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Book 2","description":"Our story continues","count":"12","submission_left_submission_id":"2684708","submission_left_file_name":"3972364_jcriver_chapter_10.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3972/3972364_jcriver_chapter_10.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/3972/3972364_jcriver_chapter_10_noncustom.jpg","submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/3972/3972364_jcriver_chapter_10_noncustom.jpg","submission_left_thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"120","submission_left_thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"81","submission_left_thumb_large_noncustom_x":"200","submission_left_thumb_large_noncustom_y":"134","submission_left_thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"300","submission_left_thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"202"}],"description":"I confess that I couldn't think of a description for this chapter. XD So it's just a few more scenes in a big story...\n\nThe Hymn sung by Grams Bear is called in Portuguese \"Because He lives...\" and I don't know if there is an English version\n\nCharacters and owners: https://inkbunny.net/s/2386369","description_bbcode_parsed":"<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'>I confess that I couldn&#039;t think of a description for this chapter. XD So it&#039;s just a few more scenes in a big story...<br /><br />The Hymn sung by Grams Bear is called in Portuguese &quot;Because He lives...&quot; and I don&#039;t know if there is an English version<br /><br />Characters and owners: <a href=\"https://inkbunny.net/s/2386369\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://inkbunny.net/s/2386369</a></span>","writing":"[b][center]The Care Bears\nUnited Hearts\n1st Part\nChapter 11[/center][/b]\n*****\n\nDespite his advanced age, Frank still had a driver's license, but he always preferred to use a reliable taxi service to travel between B&H headquarters and his home, to avoid the heavy traffic in Manhattan and New Jersey. Also, even though he had driven his own car to work that day, he was unable to drive home, his mind was very distracted as he thought about how he felt about Care Bear Family, especially after from Fred's phone call letting him know that Hector and Forest Ranger were at his house.\nSitting in the back seat of the vehicle, the old man was silent, distracted. He felt anger, disappointment, sadness and pain towards the bears and cousins, his heart was tight after he had been treated like a criminal by his best friends. But he still loved them, he still cared for each of them, and maybe that made his pain even worse, since he wasn't capable of hating Noble and True for the way they acted.\nAt this moment, the taxi stopped in front of the businessman's house, who paid for the trip, got out of the vehicle and walked to the door of the residence, taking a deep breath before entering silently. As soon as Frank opened the door, he heard the sound of voices in the kitchen, heading there and seeing Hector and Forest Ranger sitting at the table, eating a plate of Parmigiana rice, while Fred talked to Hellen, the housekeeper, telling her about the Kingdom of Caring and the Care Bear Family, and what they had done for their old friend.\n- So during the trial, Mr. Frank sided with Champ and Confidence and tried to defend them, but those cretins not only treated our boss like a criminal, they threatened him in a sordid and cruel way! - Fred said in an inflamed tone, as was his custom when he was angry - They really seemed willing to finish Frank, and that's when Forest intervened and convinced the other bears and cousins that it was better to let us go than create a case of police.\n- My Gosh!... That's why Mr. Frank has been so quiet and sad the last few days... - murmured the young housekeeper, looking shocked at the private secretary and then at the green jaguar - I never imagined that Care Bear Family could act that way with someone! This is the complete opposite of what I saw in cartoons when I was a kid!\n- I know that... - muttered the feline in a sad tone, lowering his head and feeling tears form in his eyes - I feel so sad, so ashamed of what we did to Mr Frank... That's not how you treat someone, even more an old friend...\n- I also feel sad that Frank went through this, after all he is such a nice man... - Hector said with an upset look - All I wish now is that he can forgive the Care Bear Family...\n- Well, believe me, Hector, this is my biggest wish too - interrupted the old man with a friendly smile on his lips, attracting everyone's attention.