doubt the cub had much to tell his family and he did not want him to be disappointed that the time may have been short. All the same, it would not have been fair to not allow him time to show off his accomplishments. He did want to speak with the Glens, not just about the subject at hand but about how well the young lad was faring.

Cubbi gave a firm nod of understanding, his mood significantly lighter.

The young cub walked with his mentor down the hall. After a moment or two, Plucki inquired, "What were you in a rush to get me for before this entire revelation with Lucki, lad?"

Memory flashing through his mind, Cubbi jumped to attention, "Oh yeah! Well, Corvi and I thought we would look through the old passageways 'cause he said that's where Tavi got the book. Corvi said that he used to go down there a lot when he was younger and that there were a lot of older rooms down there. So, we thought it might be a good place to look. Never got a chance to look though cause we were walking through the hall and I found this ol' key."

Plucki's attention peeked. "A key?"

The cub nodded "Yep, it was buried under dirt and stuff but when I went to pick it up, this voice told me that I needed to leave it. That we would need it later." Cubbi frowned. "So I left it. But Corvi didn't hear the voice." He eyed Plucki and put a hand over his heart "I swear Plucki, not making it up. It really did hear something."

"I believe you, my lad. It is a disturbing thing, hearing voices that others cannot." He frowned, thinking. It could have been spirits, it could have been Lady Bane (Gum forgive) but he had so little information it was impossible to make a good judgement call. He was about to ask Cubbi for more specifics of the hallway when excitement sprung up in the courtyard. Cubbi, always the energetic one, ran to the window, standing up on his tip toes. Then, without another word, he took off like a shot, shouting back to Plucki

"They're here, they're here!"

Deciding that to push the issue would not achieve anything, Plucki gave a faint smile, followed by a gentle head shake and followed his rambunctious squire down the halls, calling "Do not run, my lad! They will still be there in five minutes!"

One Of The Communal Fire Hearths Of Gummadoon

Lady Ivori did not move from Sir Gori's side, eyeing the elder gummi as the three cubs played. The adults were on focused on Morri primarily. The cub had taken some of the toys that were always stored in Gummadoon's sitting rooms (given that Gummadoon was blessed with children) and was playing out some imaginary game with his friend while Cori would chime in when he felt the need. Ivori found some comfort in the presence of the elder knight, as much as when she was younger. Sir Gori rose at one point to venture to the bathroom, assuring the young charges that when he returned, he would have a new tale for them. This was met with many cheers as the cubs continued their game.

Ivori was drawn back to the issue plaguing her heart when the third gummi cub, one of Sir Hati's children, became frustrated and told Morri, "Stop it Morri!"

"Stop what?" Morri inquired.

"You keep doin' the same thing. Your character keeps going to sleep and then you just leave them there. Make them wake up and play! They need them to fight the dragon!"

Cori shook his head "Uh uh. No wake up."

Morri met his friend's gaze solemnly, though he was unaware he carried such a weight to his eyes, "Sometimes they _don't_ wake up, Panni."

Panni eyed his friend oddly, "They always woke up before. You used to make the coolest characters. What happened to Sir Braavi from our last game! He was neato!"

Morri frowned, shook his head "Don't wanna play him no more."

"Why not?"

"Just don't."

Frustrated, Panni pulled his toys out of the pile, "You're not fun anymore." He accused. "No fun playing with characters that just go to sleep. That's boring."

The young cub made no response but his younger brother Cori walked over, picked up a toy, saying "He stay 'wake and s'eeping one go 'way." Morri handed the small toy to his brother and Cori vanished with the toys behind the chair before coming back with only one in hand. "S'eeping one gone."

Ivori put a hand over her mouth, listening silently. "What cub plays that out?" she muttered aloud to herself. She had seen many a game among cubs but this one was new. While the cubs never mentioned it, she FELT the morbid mood to it. Morri's eyes never changed, always

"One that's seen it."

The voice was sudden and unexpected. Ivori whirled about, finding Sir Ecri standing behind her, eyeing the cubs with empty sight but there was a light there that had been missing for quite some time and she saw concern dancing in them. "Oh, Sir Ecri. I didn't hear you come in."

