Nicole stood beside her son.
"I'm coming with you, you're going to need help with this!"
Gumball shook his head in agreement. Both cats now jumped to the watery depths of the rapids, resurfacing to strong undertows and currents.
"Tristan! Try to grab onto one of the ledges nearby or a log, we'll try to catch up to you!"
Gumball practically screaming at the top of his lungs to reach his only son.
Nicole and him were quickly gaining ground, despite the immense ferocity of the water, both ensuring that they stayed close to one another; knowing full well how quickly things could turn bad.
"Gumball! I'm going to try and grab him!"
Nicole rapidly gained on the small blue cat, grabbing him and holding him tight to her chest.
"I got you sweetie, I got you!"
"Grandma Nicole watch out!"
Before Nicole could react both were blindsided by a large boulder, rendering them unconscious.
"Oh no, not Mom too!"
Suddenly, Gumball felt a protective instinct overcome him; one that his Mother mentioned before but had not understood himself...until now.
He mustered his strength and swam with such aggressiveness and tenacity, dodging rocks and logs, that he soon had both within arms reach now. Quickly, he grasped onto both and brought them to both arms.
He now had no way of making it to shore without using all of his might in his legs, which were quickly giving out.
His ears soon twitched when he heard a loud roar that was quickly becoming louder.
His eyes opened wide when he finally saw what was ahead of them: A large waterfall.
With all of his energy spent he quickly looked to his Mother and Son, both were still unconscious.
"I'm so sorry guys, I love you very much..."
Gumball hugged both of them tightly in the water, slowly approaching the edge of the waterfall. He closed his eyes for the impending drop to the depths below, when suddenly two sets of claws picked up the blue cats out of the water.
Gumball looked up to see his wife Penny and daughter Penelope in their dragon forms, carrying them away from the waterfall.
"Sorry honey, but we couldn't rescue you guys until we found a reason to shift into our dragon forms! Anger is the only emotion that triggers it, are you guys alright?!"
Gumball looked to his son Tristan who was being carried by Penelope, and his Mother who was being carried alongside him by Penny.
"We'll have to head to shore to be sure! They were knocked unconscious by a pretty large boulder in the rapids!"
On that note, both fairies made haste towards an opening on the shoreline overlooking the mountain range of the park.
The two fairies gently placed the three cats down, with Gumball placing his Son next to his Mother to check on him.
Penny and Penelope quickly ran over to help the distressed male cat.
"I'll take Tristan and bring back some supplies! Penelope, I'll need you with me to carry some extra supplies and to keep an eye on your brother!"
"No problem Mom!"
Penny gave a quick peck on the cheek to Gumball, before rushing back with the smaller fairy to bring supplies and reunite with the rest of the family.
Gumball dropped to both knees, pressing both fingers against the neck of his Mother. She still had a steady pulse and her breathing was normal. As he inspected furthe,r he noticed that one side of her head was bleeding.
Gently and slightly, he pushed her head forward to reveal a slightly opened gash on the side of her right ear.
"You're really making me take the role of medic on this trip Mom, hang on you're going to be alright!"
The blue cat whispered, as he took out a wet cloth from his shorts pocket and gently cleaned the wound. His Mother twitched and flicked her ear, before slowly reopening her eyes.
"My hea-head...Gum-Gumball?"
The blue cat was still clearly stunned from the impact of the rock she had hit earlier.
"Mo-Mom?"
Almost on instinct and without hesitation, the blue cat quickly hugged his Mother, almost forgetting that she was injured.
"I was so worried, why did you jump in with me?! I could have lost both you and Tristan today had it not been for Penny and Penelope!"
The female feline mustered the strength to raise her paw to meet her son's face.
"Gummypuss, a Mother would travel through the nine circles of Hell if it meant keeping her family safe. Whatever battle you face, I'm right there with you; because a part of me resides within your spirit too. I'm so proud of you...also I should really stop getting injured all the time on this trip don't you think?"
Gumball through his tears, let out a laugh and once again held his Mother tight in his arms cradling her back and forth; as she did before with him as a young kitten when he had nightmares.
In the corner of his eye he noticed the rest of the Watterson family approaching down the ridge towards the shoreline where the two felines were. Tristan had regained consciousness as well, and suffered minor injuries to his paw, indicating that Nicole took the brunt of the impact on the rock they hit in the water, shielding the blue kitten from any further injuries.
The family encircled all asking if Nicole was okay, while the feline reassured them that she was okay and just felt a little disoriented.
"Honey, are you going to be able to finish this hike?"
Richard knelt down to his wife, her sweater and dress still drying from being drenched in the rapids.
"I may be able to once we get closer to the final stretch, but I'm definitely going to need some support for another few miles. Make no mistake, I'm not missing out on that spectacular view with you guys. No one is getting left behind on this vacation!"