\n- Frank! – shouted the boy, running happily to hug the businessman – Glad you came!\n- That's true, I thought you didn't even want to receive me, after what happened in the Kingdom of Caring... - commented the jaguar in a shy tone, shaking the old man's hand cordially - But I'm also glad you're here, after all, we really need your help...\n- I have no reason to avoid you two, but I'm really surprised to see you here - Frank replied with a smile - Now tell me, what's going on? And why is Hector dressed so ridiculously?\n- Ah... Well... It's a long story - said the boy with a little laugh - I lost my shirt and shoes when I was tortured along with Shimmers, and then Forest Ranger got these clothes for me...\n- You what?!? Tortured?!? – shouted the old man, jumping up in surprise – Who tortured you?!? Did they hurt you?!?\n- NN-No, they didn't hurt me, I swear! – the little Brazilian stuttered a little worried – I was just tickled by Cheer, Redemption and Lonesome, while Trueheart and Aqua Bear tickled Shimmers...\n- Bastards! – Fred shouted, also turning red with anger – How did they have the courage to do that to a child?!?\n- After Champ and Confidence were kicked out of the Care Bear Family, Nobleheart and Trueheart decided that Hector should be tickled as a way to pay for his stay at the Kingdom of Caring – Forest Ranger began to explain, seeing the businessman's angry look – They also punished Shimmers for lying about not knowing the fennec's secret, to set an example so that no other Family member would lie again.\n- Poor boy, I'm sorry that you were so mistreated by those who claimed to be your friends... - Hellen commented lovingly, patting Hector's head - And how did you manage to escape those evil creatures?\nForest Ranger felt a lump in his throat at those words about the Care Bear Family, but he couldn't say anything to try to defend the honor of his kind, after all they'd done. The boy also felt sad, as he didn't want adults to hate the bears and cousins, no matter how wrong they were.\n- We were tickled for several hours without stopping, and I don't even remember what happened, just that I passed out - Hector continued with a sad look - When I woke up, I was together with Shimmers in a cave, in the middle of the night, in the Forest of Feelings, and that's when he told me about the invasion...\n- Invasion? - asked the housekeeper with a surprised look.\n- Yes, the Kingdom of Caring was invaded, and apparently the Care Bear Family was taken prisoner - said the green cat quickly - Shimmers said that he and Hector were freed by Aqua, Lonesome and Redemption when they ran to Care-a-lot to try to help friends. They both hid in the forest to regain their strength before meeting me the next day.\n- Shimmers then sent us here, to ask for Frank's help, while he himself stayed there, alone, to try to find out what happened and help our friends - completed the Brazilian, before turning to Frank - Please, Frank, you are the only person who can help the bears and cousins, and who can help us now...\nThe old man was pale, but with pure anger, and there was a bright gleam in his eyes that showed his annoyance at hearing about the bad things the Care Bear Family had done to Hector and Shimmers. He could never have imagined that his old friends bears and cousins would have the courage to act like that.\n- Honestly, I doubt the Care Bear Family really wants or needs my help - he muttered with a huff of anger - What am I going to help them for? They just ignored me, and treated me like a criminal! They shamelessly expelled and tortured their own friends!\n- Frank, please, I know we didn't act right, but… – Forest Ranger begged with tears in his eyes – But don't let anger take over your heart… Please, we need your help!\n- You should be glad you weren't kicked out of here like Frank and I were kicked out of the Kingdom of Caring! – Fred snapped gritting his teeth – First you treated us with all the arrogance in the world, and now you come here begging for help!\n- What Care Bear Family did is unforgivable... - muttered the old man, turning his face away, giving a deep sigh of sadness, feeling his heart ache as if he was going to have a heart attack - I don't care what's happening to them, I never want to see them in front of me again. If you and Hector need anything, I will specifically help you, but not the bears and cousins...\nA deep silence took over the room as Forest Ranger and Hector slowly lowered their heads, feeling defeated and their hearts breaking. That's when the boy started crying.\n- II-I thought you were someone good... - he muttered between tears - II-I thought you cared about your friends... That you could forgive them...