Glutitis - A Rayman Fanfiction
Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2013 12:55 pm
My first Rayman fanfiction, and the first fanfiction I've done in years. So far it's only the first chapter, but I'm open to suggestions on making it funnier or extending the story a little bit. It's sort of akin to Rayman 3 while also borrowing an element from Rayman Origins. If you like, feel free to comment on it. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Enjoy!
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Chapter One - Feeling Blue
Under the lulling glow of the Twin Moons, beneath the protection of a thick plum tree in the Glade of Dreams, Rayman's peaceful, nightly snooze ended abruptly. He stirred from his spot, drowsy eyes half open, curious to see what commotion was disturbing his sleep. Rubbing his eyes, he noticed Globox, his blue, frog-like Glute friend, off to the side with his back turned to him. The Glute seemed to be doing something. What that something was, Rayman needed to know. He approached his friend on sleepy, disembodied feet.
Groggily, the limbless being asked, "Hey, Globox. What are you doing over there?"
Globox nervously turned to Rayman. "Ah! Sorry, Rayman. Just wanted to try out some magic. You know, that energy ball thingie you used to throw with your hands?"
Rayman shook his head a little, grinning and rolling his eyes. "Really, Globox? You sure you wanna do that? Glutes aren't exactly gifted in magic, ya know. Besides, I don't shoot energy balls from my hands anymore."
"I know, but I still wanna try. "
"All right. Suit yourself," Rayman chuckled lightly. "Let's see how you do."
Deciding to humor Globox, he watched the Glute press his hands together and even ball them up into fists, concentrating hard. No small feat for the Glute. At first, nothing happened, but after a few passing seconds, a spark, and then a tiny ball of light and energy. Even Rayman was surprised to see this.
"Globox! How...?"
Excited, Globox cried out, "Rayman! Look! I'm doin' it!" Suddenly, his expression dropped, his hands shaking from the amount of frantic energy between them. "Uh...that's not supposed to happen, is it?"
Knowing how potentially dangerous summoning a ball of energy like that would be without proper training in keeping it contained, Rayman began to panic a bit. "Globox, put it away! Hurry! Before you--!" BAM! The newly formed energy ball shot from between Globox's hands, hitting Rayman in the face, knocking the limbless being back, causing him to grunt loudly from the forceful impact. Dazed, Rayman rose upright, rubbing the hit area on his large nose. "Ow..." he grimaced.
Globox gasped and scurried to Rayman's side, concerned for his friend. "Gah! Rayman! Are you okay, buddy?"
"Y-yeah. I'm fine," Rayman assured him and crossed his eyes to observe his nose. He noticed a small blue spot imprinted on the flat top of it and frowned. "Ugh, great. I think you gave me a bruise."
"Ah, I'm sorry, Rayman," Globox wholeheartedly apologized.
"It's okay. Lucky it's only a bruise. It should be gone in a couple of days." Rayman poked the bruised spot experimentally. "Huh. Weird. It doesn't even hurt."
"Well, that's good, right?"
"Yeah. But you really shouldn't ever try that again. Even for me it was dangerous. It's not something you play around with," he told Globox sternly. He was being serious.
"I promise I'll never do it again." Globox spoke truthfully, but knowing his small brain, it was likely he'd forget at some point.
"Good. Now..." Rayman rose to his feet with ease and brushed off his floating torso. "Let's get back to sleep," he yawned and stretched out his hands, which stayed well in place despite them being disembodied. "It's real late."
Globox nodded and followed Rayman's lead, both of them returning to their spots under the tree. It didn't take long for them to drift back to sleep once again.
Not long after Rayman and Globox resumed their peaceful slumber, unbeknownst to either of them, the blue spot on Rayman's nose instantly grew larger in size.
--
Rayman and Globox still snoozed soundly under the tree's shade long after the sun overtook the Twin Moons for the obvious purpose of daytime. The limbless being was the first to stir from sleep, his head turning ever so slightly in either direction; he was in the middle of a waking dream. Eyes still closed, he mumbled a little and lightly smacked his lips.
A very sudden growl alerted him much more awake. Eyes half open, he looked down at his stomach with a quiet groan, immediately realizing he was hungry. Sitting up, Rayman stretched out his hands and yawned.
Globox sleepily rose to his feet. "Be right back, Rayman," he said passively without looking at his friend. "I just heard my stomach growling."
Rayman glanced over his non-existent shoulder at Globox before also rising to his feet. "Nah, ya must've heard mine. All that sleeping made me hungry."
