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The Confidence Secret","description":"","count":"42","submission_left_submission_id":"1962305","submission_left_file_name":"2829681_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2829/2829681_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2829/2829681_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_noncustom.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2829/2829681_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":"1962311","submission_right_file_name":"2829687_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2829/2829687_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2829/2829687_jcriver_o_segredo_de_confiante_letra_kristen_itc_noncustom.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2829/2829687_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\nChamp and Confidence finally surrender to each other, but that will have dire consequences for both of them. Meanwhile, Shimmers is forced to tell the fennec's secret to Trueheart.\n\nThe theme song for Champ and Confidence is called \"Chuvas de Verão\" (Summer Rain), sunb by Brazilian singer José Augusto. Link for the song in Portuguese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnqNO7rwYy8\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.

Champ and Confidence finally surrender to each other, but that will have dire consequences for both of them. Meanwhile, Shimmers is forced to tell the fennec's secret to Trueheart.

The theme song for Champ and Confidence is called "Chuvas de Verão" (Summer Rain), sunb by Brazilian singer José Augusto. Link for the song in Portuguese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnqNO7rwYy8

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":"[center][b]The Care Bears\nThe Confidence Secret\n3rd Part\nChapter 36[/b][/center]\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\nConfidence was feeling a little better after her conversation with Champ. Although she was a little afraid of what might happen, the encouraging words of the sportsman friend and also of Forest Ranger Jaguar made her courage and self-confidence return gradually.\nIt was almost ten o'clock at night when she decided to go to bed, because the day had been very exciting, and certainly a good night's sleep would put her thoughts in place, regain her strength and give the fox enough time to know how to face the meeting of Care Bear Family the next day. She was already tucking herself under the sheet when she heard someone frantically ringing the doorbell. Somewhat intrigued by who the nightly visitor might be, she quickly went to the door.\n- Oh... Good evening Confidence - Bright Heart said shyly from the outside - I hope I did not wake you up.\n- No, I was going to lie down at that moment - replied the fennec with a small smile - What do you want, Bright Heart?\n- Do you know where Champ is?\n- No, I have not seen him since early evening. Because?\n- Because he's in trouble, and we need to help him. Cheer and he broke up, and now she's locked in the bedroom crying desperately, while Champ is gone. And from what Heart Treat can hear from the discussion between the two, you too are involved in it.\nBright Heart had said these words in a hard voice, frowning, and the fennec sighed heavily and kept her head bowed.\n- I did not want it to be that way - Confidence said sadly - But we can't control our feelings, can we?\n- So you and Champ are having an affair? Is this the big secret you two are hiding?\n- No! That's not it! We just... - the fox tried to explain, but the words did not come out of her mouth - Oh shit!... Champ was just helping me hide from the others that my adoptive family is alive, it's made up of bears and cousins like you, and that we all have magical powers. But Cheer Bear discovered this and wanted to blackmail me... Please, Bright Heart, believe me! Champ and I are not having an affair; I swear by what is most sacred!\nThe raccoon stood there, arms folded and frowning, before taking a deep breath and rolling his eyes.\n- Okay, I believe you - the inventor said more calmly - But you know you need to tell the truth to Care Bear Family as soon as possible, right?\n- Yes, I know, and I'll do it at tomorrow's meeting.\n- I'm glad to hear that. And what about disturbing Champ and Cheer's courtship, what do you have to say about it?\n- I never wanted to disturb their courtship. Even because I have a boyfriend, Love Heart, waiting for my return. It's just that I... He... Champ and I are so alike... But I swear to you, we never did anything. There was only one accidental kiss, and nothing more.\nConfidence felt her cheeks flush as she said it, after all she was having to reveal her inner feelings to Bright Heart. However, the raccoon slowly relaxed, demonstrating that he believed in the fennec's words.\n- All right, I believe you - he said with a small smile - But we still need to find Champ and get him and Cheer to make up. Could you help me look for it?\n- Yeah, I'll help you. All I want is to demonstrate to Cheer and True Heart that I'm not a troublemaker.\n- So let's split the search area to make it easier for us to work. I go to the Forest of Feelings, and you stay here in Care-a-Lot. Anyone who finds Champ should take him home immediately. Regardless, we meet at dawn. Right?\n- Yes, I agree, let's go - concluded the fennec, before she and the raccoon came out in search of the sportsman friend.\n*****\nHe was running through the dark forest, fleeing desperately. But running away from what? Sky-Heart did not know, he only sensed that something evil, perverse and mortal pursued him relentlessly. Her heart was racing, her breath catching as sweat trickled down her forehead. He felt completely helpless, like a cub, and as he looked at himself, he realized that it was really that little blue bear, sad and frightened, without friends and family, wandering the fields without knowing what would be of the future.\nTears of fear streamed down his face as he continued to run aimlessly, sensing danger nearer and nearer. He tried to scream, to ask for help, but his voice seemed a distant, unreal croak. Finally his legs trembled with exhaustion, and he fell to the ground, curled up in a fetal position and waiting for death, but that was when he saw before his eyes his old lightsaber. He needed to use that weapon to defend himself. Grabbing the sword in his hands, the bear jumped to his feet, feeling the strength and confidence grow back into his heart, and as an army of evil shadows fell upon him, Sky-Heart was ready to fight them.\nHis body glowed as he fought, and he back who he truly was as he fought his opponents and prevented them from destroying Edron altogether. At last he reached the top of a hill, still dueling against the tide of black shadows, when he saw before him Shadowmere, with his red eyes and vindictive expression, ready to try to destroy him. But Sky-Heart was not afraid, and it turned into a ray of light, feeling that six other beams of light were also with him the moment they attacked the invading leader, causing him to melt in flames and blasphemy.\nThe bear then returned to its normal form, and found itself in a brightly lit room, ornamented with beautiful tapestries and a long red carpet leading to two royal thrones. Instinctively he approached those regal seats as he felt a hand land lightly upon his right shoulder and a kind, familiar voice reached his ears.\n- \"We'll meet again, bear of my life. As sure as the dawn is, we'll be together soon\"...\nHeaven felt his heart rejoice, and he turned quickly screaming,\n- \"Just Heart!\"...\nSuddenly the ground opened on his feet, and he fell into a deep, dark tunnel until he woke up startled in his bed. His breath was panting, and he felt his body wet with sweat. Slowly Sky-Heart turned on the lamp and sat down on the bed. His sheets were rolled up and the pillow was flat on the floor, showing that he had had a restless sleep.\nLooking around, the bear made sure that he was really alone in his room at his home in the Kingdom of Caring, but he could still feel the throbbing heart of emotion and the warmth of that hand on his shoulder. Besides, that name, Just Heart... There was something very familiar about that, and he struggled his mind trying to remember who that person was.\nBut like most of his personal memories, it had been erased from his mind when he had offered to be magically frozen during the ages to wait and assist the six chosen to defeat Shadowmere when he returned. Sky-Heart did not remember his friends, his parents... He did not even know if he had a family in Edron. And now that name, Just Heart, had filled his head with doubts and longings.\n- Who was I? - whispered the bear with a sad sigh, before laying down again and adding, thinking of that name - And who were you?\n*****\nConfidence had sought Champ in almost every place she could imagine his friend was. But he was not in the gymnasium, nor in the athletics track, nor in the star-o-cope or in the parking lot of the clouds. The only place the fennec had yet to look for was the Hall of Hearts.\nSlowly the fox opened the door and entered the main hall. It was strange to see that place empty and with the lights out, since it was well used during the day and widely illuminated. She was closing the door and walking toward the light switch as a loud crashing glass sound caught her eye. Immediately the wrestler stood on alert, and cautiously darted through the hall until she realized that the light in the pantry was on, and that someone was inside.\nAs she approached the half-opened door, she peered through the crack and was shocked by what she saw. There were several bottles of liquor thrown on the floor, and the color and scent of the liquid seemed to be wine. A shelf with plates and cutlery was also fallen, as if someone had come crashing into it. Suddenly the young woman heard someone begin to sing a disjointed song, and she quickly recognized that voice.\nWith a jerk, Confidence opened the door fully and found Champ fully drunk, holding a bottle in his hands and sitting on the floor in one corner of the room. He laughed and hummed in a soft, alienated voice as he drank from the bottleneck of the bottle, his clothes and face were soiled with wine, and several empty, broken bottles showed that he had drunk too much.\n- Champ Bear! - shouted the fennec, her eyes wide with surprise and an expression of disapproval - What do you think you're doing?!?\nThe bear slowly lifted his head toward his friend and smiled at her with inebriated eyes, as if trying to recognize her.\n- Ah... Hello fennec... Confidence? - he stammered barely able to pronounce the words - You came here to celebrate the New Year with me?...\n- Only if it's to mourn the end of a career - she said, frowning - Good heavens, Champ! How much did you drink? And what happened here?\n- I took all, all, all! And then I crash on the shelf... But then the others clean... That's what serves the Care Bear Family, one makes bullshit and the others clean. Would you like some wine, little fox?\n- Stop it, Champ! What will the other bears and cousins think of you if they see you that way? What would Cheer think of you when she saw him like this? You have a healthy sportsman image to watch over, and it certainly does not match that of a drunken, stinking bear!\n- Well, I do not care what anyone else thinks... - said the bear, trying to stand, but falling back and taking another sip - And I do not want to know what Cheer thinks anymore, I do not ever want to see her anymore... She's like wine, beautiful on the outside and bitter on the inside...\nChamp took another sip from the bottle as Confidence snatched the bottle from his hand, and emptied its contents into the sink.\n- Now enough of drinking - she said angrily, helping the bear to stand - I'll take you to your house, and tomorrow Cheer, you and I will discuss better what is happening between us...\n- I'm not going anywhere! - said the sportsman, getting out of the fennec's arms and picking up another bottle, already open and in half - I'll keep drinking all while I want!... Hey! Drop my bottle!\nThough the bear was completely drunk, he was still strong enough to keep Confidence from easily pulling the bottle from his hands, and for a few seconds they pulled the bottle like a tug-of-war. Finally, the fennec managed to get the athlete to release the object, and she quickly threw the container against the wall, breaking it into a thousand pieces.\n- Am I going to have to knock you to take you away from here? - the fox screamed gritting her teeth and clenching her fists of irritation - Stop acting like a spoiled baby, or it will be worse for you!\n- Look, it seems that I irritated little fennec... - Champ teased with a giggle - Has anyone ever told you that you look cute when you're nervous? Much prettier than Cheer...\nConfidence leapt forward, trying to grab the bear by the arm and twist it back to immobilize him, but the athlete was so limp that he swayed and fell to the ground, dragging the young woman along with him. The fox fell sideways on the floor as Champ fell over her, and more than quickly he gave her a long kiss on the lips, causing the fennec to be paralyzed, staring at the bear, not quite sure how to react.\n- You're so cute... - said Champ with a loving smile and a soft gleam in his inebriated gaze - Why do not we both assume once and for all that we love each other?\n- I... We... Because that's not right! - the fighter stammered, trying to control the emotions - We can't do that, Champ! Please, get off of me...