\n- It was a mistake that we came here... - said the jaguar with a faint voice, trying to hold back the tears - We will never bother you again, Mister Heartom... Come with me, Hector...\nAnd without saying a single word, both slowly walked away, still with their heads down, not sure what to do now, after all, they didn't even have anywhere to go or who to turn to. Both of them no longer had family, friends, not even a house to live in, without any future.\nFrank remained silent for a few seconds, head down, face turned away, eyes closed. His pain was immense, but now it was even greater, after hearing the Brazilian boy's words. As much as the Care Bear Family had been wrong, it wasn't right for him to withhold help, especially since Hector himself cared about the bears and cousins.\nWhen he heard the front door open, indicating that the boy and jaguar were leaving, the old man desperately ran after them both, arriving in time to close the door in front of them.\n- No! No! Please stay! I can't do this to you! – he shouted starting to cry, and kneeling in front of Hector and Forest Ranger, holding his hands – I can't do this to my friends! Forgive me for what I said before! I swear to you both, by all that is most sacred, that I will help the Care Bear Family, even if I have to give my life for it!\nThe only answer that the cat and the boy could give was a big hug to the old man, crying with joy and emotion for knowing that he really was a good person and would help them. Meanwhile, Fred and Hellen just stood back, watching the scene thoughtfully, and reflecting on the value of friendship and the gift of forgiving someone for their mistakes.\n*****\nThe figure of forgiveness is something very present in Christianity, and although in the old days there was an informal agreement between humans, bears and cousins in San Martin, for species to mutually respect each other's beliefs without trying to impose values, Flower had really converted to Christianity, without following a specific denomination.\nShe just had faith in God, and faith in Jesus Christ as the One who had come into the world to set people free from sin, including herself. So it was nothing new for her to kneel by her bed and pray, giving thanks to God for her day and her life, even in the worst of times. It was that faith that had helped her when she lost her husband Heavenly, when she had to raise Joyful practically alone, and when her daughter and son-in-law disappeared.\nAnd that was just what the old female bear was doing at that moment, kneeling beside the bed, hands joined, eyes closed and head bowed, praying in a low voice.\n- And I thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be here for another day, with my friends and my dear grandchildren, and I thank you for their lives, for being by my side, and that they lack nothing, as well as my friends who are far away, may the Lord console their hearts. I thank you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!\nWith a slight sigh, she opened her eyes and smiled, and was getting to her feet when she noticed that Hugs and Tues were standing in the doorway of the room the three of them occupied at Kriskun's house, looking at their grandmother in surprise. For a moment the old female bear and the cubs were silent, looking at each other, until she giggled lovingly and smiled at them.\n- Did something happen, my dears? – she asked calmly – You seem surprised and curious… What do you want to ask?\n- Ah... Well... It's just that... - the baby blue bear hesitated in embarrassment - It's just that we were passing by and... Well...\n- We saw you kneeling, talking to herself, and… – the baby pink bear felt her cheeks flush – Why were you doing like Shimmers does when he prays?\n- Do you believe in the God of humans, Grams Bear? – quickly asked the grandson, looking at his grandmother with curiosity – How can you believe in something that she can't see?\nFlower smiled even more when hearing those questions, because the moment had finally arrived that she had always wondered what it would be like, and that was about her talking about her faith in God to her grandchildren. The old female bear had never talked to Hugs and Tugs about this subject, not because she was afraid they would react badly, but in order not to influence the twins' choices and let their curiosity do the work.\n- I was kneeling like Shimmers, because I was really talking to God, just like he does - she said, sitting on the bed and making a sign for the cubs to sit next to her - And I don't need to see God directly to know that He exists, I can just look around and see His work around me. It's like the wind, you can feel it on your skin, but you can't see the air moving.