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book","count":"16","submission_left_submission_id":"1755311","submission_left_file_name":"2513567_jcriver_the_confidence_secret.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2513/2513567_jcriver_the_confidence_secret.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2513/2513567_jcriver_the_confidence_secret_noncustom.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2513/2513567_jcriver_the_confidence_secret_noncustom.jpg","submission_left_thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"120","submission_left_thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"103","submission_left_thumb_large_noncustom_x":"200","submission_left_thumb_large_noncustom_y":"172","submission_left_thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"300","submission_left_thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"259"}],"description":"ATTENTION: This chapter has been marked with adult content because it contains sensitive subjects for some people. Read at your own risk. The author does not support any type of persecution or dictatorial regime.\n\nThe Chapter 15 of The Confidence Secret is up! ^^ Do not stop commenting.\n\nLife continues in peace for the residents of San Martin... But for how long?\n\nThis story is the official continuation of the @aquabear and @SeaHeartCat and contains the characters of other authors. A complete list of owners can be accessed at https://inkbunny.net/j/333400-jcriver-introduction \n\nGood Reading. :) \n","description_bbcode_parsed":"ATTENTION: This chapter has been marked with adult content because it contains sensitive subjects for some people. Read at your own risk. The author does not support any type of persecution or dictatorial regime.

The Chapter 15 of The Confidence Secret is up! ^^ Do not stop commenting.

Life continues in peace for the residents of San Martin... But for how long?

This story is the official continuation of the \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\taquabear\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t		\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\taquabear\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
and \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeaHeartCat\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t		\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeaHeartCat\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
and contains the characters of other authors. A complete list of owners can be accessed at https://inkbunny.net/j/333400-jcriver-introduction

Good Reading. :)
","writing":"[center][b]The Care Bears\nThe Confidence Secret\n2nd Part\nChapter 15[/b][/center]\n\n[color=#ef2929][b]ATTENTION:[/b][/color] This chapter has been marked with adult content because it contains sensitive subjects for some people. Read at your own risk. The author does not support any type of persecution or dictatorial regime.\n*****\n\nRose had always been cheerful and expansive, and it was very difficult to see her sad or disturbed by anything. But that day, it was impossible for her to hide her sadness, since it would be the first time she would leave her son Champ, with nine months old, in Noble and True's daycare. Feeling her throat tight and her eyes moistened, she stared at the baby as he slept soundly in his stroller.\nThat day would be special. It was the \"Banana Party\", one of the most important moments for bears and cousins, and that Worker and Rose could not fail to attend. That way they had to resort to the only place they were sure their son would be safe, even though the pink female bear still showed much fear of separating from his cub for the first time in all those months.\n- You don't need to worry, I'll take good care of my little cousin, Rose - True said comfortingly - Actually, I don't, but Flower will take good care of him.\n- But Flower has other children to take care of, as well as paying attention to her own daughter - Rose said worriedly - Do you think she can handle all this by herself?\n- She'll be responsible only for the four babies - Noble Horse said amiably - Besides, you know how she likes to look after children, tell stories, teach new games...\n- That's true, she even seems to hypnotize the children with her sweet way of being - agreed Worker - But what about you two, where will they go with the other cubs?\n- To the lake next to the village of Kriskun - True Bear explained - It will be an excursion with the other cubs so they can have fun on the beach. Norman and Caretaker will be with us, while Architect and Mother will be here helping to care for the babies.\n- So I get calmer, knowing that Flower will have the help of Mother and Architect to care for these cubs - Rose said, handing her son over to True - We'll be back in the afternoon to find you. But don't hesitate to call us in case of emergencies, I'll come back as soon as possible.\n- You can stay calm, everything will work out - the horse said with a nod - Good fun for you two at the party. Send our greetings to the others, all right?\n- Of course, have fun on the lake too - the couple replied, slowly moving away toward the center of the village.\nNoble and True watched the relatives move away, until they closed the door of the house, and the female bear looked at her little cousin in the lap.\n- He's not cute, Noble? - she asked.\n- To you, all are - replied the horse - What about me? Am I cute?\n- Oh, you're jealous? You're my husband, and I love you like I've never loved anyone in my life.\nNoble liked what he heard as they entered the main room of the school. There the children were playing while they waited to begin on the excursion. Confidence was among them, playing with a few other small female bears, each with a doll, and the young female fennec had brought her doll, which was his inseparable toy. After all, she had won from her mother.\nThe little girl watched when Noble and True entered with a baby on their lap, but she did not pay much attention to it, since she was having fun with her friends. She only saw that the couple entered the room where were the youngest babies and which did not play with them. But one of it mattered to her, because was still too young to understand anything.\nIn the bedroom, there were several cribs, but only three were occupied. Flower was there, singing to the babies, when she saw the friends coming in.\n- Can you take care of one more? - True Bear asked with a smile and in a low voice to the older female bear.\n- Of course, it's no bother - Flower replied with a smile.\nSlowly and gentle, True placed Champ in a crib. Beside him was a six-month-old raccoon named Bright, brother of Internum. In another, was Cheer Bear, the youngest daughter of Egocentric and Grandiose and sister of Love, just under six months old, and in the last crib, a female pig called Treat, five months old.\n- Are you sure you can handle the four of us crying at the same time? - True teased.\n- Of course I will - Flower said - Besides, Architect and Mother will help me. By the way, they must have arrived...\nThe noise of engine attracted everyone's attention, and quickly Noble went to the door while Flower continued with the babies and True was arranging the other cubs. Really Caretaker and Architect were arriving, also bringing Norman in a 1940 Chevrolet bus to take the kids.\n- What a beauty of a vehicle! - exclaimed the horse as soon as his friends got off the bus - Where did you get it?\n- I borrowed it from the village of Victoria, since the vehicles of the capital would be occupied today in transporting guests to the banana party - the cat explained with a wink - In addition, nothing better than an excursion with a group of children to escape the official commitments.\n- But you should be at the fair today - said Norman - After all, Noble is the vice president of parliament, and Caretaker will be the future minister of technology.\n- I'm not asking for anything, you people saying that - the cat quickly replied - It's also part of the tasks of a parliamentarian to help the population in their day-to-day lives.\n- That's why I'm helping True in day care - Noble said with a smirk - And I don't want to know politics any more when my term expires later this year. What about you Norman? Isn’t it the official presentation today of Air Force recruits? You should be there too, because you're the chief instructor.\n- I've had to put up with all those guys for the last six months, I deserve a day off - the American pilot joked - Today's just a technical display, and tomorrow's last simulated combat exercise. Their graduation will be next week, and then I'll be forced to attend.\n- Hey! Could the three gentlemen help us? - asked Architect in malicious tone, helping True with the children - After all, it is not easy to control this group here.\n- There is room for another baby kitten on this bus? - all heard a well-known and lively voice ask that question.\nIt was Mother Cat, who arrived with her daughter Proud. The cub wore a blue cardigan, diapers and a white cap on his head, while his mother preferred to wear only a pink scarf around her neck. Seeing True, the little girl ran with open arms toward the female bear and hugged him tightly.\n- Oh, did you miss me, too? - asked the nanny with a smile - Or are you holding me just because you do not want to miss the ride?\n- Ride - the baby kitty replied cheerfully before running to her friends in line, making True laugh of youthful sincerity.\n- I'm glad you came to help us, Mother - said the tigress amicably - Are you sure Proud will not miss you during the tour? Maybe you'd better go with them, since Noble and True will need more help than Flower and me.\n- It's all right, Proud already knows how to be alone. I think the lack of a present father made her very precocious in her attitudes...\nIt was no longer a secret to anyone that Mother Cat had quarreled with her companion Sea Cat, after he had missed the picnic in his daughter's school. Until that day the yellow cat had borne all the burden of shame and scandal for living with the sailor and have a daughter without being really married, but now she had put a stop to that situation, having abandoned the orange cat and, along with the kitten, went to live with brother Caretaker and her sister-in-law, because she could not count on the support and love of her parents.\n- Honestly, it is not only her who shows a firmness of character after all that has happened - Architect said after a few seconds in silence - You know you can count on me whenever you need to, Mother. After all, it should not be easy to have to take care of a cub almost alone.\n-It really isn't, but when you have friends and such a beautiful daughter, you don't need anything else - the yellow female cat replied with a broad satisfied smile before she and the tigress were able to help True with the children boarding the bus.