The Long Steps InBetween: Chapter One

Opening New Doors

“Hurry up, hurry up!”

Gruffi scowled but managed a smirk with a reminder from Grammi as they walked. Zummi had stayed behind with Sunni, Tummi and Gusto. They had already said their farewells. Sunni, as per usual, tried to be nonchalant about it but there were still some tears and “I’ll miss yous” exchanged. As for Tummi, he was as sensitive as ever and had not been able to let Cubbi leave without a strong, almost crushing hug. Zummi had been nearly as bad and even Gusto, usually their resident goofball had been strangely emotional, wrapping the cub in a tight embrace and ruffling his hair, telling him “show ‘em all that energy, Cubster.”

So that left him and Grammi to actually say their goodbyes at the city itself. They had left later than they had liked, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, they suddenly had their halls full again, after years of being empty. Every time Gruffi turned around, he was met with a new face, with new personalities that had no idea how the Glen ran, how they did things, what things needed work still. Despite the influx of nearly a hundred gummies into the Glen halls, it was no secret that Gruffi was still the de facto leader. In fact, their newly returned cousins welcomed the idea of following one that had been dedicating their lives to preserving their way of life.

However, that also meant that it was hard for Gruffi to go ANYWHERE without having to be overseeing a project. So far, half of their old hallways had been reopened and the repairs were moving steadily. The wonders of gummi ingenuity had yet to fail them and with so many creative minds under one roof, Gruffi loved it. Grammi had spent about two hours trying to get him to come with her so that they could finally go to Gummadoon already! Finally, Cubbi had just grabbed his bag and took off out of the Glen, leaving Gruffi and Grammi to pursue. Gruffi griped about it at first until Grammi reminded him that if he had simply left when they originally said they were going to (two hours past) that this would not have happened. Aside from making a remark about Cubbi needing to learn to wait, he said nothing else on the topic.

That led them to where they were currently. Gummadoon loomed just over the horizon and Grammi and Gruffi were a ways behind Cubbi, who powered on as full of energy as ever. He was hopping from one foot to the other as they made their way down the slope, urging them on but barely stopping long enough for them to keep him in sight. He tore ahead, grinning the whole time, clutching his knapsack close to his chest. Grammi carried a second bag with necessities but Cubbi had insisted he had packed “all he needed.” Grammi had not tried to argue with him and had simply thrown together a second bag. It was hard to get angry with him with as excited as he was. After all, this was a life long dream coming true for him, in more ways than one.

Sir Plucki had always been his favorite knight out of all their stories. Now, he got to achieve his dream with the knight who had started that dream, from the very first time Zummi had told him the legend of Gummadoon, when the cub was barely three years of age. Ever since then, knighthood had been firmly carved on his heart and he never lost faith in achieving it. Now, with the peace they had just dreamed about finally achieved, Gummadoon had returned for keeps and Sir Plucki had been quick to give Cubbi the offer he wanted. Grammi and Gruffi had seen it coming but all the same, this walk was heart-breaking.

Squires lived with their mentors. Cubbi wouldn’t be returning to the Glen with them. Plucki would take over their cub’s rearing until he reached 18, when he would finally be given the title of ‘Sir Cubbi’ he coveted so much. Then, he would most likely stay in Gummadoon as one of their many warriors. If he returned to the Glen, at all, it would be for brief periods and never again to live, never again to be permanent. Cubbi had asked them to help him take down his rope swing. He and Gruffi had spent the night before putting away his many carved knight plaques. They would be coming with him. When Gruffi had gone to wake the kid up this morning, he’d  found the cub had folded his blankets, set them on the bed’s end. When Grammi had presented him with some maple-nut cookies, despite the early hour and his hatred of them, he’d accepted. With a laugh, he’d asked that Sunni not be allowed to turn his room into a large closet.

Gruffi walked a little slower.



       Cubbi finally stopped when he got to the gates, greeting the two guards there with a mile wide grin.

The taller of the guards, a pale yellow gummi with a green colored rank, chuckled, “Well, don’t you have the energy of ten cubs, kiddo?”

Cubbi nodded, “Plucki said I get to come and be his squire. I start today!”

His partner, a gummi of orange color and red rank, knelt to his level, “Oh, so you’re the Captain’s new squire, eh? He certainly has talked you up.”

Cubbi blinked, his eyes huge as his two guardians finally caught up to him, “REALLY? He’s been talkin’ about me?”

