Chapter 5: Gilbert's Secret Threat

Finally, Snowflake returned to Antarctica, and saw Scamper in the nest with his kids, telling them stories of his adventures past.

"The leopard seal had us trapped on our own iceberg," said Scamper. "And no matter how much ice we threw at it, it wouldn't give up. It was determined to have us for its breakfast. We were about to be eaten by it, when all of the sudden, a gigantic killer whale broke through the iceberg and chased off the seal. Our iceberg was greatly reduced in size, but we managed to survive yet another day out at sea."

"Wow," said Walker. "You've been on the greatest adventures, papa!" Scamper chuckled at this, and saw Snowflake returning from her trip.

"Snowflake's back," said Scamper. The kids turned around and saw their mother coming towards them.

"Mama's back!" said Louise. The kids got up and ran to hug their mother. Scamper got up and walked to hug his mate.

"Hi, Scamper," said Snowflake.

"Hi, Snowflake," said Scamper. The two penguins hugged each other lovingly.

"Papa," asked Walker. "Can you tell us the next story before you leave again?"

"Now, kids," said Scamper. "I have to leave now to get more food for you."

"Aw, come on papa, please?" begged Louise.

"Just one more?" pleaded Walker.

"Oh, okay," smiled Scamper. He and Snowflake sat down to tell their kids about the bad men.

"Alright," said Scamper. "Your mother and I were able to survive for a few more days before we were rescued by a bunch of men on a boat. But, then we realized that…"

"Scamper, sir!" called Bert, running up to them. "Scamper, sir, come quick!" Scamper stopped the story and turned around to face Bert.

"What is it, Bert?" asked Scamper.

"It's about your father, sir!" said Bert. Scamper got up immediately.

"Okay, I'm on it," said Scamper. "Where is he?"

"Over that hill, sir!" said Bert.

"But papa," whined Walker. "You didn't finish the story."

"I'll finish it later," said Scamper. "Right now, I've got bigger problems to deal with." Scamper and Bert went off to see what the deal was, leaving Snowflake to care for the children.

When Scamper and Bert arrived to where Gilbert was, he was being supported by Gracie, and examined by Mr. Feather.

"Papa," said Scamper. "Are you alright?"

"I… don't know," said Gilbert weakly. Scamper touched his father's flipper.

"OW!" he said, pulling his flipper away.

"Mr. Feather, what's wrong with my papa?" asked Scamper. Mr. Feather had a grim look on his face.

"Should we tell him?" asked Mr. Feather. Gilbert nodded. Mr. Feather sighed.

"Scamper, have you ever wondered why you were appointed the leader in the first place?" asked Mr. Feather.

"All the time," said Scamper.

"Do you remember the attack from the bad men just before your coronation?" asked Mr. Feather.

"Yeah," said Scamper. "We all thought he was dead when he didn't come back right away. It was a good thing I saved him. But he was alright after that, wasn't he?"

"Wrong," said Mr. Feather. "During the fighting, he was attacked by one of the bad men. That man injected a poison in him. After the fight, he wasn't feeling well, and Rosie diagnosed him with poisoning. He was quarantined for the rest of the year, which was why he wasn't present during your coronation. The poison gives immediate pain, then subsides for a few years, and then, when you least expect it, it returns to kill you."

"So the poison's back?" asked Scamper.

"I'm afraid so," said Mr. Feather. "I estimate that he has about four months of life left. That should give him plenty of time to make out his will."

"His will?" squeaked Scamper. "You mean we can't do anything?"

"I'm sorry, Scamper," said Mr. Feather. "Once he's been poisoned, there's nothing we can do."

"We'll just see about that," said Scamper. "Those men are really smart, they must have a cure for it. I'll leave tomorrow to find them and…"

"Scamper, Scamper, Scamper," said Mr. Feather. "Haven't you been paying any attention to my logic classes? I'm afraid your father doesn't stand a chance."

"That's what you said about Scamper and Snowflake when they were lost at sea," said Gilbert weakly. "But they made it back safely."

"Besides, Mr. Feather," said Scamper. "You're the one always telling me to explore with my mind."

"Scamper!" snapped Mr. Feather. "You still don't understand me! You never understood me, and you'll never will! I'm telling you clearly that your father is as good as dead!"

"Do it, Scamper," said a mournful Gracie. "Try to save him."

"I promise, mama," said Scamper. "I'll do my best."