"Oh, yeah. Heh. Me too." When Globox turned to face Rayman, the Glute gasped out loud at what he saw and pointed excitedly. "Whoa! Rayman! What happened to your face?"
Rayman blinked, utterly confused. "My face?"
"Yeah! You should see it! That's one heck of a bruise!"
Again Rayman blinked, even more confused. Crossing his eyes to look at his nose, he did notice it had taken on more of a blue-ish tint. Had his bruise gotten bigger overnight? Just to be sure the lighting was playing tricks on both of them, he jogged over to a nearby pool of still water, as it would serve as the only available mirror.
Like Globox, he gasped at the reflection before him. Indeed, his nose had become more blue. Very blue. In fact, his entire face was blue! With a paler blue around his mouth and under his nose and a few dark blue spots dotting around his eyes. Luckily, his golden hair had not become completely blue yet, though it did show some creeping signs near the base. Having registered the drastic change in his skin, Rayman dropped his jaw. This was definitely no bruise. He turned to Globox, who had approached his side. "What--what happened to me? Globox, what'd ya do?" he wanted know, panic evident in his voice.
Globox raised his hands defensively. "I didn't do anything! I swear!" he replied truthfully. "Maybe...maybe someone tried to prank ya and painted your face blue?"
Testing to see if Globox's theory was correct, Rayman dunked his entire head in the water and brought it back up again. His hair was drenched, but the blue was completely in tact. "It won't come off!" He then spun his hair like a propeller, efficiently drying off. He tried rubbing the blue off, but to no avail. "Either this is some kind of permanent paint, or there's something wrong with me. I'm really hoping it's not the latter," he said with a gulp and nervously stood to his feet.
"Think ya might wanna go to the doctor's?"
Before Rayman could consider that option, another dark blue spot popped into existence on his nose. He blinked in surprise. "Uh, yeah. Good idea. Let's go." Unfortunately, his stomach spoke up rather hungrily again. Rayman glanced around a bit, his thoughts diverted. "Uh, after we find something to eat. I'm starving!" He then spotted a few large, purple, yellow-spotted fruits, called cootmellons, that had just recently fallen. He then ran towards the fruit and licked his lips with anticipation upon approaching the pile. He couldn't wait to devour these cootmellons. Unable to hold back, he already started biting huge chunks out of the sweet, juicy fruits.
"Wow, Rayman," Globox observed after finding a plum about Rayman's size, as the limbless being continued to make relatively quick work of the fruits. "You sure got a big appetite today."
Rayman took a second to swallow and respond, "Heh, yeah, I guess so." He resumed munching.
Just then, a familiar voice rang through the glade. "Hey! Ray, my man!" The voice belonged to a flying creature, a fly-like fairy called a greenbottle, by name of Murphy, who flew down from the trees to meet the two. "How's our favorite hero this mornin-- Whoa! What'd ya do with your face there? Is painting your face blue a trend with you kids nowadays?"
Rayman, already on his last cootmellon in the pile, regarded Murphy. "Not exactly. I tried washing it, but it wouldn't come off. I'm pretty sure it's not paint."
"Then where'd you get it?"
"I dunno. I just sorta woke up like this." Rayman noticed he'd eaten all the cootmellons in the pile and began looking around. "Hm, where's another cootmellon?" he mused while foraging for more food.
"Uh-oh. This doesn't look good, Rayman."
"Whaddaya mean?" Rayman replied in between bites once he had found another fruit to eat.
Murphy flew closer to the limbless being's face. It was evident that the greenbottle was distressed about something, most likely the blue complexion Rayman had taken on. "What do I mean? I'm just prayin' you don't got what I think you got. That blue on your face could be the start of somethin' real bad. You need to see a doctor, kid."
Rayman swallowed. "Oh, yeah, I was going to. I mean, if this isn't paint, it's probably something else."
"Oh, good. I'm glad you still have your common sense."
"But after I finish breakfast."
"Yeah, that's another thing. Seems you've got one heck of an appetite today. I mean, already I've seen you eat just as much as Globox! How many cootmellons have you had already? Eleven? Twelve? And those all seem like five-inchers to me. Mighty filling for someone of your small stature."
That made Rayman think that maybe the spell Globox had hit him with may have something to do with how he looked and felt at present. Murphy did bring up a good point. Rayman couldn't remember ever being as hungry as Globox. And that guy could really pack it away, given he was more than twice Rayman's size. Now uneasy, he felt he was finished with his cootmellon breakfast. He was pretty full by now anyway.
After wiping his mouth free of the fruity juices, Rayman stood up and said, "Yeah, you may have a point, Murphy."
