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The Confidence Secret","description":"","count":"42","submission_left_submission_id":"1961489","submission_left_file_name":"2828366_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2828/2828366_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2828/2828366_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_noncustom.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2828/2828366_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_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","submission_right_submission_id":"1961545","submission_right_file_name":"2828448_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2828/2828448_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2828/2828448_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_noncustom.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2828/2828448_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_noncustom.jpg","submission_right_thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"120","submission_right_thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"103","submission_right_thumb_large_noncustom_x":"200","submission_right_thumb_large_noncustom_y":"172","submission_right_thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"300","submission_right_thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"259"}],"description":"[b]ATTENTION:[/b] This chapter contains scenes or subjects that may be disturbing to some people. Read at your own risk.\n\nThe Care Bear Family begins to exist, and as Nobleheart and Trueheart prepare the cubs for their future missions, Frank and the other survivors rebuild their lives. But the enemies are still lurking.\n\nThe theme song for Looter Heart and Joyful Bear is \"There is a Kind of Hush\", sung by The Carpenters. Link for the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CX83EQA8dc\n\nThis story is the official continuation of @aquabear and @SeaHeartCat work, and contains characters from other authors. A complete list can be obtained at https://inkbunny.net/j/366917-jcriver-introduction\n\nGood reading. ;)","description_bbcode_parsed":"ATTENTION: This chapter contains scenes or subjects that may be disturbing to some people. Read at your own risk.

The Care Bear Family begins to exist, and as Nobleheart and Trueheart prepare the cubs for their future missions, Frank and the other survivors rebuild their lives. But the enemies are still lurking.

The theme song for Looter Heart and Joyful Bear is "There is a Kind of Hush", sung by The Carpenters. Link for the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CX83EQA8dc

This story is the official continuation of \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
work, and contains characters from other authors. A complete list can be obtained at https://inkbunny.net/j/366917-jcriver-introduction

Good reading. ;)","writing":"[b][center]The Care Bears\nThe Confidence Secret\n2nd Part\nChapter 20[/center][/b]\n\n[b]ATTENTION:[/b] This chapter contains scenes or subjects that may be disturbing to some people. Read at your own risk.\n*****\n\nMaybe one day Noble Horse and True Bear could explain what they were going through or feeling at that moment. It was something out of the ordinary. They just knew they were in a tunnel of light, and that the boat floated in the skies, heading toward the stars. The storm had stopped, and the feeling of peace, love, and union was more alive than anything. There was no place for fear in that tunnel.\nThe couple said nothing, just looked at each other with a smile on their face and an expression of curiosity. As the Cloud Clipper advanced in that rainbow-lit tunnel, it slowly turned into a real cloud boat with a smiling star-stail candle and a tall golden mast. Wanting to make sure he was not delirious, Noble pressed the bulwark and felt the soft texture of the cloud, just like a pillow but at the same time as sturdy as steel. At the same time, True brought the cubs to the deck, and the little ones were excited about what they saw.\nSuddenly the sailboat stopped in midair, and a strong light appeared before them. Gradually the figure of a big smiling star was outlining. No one would need to present to Noble and True who that patriarchal and loving figure was. It could not be other than the Great Wishing Star himself. A deep, respectful and admired silence filled everyone, as they watched a small star and a small heart come out from within the sailboat and join the being of light.\n- Very well, my little friends little star and little heart, our search is finally over - the Great Wishing Star began in a calm, loving voice - We have just met the two creatures whose instinct for kindness and love for others sets them apart from the rest of the world. Starting today, because of the great love and affection shown, they will be called True Heart Bear and Noble Heart Horse. And since you two have helped and protected the little orphans, they will help others protect the world from the evil Dark Heart and its allies.\nAnd as the Great Wishing Star spoke, a ray of light passed through the bellies of the couple, and in the womb of the female bear appeared the design of a multicolored five-pointed star, radiating from a heart, while in the horse appeared the opposite design, a heart radiating from a star. The couple stared at that mark on their bodies, just as the cubs looked at it, before the being of light disappeared, and before their eyes a world of dreams emerged.\nIt was a land made of clouds, whose paths were rainbows, filled with colorful toys for the cubs, with a castle-like construction having a gigantic fountain of water in front of its main door. It was there that magically the Cloud Clipper headed, slowly descending on the surface of the water.\nNo sooner had this happened, and True Heart's tummy symbol lit up and practically jumped out of his belly, creating a rainbow walkway that connected the boat to the cloud field. Anxious to get off the boat, the cubs quickly began to slip through that rainbow, laughing and shouting with happiness, and as they touched the clouds, each of them also gained an individual symbol in their bellies.\nAlso the four babies, in the lap of Noble Heart and True Heart, won their tummy symbols as soon as they touched the ground, and soon everyone was happily exploring the place, which inspired a deep peace and joy. In that land of dreams, there were toys for the children, cloud cars, telescopes to observe the surface of the planet just below them, houses and everything else they would need to live there forever. It did not matter to the couple what had happened before in San Martin, only that now they had a place to live safely and take care of their cubs.\nMost surprising to the couple, undoubtedly, were those symbols they had all won, and which reflected in a certain way their personalities. Soon the two discovered that they could create objects, such as balloons, rainbows, cloud cars or even love. For the first time they could see the substance of love, palpable and functional, and to prove their new power, they pointed their bellies to the sky and cast forth beams of light that exploded like fireworks, giving even more love to all.\nThe cubs explored everything around them, and received the full attention of the couple. There was finally the meaning of everyone's life, which was to love and help others. Noble Heart then held his wife by the hands and looked deep into her eyes.\n- I love you dear - he said with all the passion he felt.\n- I love you, darling - she said, giving a quick kiss to her husband's cheek, and then looking worried - But I... I'm just afraid he'll find us.\n- Dark Heart? - asked the horse, receiving an affirmative signal from the bear - You can stay calm, he will never find us here. We are safe forever.\nAnd they hugged each other happily, before being pulled by the cubs toward the cloud castle, which from that moment on would be the Care Bear Family home.\n*****\nWhen Frank, Trevor, Brad and Ted landed their planes in Miami, Florida, by the end of that day, the world already knew what had happened in San Martin. The Ju-52 bringing the other survivors had landed hours earlier in Jacksonville, and the news that the Nazis had organized an attack on an island so close to the United States with the near-complete extermination of its population was a real shock in public opinion, showing that America was not as sure as she imagined.\nThe four had no problem with the US authorities, and were only retained long enough to testify and confirm their identities. That's why the next morning and the days after, the two pilots took off with their T6s and searched a large area of the Atlantic in the hope of locating the Cloud Clipper, Norman's plane, or any other evidence of survivors. The US Navy, on the other hand, organized a large patrol that sailed to San Martin, confirming only that the island was surrounded by a strange and intense storm, and that the wreckage of several German war-ships floated in the waters, no sign of survivors.\nIt took six days for the government to authorize the reunion of Frank, Trevor, Brad, and Ted with their other friends. During that time, the two business brothers were in charge of regularizing the requests for political exile for all survivors, including those who eventually reached US beaches later. It was only after they had all the documents prepared that Don and some of the surviving humans went to meet the four friends.\n- It's good to see you and to know that you're all well - Frank said as he rejoined the few who had remained - But where are Joana and Andrews? And the bears and cousins, why did not they come?\n- Joana and Andrews refused to board the train with us - the young pilot explained -\nShe said she never wanted to see the face of any of her husband's killers. I do not know for sure, Frank, but I think they're blaming us and the bears and cousins for Cristian's death.\n- Blaming us for what? - Ted asked with a stunned look - We're not to blame for Cristian's death! Neither Norman, Noble, True... None of us!\n- But it's not what she thinks - added mechanic Ray, one of the survivors - I saw when a police officer went to their room the morning after breakfast, and how Joana was upset after the officer left. I believe it was he who broke the news, and did it carelessly.\n- It's quite possible - Trevor agreed thoughtfully - But Worker, Rose, Caretaker... Why did not they want to come with you?\n- They wanted to, but the authorities did not let them leave - Don said quickly - From what I understand, they're quarantined because they're not humans like us and were considered dangerous. According to one of the security guys who were assisting us, there is even the fear that there will be hysteria in the population if our friends get publicity.\n- What incredible stupidity! - Brad shouted nonconformist - How could our friends cause hysteria to anyone?\n- It's enough for the people to think they were humans who, through some kind of chemical weapon produced by the Gestapo, were given animal forms after the attack - Frank suggested with a sigh - Or even that they were normal animals and stayed the way they are after Nazi experiments... Advertising is a big enemy right now, and our own friends know that.\n- And can we do anything to help them? - Ted questioned with worried look - Go to the newspapers tell the truth about them, try to return to San Martin...\n- Going back to the island is impossible, you read the weather conditions of the place - the businessman replied quickly - And going to the newspapers would only attract unnecessary attention to our friends. The only thing we can do for them...\nFrank did not finish his sentence, just lowered his head, his fingers over his lips and a deep thoughtful look, as if he were making a decision.\n- And then? What can we do for them? - Don insisted, seeing his friend so focused - Come on, Frank! Say it!\n- At the right time you'll know. Now we have other priorities. Moreover, I want to see how Hitler will continue the activities with the loss that Klaus brought him with this ill-fated action. After all, all these men, these equipments, were taken from the east front, and certainly Stalin will profit not only the physical weakening of the troops, but also low moral when the news of the defeat in San Martin reaches the Germans.\n- Who would have thought that Incomprehensible was a Nazi who was willing to betray his own kind - Trevor murmured ruefully - Do you think he survived?\n- Honestly, I don’t know. Only time can tell us. Now we have to take care of the Bears & Heartom Company and our interests.\n- Bears & Heartom... I think there's only Heartom Company... - the older brother concluded sadly.\nFrank said nothing, but deep down he agreed with his brother. In practice B&H became only Heartom Company. And it was the mission of those two brothers to continue the work and to put into practice all that they had learned from their special friends, and now they were very much missing in their hearts.\n*****\nIt was late evening on March 18, 1943, but Hitler was still awake and examining various documents on his desk, especially those that involved the second part of General Klaus's project for the South American invasion via Dakar and Recife, and the bombing of strategic positions in North America through San Martin.\nWhen Operation Barbarossa began nearly two years ago, the Führer had full confidence that he would soon crush Moscow and, with the infinite Soviet natural resources, could lead Germany to final victory. His belief was even greater because he had the protection of a powerful ally like Dark Heart and a quick, insightful general like Klaus. Of all his subordinates, the eagle was really the only one to whom he listened to the advice and even complied with the plans, for he fully trusted that the bird would never betray him.\nFor this reason he hardly discussed the first part of the invasion of America, which consisted of capturing San Martin and destroying the bears and cousins, because this was a basic condition not only for the new course of the war, but for Dark Heart to remain powerful and allow the Reich to achieve victory by eliminating all enemies. However, things have changed in those last days, and if Hitler had reason to be depressed and disappointed with Barbarossa's course, he now had more reason to be concerned.\nThe latest news he had received was not good. The invasion at San Martin had failed inexplicably, and its troops had been defeated by a gigantic snowstorm that had surrounded the island. There was no information on the whereabouts of Klaus or Dark Heart. Only one ship, the small cruiser Herman, apparently escaped destruction caused by nature. Immediately this made him remember the winter of 1942, when the snow had also prevented him from planning to attack Moscow directly even though he was at the gates of the city.\nGiving a deep sigh and rolling his eyes without being able to concentrate, the Führer deposited the papers again on the table, taking a cigarette and a lighter. He did not smoke often, only when he was alone and very worried, since he needed to maintain an image of a healthy leader who abominated smoke and meat. Lighting the cigarette, he absorbed the first puff as if it were a real anesthetic, when suddenly someone knocked on the door of his office. Quick as lightning, Hitler tossed his cigarette into the wastebasket and splashed some honey into his mouth to hide his breath.\n- In between! - he said, and immediately his confidant and press chief Otto Dietrich opened the door with a pale face.\n- Hërr Klaus is in the infirmary! - were the first words of the journalist - He arrived in about 10 minutes and is dying...\nOn hearing this, Adolf did not wait for a single second, and jumped out of his chair hurrying to the infirmary of \"Wolf's Lair\" to see his wounded friend, and that reaction surprised everyone they saw. In a matter of minutes, the Führer reached the small hospital, and saw the eagle lay on a bed, pale and hollow-eyed, breathing heavily and receiving serum.\n- How is he, Doctor? - the leader questioned in a worried tone.\n- Mein Hërr, he's just exhausted physically and mentally - the doctor said reassuringly - His heart nearly stopped when he landed on the front door of the bunker, but we managed to get him back. Hërr Klaus needs only a few hours of rest and...\n- AA-Adolf... - the eagle called in a low voice, opening his eyes glistening with fever and looking at his friend - I... I need to tell you... Before I die…\nFor a few seconds the Führer was undecided, until it had all come out, including Otto and the doctor, and he close the door securely so that no one could hear their conversation.\n- My good friend... - the human began calmly, sitting down in a chair beside the hospital bed - I'm glad you're here.\n\"II-I think you... You will not be so happy... After you know what happened... - Klaus said slowly, moaning with pain in his back and chest.\n- If it's about the failure in San Martin, I've already been informed. I just want to understand how it happened.\n- Magic... The damn magic of the Great Wishing Star... And my big mouth that could not keep secret...\n- What? - Hitler questioned, frowning - What do you mean by that? Who is this Great Wishing Star?