The day had appeared as if it were any other beautiful day. The wind had blown softly tickling the trees. To everybody else today was the day everything would change forever. There was absolutely no time to acknowledge the day that was bestowed upon them.
Back at Calvin's castle everybody was hustling on prepping the warriors for battle. The women and children were told to go with Granni to an undisclosed area where the injured would be brought in and treated. For the past 4 days the women and Granni were very busy putting together medical supplies and making endless batches of gummi berry juice. It wasn't an easy task especially with Cubbi making his rounds at the Glenn but it was accomplished.
Tummi had worked none stop with the help of several of Calvin's and several neighboring castle's men to build as many warships as they could. Zummi was wondering around the forest placing spell sheets in various parts in hopes they would set off when he chanted the spells deactivator. Gruffi was nearby to help set traps and to get a sense of the battle ground. As he was setting a trap his mind began to wonder. What exactly was Igthorn planning? Whatever it was he would have hoped it would be enough. Looking up at the sun he knew that they had to hurry. Cubbi was due at the Glenn soon and if he finds out what they were up to he would run back and tell the Barbics.
"Ok Zummi that's the last one! Let's go!"
Placing the last piece of paper he runs back to the Glenn with Gruffi.
"But Gruffi! What about Tummi and Grammi?"
"Don't worry Zummi! We'll worry about that once we get back!"
Gruffi opens up a false tree trunk to reveal one of the entrances to the Glenn.
They both run in to finish up the remaining preparations until they are stopped by the unexpected presence of a pink bear.
Gruffi remains calm while Zummi appears that he is about to have a heart attack.
"Cubbi? What are you doing here?"
"What 's with the sudden interest in my whereabouts Gruffi?"
He glances over at the wizard who is holding some papers.
"The real question is what you two have been up to? "
Noticing how empty the Glenn is he focuses on another question.
"And where are Grammi and Tummi?"
Gruffi puts down his tools and continues to his room as if nothing was wrong.
"Grammi is picking berries and Tummi doesn't live here so he can come and go as he pleases."
He would not be disrespected.
He pulls out his sword and places it against Gruffi's back.
Zummi attempts to intervene but stops because he's too afraid.
Gruffi wasn't scared at all. Instead he turns around to look at Cubbi straight in the eye.
"Not happy with my answer kid? Let me tell you something Cubbi. You might be some fancy knight with the Great Gummies but in this Glenn I'm in charge! If you're going to pull that sword out on me then I suggest you finish job otherwise know your place. I have no problem to help remind you who raised you since you were a cub."
Gruffi takes a hold of the tip of the sword and pushes it to the side.
"Then I'm going to my room if that's alright with you Sir Cubbi?"
Cubbi puts away his sword.
"You're up to something Gruffi. I don't know what but I will be keeping an eye on you."
He walks past the wizard and leaves.
Zummi nearly collapses holding his breath.
'By Gum! That cas wlose- was close!"
Gruffi places a hand on the table to help hold him up. He had called Cubbi on his bluff but if he wanted to he could have killed him.
"Zummi you stay here. I will go and investigate on how close the Great Gummies are. My traps are set and ready to go if triggered. I left instructions for Calvin under the Great Book. If anything should happen while I'm gone just know that Artie is the signal to attack! Do you understand?"
Zummi nods vigorously as if a quick nod wouldn't suffice.
"Please be careful Gruffi!"
The much older bear brings out his hand to shake Gruffi's.
This could be the last time.
To Zummi's surprise Gruffi pulls him into a hug.
"Thank you Zummi."
He let's go and runs out before Cubbi finds out he has left.
Clutching onto the paper Zummi walks over to the Great Book.
He gently drags his hand across the Great Book.
"I'll do whatever I have to."
He opens the book to flip through several pages until he finds himself confronted by a page etched in red ink. In the middle there is a sketch of a gummi chained to what appears to be a monster.
He looks over the page one more time before ripping it from the book and placing it in his pocket.
He could hear Cubbi coming his way.
