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Read at your own risk. The author does not support any type of persecution or dictatorial regime.\n\nThe Chapter 18 of The Confidence Secret is up! Do not stop commenting.\n\nSurvivors fight for their lives. Some will be abruptly separated, while others will discover secrets they could not even imagine. But Klaus is also starting to have problems with his plan.\n\nATTENTION: 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 18 of The Confidence Secret is up! Do not stop commenting.\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.","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 18 of The Confidence Secret is up! Do not stop commenting.

Survivors fight for their lives. Some will be abruptly separated, while others will discover secrets they could not even imagine. But Klaus is also starting to have problems with his plan.

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 18 of The Confidence Secret is up! Do not stop commenting.

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 18[/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\nIn a matter of minutes the \"Cloud Clipper\" has been transformed into a day-care center, thanks to the commitment of all humans, bears and cousins. From the village of Kriskun came the groceries for several days of travel, including the milk of the cubs. From the small port came the crates that were quickly transformed into comfortable cribs, while from the San Martin Aviation warehouse came the cushions and cloths that became mattresses, pillows and sheets for the little ones. Also a UHF radio equipment, a compass and an astrolabe were included in the luggage.\nTrevor was careful to arrange all this with Noble and Tricks when they saw Sawyer and Jim coming up with those crates they had brought on the bus.\n- What is it? - asked the human with curiosity - There are several groceries here, no more things are needed...\n- This is not groceries here, it's a world of Jim's movies and pictures that insists on saving all that.\n- Of course I insist! - shouted the photographer, close behind - We don't know what will become our future. If we can escape, and when peace comes to reign, it will be through these images that we can reconstruct our history.\n- It's a fair point, even though it puts more weight on the boat - thought the black fox - Maybe it's the only way all these Cubs can meet their parents in the future...\n- Do not say that, it'll all work out - Sawyer argued - Why think of this kind of dismal thing? Surely soon they will be together with their parents again.\n- Only if it is in another spiritual dimension - said the businessman with a sad sigh - If we escape, we will be the only survivors of San Martin.\nAt that moment everyone heard the sound of a vehicle approaching the road, and soon Allan's gray-blue 1940 Ford Sedan came quickly, and barely the car stopped near the port and its owner jumped out, along with Mother, Flower, Architect and the babies.\n- Oh heavens, thanks to Great Wishing Star you guys are fine! - Noble exclaimed as he saw her friends and babies, and ran to hug Flower along with Joyful. Egocentric, Grandiose and Love Bear also rushed to embrace Cheer, while Worker and Rose took Champ on their lap. Caretaker was giving a passionate kiss to his wife and a strong hug to sister Mother, while Proud jumped on his mother's lap cheerfully.\n- We did it for very little - said the older female bear, holding her daughter in her lap with one hand and Noble's shoulder with the other - If Allan had not appeared, perhaps we were not here now.\n- But what about Frank, Edward, and Heavenly? - Trevor asked with concern - They went to Bearville to rescue you.\n- We did not see anybody in the way, only the Nazis were already entering the village... - Allan frowned - Damn, are you telling me that our friends went straight to an ambush?\n- That's what it looks like - Jim mused, gulping - And what can we do now? Shall we go after them?\n- If we do that, we risk being caught too - Trevor said thoughtfully - Frank, Edward and Heavenly are smart, they will not be captured easily. In addition, we have another urgent situation to solve. Can start bringing the cubs to the boat.\nIn order to facilitate shipment, the cubs had been divided into two groups, with True Bear soon approaching with the first, consisting of Bedtime, Happy Birthday, Friend Bear, Secret Bear, Tender Bear, Love-a-Lot, Funshine, Wish, Surprise, Friend Heart, Looter, Brave Lion, Forest Ranger, Gentle Lamb, Cozy Penguin, Goodluck Bear, Grumpy Bear, Daydream, Bear Share, Harmony, Lotsa Elephant, Swift Rabbit, Loyal Dog and Playful Monkey. Also Proud Cat and Joyful Bear were part of this group, but now they were clinging to their mothers and didn't want to leave them because they were afraid. In fact all the little ones were afraid, because although they did not understand for sure what happened, they knew that something was wrong.\n- We'd better help them - Rose said before handing Champ to Grandiose, who was holding Cheer Bear in his arms - Take Champ to the boat with your daughter, please. Worker and I will go with Egocentric.\nThe violet bear agreed, embarking with the two babies in their arms, and Mother soon followed with Treat Pig and Bright Raccoon on her lap, as well as her Proud daughter following her down the tail. Even so, the cubs walked slowly, hesitantly, following True in the pier, and some of them, like Grumpy and Brave Lion, wept as they embarked in the ship.\n- Let's go! Let's go! - Sawyer shouted as Noble and Tricks helped the children to jump into the boat - We don't have all day!\n- I know that, but I can't be angry because the children are scared! - replied the horse.\nInside the boat, True accommodated the cubs in the cribs, with special attention to the four babies, while Grandiose and Mother helping her.\n- There are no cribs for everyone - said the violet bear in a worried tone - Practically every place is already occupied, and there are still several cubs!\n- All we have to do is put the ones that are missing with the little friends - suggested the yellow cat before placing Proud in the same cradle as Loyal, and the two seemed to calm down together - You don't have to worry, my sweetheart, Mama's going to get more cubs and come back here. It's ok?\nThe baby cat nodded, before Mother walked two steps away, stopped and looked at the puppy.\n- And you take care of her, understand? - added the female cat in a friendly tone, and the baby dog shook its head positively - That's better, big boy. I'll be right back.\nAnd giving a kiss on the forehead of her daughter and her little friend, Mother ran to the deck of the ship, to assist Grandiose in the shipment of the second group of cubs, consisting of Love Bear, Confidence Fennec, Anger Fox, Defiant Badger, Crafty Coyote, Snowy Fox, Passion Wolverine, Calm Lynx, Guidance Raccoon, Internum Raccoon, Bold Lioness, Perfect and Polite Panda, while Idealist and Egocentric would guide them. Tricks had run to open the ship's sails while Noble went downstairs to the cabins and took a good look at the wife taking care of the cubs and to the various boxes of movies and photos that Jim had put there.\n- I don't know why we're carrying this bunch of things - said the horse - It will only make weight.\n- Okay, you can take the second group and drop anchors - Sawyer said a little more calmly, standing on the beach - After that, while Flower, Worker, Rose, Caretaker and Architect embark, humans must go to the airfield so that all of us leave as soon as possible of the island.\n- But what about Frank, Heavenly, and Edward? - Allan asked worriedly - We can't leave them here!\n- They'll be there in time - Kriskun said quietly - Not to mention that my people and I can help the three of you after you leave.\n- What do you mean, \"after we leave?\" You come with us!\nThe native smiled gently and shook his head.\n- This is our island, our world, our happiness - he said quietly - If we leave here, we will be unhappy and we will die of sorrow for being far from our world. We'll be fine, nothing will happen to us.\nThe pilot opened his mouth to protest, when a strong wind formed over the valley, and a great purple tornado appeared in the woods causing trees and stones to fly. Out of the whirlwind came two red and evil eyes, while a sinister laugh came from the bowels of that whirlwind, which landed before the bears and cousins on the way to the ship.\n- I finally found you - said a thick, shrill voice, before that creature became a human being, a wizard in a purple robe and hood, whose face was hidden in shadows - Dark Heart will be pleased to know where you are !\n- I thought you were Dark Heart! - cried Caretaker with wide eyes - Who are you then?\n- My name is No Heart, and I'm going to destroy you all now!\nAnd with a ray of intense black energy, he blew up the jetty, making the calm waters of the lake become a veritable maelstrom, full of swirls that caused the Cloud Clipper to move uncontrollably away from the shore. With the impact, Grandiose and Mother got off balance and fell off the boat, while Idealist and Egocentric also fell in the water along with the cubs. Only Flower, Joyful, Worker, Rose, Architect and Caretaker managed to reach the shore safely, but the cat jumped into the water when see the friends being dragged by that current to try to help them.\nAnother one who also jumped intentionally was Tricks, since his wife and his daughter were in that wave.\n- Idealist! Confidence! - he shouted, swimming desperately.\n- On here! Help! - the female fennec replied, managing to hold onto a branch of a fallen tree with one hand and the other holding her daughter and her doll so as not to be carried by the current.\nTricks swam in that direction, trying to reach the tree. With one last impulse he gripped another branch, from which he stepped carefully until he grasped his wife's arm. But now he had to hold on.\n- I will not let you go! - he shouted, trying to drag his wife and daughter to the coast.\nThat's when Confidence let go of his mother's hand and was caught only by the arm of his doll.\n- Mama! - cried the girl in despair.\nIdealist looked back as well as Tricks. They both saw Confidence trying to grip the doll tightly, soaking wet and crying with fear. But she was no longer able to withstand, and a stronger wave of water caused her to let go of the toy and be carried away by the water.\n- Confidence!!! - cried his mother.\n- No!!! - cried his father.\nLess than a second later the little fennec disappeared, as did Egocentric, Grandiose, and the other cubs.\n- Let me go! - shouted Idealist, crying - I need to save her! Leave me! We can’t let her die!...