\n- It is the being that Dark Heart needs to destroy to rule the world - the bird explained with a sigh - We had a deal, I would annihilate the rest of my kind and destroy the Great Wishing Star, and in return Dark Heart would give us eternal protection... But nobody could know that, especially Heavenly Bear... And I ended up revealing our plans for him, allowing the Great Wishing Star to react... And Dark Heart would abandon us...\nThe human listened stunned to those words, and stood up and paced the room nervously, with uncontrollable energy, before looking back at Klaus with a most serious expression.\n- You mean our defeat at San Martin was your fault? - exclaimed the Führer in a shocked tone.\n- Yes... It's all my fault... - Klaus agreed in a depressed tone and gulped - If I had not talked too much we would have managed... Scheiße! I can’t believe I did this!\nAnd he began to cry like a child, while the human was silent for a moment, trying to absorb that information. That's when he slowly turned to the bird and stared at it.\n- Klaus! React! - Hitler shouted, shaking his friend by the shoulders - You're not like that. You're not out of control like that! React, as you always did!\n- React how?!? - asked the General desperately - All our plans have fallen to the ground, and I am to blame for that! The Soviet front is lost, the African front is lost, the attack on America has failed and the fault of all this is mine!... Kill me soon, please! I do not want to live the shame of having...\n- Halt den Mund (Shut up)! - yelled the human energetically, but not looking angry - Now listen to me, Klaus! You can’t keep blaming yourself that way, you have to react! Rest, and tomorrow we will think of something to reverse this situation. But for all that is most sacred in this world, do not ever ask me to kill you again. If I do this to you, who will I trust?\nHitler had uttered the last words in a sweet tone that he seldom demonstrated before other people, which made Klaus slowly calm and nod his head in agreement.\n- That's better - said the Führer with a deep sigh and a light tap on the bird's shoulder - Now rest, regain your strength and your serenity, and then we'll talk. It's ok?\n- Yes, thank you - said the bird with a pale smile on its beak - I swear to you, mein freund, that if we lose the war, I will do everything I can to avenge myself for all who escaped from that island. No matter how long it takes, I will.\n- Do not think about it now, just rest - concluded Hitler, walking toward the door and, before leaving, nodding toward Klaus, who quickly fell asleep through fatigue and medication, with the comfort of knowing that perhaps they still had a chance to revert to that situation.\n*****\nIt had been a week since the events in San Martin, and the radio was silent. Brad even searched in the Caribbean Sea on his own, but there were no survivors other than the few who made it to the States. At the same time, it appeared that the failure of Klaus's plan would soon bring disastrous consequences to German forces, especially on Soviet territory, where the Red Army resumed its march against the invaders.\nUntil that moment, Frank had had no peace, since he had to redo all the documentation concerning the company. He needed to redo all the accounts and paperwork of the company. It had been a hard the Nazi attack for B & H, as it had lost its thirst, administrative paperwork, its main economic base and more. Of the five companies that made up B & H, three were bankrupt after that March 16, 1943, and the other two were in a difficult situation. The little money that had been left in the international coffers would have to be well applied in order to make a good return. Experts consulted by Frank and Trevor have suggested mass layoffs of workers, or cutting salaries, to save money, but the Heartom brothers were against.\nIf there was one thing they both agreed on was that they could lose everything, but they would not lay off the B&H workers and neither fail to pay their wages, for the dismissal or reduction of wages would mean the moral and family failure of many of those men and women who worked in the company. It was the philosophy that Frank and Trevor had, even if it made them bump into the interests of other minority shareholders. Improving the condition of their employees was the way they had to help them be happier.\nSuch an idea was really hard to be accepted by people in general, but there was a reason for the two brothers to act that way, which was precisely the coexistence of both together with the bears and cousins. His furry friends would certainly also think that way if they were in the chair of B & H, so Frank and Trevor decided that they would always be inspired by what they had learned from their special friends, and now they would miss them so much in their hearts.\nNo words were spoken by the press about the bears and cousins, both those who had lost themselves at sea and those who reached the continent. This would have to be kept secret, otherwise an international hysteria might actually occur. But Frank could not agree with the US government's idea of just keeping Tricks, Idealist, Caretaker, Rose, Architect and the others withheld in immigration, so he got assurances that his friends would be set free and sent to a safe place that neither he himself would know the location, so as not to put them at risk. Even so, the entrepreneur would like to have them by his side at that moment.\nThese were the thoughts that went through his mind that night, while dining alone in the hotel room where he was living. He was not hungry at all, his stomach was still a little twisted after all that had happened. It was then that his eyes went through the wrapping that Jim had given him when they parted. Until that moment he had not looked at what was such object.\nUnpacking the package, Frank was surprised to see that it was just a box of 36-mm film, containing a film reel that was labeled \"Banana Annual Fair - March 16, 1943,\" in quick letters. At the same time he understood that this was the movie Jim was making of the party that fateful day. For a few seconds Frank looked at the object in silence, before wrapping it again and save it next to his few belongings, among which was the photo Tricks had given him on the day of Caretaker and Architect's engagement. Quickly he also looked at the photo, beside Trevor, Heavenly, Noble, True, Tricks and several cubs, being that he had the little Confidence Fennec on his lap. Maybe he will never again see none of those very special friends...\nIt was at this moment that the businessman could not contain his emotions and began to cry, feeling a huge void in the heart. Never before had he felt so alone. Then he looked at the picture again.\n- I swear I will not let a minute of my life go by without putting into practice what I learned with you - he said to himself as he put the image in his pocket.\nAnd every time bad things happened or he thought to give up or his mind faltered, he used to look at that picture to remember those who lived to help others and died because of that love.\nBut deep down he always wondered if Noble, True, the cubs, Norman and Flower had survived, and if anyone more else had managed to escape from San Martin...\n*****\n- Pay attention, children! - asked Noble Heart gently - If you keep distracted like that, you will not learn anything!\n- And do not say it's not fun - said True Heart - Soon you can go outside and play.\nThe cubs played excitedly in the small classroom. There they were all, including the four babies, who were no longer so small even though they did not understand much of what happened. There were lots of games and toys there, plus pencils and paint to draw.\nIt had been nine years since the destruction of San Martin, but since the metabolism and biology of bears and cousins was different from humans, not more than three years had passed for them. In addition, Noble Heart and True Heart realized that the time was passing differently for the cubs, which grew more slowly than before. It took time for the patriarchs to realize that the Great Wishing Star, for some reason, wanted to keep the young cubs as long as possible. Previously in San Martin, bears and cousins usually developed normally from birth to age 18, when as their life cycle changed and they would grow into a bear year for every three human years.\nBut now this was apparently taking place all the time, plus the fact that Noble and True had won the power of immortality of the Great Wishing Star, which promised the same gift to the others when they reached eighteen. This meant that they would never die, unless they were seriously injured.\nAt that time, most cubs were already five or six years old, with the exception of the four youngest children, who were not yet three years old. But still everyone began to attend the Kingdom of Caring' school, as the couple of founders called it, where young people would learn everything they needed for life, such as reading, writing, mathematics, history, geography, and especially the art of take care.\n- Come on, boys, pay attention! - True Heart said excitedly, with a colored wand in his hand pointing to a blackboard - What do you understand by helping others?\nBaby Lotsa Heart Elephant raised his hand.\n- That's when I see someone in trouble and I go there to help him.\n- Very good, Lotsa - Noble said - Which ways do we have to do this?\n- Using our Stare - Baby Harmony Bear suggested.\n- Paying attention to the person - said Baby Brave Heart Lion.\n- Playing with who needs it - said Baby Tenderheart Bear.\n- Being friends with lonely people - Baby Looter Bear concluded.\n- That's right, children! - True Heart smiled - These are some ways we can help people. In short: when someone is sad, it is as if their heart is cold and broken. It is at this moment that we, Care Bears and Care Bears Cousins, take action. And what happens?\n- The person is happy again! - said Baby Love-a-Lot Bear with a broad smile.\nEveryone laughed with happiness, until they heard a sound like a siren. True Heart's eyes widened and she turned to Noble Heart, saying:\n- Somebody needs our help. Could you go and see what it is?\nThe horse ran out of the castle, to where the observatory was. He did not like leaving his wife and cubs alone, but he had no choice. First of all because they loved to help each other, and then because if they did not help, the Kingdom of Caring could be destroyed by hatred and anger. However, Noble Heart Horse was not shy about helping anyone who needed it, even taking all the risks.\n*****\nKlaus slowly looked through the large windows of his office into the courtyard below, where a group of recruits performed physical exercises while a platoon guarded various military equipment. That was when the big doors of the hangar opened, and a small yellow tractor towed an F-104 Starfighter inside, parked it alongside two other fighters of the same model.\nSeeing all that movement made the bird smile satisfied, for it reminded him of the victorious times of Germany. The war had ended 15 years earlier with the defeat of the Axis powers and the condemnation of the majority of its leaders in the Great Nuremberg Trial. Few had managed to escape, with Klaus being one of them, and even his name having appeared at the trial, but fortunately nothing had been said about his true person.\nDespite being an international outlaw and having to hide in order not to be arrested and deported to Israel or to Germany itself, the General had never failed to plan his revenge, no matter how long it took to materialize. Throughout the year 1944 and the final months of 1945 he had been commissioned by Hitler to lead a project called the Unified Group Against the Reich’s Enemies, or simply UGARE, which provided for the storage of weapons and the preparation of new troops for a new future attack.\nHaving been given carte blanche on the part of the Führer to act, quickly Klaus recruited the best and most reliable men of the Wehrmacht, besides selecting the best equipment available and that could be used later. And on the same day that the Allies landed in Normandy, a fleet of submarines sailed with such men and equipment to South America, where in the following months a gigantic complex of installations and underground hangars was built in the Amazonian forest, invisible to the eyes of who was on the surface.\nThis work of construction and enlargement continued even after the German surrender on May 7, 1945, at which time the General was elected the new Fuehrer by his followers. Since then, in addition to storing all the war equipment rescued at the end of the war, UGARE also used such facilities to store the new armaments acquired on the black market, and it was also the training base for the recruits, mostly young people who were unwell with the world system and who wanted a new world order.\nThere were a number of sources of funding for UGARE, the vast majority of which were related to the smuggling of arms, beverages, jewelry and money from corruption, mainly from the Middle East and Eastern Europe. It was through his contacts in the underworld of the crime that Klaus had acquired those three F-104 Starfighters passing by one representing of an African government. And it was to get another new contractor that he was in his office at the organization's headquarters.\nIt was almost time for the meeting, and his visitors had not yet arrived, not even passed by the first patrol station. There were several patrol stations, which made it virtually impossible for anyone to approach UGARE's headquarters without being seen. Even the isolated indigenous people of the region had no free movement in the area, let alone a strange person.\nImpatiently, the bird sat in his favorite chair and tried to read some reports, when he was surprised to hear a voice telling him:\n- Do you really think you'll get support from new recruits using all that Nazi symbology?\nKlaus jumped out of the chair and looked around in a frightened way, seeing no one around.\n- What the game is this? - the bird asked angrily - Who's there?\n- Someone who can help you get what you want most - the voice continued slowly -But you will have to change a lot of things in your paramilitary group, first by excluding all those references to Nazism.\n- I'm not going to take anything from UGARE.\" Come on, Dark Heart, be a man and show me your ugly face!\nIn response, two human figures magically materialized before the General, but he did not recognize who they were. The only thing he could say, from the expressions and attire his visitors wore, was that the two newcomers were as dark-hearted as Dark Heart.\nThe man on the right was tall, thin, had a large head, long nose and piercing eyes, but what struck him most was his cold appearance. His skin was as pale as a glacier, and even his hair and clothing were of that color with varying degrees of intensity. As for his companion, he was also a tall man, wearing a large purple robe with a hood that hid his face, revealing only his red eyes and green hands like those of a corpse.\nKlaus stared at the two newcomers at length, showing no fear or surprise. In fact, he was more curious than scared.\n- Hmm... I do not remember seeing you before - the eagle said slowly, scratching his chin - Who are you and what do you want?\n- My name is No Heart, and this is my brother Professor Coldheart - said the hooded man - And though we have business in common, you really did not get to know us. Dark Heart felt that our meeting would not be fruitful, and that he would be able to solve everything in San Martin.\n- So you two are really friends with that traitor!\n- Our relationship with him does not go so far - said the man with the bluish skin - He was only our master and mentor. And from what he told us, it was you who broke the deal by saying what you should not.\n- But he could not have done that to us, having abandoned us there in the midst of that storm to die! And if you're here because that fool wants to get back to me, tell him to fuck off!\n- No, we're not here because of Dark Heart, but for ourselves - No Heart said slowly -And because you have something in common with us and it will serve to help each other. Have you heard of Care Bear Family?\n- No, I don't know who they are.\n- This is the name adopted by their old friends Noble Horse and True Heart along with the cubs that they managed to take of San Martin in the fight that they want to sustain of the good against the evil. They were taken by the Great Wishing Star to a special place, a dimension they call the Kingdom of Caring and that is beyond the clouds visible to our eyes.\n- Noble and True are training all those cubs to fight all those who want to destroy the system, and that includes you and UGARE - Coldheart added - As weapons, they only have the words and a special spell called Stare. You know very well what it is.\nKlaus just nodded, because Dark Heart had told him earlier that against the Hate Stare that the eagle possessed, there was a Stare with completely opposite effects.\n- Well, what do you want, anyway? - the General asked, frowning - Why are you here telling me this, if even Dark Heart does not know you're here?\n- Because Coldheart and I want to make a new partnership with you, more advantageous to everyone than the previous agreement - said the sorcerer with a malicious glance - As much as you, we want to rule the world, and to destroy people's hope and love is one of the best ways to win.