The knight opens the door and enters the library.
"Zummi? Are you in here?"
Zummi who had hid behind the door quietly approaches the knight.
Sensing something from behind Cubbi turns around to come face to face with a club.
Knocked out, Cubbi lies on the floor as Zummi walks overthe fallen knight.
"I'm sorry Cubbi, but you left me no choice. This should buy us some more time."
Meanwhile on top of a hill stood the painter in his armor.
With his helmet off he stares off into the horizon taking in the view of the ships.
By him stood a very nervous Toadie. He was shaking so bad that his armor was rattling.
Gusto places a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"It's going to be OK Toadie. Do as you're told and you will live."
Brushing his hand off Toadie attempts to stand tall and appear unafraid.
"Toadie no need Gummi. Toadie brave for Dukeums!"
"I would hope so."
After his failed attempt at being macho Toadie resumes to shaking.
There was something that caught the little ogre's eye that was creeping from behind.
Turning around he sees a huge spider approaching them.
"When's lunch?"
Her voice carried itself in a very sophisticated tone.
"AHHHH! SP-SP-SP- SPIDER!"
Gusto quickly turns around only to relax when he realizes who it was.
"Hello Spinster."
The gigantic spider that was locked up for centuries by the Great Gummies lets out a sadistic laugh.
"Hello Gummi bear or should I say lunch?"
Unimpressed by her threats he turns his back on her to point down at the ships.
"Remember Spinster those are your targets."
Looking down her smile grows even more.
"Oh what a delicious treat! So many to!"
Gusto had originally hated the idea of teaming up with the spider. Her attentions were to eat the gummies while Gusto continuously tried to inform her that gummies were only to be taken captive and not killed.
"Spinster you already know you can't eat them."
She would not be bossed around by a bear.
"Really? And what are you going to do about it if I do hmmm?"
"Lady Bane is here and I heard that for her to perform one of her most powerful magic spells she needs the blood of the rare giant arachnid. Know of anybody in particular Spinster?"
Disgusted Spinster decides to head to her post.
"Very well Gummi. You win this time."
Breathing a sigh of relief Gusto continues to look out for Artie.
In the distance he can see the toucan.
"There he is. Alright Toadie, go tell Igthorn that we're ready."
"Toadie knows Gummi!"
The tiny ogre runs off flustered.
The toucan is now close. He looks down to find his best friend.
He makes a safe landing on his shoulder.
"Fancy finding you here Augustus ."
"Hey Artie. You ready?"
That was a silly question. If he wasn't he wouldn't have given off the signal.
"Nope! Just thought it was a beautiful day to be flying that's all."
Artie and his endless smart ass humor.
Gusto points out to the ocean for the toucan to see.
""It's begun."
A soldier on the boat notices a shadow passing underneath the boat.
"What was that?"
He walks over to the edge and looks down into the water.
Gusto smiles.
"Rise Leviathan."
The shadow in the water begins to grow.
"CAPTAIN! CAPTAIN! There's something in the water!"
But it was too late.
The white hair giant soon rises knocking several ships with it.
Finally reaching the beach Gruffi witnesses the scene in front of him.
"By Gum! It's already begun!"
"Well well! If it isn't the traitor loving gummi."
He could recognize that rough voice anywhere.
"Gritty!"
Along with the grey bear stood his son Buddi.
It's been years since Gruffi had seen the cub.
Now he stands taller than Gritty and appeared a bit scruffier.
He had lost his hood and allowed his hair to grow out.
The colored patch around his eye gave him a look of innocence but his scars told another story. He was no longer that cub he knew but instead he was raised to become a fighter and a killer even.
"Do you have anything to do with this!"
He points out to the ocean where several ships were under attack by the giant.
"Yes I did!"
He was outnumbered.
"Gruffi?"
His heart had skipped a beat. Was that really her?
From behind the two men revealed the woman he had once loved.
"Ursa?"
She had left him to be with Gritty. They had lost touch since then. She had a couple of grey hairs but they blended easily into her long blonde locks. She had small bags under her eyes but to him she still remained beautiful.
She was at first nervous to approach him but remembered she had a job to do.
"What have done?"
"Me? This is your doing?"
"What are you talking about! We're here to greet the Great Gummies!"
"Really? How long did you know?"
"Know what?"
"Know that they were coming! Huh? Why were the Glenn Gummies left in the dark about the Great Gummies coming!"
Gritty began to grow impatient.
"Stand back Ursa! He's a traitor just like that Gusto!"
Pulling out a knife he charges at the bear.
"Gritty stop!"
Instead of hearing her please Gritty pushes her to the side.
"Move Ursa!"
Gruffi seeing how quickly the situation had went from bad to worst is quick to grab his gummi berry juice. Removing the cork he chugs it down. Instantly he bounces out the way.
He continues to dodge out of the way and towards Ursa.
He bounces over to her.
"You ok?"
She dusts herself off and takes the hand offered to her to help her up.
"YOU TRAITOR!"
Seeing Gritty trying another shot at stabbing him he grabs hold of Ursa and bounces out of the way.
"Buddi! Sound the alarm!"
Pulling out a horn he palces it against his lips and blows.
Along the abandoned path a carriage makes its way through the forest. Inside sits a very pregnant Queen Calla alongside her best friend Sunni.
The bear's ears perk when she hears the sound of the horn.
"Is something wrong Sunni?"
"Did you just hear that?"
"Yes, it appeared to have sounded like a horn."
"That wasn't just any horn. That was Buddi's horn."
Not fully understanding the Queen presses harder.
"And what of it?"
"That horn is only to be blown when the Barbics are under attack."
Looking worried Calla places a hand on her shoulder.
"He'll be alright Sunni. He's a warrior now. He was born to deal with situations like-"
Not expecting the sudden pause Sunni looks over to her friend.
"Calla?"
"Sunni…the baby's coming."
The bear's eyes trace down to the floor of the carriage where a puddle now lies.
"Oh my gosh! STOP THE CARRIAGE!"
The carriage comes to a sudden halt.
The midwives run out of there carriages and approach the Queen's.
"My lady what is wrong? Is it time?"
Sunni opens the door and leads Calla out by her hand.
"YES! It's time!"
Remaining calm the midwives run over to place down several blankets while another builds a fire to boil water.
Sunni orders for the men to find firewood as she remains by her friend's side comforting her through her first pregnancy.
"Sunni! He's coming!"
"I know! Just breathe! Ok? Breathe exactly how we practiced! You can do this Calla! I know you can!"
Back at the beach Gruffi stands his ground.
"What's the matter Gritty? Can't handle a Glenn gummi?"
"Let's see how brave you are when the Great Gummies get here."
Gruffi points up to the sky and smiles.
"That's IF they get here."
All three of the barbics look up towards a hill in the distance.
"Is that Gusto?"
"Looks like we found the source of the attacks."
Buddi had no problem killing Gusto. Ever since he had been with Sunni all she could ever talk about was Gusto. Their relationship had nearly hit rock bottom because she could never let that bear go. Maybe if he were killed she could continue on with their relationship.
Gusto places a hand up waving for the second wave to hit.
Suddenly a race of vulture like creatures began to swoop down toward the ships.
A gummi captain notices.
"CARPIES! GUMMIES ATTACK!"
Each ship was stationed with several wizards just in case they were attack.
The wizards began to chant several spells zapping the Carpies.
Dodging the attacks a number of Carpies break through and scoop up several gummies to only drop them in the ocean.
Nearby ships join in and pressure the Carpies to back off.
The attacks allow the other ships to pass by unharmed making it to land.
Once there the ships drop anchor only allowing warriors and wizards to participate in the fight.
Cavin sees the ships. He puts on his helmet and lifts his sword up giving the signal for his men to attack.
"FOR DUNWYN!"
The sea of horses run down from the cliff and head down directly to the beach.