\n- But you do not want to? - the bear insisted, lightly rubbing his snout at Confidence - Have not you ever wanted to be with me before?\nAnd slowly he began to give little kisses to the fennec's lips, which felt her heart beat hard. She did not know what to do now, since her greatest desire at that moment was to give herself body and soul to Champ, but at the same time she knew of the commitment between the sportsman and Cheer, and how Care Bear Family always hoped for that couple stays together.\n- Please, Champ... We can't... - she said in an increasingly indecisive tone, feeling herself melt with each kiss the bear gave her.\n- Of course we can - Champ said with a broad smile - I love you, you're the most beautiful girl in the world... And I do not want anyone else, just you! And I know you do not want anyone else, just me... After all, I'm here, and the other is not.\nConfidence understood that the bear was referring to Love Heart. For a second the memory of her boyfriend still made her reluctant, but the kiss and caress of the sportsman soon made her think no more about it. Indeed, Love Heart was far away, while Champ was there ready to give himself to her. And that made her decide to give herself to him too...\n\n[i][center]Came like a cloud in a gale\nFull of passion in summer afternoon, raining\nIt entered my eyes subtle and so fleeting\nRunaway beast in an attempt of peace\n\nRelaxed my nerves in winged feeling\nI felt my skin exude a slight sin\nI rolled your pores lightning and manly\nGust of wind in seductive turbulent kisses\n\nNavigating in your dreams watering your feelings\nDew of love in thought flower\nClouds that pass in a winter of passion\nSpring love in summer rains\n\nRelaxed my nerves in winged feeling\nI felt my skin exude a slight sin\nI rolled your pores lightning and manly\nGust of wind in seductive turbulent kisses\n\nNavigating in your dreams watering your feelings\nDew of love in thought flower\nClouds that pass in a winter of passion\nSpring love in summer rains\n\nNavigating in your dreams watering your feelings\nDew of love in thought flower\nClouds that pass in a winter of passion\nSpring love in summer rains[/center][/i]\n\n- I love you Champ - Confidence whispered to the bear's ear.\n- I love you, Confidence - he returned the same way, kissing her again.\n*****\n*Clunk*\nFrank was sitting on Flower's couch, watching the old friend's photo album, when the sound of a knock attracted his attention. Turning toward the kitchen, he saw Fred rubbing his forehead and moaning with a sore expression.\n- Damn it... - he murmured, staggering toward his boss - Why the crap of doors must be so low?\n- Do not shout, for Flower and the cubs are already asleep - the old man said quietly, with a smile - Besides, the doors are not low, we're very tall. Remember that the Kingdom of Caring structures are the right size for their residents, which is not our case.\n- And because of this I can't even complain...\n- You really should not complain, since the Kingdom of Caring inspires joy and not bad mood. Besides, we're just here because of you.\n- Because me? How so? - the secretary asked in surprise.\n- If you had not seen the bears and cousins that afternoon in Batovi, I would never have found the right track and we would never be here in this dream world. This time his mirage was very real, my friend.\nFred rolled his eyes and took a deep breath, then began to laugh in silence at Frank's argument.\n- It's a pity that this dream world is not so perfect - said the personal assistant with a bitter smile - The doors are very low, the beds are small, and death is only a few paces at the edges of the clouds.\n- In your purple robe and red eyes? - asked the old man with a giggle - After all, that's how you described death to me...\n- Because that's how I saw. And you ought to believe me more now, Mr. Frank, after all you've only met your old friends thanks to a mirage I also saw.\nFrank just looked at his friend with a disbelieving smile before turning his attention back to the photo album. Fred then approached and crouched beside the boss, also looking at those portraits.\n- Are these pictures from the time of San Martin? - asked the secretary curiously.\n- No, they're more recent - the businessman explained, slowly turning the pages - That way I can know a bit more what my friends have done in the last 51 years.\n- You treat them like longtime friends, but they do not seem to consider you much - Fred ventured to say - True Heart Bear would love to see you in the back.\n- I know that... And she's not the only one, unfortunately. Most Care Bear Family members consider me an intruder, and they barely imagine how much I want and I can help them. If they let me pay my debt...\n- What kind of debt? You owe nothing to them; you did everything on your own merit.\n- But if I had not lived half of my life along with the bears and cousins, I would not have learned to be who I am. That's why I want to help them so much, and I'll reveal this at the meeting they will have tomorrow afternoon. However, I'll go look for Champ in the morning to tell him what I plan.\n- You really liked this boy... This bear, did not you?\n- I carried him on his lap the day he was born - Frank said his eyes bright with memories - He's my best bear friend's son, and he brought me so many memories of San Martin... At least he does not consider me a invader.\nThe secretary was pensive at these words as he and his boss continued to stare silently at the photo album. That was when Fred's eyes fixed on the image of a tall, strong, brown-haired, and courageous man surrounded by the Care Bear Family.\n- Who is he? - he asked the old man - He seems familiar...\n- You can find him by the name of Shimmeringstar Bear - the businessman said with a faint smile - According to Flower, this boy lost his parents and lived ten years fermenting a deadly hatred against Care Bear Family, but one day he repented and was accepted as a member of the family.\n- But how... Fred started out loud, before instinctively lowering his tone so as not to wake anyone up - But how is that possible, Frank? This guy in the photo is a human, and Shimmeringstar Bear is that bear who was defending Hector and Champ at the meeting! It means he...\n- He renounced his human form to become a full-fledged Care Bear, thanks to a request made by his fiancée Wish Bear so that they would stay together forever. At least that's what Flower told me... And why do you think it's familiar?\n- I do not know... I just thought I'd seen this face before... - said the secretary, still looking pensive before shrugging his shoulders - If he lived like a human next to bears and cousins, maybe I have one day seen him helping someone. After all, a man calls much less attention than a colored little bear, as long as he is not flying in a cloud car.\n- At this point I totally agree with you - Frank concluded with a giggle before Fred and he continued to see the photo album, delivered to his own thoughts.\n*****\nIt had been a long time since Noble Heart Horse had felt as happy and cheerful as this morning. Even Tenderheart Bear realized that the patriarch radiated joy as he spoke, being very different from the sad and downcast horse of the last days. The two walked briskly toward the Hall of Hearts to begin preparations for the meeting that would take place that afternoon, and although the bear was yawning because it had taken a walk on Love-a-Lot the night before, it felt infected by the energy of Noble\nBoth were already outside the door of the building when they heard footsteps approaching and someone called them by name, and as they turned around they saw Redemption Heart Bear running in his direction with serious expression.\n- Hi Redemption, how are you? - the horse asked cheerfully - You seem to be worried about something...\n- Yes Noble Heart, I really am - the doctor said seriously - I did not want to bother you or Tenderheart anytime soon, and right on Care Bear Family meeting day, but I wish to make a formal charge against Confidence Heart.\nNoble and Tenderheart stared at each other in the face of the firmness and words of the female bear, since a formal charge was tantamount to bringing legal proceedings against a Family member. The last time this had happened off when Noble Heart demanded that Shimmers be tried after killing the Wizard from Wonderland.\n- That's very serious, Redemption - said the brown bear in a worried tone - What has Confidence done for you to report her to us?\n- She did not like a joke I did and followed me to my house, where she imprisoned me and tortured me with tickles for over 12 hours until I soaked my pants - said quickly to the female bear without revealing the whole truth, since she could never say that Confidence had tortured her as revenge for what she had done to Hector, but then she noticed with consternation that Noble and Tenderheart began to giggle - Hey! This is serious; it's no reason for you to laugh!\n- Sorry Redemption, but that's funny - said the horse, trying to hold back the laughs - Maybe you be the carebear which most like of tickle tortured in the others, and now you want to report Confidence for doing just that with you.\n- Apparently you like to tickle others, but not to be tickled - added the young leader with a wink - And you should be grateful for Confidence not have kept you hostage for months, as you've done with True Heart.\n- That's not fair, I came here to make an accusation and you treat me that way! - Redemption exclaimed, frowning - You mean you'll stand up for that fennec, and you will not even hear me?\n- We're not defending Confidence, we just find this situation funny - replied the patriarch amicably as he entered the Hall of Hearts and headed for the kitchen to get a bottle of water - If we were to blame her for tickling you against your will, you would also get punished for doing the same on other Care Bear Family members. Besides, I think you're exaggerating in this story, Confidence did not do anything wrong, she just...\nAt that moment Noble Heart, Tenderheart and Redemption entered the pantry, and were paralyzed by surprise. The place was messy, there was food, broken bottles and a reddish liquid scattered on the floor, and everything smelled of wine. But what most surprised the three was to see Champ and Confidence sleeping hugging on the floor, without anything covering their private parts, and in a compromising position. At this, the patriarch's eyes widened and his heart sank with surprise and anger.\n- But what is happening here?!? - he shouted at the top of his lungs.\n*****\nBright and Hector sat at the table, trying to have breakfast, but both the raccoon and the boy felt their stomachs heavy with worry and a bad night's sleep. They still had no news of Champ, and now Confidence had also disappeared. Luckily, Cheer Bear had seemed to calm down a little at night, and now she and Treat Heart were locked in the room of the female bear talking.\n- I still can't believe this is happening... - the inventor murmured, looking sadly at his cereal pot - Everything was going so well until three weeks ago...\n- Is it so bad that Champ and Cheer fight? - asked the boy in a worried tone - Why do not they just talk to each other, just like Champ did with me and my friends so we could make up?\n- It would really be the right thing to do, but... Just because we are Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins, does not mean that we do not have defects and that sometimes we also have no difficulties in dealing with feelings. And Care Bear Family always hoped Champ and Cheer would stay together. It's the same kind of cheer everyone gives to Shimmers and Wish, Tenderheart and Love-a-lot, Loyal and Proud Heart, me and... Ah... - the raccoon was red with embarrassment when he almost said that the Family cheered for him and Gentle Heart, but quickly composed himself - I mean, it does not matter. But it would be a shock to everyone to know that Champ and Cheer are no longer together, and that Confidence is involved in this, albeit indirectly.\n- And this can cause trouble for Champ, Cheer, and Confidence?\nBright Heart was opening her mouth to answer when they both heard the buzzer ring. Hopeful that it was the bear athlete or the fennec fighter, they ran to the door and opened it, but it was Frank Heartom standing there.\n- Good morning, friends - the old man said excitedly - I'd like to talk to Champ, is he?\n- Ah... Well... He's not in the moment, Mr. Frank - the raccoon replied reticently, since he did not want to tell anyone what had happened to his friend before he had a chance to repair the situation.\n- Champ fought last night with Cheer, and since then he has not come home... - Hector added quickly.\n- Hector! - interrupted Bright Heart, rebuking the boy.\n- I'm sorry... - said the boy, shrinking in fear - But Mr. Frank can help us...\n- Hey! Calm down and explain to me exactly what's going on - Frank said calmly - How did Champ fight with his girlfriend? You can trust me; I just want to help...\n- And I think you know this story better than I do - said the raccoon with a deep sigh, rolling his eyes - \nOkay, it seems that Cheer Bear convinced Champ to tell her the secret of Confidence, and then she threatened to fennec saying that would tell the secret to Noble Heart and True Heart if she did not move away from the bear. But Champ discovered what happened and fought with Cheer, and since then he has not returned home.\n- Did not you look for him?