\n- We have a lot of money, and we can also get many sponsors and recruits for UGARE - the professor continued slowly and handsomely - You help us destroy bears and cousins, and we help you by making your paramilitary group fully capable of supporting a world war. Destroying the Care Bear Family you will have no opposition from anyone to act, and in the end we will share the achievements between us and our collaborators.\n- And what would this division of conquests be like? - Klaus asked with an interested look - I will not enter into any kind of agreement without knowing for sure what my men and I will gain.\n- You and your men, besides financial contributors, will become the elite of the new world order - explained No Heart - You all will have lands, riches, slaves beyond what can imagine. And you will be the perpetual leader of the armed forces, with broad powers, having to respond only to Coldheart and me. We only impose one condition: UGARE ceases to be a group of Nazi symbols and becomes a layman.\n- We do not want the movement to be seen as the rebirth of Nazism, otherwise people will be able to react before we have everything in control - Coldheart explained in an instructive tone - If you want to continue to worship the swastika, is your problem. But inside UGARE no.\nThe bird hit its beak, the equivalent of nibbling its lips, and began to think. That was a really much more interesting offering than his previous deal with Dark Heart, and fully achievable. But there was something that bothered him.\n- I promised Hitler the very day he died that I would command UGARE to avenge our defeat - Klaus said, looking steadily at his two companions - I can't betray my promise and hide our origins...\n- Hitler is already dead, and half of those boys who are training down there do not even really support Nazism, they're here to fight the system - No Heart countered firmly - Unfortunately this is a point that we can’t give up, and as apparently you have already chosen not to realize this partnership in order to keep a symbology outlawed and that will not bring you victory, it is best to close the meeting...\n- Wait! - exclaimed the eagle firmly, seeing that the two wizards were beginning to dematerialize - If there is no other way, I accept this condition. Today I will inform my subordinates that UGARE will no longer use Nazi doctrine in its methods.\nNo Heart and Coldheart looked at each other with satisfied expressions, before firmly and quietly clasping Klaus's feather hand, sealing the agreement, and then they sat around the table and began to negotiate all the details more deeply.\n*****\nWhen she had been hired to be secretary to the presidency of the B & H Company, Elizabeth already imagined that she would have a troubled life, full of compromises and unexpected situations. But she had never imagined it would be that much, nor would she form such a strong bond of friendship with her bosses after 20 years of service. More than an employee, she really was considered a true friend by Frank and Trevor, to the point of actively participating in the decisions and important moments of the company and the private life of the Heartom brothers.\nTheir genuine friendship for the two, whom she considered almost like older siblings, made her worry about everything, especially when they went on some unscheduled trip and did not know where they were going and when they would return. That had been the situation in the last days when Frank and Trevor traveled to Africa and practically disappeared during a safari in the middle of the jungle. During the time when the two brothers were left without contacting the outside world, Elizabeth chewed her fingernails of worry to the point of hurting her fingertips. Fortunately, when she was about to call the police informing the disappearance of their bosses, they gave news and reported that they were returning home.\nNow she was in the lobby of the New York Stock Exchange, awaiting the arrival of Frank and Trevor. She could not hide the nervousness, looking at the clock all the time and pacing back and forth nibbling at her lips. That was when a black car stopped in front of the building and the two brothers got out of the vehicle.\n- Thank God you're finally here! - she shouted, rolling her eyes and raising her hands in reproach - When will you both learn to call your friends and tell them everything's all right? I almost went crazy!\n- Good afternoon to you too, Elizabeth - Trevor teased with a smile - And I think it would be difficult for us to get a pay phone in the middle of the jungle.\n- Even smoke signals are worth it when it comes to communicating with someone - said the young woman, staring at her bosses - You two do not seem well. What is that purple rooster on your forehead, Mr. Frank? And why are you with that egg yolk color, Mr. Trevor?\n- Because he got malaria during the safari, and I fell off a rock trying to dive into a waterfall - Frank said amicably - Besides, the tropical sun and the flies have taken its toll on our skin. And what's new? Has the auction begun?\n- No, but I've already delivered the envelope with the final proposal. Honestly, I did not like the auctioneer's face. He looks like a drunk from Central Park.\n- I hope he does not hear that, otherwise he's quite capable of dismissing our proposal. And winning this auction is very important to the company.\n- You're right, buying the Rock Island Railway would bring us a new possibility in the Chicago freight market - Trevor agreed with a quick spasm from his illness - Not to mention that it will enable us to reactivate the contractor to participate in the international auction of construction of the Pan American highway to Brasília, the construction of the new subway line in Brussels and the reconstruction of Gatwick airport in London.\n- Translating, more headaches - the secretary joked - But I know it's more of a benefit for the employees. Do you already think about how to solve that problem of the shipyard strike in the Philippines?\n- Tomorrow I'll catch a plane and I'll go there - Frank said as they entered the main hall of the building - I want to personally see their complaints that the toilets are in trouble and that the shipyard has been contaminated with lead.\nElizabeth raised her eyebrows in admiration.\n- You've barely arrived and you're leaving again? - she asked with a laugh - I spend more time running this company than you who are my bosses. Sincerely, I have been working with you since 1946 and today I am still amazed at your techniques of running the company, always putting employees first. And the amazing thing is that B & H is still profitable, even paying all taxes and giving annual bonuses to shareholders. Few companies do that.\n- Given that Frank and I are the major shareholders, we still have more reason to make that company profit and pay dividends - Trevor said with a giggle, winking at his brother.\nFrank also laughed at that remark, understanding what his big brother wanted to say. It did not really matter to them that the company was profitable to collect the dividends at the end of the year, but in order to offer the best for their employees, which Frank mostly called cheerfully friends. He was the most untiring of the two in his work as chief president, traveling one day to India, another to America, another to Polynesia, and eventually sleeping in Australia.\nBy the time World War II was over, the world slowly rebuilt itself, in the midst of what would be known as the Cold War, in which capitalism and socialism would be antagonistic but never directly confronted. And in the midst of that was the booming B&H Company, the fastest growing company in the world in the years after the world war, having fat annual profits that allowed it to pay shareholders and make their investment projects out of paper, but also to provide better living conditions for employees and family members, to the point of being one of the few companies that have succeeded in raising the salaries of all its employees by 100 percent in a decade.\nIn that year of 1966, B&H had become a holding company commanding several other industries, mainly related to logistics or civil construction. Aviation, railways, fast deliveries, cabotage, shipyards, mines were part of the company's business portfolio throughout the world, as well as an infinity of shareholdings in other sectors of the most diverse branches. Of a near-bankrupt company, B&H was now one of the 15 largest trading conglomerates in the world, most of which was due to Frank's inexhaustible and unwavering energy.\nHowever he was not a happy man. He was lonely, sad, keeping many secrets. Except for occasional meetings with Brad and Ted, his only constant companions were Elizabeth, Trevor and his family, plus the memories of a time that would never come back. He dreamed every night that he reencounter his friends bears and cousins, who still lived in San Martin, that nothing bad had happened to them. But when he woke up and remembered everything that had happened, he felt a huge weight on his chest, and he did not share it with anyone.\nNow he was 62 years old, but he still felt like a young man of twenty, full of vitality. The years did not seem to age him mentally, and this worked for him to look young too. Even so, he did not easily give up his ideals.\n- What does this auctioneer read? - Elizabeth complained anxiously - Just announce the bids and close the trading session!\n- They're checking to see if the information in the bids is compatible with qualifying paperwork - Trevor explained, scratching his chin - But I think now they'll declare the winner.\nAfter analyzing all the proposals received, and having the approval of the public intervenors of Rock Island Railway, the auctioneer took the floor and began to read the summary of the proposals, from the smallest to the largest. When he announced that McFoller Uythor's offer had amounted to US$ 355 million, Frank breathed a sigh of relief and shook Trevor's hand even before the auction ended.\n- The winning bid - the auctioneer mechanically continued - was sent by the company B&H Company, with payment of US$ 357 million for the purchase of Rock Island Railway, with payment of half of this amount on signing and three other annual installments of US$ 59.2 million, with the commitment to inject another US$ 100 million into the employee pension fund. The auction is closed.\nAs they left the Stock Exchange building, Elizabeth, Frank, and Trevor stopped at the door. It was apparent to the secretary that her bosses, although demonstrate calm, were pleased that they had won that competition, demonstrating once again the incredible business tact they both had.\n- Do you think there will be legal recourse? - Trevor asked his brother.\n- I doubt very much, after all the competition was opened and the company met all the requirements - Frank replied with a small smile - But let's celebrate. Why do not you call Stella and Warren for dinner with us, Trevor? I'll make chops in the sauce, just the style your son likes. You're my guest too, Elizabeth.\n- I thank you, Mr. Frank, but I can't accept it - said the young woman, looking at her watch - I have to get my sister from the airport in an hour, and then I'll go to the office. Have a nice lunch.\nAnd saying this Elizabeth walked away, taking a cab. As for Frank and Trevor, they went to the mansion of the first to celebrate another victory and take the time together to remember the good times.\n*****\nNoble Heart stood beside his foster children as they all looked toward various heart-shaped targets\n- Are you all ready? - asked the horse with a smile.\n- Yes!!! - answered in unison Friend Bear, Secret Bear, Tenderheart Bear, Grumpy Bear, Bedtime Bear, Brave Heart Lion, Looter Bear, Loyal Heart Dog, Cozy Heart Penguin and Friend Heart.\n- So... Stare! - cried the horse with much emotion and happiness.\nAnd at the same time the tummy symbol of all shone, releasing that warm ray of love that Noble and True used to help the kids of the earth.\nIt did not seem like 33 years had passed since the couple had fled from San Martin with the cubs and reached the Kingdom of Caring, at which point they became the Care Bear Family, with the bears inhabiting Care-a-Lot and the cousins lived in the Forest of Feelings. And part of it was due to the fact that a year of bear or cousins were equivalent for three years human.\nFor them only 11 years had passed. Now the older ones, who were Tenderheart, Brave Heart, Grumpy, Wish Bear, Bear Share, Harmony Bear, Forest Ranger Jaguar and Proud Heart Cat, were already 15 years old. And the younger ones, who were Champ Bear, Cheer Bear, Bright Heart Raccoon and Treat Heart Pig were between 11 and 12 years old. The older ones were already learning to drive, to use the Stare, to be more than independent to help humans, especially children.\nOriginally Noble Heart and True Heart agreed that the right time to allow cubs to perform solitary caring missions would be when they turned 18, but the number of occurrences became so great that there was no other solution than to start preparing the first class for help the couple in their caring task. So the horse was responsible for training the groups, as they demonstrated their maturity to deal with the problems. And now he was dealing with the best of them all.\n- Very well! Now that's enough - Noble said after a few seconds, releasing the Stare -That's enough to warm them up for today\n- When can we have our missions? - Grumpy asked - I'm tired of this training all over, I want to take action...\n- Be calm, my friend - said Friend Heart - No somos aún plenamente dispuesta a cumplir misiones (We are not quite ready to do the missions).\n- Friend's heart is right... - began Friend Bear.\n- Please call me Amigo Bear - Friend Heart interrupted gently - Since our names are very similar, I want everyone to call me that way to differentiate from Friend Bear.\n- All right, Amigo Bear - said Noble with a smile - You know I'm very happy that you insist on learning other languages to be our interpreter in countries where English is not spoken.\n- Yo es que soy feliz de tener a alguien como tú que me enseñe todo, hasta que no entendes lo que digo (I'm happy to have someone like you to teach me everything, even though sometimes you don't understand anything I say) - quipped Amigo Bear in Spanish with Noble Heart.\n- What did you say? - asked the horse, smiling and frowning, not understanding.\nAnd everyone laughed at that...\nThe teens were already quite independent to take care of and to help at least the tasks of Care-a-Lot and the Forest of Feelings. And since most of them were now almost ready to start missions on the Earth, True Heart needed to take care only of the four younger, inseparable members of the Family. After all, because of their ages, Champ, Cheer, Treat Heart and Bright Heart became great friends. And even so they liked to play with True Heart, like at that time.\nAs the matriarch bear sought the four of them incessantly, they were hiding behind a fence near Caring Castle, watching her.\n- Do not you think she's going to meet us here? - Cheer asked crouching beside Champ.\n- Of course not - he said - She'll never think of looking for us here.\n- I do not understand why we're going to hide from her - Bright Heart said - Auntie True Heart is so cool to us...\n- We're just kidding - Treat said with a lollipop in his hand - It's like hide and seek. Only Auntie True Heart does not know that.\n- Silence! - said Champ - That way she'll find us.\nIn fact, True had stopped shouting the names of the four, for she had heard a few whispers close to where she was. With a wry smile, she slowly turned around behind the fence.\n- Where did she go? - Champ asked to himself.\n- On here! - said the matriarch cheerfully, behind the cubs.\nThe four gave a startled leap, turning to see True Heart right behind them, with a smile on his face and eyes shining with happiness.\n- Playing hide and seek with me? - she asked.\n- Ah... Well... - Champ stammered - You were not mad at us, were you?\n- We were just having a little fun - Cheer said.\n- Of course I'm not mad at you - said the female bear - You know I really enjoy playing with you, kids.\nChamp frowned at that.\n- Who's a kid here? - he asked mischievously.\n- To begin with, you - replied True Heart - Besides being my little cousin...\n- I'm not a child anymore - said the young bear - I've even stopped wearing diapers a long time ago...\n- The fact that you've stopped wearing diapers just shows that you're ready to go into adolescence, but you're still too young to live like us grown-ups. You do not have to be in a hurry to become an adult, Champ, because you still have plenty of time to find out what it's like to be an adult and that our lives are not just adventures but problems and worries as well.\nThe young bear paused a little, giving a small smile, which made True rejoice even more.\n- Well, now that I've found you, maybe you want to come with me to the Hall of Hearts to get some gifts... - she began maliciously.\n- Gifts? - asked the four cheerfully in unison.\n- Yes. Come with me.\nThe five quickly entered the Hall of Hearts. On top of a table were four gift wrappers. True Heart took it one by one and handed it to the four preteens.