The Gummies become aware of Cavin's attack and place there wizards behind the warriors.
A Gammadoon Knight takes front line.
"GUMMIES! ATTACK!"
The warriors pull out there swords and run towards Cavin's army in full force.
The wizards set up a wall of fire for defense while others cast spells that set off bolts of lightning.
The collision sounds like an explosion.
The sounds of horses whining mix in with the screams and cries of the men and Gummies.
More ships make it to land releasing a sea of gummies.
Cavin is joined by other kings who have decided to take part in the war.
Igthorn watched in the distance waiting for the signal.
Lady Bane stands nearby with her troggles.
"I find it amazing that you're putting all your trust on a Gummi. What would stop him from betraying you?"
Paying no mind to her he keeps an eye for the signal.
"Augustus wouldn't betray me."
"You say that confidently. It appears that that gummi has you wrapped around his pinky Igthorn."
"Just have the spells ready witch."
"Do you think mind controlling this many soldiers is easy? Soon Leviathan will be free from my spell."
And there it was. Artie was flying in a circle.
"There! Ogres! Charge!"
The Ogres begin to charge down the cliff side.
Lady bane unimpressed sits down far away from the battle.
Igthorn puts on his armor but he doesn't follow his ogres.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm needed elsewhere."
She wasn't stupid. She knew that Igthorn was worried about that Gummi.
Taking note on Gusto's location Gritty lights a bomb.
"Let's go Buddi."
Gruffi confused runs over to the pair.
"Where do you think you're going!"
"Somewhere you can't follow."
With no regard to Ursa he throws the bomb towards Gruffi.
"GRUFFI! LOOK OUT!"
Seeing the bomb Gruffi runs and jumps into the ocean.
The bombs explosion was massive. He could feel the ripples in the water and see several fish scatter. Swimming up and coughing from lack of air he looks around to only find Ursa running towards him.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah I'm fine! Where did they go?"
"They went after Gusto!"
"Then what are we waiting for! We need to save Gusto!"
The toucan makes one last circle and lands back on Gusto's shoulder.
"Good job Artie. Now rest."
The bird did appear to be very tired.
About to close his eyes he sees a shadow.
"GUSTO! LOOK OUT!"
He instantly pulls out his sword narrowly missing the sword being brought down on him.
"Hello Gusto."
Gusto pushes his attacker back and swings once but misses.
"Buddi."
Gritty reveals himself from the bushes.
"I thought I smelled a traitor."
Gusto was more than happy to play the blame game with these two.
"Funny how I'm painted the traitor but it was the Barbics who were the real traitors."
Gritty lets out a laugh.
"Us? Please! Do you see us standing proudly with Igthorn? Rumor has it that not only are you on his side but you're his personal pet as well!"
Buddi uses this opportunity to try and swipe at the painter.
Gusto dodges and plunges his sword forward barely hitting Buddi on the shoulder.
Stepping back Buddi winces as blood trickles from his shoulder.
"I'm more surprised that you're here Buddi. Especially since the Great Gummies mentioned about killing Sunni in that letter."
"What are you talking about?"
Gritty interferes.
"Don't listen to him Buddi! Just kill him!"
"Oh he didn't tell you?"
Buddi turns to face his father.
"Tell me what?"
Before Gusto could finish Gritty lunges forward slashing his knife down.
"DIE TRAITOR!"
The sound of a clang disrupts the fight.
Gritty is lifted by the collar and thrown like a rag doll.
"FATHER!"
The man stands proud and walks over to the blue bear.
"Are you alright?"
Gusto dusts himself off and stands along with Igthorn.
"Now I am."
Igthorn pulls Gusto out of the way when he sees Buddi lifting his sword to swing.
Artie flying above sees Gritty lighting a small bomb.
"WATCHOUT!"
Seeing the bomb being thrown Igthorn grabs hold of Gusto trying to cover him with his body in a hug. The bomb hits the floor nearby causing an explosion with enough force throwing the two off the hill.