"That's just what the narration said."
"Right." He thought for a moment and addressed his friend. "Okay, Globox. Let's go see Doctor Otto. Maybe he'll know what's going on with my face."
Globox had long stuffed himself full, but he was just as eager to take the trip to see the closest doctor Teensie, namely Otto. Though Globox was always nervous around doctors, he still held enough loyalty and concern for his limbless friend. With that, the two set out on their hour-long trek through Clearleaf Forest.
Murphy watched as the two went. "Polokus be with ya, Rayman. I'd hate for there to be two Globox's running around." He shuddered and flew off.
--
Not surprisingly to Rayman, the entry hall to the doctor Teensie named Otto was not crawling with Hoodlums. They had been long gone for quite a few years. Though he had to admit, the trip here was just as monotonous, especially without any evil doers to fight. At the same time, though, the forest proved to be nice and peaceful, which kept both of them in calm spirits.
The silence was broken by another rumble from Rayman's stomach. Oh, of all times to have another craving! Ignoring it, Rayman entered the portal leading to the stark, white office, accompanied by Globox.
The two glanced about the bright office, finally spotting the small, blue creature, whose nose was as large as his body. Frankly, all the Teensies would put Rayman to shame with the sheer size of their noses. This one, Otto Psi, was dressed in a white lab coat with blue trousers, dark gloves, and tiny, dark glasses.
"Hey there, doc!" Globox called out while Rayman waved. "Remember me?"
Otto turned his attention to the two from his desk and lighted up, speaking in his heavy German accept. "Ah, yes. Velcome, Globox. I remember you had svallowed zat black lum André. How may I be of assistance?" Upon further scrutiny, the doctor took note of Rayman's face. "Ah--oh! Rayman, is zat you? You seem to be very blue in zee face. Tell me. Is zat a new look you are trying out?"
Rayman rolled his eyes and sighed. "Not really. I woke up like this. I was hoping you had some idea why."
"Vell, it seems to me someone has played a prank on you. Vhy not you go vash off zat paint?"
Rayman's expression soured a bit at the thought of having to repeat himself, but he didn't let it show too much. "Tried washing it off this morning. I'm pretty sure it's not paint."
"Hmm," Otto mused. "All right, vell. Have a seet on zee table and I'll see if I can determine your problem."
Rayman promptly walked over to the examination table in the center of the large room and propped himself upon it, his feet hanging freely over the side. Otto stood up higher with the help of a box.
"Now zen, ven did you notice zee blue-ness in your complexion?"
"I dunno. At first it started out as a bruise when Globox hit me with a spell he tried to do last night," Rayman explained. "Then I looked like this when I woke up."
"Und... zese spots are zee same color as your 'bruise?'"
"Uh... yeah, I guess."
"I see. Mm-hmm." Otto thought for a moment. He then beckoned Globox over. "Globox, over here please." The unsure Glute obeyed and stood at Rayman's right. "Both of you, stick out your tongues." Both Rayman and Globox stuck out their respective tongues, both unsure where the good doctor was going with this. Abruptly, the doctor grabbed both their tongues, one in each hand, making them gag in unison. "Mm-hm. I see. Very interesting. Both are very much zee same shade of purple. Practically similar!"
"Ah hah a hurhle hongue--?" Rayman exclaimed, his tongue still in the doctor's hand, which finally let go of both his and Globox's tongue. "Bleh! I have a
purple tongue?" he repeated to be sure he was understood.
"Any queasiness at all? Dizziness?" Otto inquired while quickly taking out a tiny flashlight and examining Rayman's eyes. He then stuck a thermometer into Rayman's mouth somewhat forcibly.
"No, I feel fine. Just that my face is blue and my tongue is purple," Rayman replied through his teeth, somewhat miffed.
The doctor then removed the thermometer and briefly checked it. It was normal, of course. He pulled out a simple stethoscope and put the diaphragm to Rayman's chest.
"Breathe in and out slowly for me." Rayman did so. Otto nodded and mused as his listened through the earpieces. "Good, good. Heartbeat and breathing are normal. But vee vouldn't expect anything less from you, now vould vee?" Rayman grinned knowingly. Of course, his vitals were normal. He made sure of that by always keeping himself in shape.
Otto moved the diaphragm down to a lower spot on the front of Rayman's body, namely his stomach, where an enormous hungry growl resonated. Rayman's face tightened with mild discomfort and Otto stumbled back slightly from the loud noise, removing the steth. "Oof! Oh! My goodness! Eh, tell me. Ven vas zee last time you ate?"