\nWhile the bear, the cat and the tigress organized the cubs in a row, Noble, Norman and Caretaker carried the little ones from the stairs to the seats of the vehicle, adapted for the transport of the babies bears and cousins babies. Each had a special seat, which was fastened to the seat of the bus, in addition to wearing seat belts appropriate for their few ages. And knowing no one would object, Mother placed Proud right behind the driver's seat, and next to Loyal Dog. Only after everyone was in your places, Noble and True gave the latest recommendations to Flower, Architect and Mother.\n- Don't forget to feed the babies every three hours, make sure they belch to sleep, see if they have clean diapers, are not choked with a toy and...\n- True, we know what to do - Flower interrupted gently - At least Mother and I are mothers.\n- But I worry about the younger babies, especially since my little cousin is among them.\n- True, what four babies who were not even a year old could do? - the female cat asked with a giggle - You can rest assured that everything will be all right.\n- Enjoy the ride, and leave the rest to us - the tigress concluded with a positive signal.\n- Okay, you win - True agreed with a grin before getting on the bus - Come on, Caretaker!\nThe cat gave a slight buzzer before leaving with the vehicle, taking care when driving, heading towards the center of the island while the old female bear and the two female cats returned to day care, certain that it would be a quiet day.\n*****\nQuickly Incomprehensible put the backpack in the back, buttoned his black jacket and looked for the last time to his room, before heading for the garden. Realizing that no one was watching him, he spread his wings and took flight off with an evil grin on his beak. Finally the time came for revenge!\nHe had been cherishing that dream for many years, and now he would finally show it to everyone with whom they was stirring, giving vent to his thirst for power. Despite his calm appearance, the eagle felt his pulsating pulse of anxiety, for at last his plans would be put into practice.\nBut even with all the motives of the world to want revenge of its specie, the bird would not have been able to do anything if it were not for the help of several friends. And all this had begun exactly twenty years earlier when he traveled to Europe to deal with legal matters concerning the inheritance his father left him in Germany. It was 1923, and the city was Munich, when Incomprehensible encountered for the first time a German named Adolf Hitler, then a young leader on the rise in the Bavarian National Socialist Party, who defended ideas of German supremacy before other peoples.\nAs his family had various ties to Germany, and since the treatment of the allies who had won that country after the Great War seemed not fair, such a speech impressed the eagle favorably, at the same time that Hitler was also impressed by his new follower, not only for its exotic appearance, but for its intelligence and charisma.\nAfter this first contact, Incomprehensible returned to San Martin, while his new friend was arrested after a failed attempt to seize power in the state of Bavaria. Only five years later, the two would meet again, when the bird returned to Europe to deal with other matters and the human already had a strong presence in national politics with his party. Having renewed his friendships, from that point Incomprehensible was no longer called by this name between Hitler's supporters and members of the new Nazi party, but by the name of General Klaus, being the only one who was allowed to speak and do whatever he wanted within the party. Moreover, he was the only one the human consulted and listened to because he believed that the eagle was the best adviser among all. It was in this way that he managed to get the presidency of Germany, invade neighboring countries and believe that the victory of the Aryan race would be possible. In return, he ordered that one of the symbols of his party be an eagle, not only to remember the Roman Empire, but to honor Klaus.\nFor several years the eagle maintained a double life, between San Martin and Berlin. If in the German capital he had enormous prestige on the part of the Führer, not accounting to anyone for his actions, the same was not the case on the Caribbean island, where he was considered the black sheep of the species and never had his advice heard by Heavenly, who he considered a weak and inept leader. And the more Klaus's prestige grew within the Third Reich, the more he felt despised by the bears and cousins, even going so far as to regard them as a serious threat to Germanic plans.\nHowever, he remained silent for some time, since the Spanish Civil War required all the attention on the part of the Nazi dome. From his office at headquarters, he coordinated the participation of the Condor Legion in that conflict, which served as a training base and preparation for a future war of world conquest. But even if he did not say anything about it, his desire for revenge grew more and more in his heart. All that remained was to find the motives necessary to persuade his peers, and especially Hitler, to carry out an attack on the island.\nThat did not mean that the bird was doing nothing to put their plans into practice. He was, in large part, the greatest enabler of the Schulz-Kampfhenkel expedition in the Amazon region, whose official objective was to study local flora and fauna, but indirectly also studied the establishment of a Reich colony in the midst of the equatorial forest, with San Martin would be used as a crossing point for troops and settlers. The beginning of the new war in Europe in 1939, Heinrich Himmler's dislike for Klaus and the plans presented, and even the existence of totalitarian South American regimes sympathetic to the Reich, prevented something else from being done for a while.\nNot even the change of posture of Brazil and Argentina against the Axis, and the entrance of the United States in the war, favored General Klaus in his project to destroy San Martin. The German defeat at the Battle of Britain and the start of the Barbarossa operation also further complicated the situation, as every man, every pilot, every plane, vessel or tank of war should be spared now. And when Hitler decided that the invasion of Brazil would take place through Senegal, through Römmel's troops, it seemed that everything was over for the bird.\nBut luck still seemed to be on his side. For some time the eagle felt as if it were being watched in the distance, even thinking that it was paranoid. It was when, one night, in the midst of dreams, an evil, hateful creature appeared to him in the form of a purple cloud, saying that he was a mortal enemy of the bears and cousins and wanted to make a very attractive proposal to the General, who woke up startled. That dream had been too real, and indeed the proposal made by the creature was the most enchanting.\nWithout pausing to think, Klaus accepted that proposal aloud, as he had been told in his dream, and at the same time that same evil being who had visited him in his dreams came up right in the middle of his room, in front of him, like a purple cloud with two sparkling red eyes, before turning into a half-human, half-elf figure who identified himself as Dark Heart and who was there to seal his mutual aid pact. For a moment the bird was paralyzed by that sight, wondering if it would really be worth it, before feeling his heart stiffen and shake the hand of his new ally.\nSince that night, the eagle had kept this secret of everyone he used to life, from San Martin to his personal guard in Germany. Only one person knew the whole truth, and it was precisely Hitler, sought by Klaus and Dark Heart to explain his plans and ask for the help of Füher in that action. In the face of all the promises made by such a powerful ally, and trusting entirely on the words of his friend, nothing remained to the human but to authorize the attack on San Martin.\nIt took a few months to withdraw men and weapons from the eastern front without arousing suspicion, in addition to assembling the flotilla of attack and leaving for the Atlantic without being detected by the RAF, despite all this already being part of the plans drawn up by the General. Even if that had meant the stoppage of Operation Barbarossa, it would have been worth it if the Reich had conquered a base so close to America. There was only one last thing left for Klaus to do, which was to assume his post as commander of that action.\nSo his flight was stealthy and anxious that morning. And as soon as he saw the ships, he went to the flagship, where Colonel Meyer, his trusted man, was already. Upon seeing the superior arrive, the human made the Nazi signal to Klaus.\n- My dear General, I am glad to see you here - he said, as the eagle landed on the ship and headed for his companion - We are all anxious to take action.\n- You can be sure no more than I do - the general replied cordially, putting a Nazi cap on his head and a red band with the swastika on his right feathered arm - At the end of that day, we will have a base to attack the North America, and Make way for the armies of Römmel to invade Brazil via Senegal.\n- So what do we expect, mein herr (my boss)?\n- There's still someone missing for our group to be complete.\n- Same? I would not have imagined such a thing. Who is missing?\nAnd as if responding to the human, Dark Heart emerged like a cloud in the middle of the ship's cabin. Meyer screamed in terror, and he had to hold himself in order not to faint, while the evil creature being laugh at the sight of his reaction. Klaus smiled excitedly.\n- Now we are complete - said the bird - Meyer, I want to introduce you to the one who will help us conquer this island and the world. This is Dark Heart.\n- PP-Pleasure - stammered the officer - What the hell is he?\n- I can be whatever you want - the creature replied, turning into a caterpillar, then into a little bird, then into a rhinoceros, and finally into a nearly perfect copy of Meyer himself, who once again cried out in horror - I can be anything I want.\n- Oh my God! Exclaimed the human, out of breath and swallowing dry - You really are a devilish creature!\n- The same type as us - Klaus said maliciously - After all, in your religion, murderers and conspirators are not instruments of evil, either? Is not that what we're doing right now? Deep down we are all equal, we want the power and destruction of our enemies.\nThe human officer had been shocked by all this, but his military training had made him a hard man as well, and after that initial shock he swallowed, casting his feelings on the nettles.\n- You're right, General Klaus! - he said with a deep sigh - It is worth everything for the protection and victory of the Reich. Can we start the attack?\n- Yes, we can begin - agreed the eagle, staring out the window toward the island, and with a hateful, malicious smile on his lips, feeling pleasure in the pain of others.\n*****\n- I officially declare open the Annual Bananas Party - Heavenly said into the microphone as the San Martin band began to play excitedly.