The Loop

An Amazing World of Gumball fanfic

by Mr. Page

Hello, this is my very first fanfic EVER and I hope you all enjoy. And just to make this known, I'm not writing this to bash Gumball. I really like him as a character and thought this would be an interesting situation to have him experience.

For those who have seen "Groundhog Day", "Source Code", or played "The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask", this might ring a few bells.

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING of the The Amazing World of Gumball, including characters, places, or any other references that may appear in this story. Not a thing.

CHAPTER 1

A Mournful Morning

The first sound Gumball Watterson heard when he woke up was a loud, repeating, irritating buzz. With his eyes barely open, he let out a yawn as he climbed down from his bunk bed, walked to the desk and dropped his hand on the off button, silencing the alarm clock. The glowing green numbers read 6:20.

The blue 12-year-old cat stood for a few seconds in morning fatigue when he heard his door gently push open. His little sister stepped in, rubbing her tired eyes.

"Morning, Gumball," Anais said with a yawn.

Equally drowsy, he replied, "Morning, sis." Hearing his brother behind him, Gumball said, "Hey, Darwin."

"Morning, buddy." The goldfish stepped out of his fishbowl and onto a towel lying on the floor, letting the excess water drip off his orange skin.

For a few moments, silence filled the room as the Watterson siblings took their time waking up. Gumball stood with his back to the window, his shadow stretched on the carpet by the morning sunlight. His mind was somewhere between begging for his bed and wanting to move out the room, but he would wait until his little sister and brother were ready before going down to breakfast, just like he did each day.

His sluggish mind was rattled when a loud crash and thud came from behind.

Zipping around, Gumball moved closer to the window. Darwin and Anais followed his lead and gazed down to the sidewalk outside.

Larry, the Laser Video clerk, was on the concrete, very dizzy and groaning. A bicycle laid to the side and there appeared to be a few dents in the sides of Larry's box-like head.

"Poor Larry," said Gumball, watching the clerk slowly get up. "He's already having a tough day."

"He might not be the only one," mentioned Anais.

"What do you mean?" asked Darwin.

"Nothing," Gumball said in annoyance.

"No, not nothing!" Anais stressed. "You broke one of Mom's good plates."

"You did?" asked Darwin, eyes wide. "When did that happen?"

Gumball let out a sigh between his worried brother and irritated sister. "Last night. I snuck a cookie and used one of Mom's small china plates and accidentally broke it down the middle."

"How did THAT happen?"

"It hit the edge of the counter while I was putting it back in the cupboard. But I caught the other half before it broke."

"Why would you use one of Mom's good china plates for a cookie?" asked Anais.

"They were closest things for me to use. I didn't want to make a mess and leave crumbs."

"Well, Mom's going to be mad. I told you last night to tell her before we all went to bed."

"Not to worry, sis," Gumball confidentially patted his sister's fuzzy pink head. "I fixed the plate and by now the glue is dry and Mom will never know the difference. Now, I better go put it away; I left it on top of the fridge. I'll see you all down at breakfast."

Gumball walked to the door, confidence ruling his smile until his sister spoke.

"She's going to find out!"

"Anais, don't worry. Everything will be fine."

"How DARE you break one of MY good china plates for a COOKIE!" Nicole clenched her teeth, holding the broken plate in her hand.

She had woken early and headed downstairs a little after the boys' alarm sounded. She remembered hearing a small clink last night before she and Richard went to bed but didn't bother checking until this morning. She felt in her gut that Gumball had something to do with it.

Her guess was not only correct but worse than she imagined. One of her best plates was not only broken, it had white glue all over the area where it cracked, leaving ugly marks that resembled dried saliva.

Gumball, fumbling with his hands and looking guilty, struggled to smile innocently, "I tried to fix it."

"How can you call this fixed?" Nicole angrily held the small plate up to her son's face. He grimaced at seeing how sloppy a job he did; the broken piece wasn't even properly lined up.

"My grandmother gave my mother these plates, and she gave them to me, trusting that I would take as much care of them as they did. I told you and the others how important it is to me that they be treated with care. So what do you have to say for yourself?"