"Well, I had around twelve five-inch cootmellons about an hour ago." Rayman placed a hand to his stomach for emphasis. He was honestly surprised when he stopped and thought about it more.
"Yeah! Yeah!" Globox chipped in eagerly. "His appetite's as big as mine today!"
"I see. Normally, I vould say zat is your metabolism acting funny, yet I highly doubt zat, considering you're obviously blue and spotted in zee face. Zat und, vell, no von can match Globox's appetite." The doctor poked Globox's belly. "Zerefore, my prognosis is zis." He paused for effect. Rayman and Globox leaned in, waiting for the answer. "You have... Glutitis."
Both Rayman and Globox looked at each other and then back at the doctor. "Huh?" they said in unison.
"Allow me to explain. Glutitis occurs very, very rarely, but it is usually zee result of a Glute who stupidly attempts even zee simplest of magic spells on creatures such as you. When Globox performed and hit you vith a spell, as you said, he in effect transferred a bit of his own traits into you. Zis is vhy vee don't allow Glutes to become magicians. Quite frankly, zey stink at magic!"
A pause, as Rayman took all of this new information in. He scrutinized Otto. "But there's only one me. How do you know I have Glutitis?"
"Vell, truth be told, your case is zee first I've ever seen, since zere is only von you zat vee know of. However, a Glute has stupidly performed magic before. It caused very many people to be allergic to plum juice for a month!"
Globox scratched his head. "Uh, yeah, that sounds like my dad. He was allergic to plum juice, too. Heh. Must run in the family."
"Vell, lucky for you, Rayman," said Otto, "you are able to retain your figure, even after devouring a fruit pile equal to your own size. Still, your blue-ness and cravings are evidence enough. You have a few of Globox's traits. Zat is Glutitis. Born of failed Glute magic, yet it takes zee form of a bizarre illness. Very soon, zee blue-ness shall spread. Und I see it has already taken over your hair."
"Huh?" Rayman gasped in alarm. He pulled a bit of his hair over his eyes to see that yes, it had already turned completely blue and spotted. "Aw, great," he complained. "So, that's what Murphy was talking about. Well, at least now I know what's wrong with me."
Globox looked sorrowful. "Aw, gosh, I'm sorry I hit ya with that spell, buddy," he said to Rayman, who waved a dismissive hand.
"It's not your fault, Globox. You didn't know. Heck, I didn't even know." He turned back to the doctor. "So, is there a cure for this?"
"Ho! Zere had better be!" replied Otto. "Or very soon, your whole body vill be blue and spotted and you von't be able to form complete thoughts. In fact, vith your case, it is possible your brain will shrink to zee size of a valnut. You'll be more Glute zan Rayman. More like... eh, Gluteman. Or Rayglute. Vichever comes first."
Rayman's face sank with dispair. He felt his appetite momentarily lift from his gut to make room for worry. He brought his hands to his forehead and groaned. "So you're saying there is no cure?"
"I didn't say zat. I said zere had better be. I suggest going through zee Land of zee Livid Dead to see Doctor Roméo. I'm sure you remember zee vay. Zat is unless you begin to forget your vay zere by zee time you arrive."
Rayman huffed. "Don't worry about me. I remember it like the back of my hand."
"I should hope so." Rayman scowled at the Teensie. Did he really have that little faith in this limbless hero? Otto didn't pay the disgruntled look any mind and pulled out a remote control. "Vell, in any case, I vish you luck." He pressed the button, activating a portal in the floor. "In zee meantime, I must go clean my instruments."
Feeling a sense of déjà vu, Rayman and Globox watched the Teensie saunter off.
Rayman hopped off the table, trying to restore his resolve. "Well, looks like we gotta do this all over again," he observed, exhaling. "No offense, Globox, but I'd rather not have to go around blue, let alone with a brain as small as yours."
"None taken, buddy." Good thing Globox was the easily forgiving type. "And don't you worry. I'm behind you every step of the way. I mean, you did the same thing for me when I was in trouble."
"Yep. That's true." Rayman smirked. Remembering how much fun he had beating up those Hoodlums helped to heighten his spirit.
He wasn't entirely looking forward to the same trip he'd taken before, but if it meant reversing the effects of Globox's failed spell, the repeated trip would be worth it. And hopefully, these same doctors that helped Globox would help Rayman as well. And obviously, if his brain were to shrink to the same small size as Globox's, it'd mean the end of this hero's world-saving duties. He'd probably even forget how to use his ability to literally throw his own fists, which he took great pride in and always had fun doing. Not knowing how to use his own abilities seemed a much worse fate to Rayman than just looking blue.