\n- I'm giving these gifts to you to make you feel more grown-up - she explained - After all, I know how difficult it is to be a child and want to be an adult. I've been through that. I want you to feel happy about what I give to you, feeling older, but not ceasing to be kids. And that goes for a lifetime.\nAs she said this, the young men quickly opened the packages.\n- Wow! A blue tiara equals my jacket - exclaimed Treat Heart, lifting the object.\n- A brand new toolkit! - said Bright Heart with a broad smile, looking at his present.\n- A collection of bracelets, rings, hairpins and a yellow jacket - said Cheer Bear with great happiness - Thank you Aunt True!\nChamp was the last to open his gift.\n- A gym suit and a new baseball ball! - he said, lifting his clothes and looking at it.\n- Did you like the presents? - True heart asked, seeing the bright eyes of the quartet - I tried to imagine what more joy each of you...\n- We are very happy - said the young pig - These gifts are beautiful.\n- And functional - said the raccoon, looking at each tool carefully.\n- Say that for you, I do not think mine is the right size - said Champ, seeing that his new gym suit was bigger than him.\n- As you will still grow a little more, soon this clothes will be serving perfectly - said True heart, folding the sleeves of his cousin's clothing - At least it will last longer than your current clothes, which are no longer serving to you. And just like your friends, you'll have a memory of me always around.\nThe cubs looked at each other and hugged True Heart, who was thrilled by it. At bottom she considered herself their mother, and these expressions of affection gave her the strength to continue her eternal struggle against evil.\n- Oh, the gifts are from Noble Heart and Grams Bear too - completed the female bear - It was he who bought the tools and she who did the gym clothes.\n- Grams Bear is very nice, especially when she start telling your stories - Cheer said with much love.\n- It's so good that they live with us at Care-a-Lot, so we can always ask her to tell us new stories - Champ added with a small smile - I just never understood why she and Joyful did not live with us before.\n- Well... It's just that... - True Heart stammered, because she had never told the truth to the cubs and certainly did not want to do it now - It's because they had to travel, and they were away from us for many years, and now return to your Family. By the way, speaking in Joyful...\nJoyful Heart Bear came walking toward the Hall of Hearts hand in hand with her boyfriend Looter Bear. Next to them was Noble Heart, the three of them chatting excitedly about something, but stopped when the four young men rushed over to embrace them.\n- How are you? - Looter asked for the pre-teens - It seems that you liked the gifts that Grams Bear, True Heart and Noble Heart prepared for you...\n- And we really like it - Bright Heart said, smiling - I've wanted real tools for a long time.\n- And I needed a new gym outfit - Champ said with a friendly wink - And speaking of that, sports fans, how about us four to play a baseball game after?\n- Of course - Joyful Heart replied - I love any kind of sport where balls are used. But before Looter, Noble and I want to talk to you, True.\nFor a few seconds the matriarch was silent, looking at the young female bear closely and remembering the day when she and her mother Flower, or Grams Bear as she had been called, joined the Care Bear Family. That day was one of the happiest in the life of True Heart and Noble Heart, when they reunited the two friends.\n- Looks like you two are very happy today - said the beige female bear with a small smile - Is there anything to do with what you want to talk about?\"\n- Yes, there is - Looter said with a wink, hugging his girlfriend more strongly - I asked for Joyful's hand in marriage.\nTrue Heart's eyes widened, paralyzing for a few seconds, not knowing what to say, as a whirlwind of feelings formed in his heart.\n- Marry? - asked the matriarch with surprise - But you are so young!\n- What's the problem? - Joyful asked with a grin - My mother did not see any problem, like Noble Heart.\n- Of course there's no problem, after all you two love each other - agreed the horse quickly, looking at his wife - That's the way it happened to me and True, is not it, my dear?\n- Only we were older now... Are you sure you want it?\n- Absolutely, we want to spend the rest of our days together - replied Looter Bear overflowing with joy - Joyful Heart is the love of my life, and there is no one else in the world like her. And deep down I know she thinks the same of me...\n\n[i][center]There's a kind of hush\nAll over the world tonight\nAll over the world\nYou can hear the sound of lovers in love\nYou know what I mean\n\nJust the two of us\nAnd nobody else in sight\nThere's nobody else and I'm feeling good\nJust holding you tight\n\nSo listen very carefully\nGet closer now and you will see what I mean\nIt isn't a dream\nThe only sound that you will hear\nIs when I whisper in your ear I love you\nFor ever and ever\n\nThere's a kind of hush\nAll over the world tonight\nAll over the world\nPeople just like us are fallin' love\n\nSo listen very carefully\nGet closer now and you will see what I mean\nIt isn't a dream\nThe only sound that you will hear\nIs when I whisper in your ear I love you\nFor ever and ever\n\nThere's a kind of hush\nAll over the world tonight\nAll over the world\nYou can hear the sound of lovers in love[/center][/i]\n\nJoyful smiled as she heard her boyfriend defending your feelings. After all, they loved each other greatly, and nothing could break that. But it was clear to both, as well as to Noble Heart and even to the four pre-teens that True Heart felt bothered by it. It took a few minutes before the matriarch, with a deep sigh, open a little smile on her lips.\n- Okay, if you're sure of what you're doing, I will not contradict you - she said, putting her hands on Looter Bear and Joyful Heart's shoulders - For my part you can now set the date for the ceremony.\nLooter Bear and Joyful Heart jumped for joy and kissed as the pre-teens watched the scene in silence until Champ motioned for his friends to follow for a more distant point.\n- I think so cute Looter Bear and Joyful Heart get married... - said Treat Heart Pig in a friendly tone - I hope they're very happy.\n- I hope, too - Cheer Bear agreed with a broad smile - When I get married, I want a big party with all my friends.\n- Marry? And who do you think you're marrying? - Champ questioned mockingly.\n- Who knows with you - said the young female bear with a malicious smile.\nThe young sportsman looked at his friend and pretended that he was going to vomit.\n- That's nasty! - he exclaimed - For me, we're just friends, and it's already very good.\n- At least we're all friends - Bright Heart said, smiling - And I hope this friendship never goes away.\nThe four then gathered and hugged each other, leaving to play in the large playground that was Care-a-Lot.\n*****\nSlowly the taxi stopped in front of the giant building in New York, and a thin man, wearing a black cloak and stealthily glancing, stepped out of the car, into the south tower of the World Trade Center, and headed for the elevators. As much as he tried to disguise it, the sweat on his forehead and trembling hands showed that he was truly terrified. Even when the elevator doors opened on the desired floor, the newcomer did not calm down, but he seemed to be even more nervous. Walking briskly, he entered the main lobby of B&H, crossing rows of desks with his staff, until he reached the offices of the directors.\nIt was when he started to run before the doors until he reached the reception room of Frank's office, invading the place and running straight to where the old man was, despite Elizabeth's desperate shouts calling for security. Opening the door violently, the man came face to face with Frank and Trevor, who analyzed some internal issues of the company.\n- Gentlemen, please! - the intruder began, his voice raspy with emotion, raising his trembling hands and making an enormous effort to control himself - I will not hurt you; I do not want to hurt anyone! But I need to tell them!\n- Who are you and what do you think you're doing? - Trevor exclaimed seriously as two security guards came in with their weapons in hand.\n- For God's sake, I swear I'm not armed! I swear I don't want to do any harm, but I need to talk to you, before it's too late! It's about General Klaus and San Martin!\nThe two brothers looked at each other in silence as the security guards grabbed the intruder by the arms and prepared to handcuff him.\n- Drop him! - Frank demanded quickly, to everyone's surprise - Take a look at him, and then leave. You too, Elizabeth.\nThe secretary and the two security guards were stunned by that order, but quickly the guards searched the newcomer, noting that he carried no weapon, just a thick leather notebook in one of his pockets. Making sure there was apparently no danger, the three of them left the office, still a little worried about what the man planned to do with the two old men.\n- Thank you! Thank you for listening to me! - he kept repeating, in a tone of supreme gratitude - I can't pay you for what you're doing...\n- Hey! Hey! First of all, we'll just let him talk because you're unarmed and seem to know too much - Trevor interrupted energetically - Now, man, recompose! It even looks like it has yellow fever, so much that it is shaking. Say your name.\n- My name is Hans Frösben, and they're after me because they know I'm here. They will kill me by the time I get my feet out of this building!\n- Calm down, or we can't help you - Frank said slowly - Who's after you and what do you know about Klaus and San Martin?\n- Klaus is after me! One of his men watched as I deserted and took the cab, and they followed me the whole time. I'm sure that crazy eagle has already ordered my death, I'm sure!\nFrank and Trevor looked at each other again. That boy looked really terrified, and did not seem to be drunk or joking.\n- Listen, Hans, we can help you, but you need to explain to us what's going on and what you're doing here - said the first, gesturing for the new companion to sit down -You're certainly talking about Klaus Adler, Nazi general and one of the exponents of the Axis in World War II.\n- Yes, it's about himself - said the boy, a little calmer - I know everything about him, including what he did in San Martin with his own specie.\n- You mean you know about bears and cousins? - Trevor scratched his chin - I'm surprised Klaus is talking about it to other people.\n- I'm especially surprised he's still alive - Frank corrected with a shrug - All right, Hans, you said you've been being followed by Klaus's men from the moment you defected. Now explain what that means.\n- A few months before Germany capitulated, Klaus was given the task of setting up a resistance group with the best soldiers and resources available, secretly carrying weapons, ammunition, supplies and troops to South America, using the plans of the Schulz-Kampfhenkel for the German colonization of the site.\n- Good God, then it was true... - Trevor murmured with wide eyes - I did not imagine that the Nazis had such advanced plans for South America.\n- The whole project was done directly by Klaus, with the express permission of Adolf Hitler - Hans continued quickly - This idea was called Unified Group Against the Reich’s Enemies, UGARE. If Germany really did lose the war, the orders were to keep this project secret and strengthen it to secure a rematch as soon as conditions were possible. But with the Allies' overwhelming victory, the hunt for survivors of the Nazi summit and the purge of racial ideas championed by the Germans had caused the original planning to be abandoned, especially when it became difficult to recruit new recruits and partners for the project. There was a total aversion to Nazism and only with energetic measures Klaus managed to maintain the existence of his clandestine army.\n- Wait, are you telling us he has a private army? - Frank asked, gaping - And how was he not discovered?!?\n- Klaus has garnered many friends by changing UGARE's philosophy to a mercenary paramilitary group, whose main purpose is to establish a world government that will end current injustices regardless of political or economic philosophies. He turned away from the idea of pure race, from persecution to certain peoples like Jews and gypsies, to focus on the idea of the single government. As a result, many entrepreneurs, politicians and young people around the world have gradually joined forces with this bird, including providing the necessary resources for the maintenance of the group through money laundering, firearms diversion and participation in regional conflicts for training the troops. At that moment, there are two UGARE groups fighting in the civil war in Zaire under the false flag of international volunteers just to upgrade themselves militarily.\nHans looked at Frank and Trevor incessantly, realizing the surprise and discredit on their faces.\n- I'm serious! The evidence is on this agenda, you can look - he said, handing the notebook to the businessmen - Klaus is slowly organizing a powerful paramilitary group, just waiting for the right moment to give the final blow, and nobody does anything to stop it. Only three things still prevent him from starting World War III, but at some point or another he will be able to circumvent them and nothing else will prevent this catastrophe.\nSlowly the two brothers flipped through the boy's diary, which included dates, names, bank deposits, telephones, and various other data on the actions of that clandestine group, including some photographs showing the Amazonian facilities and the GUCIR summit convened under the leadership of Klaus.\n- Bastard son of a bi...! - said Trevor punching the air - Frank, we need to do something!\n- And what do you suggest we do, put an ad in the New York Times that an army of Nazi origins will attack? - asked the younger brother in an ironic tone - You and I know that Hans and this agenda tell the truth, but it will not be enough to convince the authorities and the population about the danger that is approaching.\n- Besides, Klaus has powerful friends who will quickly deny you as soon as they give birth to the facts - the boy added with a worried look - There is only one way for you to succeed: return to San Martin and have their country declare war against UGARE.\n- That's impossible - Frank said quickly.\n- Frank, that may be the only way... - Trevor began pointedly.\n- We can't do this, we can't go back alone! If the bears and cousins are not with us, it is an absolute loss of time!\n- Well, I suppose you should start looking for your friends bears and cousins, even to protect them - Hans said slowly - Of the three motives that prevent UGARE from acting openly, the first is that they do not yet have enough men for a war. The second reason is precisely the existence of bears and cousins, the only beings that could be a hindrance to Klaus' plans, and therefore have to be eliminated.\n- Very typical of that eagle... And what is the third hindrance?\n- You two, who know who Klaus is, and own B&H, the only company that could rival UGARE in a war.\n- Are you suggesting that we set up a paramilitary group just like Klaus did? - Frank asked in a surprised tone before looking at the older brother thoughtfully - That's not a bad idea... Brad and Ted can help us with that.\n- That's crazy - Trevor murmured, shaking his head - But after all I've heard now, maybe that's the only solution... What about you, Hans? What can we do for you?\n- Maybe you can’t do anything, I know I'll be dead soon - the boy said, licking his dry lips - Keep this agenda. If anything happens to me, there's all the information you need right now. When I leave the building, I'll try to mislead Klaus' scouts, and if all goes well in a week I'll get in touch.\nWith these words, Hans got up and left the office as quickly as he had entered, leaving the two old men standing there, gaping at everything they had heard. Slowly Trevor sat up and looked at that leather notebook while Frank had his eyes fixed on the New York landscape.\n- What do you think, Frank? - the older brother finally asked after several minutes -\nWhat will we do now?\n- I do not know what to think - said the other with a sigh - What a pretty mess we got into. Maybe we should...\nFrank was abruptly cut off. The company's office was hundreds of feet above street level, but still they could hear the sound of the shots, and their hearts freezing. Running, they both went downstairs to see a crowd gathered in front of the WTC entrance, where broken glass, people screaming wounded and bodies scattered on the floor were waiting for them. One of these bodies was Hans's.\n- Oh, my God - Trevor murmured in horror - He was right...\nFor police, that shootout had been sparked by a reckoning between rival gang leaders who stood in front of the building, killing six people, including a young German. Only Frank and Trevor really knew what had happened, but they could not prove it. However, when they saw that murdered young man they decided to fight Klaus and UGARE as much as was necessary.\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"
The Care Bears
The Confidence Secret
2nd Part
Chapter 20


ATTENTION: This chapter contains scenes or subjects that may be disturbing to some people. Read at your own risk.
