Gummy Bears

You run through the night-time Ancient Forest with the last of your strength. Your paws are bloodied, your breath burns your throat, and behind you, a troop of Duke Igthorn's goblins rushes, breaking branches and whooping wildly!

"Hold on to the hairy one! The Duke will make us rich for a living bear!" Slobbery screeches vilely, urging on the huge ogres with torches and nets.

You trip over the root of a giant mossy oak tree and tumble head over heels into a ravine.

Suddenly, right above the goblins’ heads, a loud crack and a ringing cry are heard:
— Jump-jump! Take that, you blockheads!

A bright pink flash! A small, furry ball ricochets off the tree trunks at breakneck speed, knocking down two ogres and landing with a crash next to you. Little Gummy, in his signature feathered hat, deftly grabs your paw:

• Hurry, grab it!

The trunk of a centuries-old oak tree swings silently open, revealing a secret tunnel. You fly inside, and the massive ancient oak shutter slams shut with a crash, cutting off the goblins' furious roar.

You roll down a stone chute and tumble head over heels into the middle of the softly lit hall of Gummi Valley—right at the foot of a huge, bubbling cauldron of berry juice!

"Kid! Damn it, were you wandering around the woods during curfew again?!" Grumpy bursts out of the workshop with a wrench, ready to give you a dressing down.

"Grumpy, wait, he's not alone!" Grandma groans as she runs up, almost dropping her wooden ladle.

The Gummy Sorcerer pauses on the steps, dropping a stack of ancient scrolls. His round glasses slide down to the very tip of his nose.

• Oh-oh great ancestors... Th-this... c-cannot be...

Everyone freezes. Six pairs of eyes stare at you in absolute shock and numbness.

Grumpy slowly lowers the key, frowning in confusion:
— Are you... are you a real Gummy? Where did you come from? Where did you come from in our forests? Ursalia? The Great Ocean? Tell me, who are you?!

"Poor thing, you're shaking all over..." Grandmother pushes Grumpy aside and takes a step toward you, tenderly holding out a mug of warm brew. "Quiet, child. You're safe. You're in Gummi Valley."