\nThe Annual Banana Party was certainly the most important moment and the biggest gathering held by the island's residents. It was not only to celebrate a good year of harvests and business, but also a way to bring everyone together to maintain peace between species. So the importance of that day in the national calendar, being a holiday for all. Meeting in Heartown, the celebration began in the morning and lasted until night, lasting two or three days. And despite the name, not only goodies made of bananas were served, but all sorts of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, pastas or meats, for all tastes.\nWhile the others talked and danced, Jim and Cristian took the opportunity to photograph and film the party. That was how they both approached of Worker, taking a picture of him while savored a candy.\n- Hey! What is it? - he complained - Have you become a squad of photography now? I can't even eat in peace...\n- Oh, leave it, darling - Rose said, at her side - I know you like to take pictures.\n- And nothing is better than an image of our cranky bear trying to get a little sweet - Jim joked - A little blood sugar does well once in a while.\nWorker frowned, but then laughed at that.\n- You're right, I'm not going to argue with you about it - said the bear - Now, how about a picture with me and my wife together?\nJim took another picture of the hugged couple and walked away. Rose looked at her husband and her eyes brightened with satisfaction.\n- You were very nice to them now - she said - I'm proud of you.\n- It would be a waste of time arguing with them - Worker said with a faint smile.\n- What? - asked Tricks and his wife approaching the couple of friends - Worker not wanting to argue or complain?\n- That's why Heavenly said that today's party would be special - joked Idealist with a smile - Worker is not going to make a scene today.\n- Now everyone wants to make jokes about me? - the yellow bear asked.\n- And since when do not people make jokes about you? - asked the female bear to her husband in a soft, cheerful voice - Do not mind these things, my dear.\nThe bear smiled and kissed his wife's cheek. It was when everyone saw Heavenly, Egocentric and Grandiose approaching. Rose and Idealist were very excited to see her friend at the party.\n- I'm glad you're here! - said the first one cheerfully, giving a hug to the violet female bear - I thought you would not come to the party to take care of your daughter.\n- That was my intention, but then I changed my mind - Grandiose explained with a cheerful smile - I left Cheer with Noble and True, and I'll pick it up later.\n- So I guess we're both going together, since I also left Champ at kindergarten so I could come to the party a little bit.\n- Confident is there, too - said Idealist - Thankfully Noble and True are always ready to take care of our children. But that means they have no social life.\n- That's true, and I feel ashamed for acting like that - Rose said sheepishly - We're always present at parties and events, and they can never come because caring for our cubs.\n- We should help them more often, so they have more time for themselves - Grandiose commented - Besides, it would be a way of repaying all the favors they make toward the cubs. What do you think?\n- That's a great idea - agreed the fennec with a big smile - Today, when I go to get Confidence, I'll talk about it with True. At least it's an excellent excuse for me to spend more time with my daughter.\n- Looking that way, you're right - agreed the pink bear - We would help Noble and True take care of the other cubs, and we could stay close to our own children.\n- For my part, I fully support - Grandiose said - My youngest daughter is only five months old, and I want to spend as much time at her side. After all, I never imagined how good it would be to be a mother!\n- I never imagined how good it would be to be a father - said Egocentric, who was talking to Tricks, Worker and Heavenly - See my daughter grow up, every day discovering new things... All this fills my heart with joy.\n- You can be sure that's the best feeling in the world - Heavenly agreed. \"When I caught Joyful for the first time in my lap, I felt as if my heart skipped through my mouth.\n- I say the same thing about Champ - Worker said thoughtfully, before opening a little smirk - Imagine if one day my son and Cheer fall in love? We would become relatives, Egocentric.\n- Do not you think our kids are too young to talk about dating? - joked Tricks - Besides, maybe Champ would prefer a young female fennec instead of Cheer...\n- We'd better forget about it - said Egocentric - Let's enjoy our kids now that they're little, and leave the rest to the future.\nAll at once, they all heard the sound of glass breaking and turned in that direction. Jim, busy photographing the party, did not notice a waiter passing behind him, and as he walked away stumbled on the bartender, knocking down a bunch of goblets on the floor.\n- Yeah, looks like we'll have a long day... - Heavenly said to himself, laughing softly at that scene as he approached to help his friends.\nAnother one who had seen the scene and now laughed was Trevor, who had two glasses of orange juice in his hands, one of which was for Frank. Quickly he crossed the hall behind his younger brother, finding him leaning against one of the pillars of the building with that absorbed air he often assumed when he thought of something.\n- Are you daydreaming, my brother? - asked the businessman with a smile, handing the juice to Frank.\n- Just thinking - said the other friendishly, with a deep sigh - Have you ever stopped to think that are we both the luckiest guys in the world?\n- Because we are brothers and best friends, we are rich and we live on a paradise island?\n- More than that, because we have the most special friends a man could ever want or deserve.\nTrevor was silent for a few moments, still smiling and nodding.\n- Yes, many times - he said at last - Living together with the bears and cousins is to receive a new lesson of compassion and affection every new day. I remember that Dad always said that he had learned more of feelings with our furry friends than with any self-help book in the world.\n- We're privileged, Trevor - Frank said with a broad smile - Few people have the privilege of living with such special beings. Some might call them aberrations, some angels, and still others could say that bears and cousins are philanthropic. I say they are all this and more, and we will never be able to fully understand them without being in their skins.\n- The different sides of the coin. They are on one side and us on the other, but as long as they can understand both sides, we can’t even understand ours. Otherwise there would be no such wars that occur in Europe and Asia.\n- Perhaps we should try to persuade our friends to speak for peace around the world when the war is over.\n- You know they would never agree to that - Trevor said with a laugh - Though deep down that is their greatest wish, they would say that it is too risky, that no one would listen to them, and that it is better that their existence be known only to the inhabitants of San Martin... These things you already know what they are.\n- It doesn't hurt to try again - said the younger brother - But certainly not today. Let's enjoy the party, I want to sing a song on the stage.\n- \"Somewhere over the Rainbow\"? It's best to let Judy Garland sing...\n- You funny one - Frank concluded, taking a small, friendly punch to his brother's shoulder before they returned to the party.\n*****\nBrad and Ted were euphoric that day. It was the first official presentation of the San Martin Air Force aircrafts, with the pilots training a special display with flights and maneuvers in the air to attract public attention at the Banana Annual Party. Just like his eight squad mates, both had voluntarily enrolled in the formation of the first crew of pilots, with Norman as an instructor and consultant to USAAF to assist them.\nThe two boys had been friends since childhood, and they had always liked planes, arranging any excuse to stay near the island's airports. After insisting with Frank and Trevor, they were hired as apprentices by the San Martin Aviation and reached the positions of co-pilots, which allowed them to stay close to what they liked and learn all the tricks of aircraft maintenance. When the opportunity arose to serve their country as military pilots, they enrolled and were selected for the first class of apprentices.\nAlthough they had never flown in an NA-T6 before the training began, the two considered it an excellent airplane, which matched the fact that half the world's air forces had such models in their inventories for training, light attack and other functions. For all these characteristics, besides the facility of acquiring spare parts, that the T6 had been chosen for the San Martin Air Force.\nAnd the emotion of all those boys was even greater now when they flew in their aircraft already painted with the national insignia of San Martin: dark beige paint, with a white circle on the side and the wings, and inside the circle was an SM entwined in black. It was a source of pride for the young pilots to show off their new arrivals aircrafts to all the islanders, demonstrating that they were now safe in the event of a hypothetical hostile attack.\nAfter the small flyby, and already preparing for the exercises the next day, four aircraft headed for Bearville, two for Heartown and the remaining four, including those of Brad and Ted, for the aerodrome of the San Martin Aviation near the central lake and the village of Kriskun, where Norman would already be waiting for them for instructions.\n*****\n- I'm very happy to see you here - said Kriskun, a young leader of the Carib Indian village, receiving Noble Horse, True Bear, Caretaker Cat, Norman and the pups - \nYour presence is always pleasant.\n- Pleasure is all ours, Kriskun - returned the female bear.\n- We hope the kids have a lot of fun here today - Noble said.\n- Surely that will happen - said the human - My wife will take care of True and the girls, while you and I will take care of the boys.\nThe visit to the village of the Caribs made the young cubs learn to have contact with other forms of culture. Even though San Martin was considered an island with a high degree of development, the village of Kriskun preserved many old customs and traditions, encouraged by the rulers themselves and other residents. So while the boys went with Noble and Kriskun to the lake to fish and collect bananas, True and the girls accompanied Tilia, the village leader's wife, to see the customs of the Carib women.\nCaretaker, knowing that the visit would take a few hours, resolved to take a nap inside the bus. As for Norman, he walked around the airfield thoughtfully and quietly, awaiting the arrival of the young air force pilots.\nBut Norman also had other reasons for wanting to be alone. He felt a tightness in his chest that he could not explain. It was as if something bad was occurring or about to occur. From the night before, he had had that uncomfortable sensation, which every minute grew stronger, almost to the point of suffocating him with sadness and worry.