\n- That's not a fair comparison - Tugs argued, sitting on the grandmother's left side and looking at her seriously - We can see the wind, swinging the branches in the trees.\n- Tugs is right, we can see the wind, but we cannot see God - agreed Hugs, sitting on the grandmother's right side - And I can't understand why you have to kneel down to talk to Him.\n- I kneel down as a sign of respect, to show God my fear for Him - Grams Bear explained kindly, patting the two grandchildren on the head - And you said the right thing, Tugs. We can see the wind swaying the branches and leaves in the trees, making the waves on the lake... but we can't see the air moving. It's the same with God, we can feel His love, we can see the beautiful things He created around us, but we can't see Him face to face.\n- But if we cannot see God, how can we believe that He exists? – insisted the little blue bear, looking into the grandmother's eyes – And most importantly, how can we know if He is really listening to us, when we talk to Him?\n- That's called faith, my dear. It means believing in something you can't see or touch. I have faith in God, I have faith in Christ Jesus, I have faith in all the wonderful things He has done and is still doing for me. And I know that He hears me, and comforts my heart every day, guiding my steps, giving me hope! I know He loves me more than I deserve, and I'm so grateful to Him for that!\n\n[center][i]God sent\nHis beloved son\nto save me\nand forgive\nOn the cross He died\nfor my sins\nBut resurfaced\nand alive was\nwith the Father being\n\nBecause He lives\nI can believe in tomorrow\nBecause He lives\nthere is no fear\nBut I know well\nthat my life\nIt's in the hands\nOf my Lord who is alive\n\nAnd when finally\narrive the time\nin which death\nI will face\nno fear then\nI will have victory\nI will see in Glory\nMy Lord, who is alive\n\nBecause He lives\nI can believe in tomorrow\nBecause He lives\nthere is no fear\nBut I know well\nthat my life\nIt's in the hands\nOf my Lord who is alive\n\nIt's in the hands\nOf my Lord who is alive...[/i][/center]\n\n- It's so beautiful and comforting to hear you talk like that, Grams... - said Hugs after being silent for a few seconds, pensive - It makes me want to believe that God really can hear us and also loves us... When we talk to God, will He also hear us?\n- Well, that's something you both will have to experience, but I'm sure God will be very happy to hear you talking to Him - Flower replied kindly, feeling her heart overflowing with joy, as her eyes sparkled - And you will too an immense happiness, just as I felt the first time I prayed, and just as my daughter Joyful felt when she first prayed.\n- Your daughter Joyful? – Tugs asked in a surprised tone – You mean… Our Mom?\n- You never told us about her... Not about Dad... And neither about Grandpa Heavenly... - said the baby pink bear sadly - Are you ashamed of them, Grams?\nFlower's cheeks flushed at the question, and she realized that just as it was time to talk about her faith with her grandchildren, it was also time to tell them about her past.\n- No, I would never be ashamed of them - she said with a slight smile, before lowering her head and sighing - Grandpa Heavenly was the best bear in the world, he never failed to support me for a single moment, even when our interests were not the same. He was truly a leader to all of us, and an amazing person!\n- Did he also like your giggling apple pies? – asked the baby blue bear curiously – And did he also know several stories like you, Grams?\n- Do you think he would play with us? Did he also believe in God? – added the little sister, looking into the eyes of the old female bear – And what happened to Grandpa Heavenly?\n- Yes, he loved my apple pies, and he's the one who told me several of the stories I know - Grams Bear replied, with a faraway look, remembering his old companion - He didn't believe in God as I do, but he always respected me, and I bet he wouldn't let go of you two for a second.\n- But what happened to him? You haven't answered us that yet! – insisted the young male bear, practically standing on the bed – And neither what happened with Mom and Dad… Why didn't you ever tell us about them, Grandma? And where are they, why have they abandoned us?\n- Dad and Mom didn't like us? – asked the young female bear, holding her grandmother's hand – Or did they become little stars in the sky?\n- My darlings… I'm sorry… – Flower started, with tears in her eyes and a wavering voice – I didn't tell you about them before because it was too hard for me… And I was afraid of losing you too. Forgive me for that...