*****

Maybe one day Noble Horse and True Bear could explain what they were going through or feeling at that moment. It was something out of the ordinary. They just knew they were in a tunnel of light, and that the boat floated in the skies, heading toward the stars. The storm had stopped, and the feeling of peace, love, and union was more alive than anything. There was no place for fear in that tunnel.
The couple said nothing, just looked at each other with a smile on their face and an expression of curiosity. As the Cloud Clipper advanced in that rainbow-lit tunnel, it slowly turned into a real cloud boat with a smiling star-stail candle and a tall golden mast. Wanting to make sure he was not delirious, Noble pressed the bulwark and felt the soft texture of the cloud, just like a pillow but at the same time as sturdy as steel. At the same time, True brought the cubs to the deck, and the little ones were excited about what they saw.
Suddenly the sailboat stopped in midair, and a strong light appeared before them. Gradually the figure of a big smiling star was outlining. No one would need to present to Noble and True who that patriarchal and loving figure was. It could not be other than the Great Wishing Star himself. A deep, respectful and admired silence filled everyone, as they watched a small star and a small heart come out from within the sailboat and join the being of light.
- Very well, my little friends little star and little heart, our search is finally over - the Great Wishing Star began in a calm, loving voice - We have just met the two creatures whose instinct for kindness and love for others sets them apart from the rest of the world. Starting today, because of the great love and affection shown, they will be called True Heart Bear and Noble Heart Horse. And since you two have helped and protected the little orphans, they will help others protect the world from the evil Dark Heart and its allies.
And as the Great Wishing Star spoke, a ray of light passed through the bellies of the couple, and in the womb of the female bear appeared the design of a multicolored five-pointed star, radiating from a heart, while in the horse appeared the opposite design, a heart radiating from a star. The couple stared at that mark on their bodies, just as the cubs looked at it, before the being of light disappeared, and before their eyes a world of dreams emerged.
It was a land made of clouds, whose paths were rainbows, filled with colorful toys for the cubs, with a castle-like construction having a gigantic fountain of water in front of its main door. It was there that magically the Cloud Clipper headed, slowly descending on the surface of the water.
No sooner had this happened, and True Heart's tummy symbol lit up and practically jumped out of his belly, creating a rainbow walkway that connected the boat to the cloud field. Anxious to get off the boat, the cubs quickly began to slip through that rainbow, laughing and shouting with happiness, and as they touched the clouds, each of them also gained an individual symbol in their bellies.
Also the four babies, in the lap of Noble Heart and True Heart, won their tummy symbols as soon as they touched the ground, and soon everyone was happily exploring the place, which inspired a deep peace and joy. In that land of dreams, there were toys for the children, cloud cars, telescopes to observe the surface of the planet just below them, houses and everything else they would need to live there forever. It did not matter to the couple what had happened before in San Martin, only that now they had a place to live safely and take care of their cubs.
Most surprising to the couple, undoubtedly, were those symbols they had all won, and which reflected in a certain way their personalities. Soon the two discovered that they could create objects, such as balloons, rainbows, cloud cars or even love. For the first time they could see the substance of love, palpable and functional, and to prove their new power, they pointed their bellies to the sky and cast forth beams of light that exploded like fireworks, giving even more love to all.
The cubs explored everything around them, and received the full attention of the couple. There was finally the meaning of everyone's life, which was to love and help others. Noble Heart then held his wife by the hands and looked deep into her eyes.
- I love you dear - he said with all the passion he felt.
- I love you, darling - she said, giving a quick kiss to her husband's cheek, and then looking worried - But I... I'm just afraid he'll find us.
- Dark Heart? - asked the horse, receiving an affirmative signal from the bear - You can stay calm, he will never find us here. We are safe forever.
And they hugged each other happily, before being pulled by the cubs toward the cloud castle, which from that moment on would be the Care Bear Family home.
*****
When Frank, Trevor, Brad and Ted landed their planes in Miami, Florida, by the end of that day, the world already knew what had happened in San Martin. The Ju-52 bringing the other survivors had landed hours earlier in Jacksonville, and the news that the Nazis had organized an attack on an island so close to the United States with the near-complete extermination of its population was a real shock in public opinion, showing that America was not as sure as she imagined.
The four had no problem with the US authorities, and were only retained long enough to testify and confirm their identities. That's why the next morning and the days after, the two pilots took off with their T6s and searched a large area of the Atlantic in the hope of locating the Cloud Clipper, Norman's plane, or any other evidence of survivors. The US Navy, on the other hand, organized a large patrol that sailed to San Martin, confirming only that the island was surrounded by a strange and intense storm, and that the wreckage of several German war-ships floated in the waters, no sign of survivors.
It took six days for the government to authorize the reunion of Frank, Trevor, Brad, and Ted with their other friends. During that time, the two business brothers were in charge of regularizing the requests for political exile for all survivors, including those who eventually reached US beaches later. It was only after they had all the documents prepared that Don and some of the surviving humans went to meet the four friends.
- It's good to see you and to know that you're all well - Frank said as he rejoined the few who had remained - But where are Joana and Andrews? And the bears and cousins, why did not they come?
- Joana and Andrews refused to board the train with us - the young pilot explained -
She said she never wanted to see the face of any of her husband's killers. I do not know for sure, Frank, but I think they're blaming us and the bears and cousins for Cristian's death.
- Blaming us for what? - Ted asked with a stunned look - We're not to blame for Cristian's death! Neither Norman, Noble, True... None of us!
- But it's not what she thinks - added mechanic Ray, one of the survivors - I saw when a police officer went to their room the morning after breakfast, and how Joana was upset after the officer left. I believe it was he who broke the news, and did it carelessly.
- It's quite possible - Trevor agreed thoughtfully - But Worker, Rose, Caretaker... Why did not they want to come with you?
- They wanted to, but the authorities did not let them leave - Don said quickly - From what I understand, they're quarantined because they're not humans like us and were considered dangerous. According to one of the security guys who were assisting us, there is even the fear that there will be hysteria in the population if our friends get publicity.
- What incredible stupidity! - Brad shouted nonconformist - How could our friends cause hysteria to anyone?
- It's enough for the people to think they were humans who, through some kind of chemical weapon produced by the Gestapo, were given animal forms after the attack - Frank suggested with a sigh - Or even that they were normal animals and stayed the way they are after Nazi experiments... Advertising is a big enemy right now, and our own friends know that.
- And can we do anything to help them? - Ted questioned with worried look - Go to the newspapers tell the truth about them, try to return to San Martin...
- Going back to the island is impossible, you read the weather conditions of the place - the businessman replied quickly - And going to the newspapers would only attract unnecessary attention to our friends. The only thing we can do for them...
Frank did not finish his sentence, just lowered his head, his fingers over his lips and a deep thoughtful look, as if he were making a decision.
- And then? What can we do for them? - Don insisted, seeing his friend so focused - Come on, Frank! Say it!
- At the right time you'll know. Now we have other priorities. Moreover, I want to see how Hitler will continue the activities with the loss that Klaus brought him with this ill-fated action. After all, all these men, these equipments, were taken from the east front, and certainly Stalin will profit not only the physical weakening of the troops, but also low moral when the news of the defeat in San Martin reaches the Germans.
- Who would have thought that Incomprehensible was a Nazi who was willing to betray his own kind - Trevor murmured ruefully - Do you think he survived?
- Honestly, I don’t know. Only time can tell us. Now we have to take care of the Bears & Heartom Company and our interests.
- Bears & Heartom... I think there's only Heartom Company... - the older brother concluded sadly.
Frank said nothing, but deep down he agreed with his brother. In practice B&H became only Heartom Company. And it was the mission of those two brothers to continue the work and to put into practice all that they had learned from their special friends, and now they were very much missing in their hearts.
*****
It was late evening on March 18, 1943, but Hitler was still awake and examining various documents on his desk, especially those that involved the second part of General Klaus's project for the South American invasion via Dakar and Recife, and the bombing of strategic positions in North America through San Martin.
When Operation Barbarossa began nearly two years ago, the Führer had full confidence that he would soon crush Moscow and, with the infinite Soviet natural resources, could lead Germany to final victory. His belief was even greater because he had the protection of a powerful ally like Dark Heart and a quick, insightful general like Klaus. Of all his subordinates, the eagle was really the only one to whom he listened to the advice and even complied with the plans, for he fully trusted that the bird would never betray him.
For this reason he hardly discussed the first part of the invasion of America, which consisted of capturing San Martin and destroying the bears and cousins, because this was a basic condition not only for the new course of the war, but for Dark Heart to remain powerful and allow the Reich to achieve victory by eliminating all enemies. However, things have changed in those last days, and if Hitler had reason to be depressed and disappointed with Barbarossa's course, he now had more reason to be concerned.
The latest news he had received was not good. The invasion at San Martin had failed inexplicably, and its troops had been defeated by a gigantic snowstorm that had surrounded the island. There was no information on the whereabouts of Klaus or Dark Heart. Only one ship, the small cruiser Herman, apparently escaped destruction caused by nature. Immediately this made him remember the winter of 1942, when the snow had also prevented him from planning to attack Moscow directly even though he was at the gates of the city.
Giving a deep sigh and rolling his eyes without being able to concentrate, the Führer deposited the papers again on the table, taking a cigarette and a lighter. He did not smoke often, only when he was alone and very worried, since he needed to maintain an image of a healthy leader who abominated smoke and meat. Lighting the cigarette, he absorbed the first puff as if it were a real anesthetic, when suddenly someone knocked on the door of his office. Quick as lightning, Hitler tossed his cigarette into the wastebasket and splashed some honey into his mouth to hide his breath.
- In between! - he said, and immediately his confidant and press chief Otto Dietrich opened the door with a pale face.
- Hërr Klaus is in the infirmary! - were the first words of the journalist - He arrived in about 10 minutes and is dying...
On hearing this, Adolf did not wait for a single second, and jumped out of his chair hurrying to the infirmary of "Wolf's Lair" to see his wounded friend, and that reaction surprised everyone they saw. In a matter of minutes, the Führer reached the small hospital, and saw the eagle lay on a bed, pale and hollow-eyed, breathing heavily and receiving serum.
- How is he, Doctor? - the leader questioned in a worried tone.
- Mein Hërr, he's just exhausted physically and mentally - the doctor said reassuringly - His heart nearly stopped when he landed on the front door of the bunker, but we managed to get him back. Hërr Klaus needs only a few hours of rest and...
- AA-Adolf... - the eagle called in a low voice, opening his eyes glistening with fever and looking at his friend - I... I need to tell you... Before I die…
For a few seconds the Führer was undecided, until it had all come out, including Otto and the doctor, and he close the door securely so that no one could hear their conversation.
- My good friend... - the human began calmly, sitting down in a chair beside the hospital bed - I'm glad you're here.
"II-I think you... You will not be so happy... After you know what happened... - Klaus said slowly, moaning with pain in his back and chest.
- If it's about the failure in San Martin, I've already been informed. I just want to understand how it happened.
- Magic... The damn magic of the Great Wishing Star... And my big mouth that could not keep secret...
- What? - Hitler questioned, frowning - What do you mean by that? Who is this Great Wishing Star?
- It is the being that Dark Heart needs to destroy to rule the world - the bird explained with a sigh - We had a deal, I would annihilate the rest of my kind and destroy the Great Wishing Star, and in return Dark Heart would give us eternal protection... But nobody could know that, especially Heavenly Bear... And I ended up revealing our plans for him, allowing the Great Wishing Star to react... And Dark Heart would abandon us...
The human listened stunned to those words, and stood up and paced the room nervously, with uncontrollable energy, before looking back at Klaus with a most serious expression.
- You mean our defeat at San Martin was your fault? - exclaimed the Führer in a shocked tone.
- Yes... It's all my fault... - Klaus agreed in a depressed tone and gulped - If I had not talked too much we would have managed... Scheiße! I can’t believe I did this!
