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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As he explained in as painless a way as he could manage, Buddi realized two things. First, it was impossible, but if Sunni was hurting this much, maybe she should go on the haiana, too. Or one of her own. He knew as sure as his own fur that Ursa'd never allow a Glen along. He got the distinct impression that haianas were not shared and not discussed. His was going to be different because he was young. Second? He couldn't believe how grown-up he sounded! Part of his switching temperament? Or... or was it just that he needed to talk about it finally, just as Sunni desired to expel her own torment?

All he knew was that, for the first time since this all started, he felt capable of something. He could help Sunni heal on the inside. His heart swelled suddenly, and not just for pride over such an adult accomplishment. He buried the other reasons, afraid to look at those. Gum, not now! At least she was calm and even gave him a smile and a thank you. She was keeping track of the time... He didn't want to see her go-- He wouldn't see her for a whole month!-- but she was being 'adult', too. Ursa'd know he hadn't slept well if they stayed up all night talking. He knew it. Sunni probably knew it, too. She left him with a whisper of a good-night and slipped out. Buddi wondered later if he was able to sleep so soundly because he'd seen Sunni, and was able to tell her what was in store for him to make him absent for so long.

Because he was sure he'd just closed his eyes when he heard his name called and a hand on his shoulder. Ursa.

He didn't bother to complain about the hour. She'd be in no mood for such antics. He sat up, rubbing at his eyes and glancing out the window. Dark...

Without a word, she motioned to his clothes and left the room.

She and Grubbi were waiting outside his door. Grubbi handed him a pack to carry on his back, just as they were carrying packs. He slipped the straps around his shoulders and followed silently down the stairs.

Each cold step sent an icy shiver through his bare furry feet, making him keep pace with the others. The air was still and very cool, almost chilly, though he couldn't see his breath. No other Barbics were around as they entered onto the courtyard. The sky was black, with lighter specklings of clouds. His instincts told him it would rain later. He could smell it on the wind. Ursa and Grubbi knew it if he could tell but that wouldn't stop a determined Barbic. No way.

The trio made it to the gates of Ursalia and paused. Buddi only stopped because Grubbi and Ursa did. They had a silent calm, a knowledgeable readiness that had him fascinated. He was waved closer. Grubbi took him by the shoulders.

"Your haiana starts as soon as we pass these gates. There will be no talking, no singing. Only reflection. Remember our home, our Heart, our ways." The older Barbic released him and glanced toward the east, awaiting the sun.

"Buddi?" Ursa turned him to her. "I want you to remember also that I'm not leading this haiana. Grubbi is. I'll be here to guide you but Grubbi's... his word goes." She _hated_ saying that! But she'd been afraid when the cub... her cub... had thrown Barbic heritage to the wind so blithely. She couldn't lose him. Would not! She turned to the elder Barbic.

"Grubbi?"

He nodded and started out. Ursa motioned for Buddi to follow. She fell in behind her cub. The day was right to start a haiana. She had to keep telling herself that.

Gritty watched their forms dwindle in the predawn dark. A sigh of relief escaped his lips. He turned back to the job of readying his own pack. He would let them get a ways ahead and track 'em from there, always keeping outta sight. It wasn't that he didn't trust Grubbi... He worried about Ursa, and how the only cub the Barbics had would turn out after a haiana. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, letting the cub do this, now. He'd be more mixed up than ever if the haiana went wrong. He was sure that's why only older Barbics chose to do a haiana. If they needed one. Grubbi didn't. Ursa did but she didn't know it. He worried that she might fight it, and Buddi'd pick that up. He was too quick sometimes...

With steely resolve, Gritty hefted his pack and stealthed out, saying only one word to the only Barbic he saw before the gates.

"Haiana."

Mardi let him go without a word, though his brows did arch in surprise.

That morning opened as usual, with Grammi in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Funny... No Grubbi. Ah, he prob'ly wanted to do some mornin' exercises or something. Barbics, always workin' out. She shook her head, smiling.

Tummi of course was the first in. She served him. Gruffi followed, as did Zummi. Finally, Gusto arrived unexpectedly, and much earlier than his usual self. He brought up the obvious.

"Hey, where's the Sun?"

Tummi pointed to the east.

Gusto ignored him. "I finished her present. Hope she doesn't mind that it's late."

Gruffi glanced at Grammi.

"Where's Cubbi?" He shot up from his chair, it fell over even before he managed to get out the kitchen door.

The group went to Sunni's door first. No answer at knocking, they opened and entered a clean, empty room. Bed made, and not a sign of the girl!

Cubbi's room was similar, except for one thing. A quickly scribbled note tossed recklessly on the bed.

Gruffi picked it up and read it. "On a haiana."

Tummi licked his lips. "Sounds good."

A perplexed Grammi looked to Zummi, who shrugged. "We know he can spell. What kind a word is 'haiana'?"

"Barbic."

The five Glens whirled, saw the rangy Barbic, Ryo, standing menacingly in the hall.

Unperturbed, Gruffi walked right up to him. "What's the meaning of this?"

"We'd like to know the same thing, Glen. Haiana's a spirit quest. Cub's got no part in it. It ain't a game."

"Where's Ursa? Or Grubbi?" Grammi tried, wanting to talk to someone with more sense and less... well, no one had a temper like Ursa but she could see reason more than this bear!

"Gone."

"Gritty?"

"Gone. Which makes me in charge."

"But where'd they go?" Zummi asked, bewildered.

"Barbic business."

The stone clod.... Gruffi growled and turned to his companions, stating the obvious. "Whatever this haiana deal is, the Barbic leaders all went, and our kids decided to tag along."

"You need to keep a leash on that youngest, bear." Ryo stated with clear insult in mind. He hated being around such weak bears, always bugging into Barbic affairs. Why didn't they find their own place to live? If he gave them enough of a hint, maybe they would.

"And Buddi?" Gruffi queried.

Ryo had an uncomfortable moment, as he didn't know that answer. He turned and marched to the Barbic cub's room. He opened the door without knocking. The room was empty. A low growl started in his throat.

Gruffi turned to his own band. "Okay. Sunni obviously went because she heard Buddi was going, and Cubbi went because she was going. We just need to track 'em down and get out kids back--"

"No." Ryo took up a stance, determined to stop them. "You can't interfere with a haiana."

"But they're our kids!"

"If they're old enough to decide to go, then they go. Whatever happens, they'll know it was because of them."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Gruffi exploded, marching forward.

Ryo grabbed him. Gruffi struggled but could not escape Ryo's grasp. Before the Glens could react, the Barbic whistled. Several Barbics rushed to him seemingly from nowhere.

"Don't let anyone leave Ursalia, got it?"

The five Barbics nodded. They knew Ursa and Gritty and Grubbi were gone. And that Ryo was in charge. That was enough for them to obey.

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