The knight laughed out loud, “I’d say that’s about the only thing he has been talking about lately. Never thought we’d see the Captain take on a squire.”

Cocking his head slightly, Cubbi inquired, “Really? Why?”

The yellow gummi responded, “Know how much work it is to be a Captain, kiddo? We always figured he was too busy for one.” He winked at the cub, “You must have impressed him somethin’ fierce!”

If Cubbi’s grin got any wider, it would have split his face. Grammi came up behind him at that point, saying, “Cubbi Gummi, where are your manners? Introduce yourself.”

Cubbi frowned at her, “You just did, Grammi.” He reminded her, pointing, “Besides, I tol’ em I was his squire, they know who I am.”

Grammi shot the cub a look that withered anyone, Gruffi included. Ears drooped, Cubbi turned back to the two knights, “Nice to meet you, I’m Cubbi Gummi, this is Grammi and this is Gruffi.”

The orange furred one gave the boy a light chuckle and salute, “Well met, Squire Cubbi-“ Cubbi could not resist a squeal at that title, though he tried desperately to keep it hidden (failing miserably) “Sir Burgess,” he stated, pointing to himself and then gestured to his yellow colored companion, “and this is Sir Quimbi.”

He gave a nod to the older two gummies, stating “Well met, Grammi, Gruffi of Gummi Glen,”

Gruffi gave a nod, “Plucki’s expectin’ us, right?”

Burgess nodded, “Of course. He should be in the training courtyard—“

The anxious pink furred cub had darted through the gates before they even opened completely. Grammi called after him with no avail and Gruffi shook his head, “Kid can’t wait to save his life.”

Burgess and Quimbi exchanged glances, smirking, “He’ll learn.” They assured the two adults. “Before you head in, can we get you some water?” Burgess inquired, “Then we’ll be glad to take you right to Plucki. He’ll have just as many questions for you as he will for that bundle of energy.”



Gummadoon was huge! Cubbi remembered the way to the training field though. It was pretty hard to miss quite frankly. There were some knights on the beams, of either green or yellow rank, he saw upon closer inspection. He knew the colors meant the type of level, expertise and experience a knight had but aside from knowing blue was the top rank, he didn’t know what the other levels were. In any event, there were a good fifty knights out! It was super-crowded! He remembered there being less the last time he was here but then…maybe that had been a special occasion or some such.

There were commands being shouted every which way, though not with malice. Orders yes, but not with urgency. Seemed like they were practicing certain routines and not just training. The more he thought about that, it sure made sense. After all, there had to be plans and stuff for battles, right? It was still really neat to watch. They seemed to move in complete unison, without even looking at one another. Then there were some of the yellow ranked ones on the training posts that would move and dodge, without even looking! Was he gonna learn how to do that?

       Cubbi tightened his bag closer to him, not trusting it not to get snagged on something and his eyes darted about, trying to locate the Captain of the Guard. The knights had said he was in the training field. That was here but where was he? There were so many gummies here, how was he going to find one gummi, even one as important as Sir Plucki? Not one to be deterred however, the cub darted to the left, getting out of the majority of the crowd and utilizing his small size, he crept along the huge array of knights.

He was definitely getting the impression that green was the lowest rank, simply because so many of the knights with green on their uniform were young looking. A lot of them looked nervous too, like they hadn’t been doing this very long. Not all of them to be sure but quite a few of them. The older ones still looked a bit out of place, like they were still figuring their way around. Maybe they had transferred from another city to Gummadoon? He was sure knights could do that. Still, amid the sea of green and an occasional yellow, the cub did not spy the golden furred gummi he sought.

       Looking a bit closer to the castle walls, he did spy at least one gummi with a red insignia, barking orders here and there at the other knights. He reminded Cubbi a wee bit of Gruffi if a bit more stern (which was an amazing concept to him to be frank.) He seemed to remember him from the last time Gummadoon was here. Not much to remember except he really didn’t seem to listen to him very well. Cubbi remembered all too well when people ignored him; it happened far too much for his liking.

So, not about to approach a gummi that most likely would have shooed him away from what he could remember, he continued about his way, weaving through adults who at least had the courtesy to step aside and not run him over. That was a small comfort at least. While it was hard to see outwardly, Cubbi was getting a tad uncomfortable. His goal was to find Plucki and get this process started. Plucki had told him that when he and his clan came to drop him off and officially enter him as a squire that it was process, that it would take time.

