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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Past

Warrio grudgingly admitted that their assistance was appreciated. "You... may stay as long as is deemed necessary until the human pursuers are caught. By code or by death, you are under our protection."

Zummi smiled. "Thank you, Warrio. We prately.. er.. I mean greatly appreciate it."

Little Gritti pushed his way forward, as did several other Barbics, anxious to see the newest cub. Despite the Glens' proximity, and the possible threat of humans around, the four strangers saw something that, at the time, seemed remarkable. The hard exterior mental wall melted at the sight of the tiny Ursa. None left the hut without a smile at the little miracle.

Present

"Get out!!" Lady Bane yelled, throwing the flowers back at Igthorn.

"But... but... my lady!"

"I said GET OUT!!" Magically picking the duke up, she tossed him thoroughly out and on his rear. Unfortunately, no mud puddles were nearby.

"Um... Dukems?" Toadie slinked closer cautiously.

"Oh, why doesn't she return my love like she does my flowers?" Igthorn moaned, completely lovesick.

"Dukie? Toadie have something that'll make you feel better! Faithful ogres returned and not empty handed!" Cheerily, Toadie waved the two ogres forward.

To Igthorn's surprise, one held that squirming shrimp of a squire from Dunwyn. And wherever he was, the Princess wasn't too far... "Hm..." A great and evil grin spread quickly across his mustached face. "Good work, men. An extra swill of sludge for you tonight."

The Spinster crawled over, towering over all. "Oohhhh... A tasty morsel from the past, back again to make me drool, eh?"

Cavin, fear in his eyes at the sight of the giant spider, cringed and balled up as he hung from the ogre's grasp.

"Ah ah ah. Not so fast, web head. He's mine. Get your own meals. This one's off the menu."

Again, saved by the unlikeliest of ... well, Igthorn wasn't an ally. More like a lesser evil. Still, he wouldn't complain! But he couldn't help but wonder what the duke had planned, and if Calla had made it to the gummies safely.

The Dunwyn cavalry was all but to the gates of the strange city at dawn (having missed Igthorn's horde as they waited for the knights to exhaust themselves on the dunwynians before they made their move). There were many whispers among the gathered knights but the general consensus was that the strange city was magic, and bore striking resemblance to... well... None would say it out loud but the symbols decorating the huge doors looked like—

The doors began to creak open. Tuxford by his King's side, they both urged their horses forward to be at the head of whatever may come. It was then a great shock to see what the gates revealed on the other side.

Calla stood with her head high and her hand grasping tightly to Sunni's. Flanked by the Gummadoon Council of Wooddale, Berrybottom, Spinwillow, Flurryfeather, and Tosslewind, and the Barbics and Gummi knights, no doubt Gregor got the shock of his life.

In fact, everyone was speechless.

Calla had the hard task of opening up matters.

"Father, I know you've thought gummies were a myth all this time, and I'm sorry I've deceived you but these are my friends, and we need your help. We're all in great danger."

Sunni squeezed her hand, trying to show Calla some confidence she didn't feel. This whole meeting was... well, about as un-gummi as you could get. Willingly showing yourself to humans... Gruffi would have a fit if he knew. She still didn't know how Calla'd managed to convince the council. Sunni wondered if it had anything to do with that little Tavi she'd seen blabbing in the hall. What a mouth! Non-stop talking, like all this was her idea. And calling Wooddale Toffi. Sunni'd overheard that the council's names were actually titles but had never heard any of their born names before. Toffi Gummi must be Wooddale's real name.

It was all pretty scary, just waiting to see if the humans would freak. But Sunni wouldn't miss this for all the world. Calla needed her.

Sir Plucki also stood his ground. If need be, he need only point his staff and they would take to action, bringing down any threat. He hated the fact that he could no longer remain at Cubbi's side. Leaving Sarrika with him was the only option. The sick were no use in battle, just as he was little use to the sick when war was afoot. He would have to trust Sarrika, and trust Cubbi.

Cubbi wasn't doing so hot. Even with Sarrika's constant assistance, he couldn't keep any food down. It all just got spewed up again and he was so sick and tired of it. Literally. Exhausted, he wanted to sleep but Zorlock wouldn't even let him do that.

Sarrika was wishing for some of those Barbic sleeping herbs, given the cub's state but that was impossible to ask for. The gummies were all about to engage in battle. She lied the one time Cubbi asked where Plucki was. She couldn't tell the sick cub that the gummi knight was going headlong into danger. He'd want to go also. Plucki warned her specifically not to tell Cubbi the truth. She considered it very wise.

The chuckling began again and Cubbi gasped. He looked at Sarrika to see if she could hear it too but all he saw was Zorlock's face staring down at him.

"No! NO!!" Cubbi thrashed, fought out of Sarrika's grasp, hitting her and all the while believing her to be Zorlock while the evil wizard chuckled madly into the dawning morn.

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