Gumball and Penny whirled through the portal, as vibrant colors and past memories cascaded past them. All of their families' memories and experiences were flashing before their very eyes...literally.
Soon, they could see a vibrant light indicating that they were close to exiting the portal; and back to the world they called home.
Instantaneously they stumbled onto the cool marble floor of an office space.
After being dazed for a few moments, Gumball and Penny were greeted with a host of hugs and tears; as the entire Watterson family was relieved to be together again...back home where they belong...or at least, their home world.
"Dad! Mom! We did it!"
Tristan and Penelope shouted in jubilation, as Gumball and Penny wrapped their arms around their kids.
"I told you we would Dad!"
Tristan said in jubilation, as Gumball looked downwards to his chest and stomach, where the small kitten had wrapped his arms around the larger feline's waist.
Gumball chuckled and smiled, as he ruffled the fur on top of his son's head.
"You sure did, kiddo...you sure did."
Gumball and Tristan smiled at one another, as they hugged once more, both audibly purring with each other to indicate their happiness and comfort.
Suddenly, as they pulled away, they were able to gain a bearing on the office around them.
Commotion was heard from the office door, as it swung open to reveal Rob and his llama secretary.
"Oh thank goodness! I was worried the portal was not going to be able to triangulate the origin position of the last portal that sent you to the Void, but I'm thankful that you are here in tact and all in one piece!"
Rob stated with a slightly anxious tone in his voice, as he soon approached the Watterson family.
"I don't think I need to explain the gratitude and thanks this entire town, no, the entire WORLD owes to you and your family, Gumball. From the bottom of all of our hearts...thank you, Gumball Watterson."
Gumball scratched the back of his neck as he heard these words from his friend and former arch-nemesis. Before his eyes widened with an idea, as he quickly approached the glitched humanoid figure.
The blue feline smiled, as he wrapped his arms around Rob for a warm embrace and hug.
The glitched humanoid was stunned at first by this sudden show of affection, but quickly transitioned to a smile, as he too wrapped his arms around the blue feline.
"No Rob, thank you bro...without your notes and guidance through the Void, we would still be stranded there running around in circles without a clue of what to do to get back home! Really...the town and my family owe YOU!"
As Gumball said this, the Watterson family surrounded the two friends hugging and began a group hug.
Rob began to tear up at this, as thoughts began to swirl around in his head.
"They're...thanking me?!"
The glitched figure, soon had tears began to well up in his eyes from joy and happiness.
Never in his life, had he felt such affection and appreciation, much less from the very person he had once swore was his enemy and nemesis. An annoying blue cat boy who had driven him to his limits in patience and contempt.
But now? This former nemesis...had now truly become a lifelong friend that he never forgot...even as he parted ways with Elmore back in California when he and the Watterson's defeated the Void all those years ago as kids...he never forgot the impact that annoying fur-ball had on him through it all...
The Watterson's soon disengaged their hug, as Gumball was the last to let go of his old friend.
Rob smiled slightly, as his eyes were on the verge of letting those restrained tears fall without any regret or embarrassment in doing so.
"Thank you...thank you all...for everything."
The glitched figure, soon took out a handkerchief he had kept in his suit pocket, and began to wipe away some of the welled up tears from his eyes.
After a few moments, he regained a semblance of his former composure, as he looked to the Watterson's.
"Well, I'd say all of us have had a rather...anxious and stressful time processing all of this, huh?"
Rob asked, as the rest of the family had a relieved laughter fill the room, as Rob also joined in.
"Well, you can certainly say it was eventful!"
Anais stated, as Rob chuckled.
"Well, I'd say the few hours of stress we had here on our end was nothing compared to what you faced in those days in the Void!"
Rob stated, as the family looked to each other, as Nicole stepped forward.
"Well, actually Rob, it was more of a "Trip down memory lane" than anything else. In all honesty, it presented to us just how much all of us had persevered and prevailed through the years...and why we're still a loving family together today."
Rob smiled, as Nicole finished her statement.
"And here I thought the Void was completely merciless and unforgiving...it turns out that it still had some residual effects of good in it as well."
Rob then turned to the llama secretary who had nudged his arm.
"Oh, right!"
Rob graciously and carefully took the concealed item from his secretary's hooves, as he turned back to the Watterson's with an expression of admiration.
"Gumball, the rest of the Watterson family, it is my honor and privilege on behalf of Little Elmore to present to you..."
Rob soon uncovered the item, to reveal a golden key with the inscription engraved into its metallic frame: "In honor of the Watterson family, who through their sacrifice and bravery, saved not only Little Elmore, but the world as a whole. From all of the citizens of our settlement, we present the key to the city; to forever have your memory immortalized and enshrined for generations to come."
