The Gummadoon Captain gave a small grin to his squire, "Lad, you left me in the dust, you know." He truthfully wasn't the bit irritated. With the way things had been lately, with all the stress, with all the pain and worry, it was a true blessing to see his squire take off like a shot, his eyes shining like stars. It created a much needed burst of hope and calmness in his heart. For a moment, he was able to simply forget the horrors they were faced with and simply enjoy the beautiful bluntness of a child thrilled to see his family again.

Still, the boy could have broken several bones with the speed he tore through that city!

The pink furred cub beamed though his cheeks turned a faint shade, "Sorry, Plucki. I was—"

"I know." He assured the boy, ruffling his head a bit, which the lad leaned into briefly. "I expected nothing less. Never have shame in seeing family again, Cubbi. Though, slowing your pace might be recommended." He gave the boy another smile with the very faint chastise and directed his attention to their visitors. He greeted the ladies with a bow, a firm handshake to the males, stating, "Crobi is a quick fellow but something tells me that you were already on your way here."

Grammi smiled, reaching out to pull Cubbi to her for another embrace, "We were, Sir Plucki. I miss my rapscallion."

Cubbi despite being glad to see her again, squirmed loose, "Graaaami." He pulled himself from her, though he didn't move far from her side and he gave her one of his famous grins again. "Stop that. I'm not a rapscallion."

Gruffi gave a faint snort but didn't stop a low chuckle before addressing Plucki, "What kind of trouble is going on, Sir Plucki?" He could feel the tension in the air. It almost rolled off the Captain like a horrid stench. The very air about him felt tense. More than that though, when Cubbi had impacted him to the ground, he had seen sadness, fear, trouble encased behind those bright eyes. Then, on top of all that, Zummi's odd behavior as of late. The combination of it all put a very sour peel on his face and a sickening stone in his gut.

The Gummadoon Captain paused before answering. Gruffi was as straight forward as ever. That was a valuable asset but it was not something that could be spoken about here. "That, good friend, is better addressed indoors, away from innocent ears. I dare not want to incite a panic." He addressed them with a smile again, trying to reassure the looks of fear and worry that permeated their features, adding, "But I will need to gather some of the Council first. We've many people who have things to tell you and it's far better we all do so at once." He turned to his squire, "Sir Cubbi, can you handle a mission for me?"

Standing up straight at attention, Cubbi puffed out his chest again, "Yes Sir!"

"If you can see your guests inside, show them where they can freshen up a bit and get some refreshments if they so desire" he added with a pointed look at the round blue one, "but meet back in the council chamber in one hour. Can you handle that for me?"

Cubbi nodded fervently "You betcha, Sir Plucki, I can do it!"

Plucki gave a firm nod to the boy, "I know you can. We'll meet you all soon." As he gave a salute to his young squire, he added, "And refreshments do not mean stuff yourself with sugar, my lad."

That said, the Gummadoon Captain strode away at a fast-paced walk for the palace main. Calling after him, "I know! No sweets before dinner!" Cubbi watched him go, feeling both pride and a sense of gratitude for him as well. He knew as well as anyone that with the sense of urgency going on now that the necessary council members could have been found in under five minutes. Plucki was purposely giving him time with his clan. It would be alright to enjoy it, wouldn't it? Otherwise, Sir Plucki wouldn't have allowed it.

Grinning at his clan, he grasped Gruffi by the hands, "C'mon, I'll show you 'round!"

Hallway of the Knight Chambers

Eyes downcast, Lucki sighed, "I keep doing that."

Sir Blastus had taken off after his former squire, calling his name. That was the second person who had run from Lucki as if he were inflected with Plague. Granted, his sister, his aunt, Gumlittle and a lot of knights had not but to see gummies dear to him just taking off as if he were some evil spirit was heart-numbing. Though, in a way, he WAS an evil spirit. He carried something foul enough to be considered one at any rate. Still, he wanted to feel their love again, not be despised. His ears drooped. Least Lady Bane was lettin' him do THAT.