\n- It's okay, Grams Bear! - exclaimed the two cubs together, hugging the old woman happily and showing their love for her, which encouraged her to continue.\n- When the Care Bear Family had to abandon this island many years ago, Grandpa Heavenly stayed behind to allow us to escape. He was a true hero, sacrificing himself for his people and his friends... And as for Joyful and Looter, they disappeared during a Caring Mission, just a few months after you two were born... And we never found out what happened.\n- Joyful... Looter... - Hugs repeated in a low and emotional voice, with tears streaming down her cheeks - They have such beautiful names...\n- Just like Grandpa Heavenly's, and yours, Grams Flower... - commented Tugs also emotional, before chuckling - I never thought that Papa Bear had a pirate name. How were they?\n- Much like you - Grams replied with a wide smile, wiping the tears from herself and her grandchildren - Looter Bear was sky blue, and his tummy symbol was a half-open safe, with the key in the lock, and showing a star kept inside. He is a true expert in jewelry and ornaments. Joyful Bear was pale pink, with dark pink hair, and her symbol was a bouquet of yellow roses tied with a crystal star bow. She loved taking care of plants, cooking, playing... And Grandpa Bear was a white bear, with the kindest smile in the world.\n- Goodie goodie gosh! They really seem to be the best parents and grandpa in the world! – exclaimed the male baby bear happily, before a sad expression took over his face – I would have loved… to have met them…\n- Me too... I would have loved to have met them... - agreed the pink bear, crying again and hugging Grams Bear - Grams, if one day we become little stars... Will we meet Grandpa, Mom and Dad? Will they recognize us?\nFlower felt a lump in her throat, before lovingly hugging her grandchildren. She didn't know exactly how to respond, as deep in her chest the old female bear always kept the hope that Joyful and Looter were still alive.\n- II-I don't know... - she muttered also starting to cry - II-I just know that, no matter what happens... WW-We'll keep on loving them forever! Just as I love you, my grandchildren!...\n- And we love you, Grams! – the twins agreed with emotion, hugging the old woman tightly, while still reflecting on everything they had learned about their grandfather, father and mother, wishing they could meet them one day.\n*****\nConfidence stood on the platform of the sleeping car, the door halfway open, staring wearily at the landscape, although it was forbidden to stand there. But the fennec was bored, and she was trying to distract herself with something. Champ had stayed in the cabin, taking a nap, and after pacing the train, she just sat there, her chin on her arm and her mind far away, wondering how her family would react to seeing her back, and how they would take the bad news she brought.\nAs she thought about it, she heard the sound of the wagon door opening, but she didn't care. Suddenly, the fighter felt someone touch her shoulder lightly, and thought it was the sports bear, or even the train chief ready to scold her for traveling in a forbidden place. But to her great surprise, it was neither one nor the other, although she immediately recognized who was standing there in front of her.\n- Mister Hokkay! What a pleasure to meet you here! – she said with a wide smile, bowing in a traditional way to greet the newcomer, seeing that a lady was accompanying him – You too, Mrs. Hokkay. How long have we not seen each other...\n- I say the same, honorable Cassandra Terada - replied the old Japanese man in a cordial tone, looking at the fennec amicably - The last time was at that amateur competition in Eugene, two years ago. Where have you been lately?\n- Oh, I was just taking a long international trip, learning about new cultures, and now I'm coming home.\n- I'm very happy to hear that. And you're back just in time, as there's a tournament in Vancouver next month! I'm one of the organizers, it's the Canadian Amateur Karate Championship. If you want to participate, I would be very honored to have your presence there...\n- Thank you for the invite, Mr Hokkay, but I'm not really thinking about taking part in competitions at the moment - Confidence thanked him with a kind smile - I really need some rest after so many months of traveling, not to mention I don't feel in shape to fight...\n- No problem, honorable Cassandra, I understand very well - said the old man with an acquiescent sign, taking a card and a pamphlet from his pocket and handing them to the young woman - Anyway, you are my guest, if only to watch the competition. But if you change your mind, we'll welcome you. Now, if you'll excuse us, Yumi and I are going to leave. Sayonara!