Determined more than ever to find the cure to his Glutitis, Rayman took the initial plunge into the floor portal, knowing it'd take him right back to the Bog of Murk.
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Chapter One - Feeling Blue
Under the lulling glow of the Twin Moons, beneath the protection of a thick plum tree in the Glade of Dreams, Rayman's peaceful, nightly snooze ended abruptly. He stirred from his spot, drowsy eyes half open, curious to see what commotion was disturbing his sleep. Rubbing his eyes, he noticed Globox, his blue, frog-like Glute friend, off to the side with his back turned to him. The Glute seemed to be doing something. What that something was, Rayman needed to know. He approached his friend on sleepy, disembodied feet.
Groggily, the limbless being asked, "Hey, Globox. What are you doing over there?"
Globox nervously turned to Rayman. "Ah! Sorry, Rayman. Just wanted to try out some magic. You know, that energy ball thingie you used to throw with your hands?"
Rayman shook his head a little, grinning and rolling his eyes. "Really, Globox? You sure you wanna do that? Glutes aren't exactly gifted in magic, ya know. Besides, I don't shoot energy balls from my hands anymore."
"I know, but I still wanna try. "
"All right. Suit yourself," Rayman chuckled lightly. "Let's see how you do."
Deciding to humor Globox, he watched the Glute press his hands together and even ball them up into fists, concentrating hard. No small feat for the Glute. At first, nothing happened, but after a few passing seconds, a spark, and then a tiny ball of light and energy. Even Rayman was surprised to see this.
"Globox! How...?"
Excited, Globox cried out, "Rayman! Look! I'm doin' it!" Suddenly, his expression dropped, his hands shaking from the amount of frantic energy between them. "Uh...that's not supposed to happen, is it?"
Knowing how potentially dangerous summoning a ball of energy like that would be without proper training in keeping it contained, Rayman began to panic a bit. "Globox, put it away! Hurry! Before you--!" BAM! The newly formed energy ball shot from between Globox's hands, hitting Rayman in the face, knocking the limbless being back, causing him to grunt loudly from the forceful impact. Dazed, Rayman rose upright, rubbing the hit area on his large nose. "Ow..." he grimaced.
Globox gasped and scurried to Rayman's side, concerned for his friend. "Gah! Rayman! Are you okay, buddy?"
"Y-yeah. I'm fine," Rayman assured him and crossed his eyes to observe his nose. He noticed a small blue spot imprinted on the flat top of it and frowned. "Ugh, great. I think you gave me a bruise."
"Ah, I'm sorry, Rayman," Globox wholeheartedly apologized.
"It's okay. Lucky it's only a bruise. It should be gone in a couple of days." Rayman poked the bruised spot experimentally. "Huh. Weird. It doesn't even hurt."
"Well, that's good, right?"
"Yeah. But you really shouldn't ever try that again. Even for me it was dangerous. It's not something you play around with," he told Globox sternly. He was being serious.
"I promise I'll never do it again." Globox spoke truthfully, but knowing his small brain, it was likely he'd forget at some point.
"Good. Now..." Rayman rose to his feet with ease and brushed off his floating torso. "Let's get back to sleep," he yawned and stretched out his hands, which stayed well in place despite them being disembodied. "It's real late."
Globox nodded and followed Rayman's lead, both of them returning to their spots under the tree. It didn't take long for them to drift back to sleep once again.
Not long after Rayman and Globox resumed their peaceful slumber, unbeknownst to either of them, the blue spot on Rayman's nose instantly grew larger in size.
--
Rayman and Globox still snoozed soundly under the tree's shade long after the sun overtook the Twin Moons for the obvious purpose of daytime. The limbless being was the first to stir from sleep, his head turning ever so slightly in either direction; he was in the middle of a waking dream. Eyes still closed, he mumbled a little and lightly smacked his lips.
A very sudden growl alerted him much more awake. Eyes half open, he looked down at his stomach with a quiet groan, immediately realizing he was hungry. Sitting up, Rayman stretched out his hands and yawned.
Globox sleepily rose to his feet. "Be right back, Rayman," he said passively without looking at his friend. "I just heard my stomach growling."
Rayman glanced over his non-existent shoulder at Globox before also rising to his feet. "Nah, ya must've heard mine. All that sleeping made me hungry."
"Oh, yeah. Heh. Me too." When Globox turned to face Rayman, the Glute gasped out loud at what he saw and pointed excitedly. "Whoa! Rayman! What happened to your face?"
Rayman blinked, utterly confused. "My face?"
