Starting New: A World Apart

Chapter 18: Blind Rage

Gumball rested his head on the soft pillow below him. His mind felt...cloudy. After having strained it to basically a breaking point, it prevented him from even contemplating basic thoughts. But luckily, he wasn't dealing with this all alone. Nicole was laying quietly beside him, taking advantage of the time with a quick catnap. Gumball closed his eyes. He needed sleep. Especially after all he had endured today and the day before.

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Several hours now have past, but Gumball couldn't sleep. It was like something persisted on keeping him conscious and aware in his mind. But...why?

Gumball sat up and hunched over his side of the bed. He put his hands over his face and covered them. What was happening to him? Why couldn't he rest?

"Maybe I just need some fresh air..." he said to himself quietly.

Gumball made his way downstairs and onto the porch. The cool evening air did seem to help him feel more at ease, but not enough to feel sleepy. He sighed. This felt pointless. As he closed his eyes and tried to think again, he still hit a blank. This was going to be a long evening...

Nicole was still concerned. After having a little nap and cooking dinner for them, Gumball barely spoke during their meal. His quiet mannerisms had set off several red flags in her head.

'What is happening to Gumball? Didn't he rest?'

After closer observation, she noted his eyes were almost bloodshot. His darkened bags under his eyes seemed to tell her it wasn't something minor either. Just when she was about to ask him if he wanted to talk, he finished his plate and quickly headed upstairs without a word. She sighed. Hopefully soon she would talk with him. If this seem to persist, then it could be serious; and that was something she did NOT want to come into fruition.

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The next day, Gumball slowly made his way downstairs for breakfast. Nicole followed him down, noticing his slow movements. Usually, Gumball would rush down for breakfast. After all, it's the most important meal of the day. He would usually playfully make a few witty comments as she would make them their breakfast. Today however, was just the opposite. It seemed like all the light and joy of Gumball had been sucked out of him. There was no witty comments, no playful banter and no laughter. All that seemed to remain in him now, at their table, was a cold husk of his former self; something Nicole was all too familiar seeing in...in...

'No. Don't think that...' she told herself. 'He's not...him. He's Gumball. We just need to talk and sort whatever is bothering him, that's all...'

Nicole decided that tonight was the best time to talk to him. It was best that she do that sooner rather then later.

Gumball got up out of his chair and headed towards the front door.

"Gumball." Nicole spoke, drawing his attention.

"Are you sure you want to still train today? Maybe it's best we take a day off."

Gumball turned his back to her.

"No." He replied sternly. "I need to train. I can't stop. Not now..."

With that, he headed out the door. Nicole knew this was going to be challenging today, but saw Gumball's determination. Perhaps she had underestimated him. But despite that, something still was off about him. Something that needed to be addressed later tonight. For now, however, it was time to train.

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Despite Gumball's stubborn attitude today, Nicole followed through with some of the basic physical training exercises with him. She taught him how to place his feet, how to swing and strike properly. It was going quite well in Nicole's eyes, at least so far. She did however note his slightly sluggish movements after striking towards her only a few times.