Tavi hugged her brother tight again, nearly crushing him in her embrace. Truth be told, even Lady Bane was taken aback by the cub's strength. No, it was more than that. It was the cub's body. It was not responding well. Oh, it breathed and there was no halting in the heartbeat but it was…off. She really had no words to describe why but it felt alien, even more so than it had before. It was one feeling to not know how the body operated but this feeling, while fleeting and faint, was one of being present but not being present all in the same breath. She had felt a few wisps of that sense, once in the bath and then once when the cub's body failed him and she sought to regain control. Both times had been unnerving. Now, faced with the fact that it may not have been a fluke, it was a serious flaw in her plans.

When the gummi girl released her brother, her hands flew up to her mouth. Her eyes clouded with tears and she shook, almost in the same motion. Lady Bane had to clamp down on Lucki almost instantly and quite frankly, even that was not enough to stop the cub from reaching out to the sorceress. All of Lucki's energy was suddenly not focused on himself or Lady Bane but on his little sister.

It was hard to push down his "Tavi, what's wrong?" and his desire to drop to his knees and hug her. His desire to make her tears stop, to tell her it would be alright. To clasp her to his chest, ruffle her hair and say 'It's okay, it's Big Brother's job to make sure everything's gonna be okay, right?' Hard to keep the brat from blowing her cover right then and there.

REALLY hard.

Suddenly, Lady Bane felt like she was wrestling a horrible beast, one that was slipping from her grip, slowly but assuredly. She tried to conjure up that image, that victory but the brat was not paying attention to it. Block his sight…no! If she did that, they would notice, but if she did not, then he was going to slip loose some control!

Luckily, Lucki was distracted from fighting her to get to his sister by Wooddale, who was not blind to her niece's response, asking, "Child, what is it?"

Lady Bane took command of the boy's eyes, diverted them downward at the gaze of the little sorceress. Her breath froze.

On his arms, where that blasted sorceress had hugged him, were bruises, exact replicas of her hands. It was as if the brat's skin was made of paper!

Gumlittle dropped to his knees by the boy, looking over his arms, taking him gingerly by the hands. "Dear Gum…"

"What's wrong with me, 'Little?" the boy demanded, panic in his voice, "What's wrong with me?!" His arms shook slightly.

It was easy to vent some of her own frustration in that yell. This made no sense! The brat's body had been slow to respond before but it had been firm, it had not crumbled this easily! All that dragging and pulling she had put it through in her palace and the worst that her puppet had to show for it was a busted lip! Now, the simple act of a hug from a younger sibling put deep purple bruises that could even be seen through his green fur?! This made no sense! Her plan would not crumble to this!

"I…I do not know, Lucki." Gumlittle's gentle baritone sought to comfort the cub by staying calm. Though, it was hard to not give into hysterics himself. Those bruises were so deep, so bright in color. From a simple contact? "But stay calm, lad. Becoming panicked will not help matters."

The cub took a shaky breath, trying to do as he was told. For now, it seemed, Lady Bane was letting his emotions reign supreme as she tried to figure out this phenomena herself. Her spell had not created a copy-body. No, this spell had been much more involved and complex. It WAS the cub's body, plain and simple! It was a fully restored, healthy body! The soul was fully present; there should have been no issue! Why in all the Hells was his body reacting like this? She had no explanation and that was unacceptable. Magic was her forte, especially dark magic!

"Come," Wooddale took her nephew by the hand, "Let us visit Sarrika once more. Perhaps she can give a more in depth look."

Lucki lowered his eyes again, "If she doesn't take off running from me like I'm a disease."

Gumlittle tilted the boy's face up, "Lucki, it's something unprecedented. She doesn't know what to expect. Gum, NONE of us know what to expect." He bit his lip, "I would feel better if she looked you over again though. You blanked on me, for a good fifteen minutes!"

Lucki nodded, taking a firm hold on his little sister and Aunt as they walked down the hall, "Alright but if one more person takes off running from me, I swear to Gum, I'm going to scream."