"Yeah! You should see it! That's one heck of a bruise!"
Again Rayman blinked, even more confused. Crossing his eyes to look at his nose, he did notice it had taken on more of a blue-ish tint. Had his bruise gotten bigger overnight? Just to be sure the lighting was playing tricks on both of them, he jogged over to a nearby pool of still water, as it would serve as the only available mirror.
Like Globox, he gasped at the reflection before him. Indeed, his nose had become more blue. Very blue. In fact, his entire face was blue! With a paler blue around his mouth and under his nose and a few dark blue spots dotting around his eyes. Luckily, his golden hair had not become completely blue yet, though it did show some creeping signs near the base. Having registered the drastic change in his skin, Rayman dropped his jaw. This was definitely no bruise. He turned to Globox, who had approached his side. "What--what happened to me? Globox, what'd ya do?" he wanted know, panic evident in his voice.
Globox raised his hands defensively. "I didn't do anything! I swear!" he replied truthfully. "Maybe...maybe someone tried to prank ya and painted your face blue?"
Testing to see if Globox's theory was correct, Rayman dunked his entire head in the water and brought it back up again. His hair was drenched, but the blue was completely in tact. "It won't come off!" He then spun his hair like a propeller, efficiently drying off. He tried rubbing the blue off, but to no avail. "Either this is some kind of permanent paint, or there's something wrong with me. I'm really hoping it's not the latter," he said with a gulp and nervously stood to his feet.
"Think ya might wanna go to the doctor's?"
Before Rayman could consider that option, another dark blue spot popped into existence on his nose. He blinked in surprise. "Uh, yeah. Good idea. Let's go." Unfortunately, his stomach spoke up rather hungrily again. Rayman glanced around a bit, his thoughts diverted. "Uh, after we find something to eat. I'm starving!" He then spotted a few large, purple, yellow-spotted fruits, called cootmellons, that had just recently fallen. He then ran towards the fruit and licked his lips with anticipation upon approaching the pile. He couldn't wait to devour these cootmellons. Unable to hold back, he already started biting huge chunks out of the sweet, juicy fruits.
"Wow, Rayman," Globox observed after finding a plum about Rayman's size, as the limbless being continued to make relatively quick work of the fruits. "You sure got a big appetite today."
Rayman took a second to swallow and respond, "Heh, yeah, I guess so." He resumed munching.
Just then, a familiar voice rang through the glade. "Hey! Ray, my man!" The voice belonged to a flying creature, a fly-like fairy called a greenbottle, by name of Murphy, who flew down from the trees to meet the two. "How's our favorite hero this mornin-- Whoa! What'd ya do with your face there? Is painting your face blue a trend with you kids nowadays?"
Rayman, already on his last cootmellon in the pile, regarded Murphy. "Not exactly. I tried washing it, but it wouldn't come off. I'm pretty sure it's not paint."
"Then where'd you get it?"
"I dunno. I just sorta woke up like this." Rayman noticed he'd eaten all the cootmellons in the pile and began looking around. "Hm, where's another cootmellon?" he mused while foraging for more food.
"Uh-oh. This doesn't look good, Rayman."
"Whaddaya mean?" Rayman replied in between bites once he had found another fruit to eat.
Murphy flew closer to the limbless being's face. It was evident that the greenbottle was distressed about something, most likely the blue complexion Rayman had taken on. "What do I mean? I'm just prayin' you don't got what I think you got. That blue on your face could be the start of somethin' real bad. You need to see a doctor, kid."
Rayman swallowed. "Oh, yeah, I was going to. I mean, if this isn't paint, it's probably something else."
"Oh, good. I'm glad you still have your common sense."
"But after I finish breakfast."
"Yeah, that's another thing. Seems you've got one heck of an appetite today. I mean, already I've seen you eat just as much as Globox! How many cootmellons have you had already? Eleven? Twelve? And those all seem like five-inchers to me. Mighty filling for someone of your small stature."
That made Rayman think that maybe the spell Globox had hit him with may have something to do with how he looked and felt at present. Murphy did bring up a good point. Rayman couldn't remember ever being as hungry as Globox. And that guy could really pack it away, given he was more than twice Rayman's size. Now uneasy, he felt he was finished with his cootmellon breakfast. He was pretty full by now anyway.
After wiping his mouth free of the fruity juices, Rayman stood up and said, "Yeah, you may have a point, Murphy."
"That's just what the narration said."
"Right." He thought for a moment and addressed his friend. "Okay, Globox. Let's go see Doctor Otto. Maybe he'll know what's going on with my face."