The entire family embraced for a group hug.
Richard then got closer to Nicole.
"Honey, I'll carry you for the rest of the way!"
"Richard, you just had a hip replacement a few months ago from our trip to Japan!"
Everybody was surprised to hear this.
Anais then spoke.
"Dad, what happened for you to have to replace your hip so early? You're in your mid fifties and most hip replacements don't occur until at least late sixties, or early seventies!"
Nicole then gave a slight chuckle.
"He fell off the elevator of the Nippon Denpato once he saw a vendor selling pork buns for a 75% off sale..."
Everyone held their mouths to hold back laughter, Anais especially.
"Never change Dad!"
"Hey! That diet was especially strenuous on my system to overcome, temptations of delicious cuisine taunted me everywhere we went!"
Anais then embraced a hug with her Father.
"Don't worry Dad! We weren't laughing at you! More or less laughing at the fact that you're still the same goofy adorable Dad!"
Richard smiled.
"Thanks sweetie..."
Gumball then checked his wristwatch.
"Okay, we better make haste to the summit before dusk reaches us!"
The family quickly gathered all of their supplies.
Darwin came over to Gumball.
"Who's going to carry Mrs. Mom?"
"Don't worry Darwin I will, she did enough for us as kids, plus I'm really making up for lost time with her and due favors that I owed!"
Darwin then shook his head in amazement.
"When you did you become so kind? Not that it's a bad thing at all, but who are you and what have you done with Gumball if I may ask?"
Gumball looked to his brother with a smirk. Darwin then smiled, and gave his brother a hug.
"Make no mistake Darwin, I'm still that kid that went on adventures together with you in the past, I just picked up on some things in the journey we call life!"
"I'm glad to hear that Gumball! Vlad and Anastasia told me they were especially surprised to see that fun side to you on this vacation! Back at the house they noticed you were stressed to the max!"
Gumball scratched the back of his neck.
"I'm going through what Anais would call a "paradigm shift" in my thoughts Darwin, I got to show my kids that there's more to life than the endless grind of working a 9 to 5. I'm losing out on the precious moments I have with them, just like I did when I departed for college and couldn't find time to speak to our Mother in my dorm on the phone. I lost out on those twenty years and almost lost her today, just when we were getting things back in order...and Tristan..."
Gumball kept his head lowered, Darwin placing a fin on his brother's shoulder.
"But you didn't Gumball, you were given another chance. Fate or a higher power had other intentions, and knew that it was not your guys' time to go yet! You're a good person Gumball, remember that. You after all, showed me the love needed to reunite with you all those years ago..."
The two brothers were almost crying, soon snapped out of it and hugged once more.
"Now come on, let us... CONQUER THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ELMORE!"
The fish chanted, as the rest of the family cheered in response.
Gumball lifted his mother off the ground, as she wrapped her arms around his neck for support.
Richard looked on concerned, seeing how his son also took a bit of a beating down the rapids as well. Gumball then turned to him with a reassuring smile, his eyebrows down.
"Don't worry Dad, I'll take care of her, just enjoy the rest of the hike; and make sure to keep an eye on the kids for me, please?"
Richard then felt a warm aura overcome him. He was amazed at how much his son had matured since he left the family steps with his suitcase in hand to depart for college. Nicole was in good hands for sure.
"I will, thanks Son!"
The pink bunny then wandered off to join with the kids and Anais. The rest of the family pushed on, but remained in close proximity to one another, to ensure that if anything bad arose again; they would be ready.
Gumball and Nicole were the last two remaining on the shoreline.
"You better get some rest Mom, I'll wake you once we're almost to the summit."
Nicole slowly closing her eyes, smiled.
"Thanks, Gummypuss..."
The blue cat, carrying his mother in his arms; pushed on to the summit in the distance with the rest of the Watterson family.
Anais and the kids pushed further on in the trail, Richard remained behind them as a lookout; and to ensure his son Gumball was still in sight.
Vlad Jr. then eyed some berries.
"Woah, are those raspberries?!"
Anais then spotted the bush in which the ghost child was referring to.
"I believe they are! Hey! I got an awesome recipe for those when we reach the summit to camp out for the night, you kids want to help me pick some?"
The children all cheered in unison.
Anais turned to her Father, who was approaching.
"Dad! The kids and I are going to pick some raspberries, you go on ahead with Gumball and Mom; we'll catch up!"
The pink bunny nodded, and motioned Gumball to continue on ahead.
"Anais, are you sure you don't need help?"
Gumball asked, stopping with his mother dozed off in a deep sleep in his arms.
"Don't worry, I'll summon Carrie should I need assistance!"
Gumball gave a nod and smile, trudging further on with Richard.
Anais then picked out some buckets out of her backpack, and handed one to each child. It was not long before the five of them picked the bush clean, their buckets almost overflowing.