Gummadoon Hallways

The commotion downstairs was hard to miss. Corvi had been heading to check on his brothers quickly before the meeting in the main hall. Plucki had been swift as ever about spreading the news about the gathering in an hour. The squires, even those that were still tired like Flynn and Toni, had been swift to drag themselves out of their rooms and try and make themselves presentable. Plucki had stated if they were too tired, they would be caught up but the boys were having none of it. So, despite their tiredness, they hurried about getting dressed and energized in time.

He had caught Flynn in the shower rooms that the squires shared, scolded him about not having an adult watch him, to receive a "Well, you're almost an adult, can you watch me?"

Not about to waste time arguing with Flynn about him actually being FAR from an adult, he had relented. He was used to playing Big Brother to the younger squires and truth be told, he was allowed a lot more responsibility than most his age and it was not simply due to his knighthood-training status. As it was, he was the only one allowed to cook with the stove, unsupervised, and he routinely was allowed out later than the other boys. It used to be bragging rights for him but no, not anymore. He didn't WANT it anymore. He'd give anything to just be the little kid again.

Fate was not kind enough to grant him that though so instead of screaming at Flynn for being a twerp, he smiled. Inwardly, he was aghast at himself. Since when did seeing Flynn trying to do something for himself make him angry? Since when did he get agitated at the littlest thing? That wasn't him! Never had been. Feeling the guilt like a sickness in his stomach, he hunched over, slightly, at the pain that settled there a moment before straightening up and saying, "Better make it a fast one."

Hence, he had been stuck for a good ten minutes as Flynn washed himself off and darted out the door. As always, his version of a "clean" washroom varied from almost anybody else's so Corvi had mopped up the water quickly before venturing back out into the hallway, intent on not being interrupted again. Unfortunately, that never seemed to work. Toni he saw darting to and fro down the hall, apparently, looking for Gumlittle. When told he was still with Lucki, Toni's face had fallen but he had not freaked out. Someone had obviously informed him.

Apparently, the news of Lucki's resurrection had spread almost as quickly as Plucki's word about the meeting. It was spoken in whispers but everyone Corvi passed had expressed awe and concern over it. Corvi had to admit, he wanted to see his friend. Now, that the overall shock had passed, he found himself with a deep longing to see him, to see for himself that he breathed and that it wasn't a trick. It seemed impossible and yet he had heard him, had seen him. He knew that to be true as much as he knew that knot on his head was proof of it.

"Corvi?"

Broken from his thoughts, he diverted his attention to the white haired cub in front of him who had not left his side, "Do you think Gumlittle is gonna be with him long?"

Corvi's initial response had been to get angry at Toni for being selfish before he remembered what the cub had been through. Had so little time truly passed? And again with the anger! Why? Toni was only expressing feelings, feelings that anyone would be feeling. Heck, HE wanted to go and find Blastus and just flop down next to his side. And he was getting irritated that Toni, a kid that had taken the blunt of this mess so far, wanted his mentor? Taking a breath, he calmed his nerves. That had to be it. He was on edge because of…well, everything. Emi, Lady Bane, Lucki returning, his brothers. All of it. It was making his head pound.

A sharpness cut his gut again and he focused on Toni to ignore it. "Not sure. We still aren't sure how he's doing." He paused, cocked a brow, "Did you need something?"

Toni shrugged, "Gumlittle said any time after I bathe, he needs to rewrap these."

Toni held out his wrists, wincing slightly. He had taken a quick bath as best that he was able (and that was pathetic in his mind; he barely managed to scrub his face and chest, never mind his body), after Plucki's message about meeting in an hour had passed through quickly, (more like a sponge bath than anything) but he had still gotten the wounds wet. Gumlittle always reapplied some kind of herbal mix and bandaged them for him. He understood that he was with Lucki and that the cub needed him. Heck, Toni was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that Lucki was back. Maybe the fact that he hadn't seen him was not helping. If he had seen him, he supposed it would have been easier to comprehend. All the same, he did not want to go into a meeting with these wounds open.

Didn't take away from the fact that he needed him too!

Still, Toni was fully ready to admit that Lucki probably needed him more.

Corvi drew back slightly at the sight of Toni's exposed wounds. Seeing them, fresh, without the coverings really drove home the damage. It looked like the leather stitching on someone's boots over a 4 inch cut on each wrist. By Gum, it looked like it hurt. There was no red, indicating that infection was still being held at bay but still! Great Gum, the wound took up most of the boy's wrists! No wonder he couldn't form a fist yet.