\n- Yes, while I was looking for him in the Forest of Feelings, Confidence stayed here in Care-a-Lot, but she did not show up at our meeting point this morning, and I do not know what happened to her either! I'm beginning to worry, Mr. Frank, and I do not know what else to do!\n- How about you ask for help from Noble and True? - suggested the old businessman scratching his chin - As much as True and Confidence do not get along, they certainly would not refuse to help look for Champ.\n- I'd rather they do not know what happened, at least not before Champ, Cheer, and Confidence had a serious talk alone. After all, the Care Bear Family always hoped that Champ and Cheer would stay together, and the news that they had quarreled about Confidence's secret may not be welcome...\n- I understand your point - Frank agreed thoughtfully - But we need to do something. I'll call Fred to help us, and we'll rummage through the Kingdom of Caring again until...\nSuddenly the old man was interrupted by angry screams from the Hall of Hearts, and by his voice it seemed to be Noble Heart who was screaming. For a second Frank, Brigth Heart and Hector looked at each other, before the first two began to run in that direction.\n- Stay here, Hector, for your safety! - shouted the raccoon, motioning for the boy not to accompany them, since they were not sure what was happening.\n*****\n- But what is happening here?!? - Noble Heart shouted at the top of his lungs, wanting to rip the skin off of Champ and Confidence in front of that scene.\nThe two sportsmen woke up startled, not quite understanding what was going on, but it was the fennec who screamed first in amazement and fear, tightening her arms and legs around her body to hide her nakedness. It took the bear a few more seconds before realizing that it had been caught unseemly.\n- Noble! II-I can explain... - Confidence stammered as her face grew pale with fear.\n- Explain what?!? That you're a slut? That Champ is a perverted bastard?!? - Noble shouted in a mixture of despair and hatred - You wretched traitors! I never thought you had the courage to do something like that!\n- But Noble, I... - Champ tried to explain himself, though he felt his head buzz as if there were a jackhammer inside.\n- But nothing! What you have done has no explanation, no forgiveness! Mostly Confidence. True Heart was right, just like Redemption, you're just a troublemaker little fox trying to bring disgust to the Care Bear Family, and managed to take Champ right on the wrong path! - at which point the horse turned to the medical bear and to Tenderheart, who were still silently paralyzed at the door - I want you to stay here, Tenderheart, and prevent them from having contact with anyone! As for you, Redemption, come with me and we will call the other members of the Family to an emergency meeting to judge the attitudes of these two traitors.\n- Noble, please! - Confidence shouted in despair, knowing what such a meeting meant - Let me explain what happened...\n- I told you to shut up! - the patriarch scolded harshly - If you have anything to say, keep it for the judgment!\nAnd without waiting for a reply, Noble turned his back on them and left, followed by the medical bear, which could not help but smile mischievously to the fennec. Tenderheart stood there, watching the fear and embarrassment on the faces of the sporting couple, still unable to believe what was happening.\n- I... I'm going to wait a few moments out here until you to recompose - he said sadly - And I'm sorry for you two...\nSaying this, he leaned against the door and stood in the hallway to watch Champ and Confidence and prevent them from running away or having any contact with anyone. Quickly the fennec and the bear stood and began to hit their fur covers, feeling their hearts heavy with fear.\n- II-I can't believe this is happening... - the fox murmured trying to control the emotions - What will become of us now, Champ?\n- I do not know, I... Oh, my head! - he exclaimed, squeezing his forehead and barely managing to keep his eyes open in pain - I can't even remember what happened last night...\nUpon hearing this, Confidence felt his heart stop beating for a few seconds. She just stood there, gawking at the bear, sweating cold with dread.\n- You mean... You mean you do not remember anything?!? - she exclaimed in terror - You're not serious, are you?\n- I only remember having taken that wine, and then it all seemed like a dream... - the athlete murmured in an embarrassed tone, feeling his face turn red - Was there really anything between us during the night?\nConfidence fell to her knees on the floor, starting to cry desperately as she realized that Champ did not remember what had happened between them. It hurt more in her heart than to be called a traitor and a slut, and to know that in a few minutes she would be tried by the Care Bear Family for her actions.\nThe bear realized her friend's despair, and even without remembering what had happened she realized that they were both in trouble and that he had somehow hurt the heart of the fennec and all his friends. Kneeling in front of Confidence, he hugged her and began to cry too.\n- I'm sorry... - he murmured, not knowing what to do - I'm sorry...\n- It's my fault... - she said through her tears - You were completely drunk and I... I acted like an impulsive girl... Heavens, what will we do now?!?\nMeanwhile, several members of Care Bear Family rushed towards the Hall of Hearts because of Noble Heart's angry shouts, which soon went out the door with Redemptionheart and came across Friend Bear, Secret Bear, Harmony Bear, Happy Birthday Bear, Funshine Bear, Bright Heart and even Frank.\n- Are you all right, Noble? - the raccoon asked in a worried tone - What is happening, what were those cries?!?\n- Something wrong? - asked the musical bear - Is No Heart attacking us?\n- Yes, something happened - the patriarch said earnestly, frowning - Champ Bear and Confidence Heart Fennec have been caught red-handed committing crimes of treason and disorder, and now must be tried by the Care Bear Family.\nWhen they heard this, they all gasped and gasped as they could not imagine Champ committing a crime of treason. Bright Heart let out a soft moan and put his hand to his mouth, while the others had expressions of anguish and sadness on their faces.\n- What do you mean? - Frank asked calmly, frowning slightly - What crimes have they committed?\n- I have already said that are crimes of treachery and disorder, and as a visitor this is not your concern! - replied severely Noble Heart - This is a problem that will be solved by Care Bear Family. I ask you all to help summon the others to an emergency meeting within half an hour in the main hall of the Hall of Hearts.\n- That can't be true... - murmured Bright Heart still shocked by what was happening, and wondering how he would say that to Cheer Bear.\n- But unfortunately it is, and now we can only judge them by their actions. Confidence deceived us completely, and dragged Champ to the wrong path.\n- You do not seem to be doing the right thing, nor giving the two the right of defense - the old businessman said firmly - I want to talk to them.\n- No one can talk to them before the trial, they're incommunicado - the horse said sternly, frowning - And you have no right to judge how we enforce our laws, Frank! You're just a guest, and you better not make trouble while you're here, or you'll regret it!\nFrank saw the Noble Heart's tummy symbol light up for a second, and he understood what the horse was planning to do. For a few seconds both of them were silent, staring at each other, before the human winked away and said:\n- Let it be like that, we'll see you at the time of judgment...\nThe patriarch of the Family could feel the threatening tone in the old man's voice, but his heart was too hardened to be frightened. Quickly he and the rest spread to summon the other bears and cousins to the most difficult trial to date ever made by them...\n*****\nTrue Heart paced anxiously as he waited for his son Shimmeringstar Bear to meet him that morning, and though the swordsman knew what the subject was going to be about, he certainly had no idea what the female bear had prepared for him. That was when she heard a ringing of the doorbell and ran to open the door.\n- Hi Shimmers, how are you? - she asked, trying to look innocent as she saw the bear standing there - Come in, my dear son, so we can talk...\nSlowly the swordsman entered the house, feeling his cheeks flush at the kind words of True Heart. As much as he tried to disguise, he loved being treated by the founders as if he were his son.\n- I'm fine, thanks - he said in a low voice - What do you want to talk about?\n- First of all, I want to know why you look so embarrassed. Come, sit in this chair and relax, my son. Does something bother you?\n- No, it's just... Well... It's just that I love the way you and the Noble Heart treat me - he confessed with a small smile as he sat down - But I do not think you called me here so soon just to ask me that...\n- Not really, because I know you love being treated that way and that you consider me as your mother as much as I regard you as my cub. In fact, I called you here to talk about Confidence.\n- CC-Confidence? - stammered the swordsman, trying not to be nervous - I do not know what else you want to talk about her. I told you everything I knew about her.\n- So I can be sure you did not hide anything from me about this... troublemaker fox? - True Heart asked kindly, before approaching the foster child with a smirk on her lips and looking deep into his eyes - For example, you're not trying to defend her, are you?\nShimmers' face grew even redder at the matriarch's question, so much so that he began to sweat cold as she stared at him.\n- YY-Yes... I mean, no! - he said, swallowing hard - I would never hide anything from you or try to defend Confidence.\nThe female bear sensed the nervousness of the foster child, and she quickly stood up and walked around him with a malicious expression, causing Shimmers to feel an interrogation.\n- Well, since you'd never lie to me, how about you tell me the secret of Confidence? - she finally asked - After all, I'm sure she told you and that you're trying to hide the truth from me...\n- II-I do not know what her secret is! - he said, swallowing twice as his face paled.\n- Well... Well... Well... - True Heart said slowly, stopping behind the bear and bringing her mouth close to his ear and murmuring in a mischievous tone - You do not give me choices, my son.\nAnd before the swordsman could say anything, she grabbed his wrists and pulled them back from the chair, shouting:\n- Stare!\nImmediately her tummy symbol lit up and the lightning struck Shimmers' wrists and also part of the chair, creating a rainbow rope around them that prevented any movement. Also the bear's ankles were wrapped together by a rainbow rope, preventing him from separating his legs, although he could still kick.\n- Hey! No! What is going on?!? - he exclaimed in despair, trying to free himself without success, while looking a little worried to True Heart - Why are you doing this to me?!?\n- My dear son... I gave you every chance you had to tell me the truth about Confidence, but - replied True Heart in mischievous tone, scratching at the bear's chin before pulling his feet forward and placing them on a stool, where he tied them tightly - And no use trying to use your powers to break free. I asked Wish Bear to place an order and now you're powerless for two days.\n- But I told you everything! - Shimmers exclaimed nervously, feeling his cheeks flushing because of that teasing on the chin, and swallowing hard to realize that he really was powerless - Why are you doing this to me?!?\n- Shimmeringstar Bear, do you really think you could try to fool me? - she asked in a friendly tone, smiling a little and shaking her head - Do not forget that I am the founding bear of Care Bear Family, and I have plenty of experience to know when someone is lying. This is your last chance: Will you tell me the secret of Confidence or will I have to force you?\n- I told you everything; I swear I did not hide anything from you! - exclaimed the swordsman, looking nervously at his foster mother, fighting his restraints once more, unable to break free.\n- Oh, why do you have to be so stubborn, my little cub? - the matriarch questioned maliciously, before putting her hands in the armpits of the bear and start rubbing them slowly - Coochie coo, c'mon, tell the truth to your Mama...\nAnd she began to rub Shimmers' armpits more quickly, which shrank at the sight of the malicious gleam in the gaze of the female bear. He tried to close his armpits with some success, but not enough to avoid tickling, starting to sway from side to side as he laughed at his restraints.\n- Nohohoho! I ahahahalreahahahady told yohohohou eheheheverythihihihing! - he shouted, trying to keep his story while his cheeks flushed with all that teasing and he was embarrassed to be so deadly sensitive to tickling.\n- Oh, so you mean my little cub will not give up so easily, is not it? Coochie coo, let's see how long you can stand being tickled before you tell me everything.\nSaying this, she gave a mischievous wink and continued rubbing the bear's armpits. Though he managed to close it a little under his arms, True Heart dug his hands into the space between his arms and torso, causing even more tickles.\nShimmers cringed again at the expression of his adoptive mother, knowing what that meant, and closed her eyes realizing that he was in big trouble, for she really would not stop until he spoke.\n- Nohohoho, plehehehease, stohohohop! - he begged as he tried to break the loops on his back and keep his arms down.