He was already coming late in the day thanks to Gruffi draggin’ his feet and now he was lost in the stupid training grounds! This was all going horrible!

After a good ten minutes of having no luck, he paused, forced himself to think calm; nearly hit his head in recognition of his stupidity.

And turned and tugged on the nearest knight’s tunic, “’Cuse me.”

The knight, a yellow ranked knight of green fur and messy black hair, smirked, “Hey squirt.”

Wrinkling his nose with indignation, the boy pouted, “I’m not THAT short. But have you seen Sir Plucki?”

The knight laughed out loud, “Ah, so you’re the new squire. You’re in the right place kiddo,” he assured the boy, kneeling to his level, pointing. “See that door over there?” he asked, gesturing to a large oak door that led into the main Palace. When the small cub gave a nod of recognition, he stated, “That’s the Captain’s office. He was just out here but went inside to get some paperwork or some such. Just run over and knock. He won’t bite.”

Chirping a cheerful “thanks!” the pink furred child took off at a decent jog, though one would not call it a run by any means. At least he had the knowledge to slow down when there were so many gummies about. He certainly was a rambunctious one though. He looked forward to seeing how the twerp would turn out. He had some spirit. That was always a good sign with the trainees. If it was the same Cubbi he had heard stories about (and their Captain rarely babbled on about someone unless it was worth the trouble) then he was anxious to see what kind of knight he would turn into.

“Sir Timothi!” a booming voice called out, “Are you going to rejoin us or day dream the rest of the exercise?”

Rolling his eyes, he called back, “Coming, Sir Ramsei.” Pushing himself back towards the field, he muttered to one of the knights at his side, a gummi of red fur and rust hair who was his good friend Sir Hardi, “Slavedriver.”

“Per usual.” Was the snarky response.



The door seemed more inviting than Cubbi pictured. He figured that any office belonging to a knight as important as Sir Plucki would just illuminate his status and heroic deeds but this one was not that much different than the doors at the Glen. Well, it was made of a different kind of wood, he could see that but aside from that, he might as well have been knocking on a door to Sunni or Tummi’s room. Still, his excitement nearly burst out of his skin!

Reaching up on his tip toes, he rapped three times on the door in rapid succession but restrained from knocking again.

Nearly hopping from foot to foot, he grinned widely as Sir Plucki opened the door, his eyes shimmering. “There you are, my lad. We were wondering when you’d find me.”

Surprised, Cubbi eyed the Captain, confusion clear on his face as the adult stepped aside to let him enter, “We?”

“Yeah,  we.” A voice spoke up.

Cubbi turned, finding Grammi and Gruffi sitting in the nearby chairs around the desk in the centermost part of the room. Cubbi stepped back slightly, but had to ask, “How did you—“

Grammi laughed, though kindly, “Cubbi, dear if you would just learn to wait a little bit, it would save lots o’ hassle. Sir Burgess and Quinci showed us in.”

Embarrassment colored the cub’s cheeks a moment. Swell, his first moment here was being humiliated.

Then, Sir Plucki’s deep chuckling jolted him from his self-destructive thoughts as the knight gently nudged his shoulder, “Aw, no worries my lad. I did the same when I became a page.”

At the thought of Sir Plucki doing anything similar to him, the cub’s eyes lit up, “Really?”

“Indeed, I did.” The knight assured him, leading him over to a third chair between Grammi and Gruffi before reclaiming his own seat behind the desk. “I rushed ahead, just as you did, only to find myself a bit lost and my mother scolding me when I finally found her with my mentor.” He chuckled here, seeing as well as the others, how alike he and Cubbi seemed to be acting already. That was a good sign. “It’s natural to be excited over starting such a major milestone, my lad. Don’t continue to blame yourself for it.”

       Relieved, Cubbi, eyes always wondering, took in the details of the room. It was fairly small; though not so small it felt claustrophobic. There were lots of files on the shelves next to the desk and lots of papers covering the desk itself. Well lit lamps and candles gave the whole room a bit of a homey glow. There were portraits scattered about the room, some of large groups of gummies, some of small. It looked like the cubs in all the portraits wore the same thing—white and blue tunic with blue shoes and a golden emblem in the middle with one blue strip on one sleeve. Were these the squires? Curiosity was nearly making him jump right up out of his seat again!