\nHowever, Tricks did not allow his wife to let go. Dragging her down the branches to the shore, he threw her to the ground and hugged her tightly, crying with sadness.\n- Our daughter not! - the female fennec exclaimed in despair - Our little girl not! We must find her! Let me go!\n- We can't do anything! - he said, crying - Please, Idealist, understand. We can't do anything...\nThey both started to cry with anger and sadness. His only daughter had been taken from them forever, so cruelly! At that moment, Tricks saw Caretaker swimming along with his sister Mother, trying to reach the shore. Despite all the pain he felt, the black fox ran to help his friends.\n- Are you all right? - asked the illusionist, removing Mother Cat from the water.\n- Yes, we are - the female cat replied as she coughed the water out of her lungs - If it were not for my brother Caretaker, I could not...\n- I just did my duty, sister - interrupted the tabby cat - Where are the others? Anyone else get out?\nTricks was silent before the tears came back from his eyes. This reaction, and Idealist's vision seated hugging her knees and crying desperately, was enough for the two cats to understand what was happening.\n- Confidence?... - Mother murmured, her lips trembling.\n- We can't... - the fox replied in an almost inaudible tone before taking a deep breath - We have to go back to the quay, it's our only chance we can survive. Besides, I've seen Perfect and Polite stuck in the middle of some rocks on the shore, maybe they're still there. At least they we can try to save...\n- I'm sorry for what happened, my friend - Caretaker said sadly, giving the illusionist a hug before the three of them approached the female fennec.\nIt was when Tricks knelt beside her and held it in his hand, speaking well into her ear.\n- Please, my dear... I don't want to lose you - he said in a choked voice - I could not bear to lose both of you on the same day... She would not want to see you quit, if she could say something, she would ask you not to give up...\n- But I gave it up! - at the first words Idealist said, weeping - I could not have lost her, I could not! I had to have held her with the utmost of my strength!...\n- You did! Please, Idealist! I love you, and Confidence loves you too! I will not abandon you, ever! But please, give a chance for you... For us both!...\nThe female fennec seemed to calm down a little, especially as Mother slowly began massaging her shoulders amiably, saying cheery words, while Caretaker held her other hand to show that she was not alone. Slowly Idealist stood, feeling as if the world were on her shoulders, but finally managing to control her emotions.\n- You're right, she would not want to see me that way - said the fox with a sigh, before picking up his daughter's doll and hugging her tightly - Let's go back to our friends...\nSoon the quartet set off, slowly and hand in hand, feeling their wet bodies froze, as the weather seemed to be cooling. At one point on the shore, they found a torn pink diaper, equal to that Polite Panda used, along with a couple of cubs footprints that went through the woods, but there was no sign of the two panda brothers.\n- May the Great Wishing Star protect them - said Tricks in a discouraged tone, adding as they walked - And we, the others and our daughter too.\n*****\nWith the force of the explosion, everyone on the shore was practically thrown to the ground, and they could do nothing to help friends who fell into the water or to prevent the Cloud Clipper away. However, this first sense of impotence soon gave way to the instinct for fighting, and quickly Jim, Sawyer, and Cristian rushed toward a tow boat nearby moored, to locate the missing in the rough waters and control the sailboat.\nBut No Heart, which after exploding the pier turned into a tornado again, was aware of all the movements, and as soon as he saw the three humans running towards the boat, threw several rays of black energy against them, who had to protect themselves behind the trees.\n- You're not going anywhere! - he declared in a voice of command - No one's going to help the bears and cousins! They are already doomed to die! And I'll start with those five who are here!\nAnd with that he turned in the direction of Flower, Joyful, Worker, Rose and Architect, who trembled with fear as they saw that dreadful being approaching. In the light of a thunderbolt, he turned into a large purple rhinoceros that smoked through the nostrils, then galloped forward in the direction of the five helpless beings, which began to run in different directions.\nNo Heart followed Flower and Joyful to destroy the only cub present before the others. And since he was much faster, stronger, and powerful in that rhino form, he would have reached mother and daughter in an instant if a shot were not fired and did not strike him in the hind paw, making him howl with pain as he falls and becomes the man dressed as a wizard.\nIt had been Allan who had fired that shot, and he now had a pistol aimed at the sorcerer. Norman had also taken a revolver out of his jacket, while Brad, Ted, Don, and others on the airfield approached attracted by the shot' sound.\n- You may be powerful, but you are mortal! - Allan said dryly - That's why you better get out of here before we fill it with lead!\n- So you think a simple revolver can kill me? - cried No Heart, rising to his feet at the same time as his wound magically healed - It takes much more than that. I want to see if you resist my powers.\n- You'll have to get me first! - and the pilot started firing again, forcing the wizard to throw himself face down on the ground before turning once again into a tornado to chase after him.\nAllan jumped into his car and dashed off the road, firing his last two shots to catch the attention of his powerful enemy, who threw rays and fireballs into the vehicle as he pursued him. And that was what the pilot wanted, to give his friends the chance to escape.\nReally Cristian, Sawyer, Jim, Trevor, and Worker ran toward the tug boat, but only the first three boarded while the other two helped loosen the moorings. While Cristian and Sawyer were taking care of the boiler, Jim picked up the boarding and ran to the helm, from where he threw a paper sack for Trevor.\n- What is it? - asked the businessman as he unwrapped the object and saw that it was a roll of motion pictures - What am I supposed to do with it?\n- Give it to Frank, he'll know what to do - said the photographer, before pulling the tow boat off the shore, taking advantage of the current between the lake and the sea, when his eyes fixed on a point on the shore and he motioned for Trevor and Worker also look in that direction.\nThe two soon saw Tricks, Idealist, Caretaker and Mother slowly approaching by the shore, and ran to help them. The four of them were in their clothes and wet hair, feeling cold, and the female fennec continued to cry for the loss of Confidence. Just as Trevor and Worker approached, she fell to the ground in a new crisis of despair.\n- What happened? - asked the human in a concerned tone - Are you all right? Are you injured? Where are the others?\n- We didn't find them - the cat said ruefully, before he saw the tug boat pass by the river - Where are they going?\n- Behind the Cloud Clipper and our friends - explained the bear, helping Tricks raise Idealist, and soon understood, by the wet doll which the fennec had in her hand, the motive of her friend's weeping - Maybe they can locate Egocentric, Grandiose and the cubs that fell in the water...\n- That's right, maybe they can - the black fox agreed, trying to sound optimistic - Did you hear that, dear? We still have a chance to find our daughter! Just believe!\nIdealist just looked at her husband making a gigantic effort to control himself. Deep in her heart, she wanted to believe his words, but when she remembered how Confidence had disappeared into the water, she had no hopes of seeing her daughter again.\nAt that moment everyone heard a loud explosion coming from the direction of the hills that surrounded the valley, and in a matter of seconds a black cloud rose above the trees, just in the direction where Allan had fled with his car. Everyone was paralyzed, especially when they saw No Heart pull away in its tornado shape, with a triumphant laughter of victory.\n- Allan... - Trevor muttered as he realized that his friend had been caught.\n*****\nFrank and Edward looked at Heavenly as the bear stood there, silent, seeming to be the only one who knew what was going on around. His serious expression and the last words he had uttered further reinforced this impression, especially in the face of the sudden blizzard that had begun to fall moments before.\nEven Klaus and his men seemed stunned by the situation, looking up at the sky and stretching their hands to collect snowflakes, as if wanting to make sure it was snowing on a tropical island. The fear and concern that something was wrong were visible on their faces, especially on the eagle, which seemed dazed.\n- So that was the plan… - Heavenly murmured again, his gaze lost on the horizon.\n- Frankly, I don't know what you're talking about, but maybe it's our chance to get away - Frank said quickly - If we run to the back of the house while they are disorganized, they will not catch us.\n- You're right, we have to seize the moment - Edward agreed, checking his rifle - They're disorganized and it'll be easier to get past the lookouts. What worries me is this crazy blizzard.\n- We don't have to worry about it, it was a provision for our escape - said the bear quietly - Still, we'd better run before Klaus, as he calls himself, recovers from your surprise.\nThe three of them headed for the back of the house, where the kitchen was, and Edward and Heavenly soon jumped through a window and crawled through the garden to a point they considered safe while Frank gave them cover. But before he also jumped out the window, the businessman broke the valve of cooking gas, only to join his friends and go as far as they could.\nOn the other hand, Klaus soon recovered from the surprise caused by that inexplicable blizzard.\n- If you think a simple phenomenon of nature will stop me, you're mistaken - he shouted to his men as well as to the trio he still thought was in the house - Now listen well, Frank, Heavenly, and Edward. I'll count to three, and if you do not get out of there, my men will machine-gun the house. One! Two! Three!\nAnd at a signal from Fitzgerald, the soldiers began firing. It was when the house simply exploded in a fireball, throwing them all back as a strong smell of cooking gas reached them in the nostrils. The bird was the first to get up, stunned and staring at the resulting fire.\n- Oh mein Gott! - Fitzgerald exclaimed at his side, also getting up - But what happened, anyway? Did they explode with the house?