A Visit to Grundo

[Pinocchio1940]

A Visit to Grundo

Summary: Willow and Tara find themselves in a magical land after they purchase two toys from a yard sale.

Rating: G

Characters used in this AU fiction are copyright – Willow and Tara (Buffy) are copyright Joss Whedon and the associated television stations. Teddy Ruxpin, Grubby, The Fobs and all related characters from The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin are copyright Alchemy II.

It was summertime in Sunnydale, and the warmth had encouraged Willow to start going looking at yard sale, taking Tara along with her. They went to several yard sales until finally chose one final place to go to. They hadn’t purchased anything from the others, so imagine Tara’s surprise when Willow greeted her with three bags in her arm.

“What did you get, Willow?” she asked, her lips curling with a smile.

Willow just laughed, and lifted a furry bear-like toy out of the bag. Tara’s eyes widening, as her smile turned bigger, and she reached to grab it away gently from Willow.

“Teddy….Ruxpin. I recognize him, I used to have one, but Donny destroyed him out of jealousy. Does this one still function?”

Tara answered her own question. She gently turned the volume wheel until it clicked on. Apparently, the previous owners had generously placed batteries in him for the sale. He seemed to function as she remembered.
Tara’s eyes wandered to the middle of the battery cover where a metal connector sat.

“I never knew what this was for.” She said, looking at the hole.

Willow grinned, but decided not to provide the answer while still at the yard sale. “I’ll show you later.”

[Willowtree252]

Another story Matt I am so happy this is a great start. loving it.

[Pinocchio1940]

I gave you preview of my idea. I wonder if you could get others interrested.

[hondos]

Hi Matt
I love this..I want more for sure.Please do continue..


I hope you update soon.I love the picture to.Its wonderful.
Rosemary

[Zampsa1975]

Interesting beginning... update-y goodness soon?

[Pinocchio1940]

Hi, Everyone.

There will be an update - replies first, Then I will add some of what've completed, can't be too much though - I want to keep it interesting.

Dianneswillowtree - Diane, you've always liked my fictions. I have no doubt this fiction will keep your smile on. Thanks for being such a good friend.

hondos - Rose, you have recently enjoyed my finished, completed fics.
The picture is of some of the characters Willow and Tara meet in this story. Check my details and see if you can find them in the picture.

Zampsa1975 - Is a few seconds enough time? Thank for reading.

[Pinocchio1940]

Willow and Tara loaded up the car and left the yard sale.

At the Summers house, Willow carefully removed everything from the three bags. Tara finally had her answer - when everything had been removed, she saw a yellow toy with blue eyes. She gently flipped it over, revealing the name of “Grubby”

Setting both Teddy and Grubby on the dresser in their room, Tara gently plugged the beige cord into both Teddy and Grubby, and just smiled at them. All the sudden, she noticed that even without cassettes both toys – at least they before – started talking to her.

“You know, Tara – we’d like to introduce you and Willow to Grundo if you wouldn’t mind visiting.” Teddy said, gently.

“Are you sure you two talking to me isn’t just my mind going crazy?” Tara asked, looking politely bewildered, “because I’m not used to you talking on your own.”

Grubby chuckled. “Nope. I can guarantee you are not dreamin’, but let me say somethin’. It feels very funny not to be able to move your legs.”

Tara smiled softly, looking at Grubby with understanding. Now she knew this was no trick – her old friends were indeed alive.

“Please tell Willow something has happened with us, but don’t tell her what. If you want, add a little mystery to your story. Please don’t make it too scary though.” Teddy told her.

[hondos]

Oh.This is cool.I will look for the charecters I the pictures.How fun.
this is a cool little thing.As usual, very unique.
Thanks Matt,for your new story.
Rosemary

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for update-y goodness...

[thiswomanswork]

Heehee! This is cute. Putting the picture at the top really helped, too. Liking this so far.

[Willowtree252]

Matt as always I am in awe of your imagination it is so vast and fresh you take us on a magical journey.

[Pinocchio1940]

Hi, again. Feedback and then, more story.

hondos - Rose, I am glad you like the image. It is with these toys that the world of Teddy Ruxpin first came to life - September 18, 1985.

Zampsa1975 - Another piece is coming.

thiswomanswork - Sera, I am glad your are enjoying this - like I told Rose, the picture is of the original toys from 1985, 1986.

Dianneswillowtree - Dia, Thanks. It is always difficult to combine Willow and Tara with the characters of another property. BTW, "Grundo" is the name of the setting..

[Pinocchio1940]

Later that night as Willow and Tara were going to bed, Tara remembered Teddy’s request. She struggled on how to tell Willow that something had happened with Teddy and Grubby – in a way that would not break her promise to Teddy.

“Willow, I think there is something special about those toys you bought.” Tara said, now noticing Teddy and Grubby trying to be still so that Willow would not notice something unusual until they wanted her to.