       Another thing that to Cubbi seemed a bit odd was that there were drawing, paintings and even some clay artworks about the room as well. They were of varying skill level and some looked old, some looked new. Were these from the squires and pages? Were they allowed to give gifts like that? He never thought about it but it made sense. After all, the squires lived here and spent all their time with the knights, right? Actually, on that same note, what did they get to do when they weren’t trainin--

“Now, Cubbi,” Plucki’s voice brought him back to the present and he jerked back to attention, “I know you’re anxious and excited but I do need to get some basic information first.” The Captain pulled out of the files from the bookshelves, “See these?”

When Cubbi gave a nod, the Captain continued, “I keep files on all my fighters, both knight and squire. It lets me stay informed on things I need to know and gives me an idea of what training methods might work best.” He laid a hand on his chin and asked, “Why else do you think I might need information on the people I train, hmm?”

Frowning a moment, Cubbi pondered this before answering, “Well, I guess you needa know the kinda people you work with.” He paused, yelling at himself as that was exactly what Plucki just said. Rather than be embarrassed again, he quickly decided to elaborate, “So you can give them the jobs and stuff they’re good at.” Great, that wasn’t much different than what Plucki said though it was…a bit different. After all, he was talking about actual jobs and duties, Plucki had just said training. That…wasn’t the same, right?

Nodding, Plucki reached out and ruffled the boy’s hair, “You’re a smart lad,” he praised gently. “That’s one of the reasons. What else?”

“Hmm…well, what if one of your knights gets sick or something?” he inquired. Gummies were healthy but they still got sick every so often. Even knights. Heck...what DID happen when knights got sick?

Another nod, “Right again, my boy.” He assured him, “Is there anything else that comes to your mind?”

When Cubbi went quiet, the knight smiled, “Well, Cubbi, I personally enjoy celebrating their accomplishments, their years, as much as anyone else. It’s like having a bunch of brothers, cousins and sons.” He gave the cub a gentle smile, thumbing his nose as he leaned across the desk, “I look forward to learning more about you. The little bit I already know already fascinates me. I see great potential in you, lad.”

Cubbi beamed widely, still clutching his knapsack close to his side. “Thanks, Sir Plucki!”

The Captain gave a nod in response, “Now, before I get to knowing you better, let me lay out the basics of training for you and Gruffi and Grammi, alright, my lad?”

Anxious to hear more, Cubbi nodded fast, almost too fast. He wanted to be seen as a boy ready to be a knight, not a silly little kid. As much as he wanted to squeal at his dream literally coming true right in front of his eyes, he forced his body to be still. He needed to know this too. Plucki had explained some of it before but now he would hear it completely. He knew from his previous adventures with Sir Gallent that knighthood was no picnic. He could tell from the few knights he had been blessed with meeting that to become that great would not be an overnight thing. It shouldn’t be! After all, your city would be depending on you!

Plucki addressed all three of his guests, though he certainly focused the core of his attention on the cub in front of him. That really made Cubbi feel important. Plucki was focusing on him!

“Training is a long process, lad. When you complete everything and take your vow to be knighted, you’ll be eighteen. Are you ready for that long a process?”

Cubbi nodded, “I knew it would be a long time, Sir Plucki,” Cubbi reassured him, “I know that human ways are different but Cavin hasta wait until he’s 21 or somethin’ like that. Said that there’s a lot to learn and that if you try and cram it all in, you don’t remember it. ‘Sides, I wanna be the greatest knight ever!” Okay, why did he say that? Gum, that made him sound conceited. But…well, it was true! “Grammi and Zummi tell me all these stories and stuff, a lot of your stories Sir Plucki and I love them! I wanna be able to do that and I’ll learn whatever I hafta!” Maybe that helped him a bit.

Letting a little laugh out, Plucki stated, “I’m glad to hear that, Cubbi. Training to be a knight covers all areas. You learn strategy yes but you also learn communication, you learn different fighting styles, you learn teamwork and you learn basic education.”

Cubbi blinked, “What’s that mean?”

Plucki smiled at the young boy, “We consider basic education anything that helps someone create a strong intellectual basis.” He chuckled lightly, clarifying, “Meaning, my lad, that you’ll be learning things that help you to understand the world, appreciate our traditions and grow as best you can. To simplify it, I mean you’ll be expected to learn history, math, reading and writing, languages, science and a few other things.” He caught Cubbi’s look of surprise and a bit of doubt but saw great appreciation emerge from Grammi and Gruffi.

“We’ve taught him some.” Gruffi felt inclined to offer, “He’s a smart kid. Too smart sometimes for his own good.” He teased lightly as Grammi sent him a glare.