\n- Of course not, they left before! - shouted the General angrily - Have the men scoured everything! Quick, we can't let them escape!\nQuickly the soldiers spread around the burning house looking for signs of the fugitives. And even Klaus began his own quest as he took off and started circling the sky, aware of any movement on the ground. It was when he noticed the two humans and the white bear crawling through the thickets, only a few hundred yards away, and he smiled wickedly as he shrank his great wings and plunged silently toward his enemies.\nFrank, Edward, and Heavenly tried to get as far away from Bearville as possible without attracting the attention of the Germans. They knew that they would surely be killed if they had to face Klaus's men in the open, and so every step they took towards the valley would leave them more secure. Suddenly the snarl of a raptor reached their ears, and they only had time to see the silhouette of Klaus plunging swiftly and attacking the President of Parliament, throwing him to the ground with the impact and digging his claws into the back of the victim.\nThe white bear bellowed in pain as Klaus tried to take off again, his prey hanging from his muscles. But Heavenly was able to punch the eagle's legs, so that the bird fell to the ground writhing in pain, and let him fall.\n- Seine elende Hurensohn! (You miserable son of a bitch!) - shouted the General as he moaned, standing up and staring at Heavenly, not caring about Frank or Edward - You'll see who you're messing with now! Hate Stare!!!\nAnd tearing his shirt, he revealed his belly, where there was a strange drawing of a heart with a swastika. But even stranger was when a black ray of light emerged from that emblem and flew toward the bear, who immediately also tore his clothes and also revealed a drawing on his belly, a kind of crystal falling star, and which released a powerful ray white when its owner shouted:\n- Stare!!! - Heavenly countered, being that the two rays found themselves provoking flames and swirls of air.\nInitially it seemed that Klaus, besides having the advantage, was more powerful than Heavenly, however gradually the bear was reclaiming space, with great physical effort that was translated in the sweat that flowed by its forehead, the closed wrists and teeth grinding. Suddenly he stretched out his hands and threw a great ball of magical light against the bird, which was thrown into the air and fell to the ground banging his head on a tree trunk, fainting at the same time. On the other side, too, his opponent would fall, exhausted and out of breath, until Frank and Edward helped him.\nThe two humans were gawking at what had just happened. The scene had been so fast they could not even move, they just watched Klaus's attack and that fight with magic light rays, something they had never seen before, just like that kind of tattoo that Heavenly had on his belly. At that, both were more than curious.\n- Wow! That was the most incredible thing I've ever seen! - Edward said with wide eyes - How did you manage to create that ray of light with that tattoo? And why Incomprehensible has another equal?\n- It sounds like witchcraft - Frank pondered with some hesitation - This has to do with the fact that you and Dark Heart seem to know each other from other times?\n- In a way, yes, there is something - said the bear, catching his breath and standing up - This is my Guardian of Caring symbol. In the past, everyone in my species had an individual symbol in belly, but now...\nHeavenly stopped and looked thoughtfully at her two human friends.\n- Come with me, there's something I need to show you - he said quietly, plunging into the woods and followed by Frank and Edward, who wondered what all this meant.\nAs for Klaus, he slowly regained consciousness, but it was only when Fitzgerald and a few other soldiers spotted him lying on the ground that the bird actually opened its eyes and stood up feeling a great headache.\n- Mein Hërr, you all right? - asked the colonel worriedly - What happened to you? And what is that picture in your belly?\n- It's none of your business whatsoever - said the bird, quickly covering his chest - Where are Heavenly, Frank, and Edward? They were here right now...\n- Looks like they got away. You were knocked out on the floor. Should we pursue the pursuit?\n- Of course yes! They can’t escape! Order your men to do a search around the village. And try to locate Major Meyer and his men, I want to know how the troopers land on the beach.\n- Ja mein Hërr - agreed the colonel, hurrying away to give orders, while Klaus massaged his aching head and gave a deep, despondent sigh. Things were not going the way he had imagined.\n*****\nTrevor paced up and down with his head bowed and expression worried, as he watched his friends silently. All the survivors gathered in the hangars of the San Martin Aviation, and while Flower and Architect assisted Tricks, Idealist, Caretaker and Mother to dry themselves, Joana and Rose distracted Andrews, Joyful, and three other human children telling stories, while the others rushed to prepare the planes for flight.\n- All right, this one's ready, too - Brad said as he jumped from the wing of a Ju-52 and addressed his friends - It's a shame the Fw-200 had problems with engine number three, otherwise everyone could get away with it.\n- Fortunately, we still have other planes available - Norman said, scratching his chin - Ted is completing the DC-3 tank, and Don is finishing visual inspection in Electra. Let's start embarking passengers.\nNot to mention Kriskun and the Caribs, there were 34 survivors gathered there, four of whom were airport employees, a farmer with his wife and two children, a railway guard, among others, who quickly began to board the aircraft. However, the bears and cousins were hesitant, apart from the fact that Trevor, Joana, and Andrews refused to embark.\n- Let's go guys; we don’t have all day! - exclaimed Norman as he saw his friends standing there - There are still seven places left. Don, could you run the plane?\n- Of course, but I need a copilot. Can Brad or Ted Help Me?\n- No way, we'll escort them with our T-6 - started the first - Trevor is also a pilot, he can give you a hand.\n- I'd rather stay and wait for Frank - the businessman said quietly - He'll need help to fly another plane. In addition, Worker Bear knows how to fly.\n- Do you know? - Don asked, looking at the bear.\n- No, I... I mean... - the mechanic stammered, his eyes widening - All right, Frank let me fly the planes a few times and explained the use of the instruments.\n- This is enough. Come with me.\nWorker just rolled his eyes before following Don, while Rose also embarked along with Caretaker and Architect. Mother was also heading for the plane when Flower called her.\n- Could you do me a favor, Mother? - asked the bear kindly - Can you care for Joyful for me?\n- WW-What do you mean, care of Joyful? - asked the yellow cat, her eyes widening - Are you thinking of staying here?\n- At least until Heavenly returns. I'm on the next plane, along with Trevor and Frank, but I'll be more at ease knowing my daughter will be safe with someone I trust fully. Not to mention that Rose and Architect will help you too. Can you do me this favor?\nMother swallowed, fearing for her friend's life, but she could not refuse such request and tried to catch Joyful on her lap. However, the little bear started crying and screaming, kicking herself until she could let go of the cat's arms and run back to her mother, hiding behind her.\n- It seems you're not the only one who's determined to stay - Mother said with a smile, looking at the baby bear - Don't you want to come with me, young lady?\nJoyful gave a negative signal and clutched her mother even more, begging with her eyes not to let her. Flower felt her heart split between forcing her daughter to run away or keep her by her side.\n- Please, my dear, do not force me to do this - her mother murmured, her eyes watering, and trying to push her daughter into Mother's arms - I only want your good, go with Aunt Mother.\nVigorously, the baby bear shook her head and frowned. She did not want to be separated from her mother. That's when the cat put her hand on her friend's shoulder and smiled amiably.\n- Don't force her, she knows what she wants - said the cat before giving the bear a tight hug - See you soon, Flower.\nThe female bear said nothing, just hugged Mother with tears in her eyes before she saw her board the plane. That was when she felt Joyful's hand holding her hand, and she looked at her daughter with a broad smile on her lips as she held her in her arms.\nAlso Tricks and Idealist embarked after finally the black fox persuades the wife that it would not do any good for them to stay there. But it was clear to the illusionist that fennec's heart would forever be attached to the island, and that she might never recover from the loss of Confidence. As the two of them sat down in their armchairs, his wife began to cry again, and he quickly embraced her gently.\n- I know... I know... - he murmured as tears ran down his face as well - Don't blame yourself, dear... It was not your fault... Cry all you need, I'll be by your side always to hug you and comfort you...\nThe female fennec looked up and kissed her husband as he squeezed the daughter's doll in her chest to try to ease the pain he felt. But it would take a long time for that wound to heal, if it ever would.\nThere was still a vacant seat on the plane, and Joana soon took the seat, making Andrews sit on his lap. The boy had a worried, thoughtful look as he looked out the window.\n- Mom, are we going to see Dad again? - he asked in a low voice - Is everything okay with him?\n- Of course it's okay with him - the mother said, trying to sound as confident as she could - Dad went to help the other bears and cousins, and we'll meet him later in the United States.\n- You promise we'll even meet?\n- Yes I promise. Everything will work out - and she hugged her son gently.\nAt this moment, Don and Worker would finish the last checks before starting the engines. Also Brad and Ted also were starting the engines of their T6, as they would escort the Ju-52 for some time to ensure that no enemy aircraft would pester them. Quickly the three planes taxied the track, with the two combat aircraft taking off first, followed by German trimotor.\nAs the three aircrafts circled the valley sky to gain altitude, Kriskun, Tília, Norman, and Trevor watched intently.\n- Well, you still have one more chance - said the American pilot to the Carib couple - If you want to leave the island...\n- We appreciate the opportunity, Norman, but we will stay - Kriskun said amicably -We don't fear Klaus or anyone else who tries to harm us. The island will protect us.