Accepting defeat with a heavy dose of guilt from his earlier reaction to the cub, Corvi turned his task from his blood brothers to his brother-in-arms, "Come on, I know what to put on them."

Accepting this, the younger cub followed him down the hallway, trotting alongside him, asking, nervously, "Think we'll get any info from Cubbi's clan?"

Corvi shrugged, "Hope so. Cubbi seems to think that they should know something, at least some of them."

"Good." Toni frowned. "I wanna get this Emi-business done with."

Corvi nodded but felt deep in his heart that this was only going to get more complicated. He prayed to Gum that he was wrong though. He had so much to worry about. He was still their primary translator, despite the adults now knowing (he was fluent in written and speaking while the adults for the most part could translate with time) his brothers still needed him, and now the very real threat of Emi breathing practically down their necks. His head pounded; he had only gotten the little bit of sleep in the conference room. Once he had awakened, he had ventured off to find his brothers, then to tend to some of the chores, then helping Cubbi, then the issue with Lucki! His stomach burned a bit still, Blastus' tea was not sitting well.

It ALWAYS sat well! Why? Why was everything so complicated!?

"Ah! Young Corvi, young Toni!"

Turning, Corvi muttered a silent curse to himself but forced a polite smile, "Lady Ivori? Is something wrong?"

She gave a gentle smile, one that she was known for as she hurried to catch him, her skirts darted around her legs and her loose white hair trailing like a flag. As always, her demeanor was calm and gentle, something all the cubs in Gummadoon knew her for. Despite this delicate greeting, little Toni frowned deeply, saying, "We're on rest week. You're not here to give us homework are you?"

The elder gummi laughed gently, "Fear not, young squire. You have far enough to deal with right now-"

No kidding, Corvi thought to himself

"-but I was wondering if I might have a word with young Corvi, Toni?"

He eyed his elder friend, "Corv?"

"-Can it wait?" Corvi inquired, surprising both Ivori and Toni. It took a thing of great power to have obedient Corvi disobeying a request. "I need to help Toni really quick."

Ivori eyed him, "it involves your brothers." She clarified, "Nothing dangerous for them at present but something important nonetheless. May I simply have five minutes of your time?" This bothered her. Corvi was always swift to respond to a request, especially one as simple as speaking. She had never known him to refuse. Perhaps she should have expected it as she was sure he had a lot on his head but it was still a shock! Was this yet even more evidence that what she and Ecri suspected was right? Had something horrific been happening in his home?

Sensing she was not going to relent and honestly, feeling tightness on his heart at the thought of something concerning his brothers, Corvi relented. It couldn't be anything serious, judging from her tone but the fact that she was seeking him out…

Something was afoot. What had happened? The pains in his head and stomach erupted back tenfold and he bit his lip to still his tongue. He was grateful for her for looking after them during this mess but still, he could not stop the sharpness from his tone as they turned to continue on their way. He knew it would look odd, especially for him, but he felt so stressed! He wanted a break, damn it!

"Fine."

While he agreed to meet with her, he made it clear; it would be done as they walked. She was swift to respond, matching his pace. They continued towards the kitchen, and consequently, towards that commotion, together. He could make Cubbi's voice out among the shouting. There were also some other voices that were alien to him. That must have been Cubbi's clan. So, they were nearby. That meant Cubbi would no doubt be barging in, showing everything off. Great, just what he needed, something else to draw attention to himself. Normally, he would have welcomed meeting his teammate's family but not now, dear Gum, not now!

"Toni?" Ivori knelt to his level, smiled, "Why don't you wait just inside the kitchen. Once Corvi and I talk, he'll be right with you. I think the cooks have left some treats on the counter." She gave a smile and thumbed his nose. "Five minutes if that."

Toni was no fool. He knew what was adult talk for "we need to talk alone." Still, despite knowing that, treats were still treats!

Corvi grasped Toni's shoulder, "Just sit at the table or something and don't pick at those wounds."