       The female gummi added, “We didn’t exactly have formal teachers in the Glen. We all taught him what we could.”

Plucki cut her off with an understand glance, “I am sure you provided what you were able to. Cubbi has a sharp wit about him. That doesn’t just pop out of nowhere. Learning’s been nourished in him.” Setting his sights back on the boy, he smiled to alleviate the look of nervousness that took the child’s face, “Worry not, young squire.” He gently coached, “We have a very clever teacher, Lady Ivori. She teaches all our squires and pages three times a week. She’ll be glad to clarify anything you don’t understand, as will I. As will any of the knights here.” He winked at the boy, “We’re all here as support to make you reach your dream, Cubbi, not to make the journey harder.”

       Swallowing his nerves, Cubbi beamed, “I learn fast, Sir Plucki. Gruffi’s taught me lotsa stuff and Zummi taught me history and Grammi tells me lotsa stories. I can learn!”

The Gummadoon Captain gave a chuckle at the boy’s enthusiasm, “I could tell from the last time we met lad that you had the fire for knighthood…for ALL of it. I’m glad to see it was a fire that’s been stoked over time. So, tell me one last thing before I actually get down to the factual non-fun necessities—WHY do you want to be a knight so badly?”

Cubbi frowned, thinking but the answer came very quickly. He just hoped it was the RIGHT answer, “Well, I like adventures and stuff but really, I wanna be able to help people.” He admitted frankly. “I like going on adventures with Cavin because someone always gets helped in the end. I like exploring the woods and stuff cause there’s always somethin’ new there and there’s all these baddies that hang out now and no one is stopping them. That isn’t right. I…” he paused, glanced first at Gruffi then at Grammi before he went on. He hated making them worry so he was a bit reluctant about this next piece but it had to be said! “I know they try to keep quiet about it but I’ve seen Grammi and Gruffi get all worried at night sometimes. Usually it was ‘cause of being lonely but I also saw it when Igthorn started to come after us and after Cavin and Calla. They were…sad.” He shook his head at the memory and locked eyes with the Captain, “I don’t wanna see eyes that sad. I wanna STOP eyes from being that sad.”

Grammi eyed the little cub, “Cubbi dear, land’s sakes…”

“I know you guys were tryin’ to hide it but sometimes Sunni and I could catch it.” He shrugged, “I know you guys like to protect us and stuff but sometimes we still see it.” He eyed them both, smiling first at Grammi then at Gruffi, “It’s not right that anyone should feel that way. Ever.” He looked back to Plucki, “So, I wanna be a knight to protect people, to make sure they don’t have to be afraid or sad…” He swallowed. That answer had felt right. Grammi always told him to speak his heart, that your heart never would lead you wrong. If Gruffi’s smile, a REAL ear to ear smile, was any indication then maybe she was right!

The Gummadoon knight smiled, reached across and grasped the boy firmly by the shoulder, “ I could not have asked for a better response.”

Cubbi’s eyes perked up and his ears raised, “Really?” he beamed.

The Captain smiled, “Something that I try to teach all our trainees Cubbi is something you already know. The heart of a knight is their greatest asset. I can teach you almost anything about being a knight, lad. Strategy. Weapons. Communication. Tactics to control fear.” His grin widened and he tightened his grip on Cubbi’s shoulder. “But the heart of a knight, my boy... To serve, to protect, to put others before one’s self. That cannot be taught. But if a gummi does not possess that, no amount of study can bring him to knighthood.” He gave the lad’s cheek a gentle dig, saying, “You have the heart.”

Plucki addressed the adults now. “You’re willing to relinquish him to my care for training.”

Grammi nodded, though it was with tears “It breaks my heart to see him off but he’s been talkin’ about this since he could talk.”

“Before.” Gruffi countered. “Pointing at pictures and making armor out of anything he could find. We used ta get him to clean his room by tellin' him knights like things tidy. And... That heart thing." Gruffi cleared his throat, trying to keep his own at bay. "Cubbi has never abandoned his friends or his family. Didn't matter the risk. That heart and spirit of his go hand in hand and... well... That's all I gotta say." Uncomfortable with the amount and quality of his words, Gruffi's feet shuffled and he preferred not to meet anyone's gaze

        Plucki smiled “My best knights are my most spirited ones.” As the Captain spoke, he slid a piece of paper across the desk to Grammi and Gruffi. “Can I have your signature for that then?”