\nSuddenly the sound of airplane engines came to his ears, and looking up he saw four T6s pass over the village of the natives, round the valley, and land without further trouble, maneuvering toward one of the airfield hangars. From the markings on the aircraft, the instructor knew that Brad and Ted were among them, the others being Quincy and Don.\nWhile these two quickly got out of their aircraft and guarded them in the hangar, alongside a San Martin Aviation Fw-200 in maintenance, the other two pilots began to perform a check-up on their T6 on the runway before saw the American approaching them.\n- Look who's there, Ted - Brad joked with a nod, speaking loudly enough for the newcomer to hear as well - Looks like the captain of the Red Squadron came to pay us a visit.\n- Or perhaps spying on our plans to tell our enemies to the simulated combat of tomorrow - added the other pilot with a wink - Remember that he himself said that in a war one can’t trust anyone.\n- Hey! I am your instructor, not a traitor spy - Norman said, laughing - Besides, tomorrow I will not command either your team or your opponent, you will be on your own.\n- I heard Timothy from S.M.A. meteorology say that tomorrow we're likely to have strong winds from the west as there's a high-pressure area approaching the island. I hope this does not disrupt our training...\n- It's just a silly little wind, will not disturb anything - Brad teased again - And we have to be prepared for every situation. Right, Norman?\n- Of course yes, you're fighter pilots and you've been trained to do that - Norman mused thoughtfully - Besides the wind can bring a lot of good or bad things. I just don't know what he'll bring today...\n- You look worried, has anything happened? - Brad questioned.\nThe foreign pilot shrugged and a smile appeared on his face.\n- I just think I'm getting old - he said - When you get old you start thinking more dramatically. Luckily they never get old.\nSaying this, Norman pointed to Noble and True, who came with their hopping cubs toward the planes.\n- Oh no! Let's get crazy like this! - Ted exclaimed.\n- Because? Do not you like children? - Brad asked.\n- They stink, talk too much, cost a lot...\n- Oh, forget it Ted - Norman said with a wink - There's nothing better than working with children. And they are not yours to cost anything...\nAt this the horse and the female bear arrived, both looking at each other as if they were deciding who would speak, and it was the equine who spoke first.\n- How are you guys? - he asked hesitantly - You know ... True and I were wondering if you guys would have time for us and could show the planes to the cubs...\n- They were delighted to see the maneuvers, and they want to know the flying machines - the bear added with an irresistible look - Is there a problem?\n- Of course not, my friends - Norman said - I can see in the glint of the cubs' gaze that they are wanting to see the planes.\n- But is it allowed civilians enter the fighter's cabin? - Ted asked quietly - I thought you said we'd never take passengers...\n- What would a bunch of kids a maximum of three years of age do wrong in the cabin? - Brad replied - And our mission, as airmen, is to introduce the world of aviation to children.\n- Brad's right - Norman agreed with an enthusiastic smile - C'mon! Let's show the planes to the kids.\nTed, despite being tough and not very fond of children, deep down had a soft heart and loved those cubs. They were cute, educated and too fun to be ignored. Anyone in their right mind would not refuse their kisses and hugs. Brad, who adored children, felt completely at ease and explained the incredible feeling of flying and how that aircraft worked, even though the cubs did not understand anything of what he said. Norman, meanwhile, and with the help of Noble and True, would pick up each of the children and put her in the cockpit of the plane, where she could look at everything and even play with the joystick.\nOne of the most enthusiastic was Confidence, who along with friends Love, Guidance and Tender, kept looking around and wanting to explore everything. When Norman pinned a tarp to the wing of the plane and stretched it to the ground, forming a slide, the fennec and her friends were the ones who were most adored to play slip. Even True, who was sometimes demure, gave up that playful impulse, and along with the children, began to play flying, running with arms spread across the floor.\nChildren's happiness was contagious. Even with only inarticulate words and screams, the cubs were happy as they had never been before. Even Grumpy, who was always grumpy, was laughing in the middle of the joke, despite scandal to climb into the cockpit of the plane.\nNoble and True, stopping a little play, watched the children and the three humans interact together. The couple smiled held hands.\n- I love you Noble - said the female bear with tenderness in her eyes - I've never had such a happy day.\n- I love you, too, True - said the horse with the same gesture - And I want to be with you smiling at my side until the end of my days.\nAnd quickly they gave a little kiss in the mouth, feeling a great peace and joy in the heart... They did not imagine that all that was with the minutes counted.\n*****\nKlaus looked at Meyer and then at Dark Heart. His sharp beak and his odious eyes gleamed with the immeasurable satisfaction that soon everything would begin. Looking across the deck of the captaincy ship, he saw each ship around raise the flag of war and the submarines began to submerge.\n- It's time? - asked the colonel.\n- Yes, the time has come - said the eagle with a wicked grin - Give the signal for the men begin the invasion. But remember that I want the bears surrounded in Heartown so that Dark Heart has the pleasure of killing them.\n- Ja, mein Hërr - the officer concluded with a bow, before motioning for the troops to start moving.\nImmediately four barges, with 100 men in each, moved away from the flotilla towards the island, accompanied by a ship loaded with heavy armaments, while two light cruisers gave protection to this group. Also two He-51s with floats were already being prepared to take off.\nThe fleet was not more than five kilometers from the coast, taking advantage of a dense fog that had formed during the dawn. Invisible to those on the island, the surprise attack would be very successful. Even more so with almost all the population gathered in the capital and public services stopped because of the Banana Party.\nSuch a thought made the eagle smile maliciously, at the same time as his gaze followed the attacking boats that drifted toward the island. And it was not only he who was content with the unfolding of the action, but also Dark Heart seemed very excited.\n- You were a real genius in working out this plan, Klaus - declared the evil being at one point - At least this time they will not have any boring humans with makeshift grenades in their hands to get in our way. Shadowmere would certainly be proud of that, if you were not one of them...\n- Shadowmere? Who is he? - the eagle asked curiously.\n- Someone who's been long gone, and for your own good, you better hope not which he come back.\nWith that, Dark Heart turned into a purple lizard and climbed up the ship's wall, to the top of one of the support masts, to take a closer look at the boats advancing toward the island. As for Klaus, he stood in the same place with Meyer as his companion.\n- I thought I had seen it all, but not something like this Dark Heart - the human muttered, watching as the transformed being climbed the walls - Sorry for the indiscretion mein Hërr, but how did you know this evil creature? Certainly not in classified ad in the newspaper...\n- No, mein freund, he came to me one night in a dream - the General replied thoughtfully - He introduced himself as a mortal enemy of bears and cousins, for they are the representatives of a being called Great Wishing Star, that is a type of god of my specie. Dark Heart proposed a pact with me: if I would take the humans out of their way in an attack on San Martin, allowing him to destroy the bears and cousins and thus also weaken the power of the Great Wishing Star, the Reich would win the war and we would perpetuate in power, and no people would be able to resist or rebel. I just needed to say \"I accept the conditions\" when I woke up that everything would be sealed. And that's what I did.\n- It really is a very tempting proposition. And you were not startled when you discovered that he was real, and not just a dream?\n- I must confess that I was a little disturbed in the first moments too, but soon I regained my composure and we began to work together on improving the plan of attack. That's when I introduced him to the Führer.\n- How is it?!? - exclaimed the colonel, with his eyes widening - Did you present this creature to our Führer? And how did he react?\n- Just between us, he thought someone had poisoned his chocolates or lunch had not made digestion - Klaus said with a chuckle - But our Führer also soon understood the possibilities of the plan, especially when Dark Heart swore that our Reich would be invincible after the destruction of bears and cousins. And that's why we're here, now.\n- Wow! This is all incredible, I... I don't even know what to think. It is simply unbelievable.\nKlaus just smiled and shook his head at the reaction of his subordinate, moving away as he thought he had not told half of everything that had happened, but he had his motives to do so. This was part of the eagle's pact with Dark Heart, of never telling anyone else the details of that agreement they both made, especially with regard to the future of the bird. After all, Klaus's mission was not only to persuade the Führer to send that expedition, much less just remove the humans from the island from the Dark Heart path so it could destroy the bears and cousins. It involved also destroying the Great Wishing Star, a task that only the General could accomplish precisely because he was a bear's cousin.\nAt least that was what the evil being had explained to him, while he endowed it with a special symbol on his belly, a blood red heart with the Nazi emblem on top. Using the power of this symbol, Klaus would be able to defeat the Great Wishing Star to finally achieve immortality and full power of the universe, as long as he agreed to keep Dark Heart as his prime minister. This was the last part of the pact between them and could not be revealed to anyone, otherwise the being of light would be able to defend itself.\nBut everything was going well. It was impossible for anything to go wrong right now, lacking so little left for his personal vengeance to materialize and his plans come true... Or was it possible?\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"
The Care Bears
The Confidence Secret
2nd Part
Chapter 15


ATTENTION: This chapter has been marked with adult content because it contains sensitive subjects for some people. Read at your own risk. The author does not support any type of persecution or dictatorial regime.
