Growing Up
The Barbics, Glens and any other Disney characters are copyrighted to Disney and we claim no ownership. However, any new characters are copyrighted to Ulisa, Silver Fox and Cheetah the Furry. This plot is a collaboration of Ulisa, Silver Fox, and Cheetah the Furry.
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Both adults marched forward to confront the errant cubs.
"How could you--?" Ursa and Gruffi started, then broke off, again, as one.
"What do you two--?"
Ursa whirled on Gruffi. "Stay out of this, Glen!" Slurring the noun derisively, Ursa grabbed Buddi and towed him away from Sunni and into Ursalia. Gruffi pulled Sunni by the hand to the side of the arches of the once-great Gummi city.
"Sunni, tell me _any_ good reason why I shouldn't ground yer hide til Fall's Farewell for abandoning Cubbi when I TOLD you to watch him!" Gruffi bellowed.
The yellow Gummi cringed, hanging her head. "I... I'm sorry, Gruffi. It's just that... we could go anywhere we liked when we ... we still had..." Tears traced down her face, pattered to the ground.
Gruffi let out a long sigh, caving at the reminder. 'When we still had the Glen' was coming up all-to-frequently in conversations lately. He took Sunni in his arms, awkwardly patting her head.
"I'm sorry, too, Sunni. If I'd been able to convince Zummi, instead a' _wantin'_ to believe Igthorn was gone for good..." He held her and let her cry.
It wasn't a sham. She really did hurt at the loss, and if it helped her explain why she did what she did and get her out of trouble, she was more than willing to use it on Gruffi.
Buddi was not as lucky with Ursa.
"I told you-- YOU specifically, Buddi Barbic, not to argue or cause trouble with the Glens. Things are bad enough without you shirking duties. That's _not_ how I brought you up. Ditching regular chores is one matter but neglecting a cub, AND after given specific instructions to watch him, is inexcusable."
Buddi groaned, as if he knew what to expect next.
"Ooh no. You're not being sent to your room. I have a much better punishment in mind. Those Glens have their own ways and we have ours. Let Gruffi handle Sunni. YOU will not see or speak to her at all tomorrow. You spend too much time with that Glen girl and you'll go soft. So help me, Buddi Timba Barbic..." Whatever she'd been about to say fell away from her lips unsaid as she saw the fear inspired in the cub she'd raised, cared for, pushed to get the most from him. He was so difficult sometimes! "First, kitchen duty. With Grubbi, not Grammi. Grubbi'll have something for you, I'm sure. Just because you've turned thirteen recently doesn't mean we won't give you the worst stuff. You have a lesson coming for leaving Cubbi. That brings me to the second punishment. You are stuck to him like _glue_ tomorrow. All day. No exceptions. Understood?"
Head bowed at the triple whammy, Buddi muttered a 'yes, Ursa'.
"Go on. Grubbi'll be in the kitchen by now. _No_ talking with Sunni, straight to kitchen duty, and _no_ leaving Cubbi." she reminded as the cub started away with sulking steps.
Buddi, both repentful and resenting his 'torture', entered the quiet of Ursalia's large kitchen.
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