Gloves.” Grian wanted to smack himself for that. “Yea, yea you almost caught me.” Mumbo says before changing the subject back. Excitedly saying “See, see I did the small print, I’m being a CEO.” “Yea, yea.” Grian sighs. “I’m proud of you.” Grian hands the book back to Mumbo who starts explaining. “So now you have two options.” his hands pointing to both the signs. “I’ll be back over in my spot.” Grian watches as he places the book back in the satchel and sits in a small hole. The avain himself then stands up and walks over to one of the signs. “I will kill pork-boy, and he will remain a pig.” He wanders to the other side of the room. “I will let Mumbo have my soul so that he may be human again.” Grian doesn't even hesitate before heading back to the far wall. He sat in the hole, not pressing the button. Instead looking at a shocked mumbo. “You-you know what that says right?” Mumbo asks Grian who smiles. Grian looks back at the sign re-reading the first half before shaking his head yes. Then it hits him. “Wait.” Grian steps out of the hole. “Unless you're calling my bluff.” Grian then walks to the other hole contemplating before grabbing his hair letting out a distressed and upset groan. Then he stops and turns to the pig-man. “Mumbo, Do both of these buttons do the same thing?” He gets his answer from the loud laugh that escapes the Ping man before him. Grian sighs before just heading over to the kill pork boy and pressing it. Causing Mumbo to shout. “You know what it does and you still pick it.” Making Grian laugh. Grian is pushed along into a drop with water at the bottom. The room was large, very large. Grian had to guess it was at least 21 meters (70ish feet). He was about to ask mumbo why but he looked over to see the already tall man growing even larger. He stopped at somewhere around 40-50 feet smiling down at the tiny avian before him. “S-so what exactly are we doing?” Grian asked the back of his mind shouting at him to run, run, fly, get out. Mumbo’s hand reached out for Grian, gently picking him up off the ground while shifting himself around getting comfy. When mumbo finds a good position he places his other hand under Grian’s feet. The avain is glancing around the area extremely nervous. His breathing was sped up and Mumbo could probably feel it. “Uh well, I tend to change depending on what I eat, so-.” He stopped mid sentence as Grian started to struggle. The avain was in a full on panic, his talons scratching at the hand holding him as he tried to push the fingers off of him by widening his wings and pushing. This made mumbo tighten his grip before opening his mouth, waiting a second before tossing the avian in. He closed his jaws as quickly as he could to make sure Grian stayed in. He definitely underestimated Grian though. Grian stood up, widening his stance using his wings, arms and legs to give him a stable standing stance, and he pushed. He could hear the shock echo from the throat behind him as the Giants jaws started to spit open. Grian could feel Mumbo try to fight back and close his mouth but Grian was much stronger then he looked. Mumbo tilted his head back trying to dislodge the avian but It didn’t work. Grian felt the saliva that built up pass his legs and not long after a gulp sounded behind him as it all went down. It made him shiver a bit, his back starting to warm up a lot from the hot breath constantly on it. His soaked clothes and feathers shifted along with the in’s and out’s of the air. Mumbo managed to close his mouth again, crunching Grian so that his back was up against the soft palate. He panted a little bit and let out a slightly pained groan from the uncomfortable position. He felt as Mumbo shifted his head back to its regular position again. Not long after, His tongue pushed at the builder. It pressed at his chest trying to knock him over, or backwards into Mumbo’s throat. Grian held his ground still he barely budged. All those years of building actually added up to something. Grian once again pushed up against Mumbo’s soft palate opening the mouth once again. He managed to hold it for about maybe 20 seconds before Mumbo started hacking a hand reached in and pulled the saliva covered avian out. Grian was held in a tight gripped fist. Mumbo wiped his lips of the saliva that managed to slip out when Grian pushed his mouth open. “You are making this MUCH harder than it has to be.” Mumbo angrily snarled to Grian who cleared as much saliva from his face as he could. “GOOD!!” Grian shouted back. Making it very clear he hated this. Mumbo growled Before opening his mouth again. This time he put Grian half way in, using his teeth to gently pin the avain’s wings and arms to his sides. Grian used his talons to try and push the jaws that held him in place open. He could hear mumbo grunt a little as Grain might have accidentally cut his lip. Grian also felt as the teeth holding him dug into his back a little bit more. This caused the avain to let out a pained