He didn't give her a response but his eyes never left the cubs. He carried an odd look to him. It was a look that mirrored what he once looked like—serious but capable of deep conversation and discussion. However, this look was all seriousness and he had an air about him that told Ivori that he was probably just as disturbed by this play as she was. He never said anything but he didn't have to. It was written all over his face. He frowned, narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

Ivori was quiet again for a few moments, "One who's seen it?" she repeated the knight's words.

Ecri nodded, he kept his gaze hard and would not meet her eyes but asked, "Mother say anything?" He kept his question short but Ivori could definitely see the point behind it. She wished she had a chance to ask Cressi about her two sons but that had not been available. The linguist, according to her eldest son, had left Gummadoon in the previous days, leaving her young children under their elder brother's care. Corvi wisely brought them into the palace during that time period but he had not said anything about something unsettling at home. Surely, he would have?

"Oh, Corvi brought them." She informed the knight gently. "Said his mother was needed in Ursalia suddenly so he brought them here."

Ecri nodded, silent once again. He placed a strong hand on her shoulder and then was gone. Ivori was certain he was off to help with all the commotion she heard gathering but instead the knight turned to the right. She frowned, baffled but decided not to investigate. Luckily, Sir Gori returned at that moment and captivated his audience once again, as only he could. The cubs were glad for the break from their game and Ivori sighed a bit in relief. At least that meant for a time she would not be subject to play that seemed all too real to her and disturbing to her.

As for Sir Ecri, he headed the opposite way from the commotion, up the towers. He had been focused so much on potential dangers lately but his eyes did not miss the old signs. A cub did not just act out things like that. They had to see it, hear it or something. He wondered if Cressi could let them know what was going on. While Ecri did not normally get involved, especially lately, he felt a strong connection to this. Perhaps it was because he had also been hit with death lately. It was not the same, he was sure, but it was a pain nonetheless. He would not wish this pain on his worst enemy, let alone a child. He made a note that he should have Blastus speak to Corvi about it. Frowning, he paused, slightly. He had not spoken to his mentor in several weeks. Not since before the battle actually. It wasn't that he was TRYING to be isolative. It had just kind of happened. He didn't want to talk to anyone. Even to Blastus…

Okay, maybe that was a lie.

He did want to talk to Blastus but at the same time, he didn't want to. He tended to let his walls down around that knight, the effects of that bond they'd established through those long years of training. He couldn't let down that wall because if he did, he would start crying and he felt he would never stop if he started. He was not the only person who had lost someone and he was not about to burden another with his pain when he should have been able to cope with it himself. He just needed time and the pain would stop. It would stop. It would stop.

It _had_ to stop.

In any event, he could not focus on it. Not with the threat of Lady Bane lingering. The mere thought of that sorceress made him tremble in rage, not a feeling he was used to. All the same, he had taken to reading up on dark magic, which was another thing that made him uncomfortable. He had never been one to bother with magic, always more interested in science and strategy. However, in this case, it was a way to become acquainted with the enemy's tactics. All the same, it made him uncomfortable, reading about all the horrific things she could potentially do. More disturbing than he ever thought; the things that dark magic was capable of was truly mind-boggling.

In a way, he was glad to take a break from it. He was struggling to stay calm, to stay sane in a way. Inwardly, he supposed he knew that he could only handle so much and that he had not exactly been doing things to alleviate it.

Which brought him back to Morri, Cori and Corvi. He didn't know what was going on but something had happened. The way the cubs played and talked told him that much and Corvi's rather avoidant behavior as of late didn't help his thoughts on the matter either (though he surmised he was hardly one to discuss avoidant behaviors). He needed to know what had happened in that little household. Hopefully, the gummies had become organized enough that the gummi woman would be able to respond quickly. He could not avoid to be distracted for too long from his preparation for attacks but he could not stand by and NOT do something either.