Gumball and the rest of the family were completely stunned and humbled at the gift and offering of gratitude.
Gumball soon stepped forward on behalf of the rest of the family once again, as he raised his paw in a hesitant gesture of acquiescence.
"Rob, we...I..."
Rob soon waved his hand to stop his friend from continuing any further, as he gave a warm smile.
"Please Gumball, you and your family have already done so much more than this "Key to the City" could ever suffice to match...but the town just had to show their gratitude towards you all. All of our services to you and yours are also free of charge, and you're always welcome in this corner of the globe anytime. I've already ensured that your family knows of our coordinates, so should you ever need help or assistance in the future...always know that you have family and friends here in Little Elmore as well!"
Rob finished his heartfelt words, as Gumball stood there motionless. The kid he used to annoy and be an absolute pain in the butt, was thanking him? Was this an alternate reality from what he had known in all of their hostile confrontations with one another?
Gumball soon placed his paws and claws on the Key carefully, admiring its craftmanship and the words that were dedicated to his family.
Gumball warmly smiled, as Rob nodded, insisting to him non verbally: "Take it...you have earned it."
"Thank you Rob...and I'm so sorry for all of those years that we spent fighting one another and being at each other's throats...and for making Darwin and I making you a villain...you didn't deserve any of that at all..."
Rob's smile then transitioned to an expression of ponderance and regret.
"Gumball...I have felt the same way too buddy...I never meant to commit or cause any of the harm I inflicted on you and your family...but if there wasn't a purpose for me to be in Elmore...I would have been sent back to the Void...alone."
Gumball was shocked to hear this, how could he have been so oblivious?! Rob wasn't really there to be an evil mastermind...he was there to feel a sense of purpose and belonging...something he never had in the Void.
Gumball soon smiled once more, as he gave a reassuring expression to Rob.
"It's okay...I forgive you...we shouldn't have given you the option of being the villain...something you never wanted to be in the first place."
Gumball glanced at the key once more, and the word "family", soon flashed across his eyes as he had an idea.
"Rob?"
The glitched humanoid averted his eyes away from the office floor, as he looked back up towards the blue cat.
"You...told me that my family and I would always have friends and family here in Little Elmore, right?"
Rob looked back with a confused expression.
"I did say that, but what exactly are you implying Gumball?"
Gumball smiled, as he took his friend's hand and placed it on the key next to his paw.
"Well, maybe you don't have to remain as "Little Elmore" anymore...maybe you can return back with us? You said all of you have magic here, right? So...there must be a way for you and your citizens to teleport us back to Elmore, and then we don't have to be apart! Elmore can become your home once more!"
Gumball said this with excitement in his tone and inflection in his voice, as Rob smiled momentarily. He quickly transitioned to an expression of contemplation, as he faintly smiled to his friend.
"That, sounds like a wonderful idea Gumball...but what about our magic? That's a secret we have kept from the rest of the world for so long, it's bound to bring unwarranted attention to the town we call home."
Gumball chuckled, as he waved his paws.
"Haha! There's no worries there my old friend! Elmore is a town most people deliberately avoid when using the interstate freeway! Our reputation of being a "Backwater town full of fools and freaks" certainly lives up to the reputation! Plus, we can always do a press release globally to tell the world that should they enter our town with the intention of causing trouble, we can say: "Beware! Should you enter this town, be prepared to face extremely dangerous witches and wizards!". Come to think of it...that would really make a cool greeting for our town sign!"
Rob chuckled and smiled, as the blue feline joined in with him.
"Well, I can certainly see your humor hasn't changed through the years!"
Rob said, as Gumball wiped away a stray tear from laughing so hard.
"Well...I guess I never lost it...just temporarily forgot that I still had it."
Gumball said, as Rob smiled once more.
"Well...I am certainly on board with the move, but the residents of our town will have the final say on being reintegrated back into the original Elmore...I shall convene a town vote this evening, and should have the results back in time by midnight!"
Gumball and the rest of the family gasped in excitement and anxiousness. They were potentially about to reintegrate their old town's forgotten citizens!
"Now, I would suggest that your family enjoys the rest of the day in our town, Gumball. I will notify Captain Blubber-"
There was a slight chuckle from the Watterson kids as Rob said this.
Rob also chuckled too, as he shook his head.
"It is a rather peculiar and humorous surname...nevertheless, he will be notified to have the cruise ship ready to be teleported should our town vote pass legislation."
Gumball nodded, as he turned to the rest of his family.