\nThe female bear knelt down beside the bear and gave her a nice kiss on the cheek, her hairy hands sliding down a little to the swordsman's ribs and beginning to scrub them systematically up and down.\n- I have all day to tickle you, so the sooner you tell the truth, the less you will suffer... I mean, there's less you're enjoying the tickling - she said with a wicked grin, remembering that tickling was one of Shimmers' main funs.\n- Nohohoho, plehehehease, I've tohohohold yohohohou eheheheverythihihihing! Plehehehease Truhuhuhue Heheheheart, thihihihis is tohohohorture! - the bear begged as he laughed out loud, realizing that his arms were not long enough to protect his ribs as he moved back and forth to avoid those paws - Ahahahall day? Nohohoho!\n- No, this is not torture; it's just a stimulus for you to tell the truth - the matriarch said calmly, continuing to slowly knead Shimmers' ribs with as much tickling as possible - And if you do not want to stay here all day, then tell me the secret of that troublemaker fox. You're a good cub, and I know you'd never lie to me without good reason, but remember...\nAnd at that point she moved her face closer to the swordsman's face, smiling wickedly as her eyebrows trembled.\n- You have a deal with me, and I'll make you comply it. Coochie coo - she concluded, kneading and scrubbing her hairy paws faster on his ribs.\n- Nohohoho, plehehehease, Truhuhuhue Heheheheart! I tohohohold yohohohou eheheheverythihihihing! I cahahahan nohohohot stahahahand it! - Shimmers shouted helplessly as he rocked back and forth in the chair, feeling his face flush a bright, melted red as he made eye contact with True Heart and her wavy eyebrows, forcing him to close his eyes tightly - Plehehehease stohohohop, plehehehease.\n- Oh, poor little cub, he can't stand tickles - the female bear teased with a smile, scratching the bear's chin quickly - Then why do not you tell me the truth? I promise I will not hurt you for lying to me. After all, why do you want to protect Confidence? Is it because she did something very bad? Or why in the background are you enjoying being tickled?\nThen True Heart began to rub her hands over Shimmers' belly and waist, focusing on the region of the tummy symbol. Meanwhile, the bear felt his face blush even more in the face of that tease in his chin, but he did not shake his head, since deep down he was enjoying that treatment.\n- It's because she did not do anything wrohohohong! Nohohoho, plehehehease, Truhuhuhue, stohohohop! - he shouted, rocking back and forth, trying to keep his belly from being tickled.\n- Oh, I knew, you really know the secret of this naughty little fox! - said the founding bear in triumphant tone, nuzzling noses with the adopted son and stopping momentarily the tickles - Now you can't lie to me anymore. Tell me, what does Confidence so much want to hide from us all, and why does she so badly want to hurt me?\n- She has not done anything wrong, nor does she intend to hurt you - he said, blushing with embarrassment and trying to keep his cool, not realizing that he was talking too much - And I do not know what her secret is, I swear I'd tell you I knew.\n- And you keep contradicting yourself - said True Heart with a wicked grin, before sitting on Shimmers' legs facing his feet - But I think a little more tickling and you're going to tell me everything...\nThe bear turned pale at the words, at the same time she grabbed her feet and began drumming her fingers over his soles.\n- Luckily bears and cousins have very sensitive feet, and you also gained that quality by becoming one of us. Coochie coo - the female bear added provocatively as she slid her fingers from the heart cushions from the heels to the tips of Shimmers' toes.\n- Stohohohop thihihihis! - he begged to close his toes to prevent the matriarch from tickled them, since unfortunately she had told the truth about the sensitivity of his feet.\nTrue Heart pulled his right toes and bent between them for a moment, doing the same with his left toes.\n- Shimmers, Shimmers... Why do you have to be so stubborn? - she asked cheerfully - You just need to tell me the truth and I stop tickling your cuddly and sensitive feet ... I promise you will not be punished, and not even Confidence if indeed she did not do anything wrong... Coochie coo.\nRealizing that the foster child hesitated, she interlaced her fingers on his toes, beginning to make soft movements on the bear's soles using the tips of her fingers, preventing her from curling or squeezing his toes.\n- Hahaha! Nohohoho, stohohohop! - he begged, laughing hysterically, feeling the cheeks flush as she pulled his toes and prevented him from curling or kneading his toes, tickling his exposed soles like a real expert - Plehehehease stohohohop!\n- Oh, but it sounds like you're having so much fun, my cub... Coochie coo - said True Heart with a grin and a wicked wink, continuing to rub the tips of his fingers on the soles of the swordsman's feet, preventing him from wiggling his toes freely - I think you're really enjoying tickling, otherwise you would have told me the secret of Confidence. Also, I think your feet deserve this treatment.\n- Plehehehehease stohohohop! I'm vehehehery sehehehensitihihihive!\nShimmers begged desperately, feeling the tears stream from his eyes as he desperately tried to wiggle his toes and free his legs, but he could not. He had no idea how much the Care Bears had ticklish feet and sensitive toes.\n- Coochie coo, you have the most sensitive feet I've ever seen - the matriarch commented with a smile, pulling her toes back and tickling the instep before sliding her hands over the soles of the bear's feet - Oh, no cry my little cub, I will not hurt you... Just be a good boy and tell the truth to your Mama, and I promise I will not tickle you anymore.\n- I cahahahan nohohohot speheheheak! - he said, desperately trying wringing his toes and breaking his ropes.\n- And why can't you? - True Heart asked in the sweetest voice in the world as he continued to slide her fingers down the soles of the bear's feet, nudging the heart-shaped cushions and the front of his toes - C'mon, Shimmers, tell me... Coochie coo, please, my cuddly bear...\nShimmers was trying desperately to rock his feet, laughing non-stop as the female bear held his feet by the sides and began to slide her fingers from the hands along the sides of the feet. The matriarch loved to hear her foster child laugh out loud as it meant she was tickling him in the right way.\n- Nohohoho, plehehehease, stohohohop, I prohohohomised nohohohot to sahahahay ahahahanythihihihing! - he pleaded, closing his eyes and beginning to sweat, since his feet had never been treated so gently - Plehehehease stohohohop! I cahahahan nohohohot tahahahake it ahahahanymohohohore!\nThe beige female bear glanced sideways at the swordsman's face, continuing to tickle his feet, using her index fingers to scratch from the heel cushions to the top of his toes continually and gently.\n- You have such cute feet... Wish Bear should have a lot of fun tickling you, my son - she commented as she again entwined her fingers on the toes of Shimmers, preventing the bear from curling them up - Ah, how I love to hear you laugh... Coochie coo. But I would be even happier if you told me the secret of Confidence - she suddenly stopped tickling and looked maliciously at the bear - Why do not you tell me?\nThe bear heaved a relieved sigh as the tickling stopped, feeling his cheeks flushing at those praises on his cute feet as he tried to curl or knead his toes.\n- Because I promised her I would not tell anyone... - he explained breathlessly - Please stop tickling me... I can't breathe.\n- But you're breathing now - True Heart replied with a wide smile and brows trembling maliciously, before tickling Shimmers' toes again - And since you're a stubborn little cub, I'll tickle you a little more his cuddly and sensitive feet.\nShe then used her right hand to pull the swordsman's right toes and tickle the soles with her left hand, paying close attention to the heel cushion and the underside of his toes. And after some time, she repeated this procedure on the left foot of the bear.\n- So you're going to tell me yes or no? - she asked again.\n- Stohohohop! I sahahahay, I sahahahay! - he laughed and swayed uselessly in his restraints - Plehehehease stohohohop tihihihickling!\n- I knew you would not disappoint me - said True Heart, before running her fingers down the bear's feet - Oh, you have such cute feet... Coochie coo, I like to tease you so much that I wish you had not given up so quickly, my little cub... I really love you very much.\nAnd as she said this, she continued tickling Shimmers' feet, paying particular attention to his toes, before finally standing up and walking toward his son's face, nuzzling noses with him and kissing her cheek.\n- Now tell me what this troublemaker fox hides from all of us, my little cub - she said in a loving tone and clawed at the bear's chin before taking on a mischievous expression - And do not try to fool me again, or I'll tickle at your worst point for too long.\n- II-I say, just do not be mad at me, please, True Heart - he begged as he blushed at all those taunts but at the same time feeling bad about betraying his promise with Confidence.\n- You do not need to feel bad about telling me the truth - commented the female bear as she noticed Shimmers's expression - I promise no one will do anything to you, not even Confidence, for revealing her secret. So what does she hide?\n- That her adoptive family in Canada is alive and is made up of bears and cousins just as we are, and that they all have magic powers just like me - said Shimmers, with his head bowed and shamed - Their mission is to join us, and Confidence was sent here to watch us and prepare the way for others to come. But faced with the reaction of some members of Care Bear Family, she was afraid to tell the truth and be expelled...\nTrue Heart was paralyzed for a few seconds by this revelation. It was hard for her to believe that this was really the fennec's secret, since she imagined it was something terrible.\n- You mean all this... All this secret... - exclaimed the female bear in a surprised tone - Is it because her family is alive and wants to join us? Is it just because of this?!? You can’t be serious!...\n- But I am! Confidence was afraid to tell the truth to us when she saw the way you treated her. That's why I said earlier that she had done nothing wrong, that she wat not a spy for No Heart, and that she did not want to reveal anyone's secrets and much less upset the life of Care Bear Family. That's the truth, believe me, Mama. Now could you set me free, please?\nThe female bear went on in silence, still shocked by that revelation, and feeling stupid and ashamed of the way she had judged Confidence. She bent to start untying Shimmers when Noble Heart opened the door violently and a furious expression.\n- True Heart! You will not believe what... - the horse began to speak when he saw the swordsman tied in the middle of his living room - But what does that mean? It was not enough for Champ and Confidence to get caught betraying all of the principles of Care Bear Family, and now I come across such a scene?!?\n- I can explain my dear, it turns out... - was when True Heart stopped and looked surprised at her husband, in the same way Shimmers looked at him - Wait! What do you mean; they were cheating on all the principles of Care Bear Family?\n- I caught them having a love affair in full Hall of Hearts! In addition, Confidence was formally charged with physically assaulting someone - Noble quickly said - For me that is enough to consider her a traitor!\n- Damn it, I knew that her fight with Cheer would not end well... - muttered Shimmers through gritted teeth.\n- What fight between Cheer and Confidence?!? - cried the patriarch with a surprised expression - Whoever made a complaint against the fennec was Redemptionheart, who accused her of having tortured her all night long... You mean that fox has gotten more trouble around here? And anyway, why are you tied up in my living room?!?\n- Because he did not want to tell me the secret of Confidence, I had to force him - the female bear said quickly before looking at the adopted son - But it seems he did not tell me everything he knew. That was not cool of you, Shimmers, to hide all those secrets and not tell me about this fight.\n- True Heart is right, and because of your attitude in wanting to protect that fennec, you will not attend the emergency meeting where we will judge her and Champ's attitudes - the horse added in a disappointed tone - You will be tied here until we return, not to disturb the judgment. C'mon True Heart!\n- Hey! Wait a minute! Please, Noble Heart and True Heart, I'm sorry. I did not want to tell you guys because I figured you would not like it. Please let me go and do not leave me here! Please!\nShimmers tried to explain himself, but the founding couple only shook their heads in a negative way before moving away, leaving the swordsman alone and tied. Such an attitude of his adoptive parents made the bear feel very sad, and he bowed his head at the same time wondering what they were going to do.\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"
The Care Bears
The Confidence Secret
3rd Part
Chapter 36


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

Confidence was feeling a little better after her conversation with Champ. Although she was a little afraid of what might happen, the encouraging words of the sportsman friend and also of Forest Ranger Jaguar made her courage and self-confidence return gradually.