And he began to cry like a child, while the human was silent for a moment, trying to absorb that information. That's when he slowly turned to the bird and stared at it.
- Klaus! React! - Hitler shouted, shaking his friend by the shoulders - You're not like that. You're not out of control like that! React, as you always did!
- React how?!? - asked the General desperately - All our plans have fallen to the ground, and I am to blame for that! The Soviet front is lost, the African front is lost, the attack on America has failed and the fault of all this is mine!... Kill me soon, please! I do not want to live the shame of having...
- Halt den Mund (Shut up)! - yelled the human energetically, but not looking angry - Now listen to me, Klaus! You can’t keep blaming yourself that way, you have to react! Rest, and tomorrow we will think of something to reverse this situation. But for all that is most sacred in this world, do not ever ask me to kill you again. If I do this to you, who will I trust?
Hitler had uttered the last words in a sweet tone that he seldom demonstrated before other people, which made Klaus slowly calm and nod his head in agreement.
- That's better - said the Führer with a deep sigh and a light tap on the bird's shoulder - Now rest, regain your strength and your serenity, and then we'll talk. It's ok?
- Yes, thank you - said the bird with a pale smile on its beak - I swear to you, mein freund, that if we lose the war, I will do everything I can to avenge myself for all who escaped from that island. No matter how long it takes, I will.
- Do not think about it now, just rest - concluded Hitler, walking toward the door and, before leaving, nodding toward Klaus, who quickly fell asleep through fatigue and medication, with the comfort of knowing that perhaps they still had a chance to revert to that situation.
*****
It had been a week since the events in San Martin, and the radio was silent. Brad even searched in the Caribbean Sea on his own, but there were no survivors other than the few who made it to the States. At the same time, it appeared that the failure of Klaus's plan would soon bring disastrous consequences to German forces, especially on Soviet territory, where the Red Army resumed its march against the invaders.
Until that moment, Frank had had no peace, since he had to redo all the documentation concerning the company. He needed to redo all the accounts and paperwork of the company. It had been a hard the Nazi attack for B & H, as it had lost its thirst, administrative paperwork, its main economic base and more. Of the five companies that made up B & H, three were bankrupt after that March 16, 1943, and the other two were in a difficult situation. The little money that had been left in the international coffers would have to be well applied in order to make a good return. Experts consulted by Frank and Trevor have suggested mass layoffs of workers, or cutting salaries, to save money, but the Heartom brothers were against.
If there was one thing they both agreed on was that they could lose everything, but they would not lay off the B&H workers and neither fail to pay their wages, for the dismissal or reduction of wages would mean the moral and family failure of many of those men and women who worked in the company. It was the philosophy that Frank and Trevor had, even if it made them bump into the interests of other minority shareholders. Improving the condition of their employees was the way they had to help them be happier.
Such an idea was really hard to be accepted by people in general, but there was a reason for the two brothers to act that way, which was precisely the coexistence of both together with the bears and cousins. His furry friends would certainly also think that way if they were in the chair of B & H, so Frank and Trevor decided that they would always be inspired by what they had learned from their special friends, and now they would miss them so much in their hearts.
No words were spoken by the press about the bears and cousins, both those who had lost themselves at sea and those who reached the continent. This would have to be kept secret, otherwise an international hysteria might actually occur. But Frank could not agree with the US government's idea of just keeping Tricks, Idealist, Caretaker, Rose, Architect and the others withheld in immigration, so he got assurances that his friends would be set free and sent to a safe place that neither he himself would know the location, so as not to put them at risk. Even so, the entrepreneur would like to have them by his side at that moment.
These were the thoughts that went through his mind that night, while dining alone in the hotel room where he was living. He was not hungry at all, his stomach was still a little twisted after all that had happened. It was then that his eyes went through the wrapping that Jim had given him when they parted. Until that moment he had not looked at what was such object.
Unpacking the package, Frank was surprised to see that it was just a box of 36-mm film, containing a film reel that was labeled "Banana Annual Fair - March 16, 1943," in quick letters. At the same time he understood that this was the movie Jim was making of the party that fateful day. For a few seconds Frank looked at the object in silence, before wrapping it again and save it next to his few belongings, among which was the photo Tricks had given him on the day of Caretaker and Architect's engagement. Quickly he also looked at the photo, beside Trevor, Heavenly, Noble, True, Tricks and several cubs, being that he had the little Confidence Fennec on his lap. Maybe he will never again see none of those very special friends...
It was at this moment that the businessman could not contain his emotions and began to cry, feeling a huge void in the heart. Never before had he felt so alone. Then he looked at the picture again.
- I swear I will not let a minute of my life go by without putting into practice what I learned with you - he said to himself as he put the image in his pocket.
And every time bad things happened or he thought to give up or his mind faltered, he used to look at that picture to remember those who lived to help others and died because of that love.
But deep down he always wondered if Noble, True, the cubs, Norman and Flower had survived, and if anyone more else had managed to escape from San Martin...
*****
- Pay attention, children! - asked Noble Heart gently - If you keep distracted like that, you will not learn anything!
- And do not say it's not fun - said True Heart - Soon you can go outside and play.
The cubs played excitedly in the small classroom. There they were all, including the four babies, who were no longer so small even though they did not understand much of what happened. There were lots of games and toys there, plus pencils and paint to draw.
It had been nine years since the destruction of San Martin, but since the metabolism and biology of bears and cousins was different from humans, not more than three years had passed for them. In addition, Noble Heart and True Heart realized that the time was passing differently for the cubs, which grew more slowly than before. It took time for the patriarchs to realize that the Great Wishing Star, for some reason, wanted to keep the young cubs as long as possible. Previously in San Martin, bears and cousins usually developed normally from birth to age 18, when as their life cycle changed and they would grow into a bear year for every three human years.
But now this was apparently taking place all the time, plus the fact that Noble and True had won the power of immortality of the Great Wishing Star, which promised the same gift to the others when they reached eighteen. This meant that they would never die, unless they were seriously injured.
At that time, most cubs were already five or six years old, with the exception of the four youngest children, who were not yet three years old. But still everyone began to attend the Kingdom of Caring' school, as the couple of founders called it, where young people would learn everything they needed for life, such as reading, writing, mathematics, history, geography, and especially the art of take care.
- Come on, boys, pay attention! - True Heart said excitedly, with a colored wand in his hand pointing to a blackboard - What do you understand by helping others?
Baby Lotsa Heart Elephant raised his hand.
- That's when I see someone in trouble and I go there to help him.
- Very good, Lotsa - Noble said - Which ways do we have to do this?
- Using our Stare - Baby Harmony Bear suggested.
- Paying attention to the person - said Baby Brave Heart Lion.
- Playing with who needs it - said Baby Tenderheart Bear.
- Being friends with lonely people - Baby Looter Bear concluded.
- That's right, children! - True Heart smiled - These are some ways we can help people. In short: when someone is sad, it is as if their heart is cold and broken. It is at this moment that we, Care Bears and Care Bears Cousins, take action. And what happens?
- The person is happy again! - said Baby Love-a-Lot Bear with a broad smile.
Everyone laughed with happiness, until they heard a sound like a siren. True Heart's eyes widened and she turned to Noble Heart, saying:
- Somebody needs our help. Could you go and see what it is?
The horse ran out of the castle, to where the observatory was. He did not like leaving his wife and cubs alone, but he had no choice. First of all because they loved to help each other, and then because if they did not help, the Kingdom of Caring could be destroyed by hatred and anger. However, Noble Heart Horse was not shy about helping anyone who needed it, even taking all the risks.
*****
Klaus slowly looked through the large windows of his office into the courtyard below, where a group of recruits performed physical exercises while a platoon guarded various military equipment. That was when the big doors of the hangar opened, and a small yellow tractor towed an F-104 Starfighter inside, parked it alongside two other fighters of the same model.
Seeing all that movement made the bird smile satisfied, for it reminded him of the victorious times of Germany. The war had ended 15 years earlier with the defeat of the Axis powers and the condemnation of the majority of its leaders in the Great Nuremberg Trial. Few had managed to escape, with Klaus being one of them, and even his name having appeared at the trial, but fortunately nothing had been said about his true person.
Despite being an international outlaw and having to hide in order not to be arrested and deported to Israel or to Germany itself, the General had never failed to plan his revenge, no matter how long it took to materialize. Throughout the year 1944 and the final months of 1945 he had been commissioned by Hitler to lead a project called the Unified Group Against the Reich’s Enemies, or simply UGARE, which provided for the storage of weapons and the preparation of new troops for a new future attack.
Having been given carte blanche on the part of the Führer to act, quickly Klaus recruited the best and most reliable men of the Wehrmacht, besides selecting the best equipment available and that could be used later. And on the same day that the Allies landed in Normandy, a fleet of submarines sailed with such men and equipment to South America, where in the following months a gigantic complex of installations and underground hangars was built in the Amazonian forest, invisible to the eyes of who was on the surface.
This work of construction and enlargement continued even after the German surrender on May 7, 1945, at which time the General was elected the new Fuehrer by his followers. Since then, in addition to storing all the war equipment rescued at the end of the war, UGARE also used such facilities to store the new armaments acquired on the black market, and it was also the training base for the recruits, mostly young people who were unwell with the world system and who wanted a new world order.
There were a number of sources of funding for UGARE, the vast majority of which were related to the smuggling of arms, beverages, jewelry and money from corruption, mainly from the Middle East and Eastern Europe. It was through his contacts in the underworld of the crime that Klaus had acquired those three F-104 Starfighters passing by one representing of an African government. And it was to get another new contractor that he was in his office at the organization's headquarters.
It was almost time for the meeting, and his visitors had not yet arrived, not even passed by the first patrol station. There were several patrol stations, which made it virtually impossible for anyone to approach UGARE's headquarters without being seen. Even the isolated indigenous people of the region had no free movement in the area, let alone a strange person.
Impatiently, the bird sat in his favorite chair and tried to read some reports, when he was surprised to hear a voice telling him:
- Do you really think you'll get support from new recruits using all that Nazi symbology?
Klaus jumped out of the chair and looked around in a frightened way, seeing no one around.
- What the game is this? - the bird asked angrily - Who's there?
- Someone who can help you get what you want most - the voice continued slowly -But you will have to change a lot of things in your paramilitary group, first by excluding all those references to Nazism.
- I'm not going to take anything from UGARE." Come on, Dark Heart, be a man and show me your ugly face!
In response, two human figures magically materialized before the General, but he did not recognize who they were. The only thing he could say, from the expressions and attire his visitors wore, was that the two newcomers were as dark-hearted as Dark Heart.
The man on the right was tall, thin, had a large head, long nose and piercing eyes, but what struck him most was his cold appearance. His skin was as pale as a glacier, and even his hair and clothing were of that color with varying degrees of intensity. As for his companion, he was also a tall man, wearing a large purple robe with a hood that hid his face, revealing only his red eyes and green hands like those of a corpse.
Klaus stared at the two newcomers at length, showing no fear or surprise. In fact, he was more curious than scared.
- Hmm... I do not remember seeing you before - the eagle said slowly, scratching his chin - Who are you and what do you want?
- My name is No Heart, and this is my brother Professor Coldheart - said the hooded man - And though we have business in common, you really did not get to know us. Dark Heart felt that our meeting would not be fruitful, and that he would be able to solve everything in San Martin.
- So you two are really friends with that traitor!
- Our relationship with him does not go so far - said the man with the bluish skin - He was only our master and mentor. And from what he told us, it was you who broke the deal by saying what you should not.
- But he could not have done that to us, having abandoned us there in the midst of that storm to die! And if you're here because that fool wants to get back to me, tell him to fuck off!
- No, we're not here because of Dark Heart, but for ourselves - No Heart said slowly -And because you have something in common with us and it will serve to help each other. Have you heard of Care Bear Family?
- No, I don't know who they are.
- This is the name adopted by their old friends Noble Horse and True Heart along with the cubs that they managed to take of San Martin in the fight that they want to sustain of the good against the evil. They were taken by the Great Wishing Star to a special place, a dimension they call the Kingdom of Caring and that is beyond the clouds visible to our eyes.
- Noble and True are training all those cubs to fight all those who want to destroy the system, and that includes you and UGARE - Coldheart added - As weapons, they only have the words and a special spell called Stare. You know very well what it is.
Klaus just nodded, because Dark Heart had told him earlier that against the Hate Stare that the eagle possessed, there was a Stare with completely opposite effects.
- Well, what do you want, anyway? - the General asked, frowning - Why are you here telling me this, if even Dark Heart does not know you're here?
- Because Coldheart and I want to make a new partnership with you, more advantageous to everyone than the previous agreement - said the sorcerer with a malicious glance - As much as you, we want to rule the world, and to destroy people's hope and love is one of the best ways to win.
- We have a lot of money, and we can also get many sponsors and recruits for UGARE - the professor continued slowly and handsomely - You help us destroy bears and cousins, and we help you by making your paramilitary group fully capable of supporting a world war. Destroying the Care Bear Family you will have no opposition from anyone to act, and in the end we will share the achievements between us and our collaborators.
- And what would this division of conquests be like? - Klaus asked with an interested look - I will not enter into any kind of agreement without knowing for sure what my men and I will gain.
- You and your men, besides financial contributors, will become the elite of the new world order - explained No Heart - You all will have lands, riches, slaves beyond what can imagine. And you will be the perpetual leader of the armed forces, with broad powers, having to respond only to Coldheart and me. We only impose one condition: UGARE ceases to be a group of Nazi symbols and becomes a layman.