\n- Sayonara, Mr and Mrs Hokkay - concluded the desert fox, seeing the elderly couple walk away.\nFor a few seconds Confidence still stood there, reading the pamphlet the old friend had given her, which said that the competition would take place at Vancouver's municipal arena on July 23rd. The first prize was 100.000 American dollars, and there were the main rules, categories and how the competition would be. The fennec smiled and tucked the paper into her trouser pocket before returning to the cabin to find Champ Bear already awake and sitting up in bed, perusing several tourist pamphlets he had collected that morning in the dining car.\n- Oh, I see that the sleepy athlete has already woken up - she said in a playful tone, taking off her shoes and sitting next to the bear - So, are you thinking about becoming a travel agent or a tour guide?\n- Neither one nor the other, sports fan - Champ replied laughing, putting the flyers aside - I was just passing the time, after all you weren't here when I woke up. Where were you?\n- I went for a walk, and I ended up meeting an old friend.\n- A friend?\n- Yes, Mr Tarugo Hokkay and his wife Yumi - Confidence replied smiling - He is director of the National Martial Arts Association, and he competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It was he who encouraged me to compete in official and amateur karate competitions, and always was by my side, helping me to prove my worth as a fighter.\n- Great! I would love to meet him too - commented the young athlete in an excited tone, before chuckling - At least it will be less boring than staying here in the cabin, reading tourist pamphlets.\n- Well, Mr Hokkay invited me to watch a competition next month, it will certainly be a good opportunity for you to meet him - said the fox with an amused expression - And as we are both bored, I have an idea of what we can do now. I'll try to find out if you have any elemental powers.\n- Ah... Well... I don't know if it's a good idea... - the bear hesitated with an uncomfortable expression - I mean, I've never thought of that kind of thing before...\n- Come on, Champ! I promise it won't hurt - Confidence commented in an encouraging tone, sitting cross-legged on the sofa bed - Also, you may have a hidden power, and it will be cool to discover it!\nFor a few seconds Champ remained silent, undecided, until he nodded slightly, also sitting cross-legged in front of the fennec, and letting her hold his hands. The fighter closed her eyes and concentrated, and the sportsman saw her paws begin to glow slightly, at the same time that a shiver took over his body.\n- I can feel that there is something different inside you... - said the fennec, still concentrating and with her eyes closed - But I can't tell if it's really some kind of elemental magic or something related to Stare. Perhaps Sage Heart can clear this up if you want...\nThe sportsman just lowered his head and gave a sad little sigh.\n- Honestly... I don't care... - he muttered in a despondent tone - I'm nothing without Stare, and I wouldn't even be able to learn magic...\n- We already talked about you using Stare or not - interrupted the desert fox sharply - And about elemental magic, no one is born knowing, the use of magic occurs only after a lot of training. Or did you manage to lift 100 pounds on the first try?\n- Of course not, it took me several years to get there. But how does this elemental magic work? You still haven't explained this to me.\n- Elemental magic is made using mana, that is, the magical energy that all people have in their body, and which is enhanced through persistent training from a single element - Confidence explained calmly, looking into the bear's eyes – The more you train in pushing this energy out, the more the mana shapes itself in relation to the chosen element, earth, water, air, fire and plasma.\n- And each chooses its own element by affinity?\n- This can happen frequently, but the personality of the user also tends to inform which is the best element they should use. The training allows the user of elemental magic to use mana to create their own element or, at higher levels, to manipulate it along with the environment. For example, in my case I have air as my element, so I can create air cushions where I can jump or land, use air to make my punches stronger and faster, as well as creating gusts of air to knock down an enemy.\n- Like that breath of air you used to bring the Care Bear Family down? – Champ asked curiously, receiving an affirmative signal from Confidence – This is interesting… But can you use your powers anywhere?