Gumball winced at his mother's furious voice, feeling like an ant in the path of a steamroller. Sheepishly, he gave a weak laugh and tried to grin, "Well…at least that's not your only one."

Nicole gritted her sharp teeth. Sneering viciously, she breathed, "Go get dressed."

Gumball didn't linger for a second and ran out of the kitchen and up the stairs, feeling his mother's glare every step of the way.

Dressed in his favorite sweater and dark gray pants, Gumball strolled back downstairs to the dining room. Darwin and Anais were munching on some Daisy Flakes and both looked at him in a different way. Darwin smiled lightly to try to ease him. The goldfish figured this would happen; very little ever got by their mother without her knowing.

Anais was frowning, just like the hundred other times when her stupid big brother wouldn't listen to her.

Gumball quietly sat down and poured himself some cereal. His mother was staring firmly at him while chewing a piece of toast, making Gumball quite uncomfortable as he took his first few bites.

"HEY, everybody!"

Gumball and the others turned towards the living room where they heard the unmistakable sound of Richard's voice. The large pink rabbit came into the dining room with a big grin. "Good morning, family. Notice anything different?"

Richard held his arms out in expectation, but neither his wife nor his children noticed anything different about him. Apart from being the same overweight rabbit with chubby cheeks who dresses in a suit despite not having a job, there was nothing the family saw that was new or out of place.

"Oh, come on," Richard grinned eagerly, "you all must notice it."

Gumball looked to Darwin, who looked to him, who then looked to Anais, who looked to their mother. They all shrugged their shoulders.

Sighing with annoyance, Richard said, "My tie!"

Seeing that his family still couldn't understand, Richard finally explained, "I usually wear a dark gray tie. But this one is red."

Everyone, noticing the difference at last, responded, "Ohhhhhhhhh…"

"So," Richard smiled, "what do you all think?"

"Very lovely, dear," Nicole nodded.

"Yeah, awesome color," Darwin smiled.

"Very pretty," Anais commented.

Gumball asked, "What was wrong with your old tie?"

Richard's smile fell, and so did the mood in the kitchen.

"What's wrong with this tie?" Richard asked, his eyes starting to water.

Gumball, seeing his father's growing sadness, waved his hands, "No, nothing's wrong! I just thought maybe something happened to-"

"I just wanted to try something new! I thought it would look good!" Richard began to sob and ran out of the dining room, his large feet thumping as he went upstairs.

Gumball's mouth hung open at what just happened.

His mother glared at him, her fists tight, "First you break my plate and now you make fun of your father?"

"What? No! I didn't mean-"

"You know how your father feels about his appearance!" Throwing her toast to the table, she yelled, "Finish your breakfast and get ready for school!"

Nicole bitterly walked away to go after her husband, leaving Gumball to hang his head on what had been the start of a very bad morning.

After his teeth were brushed, Gumball was about to walk out the door when his mother approached from behind.

"Don't think this is over, Gumball," said Nicole. "No TV, video games, or junk food when you get home."

"What? Oh, come on, Mom! You know I didn't mean it like that!"

"We'll discuss it later! Good day, Gumball!" And without a hug or a kiss, Nicole stomped past her son, slammed the door to her car, and drove off to work.

With a sigh, Gumball closed the front door and walked to the end of the block where his brother and sister were waiting.

Darwin was the first to board the school bus, and once on, Gumball heard him say, "Morning, Rachel," quite happily.

The colorful-haired girl warmly replied, "Hey, Darwin."

Gumball shook his head. Honestly, what Darwin saw in a grouch like Rachel he couldn't understand. Ever since that party, though, his best friend and her have been on very good terms. Who knew Rachel actually had a sweet side? And Gumball supposed he should be happy for Darwin; at least he can express feelings to the girl he likes.

The rest of Gumball's classmates were there and accounted for. Passing the middle, Gumball shyly waved to Penny. Holding onto her white pom-poms, she waved back.

Gumball's memory drifted back to the night of Rachel's party and wished more than anything that he and Penny could've completed their kiss. If only his dad could've waited a few seconds longer before beeping the horn.