- We do not want the movement to be seen as the rebirth of Nazism, otherwise people will be able to react before we have everything in control - Coldheart explained in an instructive tone - If you want to continue to worship the swastika, is your problem. But inside UGARE no.
The bird hit its beak, the equivalent of nibbling its lips, and began to think. That was a really much more interesting offering than his previous deal with Dark Heart, and fully achievable. But there was something that bothered him.
- I promised Hitler the very day he died that I would command UGARE to avenge our defeat - Klaus said, looking steadily at his two companions - I can't betray my promise and hide our origins...
- Hitler is already dead, and half of those boys who are training down there do not even really support Nazism, they're here to fight the system - No Heart countered firmly - Unfortunately this is a point that we can’t give up, and as apparently you have already chosen not to realize this partnership in order to keep a symbology outlawed and that will not bring you victory, it is best to close the meeting...
- Wait! - exclaimed the eagle firmly, seeing that the two wizards were beginning to dematerialize - If there is no other way, I accept this condition. Today I will inform my subordinates that UGARE will no longer use Nazi doctrine in its methods.
No Heart and Coldheart looked at each other with satisfied expressions, before firmly and quietly clasping Klaus's feather hand, sealing the agreement, and then they sat around the table and began to negotiate all the details more deeply.
*****
When she had been hired to be secretary to the presidency of the B & H Company, Elizabeth already imagined that she would have a troubled life, full of compromises and unexpected situations. But she had never imagined it would be that much, nor would she form such a strong bond of friendship with her bosses after 20 years of service. More than an employee, she really was considered a true friend by Frank and Trevor, to the point of actively participating in the decisions and important moments of the company and the private life of the Heartom brothers.
Their genuine friendship for the two, whom she considered almost like older siblings, made her worry about everything, especially when they went on some unscheduled trip and did not know where they were going and when they would return. That had been the situation in the last days when Frank and Trevor traveled to Africa and practically disappeared during a safari in the middle of the jungle. During the time when the two brothers were left without contacting the outside world, Elizabeth chewed her fingernails of worry to the point of hurting her fingertips. Fortunately, when she was about to call the police informing the disappearance of their bosses, they gave news and reported that they were returning home.
Now she was in the lobby of the New York Stock Exchange, awaiting the arrival of Frank and Trevor. She could not hide the nervousness, looking at the clock all the time and pacing back and forth nibbling at her lips. That was when a black car stopped in front of the building and the two brothers got out of the vehicle.
- Thank God you're finally here! - she shouted, rolling her eyes and raising her hands in reproach - When will you both learn to call your friends and tell them everything's all right? I almost went crazy!
- Good afternoon to you too, Elizabeth - Trevor teased with a smile - And I think it would be difficult for us to get a pay phone in the middle of the jungle.
- Even smoke signals are worth it when it comes to communicating with someone - said the young woman, staring at her bosses - You two do not seem well. What is that purple rooster on your forehead, Mr. Frank? And why are you with that egg yolk color, Mr. Trevor?
- Because he got malaria during the safari, and I fell off a rock trying to dive into a waterfall - Frank said amicably - Besides, the tropical sun and the flies have taken its toll on our skin. And what's new? Has the auction begun?
- No, but I've already delivered the envelope with the final proposal. Honestly, I did not like the auctioneer's face. He looks like a drunk from Central Park.
- I hope he does not hear that, otherwise he's quite capable of dismissing our proposal. And winning this auction is very important to the company.
- You're right, buying the Rock Island Railway would bring us a new possibility in the Chicago freight market - Trevor agreed with a quick spasm from his illness - Not to mention that it will enable us to reactivate the contractor to participate in the international auction of construction of the Pan American highway to Brasília, the construction of the new subway line in Brussels and the reconstruction of Gatwick airport in London.
- Translating, more headaches - the secretary joked - But I know it's more of a benefit for the employees. Do you already think about how to solve that problem of the shipyard strike in the Philippines?
- Tomorrow I'll catch a plane and I'll go there - Frank said as they entered the main hall of the building - I want to personally see their complaints that the toilets are in trouble and that the shipyard has been contaminated with lead.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in admiration.
- You've barely arrived and you're leaving again? - she asked with a laugh - I spend more time running this company than you who are my bosses. Sincerely, I have been working with you since 1946 and today I am still amazed at your techniques of running the company, always putting employees first. And the amazing thing is that B & H is still profitable, even paying all taxes and giving annual bonuses to shareholders. Few companies do that.
- Given that Frank and I are the major shareholders, we still have more reason to make that company profit and pay dividends - Trevor said with a giggle, winking at his brother.
Frank also laughed at that remark, understanding what his big brother wanted to say. It did not really matter to them that the company was profitable to collect the dividends at the end of the year, but in order to offer the best for their employees, which Frank mostly called cheerfully friends. He was the most untiring of the two in his work as chief president, traveling one day to India, another to America, another to Polynesia, and eventually sleeping in Australia.
By the time World War II was over, the world slowly rebuilt itself, in the midst of what would be known as the Cold War, in which capitalism and socialism would be antagonistic but never directly confronted. And in the midst of that was the booming B&H Company, the fastest growing company in the world in the years after the world war, having fat annual profits that allowed it to pay shareholders and make their investment projects out of paper, but also to provide better living conditions for employees and family members, to the point of being one of the few companies that have succeeded in raising the salaries of all its employees by 100 percent in a decade.
In that year of 1966, B&H had become a holding company commanding several other industries, mainly related to logistics or civil construction. Aviation, railways, fast deliveries, cabotage, shipyards, mines were part of the company's business portfolio throughout the world, as well as an infinity of shareholdings in other sectors of the most diverse branches. Of a near-bankrupt company, B&H was now one of the 15 largest trading conglomerates in the world, most of which was due to Frank's inexhaustible and unwavering energy.
However he was not a happy man. He was lonely, sad, keeping many secrets. Except for occasional meetings with Brad and Ted, his only constant companions were Elizabeth, Trevor and his family, plus the memories of a time that would never come back. He dreamed every night that he reencounter his friends bears and cousins, who still lived in San Martin, that nothing bad had happened to them. But when he woke up and remembered everything that had happened, he felt a huge weight on his chest, and he did not share it with anyone.
Now he was 62 years old, but he still felt like a young man of twenty, full of vitality. The years did not seem to age him mentally, and this worked for him to look young too. Even so, he did not easily give up his ideals.
- What does this auctioneer read? - Elizabeth complained anxiously - Just announce the bids and close the trading session!
- They're checking to see if the information in the bids is compatible with qualifying paperwork - Trevor explained, scratching his chin - But I think now they'll declare the winner.
After analyzing all the proposals received, and having the approval of the public intervenors of Rock Island Railway, the auctioneer took the floor and began to read the summary of the proposals, from the smallest to the largest. When he announced that McFoller Uythor's offer had amounted to US$ 355 million, Frank breathed a sigh of relief and shook Trevor's hand even before the auction ended.
- The winning bid - the auctioneer mechanically continued - was sent by the company B&H Company, with payment of US$ 357 million for the purchase of Rock Island Railway, with payment of half of this amount on signing and three other annual installments of US$ 59.2 million, with the commitment to inject another US$ 100 million into the employee pension fund. The auction is closed.
As they left the Stock Exchange building, Elizabeth, Frank, and Trevor stopped at the door. It was apparent to the secretary that her bosses, although demonstrate calm, were pleased that they had won that competition, demonstrating once again the incredible business tact they both had.
- Do you think there will be legal recourse? - Trevor asked his brother.
- I doubt very much, after all the competition was opened and the company met all the requirements - Frank replied with a small smile - But let's celebrate. Why do not you call Stella and Warren for dinner with us, Trevor? I'll make chops in the sauce, just the style your son likes. You're my guest too, Elizabeth.
- I thank you, Mr. Frank, but I can't accept it - said the young woman, looking at her watch - I have to get my sister from the airport in an hour, and then I'll go to the office. Have a nice lunch.
And saying this Elizabeth walked away, taking a cab. As for Frank and Trevor, they went to the mansion of the first to celebrate another victory and take the time together to remember the good times.
*****
Noble Heart stood beside his foster children as they all looked toward various heart-shaped targets
- Are you all ready? - asked the horse with a smile.
- Yes!!! - answered in unison Friend Bear, Secret Bear, Tenderheart Bear, Grumpy Bear, Bedtime Bear, Brave Heart Lion, Looter Bear, Loyal Heart Dog, Cozy Heart Penguin and Friend Heart.
- So... Stare! - cried the horse with much emotion and happiness.
And at the same time the tummy symbol of all shone, releasing that warm ray of love that Noble and True used to help the kids of the earth.
It did not seem like 33 years had passed since the couple had fled from San Martin with the cubs and reached the Kingdom of Caring, at which point they became the Care Bear Family, with the bears inhabiting Care-a-Lot and the cousins lived in the Forest of Feelings. And part of it was due to the fact that a year of bear or cousins were equivalent for three years human.
For them only 11 years had passed. Now the older ones, who were Tenderheart, Brave Heart, Grumpy, Wish Bear, Bear Share, Harmony Bear, Forest Ranger Jaguar and Proud Heart Cat, were already 15 years old. And the younger ones, who were Champ Bear, Cheer Bear, Bright Heart Raccoon and Treat Heart Pig were between 11 and 12 years old. The older ones were already learning to drive, to use the Stare, to be more than independent to help humans, especially children.
Originally Noble Heart and True Heart agreed that the right time to allow cubs to perform solitary caring missions would be when they turned 18, but the number of occurrences became so great that there was no other solution than to start preparing the first class for help the couple in their caring task. So the horse was responsible for training the groups, as they demonstrated their maturity to deal with the problems. And now he was dealing with the best of them all.
- Very well! Now that's enough - Noble said after a few seconds, releasing the Stare -That's enough to warm them up for today
- When can we have our missions? - Grumpy asked - I'm tired of this training all over, I want to take action...
- Be calm, my friend - said Friend Heart - No somos aún plenamente dispuesta a cumplir misiones (We are not quite ready to do the missions).
- Friend's heart is right... - began Friend Bear.
- Please call me Amigo Bear - Friend Heart interrupted gently - Since our names are very similar, I want everyone to call me that way to differentiate from Friend Bear.
- All right, Amigo Bear - said Noble with a smile - You know I'm very happy that you insist on learning other languages to be our interpreter in countries where English is not spoken.
- Yo es que soy feliz de tener a alguien como tú que me enseñe todo, hasta que no entendes lo que digo (I'm happy to have someone like you to teach me everything, even though sometimes you don't understand anything I say) - quipped Amigo Bear in Spanish with Noble Heart.
- What did you say? - asked the horse, smiling and frowning, not understanding.
And everyone laughed at that...
The teens were already quite independent to take care of and to help at least the tasks of Care-a-Lot and the Forest of Feelings. And since most of them were now almost ready to start missions on the Earth, True Heart needed to take care only of the four younger, inseparable members of the Family. After all, because of their ages, Champ, Cheer, Treat Heart and Bright Heart became great friends. And even so they liked to play with True Heart, like at that time.
As the matriarch bear sought the four of them incessantly, they were hiding behind a fence near Caring Castle, watching her.
- Do not you think she's going to meet us here? - Cheer asked crouching beside Champ.
- Of course not - he said - She'll never think of looking for us here.
- I do not understand why we're going to hide from her - Bright Heart said - Auntie True Heart is so cool to us...
- We're just kidding - Treat said with a lollipop in his hand - It's like hide and seek. Only Auntie True Heart does not know that.
- Silence! - said Champ - That way she'll find us.
In fact, True had stopped shouting the names of the four, for she had heard a few whispers close to where she was. With a wry smile, she slowly turned around behind the fence.
- Where did she go? - Champ asked to himself.
- On here! - said the matriarch cheerfully, behind the cubs.
The four gave a startled leap, turning to see True Heart right behind them, with a smile on his face and eyes shining with happiness.
- Playing hide and seek with me? - she asked.
- Ah... Well... - Champ stammered - You were not mad at us, were you?
- We were just having a little fun - Cheer said.
- Of course I'm not mad at you - said the female bear - You know I really enjoy playing with you, kids.
Champ frowned at that.
- Who's a kid here? - he asked mischievously.
- To begin with, you - replied True Heart - Besides being my little cousin...
- I'm not a child anymore - said the young bear - I've even stopped wearing diapers a long time ago...
- The fact that you've stopped wearing diapers just shows that you're ready to go into adolescence, but you're still too young to live like us grown-ups. You do not have to be in a hurry to become an adult, Champ, because you still have plenty of time to find out what it's like to be an adult and that our lives are not just adventures but problems and worries as well.
The young bear paused a little, giving a small smile, which made True rejoice even more.
- Well, now that I've found you, maybe you want to come with me to the Hall of Hearts to get some gifts... - she began maliciously.
- Gifts? - asked the four cheerfully in unison.
- Yes. Come with me.
The five quickly entered the Hall of Hearts. On top of a table were four gift wrappers. True Heart took it one by one and handed it to the four preteens.
- I'm giving these gifts to you to make you feel more grown-up - she explained - After all, I know how difficult it is to be a child and want to be an adult. I've been through that. I want you to feel happy about what I give to you, feeling older, but not ceasing to be kids. And that goes for a lifetime.
As she said this, the young men quickly opened the packages.
- Wow! A blue tiara equals my jacket - exclaimed Treat Heart, lifting the object.
- A brand new toolkit! - said Bright Heart with a broad smile, looking at his present.