yelp. Mumbo was quicker this time. He tilted his head up, and let the avian fall, then gave a strong swallow. Grian tried his best to push against the strong and tight muscle with his wings, but honestly it was pointless, it would just make him slide down even farther. So he stopped, his breathing sped up once again as tears began forming in his eyes. He could feel the air push against him as mumbo let out a sigh. Both stayed still for a little. Grian could feel as mumbo opened and closed his sore jaws a few times. Then mumbo swallowed again, taking Grian down most of the way. Grian could feel what he assumed to be mumbo's hand as he went down. The giant's heart was loud and clear while passing it. One last swallow and Grian flopped out into an open space leaving him the one option it is. Wow he thought to himself, this isn’t one place he imagined he'd actually end up being in. Grian stayed still Not daring to move until he curled around himself sobbing. He could feel the fleshy walls shift around him as the Giant breathed in and out. Grian could feel Mumbo’s movements as he went to sit against the wall and started petting his belly. That’s all Grian was to him huh. The avain let out some sniffles giving into his consciousness that was telling him he deserved it though. He felt his communicator vibrate in his pocket, he was kind of surprised it still worked. Pulling it up closer to his face he read out pearl. Pearl: Hey you around? I wanna know if I can grab a few things. I have some diamonds with me. Grian: I’m not in a very good situation right now-. The communicator flew from his hands as Mumbo shifted around. Grain shifted a bit as well. When it was all over Grian reached into the small pool of what Grian assumed to be his slow incoming death he pulled out the communicator. It was drenched and when he reached to press the power button it wouldn't work. Grains tears fell harder than ever before. He curled his body tight together, his hand still gripping the broken communicator in his hand. “You know Grian, you don’t taste half bad.” Grian held his breath. “Guess all that fighting made it just that much more enjoyable.” The floor beneath Grian pushed up and down as mumbo let out a little laugh. Grian slid around a little because of it, before he felt his body start to shake. Mumbo stopped laughing. It was sudden before he spoke up again, this time his voice was gentle and concerned. “G-Grian, are you okay?” really??? Grian thought to himself you ask that NOW??? Why was Mumbo even asking, there was no reason to at this point. He literally ATE him, why of all things he asks is it that? “Grian?” Mumbo called again, the panic in his voice increasing. “What Mumbo?” It came out grumpier than Grian intended, but maybe the taller man deserved it. He heard Mumbo’s breath halt for a moment. “I-I are you alright?” He repeated. Grian let out a growl like noise, clutching his hair with his free hand. “YOU JUST ATE ME! AND THIS IS WHAT YOU ASK!!.” He yelled out, He didn’t want to be angry with mumbo, but he couldn’t help it. “YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE THE DECENCY TO BITE ME FIRST, YOU JUST SWALLOW SO I CAN SLOWLY WAIT FOR DEATH.” Grian punched the fleshy floor he sat on weakly before he slid down breaking into a loud cry. Mumbo’s Stomach tightened a little as he held his breath, much longer than last time. “I’m not gonna kill you, Grian.” Mumbo says very slowly. “I never wanted to, did you think I was going to- Oh I’m so pants oh god Grian I’m oh, no no no no no.” Mumbo quickly became a stuttering mess. This caused grian to shift upright some more, lifting his head from the slimy floor. “I’m so so so so sorry Grian, I never EVER meant to scare you.” Grian assumed he placed a hand on his face and the one pressed on his gut pressed down harder trying to find Grian who panicked and backed up a little to avoid being touched. When the pressing stopped and Mumbo's hand was removed, Grian tilted his head up as if he could look the Giant in the eyes. “Then where am I?” Grian nearly choked on his words. “You're in my storage.” Mumbo said in a quiet voice. Grian could tell that Mumbos breathing began to slow as the fast movement of the walls did the same. They both sat in silence for a few minutes. “S-so what are you going to do then, don’t you need to actually eat me to change back?” Grian asked, still very much panicked. “I dunno, I was hoping I don’t actually have to eat you, a-and I don’t think I need to either.” Mumbo scrambled out the words trying not to scare Grian more than he already had. It’s silent for a bit longer, when Grian asks. “How much longer then?” Mumbo doesn't respond right away. “Maybe an hour?” He responds with a questioning tone. Grian lets out a quiet okay that mumbo seems to hear because he doesn't repeat this time. “C-can I lay on my side, Grian?” “Y-yea, go ahead.” Grian responded feeling as the world once again shifted. He wasn’t feeling too much