\n- Besides, someone needs to stay to take care of San Martin until you come back - Tilia added with a smile - No pain lasts forever, at the right time it will end.\n- Wise words... - Trevor agreed thoughtfully as the planes vanished from sight in the clouds.\n*****\nNoble Horse could not do much for the friends who fell into the water after the attack of No Heart, since he himself was thrown to the ground and only with much difficulty managed to return until the wheel of the helm, straining itself to the maximum to control the Cloud Clipper in the furious waters that dragged him to the sea. Several times the sailboat was about to hit the rocks and to sink, or even to sink in the waves that swallowed almost totally.\nTrue Bear was also having problems, helping the cubs to keep them from falling out of the cribs or preventing water invading the cabins. She quickly closed all the doors and hatchways, only realizing that, except for Noble and the cubs, there was no longer anyone on board, and that the lives of the little ones depended only on her and the husband.\nWith a stronger bump, the female bear fell on the floor, knocking over a small box with some toys, like a little star and a little heart. She tried to get up, only to fall again. The boat had finally reached the sea, having been caught by a whirlwind and spinning like a top. Dragging upstairs, True managed to reach the deck, where he saw Noble struggling with all his might to turn the rudder and take the sailboat out of that trap.\n- Help me! - he shouted desperately to his wife, who ran to her horse and started pulling the wheel on the rudder.\nAnd the combined effort of both, along with a stronger sea wave, caused the Cloud Clipper to move away from the edge of the whirlpool. Leaving True for a few moments at the helm, Noble released the sails and maneuvered the sailboat so that it would move away from the island. Fortunately, the light lines and constant breeze made the boat navigate fast, facing the rough sea and crossing the waves safely, until a few minutes later the sky cleared and the waters calmed down, showing them that they were coming out of the storm.\nIndeed, looking back, they saw that a kind of hurricane had formed around San Martin, but that the surrounding sea and the coastal islets gleamed beneath a beautiful winter sun.\n- I think we escaped - True said with a deep sigh, smiling at her husband - Are you okay?\n- Just tired and wet, but nothing that a little sun does not solve - Noble said quietly, but with a sad look - What about our friends? What happened to them? What will happen to us and the cubs?\nFor this, the bear had no answers, just lowered her head and gave a deep hug to the husband, before returning to the cabins to see if everything was fine with his little companions.\nAs she descended the stairs again, True saw Proud Cat and Loyal playing together in the crib, the kitten holding a small pink heart in her hands and the little dog holding a five-pointed little star. The bear grinned at the two cubs before she began to put the toys back in the box she took down over a few minutes earlier, while she thought about the future of those children away from their parents. So focused was she that she did not even notice when the little star and the little heart came alive and jumped from the hands of Proud and Loyal, going to hide inside the box of toys.\nMeanwhile, Noble continued to control the helm, also thinking about what had happened to his friends and wondering how True and he could handle so many orphaned cubs together. He knew that some, like Champ, Cheer, and Proud, still had a living father and mother and would soon be reunited, but the others were alone in the world, so perhaps he and his wife should adopt them.\nSuddenly the horse heard an insistent sound of a whistle, and as he turned, he noticed a small tug boat coming directly toward the sailboat. Picking up the telescope, the equine glanced toward the approaching boat and let out a cry of joy, which made True quickly turn back worried to the deck, but soon she understood what was going on, especially seeing the figures of Cristian, Sawyer, and Jim in the tug boat.\n- Hi, board! - shouted the photographer, waving a hand excitedly - Are you all right? Do you need any help?\n- Jim! Sawyer, Cristian! - exclaimed the horse cheerfully - I have never felt more pleasure in to see someone known.\n- We're fine, thank you - the bear added with a broad smile - What about our friends? What happened to them?\n- It seems like most of them have managed to leave the island, too - Cristian explained quickly - Don warned me on the radio that my family is on the plane and they are going to Miami. At least that's good news, in the midst of so many tragedies. Now get these ropes, we'll tow them!\nSawyer and Cristian threw two very sturdy ropes toward the sailboat, and Noble and True quickly picked them up and tied them to the towing points, lowering the sails, and letting the small tugboat take the Cloud Clipper faster away from the island, which seemed more and more engulfed by the black storm clouds.\n- Let's get out of here - the horse muttered, hugging his wife as the boats moved away into quieter, safer waters.\nThe only thing they did not know was that they had been detected by enemy radars because of the radio sets on the sailboat and the tugboat. And that such information was quickly retransmitted to the landing force on the island.\n*****\nThings were not going the way Klaus expected. That storm had prevented his flotilla from landing on the island, and a barge with 100 soldiers had been shipwrecked near Port Spain without survivors. The landing of airplanes, cannons, ammunition, and supplies was also hampered, and the snow prevented the moving of few vehicles already landed.\nHaving full control of San Martin was not only vital to the future of that operation, but it was also the guarantee that no bear or cousin could escape. However, the blizzard had prevented the front squads from advancing through the central valley where the Caribs lived and where the fugitives had certainly gone, including Frank, Edward, and Heavenly, of whom he more than ever he wanted to take revenge.\nDressed in his military coat, Klaus pressed himself against the cold as he awaited news. That was when Fitzgerald approached the General with a note in his hands and a concerned expression.\n- Mein Hërr, news - began the lieutenant - Force H had to return to Heartown because of the storm, and group D informs that the lubricating oils froze. Colonel Meyer reports that the convoy with supplies could not enter the port and two barges sank in the port. And the radar group reports that they have detected some aircraft and hostile vessels leaving the island.\n- Verdammt! Scheiße! - cried the bird angrily - Everything is going wrong! What more needs to happen now?\n- That's what we're going to find out - an angry voice said, and at the same time Dark Heart appeared in its cloud format, before turning to a human with elf features -How's it going, Klaus? Strange this snowstorm?\n- Of course, it has never snowed before here! - Klaus said with an air of a few friends - That was not foreseen in our plans!\n- But perhaps I can help you to understand what is happening - said the evil being slowly, before casting a bloodthirsty glance at the General - Have not you revealed our later plans for some of the bears?\nKlaus looked away and swallowed, silent. Dark Heart looked more and more annoyed beneath that calm expression he'd assumed, and only stared at the bird more firmly before turning to Fitzgerald.\n- What was the last thing he said before the snowstorm started? - the creature screamed, demanding an answer from the lieutenant.\n- If I'm not mistaken, he was telling Frank Heartown, Edward Gresgon and Heavenly Bear that you gave him enough power to destroy until the Great Wishing Star, and soon after the storm began - the officer said with some fear.\nDark Heart only closed his eyes with a disgusted expression as Klaus gritted his teeth and snarled to Fitzgerald.\n- I'll settle my bills with you after, you bastard... - said the bird with a deadly look.\n- The only bastard have here is you, Incomprehensible Eagle! - cried Dark Heart, thrusting his finger into the bird's face - You could not have said anything to anyone, remember? This had to be kept secret, no one could know of his special power! But did you open your huge beak and let the Great Wishing Star take over this situation, or do you think this storm is just a common phenomenon of the nut nature of this stupid planet?!? You ass! I missed the best chance of all to destroy the bears and cousins, and because of you!\nAnd turning into a cloud again, the evil one moved away, but eyes still on Klaus and continuing his angry speech.\n- There's nothing left to do now! Our agreement is broken, and it's your entire fault. Have it well in consciousness, Incomprehensible! You're the only one responsible for everything that happens from now on with your men, your Reich and your little friend Hitler. If you had kept your part in the deal, you would have defeated all your enemies, but now forget that. You're on your own, and I'm going to finish what I started a long time ago! Bye!\nWith those last words, Dark Heart disappeared, and only the howling of the cold wind and falling snow reached the frightened ears of Klaus and his soldiers. For a long time they stood there, staring at each other, not knowing what to do, until witch the bird ran for radio equipment.\n- Group A! Group A, this is General Klaus - he shouted at the top of his lungs - Immediately send all the available aircraft behind the boats and planes detected by the flotilla. They must be destroyed without delay!\n- But mein Hërr, we have only two Me-109 ready... - began the operator's voice on the other side.\n- Don't argue with me! Send these planes soon, if you do not want to be frozen here forever!\nAnd the General tossed away the radio equipment, sitting up and stifling his head with his hands, as if stunned.\n- Sorry if I said more than I should, mein Hërr - Fitzgerald said worriedly - I could not imagine what would happen...\n- Okay, it's not your fault. Deep in the background Dark Heart already knew what I had done - declared the bird - Now we need to solve this. If our planes destroy the fugitives, including the remaining bears and cousins, maybe we can re-establish our partnership. Otherwise...\nKlaus did not finish his speech, only stood there staring into the snow, while the lieutenant felt a chill as he imagined what would happen to them.\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"
The Care Bears
The Confidence Secret
2nd Part
Chapter 18


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.