"Alrighty then everyone! Let's leave Rob to convene with his council to prepare a vote, and in the meantime; let's enjoy the rest of this little slice of paradise properly this time! What do you all say?!"
The Watterson family soon cheered jubilantly, as they walked out of the city hall office full of smiles from ear to ear on all of them.
Rob sighed, as his llama secretary approached next to him; as the door to his office closed shut.
"Do you believe we'll actually be able to go home, sir?"
Rob looked down at his shy colleague, as he looked back towards the door.
"I hope so...I truly hope so."
The rest of the day soon progressed for the Watterson's, as they participated in everything the town could possibly offer. Laughter, joy, and memories were created on this trip...just like last year...and Gumball couldn't be more proud of his family than he was right now, in this moment...together enjoying life...and being thankful they had each other.
Gumball sat next to his wife Penny, as they admired the sunset with the rest of the adult Watterson's, as the kids played together in the ocean water next to the shore.
"It's beautiful isn't it?"
Penny asked, as she leaned against her husband's shoulder, their children's laughter in orchestra with the smooth crashing of the ocean waves along the shoreline.
Gumball smiled and looked down at his wife, her golden skin reflecting against the beautiful blazing orange tinted sky of the evening sky and sun.
"It is a rather beautiful view...but do you know what else is even more alluring and beautiful?"
Penny turned her vision upwards, staring at her husband's handsome face smiling at her with loving aura, his fur blowing in the cool breeze from the ocean.
"What would that be Mr. Watterson?"
She asked in a playful tone, as Gumball placed a paw gently against her cheek.
"You, Mrs. Watterson."
Gumball and Penny then initiated a loving kiss, as they both enjoyed each other's touch and affection...now more than ever given the circumstances they had just overcome in the Void.
Gumball's ears perked up, as he heard music from the beach speakers playing in the background at the pier, as he turned to see a string of gorgeous lights lining the pier deck...suddenly an idea popped into his head.
Gumball smiled warmly, as he looked towards the pier once more.
"Care to dance again, Mrs. Watterson?"
Penny smiled and then turned to the pier where the source of the music was playing, before turning her attention back to the love of her life...the silly blue feline that had spent so many years professing his love for her, and her for him.
"I would love to, Mr. Watterson."
She soon extended her hand for his paw, as they turned towards the pier; before Gumball quickly stopped to turn back.
Nicole was on a beach chair with Richard just a few yards away, as Gumball quickly waved to get her attention.
She quickly propped up from her chair and waved back, as Gumball shouted out to her.
"Hey Mom? Are you and Dad comfortable with the rest of the family to watch the kids wile Penny and I walk over to the pier for a dance?"
Gumball asked, as Nicole gave a gesture for a thumbs up with her paw.
"That's totally fine Gummypuss! Richard and I will take it from here! Plus, I think Carrie and Darwin just went to pick up some food from the snack bar, so they'll be returning in a bit!"
Gumball smiled as he heard this, before returning the thumbs up.
"Thanks!"
Gumball then turned back to a forward walking position, as he and Penny began walking down the beach.
"You know, despite everything that has transpired over this vacation...I really do believe us Watterson's are destined to have wild and crazy adventures that follow us everywhere we go..."
Penny stated, as Gumball looked at her with a chuckle.
"Honestly, at this point I'm willing to say that's a VERY safe bet, honey!"
Gumball stated, as the couple smiled and laughed as they approached the pier.
(If the song "You and Me" by Light House is compatible with your device, please press play now)
As the couple reached the end of the pier, the setting sun soon dipped into the horizon of the ocean, before the moon began rising once more. The city of Little Elmore was now completely illuminated by both artificial and natural light of the moon and lights covering the buildings around them.
In the distance, the fairy and feline could see their family members heading back to the hotel, no doubt getting freshened up and prepared for the midnight voting results of the town.
Gumball and Penny turned back to one another, as another song began to play on the speakers from the local radio station.
"This next track goes out to all you lovebirds out there in Little Elmore tonight, stay safe out there while you're voting! We could be heading back home tonight!"
The radio DJ soon faded away, as a slow dance was played in his place.
Penny gasped with happiness, as she heard the song.
"Gumball! This was the song they played at our high school prom!"
Gumball smiled, as he took the hand of his wife.
"Indeed it is...care to rekindle those old memories Penny Fitzgerald?"
The yellow fairy smiled at these words, as she once again accepted her husband's paw.
"I would be delighted to Gumball Watterson."
