Chapter Four: Weakened

Chapter Four: Weakened

A piercing light cut into Buddi's eyes. He grimaced but buried his face back into his pillow.

"Buddi!"

Buddi moaned as he realized it was Ursa. She'd drawn his window open, letting the sunlight in. He groaned again and buried his face back into his bed deeper than before. Ursa grabbed his shoulder and shook but he threw her hand off. She was a bit surprised but then said,

"Buddi. Get up. It's eight."

"Don't care. 'M Tired…"

"Buddi." Her voice had taken on that slight warning tone. Buddi pulled his comforter up over his head. Ursa was getting tired of this. She grabbed hold of the boy's covers and tugged. She felt a slight bit of resistance. But of course, Buddi could not even begin to match her strength. But she didn't pull anymore.

"Buddi. You either get up now, or I'll force you up."

Buddi wanted to get up. But eh felt so weak. He'd never felt so weak in his life. It was as if someone had zapped his strength, like a sponge. But more than that, he felt terrible. His head hurt, the very thought of standing made him dizzy enough to pass out, and his legs felt like water. But Ursa, being Ursa, would not approve of him saying, "But I don't feel good."

Suddenly, something grabbed Buddi around his torso and lifted up and out into the sunlight.

Ursa dropped Buddi onto the ground, where he sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes.

Ursa gave him the arched eyebrow look and said, "I warned you Buddi. Up."

Buddi growled. "I know, Ursa. Jeez. I'm upping, I'm upping."

Ursa managed a smile at him and said, "Good. You know that since…"

"DON'T SAY IT!" Buddi howled and covered his ears.

Ursa stopped and rephrased her sentence. She knew that Buddi never wanted to hear about Missy's death. It was still a pain in his heart. It hurt her too but her pain was getting easier to bury. Buddi was a cub and such a strong pain was not so easily forgotten in a child. Even a child Barbic.

"Ever since Celina showed up," she finally said. "That we have to be prepared. You know that I put your training early so you can play later. But you have to get up."

Buddi nodded and got to his feet, refusing to look dizzy.

"All right. Ursa, I'm up."

Ursa headed to the door. "I'll be waiting outside. If you aren't out there in ten minutes, I expect to find you eating. Understood?"

Buddi nodded but immediately regretted it. Swallowing the nauseating pain, he said,

"Acknowledged, Ursa,"

Ursa left.

Buddi felt a terrible longing to lie back down but couldn't. He knew if he did, he'd fall back asleep and then Ursa'd really be mad. He felt bad enough physically. He didn't need to be tormented mentally with her lectures. He stumbled to his closet and drew out a fresh tunic.

But the mere act of walking downstairs, made beads of sweat pop out of his forehead.

* * *

"Well, well, Buddi, you decided to join us, huh?"

Buddi sighed at Grubbi's lame attempt to make him smile and said,

"Sure. I'd rather walk downstairs myself than have Ursa make me."

Grubbi looked at him, with an odd look on his face. "Buddi? Are you-"

"I'm fine, Grubbi." He managed a smile. "Just hungry. What do you got?"

Grubbi smiled. "Let's see…aw, you chose and I'll fix it."

Buddi sighed. "Anything with caffeine or sugar."

Grubbi smiled and drew some batter out to form some plankins. The sweet kind. There was the regular and the kind he used to make for Ursa and Gritty and now made for Buddi. The kind with sweetener added. They took less time to cook too. He reached into the icebox and handed Buddi a cold glass and filled it with some rilyn. It was a juice similar to orange juice but sweeter. In fact, one glass had enough sugar to satisfy the sweetest sweet tooth for months.

Buddi drank as Grubbi finished up the plankins. It did help him wake up but now it added to his headache. This day's training, those three hours, was going to be very long. Buddi knew that already.

"Here, Little Buddi."

Buddi growled under his breath but thanked Grubbi before saying,

"Why does everyone call me that?"

Grubbi laughed. "Because you are little, like it or not, Buddi."

Buddi sighed and took a bite, chewing slowly. "I know Grubbi. But do you always have to remind me?"

