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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Relief filled the entire room at the rough sounds of breathing from Cubbi. Plucki pulled Ursa away to hold the cub to him.

"You scared us, young knight." He bestowed a weak grin on Cubbi's aware face.

Sarrika and Ursa locked eyes briefly before the Barbic leader headed for the door.

"Thank you." Plucki called at her departure. "I am in your debt, lady warrior."

Ursa didn't turn around, just kept walking, though the title surprised her.

Grubbi passed her in the hall as he jogged to Plucki's room.

"We've no more time for mind games. I know, I know!"

Igthorn stood outside Lady Bane's tent, still not sure if he should enter. She was certainly not herself recently. Dastardly, despicable, yes. But... also scary. He shuddered. Something odd about the way she kissed him.

"We must take him now. He's very weak. Shut up! I'm in charge here! Who summoned who back from beyond, hm??"

On second thought, perhaps he should let his bewildering beauty be for now...

Igthorn swaggered over to the troops. Not just ogres but all manner of evil villain who had a grudge against the gummies. He was particularly fond of the Spinster, and NOT fond of the Aerials. Those little ruddy snots were a large pain in the—

"Dukie!!"

Toadwart came running up to him.

"Yes? What is it now, Toad-brain?" the duke replied, bored.

"Hungry troops went looking for food again."

"What?? Not again! Who is it this time?"

"Ogres, and large giant..."

Just peachy. This is what had them tied up all the time! Trying to keep the louses all in one bunch and moving steadily toward the goal! He cuffed Toadie by his furry front. "We're going to get them all back right NOW!!" He threw Toadwart into the forest and stormed off through the woods, dusting his hands free of the slimer's filth.

The lead Aeriel glared at the human covertly, whispering his _own_ plan to one of his guards.

"No. We found him. You no eat. Dukie want." the blue ogre said adamantly, holding Cavin away from the ice-blue giant.

The giant roared angrily, stamped his feet, and charged the ogres. They easily eluded him, because of the vast size difference. They could actually hide from him! The blue ogre took off, straight for camp, a bit bummed that his meal

was gonna be skimpy because of the interruption. Oh well. Maybe Dukie give him bonus for his find.

"Thanks." Cavin said, having never in a million years thought he'd ever thank an ogre.

"No problem."

Calla had to interrupt Gumlittle's reprimand of the little gummi girl out of necessity. "Please listen to me! The Dunwyn guards are on their way."

"See? I told you she was a spy!" Ecri accused.

"No!" Calla stamped her foot. "They saw the colorful lights in the sky and went to investigate. But that isn't all. A horde of enemies is on its way. They captured Cavin. Can you please help me get him back?"

Gumlittle's eyes unfrowned. "Cavin?"

"The human boy who saved Gummadoon?" Tavi asked.

"Just great." Ecri rested against his staff.

"This recon is over. We'll return to Gummadoon immediately. With the amount of evil that will be heading our way, we cannot afford to linger here. We must prepare Gummadoon's borders." Gumlittle raised his staff and indicated homeward. The other knights began packing up the few things lying about.

"I'm sorry, Princess, but Cavin will have to wait. Gum help him if he be in trouble..."

Past

"C'mon, Tummi. We're no use here!" Gruffi said, pulling the larger bear after him as he went out to find the young Gritti. "He can't have gotten far.

Of course, Gruffi didn't know the little Barbic very well...

Inside, Una groaned under the force of the current contraction. Zummi, doing his best to support the laboring Barbic, couldn't help a quip. "My, you Barbics never do anything small, do you."

Una gave him a grin but couldn't afford the loss of air to a chuckle, having to moderate her breathing.

"I know you want him here, but don't think about Warrio right now, Una." Grammi said. "Just concentrate on yer baby and think how proud he'll be once he sees her."

"Her?" Una queried in between breaths.

"Er...Yeah. It's gonna be a strong healthy girl by the size of ya." Grammi covered quickly, hoping she sounded convincing.

"You've... You've done this... before?"

"Me personally? No. But I've helped almost everbody I know with their kids."

Another contraction gripped the Barbic, cutting off any thought of a reply. Una growled against a second, stronger internal convulsion.

"I can see her, Una. Just one more!"

The Barbic was forced to oblige as her body worked to birth the cub. With one final heave, Grammi found the wet, squirmy baby in her waiting arms, and preparing to holler like there was no tomorrow!

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