*****

In a matter of minutes the "Cloud Clipper" has been transformed into a day-care center, thanks to the commitment of all humans, bears and cousins. From the village of Kriskun came the groceries for several days of travel, including the milk of the cubs. From the small port came the crates that were quickly transformed into comfortable cribs, while from the San Martin Aviation warehouse came the cushions and cloths that became mattresses, pillows and sheets for the little ones. Also a UHF radio equipment, a compass and an astrolabe were included in the luggage.
Trevor was careful to arrange all this with Noble and Tricks when they saw Sawyer and Jim coming up with those crates they had brought on the bus.
- What is it? - asked the human with curiosity - There are several groceries here, no more things are needed...
- This is not groceries here, it's a world of Jim's movies and pictures that insists on saving all that.
- Of course I insist! - shouted the photographer, close behind - We don't know what will become our future. If we can escape, and when peace comes to reign, it will be through these images that we can reconstruct our history.
- It's a fair point, even though it puts more weight on the boat - thought the black fox -  Maybe it's the only way all these Cubs can meet their parents in the future...
- Do not say that, it'll all work out - Sawyer argued - Why think of this kind of dismal thing? Surely soon they will be together with their parents again.
- Only if it is in another spiritual dimension - said the businessman with a sad sigh - If we escape, we will be the only survivors of San Martin.
At that moment everyone heard the sound of a vehicle approaching the road, and soon Allan's gray-blue 1940 Ford Sedan came quickly, and barely the car stopped near the port and its owner jumped out, along with Mother, Flower, Architect and the babies.
- Oh heavens, thanks to Great Wishing Star you guys are fine! - Noble exclaimed as he saw her friends and babies, and ran to hug Flower along with Joyful. Egocentric, Grandiose and Love Bear also rushed to embrace Cheer, while Worker and Rose took Champ on their lap. Caretaker was giving a passionate kiss to his wife and a strong hug to sister Mother, while Proud jumped on his mother's lap cheerfully.
- We did it for very little - said the older female bear, holding her daughter in her lap with one hand and Noble's shoulder with the other - If Allan had not appeared, perhaps we were not here now.
- But what about Frank, Edward, and Heavenly? - Trevor asked with concern - They went to Bearville to rescue you.
- We did not see anybody in the way, only the Nazis were already entering the village... - Allan frowned - Damn, are you telling me that our friends went straight to an ambush?
- That's what it looks like - Jim mused, gulping - And what can we do now? Shall we go after them?
- If we do that, we risk being caught too - Trevor said thoughtfully - Frank, Edward and Heavenly are smart, they will not be captured easily. In addition, we have another urgent situation to solve. Can start bringing the cubs to the boat.
In order to facilitate shipment, the cubs had been divided into two groups, with True Bear soon approaching with the first, consisting of Bedtime, Happy Birthday, Friend Bear, Secret Bear, Tender Bear, Love-a-Lot, Funshine, Wish, Surprise, Friend Heart, Looter, Brave Lion, Forest Ranger, Gentle Lamb, Cozy Penguin, Goodluck Bear, Grumpy Bear, Daydream, Bear Share, Harmony, Lotsa Elephant, Swift Rabbit, Loyal Dog and Playful Monkey. Also Proud Cat and Joyful Bear were part of this group, but now they were clinging to their mothers and didn't want to leave them because they were afraid. In fact all the little ones were afraid, because although they did not understand for sure what happened, they knew that something was wrong.
- We'd better help them - Rose said before handing Champ to Grandiose, who was holding Cheer Bear in his arms - Take Champ to the boat with your daughter, please. Worker and I will go with Egocentric.
The violet bear agreed, embarking with the two babies in their arms, and Mother soon followed with Treat Pig and Bright Raccoon on her lap, as well as her Proud daughter following her down the tail. Even so, the cubs walked slowly, hesitantly, following True in the pier, and some of them, like Grumpy and Brave Lion, wept as they embarked in the ship.
- Let's go! Let's go! - Sawyer shouted as Noble and Tricks helped the children to jump into the boat - We don't have all day!
- I know that, but I can't be angry because the children are scared! - replied the horse.
Inside the boat, True accommodated the cubs in the cribs, with special attention to the four babies, while Grandiose and Mother helping her.
- There are no cribs for everyone - said the violet bear in a worried tone - Practically every place is already occupied, and there are still several cubs!
- All we have to do is put the ones that are missing with the little friends - suggested the yellow cat before placing Proud in the same cradle as Loyal, and the two seemed to calm down together - You don't have to worry, my sweetheart, Mama's going to get more cubs and come back here. It's ok?
The baby cat nodded, before Mother walked two steps away, stopped and looked at the puppy.
- And you take care of her, understand? - added the female cat in a friendly tone, and the baby dog shook its head positively - That's better, big boy. I'll be right back.
And giving a kiss on the forehead of her daughter and her little friend, Mother ran to the deck of the ship, to assist Grandiose in the shipment of the second group of cubs, consisting of Love Bear, Confidence Fennec, Anger Fox, Defiant Badger, Crafty Coyote, Snowy Fox, Passion Wolverine, Calm Lynx, Guidance Raccoon, Internum Raccoon, Bold Lioness, Perfect and Polite Panda, while Idealist and Egocentric would guide them. Tricks had run to open the ship's sails while Noble went downstairs to the cabins and took a good look at the wife taking care of the cubs and to the various boxes of movies and photos that Jim had put there.
- I don't know why we're carrying this bunch of things - said the horse - It will only make weight.
- Okay, you can take the second group and drop anchors - Sawyer said a little more calmly, standing on the beach - After that, while Flower, Worker, Rose, Caretaker and Architect embark, humans must go to the airfield so that all of us leave as soon as possible of the island.
- But what about Frank, Heavenly, and Edward? - Allan asked worriedly - We can't leave them here!
- They'll be there in time - Kriskun said quietly - Not to mention that my people and I can help the three of you after you leave.
- What do you mean, "after we leave?" You come with us!
The native smiled gently and shook his head.
- This is our island, our world, our happiness - he said quietly - If we leave here, we will be unhappy and we will die of sorrow for being far from our world. We'll be fine, nothing will happen to us.
The pilot opened his mouth to protest, when a strong wind formed over the valley, and a great purple tornado appeared in the woods causing trees and stones to fly. Out of the whirlwind came two red and evil eyes, while a sinister laugh came from the bowels of that whirlwind, which landed before the bears and cousins on the way to the ship.
- I finally found you - said a thick, shrill voice, before that creature became a human being, a wizard in a purple robe and hood, whose face was hidden in shadows - Dark Heart will be pleased to know where you are !
- I thought you were Dark Heart! - cried Caretaker with wide eyes - Who are you then?
- My name is No Heart, and I'm going to destroy you all now!
And with a ray of intense black energy, he blew up the jetty, making the calm waters of the lake become a veritable maelstrom, full of swirls that caused the Cloud Clipper to move uncontrollably away from the shore. With the impact, Grandiose and Mother got off balance and fell off the boat, while Idealist and Egocentric also fell in the water along with the cubs. Only Flower, Joyful, Worker, Rose, Architect and Caretaker managed to reach the shore safely, but the cat jumped into the water when see the friends being dragged by that current to try to help them.
Another one who also jumped intentionally was Tricks, since his wife and his daughter were in that wave.
- Idealist! Confidence! - he shouted, swimming desperately.
- On here! Help! - the female fennec replied, managing to hold onto a branch of a fallen tree with one hand and the other holding her daughter and her doll so as not to be carried by the current.
Tricks swam in that direction, trying to reach the tree. With one last impulse he gripped another branch, from which he stepped carefully until he grasped his wife's arm. But now he had to hold on.
- I will not let you go! - he shouted, trying to drag his wife and daughter to the coast.
That's when Confidence let go of his mother's hand and was caught only by the arm of his doll.
- Mama! - cried the girl in despair.
Idealist looked back as well as Tricks. They both saw Confidence trying to grip the doll tightly, soaking wet and crying with fear. But she was no longer able to withstand, and a stronger wave of water caused her to let go of the toy and be carried away by the water.
- Confidence!!! - cried his mother.
- No!!! - cried his father.