*****

Rose had always been cheerful and expansive, and it was very difficult to see her sad or disturbed by anything. But that day, it was impossible for her to hide her sadness, since it would be the first time she would leave her son Champ, with nine months old, in Noble and True's daycare. Feeling her throat tight and her eyes moistened, she stared at the baby as he slept soundly in his stroller.
That day would be special. It was the "Banana Party", one of the most important moments for bears and cousins, and that Worker and Rose could not fail to attend. That way they had to resort to the only place they were sure their son would be safe, even though the pink female bear still showed much fear of separating from his cub for the first time in all those months.
- You don't need to worry, I'll take good care of my little cousin, Rose - True said comfortingly - Actually, I don't, but Flower will take good care of him.
- But Flower has other children to take care of, as well as paying attention to her own daughter - Rose said worriedly - Do you think she can handle all this by herself?
- She'll be responsible only for the four babies - Noble Horse said amiably - Besides, you know how she likes to look after children, tell stories, teach new games...
- That's true, she even seems to hypnotize the children with her sweet way of being - agreed Worker - But what about you two, where will they go with the other cubs?
- To the lake next to the village of Kriskun - True Bear explained - It will be an excursion with the other cubs so they can have fun on the beach. Norman and Caretaker will be with us, while Architect and Mother will be here helping to care for the babies.
- So I get calmer, knowing that Flower will have the help of Mother and Architect to care for these cubs - Rose said, handing her son over to True - We'll be back in the afternoon to find you. But don't hesitate to call us in case of emergencies, I'll come back as soon as possible.
- You can stay calm, everything will work out - the horse said with a nod - Good fun for you two at the party. Send our greetings to the others, all right?
- Of course, have fun on the lake too - the couple replied, slowly moving away toward the center of the village.
Noble and True watched the relatives move away, until they closed the door of the house, and the female bear looked at her little cousin in the lap.
- He's not cute, Noble? - she asked.
- To you, all are - replied the horse - What about me? Am I cute?
- Oh, you're jealous? You're my husband, and I love you like I've never loved anyone in my life.
Noble liked what he heard as they entered the main room of the school. There the children were playing while they waited to begin on the excursion. Confidence was among them, playing with a few other small female bears, each with a doll, and the young female fennec had brought her doll, which was his inseparable toy. After all, she had won from her mother.
The little girl watched when Noble and True entered with a baby on their lap, but she did not pay much attention to it, since she was having fun with her friends. She only saw that the couple entered the room where were the youngest babies and which did not play with them. But one of it mattered to her, because was still too young to understand anything.
In the bedroom, there were several cribs, but only three were occupied. Flower was there, singing to the babies, when she saw the friends coming in.
- Can you take care of one more? - True Bear asked with a smile and in a low voice to the older female bear.
- Of course, it's no bother - Flower replied with a smile.
Slowly and gentle, True placed Champ in a crib. Beside him was a six-month-old raccoon named Bright, brother of Internum. In another, was Cheer Bear, the youngest daughter of Egocentric and Grandiose and sister of Love, just under six months old, and in the last crib, a female pig called Treat, five months old.
- Are you sure you can handle the four of us crying at the same time? - True teased.
- Of course I will - Flower said - Besides, Architect and Mother will help me. By the way, they must have arrived...
The noise of engine attracted everyone's attention, and quickly Noble went to the door while Flower continued with the babies and True was arranging the other cubs. Really Caretaker and Architect were arriving, also bringing Norman in a 1940 Chevrolet bus to take the kids.
- What a beauty of a vehicle! - exclaimed the horse as soon as his friends got off the bus - Where did you get it?
- I borrowed it from the village of Victoria, since the vehicles of the capital would be occupied today in transporting guests to the banana party - the cat explained with a wink - In addition, nothing better than an excursion with a group of children to escape the official commitments.
- But you should be at the fair today - said Norman - After all, Noble is the vice president of parliament, and Caretaker will be the future minister of technology.
- I'm not asking for anything, you people saying that - the cat quickly replied - It's also part of the tasks of a parliamentarian to help the population in their day-to-day lives.
- That's why I'm helping True in day care - Noble said with a smirk - And I don't want to know politics any more when my term expires later this year. What about you Norman? Isn’t it the official presentation today of Air Force recruits? You should be there too, because you're the chief instructor.
- I've had to put up with all those guys for the last six months, I deserve a day off - the American pilot joked - Today's just a technical display, and tomorrow's last simulated combat exercise. Their graduation will be next week, and then I'll be forced to attend.
- Hey! Could the three gentlemen help us? - asked Architect in malicious tone, helping True with the children - After all, it is not easy to control this group here.
- There is room for another baby kitten on this bus? - all heard a well-known and lively voice ask that question.
It was Mother Cat, who arrived with her daughter Proud. The cub wore a blue cardigan, diapers and a white cap on his head, while his mother preferred to wear only a pink scarf around her neck. Seeing True, the little girl ran with open arms toward the female bear and hugged him tightly.
- Oh, did you miss me, too? - asked the nanny with a smile - Or are you holding me just because you do not want to miss the ride?
- Ride - the baby kitty replied cheerfully before running to her friends in line, making True laugh of youthful sincerity.
- I'm glad you came to help us, Mother - said the tigress amicably - Are you sure Proud will not miss you during the tour? Maybe you'd better go with them, since Noble and True will need more help than Flower and me.
- It's all right, Proud already knows how to be alone. I think the lack of a present father made her very precocious in her attitudes...
It was no longer a secret to anyone that Mother Cat had quarreled with her companion Sea Cat, after he had missed the picnic in his daughter's school. Until that day the yellow cat had borne all the burden of shame and scandal for living with the sailor and have a daughter without being really married, but now she had put a stop to that situation, having abandoned the orange cat and, along with the kitten, went to live with brother Caretaker and her sister-in-law, because she could not count on the support and love of her parents.
- Honestly, it is not only her who shows a firmness of character after all that has happened - Architect said after a few seconds in silence - You know you can count on me whenever you need to, Mother. After all, it should not be easy to have to take care of a cub almost alone.
-It really isn't, but when you have friends and such a beautiful daughter, you don't need anything else - the yellow female cat replied with a broad satisfied smile before she and the tigress were able to help True with the children boarding the bus.
While the bear, the cat and the tigress organized the cubs in a row, Noble, Norman and Caretaker carried the little ones from the stairs to the seats of the vehicle, adapted for the transport of the babies bears and cousins babies. Each had a special seat, which was fastened to the seat of the bus, in addition to wearing seat belts appropriate for their few ages. And knowing no one would object, Mother placed Proud right behind the driver's seat, and next to Loyal Dog. Only after everyone was in your places, Noble and True gave the latest recommendations to Flower, Architect and Mother.
- Don't forget to feed the babies every three hours, make sure they belch to sleep, see if they have clean diapers, are not choked with a toy and...
- True, we know what to do - Flower interrupted gently - At least Mother and I are mothers.
- But I worry about the younger babies, especially since my little cousin is among them.