As they danced, flashbacks commenced of their journey together. From their first meeting as toddlers, to elementary and junior high, the first time Penny came out of her shell, their first date together, their engagement, their first movie, their marriage...the births of their two beautiful children...all of it came back to them subconsciously, as fireworks from their cruise ship fired off in the background; illuminating the night sky in vibrant and vivid colors.
The clocktower in the town also chimed, as the warning bell of 11:50 P.M was sounded, indicating that the results of the election were in 10 minutes!
"Goodness! Have we really been dancing for this long?!"
Gumball asked, as Penny nodded her head.
"I guess so! Come on, we got to get back to the hotel with the rest of the family for the vote!"
Penny quickly grabbed Gumball's paw and began to sprint along the boardwalk of the pier.
"WOAH! Honey slow down! We're not THAT far away from the hotel!"
Penny chuckled and smiled back at the blue feline.
"Oh come on! Don't tell me Gumball Watterson has grown tired of the rush and exhilaration of almost being late for an important event!"
The yellow fairy stated, as Gumball stopped for a moment to contemplate what she had just said; knowing full well that she made the correct observation of his character and personality.
"I...well...that's besides the point honey! Just slow down a bit!"
Gumball said with reluctant laughter in his voice, obviously indicating that he was having just as much fun as Penny.
Soon, they reached the lobby entrance of the Hotel, where an anthro Elephant receptionist was waiting.
"Are we late for the vote?!"
Penny asked in a frantic and exasperated voice, desperately trying to regain her stamina and breath.
The elephant receptionist gestured his hands in a calming manner.
"Woah, woah, woah calm down ma'am, you still have 5 minutes left until the results come in!"
Gumball rolled his eyes, as he looked at Penny with a smug expression.
"See?! I told you there was no need to rush!"
Penny turned back with a playful expression, and she also rolled her eyes.
"Thank you very much sir for the information."
The yellow fairy said to the receptionist, as he kindly tipped his hat to Penny.
"It was my pleasure! Hopefully the vote is in favor of going back home!"
He said, as Gumball and Penny began a brisk walking pace towards the hotel dining hall, where a large T.V and watch party was being held to see the election results.
Gumball and Penny entered the room through the two double doors, to see a large crowd, along with their family waiting in the middle of the hall, anxiously watching the screen in front of them.
"Oh! There you guys are!"
Darwin swiftly maneuvered past a few members of the crowd, as he hugged his sister in law, and his brother.
"They're just about to announce the results right now!"
The orange guppy guided the couple to where the rest of the Watterson's were sitting, as the results were now about to be announced at any moment.
"Good evening everyone! The results of the "Elmore reintegration vote are now in! With the results being a unanimous vote of...well...the entire population of Little Elmore, we are heading back home folks! YEAH BABY!"
The news anchor soon threw his papers in the air, as the dining hall erupted in cheers and celebration. The town of Little Elmore was no more...because they were now officially a part of the greater Elmore area in California once more.
1 year later...
"They still haven't moved the S.S Venture from the Elmore mall parking lot?!"
Carrie said, as the entire Watterson family was gathered around the television.
Gumball and Penny were preparing a meal in the kitchen, as the entire Watterson family had once again come over this summer to visit.
"Well, it's not the first time a boat tore up the infrastructure in this town! Surely they would have been able to excavate that thing out of there by now?! Right, honey?"
Richard asked, as Nicole pinched her nose and shook her head.
"Richard, there is a big difference between a speed boat being driven down the street by a family, and a massive cruise ship being teleported back across the pacific ocean to an Elmore shopping mall parking lot!"
The entire family erupted in laughter, as Richard nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, you're right sweetie...I guess that was a silly question, huh?"
Richard scratched the back of his neck, before Nicole grasped his paw with her own.
"It was Richard, but..."
She quickly gave a peck on the cheek of the large pink bunny, which made his instantly blush.
"You still know how to bring laughter and joy to a room."
Nicole smiled, as her and Richard embraced in a warm hug.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Gumball's ears perked up, as he wiped his hands off with a paper towel from the meal he was helping Penny prepare for, as he ran to the door.
"I'll get it!"
Gumball quickly grasped the door handle, to reveal Rob and two more humanoid glitched figures standing next to him, a Woman and a young boy.
"Hello old friend, how have you been?"
Gumball's eyes widened in surprise, as the rest of the Watterson family gathered behind Gumball to see the family at their door.
"Your sister invited us over, she said you guys were having a wonderful family dinner...and I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce you to my family!"
Gumball turned back with a smile to Anais, as she winked back at him with a thumbs up.
As Gumball turned back to his old friend, he nodded with a warm aura.
"You heard right my friend...the Watterson's would be delighted to have new guests at our table. After all...you're family."
*THE END*