Grubbi gave him a sympathetic smile. "It's not easy being the little one is it?"

Buddi shook his head. "It stinks. You adults get to do so much more. It's not fair."

"Well, we were like you once, Little Buddi."

Buddi turned and found Ursa standing by the door, arms crossed but a smile on her older face.

"Trust me, Grubbi was no better."

Grubbi gave the younger Barbic a playful glare. "Very funny, Ursa. If I'd have let you do whatever you wanted, you would have broken your neck at least fifty times."

He smiled at Buddi and pretended to whisper, although Ursa could obviously still hear.

"Learning medicine wasn't just my choice. With that girl to look after, it was a necessity."

"Hey!"

But it worked. Buddi covered his mouth and laughed at the thought of Ursa getting in trouble.

Buddi ate silently a few more minutes, actually anxious to get away. The smells were starting to play with his head. It was making his headache rise in pain intensity. He took a last bite and then got up. Grubbi took it from him.

"I'll handle this. You two go train." Ursa nodded and gestured for Buddi. As the two left, Grubbi called,

"Ursa?"

"Hmm?"

"Go easy, huh? He is a child."

Ursa said nothing but nodded her acknowledgement. That didn't mean she'd listen but it was something.

* * *

"Buddi Barbic! How many times do I have to remind you? Keep your eyes on me!"

Buddi nodded and readjusted his stance. He locked eyes with her. But it was so hard, he was so tired. He felt so weak, like anything could make him collapse like a deflated float. But he tried not to show it. He swallowed and met Ursa's blow. But even that was hard. He was sluggish…tired.

"I know, Ursa."

She gave him a fierce glare. "Then, do it!"

He nodded and held his spear up again. He'd managed to get through the first hour with no problems but now the second hour was wearing on his rapidly depleting strength.

And he had thought hand-to-hand was hard before!

Ursa struck out but Buddi blocked, although barely. But before he even had a chance to counterattack, Ursa swept his feet out from under him and with a nudge sent him falling onto the ground. Buddi could hear her low growl of disappointment and irritation even before she leapt down.

Buddi lay there a minute, breathing deeply. It hurt. It…hurt. The pain was there, a headache, muscles pains, and dizziness. Such an intensity of aches. But before he could dwell on them, someone grabbed his hand and yanked him up. Ursa took his spear and groaned.

"Buddi? Did you even listen to me?"

"Yes. I did. I'm sorry. Must be an 'off' day."

Ursa did not smile at his lame attempt to cool her down. Rather, she crossed her arms and then, grabbed his arm by the upper section and yanked him so he was close to her. Buddi fought to keep his balance as the dizziness increased. Ursa hissed,

"Buddi Barbic. That is not an excuse. An 'off' day will not do a thing to save your hide in battle. You have to be ready before an enemy. Comprehend?"

Buddi nodded. "I get it."

Ursa released him but then smiled faintly. "Still…let's take a break. I need something to eat. You hungry?"

Buddi shook his head. Ursa gave him an odd glance but shrugged. "Suit yourself. In an hour be ready for weapons' training, alright?"

Buddi nodded. "Okay."

Buddi took off to his room. He did not know why he felt so tired. But with this hour, he was gonna use it to his advantage.

The cub collapsed onto his bed, fully clothed, and was asleep before his eyes had fully closed.

* * *

"Great shot, Calla!"

The Princess of Dunywn smiled at her Gummi friend. She reached up and removed her shot arrow; apples were pierced on the end. She handed it to Sunni and drew another. The yellow furred girl was trying to be happy but ever since they'd left Ursalia, she'd felt drained and sick.

"-Sunni?"

"Huh? What?"

Calla looked at her, with concern.

"Sunni? Are you alright?"

"Sure, I just…I miss Buddi."

Calla suddenly covered her mouth and giggled a girlish laugh. Sunni looked at her.

"What?"

"I think someone L-I-K-E-S Buddi!"

Sunni flushed with both embarrassment and pain.

"I…he's my best friend. Or one of 'em anyway," she quickly added.

Calla smiled. "Alright. I still say you're a bit more than best friends-"

"We aren't. I don't think."

Calla smiled. "I'm sorry I can't let you shoot the bow. It's too big for you."

"It's…it's okay." Sunni waved her hand dismissively and stumbled away. But before she got far, she collapsed.

"Sunni!"

Calla ran to her unconscious friend and rolled her over. Fear shot through the Princess's heart. Sweat was pouring down her best friend's face and her cheeks were flushed rose pink. Calla could feel the heat vibrating from her. It was a fever, and a high one. Calla swung her bow over her left shoulder and cradled Sunni up into her arms. She ran back to the Glen and jumped down into it at a speed that left her speechless.

"Grammi! Gruffi! Zummi! Someone!"

Grammi was walking to the kitchen when she heard the girl's shout,

'Calla, dear what's- Sunni!"

Grammi took Sunni into her arms as Calla stammered,

"We were talking and she just passed out."

Grammi nodded. She was fairly calm but placed a hand on Sunni's forehead. Tears of fear shot through her eyes. She had felt a fever before but never one like this. She raced into the bathroom and drew out what they called a Temperature strip. It was a small tube that they inserted into the mouth. But if Sunni had eaten lately, it would not provide an accurate reading. However, she had not and the reading came: One hundred even. That was three degrees over the normal temperature of ninety-seven. She shook her head. "No wonder. The girl's positively burning up with fever."

"I knew she was acting odd!"

Grammi nodded. "Here, let's get the poor thing in bed."

The two females carried Sunni into her room. Calla turned her sheets down as Grammi stripped her down into her underclothes. Then, gently she laid the girl Gummi down. The girl moaned faintly as she began to come to. Calla went into the bathroom and came back with a wet washcloth. Grammi thanked her with a nod.

"Here pumpkin," Grammi draped the folded cloth on the girl's forehead. Sunni moaned lightly,

"Buddi…"

* * *

"Buddi!"

The child moaned and sat up. Rubbing his eyes, he looked up.

Ursa looked at him sternly.

"What are you doing?"

He swallowed. "Uh…sleeping?"

Ursa yanked him up. "Out now. I don't want to hear you're tired. You're a Barbic and Barbics are tough!"

Buddi groaned. He still felt tired.

Ursa dragged the cub outside and thrust his bow into his hands. She almost yelled at him again but then he looked at her. With those wide eyes, shimmering and blinking. The innocence was blinding. She sighed.

"Buddi, that look still works."

Buddi managed a small smile. "I know."

Ursa looked at him, biting down a smile. "Just shoot."

Buddi nodded and fought the weakness. He drew the arrow back and released. But it strayed and only hit the outermost circle. Ursa gave him a warning glance.

"Buddi. Concentrate and focus!"

"Okay, okay."

Ursa waited but with every shot, he grew worse, not better. Finally, Ursa grabbed his hands.

"Buddi, you know how to aim. Why aren't you? Your arrows are straying."

Buddi shrugged and started to pull back again. His vision began to swirl. He fought the weakness and trembled slightly.

"I…I don't-"

The cub's knees buckled and he collapsed to the ground, dropping his bow.

"Buddi!"

Buddi felt so dizzy and weak, like he'd pass out at any minute. He felt a hand on his forehead and realized it was Ursa. She felt his brow and then each of his cheeks. Then, she dropped onto her knees in front of him. Her eyes had that motherly concern again.

"Buddi? Are you okay?" she felt his brow again. "You're pretty warm."

Buddi wanted to say, "Yes, Mama Ursa. I feel awful!"

But he was Barbic, although a little one. He wanted to prove that he was tough. He never wanted to reveal any weakness to Ursa. He stumbled to his feet.

"I..I'm all right. Just a little dizzy."

Ursa gave him a disbelieving glare. But she told herself to trust him to a certain point. "Fine then, Little One. Then, I say we work on a bit of endurance. You can't go collapsing like that."

Buddi winced as Ursa took his bow and let him over to the edge of Gordon Gorge. He remembered that trip through that natural labyrinth and sighed. Ursa looked at him. She smiled.

"Once around the outside, Buddi. I'll go too."

"The whole thing?"

"Yes, the whole thing. Now go!"

Buddi stared at her, like she'd joke or say something like, "Just kidding." She didn't. Rather she shoved Buddi ahead of her and said, "GO!

Buddi took off but Ursa quickly plowed ahead, as her legs were longer. But before they were even halfway around, Buddi's eyes were drooping and his breaths came shortly. He tried to force strength into his legs and his lungs. But his legs were burning and his lungs were on fire. Finally, his vision swirled, his strained legs gave out, and he collapsed, face down.

Ursa turned. She'd heard a gasp for air and then a tumble. Buddi was lying still, unmoving. Her heart froze and then sped up again. She raced over to him and rolled him over, face up. She had known he was feeling badly. She'd seen it in his eyes. And now any doubt she had evaporated.

Sweat was streaming down his face, and his cheeks had taken on a red shade. Ursa scooped his limp form up into her arms. She could feel the sweat on him. He stirred slowly and inhaled like he had just come up for air, desperately. She watched and he slowly opened his eyes, revealing small feverish pupils. Ursa picked him up into her arms.

"To bed with you, little one."

Buddi was surprised. She must have really felt bad for him. Barbics weren't bedridden except if it was necessary. Buddi knew he felt bad but he didn't think it was that bad. He tried to reject, more to prove he wasn't a wimp than anything else.

"I'm fine, Ursa. Put me down."

"No. You are not fine and you and I both know it. So stop your squirming."

Buddi tried a minute more but Ursa merely pinned his arms and held his legs still. His strength was faint anyway. He gave in.

Ursa gave her Buddi a smile. He was trying to please her, to be tough. She smoothed his hair and felt the sweat of fever. She told him plainly,

"Buddi. There's a time to admit sickness. You're only a child. I don't mind it. You have no control over getting sick so I don't want you to fight it all right? Just get better. And you do feel rotten, don't you?"

Buddi nodded.

Ursa nodded as she carried Buddi into Ursalia and up the stairs, back to his room. She set him down on his bed and took his hood off his head. She told him, sternly and commandingly,

"Get your nightclothes back on. I'll be right back."

Buddi nodded as she ran off. He pulled his tunic off. It was drenched with sweat. And it felt so good to put on a clean nightshift. And his bed…those sheets had never felt so inviting. In fact, he was surprised that he didn't fall asleep before Ursa came back. But he didn't.

"Let's see what we've got here," Ursa sat down on Buddi's bed and put a white strip of some plastic like substance across his forehead. It was actually a sewing of Barbic leaves, spun into thread and cloth. Inside was a chemical of some sort that they used to determine fever. From which it got it's name, a Fever Strip.

Ursa waited until the color of the liquid reached the end of the strip. She took the band from Buddi's brow and studied the color:

Blue, a dark blue.

The color of high fever, the darker the color, the higher the fever. The color of a regular temperature was green. She guessed that the temperature was around a hundred degrees.

She gave her child a smile. "At least a hundred, Buddi."

Buddi groaned. "That explains the pain then."

Ursa brushed his hair with her fingers. "You get some sleep and I'll be back in about an hour okay?"

Buddi nodded. Ursa got up and went to the bathroom in the cub's room. She came back out with a wet cloth. She mopped the boy's forehead and then spread the cloth over his brow. He looked at her, with feverish eyes. She put one hand to his head and massaged a bit. Buddi's eyelids started to close as her hand also numbed the pain in his head. But his legs still hurt and eh still felt terribly weak.

"Sleep Buddi."

Feeling too tired to even think of protesting, Buddi turned and closed his eyes completely. His breathing was heavy in moments.

Ursa walked outside but her heart felt afraid, she cursed in Barbic.

"I know Buddi. He does not get sick in a day's time. He gets weak bit by bit." She growled. Unknowingly, she said the same thing Grammi said of Sunni at the same moment:

"And I'm betting this isn't caused naturally. I sense something…someone…far worse."