Less than a second later the little fennec disappeared, as did Egocentric, Grandiose, and the other cubs.
- Let me go! - shouted Idealist, crying - I need to save her! Leave me! We can’t let her die!...
However, Tricks did not allow his wife to let go. Dragging her down the branches to the shore, he threw her to the ground and hugged her tightly, crying with sadness.
- Our daughter not! - the female fennec exclaimed in despair - Our little girl not! We must find her! Let me go!
- We can't do anything! - he said, crying - Please, Idealist, understand. We can't do anything...
They both started to cry with anger and sadness. His only daughter had been taken from them forever, so cruelly! At that moment, Tricks saw Caretaker swimming along with his sister Mother, trying to reach the shore. Despite all the pain he felt, the black fox ran to help his friends.
- Are you all right? - asked the illusionist, removing Mother Cat from the water.
- Yes, we are - the female cat replied as she coughed the water out of her lungs - If it were not for my brother Caretaker, I could not...
- I just did my duty, sister - interrupted the tabby cat - Where are the others? Anyone else get out?
Tricks was silent before the tears came back from his eyes. This reaction, and Idealist's vision seated hugging her knees and crying desperately, was enough for the two cats to understand what was happening.
- Confidence?... - Mother murmured, her lips trembling.
- We can't... - the fox replied in an almost inaudible tone before taking a deep breath - We have to go back to the quay, it's our only chance we can survive. Besides, I've seen Perfect and Polite stuck in the middle of some rocks on the shore, maybe they're still there. At least they we can try to save...
- I'm sorry for what happened, my friend - Caretaker said sadly, giving the illusionist a hug before the three of them approached the female fennec.
It was when Tricks knelt beside her and held it in his hand, speaking well into her ear.
- Please, my dear... I don't want to lose you - he said in a choked voice - I could not bear to lose both of you on the same day... She would not want to see you quit, if she could say something, she would ask you not to give up...
- But I gave it up! - at the first words Idealist said, weeping - I could not have lost her, I could not! I had to have held her with the utmost of my strength!...
- You did! Please, Idealist! I love you, and Confidence loves you too! I will not abandon you, ever! But please, give a chance for you... For us both!...
The female fennec seemed to calm down a little, especially as Mother slowly began massaging her shoulders amiably, saying cheery words, while Caretaker held her other hand to show that she was not alone. Slowly Idealist stood, feeling as if the world were on her shoulders, but finally managing to control her emotions.
- You're right, she would not want to see me that way - said the fox with a sigh, before picking up his daughter's doll and hugging her tightly - Let's go back to our friends...
Soon the quartet set off, slowly and hand in hand, feeling their wet bodies froze, as the weather seemed to be cooling. At one point on the shore, they found a torn pink diaper, equal to that Polite Panda used, along with a couple of cubs footprints that went through the woods, but there was no sign of the two panda brothers.
- May the Great Wishing Star protect them - said Tricks in a discouraged tone, adding as they walked - And we, the others and our daughter too.
*****
With the force of the explosion, everyone on the shore was practically thrown to the ground, and they could do nothing to help friends who fell into the water or to prevent the Cloud Clipper away. However, this first sense of impotence soon gave way to the instinct for fighting, and quickly Jim, Sawyer, and Cristian rushed toward a tow boat nearby moored, to locate the missing in the rough waters and control the sailboat.
But No Heart, which after exploding the pier turned into a tornado again, was aware of all the movements, and as soon as he saw the three humans running towards the boat, threw several rays of black energy against them, who had to protect themselves behind the trees.
- You're not going anywhere! - he declared in a voice of command - No one's going to help the bears and cousins! They are already doomed to die! And I'll start with those five who are here!
And with that he turned in the direction of Flower, Joyful, Worker, Rose and Architect, who trembled with fear as they saw that dreadful being approaching. In the light of a thunderbolt, he turned into a large purple rhinoceros that smoked through the nostrils, then galloped forward in the direction of the five helpless beings, which began to run in different directions.
No Heart followed Flower and Joyful to destroy the only cub present before the others. And since he was much faster, stronger, and powerful in that rhino form, he would have reached mother and daughter in an instant if a shot were not fired and did not strike him in the hind paw, making him howl with pain as he falls and becomes the man dressed as a wizard.
It had been Allan who had fired that shot, and he now had a pistol aimed at the sorcerer. Norman had also taken a revolver out of his jacket, while Brad, Ted, Don, and others on the airfield approached attracted by the shot' sound.
- You may be powerful, but you are mortal! - Allan said dryly - That's why you better get out of here before we fill it with lead!
- So you think a simple revolver can kill me? - cried No Heart, rising to his feet at the same time as his wound magically healed - It takes much more than that. I want to see if you resist my powers.
- You'll have to get me first! - and the pilot started firing again, forcing the wizard to throw himself face down on the ground before turning once again into a tornado to chase after him.
Allan jumped into his car and dashed off the road, firing his last two shots to catch the attention of his powerful enemy, who threw rays and fireballs into the vehicle as he pursued him. And that was what the pilot wanted, to give his friends the chance to escape.
Really Cristian, Sawyer, Jim, Trevor, and Worker ran toward the tug boat, but only the first three boarded while the other two helped loosen the moorings. While Cristian and Sawyer were taking care of the boiler, Jim picked up the boarding and ran to the helm, from where he threw a paper sack for Trevor.
- What is it? - asked the businessman as he unwrapped the object and saw that it was a roll of motion pictures - What am I supposed to do with it?
- Give it to Frank, he'll know what to do - said the photographer, before pulling the tow boat off the shore, taking advantage of the current between the lake and the sea, when his eyes fixed on a point on the shore and he motioned for Trevor and Worker also look in that direction.
The two soon saw Tricks, Idealist, Caretaker and Mother slowly approaching by the shore, and ran to help them. The four of them were in their clothes and wet hair, feeling cold, and the female fennec continued to cry for the loss of Confidence. Just as Trevor and Worker approached, she fell to the ground in a new crisis of despair.
- What happened? - asked the human in a concerned tone - Are you all right? Are you injured? Where are the others?
- We didn't find them - the cat said ruefully, before he saw the tug boat pass by the river - Where are they going?
- Behind the Cloud Clipper and our friends - explained the bear, helping Tricks raise Idealist, and soon understood, by the wet doll which the fennec had in her hand, the motive of her friend's weeping - Maybe they can locate Egocentric, Grandiose and the cubs that fell in the water...
- That's right, maybe they can - the black fox agreed, trying to sound optimistic - Did you hear that, dear? We still have a chance to find our daughter! Just believe!
Idealist just looked at her husband making a gigantic effort to control himself. Deep in her heart, she wanted to believe his words, but when she remembered how Confidence had disappeared into the water, she had no hopes of seeing her daughter again.
At that moment everyone heard a loud explosion coming from the direction of the hills that surrounded the valley, and in a matter of seconds a black cloud rose above the trees, just in the direction where Allan had fled with his car. Everyone was paralyzed, especially when they saw No Heart pull away in its tornado shape, with a triumphant laughter of victory.
- Allan... - Trevor muttered as he realized that his friend had been caught.
*****
Frank and Edward looked at Heavenly as the bear stood there, silent, seeming to be the only one who knew what was going on around. His serious expression and the last words he had uttered further reinforced this impression, especially in the face of the sudden blizzard that had begun to fall moments before.
Even Klaus and his men seemed stunned by the situation, looking up at the sky and stretching their hands to collect snowflakes, as if wanting to make sure it was snowing on a tropical island. The fear and concern that something was wrong were visible on their faces, especially on the eagle, which seemed dazed.
- So that was the plan… - Heavenly murmured again, his gaze lost on the horizon.
- Frankly, I don't know what you're talking about, but maybe it's our chance to get away - Frank said quickly - If we run to the back of the house while they are disorganized, they will not catch us.
- You're right, we have to seize the moment - Edward agreed, checking his rifle - They're disorganized and it'll be easier to get past the lookouts. What worries me is this crazy blizzard.
- We don't have to worry about it, it was a provision for our escape - said the bear quietly - Still, we'd better run before Klaus, as he calls himself, recovers from your surprise.
The three of them headed for the back of the house, where the kitchen was, and Edward and Heavenly soon jumped through a window and crawled through the garden to a point they considered safe while Frank gave them cover. But before he also jumped out the window, the businessman broke the valve of cooking gas, only to join his friends and go as far as they could.
On the other hand, Klaus soon recovered from the surprise caused by that inexplicable blizzard.
- If you think a simple phenomenon of nature will stop me, you're mistaken - he shouted to his men as well as to the trio he still thought was in the house - Now listen well, Frank, Heavenly, and Edward. I'll count to three, and if you do not get out of there, my men will machine-gun the house. One! Two! Three!
And at a signal from Fitzgerald, the soldiers began firing. It was when the house simply exploded in a fireball, throwing them all back as a strong smell of cooking gas reached them in the nostrils. The bird was the first to get up, stunned and staring at the resulting fire.