"Hey!" shouted Anais, snapping Gumball out of his daydream. "Will you quit trying to walk through me!"

Gumball found himself at the end of the bus and a very grumpy Anais in front with most of her face pressed against his sweater. Quickly he sat down next to her, embarrassment burning in his cheeks as a few of his classmates laughed up front.

"Oh, so NOW you decide to listen to me," Anais said irritably, her arms folded.

"What are you talking about?"

"Like you don't know."

"No, I don't," Gumball stressed. "So if you have something to say just say it. I'm listening."

"That's just it!" Anais shouted. "You don't listen to me at all! I told you mom would find out about the plate and she did! I tried to help you avoid trouble but you ignored me like you always do!"

"I tried to fix it."

"Oh, please! A blind man with arthritis could've done better than that!"

"Hey!"

"She does have a point, Gumball," said Darwin, hoping to add a little reason, as well as change the subject. "Not to mention, you did make fun of dad."

"No, I didn't! I just wondered if something happened to his other tie. I mean, how often do you see our dad do something that differs from his usual behavior?"

Neither Darwin nor Anais had an answer for that.

"You could've at least tried thinking before doing something stupid like you always do."

Gumball sighed. "Look, Anais, I'm sorry. Okay? I should've thought a little harder and I should've listened to you."

"You don't mean that," she said bitterly.

"Of course I do."

"No, you don't! You said that to me several times before!"

"You're exaggerating."

"See! You're not listening again! I remember you saying 'I should've listened to you' over 53 times!"

Gumball raised an eyebrow. "You remember exactly how many times I said that?"

Anais growled, and shouted, "You said that several times before, too!"

The pink bunny folded her arms and sat between her brothers, frowning bitterly and not talking for the rest of the ride. When they got to school, Darwin was the only one Anais said "bye" to as she walked away.

After grabbing their books and notes from their lockers, the two brothers headed to class.

"You know, you should listen to her a little more," said Darwin.

"Hey, who's side are you on?"

"I just want you two to get along. You're brother and sister, after all."

"Well, we can be more 'brother and sister' when we get home and when she's less of a spaz!"

Gumball and Darwin were sitting in their desks at the front of the classroom, chatting along with the other kids until Miss Simian threw open the door, looking as old as when she first started teaching (centuries ago).

"Class!" she shrieked, holding onto a stack of papers, "I've finished grading the reports for your science projects. Once again, only Bobert and Carmen got As!"

Well, that figures, Gumball thought to himself. Those two are science projects!

Miss Simian drew the first paper from the pile and was about to hand it to Banana Joe when the intercom above the chalkboard sounded.

"Good morning, Elmore Junior High. This is Principal Brown."

Upon hearing the voice of her beloved Nigel, Miss Simian pulled back the paper and clung the rest to her heart, gazing affectionately up at the intercom.

"Today, as you all know," he spoke with excitement, "is our Pep Fest to wish our Mustangs victory as they head out to the semifinals, so bring your school spirit and lend your voices as our cheerleaders send them off!"

Gumball turned and looked lovingly towards Penny. He promised her last Friday he would shout the loudest for her as she and the others did their cheers.

"Our lunch menu today," Principal Brown continued, "is multigrain pasta with meat sauce, diced carrots, mixed fruit, and for dessert we have a special treat due to the Pep Fest: chocolate mint cake."

The entire menu sounded delicious, especially the last. While Gumball imagined the smooth icing of the chocolate and the fresh mint coupled together into a sweet slice of moist happiness, a small voice came from behind, "Chocolate mint cake?"

It was Carrie, and her white transparent face turned to Gumball with a wondering look.

Gumball knew exactly what she was thinking, but before he could state his mind, Principal Brown went on saying, "And don't forget, students, we're also having a little contest with prizes that I'll hand out at the Pep Fest. For anyone who wishes to enter, Mr. Small will be in the cafeteria at lunch. Anyone's welcome to enter; all you need to win is some luck.

"Best to you all and have a great day. Gooooooo Mustangs!" And with that, the principal's voice cut off with a beep.