"Duh." With a grin, Toni pushed open the kitchen doors, stating, "You got the adults' line down pat too, Corv."

Rolling his eyes, he ignored the smart aleck reply and focused on Ivori, "So…what's wrong with my brothers?" His palms started to sweat before she even started talking. What was it? What else could possibly be laid on his back? He already felt like his shoulders were supporting a million pounds with no relief in sight!

"Well, I'm concerned." She admitted, hoping she did not come across as overbearing. "Their play is a little…disturbing."

Corvi froze "How so?" Disturbing was a concerning word, especially because gummies in particular were not usually associated with 'disturbing.'

"Death." She stated simply, "Especially from Morri's play."

"Anything…specific?" he asked, slowly, his heart racing. Dear Gum, everything was falling apart! They were going to take his brothers…

"No, just an overall morbid mood, talk of his toys not waking up." She eyed Corvi, "That isn't normal. Usually only someone who has seen death does that. Has anything happened at home Corvi?"

Biting his lip, he resisted the urge to burst into tears right there. Sure, things had happened. He and his brothers were orphans, that's what happened! His poor Mother had died while in his care! He had failed her! Now, she was with his father and his older brother Tori. His entire family was leaving him! But he could not say any of that. "Not that I know of. I mean, Morri has been asking about Dad…"

Ivori's eyes went wide, as if she had an epiphany. "Oh…oh…of course. His anniversary is tomorrow, isn't it?" Her eyes clouded with pity, "Has he been curious?"

Realization shot through Corvi's heart. With so much going in, he had hardly realized it was so close but now, with it brought to his attention, he realized she was correct. Tomorrow would be the yearly anniversary since he lost his father. The first year had been hard, the second one harder. Now though… "Yeah." He stammered out, "Three years…well, not counting the mess time travel and dimensional vanishing does. Three long years."

He felt sick at that. Now, he was using his father's own death anniversary to fuel a lie. If someone had backhanded him right then, he would not have fought it. Dear Gum, what this was doing to him. Making him a dishonorable liar who disgraced his poor parents even more with each day! But…but…what other option did he have? Dear Gum, what could he do? Papa, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Gum, I wish you were here…

Ivori nodded, "It's expected but I don't know if that's all it is." She frowned, deeply. Something about Corvi's overall demeanor told her it was something deeper but she was not going to dismiss that young Morri might be expressing curiosity about what happened to his father. After all, he had only been four years old while young Corvi had possessed nine years to his credit. With all the men rushing about, little Cori even could ask questions and who better to ask than their eldest brother? She prayed that was all it was. "See if you can get anything out of them and we'll do what we can to help you, okay?"

Nodding, he thanked her, softly thanking Gum that she did not press as she padded down the hall. Letting out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding, he ventured into the kitchen, unprepared entirely for what he faced.

Gummadoon Kitchen

Gruffi was beginning to think that nothing else would surprise him.

Cubbi, in his typical fashion, had dragged them to as many places as he could in the hour that he had been offered. They had seen the main sitting room where Cubbi had gone on and on about all the wonderful stories he had been told, showing them some scars in the stone, where, supposedly, the one time Gummadoon had been breached, an enemy's blade had cut into the stone only for them to be overrun by Gummi knights from all directions. Then, just as quickly, they had been ushered upstairs, Cubbi never once taking his hands off Gruffi's. The cub had run them down the hall, pointing, "Here's Plucki's, that's Blastus', Gumlittle there. All the squires are over here. Toni is there, oh, he's fun! Loves pranks just like I do, Gruffi! And Martin stays there, he's really quiet but he's fun to talk to and Flynn's there, he's younger than me but I'm still shorter. Grammi when am I gonna get taller? I hate being short. Oh, here's mine!"

It was typical Cubbi, not shutting up for a minute and barely letting anyone else get a word in edge wise.

He loved it.

Now, Cubbi had dragged them back downstairs again, saying they had enough time to grab something to eat (Tummi perked up at that) before they had to venture to the meeting hall. Pushing open the door, he beamed widely and the group found themselves faced with a blue furred cub with wild white hair sitting at the table, watching the side door. "Hey Toni!" Cubbi turned back to his group, "This is Toni, guys! One of the squires I was telling you about!" He turned back to Toni, "Toni, this is my clan!"