Stunned from the blast Gusto looks up quick enough to see Buddi jumping down towards them sword in hand ready to stab him.
The blue bear rolls swiftly to the side. Reaching down he notices he had lost his sword during the blast.
Smiling Buddi walks over prepared to kill the defenseless gummi.
"What's wrong Gusto? No sword to defend yourself?"
"I might not have a sword but I have him."
Buddi turns around to be confronted with a fist.
Flying several feet from the impact Buddi easily shakes it off and stands back up.
"Filthy human! You fight with no honor!"
Rubbing his knuckles Igthorn smiles.
"Whoever said I fight with honor was lying."
Gusto's smirk quickly turned to shock.
"IGTHORN TURN AROUND!"
It was too late. Using his arm to block the attack he could feel the sword slash cutting through it. His armor was damaged due to the blast exposing himself to harm's way.
Grabbing hold of his arm he looks up to indentify his attacker.
"No honor you say? What a surprise."
Gritty smiles at the sound of the voice.
"Happy you can finally join us Sir Cubbi."
Putting aside his blood covered sword he looks over at Gusto.
"No surprise that you would have something to do with this."
The three surround the pair.
Gritty lights up another bomb.
"Let's finish this."
Just as he was about to throw it he could feel the bomb being taken from him.
"HEY!"
Looking up he can see the toucan flying about with the lit bomb.
"WAY TO GO ARTIE!"
Smiling he drops the bomb by Buddi.
Gritty tries to get to him in time.
"BUDDI! JUMP!"
Taking a step back he knows there was no time and takes the full force of the blast. Blown several feet he lands hard and unconscious.
"BUDDI!"
Fatherly instincts kick in to run to his son but he was pulled back by Cubbi.
"He's fine! Let's rid ourselves of these two first!"
Growling he charges towards the injured man.
"You'll pay!"
Fighting with one useful arm wasn't fun.
Cubbi stalks the painter pointing his swords towards him.
"Let's end this chapter shall we Gusto?"
Picking up his lost sword from the floor he points it right back at his attacker.
"Don't think for a second I won't kill you Cubbi."
Smiling he runs towards him.
"I was just about to say the same Gusto!"
Their swords collide violently.
Gruffi could hear swords colliding. They were close.
"Come on Ursa!"
Just as he was about to move forward he could feel the sharp edge of a sword on his back.
Not believing what he was feeling he turns to see Ursa placing her sword against his back.
"What are you doing?"
Near tears she holds her ground.
"That's my family up there Gruffi. I'm sorry but I can't let you interfere."
"You're not serious! If we don't stop them they'll kill each other and-"
"That's the Gummi way."
She had chosen her path even if it meant death.
"Fight me Gruffi. If you don't then I'll have to kill you."
He wasn't going to play this game. Not now when Gusto's life was endanger.
"No."
"No? Then it's your demise."
Charging at him Gruffi takes a step to the side. Missing him she lands directly on one of the traps he had set up earlier.
The net lifts her off the floor forcing her to drop her sword leaving her entangled in the net.
"GRUFFI!"
Taking her sword he doesn't look back.
"Goodbye Ursa."
Cubbi was real surprised by Gusto's sword skills. He was at the level of that of a knight.
He couldn't get a hit in.
Now by the cliffs edge Cubbi can now see the full force of the attack. In the distance he can see more ships arriving but those were definitely not those of the Great Gummies. Cannons are fired hitting several of the Great Gummies ships.
"Tummi!"
Those were Tummi ships. Through Cubbi's eyes they had all betrayed him.
"Traitors!"
He slashes down causing Gusto to dodge. Seeing the opportunity he punches the blue bear in the stomach.
"UGH!"
Falling to one knee Cubbi stands above him. He brings up his sword ready to bring it down on the fallen bear.
Igthorn desperately dodging the one eye bear's attacks can see that Gusto was in trouble.
"AUGUSTUS!"
Just inches from the bear's neck he is surprised to hear a clang and not the sound of his sword slicing into the bear.