- True, what four babies who were not even a year old could do? - the female cat asked with a giggle - You can rest assured that everything will be all right.
- Enjoy the ride, and leave the rest to us - the tigress concluded with a positive signal.
- Okay, you win - True agreed with a grin before getting on the bus - Come on, Caretaker!
The cat gave a slight buzzer before leaving with the vehicle, taking care when driving, heading towards the center of the island while the old female bear and the two female cats returned to day care, certain that it would be a quiet day.
*****
Quickly Incomprehensible put the backpack in the back, buttoned his black jacket and looked for the last time to his room, before heading for the garden. Realizing that no one was watching him, he spread his wings and took flight off with an evil grin on his beak. Finally the time came for revenge!
He had been cherishing that dream for many years, and now he would finally show it to everyone with whom they was stirring, giving vent to his thirst for power. Despite his calm appearance, the eagle felt his pulsating pulse of anxiety, for at last his plans would be put into practice.
But even with all the motives of the world to want revenge of its specie, the bird would not have been able to do anything if it were not for the help of several friends. And all this had begun exactly twenty years earlier when he traveled to Europe to deal with legal matters concerning the inheritance his father left him in Germany. It was 1923, and the city was Munich, when Incomprehensible encountered for the first time a German named Adolf Hitler, then a young leader on the rise in the Bavarian National Socialist Party, who defended ideas of German supremacy before other peoples.
As his family had various ties to Germany, and since the treatment of the allies who had won that country after the Great War seemed not fair, such a speech impressed the eagle favorably, at the same time that Hitler was also impressed by his new follower, not only for its exotic appearance, but for its intelligence and charisma.
After this first contact, Incomprehensible returned to San Martin, while his new friend was arrested after a failed attempt to seize power in the state of Bavaria. Only five years later, the two would meet again, when the bird returned to Europe to deal with other matters and the human already had a strong presence in national politics with his party. Having renewed his friendships, from that point Incomprehensible was no longer called by this name between Hitler's supporters and members of the new Nazi party, but by the name of General Klaus, being the only one who was allowed to speak and do whatever he wanted within the party. Moreover, he was the only one the human consulted and listened to because he believed that the eagle was the best adviser among all. It was in this way that he managed to get the presidency of Germany, invade neighboring countries and believe that the victory of the Aryan race would be possible. In return, he ordered that one of the symbols of his party be an eagle, not only to remember the Roman Empire, but to honor Klaus.
For several years the eagle maintained a double life, between San Martin and Berlin. If in the German capital he had enormous prestige on the part of the Führer, not accounting to anyone for his actions, the same was not the case on the Caribbean island, where he was considered the black sheep of the species and never had his advice heard by Heavenly, who he considered a weak and inept leader. And the more Klaus's prestige grew within the Third Reich, the more he felt despised by the bears and cousins, even going so far as to regard them as a serious threat to Germanic plans.
However, he remained silent for some time, since the Spanish Civil War required all the attention on the part of the Nazi dome. From his office at headquarters, he coordinated the participation of the Condor Legion in that conflict, which served as a training base and preparation for a future war of world conquest. But even if he did not say anything about it, his desire for revenge grew more and more in his heart. All that remained was to find the motives necessary to persuade his peers, and especially Hitler, to carry out an attack on the island.
That did not mean that the bird was doing nothing to put their plans into practice. He was, in large part, the greatest enabler of the Schulz-Kampfhenkel expedition in the Amazon region, whose official objective was to study local flora and fauna, but indirectly also studied the establishment of a Reich colony in the midst of the equatorial forest, with San Martin would be used as a crossing point for troops and settlers. The beginning of the new war in Europe in 1939, Heinrich Himmler's dislike for Klaus and the plans presented, and even the existence of totalitarian South American regimes sympathetic to the Reich, prevented something else from being done for a while.
Not even the change of posture of Brazil and Argentina against the Axis, and the entrance of the United States in the war, favored General Klaus in his project to destroy San Martin. The German defeat at the Battle of Britain and the start of the Barbarossa operation also further complicated the situation, as every man, every pilot, every plane, vessel or tank of war should be spared now. And when Hitler decided that the invasion of Brazil would take place through Senegal, through Römmel's troops, it seemed that everything was over for the bird.
But luck still seemed to be on his side. For some time the eagle felt as if it were being watched in the distance, even thinking that it was paranoid. It was when, one night, in the midst of dreams, an evil, hateful creature appeared to him in the form of a purple cloud, saying that he was a mortal enemy of the bears and cousins and wanted to make a very attractive proposal to the General, who woke up startled. That dream had been too real, and indeed the proposal made by the creature was the most enchanting.
Without pausing to think, Klaus accepted that proposal aloud, as he had been told in his dream, and at the same time that same evil being who had visited him in his dreams came up right in the middle of his room, in front of him, like a purple cloud with two sparkling red eyes, before turning into a half-human, half-elf figure who identified himself as Dark Heart and who was there to seal his mutual aid pact. For a moment the bird was paralyzed by that sight, wondering if it would really be worth it, before feeling his heart stiffen and shake the hand of his new ally.
Since that night, the eagle had kept this secret of everyone he used to life, from San Martin to his personal guard in Germany. Only one person knew the whole truth, and it was precisely Hitler, sought by Klaus and Dark Heart to explain his plans and ask for the help of Füher in that action. In the face of all the promises made by such a powerful ally, and trusting entirely on the words of his friend, nothing remained to the human but to authorize the attack on San Martin.
It took a few months to withdraw men and weapons from the eastern front without arousing suspicion, in addition to assembling the flotilla of attack and leaving for the Atlantic without being detected by the RAF, despite all this already being part of the plans drawn up by the General. Even if that had meant the stoppage of Operation Barbarossa, it would have been worth it if the Reich had conquered a base so close to America. There was only one last thing left for Klaus to do, which was to assume his post as commander of that action.
So his flight was stealthy and anxious that morning. And as soon as he saw the ships, he went to the flagship, where Colonel Meyer, his trusted man, was already. Upon seeing the superior arrive, the human made the Nazi signal to Klaus.
- My dear General, I am glad to see you here - he said, as the eagle landed on the ship and headed for his companion - We are all anxious to take action.
- You can be sure no more than I do - the general replied cordially, putting a Nazi cap on his head and a red band with the swastika on his right feathered arm - At the end of that day, we will have a base to attack the North America, and Make way for the armies of Römmel to invade Brazil via Senegal.
- So what do we expect, mein herr (my boss)?
- There's still someone missing for our group to be complete.
- Same? I would not have imagined such a thing. Who is missing?
And as if responding to the human, Dark Heart emerged like a cloud in the middle of the ship's cabin. Meyer screamed in terror, and he had to hold himself in order not to faint, while the evil creature being laugh at the sight of his reaction. Klaus smiled excitedly.
- Now we are complete - said the bird - Meyer, I want to introduce you to the one who will help us conquer this island and the world. This is Dark Heart.
- PP-Pleasure - stammered the officer - What the hell is he?
- I can be whatever you want - the creature replied, turning into a caterpillar, then into a little bird, then into a rhinoceros, and finally into a nearly perfect copy of Meyer himself, who once again cried out in horror - I can be anything I want.
- Oh my God! Exclaimed the human, out of breath and swallowing dry - You really are a devilish creature!
- The same type as us - Klaus said maliciously - After all, in your religion, murderers and conspirators are not instruments of evil, either? Is not that what we're doing right now? Deep down we are all equal, we want the power and destruction of our enemies.
The human officer had been shocked by all this, but his military training had made him a hard man as well, and after that initial shock he swallowed, casting his feelings on the nettles.
- You're right, General Klaus! - he said with a deep sigh - It is worth everything for the protection and victory of the Reich. Can we start the attack?
- Yes, we can begin - agreed the eagle, staring out the window toward the island, and with a hateful, malicious smile on his lips, feeling pleasure in the pain of others.
*****
- I officially declare open the Annual Bananas Party - Heavenly said into the microphone as the San Martin band began to play excitedly.
The Annual Banana Party was certainly the most important moment and the biggest gathering held by the island's residents. It was not only to celebrate a good year of harvests and business, but also a way to bring everyone together to maintain peace between species. So the importance of that day in the national calendar, being a holiday for all. Meeting in Heartown, the celebration began in the morning and lasted until night, lasting two or three days. And despite the name, not only goodies made of bananas were served, but all sorts of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, pastas or meats, for all tastes.
While the others talked and danced, Jim and Cristian took the opportunity to photograph and film the party. That was how they both approached of Worker, taking a picture of him while savored a candy.