Teddy had apparently told Tara to be there in case Willow was shocked about them suddenly being alive. Tara obliged, but somehow wanted Willow to discover Teddy’s plans for herself.

Teddy had told Tara that he and Grubby could take both to Grundo, and now Tara was willing to go. Grubby advised Tara to meet over by them, not revealing their secret until Willow was interested.

Tara got up the next morning, took a shower and started to listen to the “cassettes” not letting on that Teddy and Grubby were alive – and mimicking what would have normally been a program.

Willow proceeded through her normal hygienic activities and then rushed to greet Tara, a little bit of curiosity covering her features.

“You told me you thought there was something special about these two”, and she gestured to mean more than usual, “I want to see.”

Tara turned to reveal what she had seen – Teddy and Grubby… alive.

Grubby winked, but Willow was a little perplexed. She lifted him up, resulting in shock on Grubby’s part. “Hey! Put me down!” Grubby shouted. When she did, Grubby’s eyes darted with anger. “That wasn’t very nice, Willow. You frightened me!”

Willow’s eyes swelled up with tears. “Ah, gee. I didn’t mean to do it like that.” Grubby quietly said.

[DaddyCatALSO]

Yes, Willow and Tara and the rest of the gangitty-gang are definitely the right age for Teddy Ruxpin; reminds me again how old *I* am. I admit, I like the cute-for-cute's-sake stroies like this, altho just like the Mister Rogers one I won't know the other characters. But it's sweet so far :-).

[Willowtree252]

Bravo Matt your right this is hard work but I know you are up to it you blend them together really well it is so cute. more please.

[seemystoneheartbreaking]

Hey I really like this. I loved Teddy Ruxpin as a child. It's awesome.

[Pinocchio1940]

Another set of feedback, then more of the story.

DaddyCatALSO - In canon, I think Willow and Tara would be too old to have played with them. But, in this fiction - they played with them and are about late teens - early twenties.

Dianneswillowtree - Diane - - I am glad you're enjoying this.

seemystoneheartbreaking - I'm glad you're liking this.

[Pinocchio1940]

“You didn’t mean to shout, which I am sure, Grubby.” Willow finally, gripping his plush hand.

“In order to transport you both to Grundo, you’ll need take each other’s hand and Tara, grip my hand please.” Teddy said.

♪ Come Dream with Me Tonight ♪

Within blinding colors, the four new friends found themselves in Newton Gimmick’s yard which – from the looks of it – had cannonballs thrown all around it.

“What happened to Gimmick’s yard?” Tara said, noticing the cannonballs.

Grubby sighed, turned and pointed at the tall tower overlooking the house. “Tweeg attempts to shoot these cannonballs at Gimmick. You see, Tweeg has recently joined an organization that rewards cruel acts. Um, but I’ve had enough of telling you that.” He laughed and said, “At Least, he’ll never succeed.”

Tara now took notice of Teddy and Grubby’s size. “You are both no longer toys.”

“Oh, uh, Hello.” Gimmick called, messing around with his Portable Reducing Machine, “Come sit in, uh, here, by, the uh, table.”

Gimmick’s stutter was not because he was nervous. Gimmick was a creature called a Perloon – which looked human but always spoke with a lisp.

Meanwhile, above Gimmick’s house, in the tower overlooking the valley, L.B. was watching everything going on below. L.B. was a sarcastic creature, a creature called a Bounder.

Bounders had no had no hands and looked oblong like a stretched tomato, with a tail, a mouth full of razor sharp teeth, and a curved horn on their head, strands of hair shooting up from around the horn. They bounced around on two tiny legs.

“Gimmick’s got more viziters? I should tell Tweeze, no question ‘bout it.”

L.B. had been looking though Tweeg’s telescope next to the cannon that Tweeg’s failed attempts to do something bad were usually carried out. Although Tweeg was the quote-on-quote “bad guy”, L.B. and the other Bounders proved to Tweeg that they were smarter than he was, or at least, they knew they were.

[hondos]

Hi Matt,
Hehehe.This is so fun...I found the Bounders in the pictures.
You have a wonderful imagination. This is a great , funny and cute story.

♪ Come Dream with Me Tonight ♪

Is this something the toy said? The real toy or something you made up?
When do we meet Tweeg?
Can't wait for the update.This fic is the bomb!!!
Thanks for Sharing
Your Friend,
Rosemary

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for update-y goodness...

[Willowtree252]

Matt forgive me for my lateness

Tara now took notice of Teddy and Grubby’s size. “You are both no longer toys.”

you make them come alive and dance on my screen. as always I love your work it is truly art. Dia

[Pinocchio1940]

More feedback, then more story.

hondos - Rose - You'll meet Tweeg in the next update. And as I said in the TPAM thread, the song is Teddy's theme.