Cubbi growls and sees a sword placed underneath his.
Gusto couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Angered the knight violently swings the sword away.
"GRUFFI!"
He stares deep into his son's eyes.
"That's enough Cubbi."
Pulling away his sword he points it towards Gruffi.
"Stop treating me like a cub! I'll say when we've had enough!"
He swings his sword nearly slicing open the bear he once looked at as a father figure.
"I warned you that if you even so thought of protecting Gusto that I would kill you."
"Cubbi you don't have to do this!"
"Yes I do! I am a knight!"
"Then do it."
Gruffi stands there with his arms open.
"DO IT!"
Lifting his sword he points it forward.
He doesn't move.
Gritty takes another swipe at Igthorn forcing the man to fall back.
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR CUBBI! DO IT!"
Gruffi keeps his eyes locked on his son.
"Do it Cubbi. Show them what type of knight you are."
He lifts his sword up and begins to charge.
"ARGHHHH!"
He slams his sword on the floor.
He couldn't do it.
Looking up he meets father's eyes.
"I can't."
Gruffi stood there in disbelief. Never has he ever been so proud of his son.
With Igthorn down Gritty pulls out another sword and walks towards Gruffi's direction.
"If you won't do it then I will!"
Charging in full force Gritty charges with full intentions to kill.
Cubbi runs forward only to fall on his face. Looking back he sees an injured Buddi holding onto his ankle.
Everything had slowed down. Cubbi wouldn't have reached his dad in time. He was going to be killed and there was nothing he could do about it.
Like a deer in headlights Gruffi freezes.
He was going to die.
"PUSH CALLA! PUSH!"
The screams of the Queen fill the forest. Everybody works effortlessly to help the Queen survive her first attempt at giving birth.
Sunni holds her hand and reminds her to breathe.
"You can do this!"
"AGHH! Sunni …I CAN'T!"
"Yes! Yes you can!"
With blankets ready the midwife smiles when she sees the head appear.
"My Queen! I can see the head! Your son is almost here!"
"AGHHHH!"
"PUSH!"
Then there was a sudden feeling of warmth wrapping around him. That touch. He hasn't felt that touch in years. Gusto had run up and placed himself in front of Gruffi. He was hugging his past lover.
He couldn't breathe.
He was with him again. Even for a moment he was hugging Gusto.
Igthorn had tried with all his might to run to them.
Gusto had used the opportunity to whisper into Gruffi's ear,
"I'm sorry."
Soon her screams turn into tears when the forest fills with the cries of the new prince.
Sunni lights up and hugs her friend.
"Oh Calla! You're a mom!"
The midwives wrap the prince and pass Calla's son over to her.
Tired she softly places a kiss on his forehead.
"Oh he's so perfect."
She sobs softly. Emotions fill her heart at what both she and her husband had created.
"And what of his name my Queen?"
Smiling she looks over at Sunni.
"Just as his life was created from our union so will his name. Hello my prince, my precious Calvin."
She carefully hands the baby over to Sunni who holds him adoringly.
"Calvin? Aww it's perfect Calla!"
"DIE!"
The sound of metal cutting through flesh was gut wrenching.
Opening his eyes Gruffi can still feel Gusto holding onto him.
Pulling away he observes the painter.
"You're OK!"
Confused Gusto quickly looks back to see Igthorn behind him with a sword plunged into his abdomen.
"No-"
Igthorn stands there holding the sword that has just pierced him in place.
Trickles of blood soon seep out of his fresh wound. Letting out a soft cough Igthorn smiles and spits blood on the ground.
"Are you alright Augustus?"
And just as fast it happened it ended. Gusto with little to no hesitation let go of Gruffi to run over to Igthorn.
Pulling out the sword Gritty smiles and with a snarky remark says,
"One down, two to go."
Igthorn holding onto his wound begins to spit up blood.
"IGTHORN!"
Gusto was panicking.
Falling to his side Gusto catches him.
