Gumlittle's Quarters
The little bursts of parental joy over helping Lucki fell like hard stones in Gumlittle's stomach and a deep frown of worry seemed to permanently furrow his brow. He hadn't wanted to see it, hadn't wanted to admit it, but Lucki was right.
That worried frown was focused solely on the unaware cub once more dressed and cradled in his lap.
He'd seemed fine - except for accidentally wetting himself. But in the bath, right after he started to show even more of his usual spunky self, the cub simply stopped moving, his eyes open but focused on nothing. It was like all the life left him again. Gumlittle had called his name, yelled it even! No response, so he'd dried him, dressed him, bundled him and held him close so that any change whatsoever in his breathing would be noted immediately. He'd started talking to Lucki, too. Just quiet words of encouragement and support, but so far... Nothing.
And then he heard crying approaching from down the hall. Tavi burst in and no words or explanation were needed. She stood there and saw her once-dead brother in the big knight's arms and her hands flew to try and muffle even louder sobs. He couldn't help fresh tears at this reunion, though he wished her older brother was aware, showing the same signs of life he had not fifteen minutes ago.
When the girl hesitated at his door, Gumlittle smiled and beckoned her near.
Tavi took one step, then a second, then ran the rest of the way and threw herself at the big knight, threw her arms around her brother and held on for dear life, her tears pouring like rain.
Through his watery vision, he saw a second gummi. Councilor Wooddale stood at the doorframe, her hand also came up to her mouth but it was out of pure shock. She tilted slightly into the wood, needing the support of the frame as much as his door at the moment when her eyes beheld the sight of her now-alive nephew.
Though the room was thick with emotion, Wooddale managed to get out, "Is... is he...?"
Sir Gumlittle nodded, his smile still in place.
The councilor did not stop her own silent tears at the knight's confirmation.
"B-but..." Tavi squeaked out. "Why isn't he moving? His eyes are open! What's wrong with him? Brother! Talk to me! Lucki, please!"
"We don't know, little one. He was fine moments ago and then..."
"No! Please, Lucki!" Tavi gave her brother a shake. "Y-ya gotta show me you're really here! No tricks!"
She was shrieking at the boy, shaking him harder. Gumlittle shifted slightly to sit up better, to reach out and calm her. As the blanket around Lucki shifted, suddenly so did the cub's weight. Tavi still had a hold on her brother and, just like that, he was putting his arms around her, holding her just as tight. She gasped and renewed her embrace. Both expelled grief and relief in loud off-countenance sobs, joined by a third - their Aunt Toffi who rushed over to take the pair in her arms and hug them like there was no tomorrow.
Sir Blastus's Chambers
"...Alright." was all the reply Sir Blastus could manage. Had his concern been growing for the distance Sir Ecri placed between himself and all others? Yes. It was just that so much had happened over the last week. Still, how could he not feel suddenly guilty that here Ecri was approaching him and not the other way around.
"There is a matter I need to bring to your attention," the lavender-furred knight began.
What more could be stacked on? Blastus wondered, but he said nothing and gave the young knight an encouraging nod.
"Lady Ivori and myself have witnessed disturbing behavior from Corvi's brothers - behavior associated with some kind of trauma at home. I have already sent a message to Ursalia asking to speak to Lady Cressi but I thought you might also wish to look into it, given that Corvi is your squire."
"I shall. But what sort of disturbing behavior?"
There was a brief pause before Ecri answered. "Pretend-play centering around death and dying, and Morri's overall demeanor. You know the look of someone who has just seen death. That is what it appeared to be to me. I don't know what may have happened but something must have and I thought you should know."
"Yes... Thank you."
When the lavender knight turned to go, Blastus stayed him with a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Is there anything else? Ecri... My door is always open to you, for anything that is on your mind."
The young knight's shoulders sagged under Sir Blastus's touch and the weight of his own thoughts. He turned and looked into the elder knight's eyes, his own changing from hollow orbs to eyes filled with pain, loss, anger, fear. So much emotion... It threatened to spill out in a giant gush of tears.
Ecri sucked in a deep breath, preparing to turn and face Sir Blastus, preparing to unleash even some of his burden. His mouth opened.
And out of Sir Gumlittle's open door came Councilor Wooddale and Tavi, each with an arm around a cub who stood and walked between them. A cub of green fur. A very familiar cub...
No... No!
Sir Ecri gasped as he recognized Lucki. He staggered two steps back before turning on his heels and bolting down the hall, always from the risen dead.
"Sir Ecri! Come Back, mon ami!" Blastus yelled after him.
No way would he turn back. No way... Ecri raced as fast as he could for one of the older libraries, the one where he recalled seeing a book on the dark magic of raising the dead.
Gummadoon Courtyard
At Cubbi's voicing, Grammi and Zummi gasped, a smile blossoming on each of their faces.
"Land sakes, Cubbi." Grammi beamed with surprise and pride.
Zummi stammered out, "Oh, er, let's see here, let's see. Um... Tah-ah'hn kahnei?"
The cheeky pink cub still straddling a floored Gruffi puffed out his chest and replied, "Pih-ah'hn jorei."
Sunni crossed her arms over her chest, a frown on her face. "What is all that?"
As Cubbi got off Gruffi and rushed up to Grammi to throw his arms around her in a stout if short hug, Zummi replied, "Oh, Sunni, it's the language of the Ancients. But I'd no idea they taught it to squires here in Gummadoon."
"What are ya talkin' about, Zum?" Gusto spread his arms wide to encompass the city. "This is Gummadoon! They're like the best mix of trendy and traditional! I'm not surprised at all."
Sunni suddenly found herself wrapped in a big hug as Cubbi tackled her next. "Hey!" she spoke out of startlement but not peeved. No, she missed him, too, and smiled. "Well, look at you. I think you might have even grown a quarter inch." She smirked down at him and ruffled his hair.
Cubbi batted at her hand. "Aw, Sunni, I've grown at least an inch an' you know it!"
"So, uh," Gruffi cleared his throat, and if anyone had asked he'd have said it was due to trail dust and not gettin' emotional over seeing Cubbi again. "How they treatin' you here? We started out to come down for a visit but that messenger guy said there's some trouble?" He indicated Crobi who'd already gone back inside Gummadoon proper.
Cubbi's bursting smile dropped suddenly. Couldn't he keep forgetting that just a few seconds longer? ... He sighed. "Yeah. About that..."
The gaze of the Glen Gummies shifted slightly. Cubbi instantly took notice and turned. Coming toward them with his ever-confident stride was Sir Plucki.