- Oh mein Gott! - Fitzgerald exclaimed at his side, also getting up - But what happened, anyway? Did they explode with the house?
- Of course not, they left before! - shouted the General angrily - Have the men scoured everything! Quick, we can't let them escape!
Quickly the soldiers spread around the burning house looking for signs of the fugitives. And even Klaus began his own quest as he took off and started circling the sky, aware of any movement on the ground. It was when he noticed the two humans and the white bear crawling through the thickets, only a few hundred yards away, and he smiled wickedly as he shrank his great wings and plunged silently toward his enemies.
Frank, Edward, and Heavenly tried to get as far away from Bearville as possible without attracting the attention of the Germans. They knew that they would surely be killed if they had to face Klaus's men in the open, and so every step they took towards the valley would leave them more secure. Suddenly the snarl of a raptor reached their ears, and they only had time to see the silhouette of Klaus plunging swiftly and attacking the President of Parliament, throwing him to the ground with the impact and digging his claws into the back of the victim.
The white bear bellowed in pain as Klaus tried to take off again, his prey hanging from his muscles. But Heavenly was able to punch the eagle's legs, so that the bird fell to the ground writhing in pain, and let him fall.
- Seine elende Hurensohn! (You miserable son of a bitch!) - shouted the General as he moaned, standing up and staring at Heavenly, not caring about Frank or Edward - You'll see who you're messing with now! Hate Stare!!!
And tearing his shirt, he revealed his belly, where there was a strange drawing of a heart with a swastika. But even stranger was when a black ray of light emerged from that emblem and flew toward the bear, who immediately also tore his clothes and also revealed a drawing on his belly, a kind of crystal falling star, and which released a powerful ray white when its owner shouted:
- Stare!!! - Heavenly countered, being that the two rays found themselves provoking flames and swirls of air.
Initially it seemed that Klaus, besides having the advantage, was more powerful than Heavenly, however gradually the bear was reclaiming space, with great physical effort that was translated in the sweat that flowed by its forehead, the closed wrists and teeth grinding. Suddenly he stretched out his hands and threw a great ball of magical light against the bird, which was thrown into the air and fell to the ground banging his head on a tree trunk, fainting at the same time. On the other side, too, his opponent would fall, exhausted and out of breath, until Frank and Edward helped him.
The two humans were gawking at what had just happened. The scene had been so fast they could not even move, they just watched Klaus's attack and that fight with magic light rays, something they had never seen before, just like that kind of tattoo that Heavenly had on his belly. At that, both were more than curious.
- Wow! That was the most incredible thing I've ever seen! - Edward said with wide eyes - How did you manage to create that ray of light with that tattoo? And why Incomprehensible has another equal?
- It sounds like witchcraft - Frank pondered with some hesitation - This has to do with the fact that you and Dark Heart seem to know each other from other times?
- In a way, yes, there is something - said the bear, catching his breath and standing up - This is my Guardian of Caring symbol. In the past, everyone in my species had an individual symbol in belly, but now...
Heavenly stopped and looked thoughtfully at her two human friends.
- Come with me, there's something I need to show you - he said quietly, plunging into the woods and followed by Frank and Edward, who wondered what all this meant.
As for Klaus, he slowly regained consciousness, but it was only when Fitzgerald and a few other soldiers spotted him lying on the ground that the bird actually opened its eyes and stood up feeling a great headache.
- Mein Hërr, you all right? - asked the colonel worriedly - What happened to you? And what is that picture in your belly?
- It's none of your business whatsoever - said the bird, quickly covering his chest - Where are Heavenly, Frank, and Edward? They were here right now...
- Looks like they got away. You were knocked out on the floor. Should we pursue the pursuit?
- Of course yes! They can’t escape! Order your men to do a search around the village. And try to locate Major Meyer and his men, I want to know how the troopers land on the beach.
- Ja mein Hërr - agreed the colonel, hurrying away to give orders, while Klaus massaged his aching head and gave a deep, despondent sigh. Things were not going the way he had imagined.
*****
Trevor paced up and down with his head bowed and expression worried, as he watched his friends silently. All the survivors gathered in the hangars of the San Martin Aviation, and while Flower and Architect assisted Tricks, Idealist, Caretaker and Mother to dry themselves, Joana and Rose distracted Andrews, Joyful, and three other human children telling stories, while the others rushed to prepare the planes for flight.
- All right, this one's ready, too - Brad said as he jumped from the wing of a Ju-52 and addressed his friends - It's a shame the Fw-200 had problems with engine number three, otherwise everyone could get away with it.
- Fortunately, we still have other planes available - Norman said, scratching his chin - Ted is completing the DC-3 tank, and Don is finishing visual inspection in Electra. Let's start embarking passengers.
Not to mention Kriskun and the Caribs, there were 34 survivors gathered there, four of whom were airport employees, a farmer with his wife and two children, a railway guard, among others, who quickly began to board the aircraft. However, the bears and cousins were hesitant, apart from the fact that Trevor, Joana, and Andrews refused to embark.
- Let's go guys; we don’t have all day! - exclaimed Norman as he saw his friends standing there - There are still seven places left. Don, could you run the plane?
- Of course, but I need a copilot. Can Brad or Ted Help Me?
- No way, we'll escort them with our T-6 - started the first - Trevor is also a pilot, he can give you a hand.
- I'd rather stay and wait for Frank - the businessman said quietly - He'll need help to fly another plane. In addition, Worker Bear knows how to fly.
- Do you know? - Don asked, looking at the bear.
- No, I... I mean... - the mechanic stammered, his eyes widening - All right, Frank let me fly the planes a few times and explained the use of the instruments.
- This is enough. Come with me.
Worker just rolled his eyes before following Don, while Rose also embarked along with Caretaker and Architect. Mother was also heading for the plane when Flower called her.
- Could you do me a favor, Mother? - asked the bear kindly - Can you care for Joyful for me?
- WW-What do you mean, care of Joyful? - asked the yellow cat, her eyes widening - Are you thinking of staying here?
- At least until Heavenly returns. I'm on the next plane, along with Trevor and Frank, but I'll be more at ease knowing my daughter will be safe with someone I trust fully. Not to mention that Rose and Architect will help you too. Can you do me this favor?
Mother swallowed, fearing for her friend's life, but she could not refuse such request and tried to catch Joyful on her lap. However, the little bear started crying and screaming, kicking herself until she could let go of the cat's arms and run back to her mother, hiding behind her.
- It seems you're not the only one who's determined to stay - Mother said with a smile, looking at the baby bear - Don't you want to come with me, young lady?
Joyful gave a negative signal and clutched her mother even more, begging with her eyes not to let her. Flower felt her heart split between forcing her daughter to run away or keep her by her side.
- Please, my dear, do not force me to do this - her mother murmured, her eyes watering, and trying to push her daughter into Mother's arms - I only want your good, go with Aunt Mother.
Vigorously, the baby bear shook her head and frowned. She did not want to be separated from her mother. That's when the cat put her hand on her friend's shoulder and smiled amiably.
- Don't force her, she knows what she wants - said the cat before giving the bear a tight hug - See you soon, Flower.
The female bear said nothing, just hugged Mother with tears in her eyes before she saw her board the plane. That was when she felt Joyful's hand holding her hand, and she looked at her daughter with a broad smile on her lips as she held her in her arms.
Also Tricks and Idealist embarked after finally the black fox persuades the wife that it would not do any good for them to stay there. But it was clear to the illusionist that fennec's heart would forever be attached to the island, and that she might never recover from the loss of Confidence. As the two of them sat down in their armchairs, his wife began to cry again, and he quickly embraced her gently.
- I know... I know... - he murmured as tears ran down his face as well - Don't blame yourself, dear... It was not your fault... Cry all you need, I'll be by your side always to hug you and comfort you...
The female fennec looked up and kissed her husband as he squeezed the daughter's doll in her chest to try to ease the pain he felt. But it would take a long time for that wound to heal, if it ever would.
There was still a vacant seat on the plane, and Joana soon took the seat, making Andrews sit on his lap. The boy had a worried, thoughtful look as he looked out the window.
- Mom, are we going to see Dad again? - he asked in a low voice - Is everything okay with him?
- Of course it's okay with him - the mother said, trying to sound as confident as she could - Dad went to help the other bears and cousins, and we'll meet him later in the United States.
- You promise we'll even meet?
- Yes I promise. Everything will work out - and she hugged her son gently.
At this moment, Don and Worker would finish the last checks before starting the engines. Also Brad and Ted also were starting the engines of their T6, as they would escort the Ju-52 for some time to ensure that no enemy aircraft would pester them. Quickly the three planes taxied the track, with the two combat aircraft taking off first, followed by German trimotor.
As the three aircrafts circled the valley sky to gain altitude, Kriskun, Tília, Norman, and Trevor watched intently.