"NO! NO! NO! Stay with me!"
He cradles his head to help prevent the man from drowning in his own blood.
"Aug-us…"
"Don't talk! I'm getting help! JUST HANG ON! ARTIE! ARTIE!"
Hearing his friend's cries the toucan swoops down.
"Artie! GET HELP! HURRY!"
The toucan nods and flies off.
Gritty unmoved by the commotion in front of him goes in for the kill.
"What's a pet without a master? Best thing to do is putting you down along with him."
"SHUT UP! I'm tired of your babbling!"
"Really Gusto? That's all you got? What's this human to you anyway that you would die for him?"
Tears streaming down his face he keeps a brave face.
"I…I…"
It's like he knew what he was about to say, the way he held him, the way he cried for him. That's when Gruffi put it together. The look on his face was something Gusto could never forget. He could literally tell when Gruffi's heart broke.
Stepping in Gruffi finishes what Gusto was about to say sealing the chapter the two bears once shared.
"He loves him."
Gusto remains speechless.
"WHAT!" Gritty shouts in disgust.
"With a human! This…THIS is an abomination that needs to be put to rest!"
Seeing Gritty lift his sword Gusto once more cradles the wounded man's head.
"NO! I WON'T LET YOU!"
Seeing a window of opportunity Cubbi kicks Buddi in the face forcing the bear to release his ankle.
He gets up and runs over to his sword.
Lifting it from the floor he charges at Gritty.
"ENOUGH!"
Cubbi brings down his sword and instead of aiming for Gritty's sword he cuts off his right hand.
"AAAGGGGGHHHHH!"
Buddi attempts to get up but remains still when Cubbi is quick to turn and place his sword in his face.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"You got us Cubbi I get it. At least let me help stop the bleeding."
"Try anything funny and I won't have any problems telling Sunni why I had to kill her fiancé."
He places his hands up as a gesture that he has surrendered. Cubbi allows him to go over and treat his father's wound.
About to get up Buddi notices something in the horizon.
"Is that Zummi?"
Gruffi looks as well to see his friend on top of the adjacent cliff.
This wasn't part of the plan. What was he up to?
Looking over the ocean Zummi can't help but think that this was it. There was no turning back now. He had already begun the spell. The papers he had scattered around the woods began to give off a soft glow.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be the one responsible for closing the chapter on Gummies life forever. Our time in this world is over. We will finally become the fairy tale humans have always spoke of."
It was a depressing thought. Tears had begun to form in his eyes but he is quick to shake them off.
The wind was quickly increasing. The sky darkened. Rain fell from the angry skies.
For a moment everybody stopped to observe what was going on around them.
Leaving behind Buddi to care for his father, Cubbi walks up to stand by Gruffi.
"What's he doing! Whatever spell he's casting is meant to be very powerful if it's having this much effect on the environment!"
"I need to go to him!"
"Gruffi you'll be killed! A spell of that caliber will engulf its caster and along with anybody around it!"
With no time to spare Gruffi begins to head over to the adjacent cliff.
Knowing that there was no reasoning with that stubborn bear Cubbi tags along.
With the waves unruly Tummi and his team had anchored there ships to only sit and watch the show unfold.
Sadly looking up Tummi keeps an eye on the wizard.
"Zummi…"
A blue beam shoots down from the sky to only engulf the elder bear.
Gruffi couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Zummi was now levitating as chains wrap themselves around his arms and legs. The blue light remains on the bear as a shadow forms beneath him. A claw like hand is seen reaching out from the shadow followed by another.
Pushing itself up a monster reveals itself as the God of Death.
Stopping in his tracks Gruffi is like a deer in headlights.
"Impossible…"
The monster pulls itself completely out and stand behind Zummi.
He pulls an ancient sword from its sheath.
In ancient tongue that Zummi has familiarized himself with the monster asks,
"Why have you summoned me?"
There were rules that came with summoning such a dark and unforgiving monster.
You could have just one desire fulfilled if it was suitable to what was allowed, but with it came a price.