Miss Simian let out a heartfelt sigh. After another inhale, her face went back to the bitter scowl her students knew her for. She gave Banana Joe his grade sheet and then slammed Gumball's onto the top of his desk, startling half the class. At the top, Gumball saw a large letter scratched in red ink.

"C, Watterson!" Miss Simian looked absolutely enraged that he received anything higher than a D. "Keep it up and you might actually set foot in college some day."

Gumball's eyes widened. Did Miss Simian actually compliment him? Him?

"And I mean as in visiting a college, not attending one." Frowning, she moved to the next student.

Gumball glared at the ancient baboon, wanting badly to give her a piece of his mind. But, of course, he knew he couldn't, and for three reasons. First, it would guarantee him detention, and that might mean missing the Pep Fest, and that would mean he would miss cheering for Penny. That was NOT an option. Second, despite how much he disliked Miss Simian and the horrible, malicious ways she treats him (and everyone else), he didn't have it in him to insult her like that. Chances are he would be cranky too if he was born back in the Mesozoic Era and could never ever retire from teaching.

And the third reason was because Darwin let out a loud gasp, catching everyone's attention. He held his grade sheet like it was a death threat.

"F?" Speechless, Darwin turned to his teacher, desperate for an explanation.

"You didn't turn in a science report," said Miss Simian.

"What! Yeah, I did! Me and Gumball worked on it together!"

"Well, his name was the only one I saw, so he was the one I graded!"

Darwin's horrified face dropped to his brother and changed to a very bitter frown. "You didn't include me in our report?"

"What!" Gumball, equally stunned, stammered, "No, no! I-I-I just handed it in so fast that I must've forgot!" Turning to his teacher, Gumball said, "Miss Simian, I'm sure you meant to give Darwin a better grade."

"I gave him the grade he earned."

"Oh, come on! You knew we were partnered together! That has to speak for itself!"

"All grades are final!" she shrieked. "If Darwin wanted credit for the report he should've made sure his name was on it when you turned it in!" Miss Simian continued to hand out the rest of the graded papers, leaving Gumball to feel ashamed.

"Darwin," he spoke softly. "I…I didn't mean-"

"Tell it to the F!" he snapped, slamming the grade sheet down on his brother's desk.

Darwin looked away, scowling, leaving Gumball with the failed grade over his own.

"Wow, dude," Banana Joe chuckled one desk over. "You really screwed up!"

Gumball sank lower into his seat, hearing a couple snickers from the other classmates. He let his face fall flat on his desk, groaning softly.

First his mom, then dad, then Anais, and now Darwin. It was only 8:00 and already his entire family was mad at him.

The morning classes were awful. As time rolled by, Darwin gave Gumball several unpleasant glares, causing the blue cat to shrink with depression.

Gumball didn't think he could feel any worse until Miss Simian asked him to come to the front of the class.

"Watterson!" shouted the teacher. "Kindly tell the class the six Noble Gases." Miss Simian smiled with wicked glee at the hopeless cat.

"Uh…" Everyone waited for an answer that Gumball didn't have. Beads of sweat formed on his temples. Why, oh why didn't he read the assignment last night?

"Uh…" Gumball knew his answers were going to be wrong, dead wrong, but in a split second, without even thinking, he blurted out the only ideas that came to mind, "Burps, farts, gas stations, bathrooms, fireplaces, Tina on Taco Tuesday!"

Everyone was silent, confused at the speedy response. A few seconds later, laughs erupted from the entire class (minus Tina who growled). Even Darwin was laughing hard.

Gumball's cheeks burned red. Hanging his head in humiliation, he went back to his desk.

"And that class," Miss Simian said smirking, "all the more proves that Gumball Watterson is a complete and hopeless idiot."

Gumball hid his face behind his arms, fighting the urge to cry as his classmates enveloped him with their soul-crushing laughs.

And that was chapter 1. Chapter 2 should be up hopefully not too long.

Sorry for the rough morning I gave Gumball, but it's necessary to set the stage for what's coming.

PLEASE, PLEASE review. I want to become a better writer, and there NO better way to improve than with feedback from the readers. Constructive criticism is welcome.

Have a nice day and thanks for reading!