Cubbi eyed both of them, his eyes shining, grinning so widely he surely should have split his cheek bones. Despite tears blurring her vision, Grammi took up the quill she was offered and signed the bottom, granting her permission to give her youngest over to the trials of war preparation. They had a chance for peace now. May that peace keep her youngest cub safe. She passed the quill over to Gruffi. The brown furred bear took it slowly, an Grammi could feel the slight tremor to his hands. Cubbi put his hands on Gruffi’s lap, hugging his tightly around the waist in thanks. With that, a small smile made its way across the bear’s face and he shakenly added his own name to Grammi’s.

Thanking them silently with a nod, the Captain turned to the excited boy in front of him, “I need your name too Cubbi. I need YOUR permission to train you too you know!”

Ecstatic at being able to have such a hand in his own dream, Cubbi took the quill from Gruffi and shifted to his knees to better reach. “Just my first name or my whole name.”

“Your whole name if you can spell it, your first name if not.” The Captain smirked at the boy’s enthusiasm, at his contagious energy. “Don’t worry about it being fancy, lad. Long as it’s your handwriting, that;s good enough.”

Reassured, the cub spelled out his whole name in choppy writing but legible, if barely: Cubbi Koi Gummi.

Taking the page from the boy, as well as the quill, in a seemingly liquid fashion, the Captain signed his own name below the threesome of signatures, making Cubbi’s eyes bulge out, for more than one reason. First, because this was the first real true step towards his dream and two…well, Plucki’s handwriting was like the handwriting in those fancy art books he saw in the library! Big swoops on the S and P and all that! It was that weird fancy writing that he saw Zummi use some times. The Captain seemed to catch his eyes and gave a low chortle, “You’ll learn that in time.”

That seemed impossible to Cubbi but he was willing to believe it if Sir Plucki was sure of it!

That done, Plucki pulled out a fresh piece of paper, with lots of writing on it but lots of blank spaces too. He took up his quill again and smiled at the rambunctious boy, “This is where I get a lot of boring facts Cubbi. If you don’t know them, you can ask Grammi or Gruffi or we can skip them, okay?” he grinned, “The more of this I can get, I’ll have a better idea of what might work best with you…and I can know what kind of dessert to tell the cooks to make you.”

A gap toothed grin at that. “Okay, Sir Plucki!”

That said, Plucki started right at the top, “Well, I already know your full name, lad. Cubbi Koi, right?”

Nodding, Cubbi wrinkled his nose, “I hate my middle name.”

Plucki responded gently, “I think all cubs do. I won’;t use it unless I have to, alright? Does that seem a fair deal?”

Cubbi eyed his Captain and responded, “If I can know yours.” There was a teasing cheekiness to his tone but he wanted to see what Plucki’d say. He knew Grammi’s middle name and Sunni and Tummi’s but that was it. He always wondered about things like that.

Grammi eyed Cubbi, “That isn’t polite, Cubbi—“

“It’s alright, milady.” Plucki interrupted her. “It seems fair enough to me. I know his and promise not to use it unless I have to. The same applies here. You’ll know mine and promise the same, alright Cubbi?” At the boy’s nod of acceptance, the Captain gave his answer, “Lithium.” Cubbi gave a nose wrinkle and Plucki laughed out loud and stated, “Now you know that the ‘I hate my middle name’ does not just apply to the cubs.”

Nodding, Cubbi turned back to business, scolding himself mentally for getting distracted, “Right, guess not. What’s the next one, Plucki?”

“Well, what day do we get to spoil you with cake and celebrations for your birthday?”

Easy one! “July 30th, Sir Plucki.” He grinned, “I’ll be ten next year!”

“Ten already, eh?” Plucki smirked as he jotted the information down, teasing, “Already into two digits?”

Nodding firmly, the cub was surprised by the Captain’s next question, “So what kind of present should I have in mind for you, hmm?”

Taken off guard, the cub blinked. First off, what could he say that wouldn’t sound super childish. He still had some toys he liked to play with that Grammi had insisted he take with him but how would THAT sound? He was going ot be a knight! Besides that, he just got done telling Plucki he put others before himself! No, he wouldn’t sound selfish, he refused. Besides, THIS was true anyway! “Sir Plucki THIS is my present! Getting to do this is the best gift EVER!”