Zampsa1975 - Sami, I am glad you are enjoying this story.

Dianneswillowtree - Diane, I forgive you, actually, not upset at all, my dear friend. Actually, I wish I could enter Teddy's world, so the fiction comes from my love for the real Teddy and Grubby - many of the elements from the toy moments are real. Except for them truly being alive.

[Pinocchio1940]

Tweeg was green, spots on the side of his face, usually wearing a purple robe. Tweeg was the combination of two races – one of which did not like the other. Tweeg had been expecting a monthly amount of money – which had abruptly cut off by his mother, who wrote him and told him that if he did not soon do something evil, she would disown him.

“Tweeze!”

L.B. had come into the room, his bouncing feet waking Tweeg immediately.

Tweeg was never polite. Calling L.B. everything from “melonhead” to “Lamebrain’, L.B. had found the perfect retaliation – not pronouncing Tweeg’s name right. Of course, L.B. always stood by Tweeg, aiding in his evil mischief.

“L.B., WHY IN THE WORLD ARE YOU IN HERE?” Tweeg Shouted.

L.B. Cackled. “Oh, yeah, Tweeze, keep yelling – that’ll impress M.A.V.O.” L.B. said sarcastically, “I came to tell you Gimmick has more vizitors.”

“He does? Let me see! One more thing – the name is TWEEG!"

Tweeg ran immediately to the telescope. “So he does, L.B.. I wonder why.”
L.B. decided to answer Tweeg only if he could crack a joke at his expense.

“Maybe because he’s nicer than you.” L.B. laughed so hard, he was rolling around.

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for another good update-y goodness...

[MsKittyB]

I'm caught up with your story, and I think it's so adorable that you've combined Willow and Tara with Teddy Ruxpin in your fiction. All of my favorite character's combined into one. *gasps* Pure beauty.
I have to admit I always loved Lead Bounder (L.B) lol You really capture his sarcasm
Come Dream with Me Tonight
Let's build a giant Airship,
And Sail into the sky
Let's watch the ground so far below
Let's watch the birds, as they fly by
Fly so high
hehehe It's stuck in my head now. Okay I'll stop ranting. Can't wait for your next update

[hondos]

Hi Matt
I loved the update.The banter between Tweeg and LB is hysterivcal.I think I found Tweeg in the picture but Im not for sure cause I don't see spots.

Still a wonderful story and a great update.Can't wait for the next one.
Rose

[Willowtree252]

I am gasping her Matt forgive me my dear friend I love the update I love you letting us in your mind and allowing us a room to play in and be children again you are truly talented.

[Pinocchio1940]

Feedback first, then more story.

Dianneswillowtree - Diane, there's no apology needed, my sweet friend.

Hondos - Rose, the puppet in the picture is Tweeg He doesn't have spots as the puppet, only the cartoon character.

MsKittyB - I see I have made a new friend. Welcome to the story. >

Zampsa1975 - Another update coming.

[Pinocchio1940]

Meanwhile, the new groups of friends were faring well, that is – until Willow let her curiosity get the best of her. The trio had not explained about the wedge-shaped crystals, so when Willow picked up a crystal and a light to examine it – she instantly vanished.

“Willow, why can’t I see you?” Tara asked, half puzzled, half worried

“I don’t know, Tara. I picked up that wedge and vanished. I can see you though.” came Willow’s disembodied voice.

Teddy, Grubby, and Gimmick were laughing. Tara looked at them, expecting an explanation.

“You haven’t vanished, Willow.” Gimmick said, cheerfully.

“I haven’t?” Willow asked her voice able to be heard despite her visual disappearance, “What’s going on then?”

“The crystal ya picked up made ya invisible.’ Grubby explained. “Tara, pick up the crystal and turn it the other way. Shine the light through the crystal”

Tara did as Grubby had suggested and slowly Willow reappeared.

“You have discovered the magical powers of the third crystal.” Teddy explained, “Each one of these crystals possesses a rare magic.”

.
“Not like your powers, you two.” Teddy explained, looking at Willow and Tara murmur something.

Willow and Tara looked extremely relieved. Their curiosity was getting the better of them though. Tara probably would have scolded Willow for picking up that crystal, had it not been for Gimmick’s understanding that Willow was just curious – and there was no harm done.

Meanwhile, Tweeg and L.B. were scheming away. Tweeg had learned Tara had semi-golden hair, so he schemed a way to get her hair.

[Willowtree252]

Dibs

Meanwhile, the new groups of friends were faring well, that is – until Willow let her curiosity get the best of her. The trio had not explained about the wedge-shaped crystals, so when Willow picked up a crystal and a light to examine it – she instantly vanished

This is soooooooooo Willow cant keep her mind and hands to herself.


and Scheming that is not good should I worry. As always Matt a delight.