"Duh." The cub grinned though and met them with rambunctious eyes, "Hiya!"

Grammi, always taken with children, approached first, "So, you're the famous Toni we've been hearing about."

"Deny all of it and I was no where near when it happened."

Gusto blinked but grinned, "When what happened, kid?"

"Whatever it is I'm potentially in trouble for."

Sunni rolled her eyes but laughed, "Oh great, a twin for Cubbi."

Toni showed her his teeth in a grin, "No way, girlie. I'm older. AND taller." He added to his friend with a good natured smirk.

Cubbi didn't respond to that, asking "What are you doing?"

"Waitin' for Corvi to help me with my wrists." He answered truthfully. "Gumlittle's still helpin' Lucki."

"Oh." Before Cubbi could say another word, the door opened and in walked the requested older squire. He looked a bit frazzled but gave a grin when he saw the guests, "Your family, Cubbi?"

Beaming, Cubbi nodded, "Yep." Whirling about, he eyed the eldest members of his clan, stating, "Grammi, Zummi, THIS is who is teachin' me Old Gummi! Corvi's really good at it." He jumped lightly, still proud that he managed to use the phrases Corvi taught him right. He went to Corvi's side to thank him personally as the teen wordlessly took in their abundance of guests.

"Good?" Toni interrupted, "Corv's fluent."

Oh, that got their attention. Especially from the elder gummies, they stared at Corvi with what could only be described as awe. Feeling a bit put on the spot, he nonetheless could feel Cubbi and Toni just beaming at him, proud to be associated with him and that was…kind of them. Taking a breath, he bowed lightly and took hold of Grammi's hand, "Well met, my lady." he added a small kiss to her hand, then did the same to Sunni, "Cubbi speaks of you with great praise. You obviously have raised him well. I'm honored to train next to him. Meeting those that put such ambition into him is a privilege."

A bit flowery with the language but he supposed that was what Cubbi wanted and he was rewarded with his efforts by a low, "See? See?"

Corvi withdrew from the group, saying, in common now, "Sorry, I need to help Toni patch up his wrists. I'll be glad to talk to you more later though." He pulled some of the herbal pastes and bandages from the cabinets. That was one thing about having a bunch of boys around. You had first aid supplies in abundance. Sitting down at the table, he took the cub's left wrist first, painting on the herbal paste as carefully as he could. The guests had found their seats by then and he did not miss Gruffi or Grammi's horrified looks as they got a first-hand glance at the cub's slashed wrists.

"Great Galloping Gummies" Gruffi breathed, "What happened to you, kid?"

Silence that seemed to permeate the entire kitchen. Corvi wrapped the first wrist tightly before starting on the second. Toni, never one to like beating around the bush, responded to the unaswered question, "That's one reason we called you here. We need some answers so we don't let something like this happened again." The thought of his mother still put a sick feeling in his stomach but nothing was going to be gained by them tip toeing around the issue, "This was caused by Lady Bane and she wasn't even here."

"Lady Bane?" Gusto and Zummi asked as one.

"Yeah, and we've got a bigger problem than her, on top of her." Cubbi frowned at his clan and seemed a bit angry for the first time, "You guys didn't tell me ANYTHING about our past you know."

"Kid," Gruffi interrupted, "Yer not making any sense. What about our past? What worse than Lady Bane, what in Gum happened here?"

Their conversation was interrupted, perhaps thankfully, when a knight stuck his head in, stating, "We're gathering in the council chambers, boys, guests."

Cubbi nodded, "Thanks Sir Jori." The knight darted off and Cubbi eyed his clan again, "Guess we're gonna finally just lay it all out." He was NOT looking forward to this. So many bad memories, bad things that had been going on. So much danger, so many…sad things. "Gruffi, we'll tell you in the Council Chamber. LONG story." He stood by the door with that, clear indication that they needed to be headed out. He was NOT going to fail Sir Plucki in something as simple as getting people to a meeting on time. Even if it meant that his short lived time of good exchanges and happy experiences was about to grind to a halt.

