Gumball Warrior

Journey to South Nova​

Chapter. 4 : Huddle Close


“T-T…..Teacher….” Meta flew to the elder and clutched onto his backpack. “M-my wings…..I can’t fly…..”

It was early afternoon, and the group reached South Nova an hour or so back. The weather changed greatly, and the young warriors were unable to keep up like in West Nova. Even with all their snow gear on, they were no match for the dropping temperature. The outskirts in the south were always harsher, and Bate knew they had to reach shelter before nightfall.

Bate instructed everyone to land, and Meta hopped off Bate’s backpack only to be scooped up by the elder. 

“Teacher…I’m cold….” He shivered and tried to burrow in his arms. 

“I…am too….” Dragato said as he huddled close to Bate who seemed to be retaining his body temperature. 

The other three eventually hugged Bate to get his warmth as well.

Bate frowned in concern and scanned the area to see if there was a suitable area to rest in.

“I…think there’s a cavern not too far from here,” He said, “Stay close and we’ll walk there, okay?”

All five nodded and practically darted to the folds of Bate's wings. They were surprisingly warm…but Bate had trouble walking from them crowding his feet.

“I need you to get out from under my wings. I can’t walk when you’re constantly shoving each other.”

“But we’re coldddd!” Meta whined. “We’re gonna freeze!!"

“No, you’re not,” Bate rolled his eyes when he started to cry. He took off his backpack and placed the little warrior in it. Meta quickly beamed in happiness and thanked the elder.

“What about us?!” Arthur huffed and tried to squeeze in as well. Miraculously he was able to fit…but now the other three started to whine. 

“Okay, enough!” Bate hushed and slightly curved his wings to shape them as a small cradle to keep the others warm. All three settled down, and Bate slightly grunted from the added weight. 

“Darn it…” He mumbled.

Without the use of his wings, Bate would have to trek all the way to the cavern on foot. His endurance with his wings compared to his feet were like night and day. He couldn't even walk to the market without breaks in-between, and now he has to travel all the way to some cave that may or may not even exist?! Not only was the weather getting harsher, but the high winds and flurry was making it harder to see.

With a tired breath, Bate slowly, but surly started to head to the icy cavern to seek shelter until the upcoming blizzard passes. It took nearly twice as long by foot, and Bate constantly needed to stop to catch his breath. The five warriors would occasionally peek out to see how he was doing, and fear slightly consumed them when Bate was struggling halfway though the hike.

They knew once they got back home from this trip, Bate would probably need a months vacation away from them.


​​<< Chapter 3  |  Chapter 5 >>



​Artist Comment:

Date: November 16, 2016​

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 Species © Nintendo/ HAL Laboratory
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem