Lady, My Warrior

Gummi Bears are not mine and I claim no ownership except of the new characters and the plot. I hope you enjoy it. Please send feedback, I love it!

Gummi Gorge, fifteen miles from Ursalia

            "Keri!"

            The small Gummi turned at the sound of her father's voice. She was about seven years of age and had dark violet fur with a lighter purple shade as her long hair. She wore it in a braid to her shoulder. She had on a green dress with a purple belt and on simple sandal like shoes of the same shade as her dress.

            Her father walked in, a scowl on his face. Ari Gummi was the leader of the Gorge Gummies. He was fairly tall, tallest of the Gorge Gummies and had dark navy blue fur. He was a warrior in the purest sense of the word and often carried his sai with him, in sheaths on his legs. He wore a black tunic with a dark navy belt around his hips. He stepped into the weapons room.

            "Keri Gummi! You know you aren't allowed in here."

            "I'm sorry Papa. I was curious."

            Ari's gaze softened. "Sweetie. What are the rules?"

            "Only males are allowed in here. Why?"

            "Because we're right to fight. Females are not meant to be warriors. They are best for cleaning, cooking and caring for children. You have your own use, my little one."

            "But…my younger brother can come here. I can't. That isn't fair!"

            The leader led her outside into the main sitting room and pulled her onto his lap.

            "Keri, you're my third born. You have two older brothers and a younger brother and sister. Your brothers shall protect us. Your sister and you shall cook, clean and provide the future. It's your duty."

            Keri sighed. It still wasn't fair. She couldn't help she was female. Just as her brothers couldn't help they were male.

            "So, me and Kelsi have to remain behind while you men do all the work?"

            Ari nodded, "Females can't fight."

            Keri leapt up, "Goodbye Papa."

            As she walked off she thought to her siblings.

            The eldest, Alexi, was a carbon copy of her father. He looked just like him and the only difference was he wore a green tunic and boots. He acted supreme most of the time and was her father's favorite. He was sixteen years old.

            Then there was Eli; he was ten. He was dark black and had short brown hair. He wore a tunic that had black strips on the shoulders but the rest was green. He didn't wear any shoes and had the least amount of patience for their father but was very sympathetic with his sisters.

            Then there was her little brother, a five-year-old named Codi. He had yellow fur with light blond hair. He wore a brown cap and black outfit. He was always barefoot and loved to practice with his slingshot. Keri couldn't even touch that. It infuriated her.

            She thought to the youngest in her family, little Kelsi. Her name meant warrior and Kelsi had the personality of one even at four years. She was light purple with dark indigo hair to her shoulders. She wore a light blue dress with a black belt. She would have worn pants but females weren't allowed to.

            Aloud, Keri said,

            "I wonder if other gummies are like this."

* * *

Ursalia

            "Nya!"

            Ursa swung her fist and connected with the punching bag. She repeated that movement and added a side ways kick to what would have been the stomach of an opponent. It was raining but that was not a reason to take a break from training to Ursa. They only took a break from training on one day and that was The Night of Burning Stars. Ursa smiled, although she usually let Buddi have it off the first day snow fell.

            Ursa continued a bit more and then turned as she heard the door open. Buddi came in, soaked.

            "Buddi, you'll slip."

            The cub shrugged, "Wouldn't be the first time. Grubbi told me to get you for lunch. He made some hot soup."

            Ursa nodded and wiped her forehead with a towel. "Okay, I'm coming. Juts hafta put these weapons away."

            Buddi nodded and waited. While Ursa tended to the spears, Buddi's attention was drawn to the wall by the swords. Climbing up on top of one of the empty racks, he pulled a large spear weapon from its holder. They looked like his but longer and with a metal tip not a flint like his. He slid his finger up to the edge…

            "Buddi!"

            The cub, surprised, dropped it immediately. He stumbled and with his wet feet slipped off the frame. He tumbled back but someone caught him under his arms. Ursa looked down at him with a look of I-told-you-so.

            Buddi flushed as Ursa helped him up. She gave him a fierce glare as she scooped the weapon up.

            "Buddi, don't you ever touch this again, ya hear?"

            The cub stared at her. "I…why?"

            "Because I said so! That's all the reason you need."

            "But I was curious-"

            "Curiosity is what gets humans killed. Gummies are far wiser."

            "I just wanna know why I can't touch the darn things."

            Ursa sighed. "They're adult spears Buddi, far heavier than yours. We give you a shorter spear so you can use it. You have to have your strength to use an adult's. Don't touch them."

            "Okay, I get the point."

            Ursa smiled and the two of them left for the dining room.

* * *

Gummi Gorge, fifteen miles from Ursalia

            "Keri!"

            The girl turned as her elder brother, Eri looked at her as he entered the kitchen.

            "Hey Eri."

            "How are you squirt?" he asked, smiling at one of his favorite people. Keri growled.

            "Papa's being unfair again!"

            Eri sighed. He did not understand his clan's beliefs. What did it matter that Keri, Kelsi and all the others were females? They couldn't help that! He smiled at his little sister.

            "Well, you know how Papa is."

            "I know," she whined, "But it's like I'm not able to do anything!"

            Eri stopped for a minute and thought. "Say, I think I remember Papa saying we'd go on a scouting mission. Wanna come?"

            Keri nodded, eyes wide with excitement and hugged her sibling around his waist.

            Eri smiled, he'd done his good deed for the day.

* * *

            Keri wandered ahead of the males, looking about. She never really went this far from their home. Oh she was allowed to but she never really had a reason to. Now after walking for several hours she knew why. Her feet hurt. The men had calloused feet but the females had small delicate soles, they generally had stronger hands and calloused hands for a time. Then once the callous was obvious, the males removed them in a rather painful procedure.

            Keri stopped, tired and suddenly hands grabbed her around her waist. It was Eri. He was very strong, as a result of training. He smiled gently at his little sister and supported her in his arms, carrying her.

            Alexi smiled over at his little brother and sister. He offered to carry Keri but Eri neglected, saying he could handle it.

            The two boys approached their father and the other males. Coming up behind them they saw what they were looking at.

            A city, obviously Gummi. But what more, they could hear voices from inside. Eri turned to his father.

            Ari beamed, "Follow me, and let's see who we have here."

* * *

            Ursa smiled as she watched Buddi play. He was through training for the day. The rain had stopped and although she knew he would get dirty she said he could play for a bit. He'd eaten well enough and seemed to have a lot of extra energy. She wanted him to get that out before bed. She was sparing with gritty when she heard the guards for the night, Mari and Lundi call to her.

            "Ursa! Intruders coming up from the south side."

            The leader dropped her staff and leaped down, drawing her sword for caution. The others swiftly gathered around her. Even Buddi ceased playing to run over. He squeezed through the adults, to stand by Ursa and Gritty. Ursa gestured for him to stay behind her and he obeyed. The guards ran a few questions by the intruders and then a handful of male gummies walked in. there was one girl among them, a girl who looked about seven or eight years of age.

            "What brings you here?" Ursa questioned their visitors.

            It was the male, a dark navy blue Gummi that replied. "I wish to explain that to your leader."

            Ursa smiled. Crossing her arms, she said simply,

            "I'm listening,"

            Ari was stunned, a female?

            Buddi stared at the older Gummi confused. He pushed through until he was standing by Ursa.

            "She said she was listening."

            "Buddi, hush!" Ursa spat. She didn't trust these gummies. Using her free hand, she shoved the cub back, gently.

            Ari recovered quickly and with every ounce of arrogance he had stated,

            "I said I wanted to speak to a leader, female."

            Ursa jerked, stunned by his harsh words. However she soon recovered and drew her sword.

            "And as Buddi and myself have said, 'I'm listening."

            Ari was stunned, a female? A female led these gummies? How ignorant were they? Females were not meant to fight; they couldn't fight, let alone lead a group of warriors. He stated his opinion,

            "You allow yourself to be led by a mere female?"

            Buddi's eyes burned. "A mere female? You…"

            "Buddi hush and stay back!" Ursa commanded. "All of you stay back."

            Buddi was surprised and looked up at her. She pushed him behind her gently and sheathed her sword.

            "I don't need a fight, all of you back off."

            She turned to the leader of these arrogant gummies.

            "Your name?"

            "I don't have to give my name to a female unless I so desire."

            Ursa ground her hands tightly but kept her cool.

            "Well, considering the sun has set, I assume you need a place to stay for the night. I'm willing to let you stay here but I require your names."

            "You require?" Alexi hissed. "Females don't require. They submit."

            Ari held his hand up, "But I'll humor you, female."

            "Her name's Ursa," Buddi hissed acidicly. Ursa hit his head, not too hard but enough to cause pain. "Ow! What was that for?"

            "Be quiet Buddi. In fact, Grubbi, get Buddi prepared for bed. I'll deal with this."

            The eldest Barbic nodded and took the cub by the arm and gently tugged him away. Buddi glanced back; hatred and anger clear in his eyes. Grubbi turned the cub's face to him and said,

            "Go get a bath Buddi. Ursa's stressed enough, she doesn't need to repeat herself."

            Buddi sighed but did as asked and ran upstairs.

            Ursa turned back to the gummies. Ari spoke,

            "My name's Ari, Ursa. My sons, Alexi, Eri and Codi,"

            Ryo spoke out, "The others?"

            Ari gestured to each Gummi in turn,

            "Feli," he said of a Gummi of a pale aqua with a green outfit, "Harli," of a Gummi of a light green coloring and wearing a black tunic with a grey belt, "Howi," of a light blue Gummi in a green tunic, "Inni," of one with dark red coloring and wearing a pale white shirt with brown slacks, "Jeremi," he gestured to one of a pink coloring and wearing a blue tunic with a black belt, "Jori," white Gummi with a maroon tunic, "Lewi," of a dark violet furred male with brown slacks and an over draped black shirt, "Maddi," of a tan one with a blue tunic and black boots, "Manni," of a tangerine colored Gummi with a red tunic and a black belt and vest, "Marti," of a Gummi of black coloring with a brown tunic and boots, "Oakli," of a Gummi with blue flame fur and a black tunic, "Ozzi," of a yellow one with a red tunic, "Tanni," of a indigo one with violet tunic and boots, "Xavi," of a grey one with black tunic and boots and a cloak he had tied around his waist, "Averi," the one with blue fur and a red tunic, "Dani," of the one with maroon fur and wearing a blue tunic, "and finally, Davi, my second-in command." Davi had forest green fur and wore a black tunic with a white belt about his hips. The warriors all looked to be in their late twenties, around the same age as Ursa's warriors.

            "What about the girl?" Mari asked.

            Eri answered, "My little sister, Keri."

            Ursa nodded and said to Mari and Lundi, "Get them the rooms in the west side of Ursalia."

            She walked off calmly as the two Barbics led the group away.   Gritty watched Ursa go, anger boiling his blood. He couldn't believe the arrogance of those so-called warriors. He wandered into the main hall of Ursalia and saw Ursa was headed for the training gym, most likely to work off some steam.

            "Gritty!"

            The adult turned and was met with Buddi. The cub had his nightclothes on and his hair was still damp, evidence he'd only gotten out of the bath a few moments ago. But his eyes were burning with anger.

            "Gritty!" the cub's tone was reproving. "Why didn't you do something? You have the strength. You shouldn't have pounded those gummies into the ground!"

            Gritty noted he said Gummies with a heavy lather of sarcasm. He looked Buddi over.

            The cub was panting; his chest heaving and his bright eyes were shimmering with anger.

            "Buddi, come here."

            The cub did as asked and gritty led him over to the wall and leaned against it.

            "I didn't do anything because Ursa said not to. She is our leader. Those intruders want us to show them Ursa doesn't have much control. She does. So we have to listen to her. Anything else would not work for Ursa's favor, it would strengthen those gummies' accusations."

            Gritty smiled at the younger Barbic. "Don't hyperventilate kid. Ursa's got a plan, she usually does."

            Buddi growled, "So you're saying we gotta wait?"

            Gritty nodded, "And observe, these gummies are new to us. We know nothing about them. I don't trust them and neither does our 'fearless leader.' We have to be patient."

            "But-" Buddi began. Gritty put a finger over his mouth.

            "Yes," he stated, "I know we usually act first and ask questions later but this time is different. They attacked us; we have to consider retaliation. They attacked all of us when they attacked Ursa's leadership. You attack one Barbic, you attack them all."

            Buddi stared at Gritty but nodded. The adult went on,

            "No one challenged Ursa's leadership ability before. It's a new tactic. Ursa isn't afraid and she isn't hesitating from surprise either. She's planning and that's smart. And we follow Ursa." Gritty stopped a moment.

            "Understand?"

            Buddi nodded and plopped down in a chair in the hall,

            "Yeah, I get it but I hate it." He was angry, that was his Mama Ursa they'd threatened.

            Gritty nodded. "I know, kiddo. But try to muster what little patience you have. We'll think of something. We're tough. Ursa will be ready for anything they can throw at her and she'll beat them good and hard, you'll see." Gritty ruffled the cub's wet hair.

            "Gritty!"

            The two turned. Ursa was standing at the end of the hall. Ursa spied Buddi and walked over.

            "Buddi, I'll talk to you tomorrow about what happened. For now get to bed and get some sleep."

            That said, she and Gritty walked around the corner and disappeared from sight. Buddi stared after them a time. He was angry, livid. He knew he had a temper but he had never felt such an intense anger and that scared him. He didn't know what he wanted to do. He knew he had to try and do as Gritty said and be patient but although he was patient, this time he seemed to be out of patience and tolerance. He wanted to do something; he just didn't know what.

            Buddi finally decided that he would sleep on it and try and figure it out in the morning.

            Besides, he followed his leader and guardian and she'd said to get some sleep.

* * *

            "Daddy?"

            Ari turned as his daughter walked into his chambers.

            "Yes, Keri, what is it?"

            "I…what you going to do?"

            "I'm going to wake these gummies up. Females can't fight. They're headed for destruction."

            "She seemed pretty strong."

            Ari shot her a glare. She swallowed and backed up. Ari took a breath to calm down,

            "Even if I have to fight her to prove our right, I'll do it."

            Keri walked off.

            "But I like Ursa."

* * *

            Buddi looked up into the pouring rain. It was so cold. It felt like slivers of ice. The cub rubbed his upper arms but he didn't feel any warmer. Hot warmth hit his hand and when he withdrew it, it was wet with blood. He saw a slit up his upper arm. It didn't look like a sword left it; a dagger didn't leave it. A dagger was thinner and a sword thicker.

            He called Ursa's name.

            No reply.

            "Gritty!"

            No reply,

            "Grubbi!"

            No reply.

            "Mari! Ryo! Lundi! Yves!"

            Nothing, silence.

            "Akinori! Anzai! Benkei! Eiji!"

            None of those Barbics replied.

            "Kazi! Yuki! Zeshi! Shoji!"

            Nothing.

            "Mitci! Micka! Demi! Murai!"

            He got no reply. The cub ran through Ursalia's halls, screaming but only silence answered him.

            "Nami! Uci! Koan! Kaii!"

            The cub finally heard something but it wasn't something he wanted. It was a scream but too muffled for him to tell whom. But the fact that it was a scream scared him.

            "Juni!  Tiani! Jolni! Roni!"

            He ran and ran and then saw Ursa. Ursa and Ari. Ari was winning. He knocked Ursa down. Swung his sword. Ursa's neck split open…

            "NO!"

            Buddi sat up, chest heaving. He glanced around. He was in his room. Looking at his clock, it said one o'clock in the morning. Ursa was always around, unless…

            "Ursa! Ursa!"

            The leader of the Barbics was walking towards her own room when she heard Buddi shout her name. He sounded, not really scared but worried. She walked into his room, lightning his overhead light and turning on his lamp. He stared at her, relief clearly present in his eyes.

            "What Buddi?"

            Buddi reached out and felt her neck. Ursa stared at him. Buddi collapsed, saying, "Dream, it was only a dream."

            Ursa blew the light out overhead and just kept his gas lamp on,

            "Nightmare?"

            Buddi nodded. "I was worried about you."

            Ursa shrugged, "Don't be. I didn't become leader by being stupid, I can handle myself, Buddi. Now you just sleep."

            Buddi nodded and laid down. Ursa ruffled his hair and turned his lamp off. She left, saying,

            "Relax Buddi."

            The cub tried to but he couldn't erase that dream from his mind. What if it wasn't a dream? Was it a premonition? Would Ursa die? Would he lose her…?

            Buddi reached out and turned his lamp on low before collapsing from sheer exhaustion into a dreamless sleep.

* * *

            Ursa was visibly showing strain. She was angry and sick of all the accusations because she was female. It was wearing her down. But she tried it block that out. As she sharpened her sword, she looked at the clock. It read ten thirty. She cursed inwardly. She'd forgotten to wake Buddi up.

            The Barbic leader got up and walked upstairs towards her cub's room. She had checked on him a little bit after he'd called to her and turned his lamp off. She guessed it had helped for a bit. He'd made no reaction to her doing so. Now as she wandered past the rooms, including her own, she saw Buddi's was the only one still shut.

She pushed the door open and sure enough, there Buddi was, still out like a light. She smirked. He had his arms thrown over his head so they were pressed against the wall and one leg hung off the bed. Ursa walked over, her blond hair trailing into her face. The tan furred female slid her hand up Buddi's shirt and rubbed his back.

            The youngest Barbic turned but didn't wake up. The Barbic leader grinned and whispered into his ear.

            "Buddi…"

            The cub groaned, "Not yet."

            Ursa laughed out loud, a deep hearty laugh few besides Gritty and Buddi heard.

            "Buddi, I let you sleep an extra two and a half hours, time to get up. In another hour and a half it'll be noon!"

            The cub turned and cracked one eye open. Ursa smiled and let the cub sit up and stretch.

            "What time is it?"

            "Ten thirty."

            Buddi stood up and Ursa tossed him a freshly washed tunic.

            "Get dressed, then come downstairs for lunch."

            Buddi nodded and Ursa left.

            She was walking downstairs when she ran into Davi.

            "Watch it, female!"

            Ursa turned to him, her eyes burning. "Davi, you may have your beliefs but I'm leader here. I don't appreciate that. You don't have to respect me as leader but at least use my name."

            "I'll call you whatever I please!"

            "Davi…" she hissed dangerously,

            "Hush up, female!"

            "SHUT UP!"

            Ursa turned. Buddi stormed down and started for Davi. Ursa grabbed him under his arms.

            "Leave her alone, you-"

            "Buddi!"

            The cub turned. "Ursa-"

            "Just because they're rude and inconsiderate doesn't give you the right to be. You know better than to sass any adult. Now go eat."

            "But-"

            Ursa gave him her famous glare. He winced and walked off. Ursa pointed a finger in Davi's face, "don't push me."

* * *

            Buddi glared at Alexi, his eyes burning,

            "Shut up!"

            Alexi smirked. "Why? Fear the truth?"

            "Shut up! You're stupid and ignorant!"

            "Apparently Ursa didn't teach you manners. That something even a female should be able to teach!"

            Buddi growled low.

            "Honestly, if your 'mother' thinks she can beat us, she really needs to take a look at what she is. She's just a girl."

            That did it for Buddi. He swung his fist and caught Alexi in the temple. The elder cub stared, stunned. But unlike an amateur would do, as Alexi expected Buddi to be, Buddi did not wait for retaliation before he swung again, catching Alexi off guard in the stomach.

            Alexi ducked the cub's next swing and swung his own, hitting the cub in his left temple. Buddi stumbled but quickly regained his position and ducked the next attack and kicked Alexi in his shin. The cub stumbled and Buddi kicked him hard in his neck. The cub fell backward, coughing.

            Alexi growled,

            "I won't be beaten by a Mama's baby bear!"

            He swung back, hitting Buddi in his left eye. Buddi clutched his eye with one hand and delivered a punch with his other. Alexi swung back, hitting and splitting Buddi's lower lip.

            Buddi kicked Alexi but the stronger cub punched him twice in the stomach, making him collapse. Buddi looked up, eyes burning. Alexi knelt down.

            "She's a female and a female cannot train warriors. She isn't a warrior and neither are you or anyone else in your clan and you never will be."

            Buddi growled as Alexi walked out with an arrogant swagger. He got to his feet painfully and rushed into the hall calling after him,

            "Jerk!"

            "Buddi!"

            The cub whirled around as Ursa came around the corner. She took a single look at Buddi and ran to him, demanding,

            "What happened?"

* * *

             "Buddi, that wasn't very smart." Ursa commented as she wiped the blood from his lip. "For starters, he's sixteen and you're only eleven. That isn't very good odds. And although I'm glad you have the nerve to stand up to these arrogant males, you knew nothing about Alexi. Nothing about his past, his training." She applied some sap to his split lip. "Now tell me, not knowing your opponent gets you what?"

            "A black eye?"

            Ursa chuckled and shook her head as he lowered the ice from his left eye, revealing a black patch where before there had merely been a darker patch of brown fur. Ursa knelt over from her position and pushed the bag of ice back on.

            "Keep it there. Or it'll swell. And yes, among other things."

            She looked at him and smiled. "You're just a cub. You leave these gummies to us. We can handle them." She thumbed his nose. "You just watch and learn, little one."

            Buddi smiled at her. He nodded and she put her hand onto his head.

            "Keep the ice on for about an hour. Your eye'll still be black but it should keep down the swelling."

            Buddi nodded and got up. He walked out and Keri met him. She smiled.

            "You fought my big brother?"

            Buddi nodded, "Why?"

            Keri spoke, "I don't blame you."

            Buddi turned to her, stunned. She nodded.

            "My clan doesn't let females fight. But that's who I am! My brother Eri understands but Alexi is as bad in yelling as my Dad."

            Buddi looked at her with sympathy. She looked at the older cub with a winning smile. Buddi smiled, despite himself. He liked this little one. She returned Buddi's smile before asking,

            "Where did you learn to fight?"

            Buddi sat down on a chair in the hallway before answering.

            "Ursa. She taught me everything."

            "Is she your Mom?"

            Buddi shook his head. "Not by blood."

            Keri looked at him, "Where's your real mom?"

            "Dead," the cub answered, "along with my dad. Ursa raised me when my mother died."

            "Oh…sorry."

            Buddi shook his head, "Don't be. I don't remember her."

            "Buddi!"

            The cub turned. Ari was standing in the doorway. He grabbed Keri by the wrist and tugged her away. He spat at Buddi, "Keep away from my daughter, Mama's boy."

            Buddi almost replied but Ari interrupted by saying to Keri, "You keep away from this boy, understood? He'll just put wild fantasies into your mind. I've shaped your mind the way it should be, our way and no half-Gummi spawn is going to ruin that." He glared at Buddi, "If he deserves even that much recognition of Gummi blood."

            Buddi snapped. "You're destroying her!"

            Ari whirled to Buddi and raised his hand as if to slap him. It was how they disciplined smart alect children who said things that they did not agree with. Buddi threw his arms over his face and waited for the blow. But before Ari's hand could even dart down, a tan furred hand snatched his wrist. Buddi opened one eye.

            It was Ursa.

            Ari was stunned by the awesome power he could see in the female's arms and hands. Her eyes were blazing, anger clearly present. He wasn't used to seeing an angry female, they were very docile in their clan. But Ursa jerked him forward and hissed,

            "You lay one finger on his head, so help me Gum, you'll be lucky if I leave you with that one finger."

             She tightened her grip a bit and then released him. Her voice was calmer, "Stay away from my cub."

            Ari's reply was, "Keep him away from my daughter, female!"

            It took all Ursa's willpower not to blow up. It had taken most of her willpower not to tear Ari's head off for what she'd seen him about to do. But she took Buddi's wrist in her hand, gently, and tugged him away. Buddi glanced back at Keri who gave him a sympathetic and apologetic look.

            "Buddi?"

            He looked at Ursa. She took his ice pack and pressed it back against his eye. She knelt down so she was level with him.

            "Buddi? I want you to stay away from them, understand?"

            "But Ursa-"

            "Aw," she put her finger against his lips, "No buts."

            "Keri's nice," he protested, "It's not her fault that her dad's psycho."

            Ursa shook her head. "I didn't trust them in the first place and now after this, you keep away as much as you can, understand?"

            Buddi sighed deeply but nodded. Ursa gave him a smile.

            "Attaboy."

* * *

            Buddi sat back and watched the new gummies. He was getting drenched in the rain but he didn't care. He needed to understand.

            They had an odd weapon; it looked like a three-pronged fork except the middle prong was longest and sharpest. They would swing at each other and block. It looked pretty simple to Buddi.

            "Buddi?"

            The cub turned. Ursa looked at him and pulled him up.

            "You're getting soaked."

            Buddi shrugged, "don't care."

            Ursa gave him a glare, "Well I do. Now get out of those wet clothes right now, right here."

            "Here?"

            Ursa nodded. She saw his face and said, "Buddi's it's a blind spot and you've got nothing I haven't already seen."

            At that comment, he turned beet red.

            Ursa pulled him inside and he stripped as Ursa draped a cloak over his shoulders, hiding his bare body. She shook her head,

            "I swear you cause more headaches than a battle."

            Buddi knew she was kidding so he giggled and said, "That's my job."

            Ursa rolled her eyes and said, "Go get a bath now, it's late anyway."

            He didn't argue and darted out, using a secret passage rather than the corridors. Ursa walked down the hallway, dropping Buddi's clothes in the laundry room. She headed towards the training room but then Ryo called to her,

            "Ursa, we have to talk now!"

            Ursa walked down and Ari met her at the bottom as she walked past,

            "Some leader. My people listen to me!"

            "I yield to my friends while they yield to me, it's a balance," she replied in a monotone voice.

            Ari rolled his eyes, "Foolish female."

            Ursa ground her teeth but walked away.

* * *

            Buddi was walking towards his room when he noted the weapons' room door open. Walking in, his eyes burned.

            "Alexi!"

            The said Gummi turned and smiled,

            "What Mama's Boy?"

            Buddi chose to ignore the insult and said,

            "What are you doing in here?"

            "Seeing if your weapons are better than your skills…not that that would take much."

            That made Buddi growl. "Shut up!"

            "Make me."

            Buddi glanced around, spying the pair of sai near one of the racks. He lifted them up and turned to Alexi.

            "Come on then."

* * *

            Ursa massaged her temples as she listened. The others were beginning to gnaw her nerves.

            Putting her hands up, she stated, "Okay, okay will you guys calm down for a minute?"

            The Barbics did as requested and Ursa buried her face into her hands, pulling at her hair. She took a breath, then said,

            "Look, they're ignorant and rude doesn't mean we lower ourselves to that level."

            She sat up and said, "I'm not saying to trust them; just the opposite. Treat them with caution but don't deliberately provoke them!"

            Ryo stood, "Ursa, you're going to let them get away with saying those things to you?"

            Gritty stood. "Ursa, you're our leader. When they attack you, they attack all us!"

            Ursa turned to him, "I'm aware of that! Listen to me, trust me."

            They fell silent. "Listen, just don't provoke them. Gum knows what they'll do."

            Ryo stood, "If you think I'm just going to sit back and-"

            Gritty rose and grabbed the Barbic's shoulder, "Listen for once Ryo! She's right. The last thing we need is a war!"

            "War? Gum knows it won't lead to war!"

            "It will if you keep acting like that!"

            "Why you-"

            A shrill whistle stopped them both. Ursa stood, slamming her hands down on the table.

            "Enough! If you two have issues, settle them outside!"

            The two males exchanged glances as they stormed out into the hallway. Ursa sighed deeply.

            "That's it. Dismissed."

            The Barbics gradually dispersed until only Ursa was left. She buried her face into her hands. The clock struck ten. She stood. Originally she thought to go get Buddi and tell him to go to bed but stopped. She was stressed. She headed into the kitchen saying,

            "Gum's sake I need a drink."

* * *

            Gritty growled as Ryo stormed off,

            "Stubborn hard headed Barbic."

            He started to head towards the kitchen where he guessed Ursa was but a faint clanging rang in his ears sharply. Bewilderment and then fear swept over him.

            "What in the-"

            He raced down the hallway, heart pounding. He knew that sound…weapons clanging, undisciplined weapons. Could Ursa finally have-

            No…this was far worse…

            Buddi ducked as Alexi swung back and threw in a swing of his own which Alexi blocked but Buddi swung with his other hand, causing the Gummi to tumble backward. His eyes burned, filled with hatred, anger beyond comprehension.

            Alexi turned his own sai, stopping Buddi's lunge. Buddi swung with his opposite hand, causing Alexi to stumble. The older cub ducked and swung back with astonishing speed. A thin line of blood was left across Bubbi's left cheek. Buddi didn't even react, merely retaliated.

            Alexi was stunned as he ducked another blow and suffered a sudden blow to his chest. Buddi punched him and then punched him twice more before swinging in a downward lunge…

            "Buddi!"

            Something grabbed the cub around his waist and hoisted him off the ground. Buddi immediately swung the sai.

            Gritty ducked under the blow and grabbed the cub's hand, disarming him. He swiftly snatched the weapon from the cub's other hand and stuck them in his belt.

            "Buddi! What are you doing?"

            Gritty'd never seen such anger and fierceness from the youngest Barbic. In fact he hadn't seen this much fierceness from a Barbic adult, let alone a child. But despite the worry, his voice came out like a growl.

            Buddi took no note and squirmed like a stuck pig, trying to break Gritty's vice-like grip. But it was no use. The cub squealed,

            "Lemme go! I have beyond had it!"

            Gritty restrained him and glared at Alexi,

            "You better go, now. Or do ya need an escort?"

            Alexi glared at the older Gummi, spat on the floor and stormed out. Gritty waited until he'd gone, then flipped Buddi over his shoulder and dropped him on the floor.

            "Ow,"

            "Buddi Timba Barbic, what in Gum's name were you thinking?"

            Buddi turned, swallowing hard. Gritty never called him by his full name. Never.

            "I…"

            "What has Ursa been reminding you for days? Do you comprehend any of it?"

            "But that little nisha had it coming-"

            "First off," Gritty slapped the cub across his face, "Watch your language. You know better. Secondly, move it."

            He grabbed the cub by the wrist and tugged him out of the weapons' room and down the hall towards the kitchen.

            "Where're we going?"

            "I'm not gonna lecture you or punish you." He looked back with a firm look of disapproval.

            "That's Ursa's job. You can explain to her."

            Buddi's face paled,

            "Can't ya just kill me, save her the trouble?"

* * *

            "Buddi, you did what?!"

            Buddi backed up and looked back just as Gritty closed the door. Buddi turned back to Ursa, trembling.

            "Ursa, I-"

            "Gum's sake I don't wanna hear it!" Ursa grabbed the cub by his left ear and pulled him to her, hard.

            "Ow!"

            Ursa's face had turned red and had smoke begun to flow from her ears it wouldn't have surprised Buddi. She squeezed his ear hard. Yelping in pain, the cub tried to pry her hand loose but of course could not budge it.

            "Stop your whining…this is nothing to what you've got coming!"

            Buddi looked at her. "Buddi, I told you to stay out of this. I told you to leave it to us. I told you to stay away from them!"

            The cub lowered his head. Ursa jerked him up by his ear and absolutely bellowed,

            "AND GUM'S SAKE, HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU TO CONTROL YOUR TEMPER?!"

            "That nisha deserved it!"

            Ursa stared at him. Buddi was not the type to curse. She smacked his face.

            "Buddi-"

            A slamming door interrupted them. Buddi jumped and looked up.

            Ari's piercing eyes were like knives.

            Buddi, for all his bravery, remained the youngest of the Barbics and like any child was afraid. Darting behind Ursa, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Ursa immediately forgot her anger and faced Ari, determined not to be put down again.

            "Where is he?!"

            Buddi trembled as he saw the anger on Ari's face. Not even Ursa's anger scared him like that. Granted, he'd been punished by her and it was always a miserable experience but he knew for a fact she would never physically hurt him. Anyone who did hurt him was sure to face Ursa's wrath. But he still didn't feel entirely safe. He would have run from the room but decided that staying near Ursa was the safest for now.

            "Female, you can run this group of cowards anyway you please but no one comes after my son without the consequences! Even a defenseless Mama's boy!"

            Ursa's temper flared. Insulting the adults was one thing but insulting Buddi? Her little Buddi who she knew was right there and already had a dangerously low self-esteem? She looked at Buddi and patted his head once before looking to Ari.

            Gritty hadn't been kidding; Buddi had been winning when he'd intervened. Alexi was bleeding much more than Buddi. Ari pushed him forward, eyes burning. Alexi turned to Buddi with a terrible glare. Ursa looked at the boy and then Ari,

            "Teach him better,"

            Ursa shifted her feet a tad, which made Buddi gulp.

            That was a fighting stance.

            "Punish him, you foolish female!" Ari stormed forward. "He deserves a good flogging for this insult! Can't you do that right?!"

            Ursa kept silent.

            "Fine, give him to me! I'll give him a beating he'll remember!"

            Ari darted forward but Ursa pushed her cub back gently. Two hands caught the cub and hoisted him up into strong arms.

            It was Grubbi along with the rest of the Barbics. Grubbi glared at Ari in a rare display of anger and pushed Buddi's head against his chest, shielding it with his arm. Ursa turned to Ari.

            Ari drew his weapon, saying, "You'll never learn female. Sunrise…we'll see who's stronger."

            Ursa merely nodded and said simply, "Sunrise…is when I show you what Barbics are made of."

* * *

            "Gritty?"

            The older Barbic turned.

            "Buddi? What are you still doing up? It's almost sunrise."

            Buddi sighed and stood by the older Barbic. "How can I sleep knowing Ursa's gonna be in a fight, possibly to the death soon, because of me?"

            Gritty knelt and put his hands on the cub's shoulders. "Buddi, you shouldn't have done that but it wasn't your fault."           

            Buddi turned his head, not willing to shed tears. "Where's Ursa?"

            Gritty sighed, "Her room."

            The cub took off down the hall and knocked on a door.

            "Come in,"

            Buddi opened the door and walked in, closing it behind him. He saw Ursa sitting on her bed with her back to him. She was sharpening and polishing her sword. He swallowed hard,

            "Ursa?"

            The leader turned and slid her sword into its sheath.

            "Young man, what are you doing still up?"

            "I…I wanted to talk to you. I can't sleep."

            "No excuse. Get back to bed."

            "No!" Buddi slammed his foot hard. "Listen to me first, please."

            Ursa raised an eyebrow at his temper but took her sheath off, laid her sword down and said,

            "Then you'll go to bed."

            "I'll attempt to."

            Ursa sat down on the edge of her nightstand and Buddi climbed up on her bed.

            "Ursa?"

            "Hmm?"

            "Do you have to fight at sunrise?"

            "What?!" Ursa's eyes narrowed, "What kind of question is that? Of course."

            "Please…don't! Please!"

            "Buddi, you know for fact I have to."

            Buddi leapt off and hugged her around her waist; tears were streaming down his face.

            "But I'm afraid you'll get killed! Don't die!"

            Ursa smiled at him, "Buddi, this is war. War isn't pretty."

            "I know that! And I can accept that usually. But not when it involves you!"

            "War doesn't play favorites, Buddi. You know that!"

            "But…but…"

            "Buddi, what happens happens."

            "Ursa…I…this is my fault…I. -"

            "No," she interrupted. She picked him up and sat him beside her. "It wasn't your fault. It was foolhardy but Ari would have started a fight eventually."

            Buddi laid his head on her chest,

            "Ursa…please…promise me you won't die."

            Ursa sighed, "Buddi you know for a fact I can't promise that,"

            'But you're…you're my Mama!"

             Ursa smiled.

            "Buddi I'll promise I'll try as hard as I can to come back to you. But if I can't you listen to Gritty and grow up strong all right?"

            Buddi started to cry, faintly, begging, "Don't leave me."

            Ursa scooped him up, sat him on her lap. She wiped a stray tear away with her thumb. "Dry your tears, Buddi. You're a Barbic."

            Buddi wiped his face, "I.. I'm sorry. I.. I…I don't wanna lose you." He tightened his grip on her, held her as tight as he could.

            Ursa smiled and said, "You're tired. Let's get you to bed."

            "But…"

            "Hush."

            She walked out and down into Buddi's bedroom. She sat him down and drew the covers up to his chin,

            "Now you close those bright eyes and sleep."

            "But Ursa…"

            "You heard me."

            "Ursa?"

            "What?" she said with a sigh, "Quit stalling."

            "Can…come here a minute, please?"

            Ursa was surprised when Buddi wrapped her in a hug, buried his face in her chest and inhaled deeply. He said simply,

            "Your smell. It's comforting."

            Ursa looked at him, bewildered. "Well I know for a fact it isn't roses."

            Buddi giggled. "No…it's like rain and grass and…it's…Ursa."

            The Barbic leader smiled. Rubbing his head, she said, "Buddi, I'll try and come back, okay?"

            "But you can't promise it can you?"

            "No, I'm afraid I can't."

            Buddi looked at her and hugged her tightly, tears streaming down his cheeks.

            "Gum's sake, come back to me Mama."

            Ursa patted his head and said,

            "Get some sleep."

            Then she was gone. Buddi closed his eyes and concentrated on her, on her smell, on her voice, her appearance, every thing about her. Tears slipped from his eyes and made tracks down his cheeks. In a low whisper he murmured,

            "Gum please…give her back to me. I won't be a pest anymore I swear. Gum's sake I'll train…I'll melt my flute, just please. Let me keep my Mama."

* * *

            "Ursa?"

            It was Gritty. Ursa drew her sword and looked outside.

            The sun was rising.

            Gritty touched her shoulder,

            "Be careful huh?"

            "Count on it."

            She paused, "Gritty?"

            "Yes?"

            "If…if I die, I want you to promise me something."

            Gritty didn't like to think about that but knew it was a distinct possibility.

            "Name it, Ursa."

            "If I die, you lead the Barbics to victory against these nishas and…"

            "And?" he pressed.

            She turned around, "Take care of my baby."

            Gritty nodded, "I promise, Ursa."

She extended her hand. He grasped her by the elbow and squeezed. She returned the gesture of friendship and then walked out into the courtyard.

"Bring it on Ari. I've got some things to teach you."

* * *

            Buddi's dreams were full of memories. Some were memories that he scarcely remembered and some that were clear as crystal. He remembered when he'd brought a wolf cub home at six years and Ursa'd thrown a fit. He remembered she had taken it from him, given him a stern talking to and grounded him. His child's response had been a tantrum, which Ursa had ignored.

            Then he had disobeyed her, when he was eight and gone swimming alone. An undertow had nearly taken his life. He'd run back to her, tears in his eyes. She had looked at him and said simply, "Stop crying. I warned you. Listen next time." Since then he realized that that had been the first harsh lesson he'd learned:

            When the adults forbade something their experience was the reason and he shouldn't question it.

            He'd never done that again and as a general rule stuck to the regulations. He'd disobeyed Ursa once, right in front of the others. She'd flipped out and lectured him right there, complete with dragging him off by his ear.

            Buddi sat up, the memories still sharp in his mind. Sure she'd been stern but he loved her. She was a mama to him. He remembered that this year he'd heard about a holiday the glen cubs celebrated where they told the adult females how much they meant to them. Buddi hadn't the nerve to tell Ursa but instead made her a dagger with a sheath and left it in her room.

            The grin on her face when she finally figured out it was him, made his spirit soar.

            The boy stood and walked to the window.

            Ari and Ursa were facing off.

            "Ursa!"

            The boy ran out the door and down the stairs only to have Alexi block his path.

            "Outta the way, Alexi!"

            "No," the boy pulled out a pair of sai and tossed them to Buddi. He then drew his own and said,

            "Now: where were we?"

* * *

            Ursa's heart was in her throat. She knew she could die but she wasn't afraid. She had never feared death. She could very well die. But if she did she had every intention of taking Ari down with her. Her clan and child's existence depended on her winning. If her death freed them from these nishas then she would surrender it without a second thought.

            "Gum's sake, come back to me Mama!"

            Ursa squeezed her eyes shut as she remembered her cub's desperate plea.

            "Buddi, I'll try. I can promise that much."

            Her heart throbbed. She knew Buddi could and would survive her death but it would put a major toll on him. He was eleven but was very much a Mama's boy. He came to her a lot with questions. He would hardly ever come to her with personal issues but if he needed to know something he would come to her and she usually could answer. But the pain in Buddi's voice…

            She loved him; never said so but she did. But war was unfair. He would have to cope.

            Gum's sake why was she thinking about it so? Suddenly she realized why. Buddi's pain, the begging had been one reason but the main one was the fact that for the first time Buddi had straight called her 'Mama.' Before it had been Ursa and when he was younger, 'Mama Ursa' or 'Mommy Sa,' when he was just learning to talk or when he was scared.

            For some reason being called simply Mama gave her a larger incentive to win.

            It wasn't a question of if she would win. She would. It was a question of how long it would take.

* * *

            "Had enough, Mama's boy?"

            Alexi was full of hate. He'd never felt so much anger towards anyone. He'd been humiliated by his past defeat. He'd never have gone to his father but Ari had found him and demanded he state what happened. Alexi had never felt so ashamed. He should have torn Buddi apart. He would not make that same mistake in this round.

            Buddi ducked Alexi's blow but received a thin line of blood across his forehead. His heart was burning with pain, anger and fear. He threw a swift blow and split Alexi's tunic, drawing a deep gash of blood. Alexi in reply drew blood from Buddi's shoulder, lodging his sai and then ripping it out. Blood spurted from the wound and Buddi let out a hiss of pain.

            "Ow," Buddi kicked Alexi in the shin and sliced out with his sai three times. An x shaped wound split open on Alexi's chest and blood flowed down his tunic. A third wound severed a vein near his shoulder and blood stained his shirt.

            There was a sharp clang as Buddi blocked Alexi's sai with his own.

            "It's your clan's fault that Ursa might die! She's my mother! If you think I'm gonna let you get away with that you've got your arrogant head too far in the clouds!"

            Buddi swung his sai and left a thick line of blood straight across his opponent's face. It was a mark that would leave a permanent scar if it healed. Alexi let out a yelp of pain. No! This little wimp would not whip him. A boy raised by a female could not beat him. He would not let that happen.

            Buddi felt his lip sliced open and a line of blood appeared over his left eye. Had it been a millimeter lower he would possibly had lost his eye as Gritty had. He let out a growl of anger and swung his sai ruthlessly. Blood began to stain his fur as blood from Alexi's wounds slid down the sai and on his hands.

            Alexi swung back, slicing several wounds on Buddi's arms and chest. The two suddenly realized that their battle had driven them down into the weapons room. Both cubs growled at each other and stuck again but each knocked the others' weapon aside.

            Buddi ran, did a handspring up onto an empty rack and yanked a spear from the wall. He leapt back down as Alexi whirled around with a pair of nunchucks from his clan's supply.

            "I'm not merciful, Mama's boy. Maybe we both die but you die first."

            Buddi growled in reply, "Wrong. You might only be trained enough to die taking an enemy down. Ursa taught me to live with my victories."

            That said both cubs charged.

* * *

            Ursa stood at ready and drew her blade. Ari came around the buildings and the two met in the middle of the courtyard.

            Ari took note of the Barbics behind their leader, although at a distance. This was between him and her. He held his hand up, as a gesture for his warriors to stay back. He would settle this himself.

            Ursa stood patiently. Her reflexes were put on hair trigger.  She could feel the others watching her, all but her little Buddi. Honestly, that did not surprise her. If she knew Gritty and Grubbi, they were probably keeping the cub away. If she was killed, the last thing she wanted was Buddi to see her die. If her death didn't tear him down, seeing her die would.

            "So female," Ari started with a sneer, "You mean to go through."

            "Indeed I do, Ari."

            "The terms?"

            Ursa narrowed her eyes, "Yours first."

            Ari sharpened his sai against one another, "Our clan is very simple female. I win, you die. Your clan is freed to male supremacy. I show no mercy. If you surrender, you still die. It's the way we work."

            Ari paused and added, "tears have no effect on us."

            Gritty growled low in his throat, "if he doesn't stop I'll give him something to cry about."

            Ursa spoke, "my terms, if I win."

            Ari laughed, "Okay, I'm a sport."

            Ursa took a breath to cool her hot temper. "If I win, I let you keep your life on the condition that you leave Ursalia and leave my clan alone. I don't ever want to see you back in Ursalia again." She took a breath, "Or we'll meet again and this time I won't be merciful."

            Gritty turned to Grubbi who nodded. All the adult Barbics had taken a life or endangered one before, in battle although it was a last resort. Generally reserved for the most desperate of situations.

            Ari nodded, "Agreed, female."

            That said, weapons were drawn and the two collided.

* * *

            Buddi jerked his spear hard, tearing Alexi's nunchucks away. He was black and blue from the nunchucks and finally managed to get them tangled around his spear. But his bruises would hurt for several days and he knew it.

            "Smart for a Mama's boy."

            Alexi did a forward roll and snatched a spear from the racks…an adult spear. Buddi swallowed. Alexi was stronger than him, strong enough to lift an adult spear. Adults had a steel head, Buddi's was flint.

            Buddi threw the spear down and snatched up his fallen sai. He whirled around in time to stop the spear from hitting his chest. Alexi knocked him onto his back and the only thing preventing the spearhead from piercing Buddi's heart were his sai, locked around the spearhead.

            "You want to kill me?"

            "Where'd you come up with that idea?" Alexi replied sarcastically. He pressed down with his strength, knowing for a fact his was superior to the younger cub's. His eyes saw red. He just kept repeating in his head, "Do it! Kill the cub! Kill him!"

            It was much more than hurt pride. Granted that contributed to it but it was also the fact that Alexi saw a danger in the cub's attitude. He was shy but was good with the younger cubs. He'd caught him talking to Keri several times, even taking her to watch him train when she wanted. Alexi wasn't a fool. He knew very well, unlike his father, what his sisters might be able to accomplish if given the skills and knowledge. He wasn't about to let this brat instill ideas into their heads that could destroy his supremacy.

            He pressed until he saw blood begin to seep through the boy's tunic as the spearhead slowly but assuredly pierced his skin.

* * *

            Ursa ducked and blocked Ari's blow with her sword. They'd been fighting for quite some time, nearly an hour without either showing any sign of weakening. Ursa just felt her determination rise with that fact.

            "Give it up, Female!"

            Ari was once again blocked and Ursa gave him a thin gash on his arm. He struck out of anger and gained a slit on Ursa's left shoulder. She ignored it. The two faced each other off.

            "I hate to admit it," Ari hissed, "But you may fight almost as well as badly trained male."

            Gritty ground his hands into fists. He looked at his friend. Her deep eyes had lit up and shimmer of her childhood persona resurfaced. She blocked Ari again and said as she knocked one sai from his hand,

            "Really? I was gonna say the same of you."

            Ari growled at the insult and Ursa knocked him backward. But as he fell, he sliced out with his sai, leaving a deep gash across her left breast. A wince spread over her face. Blood began to stain her tunic.

            Gritty had to stop himself from taking Ari's head off. He rarely saw Ursa wince; hardly ever did she let out an expression of pain. But whatever Ari'd done it had caused enough discomfort to make Ursa display a faint grimace.

            However, being Ursa, she pushed the pain aside and kept her guard up. She and Ari stared one another down for a brief moment before Ari charged at her. She turned her blade, blocking every blow he made to her but he was forcing her to back up. He swung his leg, knocking her balance off a bit but she merely dodged to the side.

            But Ari's next blow knocked her onto her back and he slammed his foot into her throat. She glared at him defiantly. If he thought she was going to beg and whine, he was hugely mistaken. Ursa, if she had to die, she had one last trick up her sleeve. But then she wasn't ready to die yet.

            Oh in the beginning she'd thought she would be, but she had things to do. She wasn't about to leave just yet:

            She had a cub to raise.

            Her mind flashed back to the past as she stared up into Ari's smug face, hers more determined than ever…

Three Months Ago

            Ursa shook her head and knelt down on one knee to be level with Buddi. The boy pouted and threw down the staff saying,

            "I give up!"

            Ursa turned his head so he was looking at her,

            "None of that. Pick that up."

            Buddi glared at her, but complied, "Why? So I can get floored again?"

            Ursa smirked, "Buddi, I win because I'm more experienced."

            She stood as he did and looked down at him, so much smaller than her. His tunic was decorated with dirt. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. Glazing upward into Barbic Woods' canopy, he let a deep sigh.

            Ursa turned his face back to her.

            "One more time little one. Then you can go into the trees, okay?"

            Buddi nodded and readied himself for another beating. Sure enough, it didn't take long for Ursa to knock him to the forest's floor. On a mean whim, he scooped a handful of dirt into his hand and threw it into her face.

            Ursa immediately jerked her head and tried to get the dirt out but before she knew it, a staff hit her hard on her shins and she fell flat on her face, without much dignity. When her eyes cleared and she could see once more, she saw a triumphant Buddi with a grin a mile wide standing over her. He had his staff planted against her chest.

            "When all else fails, cheat." He stated and offered a hand to Ursa as he removed the staff. She smirked, despite the anger she'd felt a short time ago because of the trick. Standing up, she grabbed the cub in a headlock and gave him a noggie, saying with a playful laugh,

            "And you'll regret it, little trickster!"

Present

            Ursa glared at Ari. He was glowing. Ursa's hand swept behind her, gathering dirt into her palm. Ari leaned over her as she heard the other Barbics nearly start forward. Ari's voice was thick with arrogance,

            "Submit, female?"

            "Never!"

            She threw the dirt from her palm suddenly. Kicking up, she hit Ari between the legs and he stumbled off, trying see clearly again. Ursa punched him three times, knocked his remaining weapon from his hand and with a swift kick, knocked him down. She pinned his arms with the tip of her sword, held it dangerously over the pulsing veins. One foot held him down. Her eyes were burning. She picked his two sai up with her free hand and held them to his throat.

            "Yield, Ari Gummi?"

            The male gummi glanced about, at the towering female and at his current position. He knew.

            "You win, female. I surrender."

* * *

            Buddi tore down the corridor. He knew Alexi was right behind him. He darted into one of their indoor training facilities. Ursa always said that moving around gave you a better advantage. He never thought he'd actually have to use it!

            He hid behind the door as Alexi tore through. Buddi grabbed him by the throat and threw him against the wall before slashing at him with the sai. Alexi blocked several but a few did pierce his skin. Blood stained both of the boys' tunics now and Buddi felt a weakness begin to slowly creep over him.

            Alexi charged, he was close to unconsciousness because of the multiple wounds he had received. But he had to finish this. Had to…his honor was depending on it…

            Alexi and Buddi's sai clashed but neither one could muster the strength to push one farther back. They were at a stalemate.

            Gritty reluctantly walked with Davi to find Alexi and Buddi. Ursa'd allowed Ari up but only into the restraints of two of the Barbics. As soon as they found Alexi, the visitors would leave. Gritty was looking forward to it. That was the only reason he was tolerating the nisha by him.

            He didn't know where Buddi was. It seemed strange to the smoke colored Barbic that he would miss Ursa's fight. Oh, Grubbi and he had not planned on letting him see anyway but it was a surprise that he had not attempted to.

            "Buddi!"

            "Alexi!"

            Gritty turned and saw that Davi was ahead of him, by one of their training rooms. He next heard,

            "Alexi! You…little Mama's boy, get away! I'll get you myself for this!"

            Gritty raced forward and grabbed Davi by the tunic. He hissed,

            "Buddi is our cub. You don't touch a hair on his head."

            For extra measure, Gritty flung Davi over his shoulder. He turned to Buddi and his mouth dropped.

            Buddi was barely staying awake. He could feel the blood running down his body. His sai were locked with Alexi's, the only reason he had not passed out as Alexi had was the fact that he was fighting it. He had a strong will.

            Then, his will weakened, he lost his grip and the sai clattered to the blood stained ground. He tumbled backward but was caught. Looking up, he murmured,

            "G…Gritty?"

            Then the Barbic adult's face swirled as Buddi's vision failed and he slipped into nothingness

* * *

            "Grubbi!"

            Gritty didn't know much else to do but compress what wounds he could. Although all the Barbics had general first aid knowledge, Grubbi was the only one of them who could truly qualify as a healer.

            Gritty cradled Buddi's head against his chest, shaken by how small and weak he felt. It was as if he would crumble into pieces like glass. The adult Barbic was compressing the large gash on the cub's shoulder mainly. It was the largest wound Buddi had. Gritty was appalled by the injuries on the cub.

            Davi had lifted Alexi so casually as if he were a sack of grain and carried him out. Gritty had growled after him. How could they be so ruthless towards their children? He'd questioned Davi on that and he'd answered,

            "The tougher we are, the tougher they grow."

            Gritty stood, Buddi cradled in his arms like an infant. Granted, the Barbics had a similar ideal but they weren't that cold! They didn't treat children as equals when it came to training for a reason. Their young bodies were not strong enough. They built them up in gradual steps.

            "Gritty?"

            Grubbi had been near, searching for Ursa when he heard the black furred Barbic call for him. The healer was astounded when he entered the room just as Gritty had risen, obviously about to leave. He'd been getting the cub in an appropriate position.

            Grubbi rushed forward and took Buddi from the other Barbic. He took a single look at the cub and at the bloodstained floor before stating in a monotone voice,

            "Massive blood loss. I have to seal these wounds now."

            He called to gritty as he tore from the room,

            "Find Ursa. That stubborn girl has a date in my office whether she likes it or not!"

            Gritty winced. He meant for him to make her come. Getting Ursa to admit she was hurt was like trying to get a human to care. Impossible.

            Gritty sighed and headed for the courtyard. Ursa was making sure that Ari's clan was leaving promptly. She was as anxious to get them out, as he was, probably more. She was also in pain. Gritty knew his best friend.

            "Swell."

            Grubbi called back, "I call you when I'm ready for her. She's your best friend, Gritty. If anyone can make her come, it's you."

            Gritty sighed but nodded as he saw Grubbi close the door to sickbay.

            "Why me?"

* * *

            Grubbi wet another cloth in warm water and wiped some of the blood from Buddi's shoulder. It was a deep and dangerous wound on that shoulder. He'd have to stitch it. The only comfort he got from Buddi's unconsciousness was the fact that with Buddi unconscious he wasn't struggling.

            But it bothered the adult. Buddi was already small for his age. He honestly didn't know if he had gotten to the cub in time. If the loss of blood had knocked him out he could very well have lost too much. Grubbi pushed that thought from his mind; no time to dwell on it now.

            The healer stripped the skin from a leaf and ground it into the thick sap of three other types of leaves. Once it formed a gel like state, he rubbed it over the lesion with a gentleness that only the experienced possess.

            The sap was a mixture they had created centuries ago but worked so well that they still used it. It would slow the blood flow down immensely but in the process shut down all other non-essential functions, resulting in an almost comatose state until the cub came to.

            Grubbi shuddered, inwardly,

            "If he comes to."

            He shook his head hard, he would come to! By Gum he had to!

            The medic forced that thought to hide itself and turned back to the cub and began to work.

* * *

            "Ursa…"

            "I said I'm fine!" Ursa spat in reply. She winced involuntarily and quickly hid her discomfort. The pain in her chest, specifically over her left breast, had grown over the past few minutes. Ari and his clan were leaving and now Gritty was bugging her continually.

            Gritty sighed and muttered to himself,

            "I knew this would be anything but easy."

            Ursa had walked over to where Ari and his clan were leaving. she pushed her way forward and stood tall and proud. Her face showed only bravery and an impenetrable spirit, nothing else. Despite the pain aching through her body, she made no outward sign and spoke,

            "Leave. My threat stands firm."

            Ari growled and shifted his unconscious and battered son to his shoulder.

            "Next time…"

            "There will be no next time Ari Gummi."

            Ari glanced at Alexi and growled, "At least my son reclaimed his honor by a good fight. I know for a fact your cub came up worse!"

            Ursa growled and Ari roughly held Alexi, like a doll. As the warrior walked off, Ursa whispered to Gritty,

            "How can he be so cold?"

            Gritty shrugged, "I don't know."

            He paused, "I do know you're hurt."

            "Shut up."

            Gritty forcefully turned her around, "Ursa, I've got direct orders from Grubbi that you see him!"

            "I'm fine, and I'm a leader. I can't be weak."

            Gritty sighed. "Fine."

            In a split second, he ducked under and held her over his shoulder. She dug her nails into his shoulder and snarled,

            "Put me down!"

            Gritty ground his teeth tightly and ignored the pain her claws instilled. She had sharper claws by nature, as she was female. They still didn't know why but the males had shorter and blunter claws. In any event, it didn't help.

            Ursa growled and struggled like a pig. However, as strong and experienced as she was Gritty was stronger than her physically. Most of the other Barbics were because they were male. Granted she was a better swordsman than any of them, she couldn't do anything when Gritty pinned her like this.

            Gritty kicked the door open to sick bay, his hands were full. Grubbi looked up and chuckled. Gritty dropped Ursa on the floor, and then ran out. Ursa stood, fuming before turning to Grubbi.

            "Gum's sake I'm fine."

            Grubbi shook his head, "Sit down, in this case healer's orders overrule the leader's."

            Ursa growled but sat on the bed. She knew Grubbi, if she didn't go along willingly, he'd knock her out. He had herbs but he also knew pressure points. Ursa sighed.

            "Okay, I give."

            Grubbi smiled and walked over to her. He patched the visible wounds before saying,

            "Take your shirt off Ursa."

            Ursa squeezed her shirt tightly and asked,

            "What?"

            Grubbi chuckled, "Ursa, you have a large wound on your left breast, I can see the blood."

            Ursa glanced down; sure enough a pool of blood was spreading over her left side. It hurt a great bit actually but she would never admit it. But more than that…take her shirt off?

            Grubbi smiled and said, "Ursa?"

            "What?"

            "I said take it off."

            "Fine,"

            That said, Ursa stripped her shirt from her body and tossed it onto the ground. Contrary to Grubbi's belief, she wasn't embarrassed but it hurt to move her arms. She didn't want to reveal any wince or display of discomfort.

             Grubbi smirked and walked over to her, to see the wound better.

            Ursa winced, unfortunately, and ground her hands into fists as Grubbi touched the area around the wound to see it better, to better determine the damage. The healer smiled at her a moment and then turned back to the wound. Getting up and heading to his counter, he said,

            "I have to stitch that, lie down."

            "Gum's sake Grubbi!"

            "I said lie down!"

            His firm and snappish voice stunned Ursa. Lying down she asked,

            "Grubbi? What is it?"

            He sighed as he wiped the blood from her chest but said nothing. Ursa narrowed her eyes,

            "As leader, I'm ordering you to tell me."

            "It's Buddi."

            Ursa's heart sped up,

            "What?"

            Grubbi looked at her, instantly regretting his words. He started to sew the wound closed. Ursa made no notice and demanded,

            "Tell me! What about my Buddi?"

            "Calm down!" he looked her in the eyes, "I'll tell you but I have to patch you up first."

            Ursa growled under her breath but allowed him to finish. He had barely wrapped a bandage around her chest before she demanded,

            "What? What happened?"

            Grubbi sighed and handed her a loose shirt, which she slipped over her head. Grubbi spoke.

            "He and Alexi got into another fight while you and Ari were occupied…Ursa, it was stalemate but Buddi was hurt…severally."

            Ursa stood, despite the pain, and demanded,

            "Where is he?"

            Grubbi led her into the make shift emergency/operating room. Lying on one of the beds was Buddi. Ursa ran to his side while Grubbi walked over to check his vitals. He found a steady pulse and gentle breaths, which was good. He then moved away, leaving Ursa with Buddi. He said as he left,

            "Call me if he wakes up or if anything happens."

            Ursa nodded. Grubbi gently shut the door.

            "Oh Buddi,"

            She stroked his bandaged face. There were bandages all over his face, except for his eyes and mouth. She gently peeled the covers back. She squeezed her eyes shut. The bandages over his chest were red with blood. A massive bandage, no, a brace was attached to his shoulder. Ursa fought the panic in her throat.

            "Poor Baby,"

            She kissed her fists as she sat there, watching the cub's gentle breathing. Gently slipping the sheets back over his chest, she sat by his bedside and grasped his hand, saying,

            "Buddi Barbic, I told you to stay away. Oh, Great Gum, don't you listen!"

            Buddi's soft breathing was her only reply.

* * *

            It was several hours before Buddi regained consciousness. Reality hit the cub hard. Pain more intense than he imagined physically possible shot through his body, especially in the shoulder. He fought the pain and opened his eyes. Looking about he was surprised by who he saw.

            "Ursa?"

            The Barbic leader got up and ran to stand over him. Leaning over, for a brief second Buddi saw genuine relief on her face. Then just as swiftly, she stood, crossed her arms and said disciplinarily,

            "Buddi Barbic, I told you told stay away. Now what do you have to say for yourself?"

            Buddi looked at her,

            "Ouch."

            Ursa rolled her eyes and sat down on his bedside, arms still folded. "Serves you right!"

            Buddi tried to pull himself into a semi-sitting position but the agonizing pain forced him down again as well as the weakness. Ursa sighed deeply and wrapped her arms under the cub's body, gently lifting him with one arm and positioning the pillows so he could sit up with her free hand.

            "There. Better?"

            The cub nodded and then with the sudden movement of his head, winced and tried to lift his arm to his forehead. The slice on his shoulder stopped him and he groaned lightly in pain. Ursa noted that and gently pushed his arm down. Putting her pointer and thumb against the cub's temples, she moved them in circles. The cub trembled a bit but his pain ceased and he gave the Barbic leader a gentle squeeze on the palm to relay the message.

            Ursa smirked. As angry as she was with him, he was still a cub. He wasn't as pain tolerant as the adults; he wasn't as strong. That strength would come to him with time and training. She would try and suppress his pain for the moment.

            "I know it hurts. You know now why I don't let you handle weapons, they turned your body into sliced cheese,"

            The cub sighed, "I know…he started it."

            Ursa rolled her eyes, "Buddi that's the same excuse I used with Grubbi. Never worked. And it won't work with me either. I don't care who started it."

             "But-" he stopped and winced as a pain tore through his shoulder. He tried to lift his other hand to rub it but Ursa grabbed his hand, shaking her head. Instead, she started to rub his shoulder herself, but not with her palm, with her fingertips. It tickled a bit but it stopped the pain and for that Buddi was grateful.

            Ursa shook her head,

            "Ready for some dinner?"

            "Whether he is or not, he's eating," a voice interrupted. The two turned as Grubbi walked in, a tray in his hands. Sitting it down on the side table, he looked at Buddi.

            "You aren't to move understand, let us help you. And you don't sleep until it's all gone."

            Buddi sighed but said, "Okay,"

            Grubbi turned to Ursa. "Ursa, I'm gonna get some more bandages, I need to redress his wounds."

            The Barbic leader nodded. Grubbi leaned close to her ear,

            "And I need to check yours too."

            Ursa sighed deeply. "Fine. But after Buddi." Grubbi did not miss the snort in her voice. But he rose and nodded.

            Ursa waited until he left before turning to Buddi.

            "Now see what you got yourself into? Don't raise your arms, you heard Grubbi. Let me help you."

            "I don't need help."

            Ursa smirked, "Definitely my Buddi. Buddi, I know you think you don't but believe me, you do."

            As she spoke, Ursa had sat on the bed and taken the bowl from the tray. She stirred it a bit and then said,

            "Come on, work with me, little one."

            "Ursa…"

            "Don't 'Ursa' me."

            The boy looked at her and tried to lift his arms to take the bowl himself but the pain pinned them down again. The boy let out a very faint whimper. Ursa pushed his arms down.

            "Keep them there, that's an order from your leader."

            Buddi sighed deeply. Ursa got a spoonful of soup and Buddi obediently ate. It felt embarrassing beyond belief but Ursa said nothing. He had expected another scolding for having now to be dependent on another, a characteristic of weakness, but Ursa said nothing.

            Ursa felt strange feeding Buddi again. It had been years since she had to do that. But as weird as it felt she was sure Buddi was feeling embarrassed beyond understanding. That was why she said nothing. She was certain he knew what she felt and she wasn't about to embarrass him more with a lecture.

            One thing that she was grateful for was that the cub was obedient. He always had been. Today was not an exception. Setting the empty bowl down, she gestured for Grubbi to come in. he sat by the cub's side and stated,

            "I have to change the dressings, Buddi. I'm not going to lie; it'll hurt."

            The cub nodded and said softly, "Alright,"

             Grubbi turned to Ursa,

            "Ursa, I'll need you to hand me some things as I work."

            The girl nodded and stayed near Buddi's side. She honestly didn't know how hurt her cub was. Grubbi took the bandages off the cub's face first and waited for Ursa to react before even attempting to go on.

            Ursa's mouth dropped open. A long scar ran over her cub's left eye, narrowly missing his eye. He had multiple scars on his cheeks and one had sliced his lip open. Ursa took Buddi's face in her hands, carefully as not to brush any wounds and demanded,

            "Buddi!"

            The cub looked at her with blank eyes. There was pain in them but he tried to cloud it. Ursa, however, had known him his entire life. She knew him inside out. She said simply as Grubbi came over,

            "You little imp, what were you thinking?"

            "I…ow!"

            Ursa restrained the cub's head as he tried to jerk away. "Hold still!"

            He hissed through clenched teeth, "It hurts!"

            Ursa rolled her eyes, "You're a Barbic, deal with it."

            Grubbi raised an eyebrow at her. His mouth turned downward in a frown and his eyes gave her a rebuking glare. She sighed,

            "Buddi, it helps. Believe me if there was a way to heal them without pain we'd use it."

            The cub said, "I know, I know. Ow!"

            Grubbi smoothed some sap over the wounds and placed some fresh covering over them. The cub winced,

            "That's tight."

            "I know," the healer replied, "It needs to be."

            The cub sighed. It hurt. But Grubbi was pretty easy. He was experienced. He smiled at the cub and put a hand on the child's head.

            "Next time, try to walk away Buddi." He advised as took the wrappings from the cub's torso. Ursa looked at Buddi critically,

            "Oh he will, believe me."

            Buddi looked at her, with a flinch.

            "In trouble, huh?"

            Ursa handed Grubbi some sap and said, "Oh you know it. You'll be remembering this one."

            Buddi sighed, "I should have seen that coming."

            Ursa stared at the wounds on her child's chest,

            "Buddi, Gum's sake, what did you two do?"

            Buddi began to relate the battle as Grubbi tended to his wounds; it took his mind off the pain. Ursa sighed deeply. Then she smiled,

            "So, some of that training did sink in, huh?"

            The cub nodded and then winced. Grubbi chuckled,

            "Stop moving kiddo."

            Buddi sighed, "How long are these gonna hurt?'

            Ursa and Grubbi answered as one, "A while."

            Buddi looked at them, "Thanks, clear as mud."

            Ursa sighed, "Considering your age, probably a few weeks."

            Buddi moaned, "Oh…"

            Ursa broke in, "Hey, it's your fault. I kept you out of battles for a reason. Did you listen? No."

            The cub lowered his eyes. Grubbi looked at the female Barbic,

            "Ursa…" he reproved gently.

            "What?"

            "You know what. The cub's hurt, cut him some slack."

            Ursa kept her arms crossed but her eyes softened a bit. She lifted Buddi's chin so he was looking at her. She gave him a small smile and said,

            "But Buddi, you really need to listen to me. I know what I'm talking about."

            The cub sighed, "I know. I…I just…"

            Grubbi cut in, "You were angry. Your reaction was understandable Buddi but it wasn't very smart. You could have come to one of the adults to keep Alexi off of you."

            Buddi looked at Grubbi like he'd just suggested he go play at Drekmore.

            "And look like a wimp?"

            Ursa shook her head with a small laugh.

            "Buddi, there's a difference between being a coward and being smart. In this case it would have been smart. Alexi is five years older than you. He's stronger and had more training. You aren't fully trained yet."

            Grubbi chuckled as he wrapped another bandage around the cub's chest,

            "Not even close. You've got quite a few years to go."

            Buddi sighed and then winced as Grubbi removed the brace on his shoulder. Holding the arm still, the physician proceeded to unwrap the wound.

            "Buddi!"

            Buddi looked at Ursa. She stared at the wound a minute and then turned to the cub's face. The boy was obviously in pain. Ursa put her hand to his head, a gesture of comfort. One that she herself usually reserved for when they were alone, just as she generally only called him 'Imp' when they were alone.

            "There," the healer stated as he attached a new brace over the cub's shoulder. He smiled, "Get some rest. Your body'll heal faster."

            "Sleep?" Buddi groaned, "You want me to sleep some more?"

            Ursa smiled and turned his face to her. "It'll help. Besides which, that sap kills germs but it also has a few chemicals in it that cause drowsiness."

            She saw the cub fighting to bite down a yawn and pushed him down,

            "See?" she stated as he yawned widely.

            " 'M not 'ired." He murmured. Grubbi watched from the door with amusement. Ursa raised an eyebrow at Buddi,

            "Yes you are."

            "No, 'm not."

            Ursa ran her hand through his brown hair once and said,

            "I know you are. Now sleep."

            Ursa put her fingers to the cub's temples and moved her fingers in a circular pattern. Buddi's eyes looked at her. She looked at him sternly,

            "Sleep, little one."

            The cub's eyes fell slowly and he turned onto his good side. Ursa smiled. Walking by Grubbi she stated,

            "I've still got my touch."

            The healer said,

            "I wish you could teach me to do that. Buddi's a better patient than the rest of you combined but he rejects sleep like it would kill him."

            Ursa gave the elder Barbic her slow smile,

            "Please…a mother must keep some secrets, yes?"

* * *

Gummi Gorge

            "Alexi, how could you lose again?"

            "I'm sorry, Papa."

            'Don't give me sorry. Do you really think I going to let a mere female order me around?"

            "Papa, she won."

            Ari glared at his son hard, "By a stroke of luck. Females can't fight."

            "Papa?"

            The male gummi turned and saw his youngest, Kelsi, standing by the door. He smiled and knelt down,

            "Come here Princess."

            The girl reluctantly ran into her father's arms where he scooped her up.

            "Hey Little One. Why aren't you helping mommy with the cooking and cleaning? That'll be your job some day."

            "But…Papa, I don't wanna have cubs or cook or clean."

            "You have to, Darling. That's a female's job, to procreate."

            "That's all I'm good for?"

            "It's an important purpose, sweetie. You don't have many but that is your important one. Now run along."

            Kelsi sighed and ran off, past her older sister. Keri glanced into the room and ground her teeth together.

            "Maybe the other females mean to accept this but I won't."

Ursalia

            "Buddi?"

            Silence.

            "Buddi?"

            Again no reply.

            Ursa smiled faintly and gently stroked the cub's forehead. "Buddi? Come on, Buddi, wake up."

            This time she received a low groan. She chuckled and said,

            "Wake up, ya little imp."

            Buddi cracked open one eye,

            "'Ey 'Sa," he groaned, still half asleep.

            "Hey little one." She smiled and patted his back, "Wake up."

            "But 'M 'ired." He complained.

            Ursa gently lifted him by his armpits. The cub let out a tremendous shriek.

            "Buddi!"

            Ursa had never heard such a yell from him. He jerked his arm to his hurt shoulder, opening another wound in the process. He was whimpering. Ursa recovered swiftly from the shock.

            "What in gum's name was that about?"

            "It hurts.'

            "That's no reason to scream like a banshee." Ursa looked at him with firm disapproval. "I mean for Gum's sake! Only a-"

            She paused and then stopped.

            Tears were running down Buddi's face, tears of pain. She knew the difference in his tears. Very few things could make him yelp in pain and almost nothing could make the tears flow, especially in her presence.

            "If you're making that much of a fuss, let me see it."

            Buddi reluctantly lowered his hand. Ursa sat on the bedside and gently removed the brace. It had been three days and Buddi was still confined to the clinic. He couldn't feed himself yet because any movement caused pain. He was confined to bed and told not to walk until Grubbi gave his okay. He hadn't had a bath in three days so Grubbi told Ursa to help him and maybe it would keep his wounds cleaner. He still had to have sap reapplied daily but Grubbi said a mixture of sap and good old soap and water was best.

            Buddi drew from Ursa, afraid of more pain. Ursa looked at him sternly,

            "I can't look if you move, Buddi," she said in a monotone voice.

            He looked at her and stopped. Ursa looked at it and said,

            "I can't tell, it's sweaty and that sap leaves a hardened covering."

            She drew away and then said authoritatively. "Come on, let me clean you off and then I'll see."

            Buddi stared at her, "I can do that."

            "No you can't because I'm helping you."

            "Ursa, I'm not helpless."

            "I know that," she replied as she looked at him, "but you're hurt and as much as you like to deny it, you're in pain. Don't try to lie to me Buddi, I know you inside out and you know it."

            Buddi sat in a huff. He would have folded his arms but they hurt too much. Ursa saw that and said simply,

            "Buddi, that sap is one thing but soap and water is a remedy that will probably never leave so get used to it."

            "Ursa, I can wash myself!"

            "Buddi," she said simply as she scooped him up into her arms. "You can't even feed yourself."

            The cub turned deep red.

            "Ursa…"

            She raised an eyebrow at him, "What?"

            She moved her arms so that she wasn't hurting his shoulder. She needed him to be tougher than he was but she could work on that later. Trying that in a time where he was hurt severally and in pain for most of the day was not the greatest time to do so. There would be time later for that. Right now, she focused on getting this cub better.

            Buddi winced as Ursa gently brushed his left shoulder. Gum's sake it hurt!

            Ursa noted the child's hidden wince and moved her arm. Grubbi would have to look at it.

            Ursa sat Buddi down on a chair and said as she went to run some water,

            "Stay there. If I have to go look for you, you'll be sorry.'

            The cub said softly,

            "Yes Ma'am."

            Ursa bit her lip. He hurt a lot; she knew that for a fact. He was only very formal like that when he was either emotionally or physically hurt almost to his breaking point. She smiled and said,

            "I know it hurts, hang in there."

            She walked off and ran him a bath. This would be a challenge; she knew that already. He was hard to bathe when he was little and now that he was older he would be embarrassed because of it, even though he knew and remembered her bathing him a while ago. He was also hurt, several of the wounds were nowhere near healing and soap would clean them but also make them sting. Ursa took a deep breath to gather her composure and turned back to the cub.

            Buddi looked at Ursa. Gum's sake, she couldn't be serious! He..he was weak and he hurt but he could take a bath himself. He'd be willing to try and feed himself if she'd let him. But she refused to, saying he wasn't strong enough yet and he still was in pain. Grubbi had found some wounds on Buddi's legs that he was unaware of and then there was that incident a day ago…

            Buddi sighed and sat up. His arms hurt, his legs hurt, his head hurt, body parts he didn't know he had hurt. But he was tired of being tired and sick of being in bed. He'd been there for almost two days and it was driving him crazy.

            The cub tried to lift his arms but he wasn't strong enough and they hurt too much. Swinging his legs down, he stood, shaking. The room was swaying a little but nothing too bad. He made his way to the door and glanced about, wincing and almost crying out at the intense pain it caused. But he started down the hallway.

            The cub saw a figure starting down the corridor and tried to run. But the pain in his legs would not permit it. He tripped and went sprawling onto his left shoulder.

            A sharp wail of pain escaped his lips, despite how he tried to pin it in. Pain shot through his left ankle as well but it was barely noticeable compared with the sharp agony shooting through his shoulder. It felt like the full fire that ended Barbic Woods was pouring through his bone and muscle. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He tried to push up but the weakness would not allow it. The pain was blinding.

            Strong arms picked the cub up.

            "Buddi?"

            The cub opened his eyes. He couldn't see; his vision was blurred with tears. He heard a whimpering, a crying that sounded like a hysterical child, in immense pain.

            "Hey, calm down."

            It was then that Buddi realized that sound was coming from his own lips. He tried to stop the tears, tried to halt them because he could only imagine what a wimp it made him look like.

            That thought made fresh tears of shame flow down his cheeks. 

            He felt a finger brush his tears away and then felt arms gently cradle him, careful not to hit his shoulder. He inhaled the scent and then asked,

            "Gritty?"

            The adult nodded and told him,

            "What are you doing out of bed? You have doctor's orders to stay there!"

            "I was sick of it." The cub managed to say.

            Gritty had walked back to the sanitarium and went through the door.

            "Ursa, I've got your little runaway."

            Ursa turned to Buddi, anger in her eyes.

            "Buddi Barbic, stop crying. I told you to stay here!"

            The child sighed.

            "I know…ow!"

            He winced as she brushed his shoulder. She made no note. Sitting him down in the bed, she said,

            "Now stay there! I know what you're feeling; I also know that it's dangerous. Grubbi's coming to give you a checkup. I mean to tell him about this. Buddi, Grubbi's patient but he does not tolerate disobedient patients." She paused. "And I mean to back him.

            Buddi was shook from his memories as Ursa came over. She stripped the bandages from his chest and shook her head, saying,

            "Buddi I still can't believe you were so foolish."

            Buddi sighed and then leaned against Ursa as she stood him up. She helped him out of his slacks and picked him up. Buddi turned dark red, darker than blood. Ursa smirked and said simply,

            "It's not like me seeing you this way is anything new."

            Buddi merely turned darker at that comment. Ursa said nothing more and sat him in the water gently. He winced at the sting it brought to his wounds but said nothing. Ursa seemed pleased at that, as she seemed less stern than normal.

            She drenched a washcloth in soap and grabbed his chin,

            "Hold still."

            "I can do it!"

            "Close your mouth." She said simply, ignoring his declaration. She began to scrub his cheeks and then went over his muzzle before saying,

            "Close your eyes."

            Running the soap over his eyelids, she said as he started to yelp in pain,

            "Buddi, it isn't that bad. Now stop it."

            The cub did so but the pain was obvious in his face. Ursa was tough on his skin and his wounds were on fire. Tears were surfacing but the child blinked them away. Ursa wiped his face down with warm water, washing the suds away and relieving his wounds of the pain.

            Ursa raised her eyebrow at the cub as he blinked away excess water.

            "Now, was that so terrible?"

            "Is that a trick question?"

            The cub was still quite red in the face and wouldn't look her in the eye. Ursa chuckled,

            "Buddi, you do know I'm used to this? I did it a while ago."

            The cub closed his eyes and would have buried his face in his hands but they couldn't be raised that far without massive pain. Ursa sighed.

            "Come here, I need to get your chest."

            "But it stings."

            "I know that. I can't do anything about it except say you need to swallow the pain and deal."

            The cub closed his eyes tight as she assaulted his torso and then gently washed the soap away. Finally, she approached the child's left shoulder. He was trembling as she laid her fingers on it. He turned away and tried to move away.

            Ursa grabbed the cub by his good arm and said,

            "Nope. Stay here and stay still, I'm gonna get Grubbi to look at this. I know you're in more pain than you admit, little one. I can tell that it's the blasted shoulder that's giving you grief. Stay here."

            That said, she rose, ran to the door and shouted, "Grubbi! Come here!"

            Buddi stood and tried to get out. He couldn't be seen like this. Slipping on the side, he collapsed onto the ground, crushing his left arm again. He screamed.

            Ursa whirled around and raced back to Buddi,

            "Buddi! I told you to wait!"

            The cub replied with a whimper and tried to sit up. Ursa picked him up, supporting him on her hip. She felt his blood red face bury in her shoulder moaning,

            "Ursa!"

            Ursa sighed deeply and sat the child onto an examination table as soon as Grubbi entered. She stepped aside but hissed at Buddi,

            "I'm staying here…you behave!"

            Buddi stared at her, she hissed,

            "You're a good cub but very disobedient when it comes to pain. I intend to work with your tolerance. For now listen to Grubbi."

            The cub nodded but curled into as small a form as he could get without pain. Grubbi smiled.

            "Buddi, I can't help you if I can't examine you."

            That was fine by Buddi; Grubbi was nice but he poked and prodded. But a glare from Ursa changed his decision. His body's muscles loosened. Grubbi smiled.

            "That's better,"

            The medic pressed the cub down on the table so he was on his back. Buddi was cold and dripping wet but the freshly cleaned wounds were very easy to see. The older Barbic began to press around the wounds and look closer to determine how much healing had occurred.

            "Hmm," the Barbic moved down to the cub's left leg. He felt his ankle and felt the child's muscles tense with the pain. Smiling he said,

            "This ankle's gonna be outta it for a time. No getting up or walking for at least another week."

            "A week?"

            "Buddi,' Ursa hissed, "What did I say?"

            "Sorry,"

            "Grubbi," Ursa cut in, "what about his shoulder? It seems to hurt him the most."

            "Doesn't surprise me," he said simply. "You always seem to fall that way."

            The healer touched it gingerly but to the cub it had the pain of a thousand swords. He swatted the adult's hand away without a second thought.

            "Don't!" he hissed.

            "Buddi!" Ursa bellowed as she rose, "I said-"

            "Ursa, wait!" Grubbi commanded holding up a hand. He gestured her over and pointed to an abnormal enlargement on the side. "Feel that Ursa but don't push too hard. It's rather sensitive."

            Even as gentle as she was, a faint whimper escaped Buddi's lips. Ursa pulled her finger away, frowning,

            "It's hard like bone."

            Grubbi nodded, "it is."

            Buddi stared at him, "What?"

            The healer sighed, "When you fell about a day ago you broke your shoulder bone Buddi. But I didn't notice it because it was a small fracture but it's healing wrong, crooked."

            Buddi's face paled, "My arm'll always hurt!?"

            Grubbi shook his head, "there's one way to fix this." He looked at Ursa with deep sorrowful eyes, obviously unhappy with the decision,

            "I have to rebreak it."

* * *

            Buddi stared at Ursa after Grubbi left to get some supplies. He told himself, "You're a Barbic, make Ursa proud, don't protest, don't scream…"

            But in the end his childish fear of pain overwhelmed his pride.

            "No! Don't rebreak it! LEAVE ME ALONE!"

            Ursa restrained the squirming cub in her arms, hissing, "Will you hold still? Gum's sake!"

            Buddi shook his head, "No!"

            He kicked her hard in the shin, screaming,

            "DON'T TOUCH ME! LEAVE ME ALONE!"

            Ursa tried reason, "Buddi, your shoulder's healing wrong. Do you want to be in pain the rest of your life?"

            "What did I ever do to you?"

            "Buddi, you're acting like a baby! Hold still!"

            "Ursa, you're not about to have a bone rebroken! Would you hold still?"

            "Yes. Having a malfunctioning arm would be worse,"

            "You're an adult! You're used to pain!"

            "You need to be used to pain! You're a Barbic!"

            Tears were flowing down the child's face. He was a Barbic but anyone would fret if they knew they were about to have a bone rebroken. He didn't want any more pain, wasn't he suffering enough?

            The door opened and Grubbi walked in. Buddi slipped from Ursa's grasp and ran. She leapt up and raced after him, easily catching him as she was taller and also had no pain in her ankles. She flung him over her shoulder, like a knapsack and walked back to Grubbi. He was struggling but no match for her strength.

            "Buddi?" Ursa's voice was disapproving but she was sounding more sympathetic than before. She sat him down on the table, and then changed her mind and sat down herself, hoisting Buddi onto her lap.

            "Buddi?" Ursa turned him to look at her. "Buddi, I need you to relax. Look, I know you hate pain, I know that but the point is: you'll be getting pain. However, if your arm heals wrong, you'll get more pain than if we break it and heal it right."

            Buddi turned to Grubbi, his face white and sickly. Grubbi brushed the cub's hair with his hand and said simply, "It's necessary, Little Buddi."

            The cub nodded, trembling. Grubbi motioned for Ursa to sit the cub down on the table. She did so without a word and rose herself.

            Ursa bit her lip. She hated the fact that Buddi had to go through this but still…wasn't he overreacting just a bit? Gum's sake, Barbics did not whine and carry on as he was doing. She shook her head; when he got better she was going to have to increase his pain tolerance by quite a few notches.

            "Lie down Buddi."

            The cub obeyed although he was shaking. Grubbi gave him s strap of leather to hold in between his teeth. The poor child was absolutely hysterical. Grubbi stroked his forehead in hopes of calming his nerves but it didn't work.

            "Ursa?" the Barbic female looked up. "I need you to hold his arm, on the shoulder blade and on his upper arm."

            Ursa did just that and she could feel the cub trembling under her hands. She looked at him,

            "Buddi…calm down. You're going to make yourself sick."

            The cub just turned to Grubbi.

            Grubbi moved the cub's arm a bit, found the abnormal healing and said,

            "Okay Buddi, I'm going to count to five and then break it. Needless to say, it will hurt, quite a bit. Go ahead and scream."

            Ursa sighed, and said to herself, "Did he have to say that? Buddi knows that if he's allowed to scream it's going to be pain beyond pain."

            Sure enough, she felt a clammy hand grab her by the wrist and Buddi squeezed her tightly. She smiled at him and moved his hand down.

            "Buddi, Grubbi can't reach your shoulder if you do that."

            The cub looked at Grubbi. He was going to use the base of his palm, a swift hit and it would break. The cub waited, fear in his blood. He bit down hard on the strap.

            "1…2…"

            Buddi squeezed his eyes shut.

            "3!"

            Grubbi's palm connected with the cub's shoulder and the bone snapped apart again. Buddi let out an ear-splitting scream.

            Grubbi winced against the cub's howl. But Ursa seemed unaffected. She grasped his hand and squeezed tightly. Buddi dug his claws into her hand and tried to bite down the scream. But the pain was mind-blowing!

            Fire, pressure and lightning, it felt like, chorused through the child's shoulder. He weakly reached for his shoulder but his other arm still burned with pain. Grubbi gently lifted the cub up and gestured for Ursa to hold him. She did so, hopping up onto the table to sit behind her cub. Tears were streaming down his cheeks. Through his sobs of pain, he stammered,

            "What…what happened to 5?"

            Grubbi shifted the boy's shoulder until the bones clicked into place correctly. Wrapping a bandage around it, he explained,

            "You would have tensed up for five. When you're tense, it's harder to break. I might have had to hit it twice."

            Ursa stroked Buddi's sweat drenched hair. He was trembling and using his free arm he pulled the strap of leather from his mouth. It had teeth holes punched in it and he felt a light dropping of blood in his mouth. He'd cut his tongue.

            Ursa wiped the child's tears away.

            "I know it hurts. The pain'll fade."

            "P..Promise?"

            Ursa smiled and nodded. "I know so."

            Grubbi smoothed some sap over the bandage, when it dried, it would form a hard cast. It would take about six weeks for this bone to heal.

            "Six weeks?" Buddi protested when he was told. He turned to Ursa, "Ursa!"

            "Sorry Buddi," she said simply as she wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Grubbi's the medic."

            "But you're the leader!"

            Ursa smiled, "But medic overrules leader."

            Buddi sighed, "Now what?"

            Grubbi smiled, "Sleep. You've been through a lot."

            He tossed the female Barbic a nightshirt, which she slipped onto the cub. Buddi was stunned. The pain had completely made him forget he was naked. Ursa picked Buddi up. He leaned against her chest, exhausted.

            Ursa winced as Buddi leaned against her left side.

            The cub felt her tense.

            "Ursa? Did I hurt you?"

            "Hurt me?" Ursa snorted, "Of course not!"

            Buddi didn't buy it. He saw the edge of white bandages against her chest, underneath her dress.

            "Ursa! You never told me you were hurt!"

            He pointed to the wound on her left side. Ursa looked at him, "I'm fine."

            She sat him down on his bed. Buddi tried to crawl towards her. She restrained him.

            "Never mind about that. You sleep."

            The cub ignored her,

            "Let me see! You were hurt! You won but you're hurt!"

            Ursa grasped his hands,

            "No! I told you I'm fine. You go to sleep. That's an order!"

            The child ignored her again, screeching,

            "You're hurt!"

            Ursa finally said, "All right, if I show you, will you sleep?"

            He nodded. Ursa pulled her dress down on the left side, revealing a wrapped wound. Buddi saw the wound through it, a line straight across her breast.

            Buddi touched it gently. "Ursa…why didn't you tell me?"

            The leader smirked and pushed him down,

            "Because I knew you'd worry. You're like that."

            The cub pouted, and then beamed, saying, "But…you kicked Ari's a-"

            Ursa clapped a hand over his mouth. "Don't even think about it," she hissed. "Sick or not, injured or not, you don't cuss."

            Buddi blushed, "I thought you would."

            Ursa smiled, "You leave the big fights to me. You just try to stay out of them!" she pinched his left cheek gently. "You'll just get torn up."

            Buddi sighed, "He started it."

            Ursa rolled her eyes, "don't start that again. Now I told you, go to sleep."

            The cub turned onto his good side, and tried to rub his shoulder but Ursa did it for him. It felt good. She nearly left when Buddi asked,

            "Ursa?"

            "Yes?"

            "I…I…that is-"

            He sounded flustered.

            "What?"

            He turned to her, laid on his back and looked at her with wide eyes. "Can…can you massage my temples again?"

            The female seemed stunned a moment. Then she smiled,

            "Well, seeing as you just had to get a bone broken, sure. If it helps. Turn over."

            The cub turned back onto his good side and a moment later, Ursa's fingers started their gentle circular pattern at the sides of his head. He closed his eyes. By Gum, why did that always feel so good? It was odd; the others did it occasionally, when he was younger. Gritty did it when he wanted him to calm down but none of the others instilled such a sense of warmth and security as Ursa did.

            Ursa smiled. Buddi's breathing had calmed and she could no longer feel his gasps of pain. She didn't know why she had this talent with Buddi but it helped. She could help Buddi; he was in pain. She may have been tough but right now toughness was uncalled for.

            The Barbic female kept it up until Buddi's breaths were deep and heavy. She withdrew her fingers and smiled.

            "Sweet dreams, imp."

* * *

Gummi Gorge

            "Keri? You're serious?"

            The violet gummi nodded at her little sister.

            "Yes Kelsi I am."

            Kelsi stared at her sister. The girl had gone into the storage room and taken some things from it. Among them were boots, slacks, a dagger and some morning stars.

            She had put the slacks on, the first female in their clan to throw aside her dress and don slacks. The girl sat down and drew boots on over her feet. She'd cut one of her dress and now only donned the top, tying it with a black belt.

            "But, Keri.."

            "Kelsi, I don't care anymore. Papa and the others have put us through so much over a fact we couldn't control if we wanted to."

            "But he's our Papa!"

            Keri narrowed her eyes.

            "I know which is why I'm reluctant. But he's killing me, Kelsi."

            She looked at her sister with deep serious eyes. She knelt down,

            "Kelsi, I'm a warrior, I was born to be. I know it in my soul."

            She stood and said simply,

            "I've had enough. I'm not taking it anymore. I'll not be pounded for my sex anymore." She drew a pair of morning stars and threw them at the wall. They hit and stuck. Keri turned to her sister.

            "I'm fighting back."

END OF PART ONE

TO BE CONTINUED…