He frowned at the clouds he saw outside. Figured. All these dark things bringing dark weather. Tavi said that magic could do that too. Great.

"Thanks Corv." Toni tested his wrapped wrists as Corvi completed the last tie then jumped up, standing by Cubbi's side, "Grab something to eat if you want though I think it'd be a bad idea." He told their guests, "But be quick. Plucki said one hour, he means one hour. So if they say we're gathering, we need to get there. Plucki can be cranky if he wants to be."

Grammi grasped Cubbi in an embrace when she crossed the kitchen to their side, feeling the heavy atmosphere and on impulse; she reached out and took Toni in one too. The cub stiffened, noticeably but did not pull away. Corvi watched all this stoically, not aware of Gruffi's stout eye on him. He felt a strong urge of jealousy, followed by sadness and such a sudden surge of guilt that he felt sick. His head pounded, his stomach burned. He wanted to collapse under all the weight suddenly feeling in full consciousness on his shoulders. What was he going to do? If his brothers were playing…if they were asking questions…if…

The rumbling outside seemed to fit. Was that the work of Lady Bane too? Was she influencing the weather with her dark magic? Or…Emi even? Had her ability to escape her prison allowed her that kind of power?

And what of Lucki? If he was still with Gumlittle, then…was he truly okay? Or was he…

Seeing Cubbi embraced so strongly, seeing this small group of gummies flow together as if they had always been as they marched towards the doors made his heart sink. Gum…Mama…Papa…I miss you! I need you!

"Toni." He called, "Tell Plucki I'll be late but I'm coming."

Toni stared, "You? Late? To a meeting this big?" His eyes went huge.

"I need some time." He said simply and walked out the second exit. He didn't stop to see if anyone called after him, didn't stop to see how heavy with rain the clouds, didn't stop as some of the knights called for him, inquiring what cub would venture out in this threatening weather. He just walked and that turned into a steady run. He pushed past the knights at the palace gates easily, though he did hear their calls, threatening to retrieve his mentor if he did not return at once. For once, he did not care.

His heart hurt too much to care.

He did not stop until he reached the solemn grounds a good ways from the palace, outside Gummadoon main. By now, the clouds had unleashed their load in a heavy, cold rain. Corvi walked a path he had walked many a time but not in a while, ignoring the wet mud that the rain was pouring all over the ground. Gummadoon's burial grounds were always a quiet, earnest place. His long hair swung into his eyes but he ignored it, taking a left on the first path and to the large section dedicated to Gummadoon's lost soldiers.

He finally came to a stop in front of a familiar marker, one that was frequented by his mother…HAD been frequented.

Sir Gustav Gummi…fallen in battle.

Father.

Falling to his knees, ignoring the horrible stains it would get all over his squire uniform, Corvi stared at the old marker, his heart hurting so badly he thought it would burst. Lady Ivori's reminder had forced everything to the forefront. Papa was gone, Tori was gone and now, now he had failed them both and let Mama die. His brothers were hurting, obviously, and he had no way to make them stop. He did not know what to do. He felt like he had slipped off the edge of an abyss and was being swallowed up by the darkness.

"Papa. I miss you."

Spoken aloud, he lowered his head as the rain thundered down on his head, drenching him from head to toe but he refused to move. "Papa, I miss you. I need you. I…dunno what to—do." His cracking voice snapped at the last line and that pressure slammed down, renewed on his shoulders. There was his brothers, there was the issue of if Lucki was truly 'okay,' there was no longer Mama, no longer Papa, no longer Tori, there was Lady Bane, there was stupid Emi and now his body was going to be yanking him into adulthood even as he dug in his heels in protest.

"Papa, what do I do? What do I do? What do I do?!"

Silence.

Well, not quite.

One good thing about rain. It drenched his whole body, made him look like a drowned rat; he could have leapt into a lake completely and come out looking drier. The rain was relentless, even forming little mini rivers and looking very much like a solid curtain with the speed it came down.

But with his entire face wet, no one could see tears.

So he cried.