"Looks like we may need Carrie after all!"
The pink bunny then put down her bucket, and summoned the ghost woman.
"Carrie, Carrie, Carrie!"
The ghost woman then appeared, wearing her signature black dress coat and goth braid in her long hair.
She then smiled and crossed her arms in a smug fashion.
"The rest of the group said you kids may need some assistance!"
"Thanks Carrie, we really hit the jackpot on this one; would you mind taking one of the buckets and easing our load?"
The ghost woman then nodded, using her telekinetic powers to lift the bucket off the ground.
"Aw Mom, when are you going to teach me to do that?"
Vlad Jr. frowned.
"All in due time honey! I need to be sure that your powers are stable enough to carry out telekinesis, the same reason as to why I had to wait before teaching you your "scare form" to frighten your Uncle!"
The ghost boy then gave a defeated look, but soon dawned a smile.
"Okay Mom, I understand."
He then moved closer to his Mother and gave her a hug.
The group was now moving through the dense forest, rays of sunshine breaking through some of the branches; emitting a calm and tranquil mood.
Anais then broke the silence to initiate a conversation.
"So Tristan, what exactly happened back there to be flowing down the rapids at breakneck speed?"
The small blue cat didn't show it, but his heart sank when he heard the question.
"Well you know, Mom decided it would be fun to play a game of hide and seek, and who doesn't love a game of hide and seek right?!"
The blue cat was desperately trying to ease the tension filled question and atmosphere.
"So Vlad, Anastasia, Penelope, and I went off to hide because Mom was it. I found this super awesome hiding spot near a ledge, which gave enough cover to not have anyone suspect where I was. Soon someone emerged from the thicket: Mom. So I playfully let out a laugh to confuse her as to where I was. Unfortunately, I didn't see the ledge behind me and slipped down towards the rapids below. I was lucky Mom saw me fall, otherwise I would have surely been a goner..."
The two women stared at one another and gave a small smirk.
"Now that sounds awfully familiar to someone else I know..."
The ghost then began to laugh with Anais, and the rest of the children joined in.
"Well at least you're safe now Tristan, just make sure you stay aware while you're in the park. Mother nature takes no prisoners!"
With that the family continued to trek on, it wouldn't be too long before they reached the top.
Gumball then looked up towards the summit, now genuinely exhausted.
"Okay Mo-Mom, we're here. Do you need any more assistance?"
The blue feline then looked up to meet the eyes of her son, the sun shining behind him gave a sparkling tinge to his soft blue fur.
She yawned.
"Thank you so much Gumball, I hope that wasn't too strenuous for you!"
"Don't worry Mom, I've been through worse!"
He gently let his mother down on the ground, and she gave him a peck on the cheek to show her admiration.
She soon started walking a gentle pace with him, slowly making their way towards the summit.
"Oh, Gumball! I actually could have walked up the trail, but I wanted to take a page out of your book and milk the opportunity to take advantage of my injuries. Plus, your Father kept me up all night with his snoring, I hope you don't mind..."
He stared at his mother bewildered.
"She took inspiration from me?! Maybe I derived the trait of scheming from Dad AND her!"
He ruffled the fur on top of her head and laughed.
"Mom, you're such a rascal! Well played!"
She laughed and returned the favor by giving a swipe kick that knocked the feline off his feet.
"Last one to the summit is a rotten egg!"
Gumball then gave a competitive stare.
"Oh now it's on Mom!"
Both felines sprinted to reach the top. Nicole, despite her age, was keeping pace just behind her son; who had overtaken her just moments ago. Gumball then did not notice the mud puddle that lay in front of him, and face planted into it. Nicole chuckled under her breath and continued on.
She almost reached the summit, when suddenly from the tree line jumped down a blue cat in front of her. Landing on his feet full of mud, he looked at his Mother with a smile.
"Thought I was out of it didn't you?!"
Nicole was stunned.
"He must get that from me...surely. He was faceplanted in the mud, no way he could have gained on me that fast! I guess I underestimated his athletic ability!"
She then gave a sigh and a defeated smile.
"Well done Gummypuss, I guess that was karma for leaving you behind. You better get yourself clean though, can't be going up to the summit and meeting everyone in that state..."
"Don't worry I saw a spring on my way up here, I'll wash off there and meet up with you guys. Be safe alright?"
Nicole wiped a portion of mud off of his cheek and gave him a goodbye kiss.
"I always am."
Both then departed, Nicole going on the final stretch of the climb; Gumball to the nearby spring to wash off.
Gumball thoroughly washed all the mud off his body, the warm spring and smell of fresh air bringing ease and peace of mind to his entire body. He dried off, put on a fresh pair of clothes from his pack; and continued the rest of the trail alone.