\n- Yes, I can use my powers anywhere in the world. Remember the fire at Kelly's house over Christmas? I used my magic there.\n- Of course, now it makes sense! You pushed the door and the fire back using wind magic!\n- Exactly! You see, Champ, around our world there are gigantic power lines called Leys, and they act like great highways where magic flows almost everywhere. Where two ley lines intersect, like the Kingdom of Caring, or where my family lives, magic becomes much richer and easier to use. We call these locations Nexus Points. And there is still a whole capillary network, which distributes the magical energy throughout the world, through the ether cords. They act as a catalyst to reach ley lines.\n- In the same way as the inner light is used to reach the Stare?\n- More or less that, only with a different intensity. Either way, it will be interesting to see how my family reacts when they find out what our tummy symbols are for, and learn how to use Stare!\n- I still don't think that's a good idea... - Champ muttered again, with his head down and sad eyes - We'll be hunted down by the Care Bear Family if they find out that two outcasts like us have taught someone else to use the Stare.\n- Well, I'm no pariah, and I'm not afraid of them! – Confidence retorted, frowning and pointing a finger at herself – And I will teach the Care Bears Magi, my family, how to use Stare, and no one will stop me!\nThe bear just gave a dejected sigh, wishing he could have that same certainty and confidence as his friend, but he couldn't. Without saying a single word, he just kept his head down and turned to the window, watching the landscape and dreading what would happen in the future, even more so when they arrived at the Terada house...\n*****\nIt was late afternoon and the sun was heading towards the horizon, with the sky starting to turn orange, but Shimmeringstar Bear was still being tickled mercilessly by Soaring Eagle. As much as the bear struggled, screamed and demanded, that playful bird had not given a single second of rest, always trying to converse amicably with its sensitive victim.\n- Stohohohop! I cahahahan nohohohot stahahahand thihihis ahahahanymohohohore! Lehehehet mehehehe gohohoho! - the swordsman felt tears running down his cheeks as he kicked and swung his legs, sweating from head to toe.\n- Then talk to me, little bear - replied the eagle with a laugh, squeezing Shimmers' arms and elbows a little tighter with his strong paws, calmly circling a single claw in his armpits - You may not believe me, but I'm not a bad guy. And I'm also not torturing you out of spite, just for fun. Coochie coo!\n- Whahahahat do hohoho yohohohohou wahahahant frohohohom mehehehe? – questioned the bear, waving his legs in the air in all random directions, swinging his knees back and forth and trying to lift them to protect himself, but without success – Whahahahahahye ahahahahare yohohohou dohohohoing thihihihis?\n- I already told you, I just want to have fun with you, little bear - Soaring laughed and continued tickling under the warrior's arms, slowly drawing circles and figure eights with his claws, before scratching quickly - And you move a lot, it seems a mouse being carried by an eagle to the nest... Well, I am an eagle.\nSaying that, he scraped his claws up and down quickly over the in Shimmers' dimples armpits, who laughed and scratched his chin against his chest, opening and closing his hands frantically.\n- Nohohohoho! Wihihiihll yohohohohou dehehehehevohohohour mehehehe? – he questioned in a worried tone, looking at his captor – Yohohohou sahahahaid thahahahat thehehehere ahahahare othehehehers of yohohohour kihihihind!\n- No, I'm not going to eat you, and we're not going to meet other eagles, I was just kidding - said the bird with a friendly smile - I'm sorry if I scared you, I'm just trying to talk... How about we do we make a deal? If you're nice and talk to me, I can ease the tickle. What do you think?\nThere was a real glint of curiosity in Soaring's eyes, he was really curious to talk to Shimmers. As he waited for the bear's response, he began to scratch faster at the prisoner's armpits, exploring the edges and sinking his claws into the skin.\n- Plehehehehease lehehehet mehehehe gohohoho! I hahahahave to rehehehescue my frihihihiends! - shouted the bear as he continued to kick and laugh, trying to free his elbows from the eagle's paws. Shimmers was starting to like Soaring, but he didn't want to make it easy or admit weaknesses – Thehehehey neheheheheed mehehehehe! Lehehehet mehehehe gohohoho!