better, but at least knowing he's not dying helps. He tried instead to think about his base and what it might look like. He manages to drift deep into his thoughts, for how long? He wasn't sure. He came back to Mumbo calling his name. “Grian?” he asked, sounding very nervous. “Yea Mumbo?” He asked his voice a little quiet, but still clear enough for the Giant to hear. He heard the Giant let out a nervous sigh. “I uh, sorry I just wanted to talk.” Grian nervously shifted with his hands before moving into a sitting position. “What about?” Grian asked. Both grew silent, they practically spent everyday together. Grian worried he wanted to talk doing this again. “I uh well I was wondering-.” Grian wanted to scream but bit his lip. “-how I should make it up to you.” Grian let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding. “I uh.” Grian gulped. “I don’t know.” They both went quiet again. Before Grian felt something touch his side and he let out a yelp. It instantly went away and he heard mumbo let out a sorry. Grian's heart sped up some, thankfully his body Didn’t shake like it was. “I oh I’m sorry I wanted to try and give you some rubs I’m so sorry.” Mumbo was quiet, his voice shook a bit. Grian stayed in the same position for a little, his eyes being the only things moving. “I uh, it’s okay.” He added in a just please don’t do it again but it was too quiet for mumbo to hear. Grian could practically feel the nervous energy radiating from the Giant he was in. Mumbo’s legs and arms constantly swapped positions as it made the unnerved giant uncomfortable. He swore he even heard a grunt leave Mumbo. Grian finally lifted his eyes nervously glancing at the moving walls and shuffled over to one. He gently places his hand on it, wincing in disgust, but starts to rub it a little. After a little the uncomfortable shifting Mumbo did stop, as he let out what seemed to be a happy sigh. Grian wanted to smile at it but found it hard. Grian spaced out, for how long he wasn’t sure, but once again he heard mumbo calling to him. “Grian?” “Huh? Oh sorry I spaced out.” Mumbo started to sit up causing Grian to fall over before he let out an oops. “I’m gonna let you out.” Mumbo says quietly. Grian responded with an okay questioning how long he was actually spaced out. The walls around him started to move in a pushing motion and very fast. Grian panicked and scrambled backwards but got stuck in between the walls then was lifted. Up, up, up and with a hurk out of his friend's mouth onto his hand. The Saliva covered avian looked up into the Giants eyes who seemed to try and look somewhere else as soon as he noticed What Grian was doing. Using his hand he once again whipped the spit off his lips. Grian was in a cupped hand and mumbo went to try and wipe him off but Grian just stumbled backwards, causing the Giant to stop and move his hand back to his side. “I-I’m So sorry Grian, I’m such a spoon.” Grian didn’t respond, he just looked down. Both sat there for a minute before mumbo slowly lowered Grian to the ground trying to keep from looking at him, Grian also avoiding his gaze. When the Avian stepped onto the ground and turned around “It’s okay Mumbo, I just wish you would have warned me.” He turned back and faced the water streams that pushed him in. Thankfully it was big enough that he could stop in for a quick bird bath. So he lowered himself into the water and shook himself, splashing his wings and getting it over himself as much as he could. When he’s back home he would take a better bath and get some fresh non-slimy clothes. He took one quick glance back at Mumbo who was sitting down just staring at his hands. At least he wasn’t a boar anymore. Grian jumped up, gripping the walls with his claws and using what he could of his beyond damp wings to push himself up. He shook himself off and headed towards his house jumping as Pearl yanked his arm. “Where have you BEEN. I’ve been worried sick.” Grian could barely process what had happened. “See I told you he’s fine.” Both pearl and Grian turned to scar who was riding Jelly. Pearl landed on his shoulder trying to stay from his sopping hair. “Did you fall into the ocean or something? I’ve been messaging you.” Grian then reached for his Communicator trying to press the button, still getting the same black screen. He let out a sigh. “Looks like you're going to have X take a look at that.” Scar said. “Grian.” Pearl whined. “Yea, yea I’m sorry pearl, I got a little lost and had to mine up, I’m okay though.” He placed a hand on his forehead. “I just need some space right now, sorry.” Thankfully Grian managed to stay pretty calm. Pearl flew off his shoulder at this. She glanced at Scar who shrugged. “I’ll um, see you at the Boatem meeting tomorrow.” He said his voice was low and exhausted. “Okay, see you,'' Pearl said, a bit saddened and worried before flying back over to the boat. Grian practically slapped himself right then and there. Biting his lip to keep from