- A collection of bracelets, rings, hairpins and a yellow jacket - said Cheer Bear with great happiness - Thank you Aunt True!
Champ was the last to open his gift.
- A gym suit and a new baseball ball! - he said, lifting his clothes and looking at it.
- Did you like the presents? - True heart asked, seeing the bright eyes of the quartet - I tried to imagine what more joy each of you...
- We are very happy - said the young pig - These gifts are beautiful.
- And functional - said the raccoon, looking at each tool carefully.
- Say that for you, I do not think mine is the right size - said Champ, seeing that his new gym suit was bigger than him.
- As you will still grow a little more, soon this clothes will be serving perfectly - said True heart, folding the sleeves of his cousin's clothing - At least it will last longer than your current clothes, which are no longer serving to you. And just like your friends, you'll have a memory of me always around.
The cubs looked at each other and hugged True Heart, who was thrilled by it. At bottom she considered herself their mother, and these expressions of affection gave her the strength to continue her eternal struggle against evil.
- Oh, the gifts are from Noble Heart and Grams Bear too - completed the female bear - It was he who bought the tools and she who did the gym clothes.
- Grams Bear is very nice, especially when she start telling your stories - Cheer said with much love.
- It's so good that they live with us at Care-a-Lot, so we can always ask her to tell us new stories - Champ added with a small smile - I just never understood why she and Joyful did not live with us before.
- Well... It's just that... - True Heart stammered, because she had never told the truth to the cubs and certainly did not want to do it now - It's because they had to travel, and they were away from us for many years, and now return to your Family. By the way, speaking in Joyful...
Joyful Heart Bear came walking toward the Hall of Hearts hand in hand with her boyfriend Looter Bear. Next to them was Noble Heart, the three of them chatting excitedly about something, but stopped when the four young men rushed over to embrace them.
- How are you? - Looter asked for the pre-teens - It seems that you liked the gifts that Grams Bear, True Heart and Noble Heart prepared for you...
- And we really like it - Bright Heart said, smiling - I've wanted real tools for a long time.
- And I needed a new gym outfit - Champ said with a friendly wink - And speaking of that, sports fans, how about us four to play a baseball game after?
- Of course - Joyful Heart replied - I love any kind of sport where balls are used. But before Looter, Noble and I want to talk to you, True.
For a few seconds the matriarch was silent, looking at the young female bear closely and remembering the day when she and her mother Flower, or Grams Bear as she had been called, joined the Care Bear Family. That day was one of the happiest in the life of True Heart and Noble Heart, when they reunited the two friends.
- Looks like you two are very happy today - said the beige female bear with a small smile - Is there anything to do with what you want to talk about?"
- Yes, there is - Looter said with a wink, hugging his girlfriend more strongly - I asked for Joyful's hand in marriage.
True Heart's eyes widened, paralyzing for a few seconds, not knowing what to say, as a whirlwind of feelings formed in his heart.
- Marry? - asked the matriarch with surprise - But you are so young!
- What's the problem? - Joyful asked with a grin - My mother did not see any problem, like Noble Heart.
- Of course there's no problem, after all you two love each other - agreed the horse quickly, looking at his wife - That's the way it happened to me and True, is not it, my dear?
- Only we were older now... Are you sure you want it?
- Absolutely, we want to spend the rest of our days together - replied Looter Bear overflowing with joy - Joyful Heart is the love of my life, and there is no one else in the world like her. And deep down I know she thinks the same of me...

There's a kind of hush
All over the world tonight
All over the world
You can hear the sound of lovers in love
You know what I mean

Just the two of us
And nobody else in sight
There's nobody else and I'm feeling good
Just holding you tight

So listen very carefully
Get closer now and you will see what I mean
It isn't a dream
The only sound that you will hear
Is when I whisper in your ear I love you
For ever and ever

There's a kind of hush
All over the world tonight
All over the world
People just like us are fallin' love

So listen very carefully
Get closer now and you will see what I mean
It isn't a dream
The only sound that you will hear
Is when I whisper in your ear I love you
For ever and ever

There's a kind of hush
All over the world tonight
All over the world
You can hear the sound of lovers in love


Joyful smiled as she heard her boyfriend defending your feelings. After all, they loved each other greatly, and nothing could break that. But it was clear to both, as well as to Noble Heart and even to the four pre-teens that True Heart felt bothered by it. It took a few minutes before the matriarch, with a deep sigh, open a little smile on her lips.
- Okay, if you're sure of what you're doing, I will not contradict you - she said, putting her hands on Looter Bear and Joyful Heart's shoulders - For my part you can now set the date for the ceremony.
Looter Bear and Joyful Heart jumped for joy and kissed as the pre-teens watched the scene in silence until Champ motioned for his friends to follow for a more distant point.
- I think so cute Looter Bear and Joyful Heart get married... - said Treat Heart Pig in a friendly tone - I hope they're very happy.
- I hope, too - Cheer Bear agreed with a broad smile - When I get married, I want a big party with all my friends.
- Marry? And who do you think you're marrying? - Champ questioned mockingly.
- Who knows with you - said the young female bear with a malicious smile.
The young sportsman looked at his friend and pretended that he was going to vomit.
- That's nasty! - he exclaimed - For me, we're just friends, and it's already very good.
- At least we're all friends - Bright Heart said, smiling - And I hope this friendship never goes away.
The four then gathered and hugged each other, leaving to play in the large playground that was Care-a-Lot.
*****
Slowly the taxi stopped in front of the giant building in New York, and a thin man, wearing a black cloak and stealthily glancing, stepped out of the car, into the south tower of the World Trade Center, and headed for the elevators. As much as he tried to disguise it, the sweat on his forehead and trembling hands showed that he was truly terrified. Even when the elevator doors opened on the desired floor, the newcomer did not calm down, but he seemed to be even more nervous. Walking briskly, he entered the main lobby of B&H, crossing rows of desks with his staff, until he reached the offices of the directors.
It was when he started to run before the doors until he reached the reception room of Frank's office, invading the place and running straight to where the old man was, despite Elizabeth's desperate shouts calling for security. Opening the door violently, the man came face to face with Frank and Trevor, who analyzed some internal issues of the company.
- Gentlemen, please! - the intruder began, his voice raspy with emotion, raising his trembling hands and making an enormous effort to control himself - I will not hurt you; I do not want to hurt anyone! But I need to tell them!
- Who are you and what do you think you're doing? - Trevor exclaimed seriously as two security guards came in with their weapons in hand.
- For God's sake, I swear I'm not armed! I swear I don't want to do any harm, but I need to talk to you, before it's too late! It's about General Klaus and San Martin!
The two brothers looked at each other in silence as the security guards grabbed the intruder by the arms and prepared to handcuff him.
- Drop him! - Frank demanded quickly, to everyone's surprise - Take a look at him, and then leave. You too, Elizabeth.
The secretary and the two security guards were stunned by that order, but quickly the guards searched the newcomer, noting that he carried no weapon, just a thick leather notebook in one of his pockets. Making sure there was apparently no danger, the three of them left the office, still a little worried about what the man planned to do with the two old men.
- Thank you! Thank you for listening to me! - he kept repeating, in a tone of supreme gratitude - I can't pay you for what you're doing...
- Hey! Hey! First of all, we'll just let him talk because you're unarmed and seem to know too much - Trevor interrupted energetically - Now, man, recompose! It even looks like it has yellow fever, so much that it is shaking. Say your name.
- My name is Hans Frösben, and they're after me because they know I'm here. They will kill me by the time I get my feet out of this building!
- Calm down, or we can't help you - Frank said slowly - Who's after you and what do you know about Klaus and San Martin?
- Klaus is after me! One of his men watched as I deserted and took the cab, and they followed me the whole time. I'm sure that crazy eagle has already ordered my death, I'm sure!
Frank and Trevor looked at each other again. That boy looked really terrified, and did not seem to be drunk or joking.
- Listen, Hans, we can help you, but you need to explain to us what's going on and what you're doing here - said the first, gesturing for the new companion to sit down -You're certainly talking about Klaus Adler, Nazi general and one of the exponents of the Axis in World War II.
- Yes, it's about himself - said the boy, a little calmer - I know everything about him, including what he did in San Martin with his own specie.
- You mean you know about bears and cousins? - Trevor scratched his chin - I'm surprised Klaus is talking about it to other people.
- I'm especially surprised he's still alive - Frank corrected with a shrug - All right, Hans, you said you've been being followed by Klaus's men from the moment you defected. Now explain what that means.
- A few months before Germany capitulated, Klaus was given the task of setting up a resistance group with the best soldiers and resources available, secretly carrying weapons, ammunition, supplies and troops to South America, using the plans of the Schulz-Kampfhenkel for the German colonization of the site.
- Good God, then it was true... - Trevor murmured with wide eyes - I did not imagine that the Nazis had such advanced plans for South America.
- The whole project was done directly by Klaus, with the express permission of Adolf Hitler - Hans continued quickly - This idea was called Unified Group Against the Reich’s Enemies, UGARE. If Germany really did lose the war, the orders were to keep this project secret and strengthen it to secure a rematch as soon as conditions were possible. But with the Allies' overwhelming victory, the hunt for survivors of the Nazi summit and the purge of racial ideas championed by the Germans had caused the original planning to be abandoned, especially when it became difficult to recruit new recruits and partners for the project. There was a total aversion to Nazism and only with energetic measures Klaus managed to maintain the existence of his clandestine army.
- Wait, are you telling us he has a private army? - Frank asked, gaping - And how was he not discovered?!?
- Klaus has garnered many friends by changing UGARE's philosophy to a mercenary paramilitary group, whose main purpose is to establish a world government that will end current injustices regardless of political or economic philosophies. He turned away from the idea of pure race, from persecution to certain peoples like Jews and gypsies, to focus on the idea of the single government. As a result, many entrepreneurs, politicians and young people around the world have gradually joined forces with this bird, including providing the necessary resources for the maintenance of the group through money laundering, firearms diversion and participation in regional conflicts for training the troops. At that moment, there are two UGARE groups fighting in the civil war in Zaire under the false flag of international volunteers just to upgrade themselves militarily.
Hans looked at Frank and Trevor incessantly, realizing the surprise and discredit on their faces.
- I'm serious! The evidence is on this agenda, you can look - he said, handing the notebook to the businessmen - Klaus is slowly organizing a powerful paramilitary group, just waiting for the right moment to give the final blow, and nobody does anything to stop it. Only three things still prevent him from starting World War III, but at some point or another he will be able to circumvent them and nothing else will prevent this catastrophe.
Slowly the two brothers flipped through the boy's diary, which included dates, names, bank deposits, telephones, and various other data on the actions of that clandestine group, including some photographs showing the Amazonian facilities and the GUCIR summit convened under the leadership of Klaus.
- Bastard son of a bi...! - said Trevor punching the air - Frank, we need to do something!
- And what do you suggest we do, put an ad in the New York Times that an army of Nazi origins will attack? - asked the younger brother in an ironic tone - You and I know that Hans and this agenda tell the truth, but it will not be enough to convince the authorities and the population about the danger that is approaching.
- Besides, Klaus has powerful friends who will quickly deny you as soon as they give birth to the facts - the boy added with a worried look - There is only one way for you to succeed: return to San Martin and have their country declare war against UGARE.
- That's impossible - Frank said quickly.
- Frank, that may be the only way... - Trevor began pointedly.
- We can't do this, we can't go back alone! If the bears and cousins are not with us, it is an absolute loss of time!
- Well, I suppose you should start looking for your friends bears and cousins, even to protect them - Hans said slowly - Of the three motives that prevent UGARE from acting openly, the first is that they do not yet have enough men for a war. The second reason is precisely the existence of bears and cousins, the only beings that could be a hindrance to Klaus' plans, and therefore have to be eliminated.
- Very typical of that eagle... And what is the third hindrance?
- You two, who know who Klaus is, and own B&H, the only company that could rival UGARE in a war.
- Are you suggesting that we set up a paramilitary group just like Klaus did? - Frank asked in a surprised tone before looking at the older brother thoughtfully - That's not a bad idea... Brad and Ted can help us with that.
- That's crazy - Trevor murmured, shaking his head - But after all I've heard now, maybe that's the only solution... What about you, Hans? What can we do for you?
- Maybe you can’t do anything, I know I'll be dead soon - the boy said, licking his dry lips - Keep this agenda. If anything happens to me, there's all the information you need right now. When I leave the building, I'll try to mislead Klaus' scouts, and if all goes well in a week I'll get in touch.
With these words, Hans got up and left the office as quickly as he had entered, leaving the two old men standing there, gaping at everything they had heard. Slowly Trevor sat up and looked at that leather notebook while Frank had his eyes fixed on the New York landscape.
- What do you think, Frank? - the older brother finally asked after several minutes -
What will we do now?
- I do not know what to think - said the other with a sigh - What a pretty mess we got into. Maybe we should...
Frank was abruptly cut off. The company's office was hundreds of feet above street level, but still they could hear the sound of the shots, and their hearts freezing. Running, they both went downstairs to see a crowd gathered in front of the WTC entrance, where broken glass, people screaming wounded and bodies scattered on the floor were waiting for them. One of these bodies was Hans's.
- Oh, my God - Trevor murmured in horror - He was right...
For police, that shootout had been sparked by a reckoning between rival gang leaders who stood in front of the building, killing six people, including a young German. Only Frank and Trevor really knew what had happened, but they could not prove it. However, when they saw that murdered young man they decided to fight Klaus and UGARE as much as was necessary.
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