Right when he was about to answer he is interrupted by his long time friend Gruffi.
"ZUMMI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"
With the light surrounding him his eyes no longer showed his eyes but instead they glowed the same blue as the beam.
"Gruffi?"
Smiling he was happy to have at least somebody there with him. He wasn't alone.
About to take a step closer Cubbi stops him.
"Gruffi no! Can't you see? He's too far deep in the spell. He has already lost his sight."
Smiling warmly Zummi turns to the voices.
"Ah Cubbi is with you. I'm so happy things worked out."
"Zummi stop this now!"
Frowning the wizard turns in the direction he thinks is the ocean.
"I can't Gruffi."
"What? WHY!"
"The spell I was looking to cast required over 50 hard years of training. With no time left I acquired a spell that can allow the caster a one time use of such a power."
He rips off his medallion and throws it in the direction of Gruffi and Cubbi.
Catching it Gruffi looks down at it confused.
"What is it you're trying to do?"
With another smile Zummi places a hand on his heart.
"Our time here is over Gruffi. I'm sending The Great Gummies back to Gummadoon and sealing it from reappearing ever again."
Cubbi was stunned enough that he had to cut in.
"That means…"
"Yes Cubbi. With Ursa being too old and Sunni being the only fertile female we will die off."
"By Gum…"
"We will become nothing but a fairy tale after a couple of years. Humans and Gummies will never get along. Our place is in Gummadoon and the human's are right here."
With the spell set the two other bears realize this has become their fate.
The monster pushes itself up to stand behind the wizard.
"But…but what about you!"
"The spell is a forbidden spell for a reason."
The monster pulls out his sword from his sheath.
Cubbi could only stand there with his mouth gapped open.
With another smile he replies
"The caster must pay with his life."
The monster pushes his sword straight into the warm hearted and loving wizard's back.
Both Cubbi and Gruffi cry out for their friend.
"ZUMMI!"
"ZUMMI!"
With the sword piercing through his chest he holds onto it for balance.
"It's…ok Gruffi. Tell Grammi that I'm sorry. Goodbye my friends…my family…my gummies."
With his life drifting away the monster eventually glows in blue and turns into spiritual particles that blow away in the wind.
With the sword gone Zummi's body slowly begins to fall.
Tears flowing from his eyes Gruffi runs to his falling friend.
Zummi's body begins to glow just like the monster's did.
His body was beginning to turn into dust particles being lost to the wind.
Upon reaching his friend Gruffi reaches around to catch him but instead the bear is greeted to air.
Looking into his empty hands Gruffi collapses onto his knees.
Tears and anger fill him. Holding onto the medallion he screams
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! ZUMMI!"
Cubbi tried his hardest not to cry. Knights don't cry but today one did.
The blue particles slowly rise to clouds. The clouds take on the same blue glow and transfer the glow into the falling raindrops.
With everybody looking up they all try to understand the events befalling them.
A blue drop hits a gummi's nose. The bear soon is covered in the same blue glow.
This process is repeated to any gummi coming from Gummadoon.
Looking down Cubbi can see nearly ever bear covered in a blue aura.
Tummi took it all in as nearby Gummi ships are also covered in blue.
What happened next was even more unbelievable.
Every single bear and ship covered in the blue aura were now being lifted from the ground and floating.
Lady Bane was quick to sit up and watch in disbelief.
The gummies and ships were being dragged into the center of the battlefield that had taken place in the ocean.
The winds had grown violent and an awful voice is heard saying
"So be it…"
With one last flash blinding all temporarily, The Great Gummies were gone and sent back to Gumadoon where Gummi Bear civilization will remain forever.
OK last chapter coming up! I see that a lot of people are reading and even putting under favorites so I have no clue as to why there is not even one review. I hope you all are enjoying! I had posted a poster for this story. My name on deviant art is also Pchanny and the art piece has the same FOREVER GUSTO title. Tried linking it but it won't allow me. Thanks Guys!