Chuckling again, the Captain responded, “I’ll surprise you.” However, he didn’t linger on it and quickly went on, not wanting to make the boy feel awkward. “Alright…”

So continued the questions for about another half hour. Cubbi answered most of them himself, and rather proud that he could do so. So far as they knew, the boy had no allergies, he was able to give Plucki his favorite foods and stories, and pass a couple of simple math and reading questions to give the Captain a gage of his skill (Plucki noticed his reading was rather poor but that could easily be corrected) and then Plucki addressed the developmental questions with Gruffi and Grammi. As always, he had told Cubbi that if he knew, he could answer but he also told the cub that it would not be unusual not to know these questions.

       This was always the “embarrassing” part for the squires, given it asked when the cubs had started to walk, talk, whether they had wet the bed, had problems with speech or motor skills and things of that nature. Cubbi, to his credit, had not made a lot of vocal comments though when Grammi told Plucki he had wet the bed until he was six and had broken his habit of sucking his thumb at seven the boy had groaned and laid his face onto folded arms. Gruffi had ruffled the cub’s hair and Cubbi had simply moaned, “Did you hafta tell him that?”

       Plucki, well used to this reaction, merely remarked, “Nothing uncommon about that, lad. Everyone has habits that carry over from infancy. I’d be more concerned if you didn’t have any habits like that. The fact that you’ve already broken them is impressive.”

       Grammi reached over and stroked over the cub’s ears, “Cubbi, dear, it’s normal. He needs to know these things so he can let the healer know if you get sick.”

       “How ‘bout I just don’t get sick?” he moaned from his nest of folded arms.

       Knowing that little would help that dinged pride, Plucki just moved onto the next question, “So, Cubbi, can you tell me if you’ve broken any bones on your little adventures?”

       That seemed to push a little more life into his form and he looked up finally and shook his head, “No. Gruffi says I must be made of rock.”

       Grammi chuckled, “I’d say that more describes Gruffi’s head, dear. You just happen to be lucky.”

       Cubbi eyed Grammi, stating, “More than lucky, Grammi.” He was sure that yes, he had been lucky but he wanted some credit. “I can take care of myself too!” He knew that she thought he could, somewhat, but sometimes she still treated him like he was a baby. He knew that she didn’t mean to do it but she did! Last thing he wanted her to do was to do that here! He knew he could be a troublemaker but couldn’t he she bring up his triumphs here? Well…he supposed she wasn’t insulting him per say because he WAS lucky but still…

       Plucki finally put down his quill, “Alright. One last thing, Cubbi. You remember meeting Sarrika on your last time here?”

       Nodding, Cubbi responded simply “Yeah, she was pretty nice.” That was true. He didn’t remember too much of her but he did remember that she’d been nice. He was still not used to meeting so many new gummies. It was a little nerve wracking but exciting all the same! He couldn’t wait to explore the rest of Gummadoon and meet more gummies! He had only seen so little of the place! What else was there to see? To do? What happened next? Where would he stay? Where did they eat? Where—

       Answering the numerous unspoken questions Plucki could see were just on the tip of the boy’s tongue, he walked about the desk, taking a single sheet of paper with him from his stack, taking the boy’s hand to pull him up from the chair, “We need to have Sarrika clear you for training, just a quick medical exam and then we’ll have you take the training vow and we will be all set to get you settled in, alright?”

       The cub nodded excitedly and followed Sir Plucki’s footfalls, almost right on the knight’s heels. He never meant to leave his two clan members in the dust but in his excitement, he nearly forgot they were there, stepping over Gruffi’s legs and darting out the door. Gruffi got up slowly, Grammi following. She still clutched Cubbi’s knapsack to her side, sighing deeply, head down. Answering all those questions took her back so many years. She remembered the little baby who would wake her up screaming at night. She remembered the cub that took his first steps to yank down Gruffi’s tool box and just laugh at the horror on their faces as the tools rained down around him and somehow miraculously missed him.

       Now, she had just signed the right for him, at nine years old, to be taken from her arms and trained to enter war.

       Gruffi eyed her and stated, “Let’s catch up with them. We should see this vow.”

       Grammi looked at her hands, “Gruffi Gummi…”

       Gruffi narrowed his eyes at her, “Don’t get all gushy on me. You know he’s been askin’ for this since he was born practically!”

       She narrowed her eyes right back at him, her face set in a permanent scowl, “Ya act like that makes this any easier. You don’t fool me Gruffi Gummi. That cub’s as attached to you and he is to me. Ya may act like this ain’t buggin’ you but it is!”