- Hey! What is it? - he complained - Have you become a squad of photography now? I can't even eat in peace...
- Oh, leave it, darling - Rose said, at her side - I know you like to take pictures.
- And nothing is better than an image of our cranky bear trying to get a little sweet - Jim joked - A little blood sugar does well once in a while.
Worker frowned, but then laughed at that.
- You're right, I'm not going to argue with you about it - said the bear - Now, how about a picture with me and my wife together?
Jim took another picture of the hugged couple and walked away. Rose looked at her husband and her eyes brightened with satisfaction.
- You were very nice to them now - she said - I'm proud of you.
- It would be a waste of time arguing with them - Worker said with a faint smile.
- What? - asked Tricks and his wife approaching the couple of friends - Worker not wanting to argue or complain?
- That's why Heavenly said that today's party would be special - joked Idealist with a smile - Worker is not going to make a scene today.
- Now everyone wants to make jokes about me? - the yellow bear asked.
- And since when do not people make jokes about you? - asked the female bear to her husband in a soft, cheerful voice - Do not mind these things, my dear.
The bear smiled and kissed his wife's cheek. It was when everyone saw Heavenly, Egocentric and Grandiose approaching. Rose and Idealist were very excited to see her friend at the party.
- I'm glad you're here! - said the first one cheerfully, giving a hug to the violet female bear - I thought you would not come to the party to take care of your daughter.
- That was my intention, but then I changed my mind - Grandiose explained with a cheerful smile - I left Cheer with Noble and True, and I'll pick it up later.
- So I guess we're both going together, since I also left Champ at kindergarten so I could come to the party a little bit.
- Confident is there, too - said Idealist - Thankfully Noble and True are always ready to take care of our children. But that means they have no social life.
- That's true, and I feel ashamed for acting like that - Rose said sheepishly - We're always present at parties and events, and they can never come because caring for our cubs.
- We should help them more often, so they have more time for themselves - Grandiose commented - Besides, it would be a way of repaying all the favors they make toward the cubs. What do you think?
- That's a great idea - agreed the fennec with a big smile - Today, when I go to get Confidence, I'll talk about it with True. At least it's an excellent excuse for me to spend more time with my daughter.
- Looking that way, you're right - agreed the pink bear - We would help Noble and True take care of the other cubs, and we could stay close to our own children.
- For my part, I fully support - Grandiose said - My youngest daughter is only five months old, and I want to spend as much time at her side. After all, I never imagined how good it would be to be a mother!
- I never imagined how good it would be to be a father - said Egocentric, who was talking to Tricks, Worker and Heavenly - See my daughter grow up, every day discovering new things... All this fills my heart with joy.
- You can be sure that's the best feeling in the world - Heavenly agreed. "When I caught Joyful for the first time in my lap, I felt as if my heart skipped through my mouth.
- I say the same thing about Champ - Worker said thoughtfully, before opening a little smirk - Imagine if one day my son and Cheer fall in love? We would become relatives, Egocentric.
- Do not you think our kids are too young to talk about dating? - joked Tricks - Besides, maybe Champ would prefer a young female fennec instead of Cheer...
- We'd better forget about it - said Egocentric - Let's enjoy our kids now that they're little, and leave the rest to the future.
All at once, they all heard the sound of glass breaking and turned in that direction. Jim, busy photographing the party, did not notice a waiter passing behind him, and as he walked away stumbled on the bartender, knocking down a bunch of goblets on the floor.
- Yeah, looks like we'll have a long day... - Heavenly said to himself, laughing softly at that scene as he approached to help his friends.
Another one who had seen the scene and now laughed was Trevor, who had two glasses of orange juice in his hands, one of which was for Frank. Quickly he crossed the hall behind his younger brother, finding him leaning against one of the pillars of the building with that absorbed air he often assumed when he thought of something.
- Are you daydreaming, my brother? - asked the businessman with a smile, handing the juice to Frank.
- Just thinking - said the other friendishly, with a deep sigh - Have you ever stopped to think that are we both the luckiest guys in the world?
- Because we are brothers and best friends, we are rich and we live on a paradise island?
- More than that, because we have the most special friends a man could ever want or deserve.
Trevor was silent for a few moments, still smiling and nodding.
- Yes, many times - he said at last - Living together with the bears and cousins is to receive a new lesson of compassion and affection every new day. I remember that Dad always said that he had learned more of feelings with our furry friends than with any self-help book in the world.
- We're privileged, Trevor - Frank said with a broad smile - Few people have the privilege of living with such special beings. Some might call them aberrations, some angels, and still others could say that bears and cousins are philanthropic. I say they are all this and more, and we will never be able to fully understand them without being in their skins.
- The different sides of the coin. They are on one side and us on the other, but as long as they can understand both sides, we can’t even understand ours. Otherwise there would be no such wars that occur in Europe and Asia.
- Perhaps we should try to persuade our friends to speak for peace around the world when the war is over.
- You know they would never agree to that - Trevor said with a laugh - Though deep down that is their greatest wish, they would say that it is too risky, that no one would listen to them, and that it is better that their existence be known only to the inhabitants of San Martin... These things you already know what they are.
- It doesn't hurt to try again - said the younger brother - But certainly not today. Let's enjoy the party, I want to sing a song on the stage.
- "Somewhere over the Rainbow"? It's best to let Judy Garland sing...
- You funny one - Frank concluded, taking a small, friendly punch to his brother's shoulder before they returned to the party.
*****
Brad and Ted were euphoric that day. It was the first official presentation of the San Martin Air Force aircrafts, with the pilots training a special display with flights and maneuvers in the air to attract public attention at the Banana Annual Party. Just like his eight squad mates, both had voluntarily enrolled in the formation of the first crew of pilots, with Norman as an instructor and consultant to USAAF to assist them.
The two boys had been friends since childhood, and they had always liked planes, arranging any excuse to stay near the island's airports. After insisting with Frank and Trevor, they were hired as apprentices by the San Martin Aviation and reached the positions of co-pilots, which allowed them to stay close to what they liked and learn all the tricks of aircraft maintenance. When the opportunity arose to serve their country as military pilots, they enrolled and were selected for the first class of apprentices.
Although they had never flown in an NA-T6 before the training began, the two considered it an excellent airplane, which matched the fact that half the world's air forces had such models in their inventories for training, light attack and other functions. For all these characteristics, besides the facility of acquiring spare parts, that the T6 had been chosen for the San Martin Air Force.
And the emotion of all those boys was even greater now when they flew in their aircraft already painted with the national insignia of San Martin: dark beige paint, with a white circle on the side and the wings, and inside the circle was an SM entwined in black. It was a source of pride for the young pilots to show off their new arrivals aircrafts to all the islanders, demonstrating that they were now safe in the event of a hypothetical hostile attack.
After the small flyby, and already preparing for the exercises the next day, four aircraft headed for Bearville, two for Heartown and the remaining four, including those of Brad and Ted, for the aerodrome of the San Martin Aviation near the central lake and the village of Kriskun, where Norman would already be waiting for them for instructions.
*****
- I'm very happy to see you here - said Kriskun, a young leader of the Carib Indian village, receiving Noble Horse, True Bear, Caretaker Cat, Norman and the pups -
Your presence is always pleasant.
- Pleasure is all ours, Kriskun - returned the female bear.
- We hope the kids have a lot of fun here today - Noble said.
- Surely that will happen - said the human - My wife will take care of True and the girls, while you and I will take care of the boys.
The visit to the village of the Caribs made the young cubs learn to have contact with other forms of culture. Even though San Martin was considered an island with a high degree of development, the village of Kriskun preserved many old customs and traditions, encouraged by the rulers themselves and other residents. So while the boys went with Noble and Kriskun to the lake to fish and collect bananas, True and the girls accompanied Tilia, the village leader's wife, to see the customs of the Carib women.
Caretaker, knowing that the visit would take a few hours, resolved to take a nap inside the bus. As for Norman, he walked around the airfield thoughtfully and quietly, awaiting the arrival of the young air force pilots.
But Norman also had other reasons for wanting to be alone. He felt a tightness in his chest that he could not explain. It was as if something bad was occurring or about to occur. From the night before, he had had that uncomfortable sensation, which every minute grew stronger, almost to the point of suffocating him with sadness and worry.
Suddenly the sound of airplane engines came to his ears, and looking up he saw four T6s pass over the village of the natives, round the valley, and land without further trouble, maneuvering toward one of the airfield hangars. From the markings on the aircraft, the instructor knew that Brad and Ted were among them, the others being Quincy and Don.