It was almost ten o'clock at night when she decided to go to bed, because the day had been very exciting, and certainly a good night's sleep would put her thoughts in place, regain her strength and give the fox enough time to know how to face the meeting of Care Bear Family the next day. She was already tucking herself under the sheet when she heard someone frantically ringing the doorbell. Somewhat intrigued by who the nightly visitor might be, she quickly went to the door.
- Oh... Good evening Confidence - Bright Heart said shyly from the outside - I hope I did not wake you up.
- No, I was going to lie down at that moment - replied the fennec with a small smile - What do you want, Bright Heart?
- Do you know where Champ is?
- No, I have not seen him since early evening. Because?
- Because he's in trouble, and we need to help him. Cheer and he broke up, and now she's locked in the bedroom crying desperately, while Champ is gone. And from what Heart Treat can hear from the discussion between the two, you too are involved in it.
Bright Heart had said these words in a hard voice, frowning, and the fennec sighed heavily and kept her head bowed.
- I did not want it to be that way - Confidence said sadly - But we can't control our feelings, can we?
- So you and Champ are having an affair? Is this the big secret you two are hiding?
- No! That's not it! We just... - the fox tried to explain, but the words did not come out of her mouth - Oh shit!... Champ was just helping me hide from the others that my adoptive family is alive, it's made up of bears and cousins like you, and that we all have magical powers. But Cheer Bear discovered this and wanted to blackmail me... Please, Bright Heart, believe me! Champ and I are not having an affair; I swear by what is most sacred!
The raccoon stood there, arms folded and frowning, before taking a deep breath and rolling his eyes.
- Okay, I believe you - the inventor said more calmly - But you know you need to tell the truth to Care Bear Family as soon as possible, right?
- Yes, I know, and I'll do it at tomorrow's meeting.
- I'm glad to hear that. And what about disturbing Champ and Cheer's courtship, what do you have to say about it?
- I never wanted to disturb their courtship. Even because I have a boyfriend, Love Heart, waiting for my return. It's just that I... He... Champ and I are so alike... But I swear to you, we never did anything. There was only one accidental kiss, and nothing more.
Confidence felt her cheeks flush as she said it, after all she was having to reveal her inner feelings to Bright Heart. However, the raccoon slowly relaxed, demonstrating that he believed in the fennec's words.
- All right, I believe you - he said with a small smile - But we still need to find Champ and get him and Cheer to make up. Could you help me look for it?
- Yeah, I'll help you. All I want is to demonstrate to Cheer and True Heart that I'm not a troublemaker.
- So let's split the search area to make it easier for us to work. I go to the Forest of Feelings, and you stay here in Care-a-Lot. Anyone who finds Champ should take him home immediately. Regardless, we meet at dawn. Right?
- Yes, I agree, let's go - concluded the fennec, before she and the raccoon came out in search of the sportsman friend.
*****
He was running through the dark forest, fleeing desperately. But running away from what? Sky-Heart did not know, he only sensed that something evil, perverse and mortal pursued him relentlessly. Her heart was racing, her breath catching as sweat trickled down her forehead. He felt completely helpless, like a cub, and as he looked at himself, he realized that it was really that little blue bear, sad and frightened, without friends and family, wandering the fields without knowing what would be of the future.
Tears of fear streamed down his face as he continued to run aimlessly, sensing danger nearer and nearer. He tried to scream, to ask for help, but his voice seemed a distant, unreal croak. Finally his legs trembled with exhaustion, and he fell to the ground, curled up in a fetal position and waiting for death, but that was when he saw before his eyes his old lightsaber. He needed to use that weapon to defend himself. Grabbing the sword in his hands, the bear jumped to his feet, feeling the strength and confidence grow back into his heart, and as an army of evil shadows fell upon him, Sky-Heart was ready to fight them.
His body glowed as he fought, and he back who he truly was as he fought his opponents and prevented them from destroying Edron altogether. At last he reached the top of a hill, still dueling against the tide of black shadows, when he saw before him Shadowmere, with his red eyes and vindictive expression, ready to try to destroy him. But Sky-Heart was not afraid, and it turned into a ray of light, feeling that six other beams of light were also with him the moment they attacked the invading leader, causing him to melt in flames and blasphemy.
The bear then returned to its normal form, and found itself in a brightly lit room, ornamented with beautiful tapestries and a long red carpet leading to two royal thrones. Instinctively he approached those regal seats as he felt a hand land lightly upon his right shoulder and a kind, familiar voice reached his ears.
- "We'll meet again, bear of my life. As sure as the dawn is, we'll be together soon"...
Heaven felt his heart rejoice, and he turned quickly screaming,
- "Just Heart!"...
Suddenly the ground opened on his feet, and he fell into a deep, dark tunnel until he woke up startled in his bed. His breath was panting, and he felt his body wet with sweat. Slowly Sky-Heart turned on the lamp and sat down on the bed. His sheets were rolled up and the pillow was flat on the floor, showing that he had had a restless sleep.
Looking around, the bear made sure that he was really alone in his room at his home in the Kingdom of Caring, but he could still feel the throbbing heart of emotion and the warmth of that hand on his shoulder. Besides, that name, Just Heart... There was something very familiar about that, and he struggled his mind trying to remember who that person was.
But like most of his personal memories, it had been erased from his mind when he had offered to be magically frozen during the ages to wait and assist the six chosen to defeat Shadowmere when he returned. Sky-Heart did not remember his friends, his parents... He did not even know if he had a family in Edron. And now that name, Just Heart, had filled his head with doubts and longings.
- Who was I? - whispered the bear with a sad sigh, before laying down again and adding, thinking of that name - And who were you?
*****
Confidence had sought Champ in almost every place she could imagine his friend was. But he was not in the gymnasium, nor in the athletics track, nor in the star-o-cope or in the parking lot of the clouds. The only place the fennec had yet to look for was the Hall of Hearts.
Slowly the fox opened the door and entered the main hall. It was strange to see that place empty and with the lights out, since it was well used during the day and widely illuminated. She was closing the door and walking toward the light switch as a loud crashing glass sound caught her eye. Immediately the wrestler stood on alert, and cautiously darted through the hall until she realized that the light in the pantry was on, and that someone was inside.
As she approached the half-opened door, she peered through the crack and was shocked by what she saw. There were several bottles of liquor thrown on the floor, and the color and scent of the liquid seemed to be wine. A shelf with plates and cutlery was also fallen, as if someone had come crashing into it. Suddenly the young woman heard someone begin to sing a disjointed song, and she quickly recognized that voice.
With a jerk, Confidence opened the door fully and found Champ fully drunk, holding a bottle in his hands and sitting on the floor in one corner of the room. He laughed and hummed in a soft, alienated voice as he drank from the bottleneck of the bottle, his clothes and face were soiled with wine, and several empty, broken bottles showed that he had drunk too much.
- Champ Bear! - shouted the fennec, her eyes wide with surprise and an expression of disapproval - What do you think you're doing?!?
The bear slowly lifted his head toward his friend and smiled at her with inebriated eyes, as if trying to recognize her.
- Ah... Hello fennec... Confidence? - he stammered barely able to pronounce the words - You came here to celebrate the New Year with me?...
- Only if it's to mourn the end of a career - she said, frowning - Good heavens, Champ! How much did you drink? And what happened here?
- I took all, all, all! And then I crash on the shelf... But then the others clean... That's what serves the Care Bear Family, one makes bullshit and the others clean. Would you like some wine, little fox?
- Stop it, Champ! What will the other bears and cousins think of you if they see you that way? What would Cheer think of you when she saw him like this? You have a healthy sportsman image to watch over, and it certainly does not match that of a drunken, stinking bear!
- Well, I do not care what anyone else thinks... - said the bear, trying to stand, but falling back and taking another sip - And I do not want to know what Cheer thinks anymore, I do not ever want to see her anymore... She's like wine, beautiful on the outside and bitter on the inside...
Champ took another sip from the bottle as Confidence snatched the bottle from his hand, and emptied its contents into the sink.
- Now enough of drinking - she said angrily, helping the bear to stand - I'll take you to your house, and tomorrow Cheer, you and I will discuss better what is happening between us...
- I'm not going anywhere! - said the sportsman, getting out of the fennec's arms and picking up another bottle, already open and in half - I'll keep drinking all while I want!... Hey! Drop my bottle!
Though the bear was completely drunk, he was still strong enough to keep Confidence from easily pulling the bottle from his hands, and for a few seconds they pulled the bottle like a tug-of-war. Finally, the fennec managed to get the athlete to release the object, and she quickly threw the container against the wall, breaking it into a thousand pieces.
- Am I going to have to knock you to take you away from here? - the fox screamed gritting her teeth and clenching her fists of irritation - Stop acting like a spoiled baby, or it will be worse for you!
- Look, it seems that I irritated little fennec... - Champ teased with a giggle - Has anyone ever told you that you look cute when you're nervous? Much prettier than Cheer...
Confidence leapt forward, trying to grab the bear by the arm and twist it back to immobilize him, but the athlete was so limp that he swayed and fell to the ground, dragging the young woman along with him. The fox fell sideways on the floor as Champ fell over her, and more than quickly he gave her a long kiss on the lips, causing the fennec to be paralyzed, staring at the bear, not quite sure how to react.
- You're so cute... - said Champ with a loving smile and a soft gleam in his inebriated gaze - Why do not we both assume once and for all that we love each other?
- I... We... Because that's not right! - the fighter stammered, trying to control the emotions - We can't do that, Champ! Please, get off of me...
- But you do not want to? - the bear insisted, lightly rubbing his snout at Confidence -  Have not you ever wanted to be with me before?
And slowly he began to give little kisses to the fennec's lips, which felt her heart beat hard. She did not know what to do now, since her greatest desire at that moment was to give herself body and soul to Champ, but at the same time she knew of the commitment between the sportsman and Cheer, and how Care Bear Family always hoped for that couple stays together.