Globox had long stuffed himself full, but he was just as eager to take the trip to see the closest doctor Teensie, namely Otto. Though Globox was always nervous around doctors, he still held enough loyalty and concern for his limbless friend. With that, the two set out on their hour-long trek through Clearleaf Forest.
Murphy watched as the two went. "Polokus be with ya, Rayman. I'd hate for there to be two Globox's running around." He shuddered and flew off.
--
Not surprisingly to Rayman, the entry hall to the doctor Teensie named Otto was not crawling with Hoodlums. They had been long gone for quite a few years. Though he had to admit, the trip here was just as monotonous, especially without any evil doers to fight. At the same time, though, the forest proved to be nice and peaceful, which kept both of them in calm spirits.
The silence was broken by another rumble from Rayman's stomach. Oh, of all times to have another craving! Ignoring it, Rayman entered the portal leading to the stark, white office, accompanied by Globox.
The two glanced about the bright office, finally spotting the small, blue creature, whose nose was as large as his body. Frankly, all the Teensies would put Rayman to shame with the sheer size of their noses. This one, Otto Psi, was dressed in a white lab coat with blue trousers, dark gloves, and tiny, dark glasses.
"Hey there, doc!" Globox called out while Rayman waved. "Remember me?"
Otto turned his attention to the two from his desk and lighted up, speaking in his heavy German accept. "Ah, yes. Velcome, Globox. I remember you had svallowed zat black lum André. How may I be of assistance?" Upon further scrutiny, the doctor took note of Rayman's face. "Ah--oh! Rayman, is zat you? You seem to be very blue in zee face. Tell me. Is zat a new look you are trying out?"
Rayman rolled his eyes and sighed. "Not really. I woke up like this. I was hoping you had some idea why."
"Vell, it seems to me someone has played a prank on you. Vhy not you go vash off zat paint?"
Rayman's expression soured a bit at the thought of having to repeat himself, but he didn't let it show too much. "Tried washing it off this morning. I'm pretty sure it's not paint."
"Hmm," Otto mused. "All right, vell. Have a seet on zee table and I'll see if I can determine your problem."
Rayman promptly walked over to the examination table in the center of the large room and propped himself upon it, his feet hanging freely over the side. Otto stood up higher with the help of a box.
"Now zen, ven did you notice zee blue-ness in your complexion?"
"I dunno. At first it started out as a bruise when Globox hit me with a spell he tried to do last night," Rayman explained. "Then I looked like this when I woke up."
"Und... zese spots are zee same color as your 'bruise?'"
"Uh... yeah, I guess."
"I see. Mm-hmm." Otto thought for a moment. He then beckoned Globox over. "Globox, over here please." The unsure Glute obeyed and stood at Rayman's right. "Both of you, stick out your tongues." Both Rayman and Globox stuck out their respective tongues, both unsure where the good doctor was going with this. Abruptly, the doctor grabbed both their tongues, one in each hand, making them gag in unison. "Mm-hm. I see. Very interesting. Both are very much zee same shade of purple. Practically similar!"
"Ah hah a hurhle hongue--?" Rayman exclaimed, his tongue still in the doctor's hand, which finally let go of both his and Globox's tongue. "Bleh! I have a
purple tongue?" he repeated to be sure he was understood.
"Any queasiness at all? Dizziness?" Otto inquired while quickly taking out a tiny flashlight and examining Rayman's eyes. He then stuck a thermometer into Rayman's mouth somewhat forcibly.
"No, I feel fine. Just that my face is blue and my tongue is purple," Rayman replied through his teeth, somewhat miffed.
The doctor then removed the thermometer and briefly checked it. It was normal, of course. He pulled out a simple stethoscope and put the diaphragm to Rayman's chest.
"Breathe in and out slowly for me." Rayman did so. Otto nodded and mused as his listened through the earpieces. "Good, good. Heartbeat and breathing are normal. But vee vouldn't expect anything less from you, now vould vee?" Rayman grinned knowingly. Of course, his vitals were normal. He made sure of that by always keeping himself in shape.
Otto moved the diaphragm down to a lower spot on the front of Rayman's body, namely his stomach, where an enormous hungry growl resonated. Rayman's face tightened with mild discomfort and Otto stumbled back slightly from the loud noise, removing the steth. "Oof! Oh! My goodness! Eh, tell me. Ven vas zee last time you ate?"
"Well, I had around twelve five-inch cootmellons about an hour ago." Rayman placed a hand to his stomach for emphasis. He was honestly surprised when he stopped and thought about it more.