While these two quickly got out of their aircraft and guarded them in the hangar, alongside a San Martin Aviation Fw-200 in maintenance, the other two pilots began to perform a check-up on their T6 on the runway before saw the American approaching them.
- Look who's there, Ted - Brad joked with a nod, speaking loudly enough for the newcomer to hear as well - Looks like the captain of the Red Squadron came to pay us a visit.
- Or perhaps spying on our plans to tell our enemies to the simulated combat of tomorrow - added the other pilot with a wink - Remember that he himself said that in a war one can’t trust anyone.
- Hey! I am your instructor, not a traitor spy - Norman said, laughing - Besides, tomorrow I will not command either your team or your opponent, you will be on your own.
- I heard Timothy from S.M.A. meteorology say that tomorrow we're likely to have strong winds from the west as there's a high-pressure area approaching the island. I hope this does not disrupt our training...
- It's just a silly little wind, will not disturb anything - Brad teased again - And we have to be prepared for every situation. Right, Norman?
- Of course yes, you're fighter pilots and you've been trained to do that - Norman mused thoughtfully - Besides the wind can bring a lot of good or bad things. I just don't know what he'll bring today...
- You look worried, has anything happened? - Brad questioned.
The foreign pilot shrugged and a smile appeared on his face.
- I just think I'm getting old - he said - When you get old you start thinking more dramatically. Luckily they never get old.
Saying this, Norman pointed to Noble and True, who came with their hopping cubs toward the planes.
- Oh no! Let's get crazy like this! - Ted exclaimed.
- Because? Do not you like children? - Brad asked.
- They stink, talk too much, cost a lot...
- Oh, forget it Ted - Norman said with a wink - There's nothing better than working with children. And they are not yours to cost anything...
At this the horse and the female bear arrived, both looking at each other as if they were deciding who would speak, and it was the equine who spoke first.
- How are you guys? - he asked hesitantly - You know ... True and I were wondering if you guys would have time for us and could show the planes to the cubs...
- They were delighted to see the maneuvers, and they want to know the flying machines - the bear added with an irresistible look - Is there a problem?
- Of course not, my friends - Norman said - I can see in the glint of the cubs' gaze that they are wanting to see the planes.
- But is it allowed civilians enter the fighter's cabin? - Ted asked quietly - I thought you said we'd never take passengers...
- What would a bunch of kids a maximum of three years of age do wrong in the cabin? - Brad replied - And our mission, as airmen, is to introduce the world of aviation to children.
- Brad's right - Norman agreed with an enthusiastic smile - C'mon! Let's show the planes to the kids.
Ted, despite being tough and not very fond of children, deep down had a soft heart and loved those cubs. They were cute, educated and too fun to be ignored. Anyone in their right mind would not refuse their kisses and hugs. Brad, who adored children, felt completely at ease and explained the incredible feeling of flying and how that aircraft worked, even though the cubs did not understand anything of what he said. Norman, meanwhile, and with the help of Noble and True, would pick up each of the children and put her in the cockpit of the plane, where she could look at everything and even play with the joystick.
One of the most enthusiastic was Confidence, who along with friends Love, Guidance and Tender, kept looking around and wanting to explore everything. When Norman pinned a tarp to the wing of the plane and stretched it to the ground, forming a slide, the fennec and her friends were the ones who were most adored to play slip. Even True, who was sometimes demure, gave up that playful impulse, and along with the children, began to play flying, running with arms spread across the floor.
Children's happiness was contagious. Even with only inarticulate words and screams, the cubs were happy as they had never been before. Even Grumpy, who was always grumpy, was laughing in the middle of the joke, despite scandal to climb into the cockpit of the plane.
Noble and True, stopping a little play, watched the children and the three humans interact together. The couple smiled held hands.
- I love you Noble - said the female bear with tenderness in her eyes - I've never had such a happy day.
- I love you, too, True - said the horse with the same gesture - And I want to be with you smiling at my side until the end of my days.
And quickly they gave a little kiss in the mouth, feeling a great peace and joy in the heart... They did not imagine that all that was with the minutes counted.
*****
Klaus looked at Meyer and then at Dark Heart. His sharp beak and his odious eyes gleamed with the immeasurable satisfaction that soon everything would begin. Looking across the deck of the captaincy ship, he saw each ship around raise the flag of war and the submarines began to submerge.
- It's time? - asked the colonel.
- Yes, the time has come - said the eagle with a wicked grin - Give the signal for the men begin the invasion. But remember that I want the bears surrounded in Heartown so that Dark Heart has the pleasure of killing them.
- Ja, mein Hërr - the officer concluded with a bow, before motioning for the troops to start moving.
Immediately four barges, with 100 men in each, moved away from the flotilla towards the island, accompanied by a ship loaded with heavy armaments, while two light cruisers gave protection to this group. Also two He-51s with floats were already being prepared to take off.
The fleet was not more than five kilometers from the coast, taking advantage of a dense fog that had formed during the dawn. Invisible to those on the island, the surprise attack would be very successful. Even more so with almost all the population gathered in the capital and public services stopped because of the Banana Party.
Such a thought made the eagle smile maliciously, at the same time as his gaze followed the attacking boats that drifted toward the island. And it was not only he who was content with the unfolding of the action, but also Dark Heart seemed very excited.
- You were a real genius in working out this plan, Klaus - declared the evil being at one point - At least this time they will not have any boring humans with makeshift grenades in their hands to get in our way. Shadowmere would certainly be proud of that, if you were not one of them...
- Shadowmere? Who is he? - the eagle asked curiously.
- Someone who's been long gone, and for your own good, you better hope not which he come back.
With that, Dark Heart turned into a purple lizard and climbed up the ship's wall, to the top of one of the support masts, to take a closer look at the boats advancing toward the island. As for Klaus, he stood in the same place with Meyer as his companion.
- I thought I had seen it all, but not something like this Dark Heart - the human muttered, watching as the transformed being climbed the walls - Sorry for the indiscretion mein Hërr, but how did you know this evil creature? Certainly not in classified ad in the newspaper...
- No, mein freund, he came to me one night in a dream - the General replied thoughtfully - He introduced himself as a mortal enemy of bears and cousins, for they are the representatives of a being called Great Wishing Star, that is a type of god of my specie. Dark Heart proposed a pact with me: if I would take the humans out of their way in an attack on San Martin, allowing him to destroy the bears and cousins and thus also weaken the power of the Great Wishing Star, the Reich would win the war and we would perpetuate in power, and no people would be able to resist or rebel. I just needed to say "I accept the conditions" when I woke up that everything would be sealed. And that's what I did.
- It really is a very tempting proposition. And you were not startled when you discovered that he was real, and not just a dream?
- I must confess that I was a little disturbed in the first moments too, but soon I regained my composure and we began to work together on improving the plan of attack. That's when I introduced him to the Führer.
- How is it?!? - exclaimed the colonel, with his eyes widening - Did you present this creature to our Führer? And how did he react?
- Just between us, he thought someone had poisoned his chocolates or lunch had not made digestion - Klaus said with a chuckle - But our Führer also soon understood the possibilities of the plan, especially when Dark Heart swore that our Reich would be invincible after the destruction of bears and cousins. And that's why we're here, now.
- Wow! This is all incredible, I... I don't even know what to think. It is simply unbelievable.
Klaus just smiled and shook his head at the reaction of his subordinate, moving away as he thought he had not told half of everything that had happened, but he had his motives to do so. This was part of the eagle's pact with Dark Heart, of never telling anyone else the details of that agreement they both made, especially with regard to the future of the bird. After all, Klaus's mission was not only to persuade the Führer to send that expedition, much less just remove the humans from the island from the Dark Heart path so it could destroy the bears and cousins. It involved also destroying the Great Wishing Star, a task that only the General could accomplish precisely because he was a bear's cousin.
At least that was what the evil being had explained to him, while he endowed it with a special symbol on his belly, a blood red heart with the Nazi emblem on top. Using the power of this symbol, Klaus would be able to defeat the Great Wishing Star to finally achieve immortality and full power of the universe, as long as he agreed to keep Dark Heart as his prime minister. This was the last part of the pact between them and could not be revealed to anyone, otherwise the being of light would be able to defend itself.
But everything was going well. It was impossible for anything to go wrong right now, lacking so little left for his personal vengeance to materialize and his plans come true... Or was it possible?
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