It didn't take long to reach his destination. It took less time to aim it. Frowning, he set the coordinates to "Ursalia" and took advantage of the sunlight to tap out a rather brief message

"Sir Ecri of Gummadoon. Contact with Lady Cressi requested."

That accomplished, he recited his statement, over and over and walked down, heading for Blastus' quarters. He would make his statement of concern for Corvi and that would be it. That would be it.

Yes, just keep repeating that, the knight recited to himself as he walked. It's about the cubs, nothing else.

Gumlittle's Quarters

Consciousness came slowly for both the spirits inhabiting that green body. Lady Bane found herself wandering the planes between consciousness and dreams, a mixture of her memories and the gummi cub's that she inhabited. It was a disgusting thought to think that her memories were blended with that of her enemy's but more disturbing was the memory she found herself wandering. It was one that she knew well, as it was one that had been burned into her memory. Wandering through the forests, seeking out a supposed gummi colony. She had found what remained of it as the entire warren had been destroyed, broken gummi bodies littering the entire landscape. She had slipped into it, seeking out any remaining magical artifacts when she came across her.

Her.

Hair as long as her own, darker than midnight. Fur of the same shade and eyes, eyes that could burn holes into your soul. Those eyes had locked on hers and Lady Bane had found herself frozen, stuck in place, unable to move or even to breathe. The magic and power that radiated from the gummi had been staggering. It was a literal visible aura that followed every movement she made like a dark shadow. That moment, Lady Bane had been certain that Death's breath had touched her neck.

But no. The Gummi had released her, left her to flee, the only time she recalled running from anything.

Jerking from the memory, she forced the gummi's eyes wide open. That big gummi knight, the one called Gumlittle was right next to the bed and stroked the boy's face again.

"Hey, Sleepy. How are you feeling?"

Oh, spare me. Lady Bane groaned in disgust but she hadn't the energy to protest the blasted cub right now. That memory…that crystal clear memory unnerved her. It always did but more so now. For some reason, it was stronger now. So, for now, she let that damn cub get his emotional fix. All she had to maintain was the keep his mouth shut about her, which did not take much effort. If letting the brat wallow in some big knight's embrace kept him from fighting her, good. It really was disgusting how he clung to all these people. No sooner had that knight inquired then the brat was out of bed and in his lap, clinging to his neck. The gummi knight responded by wrapping his arms around him in a tight embrace, saying softly, "You're alright, it's okay."

"But what if I'm not." The cub protested. "What if I'm not, what if she's planning something, what if—"

"Shh, shh, shh." Gumlittle soothed the cub, stroking his hair, saying gently, "Lucki, playing the what-if game is just going to make you sick. We're working on that. She isn't going to hurt you. I…I've got you back. Nothing's touching you." He gave a tight squeeze, "You trust me, right?"

A quivering nod. "It's just…I barely know my own body right now." That much was true. Lady Bane controlled mostly everything but even she was having difficulty with some things. It seemed that a resurrected body still had aspects to it that were hard to control, things that no matter who was the puppet master, were not remastered instantaneously. Besides that fact, she was used to a human body not a gummi one. That aside, she was so focused on…on whatever it was she needed to be focused on that she neglected certain aspects. Lucki was beginning to wonder if she was doing it on purpose just to humiliate him. It certainly seemed so. He was a humble cub, a shy one. Stripping in front of the others had torn his pride and Lady Bane had laughed and laughed at it.

Yet, there were times when she was there…but not there. Yet, at the same moment, he was not either. It felt like he was curled into a ball of space with Lady Bane's soul always filling the body, like water filling a glass. He felt more like an ice cube, something that would occasionally touch aspects of his own body.

Now, as he lay in Gumlittle's arms, not only did she not allow him that sensory perception but she made him acutely aware of another. His face flushed brilliant red and she definitely was taking delight in making him stammer, "Oh Gum, I..I.."

"Shh." Gumlittle put a finger to boy's lips even as he set the cub on the bed and moved to the connecting washroom, running some warm water. "It's alright Lucki."

"Is not." He protested, pressing his legs together, his whole body coloring at the realization of what had happened. Really? Was it necessary for Lady Bane to humiliate him so much that he relieved all over himself?