Once he reached the summit, he was in awe. He could see Reedsville and Elmore in the distance, along with the vast expanse of the park surrounding him. The sunset shining off the mountain, further off reflecting an orange ember onto the trees below.
"Wow, Anais was right. This really is a sight to behold!"
Just ahead he could see the rest of the family setting up the camping area where they were staying for the night.
Nicole then spotted him first.
"Hey everyone! He made it!"
She rushed over to him to give him a warm hug, everyone else also greeted the blue cat, glad to see that he made it to the summit safely.
"Anais is preparing some Raspberry jam for the smores Dad! Would you like to see?"
Penelope asking with glee in her tone and voice.
"Sure thing sweetie! Lead the way!"
Gumball glanced around the camp as they walked. The elders of the group were setting up a small recreational area for the kids, including the shadow puppet show Richard was going to put on later tonight.
Carrie, Penny and Nicole were conversing on a picnic blanket, exchanging conversation over coffee. Hearty laughs could be heard from the three of them.
He smiled at the spectacle of what he saw around him.
"This is what it's all about..."
(If Clare de Lune by Claude Debussy is compatible with your device, please press play now)
Later on that night, Anais prepared a delicious recipe for raspberry s'mores; the kids absolutely loving this wacky yet intuitive creation as they roasted the marshmallows over an open fire. Louis played a soft tune on his banjo to create a lively atmosphere under the clear night sky.
"Wow! This is great Aunt Anais!"
Anastasia remarked, sitting next to her father; Darwin.
The pink bunny's heart melted at the sight of the adorable goldfish.
"She's so much like Darwin it's unreal!"
"I'm glad you enjoyed them sweetie, I learned the recipe from my days of training in the park as a beginner scientist. We used to use all sorts of berries for s'mores and combine them. Maybe we'll pick some blue berries and bring it to the fire pit at the lake house for more s'mores tomorrow night!"
The kids all cheered and hugged the female bunny.
Gumball sat next to Tristan.
"So besides the near death experience, did you enjoy your day kiddo?"
Tristan looked to his Dad with a smile.
"Yeah, thanks for saving us Dad!"
Gumball looked to his son who was leaning on his arm.
"I actually only did part of the saving, your mother and sister saved us from going over the falls to our doom. But, thanks again...Son."
The blue cat ruffled his son's fur causing him to laugh. Gumball took it a step further and put him in a playful hold with his arm, and used his knuckle to ruffle it even further.
"Dad what are yo-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Soon son and father were sharing a real moment of bonding, that Gumball missed for a long time. He let go of his son, with Tristan then tackling his father to the ground in a hug. Now the small blue kitten looked into his Dad's eyes.
"Thanks for the awesome trip Dad."
"No problem son, I promise that I'm going to spend more time with you guys going forward. You will never know how much I love you guys. Honestly you, your sister, and your mother are my world, and I wouldn't change a second of it!"
The blue kitten then wrapped his arms around his father's neck, with Gumball returning the favor with a bear hug.
In the distance sitting with her Mother Mary, JoJo, Carrie and Penny, was Nicole. All of which were smiling seeing the two cats happy. On instinct, the women looked at Nicole; who had an upwelling of happy emotions course through her.
"That's my Gummypuss..."
Soon, the moment was interrupted by Richard announcing that the puppet show was ready.
"Alright kids! Are you ready to hear the adventures of the Cottontail Cavalier?!"
The kids all cheered to approach the small makeshift tent theatre.
Gumball sat near the edge of the summit, gazing at the full moon and stars. The lights of Reedsville and Elmore illuminating in the distance.
Nicole sat beside her son, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Beautiful isn't it?"
"It really is Mom..."
The two were now gazing over the horizon and the constellations of stars above them.
"Hey Gumball, remember when your brother and you held a "Mom off" for me on Mother's day as kids?"
Gumball blushed at the memory knowing what she meant.
"Yeah-yeah Mom I remember, you saved us from dangling off of our banner!"
"Well I think your super dad moment was today..."
Gumball's eyes widened.
"What do you mean Mom?"
"Well I put you to the test to see how you could handle saving both me and Tristan, granted I did take a bit of a risk that could have resulted in our untimely deaths; but I am proud of you for showing adversity and courage to save those that you love."
Gumball then let a small smile spread across his face.
"She would do something like that. Fake being unconscious...now that's a new one!"
"Still surprising me every day Mom! Then again you did stand in front of a car when we forgot how to use the brakes, so putting me in a life threatening situation is not too far fetched!"
Nicole then let out a small chuckle.
"Well regardless, you made me very proud today."
The two blue cats silhouettes now shining in the moonlight, their fur blowing in the breeze.
Gumball glancing behind him to see the family having fun by the fire.
Then he turned back to his Mother, looking down at into her shimmering eyes being radiated by the moonlight.
"Thanks, Mom..."
*END OF CHAPTER*