- Please, Champ... We can't... - she said in an increasingly indecisive tone, feeling herself melt with each kiss the bear gave her.
- Of course we can - Champ said with a broad smile - I love you, you're the most beautiful girl in the world... And I do not want anyone else, just you! And I know you do not want anyone else, just me... After all, I'm here, and the other is not.
Confidence understood that the bear was referring to Love Heart. For a second the memory of her boyfriend still made her reluctant, but the kiss and caress of the sportsman soon made her think no more about it. Indeed, Love Heart was far away, while Champ was there ready to give himself to her. And that made her decide to give herself to him too...

Came like a cloud in a gale
Full of passion in summer afternoon, raining
It entered my eyes subtle and so fleeting
Runaway beast in an attempt of peace

Relaxed my nerves in winged feeling
I felt my skin exude a slight sin
I rolled your pores lightning and manly
Gust of wind in seductive turbulent kisses

Navigating in your dreams watering your feelings
Dew of love in thought flower
Clouds that pass in a winter of passion
Spring love in summer rains

Relaxed my nerves in winged feeling
I felt my skin exude a slight sin
I rolled your pores lightning and manly
Gust of wind in seductive turbulent kisses

Navigating in your dreams watering your feelings
Dew of love in thought flower
Clouds that pass in a winter of passion
Spring love in summer rains

Navigating in your dreams watering your feelings
Dew of love in thought flower
Clouds that pass in a winter of passion
Spring love in summer rains


- I love you Champ - Confidence whispered to the bear's ear.
- I love you, Confidence - he returned the same way, kissing her again.
*****
*Clunk*
Frank was sitting on Flower's couch, watching the old friend's photo album, when the sound of a knock attracted his attention. Turning toward the kitchen, he saw Fred rubbing his forehead and moaning with a sore expression.
- Damn it... - he murmured, staggering toward his boss - Why the crap of doors must be so low?
- Do not shout, for Flower and the cubs are already asleep - the old man said quietly, with a smile - Besides, the doors are not low, we're very tall. Remember that the Kingdom of Caring structures are the right size for their residents, which is not our case.
- And because of this I can't even complain...
- You really should not complain, since the Kingdom of Caring inspires joy and not bad mood. Besides, we're just here because of you.
- Because me? How so? - the secretary asked in surprise.
- If you had not seen the bears and cousins that afternoon in Batovi, I would never have found the right track and we would never be here in this dream world. This time his mirage was very real, my friend.
Fred rolled his eyes and took a deep breath, then began to laugh in silence at Frank's argument.
- It's a pity that this dream world is not so perfect - said the personal assistant with a bitter smile - The doors are very low, the beds are small, and death is only a few paces at the edges of the clouds.
- In your purple robe and red eyes? - asked the old man with a giggle - After all, that's how you described death to me...
- Because that's how I saw. And you ought to believe me more now, Mr. Frank, after all you've only met your old friends thanks to a mirage I also saw.
Frank just looked at his friend with a disbelieving smile before turning his attention back to the photo album. Fred then approached and crouched beside the boss, also looking at those portraits.
- Are these pictures from the time of San Martin? - asked the secretary curiously.
- No, they're more recent - the businessman explained, slowly turning the pages -  That way I can know a bit more what my friends have done in the last 51 years.
- You treat them like longtime friends, but they do not seem to consider you much - Fred ventured to say - True Heart Bear would love to see you in the back.
- I know that... And she's not the only one, unfortunately. Most Care Bear Family members consider me an intruder, and they barely imagine how much I want and I can help them. If they let me pay my debt...
- What kind of debt? You owe nothing to them; you did everything on your own merit.
- But if I had not lived half of my life along with the bears and cousins, I would not have learned to be who I am. That's why I want to help them so much, and I'll reveal this at the meeting they will have tomorrow afternoon. However, I'll go look for Champ in the morning to tell him what I plan.
- You really liked this boy... This bear, did not you?
- I carried him on his lap the day he was born - Frank said his eyes bright with memories - He's my best bear friend's son, and he brought me so many memories of San Martin... At least he does not consider me a invader.
The secretary was pensive at these words as he and his boss continued to stare silently at the photo album. That was when Fred's eyes fixed on the image of a tall, strong, brown-haired, and courageous man surrounded by the Care Bear Family.
- Who is he? - he asked the old man - He seems familiar...
- You can find him by the name of Shimmeringstar Bear - the businessman said with a faint smile - According to Flower, this boy lost his parents and lived ten years fermenting a deadly hatred against Care Bear Family, but one day he repented and was accepted as a member of the family.
- But how... Fred started out loud, before instinctively lowering his tone so as not to wake anyone up - But how is that possible, Frank? This guy in the photo is a human, and Shimmeringstar Bear is that bear who was defending Hector and Champ at the meeting! It means he...
- He renounced his human form to become a full-fledged Care Bear, thanks to a request made by his fiancée Wish Bear so that they would stay together forever. At least that's what Flower told me... And why do you think it's familiar?
- I do not know... I just thought I'd seen this face before... - said the secretary, still looking pensive before shrugging his shoulders - If he lived like a human next to bears and cousins, maybe I have one day seen him helping someone. After all, a man calls much less attention than a colored little bear, as long as he is not flying in a cloud car.
- At this point I totally agree with you - Frank concluded with a giggle before Fred and he continued to see the photo album, delivered to his own thoughts.
*****
It had been a long time since Noble Heart Horse had felt as happy and cheerful as this morning. Even Tenderheart Bear realized that the patriarch radiated joy as he spoke, being very different from the sad and downcast horse of the last days. The two walked briskly toward the Hall of Hearts to begin preparations for the meeting that would take place that afternoon, and although the bear was yawning because it had taken a walk on Love-a-Lot the night before, it felt infected by the energy of Noble
Both were already outside the door of the building when they heard footsteps approaching and someone called them by name, and as they turned around they saw Redemption Heart Bear running in his direction with serious expression.
- Hi Redemption, how are you? - the horse asked cheerfully - You seem to be worried about something...
- Yes Noble Heart, I really am - the doctor said seriously - I did not want to bother you or Tenderheart anytime soon, and right on Care Bear Family meeting day, but I wish to make a formal charge against Confidence Heart.
Noble and Tenderheart stared at each other in the face of the firmness and words of the female bear, since a formal charge was tantamount to bringing legal proceedings against a Family member. The last time this had happened off when Noble Heart demanded that Shimmers be tried after killing the Wizard from Wonderland.
- That's very serious, Redemption - said the brown bear in a worried tone - What has Confidence done for you to report her to us?
- She did not like a joke I did and followed me to my house, where she imprisoned me and tortured me with tickles for over 12 hours until I soaked my pants - said quickly to the female bear without revealing the whole truth, since she could never say that Confidence had tortured her as revenge for what she had done to Hector, but then she noticed with consternation that Noble and Tenderheart began to giggle - Hey! This is serious; it's no reason for you to laugh!
- Sorry Redemption, but that's funny - said the horse, trying to hold back the laughs - Maybe you be the carebear which most like of tickle tortured in the others, and now you want to report Confidence for doing just that with you.
- Apparently you like to tickle others, but not to be tickled - added the young leader with a wink - And you should be grateful for Confidence not have kept you hostage for months, as you've done with True Heart.
- That's not fair, I came here to make an accusation and you treat me that way! - Redemption exclaimed, frowning - You mean you'll stand up for that fennec, and you will not even hear me?
- We're not defending Confidence, we just find this situation funny - replied the patriarch amicably as he entered the Hall of Hearts and headed for the kitchen to get a bottle of water - If we were to blame her for tickling you against your will, you would also get punished for doing the same on other Care Bear Family members. Besides, I think you're exaggerating in this story, Confidence did not do anything wrong, she just...
At that moment Noble Heart, Tenderheart and Redemption entered the pantry, and were paralyzed by surprise. The place was messy, there was food, broken bottles and a reddish liquid scattered on the floor, and everything smelled of wine. But what most surprised the three was to see Champ and Confidence sleeping hugging on the floor, without anything covering their private parts, and in a compromising position. At this, the patriarch's eyes widened and his heart sank with surprise and anger.
- But what is happening here?!? - he shouted at the top of his lungs.
*****
Bright and Hector sat at the table, trying to have breakfast, but both the raccoon and the boy felt their stomachs heavy with worry and a bad night's sleep. They still had no news of Champ, and now Confidence had also disappeared. Luckily, Cheer Bear had seemed to calm down a little at night, and now she and Treat Heart were locked in the room of the female bear talking.
- I still can't believe this is happening... - the inventor murmured, looking sadly at his cereal pot - Everything was going so well until three weeks ago...
- Is it so bad that Champ and Cheer fight? - asked the boy in a worried tone - Why do not they just talk to each other, just like Champ did with me and my friends so we could make up?
- It would really be the right thing to do, but... Just because we are Care Bears and Care Bear Cousins, does not mean that we do not have defects and that sometimes we also have no difficulties in dealing with feelings. And Care Bear Family always hoped Champ and Cheer would stay together. It's the same kind of cheer everyone gives to Shimmers and Wish, Tenderheart and Love-a-lot, Loyal and Proud Heart, me and... Ah... - the raccoon was red with embarrassment when he almost said that the Family cheered for him and Gentle Heart, but quickly composed himself - I mean, it does not matter. But it would be a shock to everyone to know that Champ and Cheer are no longer together, and that Confidence is involved in this, albeit indirectly.
- And this can cause trouble for Champ, Cheer, and Confidence?
Bright Heart was opening her mouth to answer when they both heard the buzzer ring. Hopeful that it was the bear athlete or the fennec fighter, they ran to the door and opened it, but it was Frank Heartom standing there.
- Good morning, friends - the old man said excitedly - I'd like to talk to Champ, is he?
- Ah... Well... He's not in the moment, Mr. Frank - the raccoon replied reticently, since he did not want to tell anyone what had happened to his friend before he had a chance to repair the situation.
- Champ fought last night with Cheer, and since then he has not come home... - Hector added quickly.
- Hector! - interrupted Bright Heart, rebuking the boy.
- I'm sorry... - said the boy, shrinking in fear - But Mr. Frank can help us...
- Hey! Calm down and explain to me exactly what's going on - Frank said calmly - How did Champ fight with his girlfriend? You can trust me; I just want to help...
- And I think you know this story better than I do - said the raccoon with a deep sigh, rolling his eyes -
Okay, it seems that Cheer Bear convinced Champ to tell her the secret of Confidence, and then she threatened to fennec saying that would tell the secret to Noble Heart and True Heart if she did not move away from the bear. But Champ discovered what happened and fought with Cheer, and since then he has not returned home.
- Did not you look for him?
- Yes, while I was looking for him in the Forest of Feelings, Confidence stayed here in Care-a-Lot, but she did not show up at our meeting point this morning, and I do not know what happened to her either! I'm beginning to worry, Mr. Frank, and I do not know what else to do!
- How about you ask for help from Noble and True? - suggested the old businessman scratching his chin - As much as True and Confidence do not get along, they certainly would not refuse to help look for Champ.