- Well, you still have one more chance - said the American pilot to the Carib couple - If you want to leave the island...
- We appreciate the opportunity, Norman, but we will stay - Kriskun said amicably -We don't fear Klaus or anyone else who tries to harm us. The island will protect us.
- Besides, someone needs to stay to take care of San Martin until you come back - Tilia added with a smile - No pain lasts forever, at the right time it will end.
- Wise words... - Trevor agreed thoughtfully as the planes vanished from sight in the clouds.
*****
Noble Horse could not do much for the friends who fell into the water after the attack of No Heart, since he himself was thrown to the ground and only with much difficulty managed to return until the wheel of the helm, straining itself to the maximum to control the Cloud Clipper in the furious waters that dragged him to the sea. Several times the sailboat was about to hit the rocks and to sink, or even to sink in the waves that swallowed almost totally.
True Bear was also having problems, helping the cubs to keep them from falling out of the cribs or preventing water invading the cabins. She quickly closed all the doors and hatchways, only realizing that, except for Noble and the cubs, there was no longer anyone on board, and that the lives of the little ones depended only on her and the husband.
With a stronger bump, the female bear fell on the floor, knocking over a small box with some toys, like a little star and a little heart. She tried to get up, only to fall again. The boat had finally reached the sea, having been caught by a whirlwind and spinning like a top. Dragging upstairs, True managed to reach the deck, where he saw Noble struggling with all his might to turn the rudder and take the sailboat out of that trap.
- Help me! - he shouted desperately to his wife, who ran to her horse and started pulling the wheel on the rudder.
And the combined effort of both, along with a stronger sea wave, caused the Cloud Clipper to move away from the edge of the whirlpool. Leaving True for a few moments at the helm, Noble released the sails and maneuvered the sailboat so that it would move away from the island. Fortunately, the light lines and constant breeze made the boat navigate fast, facing the rough sea and crossing the waves safely, until a few minutes later the sky cleared and the waters calmed down, showing them that they were coming out of the storm.
Indeed, looking back, they saw that a kind of hurricane had formed around San Martin, but that the surrounding sea and the coastal islets gleamed beneath a beautiful winter sun.
- I think we escaped - True said with a deep sigh, smiling at her husband - Are you okay?
- Just tired and wet, but nothing that a little sun does not solve - Noble said quietly, but with a sad look - What about our friends? What happened to them? What will happen to us and the cubs?
For this, the bear had no answers, just lowered her head and gave a deep hug to the husband, before returning to the cabins to see if everything was fine with his little companions.
As she descended the stairs again, True saw Proud Cat and Loyal playing together in the crib, the kitten holding a small pink heart in her hands and the little dog holding a five-pointed little star. The bear grinned at the two cubs before she began to put the toys back in the box she took down over a few minutes earlier, while she thought about the future of those children away from their parents. So focused was she that she did not even notice when the little star and the little heart came alive and jumped from the hands of Proud and Loyal, going to hide inside the box of toys.
Meanwhile, Noble continued to control the helm, also thinking about what had happened to his friends and wondering how True and he could handle so many orphaned cubs together. He knew that some, like Champ, Cheer, and Proud, still had a living father and mother and would soon be reunited, but the others were alone in the world, so perhaps he and his wife should adopt them.
Suddenly the horse heard an insistent sound of a whistle, and as he turned, he noticed a small tug boat coming directly toward the sailboat. Picking up the telescope, the equine glanced toward the approaching boat and let out a cry of joy, which made True quickly turn back worried to the deck, but soon she understood what was going on, especially seeing the figures of Cristian, Sawyer, and Jim in the tug boat.
- Hi, board! - shouted the photographer, waving a hand excitedly - Are you all right? Do you need any help?
- Jim! Sawyer, Cristian! - exclaimed the horse cheerfully - I have never felt more pleasure in to see someone known.
- We're fine, thank you - the bear added with a broad smile - What about our friends? What happened to them?
- It seems like most of them have managed to leave the island, too - Cristian explained quickly - Don warned me on the radio that my family is on the plane and they are going to Miami. At least that's good news, in the midst of so many tragedies. Now get these ropes, we'll tow them!
Sawyer and Cristian threw two very sturdy ropes toward the sailboat, and Noble and True quickly picked them up and tied them to the towing points, lowering the sails, and letting the small tugboat take the Cloud Clipper faster away from the island, which seemed more and more engulfed by the black storm clouds.
- Let's get out of here - the horse muttered, hugging his wife as the boats moved away into quieter, safer waters.
The only thing they did not know was that they had been detected by enemy radars because of the radio sets on the sailboat and the tugboat. And that such information was quickly retransmitted to the landing force on the island.
*****
Things were not going the way Klaus expected. That storm had prevented his flotilla from landing on the island, and a barge with 100 soldiers had been shipwrecked near Port Spain without survivors. The landing of airplanes, cannons, ammunition, and supplies was also hampered, and the snow prevented the moving of few vehicles already landed.
Having full control of San Martin was not only vital to the future of that operation, but it was also the guarantee that no bear or cousin could escape. However, the blizzard had prevented the front squads from advancing through the central valley where the Caribs lived and where the fugitives had certainly gone, including Frank, Edward, and Heavenly, of whom he more than ever he wanted to take revenge.
Dressed in his military coat, Klaus pressed himself against the cold as he awaited news. That was when Fitzgerald approached the General with a note in his hands and a concerned expression.
- Mein Hërr, news - began the lieutenant - Force H had to return to Heartown because of the storm, and group D informs that the lubricating oils froze. Colonel Meyer reports that the convoy with supplies could not enter the port and two barges sank in the port. And the radar group reports that they have detected some aircraft and hostile vessels leaving the island.
- Verdammt! Scheiße! - cried the bird angrily - Everything is going wrong! What more needs to happen now?
- That's what we're going to find out - an angry voice said, and at the same time Dark Heart appeared in its cloud format, before turning to a human with elf features -How's it going, Klaus? Strange this snowstorm?
- Of course, it has never snowed before here! - Klaus said with an air of a few friends - That was not foreseen in our plans!
- But perhaps I can help you to understand what is happening - said the evil being slowly, before casting a bloodthirsty glance at the General - Have not you revealed our later plans for some of the bears?
Klaus looked away and swallowed, silent. Dark Heart looked more and more annoyed beneath that calm expression he'd assumed, and only stared at the bird more firmly before turning to Fitzgerald.
- What was the last thing he said before the snowstorm started? - the creature screamed, demanding an answer from the lieutenant.
- If I'm not mistaken, he was telling Frank Heartown, Edward Gresgon and Heavenly Bear that you gave him enough power to destroy until the Great Wishing Star, and soon after the storm began - the officer said with some fear.
Dark Heart only closed his eyes with a disgusted expression as Klaus gritted his teeth and snarled to Fitzgerald.
- I'll settle my bills with you after, you bastard... - said the bird with a deadly look.
- The only bastard have here is you, Incomprehensible Eagle! - cried Dark Heart, thrusting his finger into the bird's face - You could not have said anything to anyone, remember? This had to be kept secret, no one could know of his special power! But did you open your huge beak and let the Great Wishing Star take over this situation, or do you think this storm is just a common phenomenon of the nut nature of this stupid planet?!? You ass! I missed the best chance of all to destroy the bears and cousins, and because of you!
And turning into a cloud again, the evil one moved away, but eyes still on Klaus and continuing his angry speech.
- There's nothing left to do now! Our agreement is broken, and it's your entire fault. Have it well in consciousness, Incomprehensible! You're the only one responsible for everything that happens from now on with your men, your Reich and your little friend Hitler. If you had kept your part in the deal, you would have defeated all your enemies, but now forget that. You're on your own, and I'm going to finish what I started a long time ago! Bye!
With those last words, Dark Heart disappeared, and only the howling of the cold wind and falling snow reached the frightened ears of Klaus and his soldiers. For a long time they stood there, staring at each other, not knowing what to do, until witch the bird ran for radio equipment.
- Group A! Group A, this is General Klaus - he shouted at the top of his lungs - Immediately send all the available aircraft behind the boats and planes detected by the flotilla. They must be destroyed without delay!
- But mein Hërr, we have only two Me-109 ready... - began the operator's voice on the other side.
- Don't argue with me! Send these planes soon, if you do not want to be frozen here forever!
And the General tossed away the radio equipment, sitting up and stifling his head with his hands, as if stunned.
- Sorry if I said more than I should, mein Hërr - Fitzgerald said worriedly - I could not imagine what would happen...
- Okay, it's not your fault. Deep in the background Dark Heart already knew what I had done - declared the bird - Now we need to solve this. If our planes destroy the fugitives, including the remaining bears and cousins, maybe we can re-establish our partnership. Otherwise...
Klaus did not finish his speech, only stood there staring into the snow, while the lieutenant felt a chill as he imagined what would happen to them.
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