Truthfully, Lady Bane was only partially responsible. Granted, she took pleasure in the brat's humiliation and battered pride but when she had awakened from that memory, her attention was so divided and distant that, with no mind truly in control, the body took care of other necessities as an infant's body would…with no conscious control. As irritating as it was for her, it was also satisfying to feel the brat's indignation. Humilation and broken pride did wonders to keep things in control and so far that was working beautifully.

As for Lucki, he wanted to crawl into a hole and bury himself, even as Gumlittle returned, helped him to the bath, helped him wash down, though he should have been able to do so himself. He was eleven years old. Granted, he had just been returned from the grave but he was no baby, despite what his actions seemed to be saying. Lady Bane constantly taunting him over it just served to fuel his fire. He jerked his arm from the large knight once, stating "I can do it, 'Little." Gumlittle, though surprised, merely smiled and released the cloth to him.

Lucki froze and he felt Lady Bane balk too, resulting dropping the material into the water.

It had not been Lady Bane that had jerked that arm away.

That had been Lucki.

The cub blinked, felt out with his soul. It seemed like his consciousness had spread like a thin blanket, something he had not even been aware of and it had seeped even under Lady Bane's awareness.

While the sorceress quickly clamped down on it, took the power back, the young cub found that his soul's essence did not retreat back into a small hole. It was growing. It was seeping back into his body, bit by bit. Lady Bane was pushing it back but it still spread. Before long, was it possible her partial possession would no longer be possible? Then, oh then, freedom! He consciously tried for control of his arm again but this time it did not react. Odd. How had he gained it subconsciously but could not do the same consciously?

Lady Bane was rightly disturbed and quickly unleashed her rage on the boy in the form of that wondrous victory of hers. As before, the boy craved, sobbing, trying everything to block out that which he could not block! This time, she did not relent, she did not give up her assault. How dare the little shrimp try and push command of even one small iota of this body! It was HERS to command, to do as she wished! Let him suffer for even trying! She was not satisfied until the cub began to plead, crying, sobbing for her to please cease!

Oh, how she desired to hear that from every gummi, even single one of them would cry for mercy and she would give them none.

Yet, despite her enjoyment of the boy's pain and indignation, even as the adult gummi left to change his own clothes after helping the boy from the bath, even as she forced the boy's limbs to not respond under the knight's urgings, repeating that "my body feels weird…" and both relishing in the boy's misery and gagging at Gumlittle's gentle words, she felt a pang of fear, of discomfort, of worry.

HOW had she not felt the soul reclaim power?

Councilor Wooddale's Chambers

"Take a moment, child."

Tavi shook her head, stubborn as ever. "I want to keep going, Aunt Toffi. I'm not tired."

The elderly councilor smiled lightly, "You are very much like your mother, child. She never liked to stop either, even if she knew she should. Regardless of if you feel tired or not, your body and mind are hardly at their peak." The councilor was about to try, once again, to convince the determined girl to just rest for a bit when her door was knocked upon. Rising to her feet, her niece scampered to the door, opening it to find a pale-faced Sir Kai. The knight was quite young, in actuality, he was the youngest of the adult knights.

"Yes, Sir Kai, what can I do for you?"

The young knight took a shaky breath. He had not volunteered for this but when no one else was going to tell the Councilor, he could not stand it. He had left, silently, as Gumlittle took Lucki to get him rested, Blastus walked off with Corvi and Plucki chased off after his squire. It seemed only appropriate that someone go and tell the lad's remaining family. He had always dreamed and dreaded of having to tell family members that one of their loved ones had been lost (although that usually fell to the Captain) but the opposite never occurred to him. As a result, he felt like a fumbling cub, stammering and tripping over his words. While all the knights had met the Councilors (it happened usually before the night of their knighting) but there was still some intimidation there.