- I'd rather they do not know what happened, at least not before Champ, Cheer, and Confidence had a serious talk alone. After all, the Care Bear Family always hoped that Champ and Cheer would stay together, and the news that they had quarreled about Confidence's secret may not be welcome...
- I understand your point - Frank agreed thoughtfully - But we need to do something. I'll call Fred to help us, and we'll rummage through the Kingdom of Caring again until...
Suddenly the old man was interrupted by angry screams from the Hall of Hearts, and by his voice it seemed to be Noble Heart who was screaming. For a second Frank, Brigth Heart and Hector looked at each other, before the first two began to run in that direction.
- Stay here, Hector, for your safety! - shouted the raccoon, motioning for the boy not to accompany them, since they were not sure what was happening.
*****
- But what is happening here?!? - Noble Heart shouted at the top of his lungs, wanting to rip the skin off of Champ and Confidence in front of that scene.
The two sportsmen woke up startled, not quite understanding what was going on, but it was the fennec who screamed first in amazement and fear, tightening her arms and legs around her body to hide her nakedness. It took the bear a few more seconds before realizing that it had been caught unseemly.
- Noble! II-I can explain... - Confidence stammered as her face grew pale with fear.
- Explain what?!? That you're a slut? That Champ is a perverted bastard?!? - Noble shouted in a mixture of despair and hatred - You wretched traitors! I never thought you had the courage to do something like that!
- But Noble, I... - Champ tried to explain himself, though he felt his head buzz as if there were a jackhammer inside.
- But nothing! What you have done has no explanation, no forgiveness! Mostly Confidence. True Heart was right, just like Redemption, you're just a troublemaker little fox trying to bring disgust to the Care Bear Family, and managed to take Champ right on the wrong path! - at which point the horse turned to the medical bear and to Tenderheart, who were still silently paralyzed at the door - I want you to stay here, Tenderheart, and prevent them from having contact with anyone! As for you, Redemption, come with me and we will call the other members of the Family to an emergency meeting to judge the attitudes of these two traitors.
- Noble, please! - Confidence shouted in despair, knowing what such a meeting meant - Let me explain what happened...
- I told you to shut up! - the patriarch scolded harshly - If you have anything to say, keep it for the judgment!
And without waiting for a reply, Noble turned his back on them and left, followed by the medical bear, which could not help but smile mischievously to the fennec. Tenderheart stood there, watching the fear and embarrassment on the faces of the sporting couple, still unable to believe what was happening.
- I... I'm going to wait a few moments out here until you to recompose - he said sadly - And I'm sorry for you two...
Saying this, he leaned against the door and stood in the hallway to watch Champ and Confidence and prevent them from running away or having any contact with anyone. Quickly the fennec and the bear stood and began to hit their fur covers, feeling their hearts heavy with fear.
- II-I can't believe this is happening... - the fox murmured trying to control the emotions - What will become of us now, Champ?
- I do not know, I... Oh, my head! - he exclaimed, squeezing his forehead and barely managing to keep his eyes open in pain - I can't even remember what happened last night...
Upon hearing this, Confidence felt his heart stop beating for a few seconds. She just stood there, gawking at the bear, sweating cold with dread.
- You mean... You mean you do not remember anything?!? - she exclaimed in terror - You're not serious, are you?
- I only remember having taken that wine, and then it all seemed like a dream... - the athlete murmured in an embarrassed tone, feeling his face turn red - Was there really anything between us during the night?
Confidence fell to her knees on the floor, starting to cry desperately as she realized that Champ did not remember what had happened between them. It hurt more in her heart than to be called a traitor and a slut, and to know that in a few minutes she would be tried by the Care Bear Family for her actions.
The bear realized her friend's despair, and even without remembering what had happened she realized that they were both in trouble and that he had somehow hurt the heart of the fennec and all his friends. Kneeling in front of Confidence, he hugged her and began to cry too.
- I'm sorry... - he murmured, not knowing what to do - I'm sorry...
- It's my fault... - she said through her tears - You were completely drunk and I... I acted like an impulsive girl... Heavens, what will we do now?!?
Meanwhile, several members of Care Bear Family rushed towards the Hall of Hearts because of Noble Heart's angry shouts, which soon went out the door with Redemptionheart and came across Friend Bear, Secret Bear, Harmony Bear, Happy Birthday Bear, Funshine Bear, Bright Heart and even Frank.
- Are you all right, Noble? - the raccoon asked in a worried tone - What is happening, what were those cries?!?
- Something wrong? - asked the musical bear - Is No Heart attacking us?
- Yes, something happened - the patriarch said earnestly, frowning - Champ Bear and Confidence Heart Fennec have been caught red-handed committing crimes of treason and disorder, and now must be tried by the Care Bear Family.
When they heard this, they all gasped and gasped as they could not imagine Champ committing a crime of treason. Bright Heart let out a soft moan and put his hand to his mouth, while the others had expressions of anguish and sadness on their faces.
- What do you mean? - Frank asked calmly, frowning slightly - What crimes have they committed?
- I have already said that are crimes of treachery and disorder, and as a visitor this is not your concern! - replied severely Noble Heart - This is a problem that will be solved by Care Bear Family. I ask you all to help summon the others to an emergency meeting within half an hour in the main hall of the Hall of Hearts.
- That can't be true... - murmured Bright Heart still shocked by what was happening, and wondering how he would say that to Cheer Bear.
- But unfortunately it is, and now we can only judge them by their actions. Confidence deceived us completely, and dragged Champ to the wrong path.
- You do not seem to be doing the right thing, nor giving the two the right of defense - the old businessman said firmly - I want to talk to them.
- No one can talk to them before the trial, they're incommunicado - the horse said sternly, frowning - And you have no right to judge how we enforce our laws, Frank! You're just a guest, and you better not make trouble while you're here, or you'll regret it!
Frank saw the Noble Heart's tummy symbol light up for a second, and he understood what the horse was planning to do. For a few seconds both of them were silent, staring at each other, before the human winked away and said:
- Let it be like that, we'll see you at the time of judgment...
The patriarch of the Family could feel the threatening tone in the old man's voice, but his heart was too hardened to be frightened. Quickly he and the rest spread to summon the other bears and cousins to the most difficult trial to date ever made by them...
*****
True Heart paced anxiously as he waited for his son Shimmeringstar Bear to meet him that morning, and though the swordsman knew what the subject was going to be about, he certainly had no idea what the female bear had prepared for him. That was when she heard a ringing of the doorbell and ran to open the door.
- Hi Shimmers, how are you? - she asked, trying to look innocent as she saw the bear standing there - Come in, my dear son, so we can talk...
Slowly the swordsman entered the house, feeling his cheeks flush at the kind words of True Heart. As much as he tried to disguise, he loved being treated by the founders as if he were his son.
- I'm fine, thanks - he said in a low voice - What do you want to talk about?
- First of all, I want to know why you look so embarrassed. Come, sit in this chair and relax, my son. Does something bother you?
- No, it's just... Well... It's just that I love the way you and the Noble Heart treat me - he confessed with a small smile as he sat down - But I do not think you called me here so soon just to ask me that...
- Not really, because I know you love being treated that way and that you consider me as your mother as much as I regard you as my cub. In fact, I called you here to talk about Confidence.
- CC-Confidence? - stammered the swordsman, trying not to be nervous - I do not know what else you want to talk about her. I told you everything I knew about her.
- So I can be sure you did not hide anything from me about this... troublemaker fox? - True Heart asked kindly, before approaching the foster child with a smirk on her lips and looking deep into his eyes - For example, you're not trying to defend her, are you?
Shimmers' face grew even redder at the matriarch's question, so much so that he began to sweat cold as she stared at him.
- YY-Yes... I mean, no! - he said, swallowing hard - I would never hide anything from you or try to defend Confidence.
The female bear sensed the nervousness of the foster child, and she quickly stood up and walked around him with a malicious expression, causing Shimmers to feel an interrogation.
- Well, since you'd never lie to me, how about you tell me the secret of Confidence? - she finally asked - After all, I'm sure she told you and that you're trying to hide the truth from me...
- II-I do not know what her secret is! - he said, swallowing twice as his face paled.
- Well... Well... Well... - True Heart said slowly, stopping behind the bear and bringing her mouth close to his ear and murmuring in a mischievous tone - You do not give me choices, my son.
And before the swordsman could say anything, she grabbed his wrists and pulled them back from the chair, shouting:
- Stare!
Immediately her tummy symbol lit up and the lightning struck Shimmers' wrists and also part of the chair, creating a rainbow rope around them that prevented any movement. Also the bear's ankles were wrapped together by a rainbow rope, preventing him from separating his legs, although he could still kick.
- Hey! No! What is going on?!? - he exclaimed in despair, trying to free himself without success, while looking a little worried to True Heart - Why are you doing this to me?!?
- My dear son... I gave you every chance you had to tell me the truth about Confidence, but - replied True Heart in mischievous tone, scratching at the bear's chin before pulling his feet forward and placing them on a stool, where he tied them tightly - And no use trying to use your powers to break free. I asked Wish Bear to place an order and now you're powerless for two days.
- But I told you everything! - Shimmers exclaimed nervously, feeling his cheeks flushing because of that teasing on the chin, and swallowing hard to realize that he really was powerless - Why are you doing this to me?!?
- Shimmeringstar Bear, do you really think you could try to fool me? - she asked in a friendly tone, smiling a little and shaking her head - Do not forget that I am the founding bear of Care Bear Family, and I have plenty of experience to know when someone is lying. This is your last chance: Will you tell me the secret of Confidence or will I have to force you?
- I told you everything; I swear I did not hide anything from you! - exclaimed the swordsman, looking nervously at his foster mother, fighting his restraints once more, unable to break free.
- Oh, why do you have to be so stubborn, my little cub? - the matriarch questioned maliciously, before putting her hands in the armpits of the bear and start rubbing them slowly - Coochie coo, c'mon, tell the truth to your Mama...
And she began to rub Shimmers' armpits more quickly, which shrank at the sight of the malicious gleam in the gaze of the female bear. He tried to close his armpits with some success, but not enough to avoid tickling, starting to sway from side to side as he laughed at his restraints.
- Nohohoho! I ahahahalreahahahady told yohohohou eheheheverythihihihing! - he shouted, trying to keep his story while his cheeks flushed with all that teasing and he was embarrassed to be so deadly sensitive to tickling.
- Oh, so you mean my little cub will not give up so easily, is not it? Coochie coo, let's see how long you can stand being tickled before you tell me everything.
Saying this, she gave a mischievous wink and continued rubbing the bear's armpits. Though he managed to close it a little under his arms, True Heart dug his hands into the space between his arms and torso, causing even more tickles.
Shimmers cringed again at the expression of his adoptive mother, knowing what that meant, and closed her eyes realizing that he was in big trouble, for she really would not stop until he spoke.
- Nohohoho, plehehehease, stohohohop! - he begged as he tried to break the loops on his back and keep his arms down.
The female bear knelt down beside the bear and gave her a nice kiss on the cheek, her hairy hands sliding down a little to the swordsman's ribs and beginning to scrub them systematically up and down.
