Growing Up

The Barbics, Glens and any other Disney characters are copyrighted to Disney and we claim no ownership. However, any new characters are copyrighted to Ulisa, Silver Fox and Cheetah the Furry. This plot is a collaboration of Ulisa, Silver Fox, and Cheetah the Furry.

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Cubbi grasped the image of Plucki's caring and sure face, even as he clenched his eyes tight. Everything spun but if he could just fix Plucki's image in his head to slow it down, he knew he'd be okay.

"I'm here, young knight. Be strong. You can fight this sickness. We can fight it together." Though Plucki was fighting hard to keep his throat unstrained by emotion. It still plagued him in the quiet of night, and most recently with Ramsus's reminder, and now Illsi... He had to fight the urge to ask himself if things would have been different if he hadn't led the charge on Zorlock and left his family to fend for themselves. Gum strike that foul demon down!-- What...what was it Cubbi had said? Zorlock... He wasn't behind Cubbi's fever... Was he?

"Knights have been seen approaching" Sir Yaci said, jogging in beside his twin.

"-From the east, Councilor Berrybottom." Sir Ecri continued, giving the Gummadoon council a short bow. They both had their slumber horns ready. "Plus, a giant hoard of nasties"

"-Is heading due west. We're not sure whether they'll meet up, clash, or decide to attack us at different times."

"We must assume the worst." Sir Ecri advised.

"And where is Sir Plucki?"

The twins exchanged looks before once more jogging off.

Sunni was escorted to Cubbi's room by Sir Gumlittle. She'd been told that Cubbi was very sick but to see him like this, with so much worry on Sir Plucki's face. The glen girl crept forward, fear entering her heart. She was sure she heard laughter, and felt a flash of giddiness at seeing the prone Cubbi but ignored it, knowing such a thing was uncalled for. Not now... No voices now, please...

"How.. how is he?" she asked quietly.

"He's fighting."

Sir Blastus and Sir Ramsei entered the room. Cubbi, groaning in a half-daze, and so many gummies around, made the room feel very stuffy and closed-in to Sunni. She backed up to the wall.

"Sir Plucki..." Gumlittle started.

"You must go without me."

"We need you with _us_, mon ami. There are healers here. With what we now know of fire--"

"I cannot leave him, Blastus!"

"Drop this charade, Plucki. He _isn't_ your son!" Ramsei surged forward and grabbed Plucki by the shoulder.

"Don't you think I know that? How every day I see Cubbi and wonder what _my_ son'd be like if he were alive? I can't leave. I _won't_ leave, Sir Cubbi."

Sunni leaned toward the torn knight as she understood what was going on. "You had a son?"

"Yes." Plucki's head sagged, until Cubbi moaned his painful battle. The captain lay a gentle hand on the cub's head. He was still burning up. "Aldi. And my wife, Illsi, were both taken by the same sickness young Cubbi has unfortunately contracted. Gumlittle, Ramsus, you both will lead the rest. Go. I _cannot_ leave Cubbi at this time but hope to join you soon. That is an order and is not negotiable. Sunni, go down to the kitchen-- Macki told you where? Good. -- Bring as much ice as you can, and plenty of water. Tell Sarrika to come at once. You will find her near, if not in, the kitchen. Go! All of you."

There was no further arguing. The other gummies dispersed.

Near Past

"What's with the cold shoulder? We're all gummies here." Gruffi said to the Barbic stationed to watch them. Neither he nor his blonde companion would answer any questions. "Ohh.. fine! This is just how Ursa acted when we first met these guys!" He sat down in a huff on the ground, which was the only place they were currently being allowed.

Tummi's stomach groaned. "Uh... Grammi? Don't suppose you have any food on ya...?"

"Tummi... At a time like this?"

Gruffi sat up straight as an idea occurred to him. "No. He's got the right idea. I don't think we made it plain enough." the brown Glen stood and walked over to the closest Barbic. "Uh... Say, listen, we really are lost. We've been

traveling for days, seeking sanctuary. There's this rogue group of humans chasing us and--"

That got 'em growling. "Humans?" The blonde one signaled to the other, who took off for the trees, and the huts high above.

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