cursing he felt a tug on his sweater as scar leaped off Jelly and attempted to climb to his shoulder. Grian brought his hand under Scar who stepped on it. “What happened?” The Tiny asked, as Grian moved his other hand under the one holding Scar, as he shifted his position to the middle of Grian’s line of sight. Grian sighed out his nose. “Sorry, I’d just rather not talk about it, not now at least.” Scar gave a respectful nod to show he understands the taller man’s wishes. “Want to go to X and get your communicator fixed then?” Scar suggested, which Grian was the one to nod his head to this time. (time zone brought to you by Grian’s empty head) It was awkward to say the least, no doubt about that. Mumbo stood by Impulse, and on the other side of the hole was Grian with a tiny on each shoulder. No one was speaking. Mumbo and Grian couldn’t lift their eyes to look at one another. Everyone seemed pretty happy Mumbo was back to normal. No one asked why thankfully. But after that It got quiet. The other 3 were looking at each other confused. They know something happened but they were unsure of what. Grian could hear Pearl and Scar whispering to each other but wasn’t listening in. Impulse was asking Mumbo something but the shifter just shook his head, saying it wasn’t his place to tell. Grian finally spoke up. “We were brought here today to talk about progress and profits. Pearl?” He asked, turning to his left. She gives a little nod before standing up tall giving a few quick coughs which Grian would have lied if he said that it didn’t cause him to tense up a little. This caused Pearl to look over at him. He gave as best of a smile as he could muster to her and although he could see the pain that flashed in her eyes. “The paths are finished and I am in the process of moving the portal to a more central location.” Everyone gives a nod or a Thumbs up except for Impulse who whoots and pumps his fist causing Pearl to laugh. Scar went next and Grian didn’t pay much attention to what he said. He just stared blankly, his ‘1000 mile stare’ at the man who was trying his best not to look back at him. Mumbo could most likely feel the stare as Grian saw his arm go up to scratch the back of his neck as he chuckled nervously. Impulse went next. Grian looked up at the Giant as he didn’t want to come off as rude as he knew he was probably being right then. His Turn came up and he explained a few Ideas he had, the Boatem crew seemed very happy about his ideas earning him some applause from everyone, Mumbo joining in to try and not seem so out of it. Then Mumbo went. Grian in a state of slight panic couldn't move his eyes away from Mumbo’s mouth as he talked. He could still feel the warm breath on his back. He shivered a little. When Mumbo finished he clapped his hands and asked if anyone had questions. Scar must have raised his hand. “Yes Scar?” Mumbo asked. “What's going on between you and Grian?” Both of them Froze. Scar and Pearl could feel Grian’s whole body Tense up and he lifts his arms grabbing tightly onto his wrist. “I uh, remembered I have to feed my villagers yet. Grian said stressed, he didn’t even care to hide it in his voice. “Grian?” Impulse asked. It barely came off as a question. Grian started to curl in on himself, his feathers fluffing out. He could feel everyone’s eyes on him burning a hole in his back. His body shook crazily.   “I-I should go.” Mumbo said, fumbling for his rockets before lifting off towards his chair of a mountain. Impulse turned around to watch Mumbo fly off and as soon as he did Grian collapsed to his knees. Everyone is instantly over him trying to help. “I-I’m fine guys. I’m sorry, I just need some time.” “Grian.” Pearl shouted his name causing him to look over at her. “I get I don’t know what happened but this is NOT fine. You're on the floor nearly having a panic attack. THAT IS NOT NORMAL!!!” Grian looked away unable to think of a response but the look in his eyes gave all the info pearl needed. “He didn’t-.” She moved a hand to cover her mouth. “He what?” Impulse asked. Pearl shook her head. “I-it’s not my place to talk about it.” She said, causing the two confused men to look back and forwarth between the two. “He didn’t mean to scare me pearl.” Grian finally responded. “I just didn’t know how they worked.” “It still doesn't make it okay!” Grian flinched tucking in more. He opened his mouth then closed it. “Just don't bother him about it please, He's sorry and it’s bad enough as is. I just have to get over it.” Pearl sighed. “For now, I won’t, but when you're both better I'm going to give him a good talk.” This caused Grian to give a little laugh. “Alright just be careful on the ear pulling yea?” Grian jokes, his voice seeming better than the few moments before. “Alright, fine.” She said, puffing her cheeks. Grian laughed and pulled the others in for a hug. “Thanks guys.” 

but hey! scar is looking pretty tasty down there.... maybe this isnt such a bad thing after all