- I have all day to tickle you, so the sooner you tell the truth, the less you will suffer... I mean, there's less you're enjoying the tickling - she said with a wicked grin, remembering that tickling was one of Shimmers' main funs.
- Nohohoho, plehehehease, I've tohohohold yohohohou eheheheverythihihihing! Plehehehease Truhuhuhue Heheheheart, thihihihis is tohohohorture! - the bear begged as he laughed out loud, realizing that his arms were not long enough to protect his ribs as he moved back and forth to avoid those paws - Ahahahall day? Nohohoho!
- No, this is not torture; it's just a stimulus for you to tell the truth - the matriarch said calmly, continuing to slowly knead Shimmers' ribs with as much tickling as possible - And if you do not want to stay here all day, then tell me the secret of that troublemaker fox. You're a good cub, and I know you'd never lie to me without good reason, but remember...
And at that point she moved her face closer to the swordsman's face, smiling wickedly as her eyebrows trembled.
- You have a deal with me, and I'll make you comply it. Coochie coo - she concluded, kneading and scrubbing her hairy paws faster on his ribs.
- Nohohoho, plehehehease, Truhuhuhue Heheheheart! I tohohohold yohohohou eheheheverythihihihing! I cahahahan nohohohot stahahahand it! - Shimmers shouted helplessly as he rocked back and forth in the chair, feeling his face flush a bright, melted red as he made eye contact with True Heart and her wavy eyebrows, forcing him to close his eyes tightly - Plehehehease stohohohop, plehehehease.
- Oh, poor little cub, he can't stand tickles - the female bear teased with a smile, scratching the bear's chin quickly - Then why do not you tell me the truth? I promise I will not hurt you for lying to me. After all, why do you want to protect Confidence? Is it because she did something very bad? Or why in the background are you enjoying being tickled?
Then True Heart began to rub her hands over Shimmers' belly and waist, focusing on the region of the tummy symbol. Meanwhile, the bear felt his face blush even more in the face of that tease in his chin, but he did not shake his head, since deep down he was enjoying that treatment.
- It's because she did not do anything wrohohohong! Nohohoho, plehehehease, Truhuhuhue, stohohohop! - he shouted, rocking back and forth, trying to keep his belly from being tickled.
- Oh, I knew, you really know the secret of this naughty little fox! - said the founding bear in triumphant tone, nuzzling noses with the adopted son and stopping momentarily the tickles - Now you can't lie to me anymore. Tell me, what does Confidence so much want to hide from us all, and why does she so badly want to hurt me?
- She has not done anything wrong, nor does she intend to hurt you - he said, blushing with embarrassment and trying to keep his cool, not realizing that he was talking too much - And I do not know what her secret is, I swear I'd tell you I knew.
- And you keep contradicting yourself - said True Heart with a wicked grin, before sitting on Shimmers' legs facing his feet - But I think a little more tickling and you're going to tell me everything...
The bear turned pale at the words, at the same time she grabbed her feet and began drumming her fingers over his soles.
- Luckily bears and cousins have very sensitive feet, and you also gained that quality by becoming one of us. Coochie coo - the female bear added provocatively as she slid her fingers from the heart cushions from the heels to the tips of Shimmers' toes.
- Stohohohop thihihihis! - he begged to close his toes to prevent the matriarch from tickled them, since unfortunately she had told the truth about the sensitivity of his feet.
True Heart pulled his right toes and bent between them for a moment, doing the same with his left toes.
- Shimmers, Shimmers... Why do you have to be so stubborn? - she asked cheerfully - You just need to tell me the truth and I stop tickling your cuddly and sensitive feet ... I promise you will not be punished, and not even Confidence if indeed she did not do anything wrong... Coochie coo.
Realizing that the foster child hesitated, she interlaced her fingers on his toes, beginning to make soft movements on the bear's soles using the tips of her fingers, preventing her from curling or squeezing his toes.
- Hahaha! Nohohoho, stohohohop! - he begged, laughing hysterically, feeling the cheeks flush as she pulled his toes and prevented him from curling or kneading his toes, tickling his exposed soles like a real expert - Plehehehease stohohohop!
- Oh, but it sounds like you're having so much fun, my cub... Coochie coo - said True Heart with a grin and a wicked wink, continuing to rub the tips of his fingers on the soles of the swordsman's feet, preventing him from wiggling his toes freely - I think you're really enjoying tickling, otherwise you would have told me the secret of Confidence. Also, I think your feet deserve this treatment.
- Plehehehehease stohohohop! I'm vehehehery sehehehensitihihihive!
Shimmers begged desperately, feeling the tears stream from his eyes as he desperately tried to wiggle his toes and free his legs, but he could not. He had no idea how much the Care Bears had ticklish feet and sensitive toes.
- Coochie coo, you have the most sensitive feet I've ever seen - the matriarch commented with a smile, pulling her toes back and tickling the instep before sliding her hands over the soles of the bear's feet - Oh, no cry my little cub, I will not hurt you... Just be a good boy and tell the truth to your Mama, and I promise I will not tickle you anymore.
- I cahahahan nohohohot speheheheak! - he said, desperately trying wringing his toes and breaking his ropes.
- And why can't you? - True Heart asked in the sweetest voice in the world as he continued to slide her fingers down the soles of the bear's feet, nudging the heart-shaped cushions and the front of his toes - C'mon, Shimmers, tell me... Coochie coo, please, my cuddly bear...
Shimmers was trying desperately to rock his feet, laughing non-stop as the female bear held his feet by the sides and began to slide her fingers from the hands along the sides of the feet. The matriarch loved to hear her foster child laugh out loud as it meant she was tickling him in the right way.
- Nohohoho, plehehehease, stohohohop, I prohohohomised nohohohot to sahahahay ahahahanythihihihing! - he pleaded, closing his eyes and beginning to sweat, since his feet had never been treated so gently - Plehehehease stohohohop! I cahahahan nohohohot tahahahake it ahahahanymohohohore!
The beige female bear glanced sideways at the swordsman's face, continuing to tickle his feet, using her index fingers to scratch from the heel cushions to the top of his toes continually and gently.
- You have such cute feet... Wish Bear should have a lot of fun tickling you, my son - she commented as she again entwined her fingers on the toes of Shimmers, preventing the bear from curling them up - Ah, how I love to hear you laugh... Coochie coo. But I would be even happier if you told me the secret of Confidence - she suddenly stopped tickling and looked maliciously at the bear - Why do not you tell me?
The bear heaved a relieved sigh as the tickling stopped, feeling his cheeks flushing at those praises on his cute feet as he tried to curl or knead his toes.
- Because I promised her I would not tell anyone... - he explained breathlessly - Please stop tickling me... I can't breathe.
- But you're breathing now - True Heart replied with a wide smile and brows trembling maliciously, before tickling Shimmers' toes again - And since you're a stubborn little cub, I'll tickle you a little more his cuddly and sensitive feet.
She then used her right hand to pull the swordsman's right toes and tickle the soles with her left hand, paying close attention to the heel cushion and the underside of his toes. And after some time, she repeated this procedure on the left foot of the bear.
- So you're going to tell me yes or no? - she asked again.
- Stohohohop! I sahahahay, I sahahahay! - he laughed and swayed uselessly in his restraints - Plehehehease stohohohop tihihihickling!
- I knew you would not disappoint me - said True Heart, before running her fingers down the bear's feet - Oh, you have such cute feet... Coochie coo, I like to tease you so much that I wish you had not given up so quickly, my little cub... I really love you very much.
And as she said this, she continued tickling Shimmers' feet, paying particular attention to his toes, before finally standing up and walking toward his son's face, nuzzling noses with him and kissing her cheek.
- Now tell me what this troublemaker fox hides from all of us, my little cub - she said in a loving tone and clawed at the bear's chin before taking on a mischievous expression - And do not try to fool me again, or I'll tickle at your worst point for too long.
- II-I say, just do not be mad at me, please, True Heart - he begged as he blushed at all those taunts but at the same time feeling bad about betraying his promise with Confidence.
- You do not need to feel bad about telling me the truth - commented the female bear as she noticed Shimmers's expression - I promise no one will do anything to you, not even Confidence, for revealing her secret. So what does she hide?
- That her adoptive family in Canada is alive and is made up of bears and cousins just as we are, and that they all have magic powers just like me - said Shimmers, with his head bowed and shamed - Their mission is to join us, and Confidence was sent here to watch us and prepare the way for others to come. But faced with the reaction of some members of Care Bear Family, she was afraid to tell the truth and be expelled...
True Heart was paralyzed for a few seconds by this revelation. It was hard for her to believe that this was really the fennec's secret, since she imagined it was something terrible.
- You mean all this... All this secret... - exclaimed the female bear in a surprised tone - Is it because her family is alive and wants to join us? Is it just because of this?!? You can’t be serious!...
- But I am! Confidence was afraid to tell the truth to us when she saw the way you treated her. That's why I said earlier that she had done nothing wrong, that she wat not a spy for No Heart, and that she did not want to reveal anyone's secrets and much less upset the life of Care Bear Family. That's the truth, believe me, Mama. Now could you set me free, please?
The female bear went on in silence, still shocked by that revelation, and feeling stupid and ashamed of the way she had judged Confidence. She bent to start untying Shimmers when Noble Heart opened the door violently and a furious expression.
- True Heart! You will not believe what... - the horse began to speak when he saw the swordsman tied in the middle of his living room - But what does that mean? It was not enough for Champ and Confidence to get caught betraying all of the principles of Care Bear Family, and now I come across such a scene?!?
- I can explain my dear, it turns out... - was when True Heart stopped and looked surprised at her husband, in the same way Shimmers looked at him - Wait! What do you mean; they were cheating on all the principles of Care Bear Family?
- I caught them having a love affair in full Hall of Hearts! In addition, Confidence was formally charged with physically assaulting someone - Noble quickly said - For me that is enough to consider her a traitor!
- Damn it, I knew that her fight with Cheer would not end well... - muttered Shimmers through gritted teeth.
- What fight between Cheer and Confidence?!? - cried the patriarch with a surprised expression - Whoever made a complaint against the fennec was Redemptionheart, who accused her of having tortured her all night long... You mean that fox has gotten more trouble around here? And anyway, why are you tied up in my living room?!?
- Because he did not want to tell me the secret of Confidence, I had to force him - the female bear said quickly before looking at the adopted son - But it seems he did not tell me everything he knew. That was not cool of you, Shimmers, to hide all those secrets and not tell me about this fight.
- True Heart is right, and because of your attitude in wanting to protect that fennec, you will not attend the emergency meeting where we will judge her and Champ's attitudes - the horse added in a disappointed tone - You will be tied here until we return, not to disturb the judgment. C'mon True Heart!
- Hey! Wait a minute! Please, Noble Heart and True Heart, I'm sorry. I did not want to tell you guys because I figured you would not like it. Please let me go and do not leave me here! Please!
Shimmers tried to explain himself, but the founding couple only shook their heads in a negative way before moving away, leaving the swordsman alone and tied. Such an attitude of his adoptive parents made the bear feel very sad, and he bowed his head at the same time wondering what they were going to do.
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