       Gruffi huffed through clenched teeth. He would not break down here. He refused. “Doesn’t do any good to focus on that, does it? Just like when we were gonna let him go with Chummi. Nobody's gonna deny that's the kid's future.”

       Grammi worried her apron into a knot. "I'm not about to hold that cub back. It's just..." She walked over, put a hand on Gruffi’s shoulder “It's hard. And not just on me. Yer not foolin' me now and ya didn’t fool me then either, Gruffi Gummi. When Cubbi went to go with Chummi, you broke down. You’ll lie about it until you’re blue in the face but ya did.” She smiled sadly, “I’m not saying we should stop him. I…I’m just sayin' it hurts.”

       Gruffi turned from her again, speeding up, “We’re gonna lose track of them in this huge place…” He darted outside of the room, turning to the left, the last direction they seemed to be headed. “You comin’?”



       Cubbi stood nervously in front of Plucki. The visit with Sarrika had been quick and painless, just like Plucki had promised. Though, they seemed to have lost Gruffi and Grammi along the way. Not one to want to waste time when he was so close to achieving what he had always dreamed of, Cubbi had been swift to follow Plucki to the council chamber, where the final step…the vow…was to be done. If he knew Gruffi and Grammi, they would find their way in. Plucki had sent a few of his knights out to track them down though.

       Cubbi didn’t completely understand why they were acting so weird. Yes, he would miss them and he knew they’d miss him but come on! This was a dream coming true! Finally.

       “Sir Plucki?” one of the councilors asked, “Should we start?”

       Plucki eyed the cub in front of him whom was nearly bursting with excitement, “Do you want to start, lad or wait a bit more?”

       Cubbi felt conflicted. He wanted to take this vow. He needed to! But..he wanted Gruffi and Grammi here too! What was he supposed to do? He didn’t want the Council to be annoyed by having to wait but he didn’t want those two to miss this either..

       Luckily, just as he was about to reply, the door opened and two of Plucki’s knights came in, followed by Gruffi and Grammi. Grammi, as always, was quick to apologize. Cubbi ran over to her, hugged her briefly and then turned to her and Gruffi, saying, “Can I talk to you guys really quick?”

       Plucki gave a knowing smile and a nod to the council to give them a moment. Gruffi in particular gave the cub an odd look but that was promptly replaced by pride when the cub spoke,

       “Look, I’m gonna miss you guys. A lot. I’m gonna miss the Glen a lot. But…this is important to me. Like…the most important thing I can do. I have to do this. I want to do this.” He smiled up at Grammi who already had tears in her eyes, “But it doesn’t mean I’m never gonna see you again. Plucki said we get to do visits and I’ll do that every chance I get. I wanna be able to show you what I learn, what I can do. I know this isn’t gonna be easy but I can do it!” He gave her a tight hug and then turned and after a slight hesitation, he hugged Gruffi too. As always, the gruff gummi paused, stiff a moment before returning the embrace, finally letting a few tears out when the cub said, “I’m gonna make you proud, Gruffi.”

      “Y-ya already have, kid.” He stammered out, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. “N-now go on. Go take that vow.”

      Beaming, Cubbi released him and darted back to Plucki. Grammi wiped her own eyes and took a stance by Gruffi, silent, but with shining eyes. Later, Cubbi would tell them that the vow was much more broken up than they remembered; he had to repeat the pieces that Plucki asked him back, but to the main leaders of Gummi Glen, they heard it as a steady, confident promise of a child they had raised from birth, now taking his first major step towards his desired future, head held high, one hand placed firmly on his heart as a physical badge of his dedication.

      “I, Cubbi Koi Gummi, do solemnly swear, on my heart, my life and my honor, to uphold justice, protect the weaker, serve the common good and carry the Gummi Way in all my actions and words. I enter this day September 20th into my preparation for knighthood under the guidance of Captain Sir Plucki Lithium Gummi with full understanding of the trials and triumphs that will be laid in my path. Until I achieve knighthood or my Captain release me, I pledge my vow."

      A flash of light from the council granted him the same blue and white uniform he had seen in Plucki’s office.

      Then, with a smile, Sir Plucki approached him, slid a blue wristband onto his left hand, encoded with a Golden Knight head with a blue and white banner behind it, the symbol of the Captain rank, a sign to all that he had been chosen and accepted by the Captain of Gummadoon as worthy of tutelage. Unable to stand it, the cub squealed and took the Captain in a firm embrace as he said, “I welcome you into training, Squire Cubbi Gummi of Gummadoon.”