TAWOG: Instinct

The Topping

The Topping 

Gumball's stint in the hospital was about as pleasant as one might expect. Otherwise, being overwhelmingly frustrating and boring; with round the clock check ups and procedures and other such things. He did receive a lot of visitors though, family and friends alike, who were so thrilled to see him alive and well, uh, for the most part. Their visits helped ease the tension. 

But, miraculously, Gumball's stay in the hospital only lasted for about two weeks. Despite the severity of the stab wounds, Gumball's injuries healed remarkably fast. The doctors couldn't understand it at first, for even the healthiest of patients would need several months to fully recoup from such an ordeal. However, the reason was quickly discovered. Upon examining the blood samples taken from Gumball, experts discovered that his DNA was indeed still altered and he was still connected to the animalistic traits of his family's ancestry. Animals had a tendency to heal faster than people, and it would appear that the abyssalis cat's healing factor was just as formidable as the rest of him was.

Upon being released from the hospital Gumball and his family were summoned by the mayor to a meeting, but, surprisingly, not at City Hall, but out in the forest. There, the mayor requested Gumball to transform, Gumball, seeing no reason to hide it, did as requested, both the mayor and his entourage, as well as Gumball's family observing as the abyssalis cat emerged before them all. His bulking figure was in such contrast to the demure little body Gumball was known for, that if one hadn't seen him change right before them they wouldn't be able to associate them with each other. 

Gumball, for his part, felt conflicted with his new body. As the abyssalis cat, he was powerful and strong, yet, he didn't feel…himself. He felt…strange. This form didn't feel right, yet it didn't feel wrong either. Gumball could only hope he'd be able to get used to it, for it would seem that the abyssalis cat was here to stay.

At least he didn't turn into a savage, ravenous, mindless carnivore anymore.

Upon seeing the transformation the mayor, rather than being scared, became incredibly pleased and intrigued. Which is when he made his proposal. All of Elmore could become increasingly wealthy if they capitalized on Gumball's abyssalis cat form. After all, Elmore was the one place that an abyssalis cat could be found now. Gumball may not be an “original” be he still possessed all the characteristics and traits. The Wattersons maybe should have been kinda skeptical about agreeing to an offer from the mayor; what with what happened in regards to his Gated Community idea, but since it revolved around exploiting Gumball's new abilities rather than the eviction of half the town they reluctantly agreed.

And it didn't take long for the royalties to start flowing in, and Gumball knew exactly what he wanted to do with his first pay.

—

It was Thursday evening and Gumball had met Penny at Elmore Mall for a date, upon which she proceeded to hug him for a good five minutes. Ever since the ordeal involving Green had been drawn to a close Penny had been exceptionally clingy, and truthfully, he couldn't blame her. He'd probably be the same way if their roles had been reversed. 

Besides, he kinda liked the affection.

They went to the ice cream parlor (where they had their first ice cream) and sat at a table and ordered their favorites. Well, Penny did. She ordered a hot fudge sundae, while Gumball ordered a plain dish of vanilla. Penny eyed the dull treat skeptically. Usually Gumball would order something that would possibly induce both cavities and diabetes simultaneously, so what was the deal with this?

“Huh, Gumball?” she inquired, looking at him from over her own dessert with concern.

“Yes Penny,” he answered, picking up his spoon.