"I have come with…conflicting news, Councilor, Young Tavi." He answered. That was the nearest to the truth that he could settle on. While they knew that Lucki was not under possession and he was no false form, it was still disturbing the many things they did not know. Yet, it was no lie that they were all thrilled to have their lost little one back. He had yet to see more tears and kisses exchanged than that small moment in the main council chamber. While it was no secret that Gummadoon knights were close to their trainees, it was still pretty rare to see kisses exchanged. Hugs, ruffling of hair, and other physical signs of affection were much more prevalent. So, seeing Gumlittle, Blastus and yes, even the Captain, exchanging their affection by way of kisses to the boy's cheeks and forehead was quite the sight. Yet underneath it all was a deep-rooted fear. Fear for Lucki, fear for Gummadoon, an overall fear of the unknown that truthfully made Kai a bit nervous and wishing more than once that he was still a squire who could run to the safety of his mentor.

Conflicting seemed appropriate.

Wooddale frowned, rising slowly, "Conflicting?"

"Yes. I swear by all my honor and Gum as my witness that what I say is plain and true." He gave her his deepest vow as little Tavi cocked her head at him, wondering what was up. "The rest of the council has confirmed it to be no trick."

Tavi pouted, "So what is it, already!?"

"It seems that young Lucki lives again."

The room went dead silent. Tavi's mouth dropped and Wooddale dropped back onto the bed. "W-what?"

"It is no trick Councilor." He assured her again, "I checked the grave myself."

Tavi stared at the knight, her mouth open like a fish. "M-my brother?"

"Indeed, little Wizardess." He told her, still shaking slightly, "Sir Gumlittle took him to his chambers to get him rested but it is no trick. We have run all the tests we can. He breathes, he bleeds. He lives."

Tavi tore around the knight and fled the room, her feet pounding the hall floors. Even though she knew it wasn't nice to think about, oh she pictured what she would do if this was a trick, if this was a cruel prank. No, no one would be that cruel, not right now. They would never do that to her. Or to her aunt. But…but it was impossible, magic couldn't do that even. But Sir Kai had sworn on his honor. If he as lying, she could ask Plucki to fire him for that offense! No, he would not lie to her.

She ran down the hall, turned a sharp right, making for Sir Gumlittle's chambers. She had to see, she had to see, she had to see. Dear Gum, do not let it be a trick…

Knights' Hallway

Blastus had just shown his eldest squire out and was putting the cups away when he heard the sound of Tavi's feet on the hallway then sobbing from outside his door. Despite himself, he managed a smile. Someone must have finally told her and Wooddale. He could hear Wooddale's steps not far behind her, though much slower. But those were certainly young Tavi's sobs. Oh, it was the only time he was glad to hear sobs. This was the sob that one gave off when they were stunned, relieved, and that so much pain was gone from the soul.

He headed that way, to revisit the lad himself, blinking when someone suddenly knocked on his door. A bit surprised and baffled, he opened it.

He did a double take.

"Ecri?"

The knight looked broken, though Blastus had not realized how broken until he looked at him up close. Weary eyes, little life in them, the signs of sleepless nights, The knight turned slightly, observing the commotion not a few doors down. But he licked his lips, almost nervously. "We need to speak."

Gummadoon Courtyard

Sunni was still stunned by all the fancy things that decorated Gummadoon's courtyard. Grammi would no doubt have been talking with the gummies about if she wasn't so worried about Cubbi. Crobi still led the way in, though he had not told them much else, claiming that he only knew so much. Gruffi still had that stoic look to his face but that was not uncommon when something major was going on. Gusto and Zummi were about the same, looking concerned but also intrigued by the circumstances of being in Gummadoon again. Tummi, for once, didn't seem to be focused on food, even though there was so much around.

As for herself, she was about to inquire how much farther when—

"SUNNI! GRUFFI! ZUMMI! TUMMI! GRAMMI! GUSTO!"

The pink furred blur appeared seemingly out of nowhere and latched onto Gruffi, knocking him into the ground.

Despite all the tension, laughs erupted.

The pink furred blur released Gruffi after a moment, gave a huge grin up at his clan from his spot on the ground and said, firmly, with his head held high,

"Jani'sh!"