"Yeah! Yeah!" Globox chipped in eagerly. "His appetite's as big as mine today!"
"I see. Normally, I vould say zat is your metabolism acting funny, yet I highly doubt zat, considering you're obviously blue and spotted in zee face. Zat und, vell, no von can match Globox's appetite." The doctor poked Globox's belly. "Zerefore, my prognosis is zis." He paused for effect. Rayman and Globox leaned in, waiting for the answer. "You have... Glutitis."
Both Rayman and Globox looked at each other and then back at the doctor. "Huh?" they said in unison.
"Allow me to explain. Glutitis occurs very, very rarely, but it is usually zee result of a Glute who stupidly attempts even zee simplest of magic spells on creatures such as you. When Globox performed and hit you vith a spell, as you said, he in effect transferred a bit of his own traits into you. Zis is vhy vee don't allow Glutes to become magicians. Quite frankly, zey stink at magic!"
A pause, as Rayman took all of this new information in. He scrutinized Otto. "But there's only one me. How do you know I have Glutitis?"
"Vell, truth be told, your case is zee first I've ever seen, since zere is only von you zat vee know of. However, a Glute has stupidly performed magic before. It caused very many people to be allergic to plum juice for a month!"
Globox scratched his head. "Uh, yeah, that sounds like my dad. He was allergic to plum juice, too. Heh. Must run in the family."
"Vell, lucky for you, Rayman," said Otto, "you are able to retain your figure, even after devouring a fruit pile equal to your own size. Still, your blue-ness and cravings are evidence enough. You have a few of Globox's traits. Zat is Glutitis. Born of failed Glute magic, yet it takes zee form of a bizarre illness. Very soon, zee blue-ness shall spread. Und I see it has already taken over your hair."
"Huh?" Rayman gasped in alarm. He pulled a bit of his hair over his eyes to see that yes, it had already turned completely blue and spotted. "Aw, great," he complained. "So, that's what Murphy was talking about. Well, at least now I know what's wrong with me."
Globox looked sorrowful. "Aw, gosh, I'm sorry I hit ya with that spell, buddy," he said to Rayman, who waved a dismissive hand.
"It's not your fault, Globox. You didn't know. Heck, I didn't even know." He turned back to the doctor. "So, is there a cure for this?"
"Ho! Zere had better be!" replied Otto. "Or very soon, your whole body vill be blue and spotted and you von't be able to form complete thoughts. In fact, vith your case, it is possible your brain will shrink to zee size of a valnut. You'll be more Glute zan Rayman. More like... eh, Gluteman. Or Rayglute. Vichever comes first."
Rayman's face sank with dispair. He felt his appetite momentarily lift from his gut to make room for worry. He brought his hands to his forehead and groaned. "So you're saying there is no cure?"
"I didn't say zat. I said zere had better be. I suggest going through zee Land of zee Livid Dead to see Doctor Roméo. I'm sure you remember zee vay. Zat is unless you begin to forget your vay zere by zee time you arrive."
Rayman huffed. "Don't worry about me. I remember it like the back of my hand."
"I should hope so." Rayman scowled at the Teensie. Did he really have that little faith in this limbless hero? Otto didn't pay the disgruntled look any mind and pulled out a remote control. "Vell, in any case, I vish you luck." He pressed the button, activating a portal in the floor. "In zee meantime, I must go clean my instruments."
Feeling a sense of déjà vu, Rayman and Globox watched the Teensie saunter off.
Rayman hopped off the table, trying to restore his resolve. "Well, looks like we gotta do this all over again," he observed, exhaling. "No offense, Globox, but I'd rather not have to go around blue, let alone with a brain as small as yours."
"None taken, buddy." Good thing Globox was the easily forgiving type. "And don't you worry. I'm behind you every step of the way. I mean, you did the same thing for me when I was in trouble."
"Yep. That's true." Rayman smirked. Remembering how much fun he had beating up those Hoodlums helped to heighten his spirit.
He wasn't entirely looking forward to the same trip he'd taken before, but if it meant reversing the effects of Globox's failed spell, the repeated trip would be worth it. And hopefully, these same doctors that helped Globox would help Rayman as well. And obviously, if his brain were to shrink to the same small size as Globox's, it'd mean the end of this hero's world-saving duties. He'd probably even forget how to use his ability to literally throw his own fists, which he took great pride in and always had fun doing. Not knowing how to use his own abilities seemed a much worse fate to Rayman than just looking blue.
Determined more than ever to find the cure to his Glutitis, Rayman took the initial plunge into the floor portal, knowing it'd take him right back to the Bog of Murk.