\n- I know you need to rescue your friends, but think with me, if you couldn't get past me, how will you be able to deal alone with hundreds of men armed to the teeth? – the eagle asked curiously – I mean, I know you have various powers, I can feel it while I drain them from you, but honestly I don't think you can face machine guns and cannons.\nSaying that, Soaring Eagle squeezed the bear's elbows a little tighter with his powerful paws, continuing to scratch Shimmers' armpits in a friendly manner.\n- You can't even stand being tickled... Imagine if you had to go through other types of torture - he continued in a worried and friendly tone - No, my little bear, you can't do this alone. You need help to rescue your friends. Coochie coo!\nThe swordsman grimaced when he felt his arms being squeezed once more, as he looked helplessly at the friendly bird, shaking his head back and forth, starting to squeeze his legs.\n- Nohohohoho, stahahahap to tihihihickle mehehehe! – he begged with a huge smile on his lips, closing his eyes and kicking helplessly at the air, before closing his legs once more – Plehehehease, I wihihihihill gehehehet wehehehet my fuhuhuhur if yohohohou dohohohoho nohohohohot stohohohop!\n- Oh, well... So I guess some trees will be watered by you, my friend - Soaring replied with a chuckle, sinking his claws into the bear's armpits and scraping up and down, carefully watching his reactions - And I think it's weird that you say you're going to wet your furs if they're already soaked in sweat.\nIt was truly unbearable for Shimmers, and within seconds a dark stain appeared between his legs, while a stream of urine blew in the wind. With flushed cheeks, he tried once more to bend his elbows to get rid of the eagle, but deep down he was starting to enjoy the situation, not least because his captor didn't get angry or upset, continuing to tickle him.\n- Well, now that you've relieved yourself, maybe we can keep talking - commented the bird with a little laugh, firmly holding the bear's arms and continuing to tickle his armpits - Why don't you tell me some of your adventures? I love to hear stories! And I bet your life is a lot more fun than mine... I spend most of my time in a secluded house in the south of France, with not many friends to talk to and almost nothing to do. But what else do you like besides tickling?\nAs he spoke, the eagle lessened the intensity of the tickle, but did not stop scratching the dimples in the armpits of Shimmers, who appreciated his new friend more and more and looked at him in an amused way.\n- Mahahahany thihihihings, buhuhuhut I wohohohon't tehehehell yohohohou! - replied the bear defiantly, not wanting to show that he was enjoying being tickled in that helpless way by the bird. But Soaring had already noticed that Shimmers was really enjoying all the attention, and he just smiled kindly at his new friend.\n- Too bad you don't want to tell me about your other hobbies... But that's ok, we'll continue with this one! - said the bird as it stuck its claws in the bear's armpits, scratching quickly up and down - Now, which other points is my little friend also sensitive?\nHearing this, the swordsman gulped and felt a shiver down his spine, trying to violently pull his arms out of the eagle's paws, and kicking back and forth as he was tickled in his armpit dimples.\n- Nohohoho, pleheheheasehehehe! Enohohohough, I beheheheg! - he yelled desperately, not wanting to be tickled elsewhere on his body.\n- Hehehe, your armpits are really sensitive, and they alone would be enough to make you laugh non-stop... But I think your body also has other ticklish spots – Soaring said with a smile, before his body started to glow and a new pair of legs appeared next to the original legs – What do you think about that? Have you ever seen an eagle with four legs? I can also create extra wings, change my shape, become invisible, see in infrared... Actually, I know a lot of tricks, but for now this is the best I have.\nSaying that, the bird swung Shimmers into the air and used his new paws to grab the bear's legs just below the knees, closing his paws around the thighs and ankles, leaving him only with his feet out, and in a position resembling Superman flying. The warrior's eyes widened, unable to hide his concern at finding himself in that helpless position.\n- So, little bear, can we start? – the eagle didn't wait for an answer, starting to slide a single claw randomly along the soles of the swordsman's feet, still keeping the tickle in his armpits.\n- Nohohohoho! Stohohohop! Nohohohot my feheheheet! – bellowed the bear, closing his eyes and curling his toes, swinging his feet from side to side and trying to free his legs as well.\n- Coochie coo, little bear - Soaring said with a chuckle, gently scratching the soles of the feet and circling the claws around Shimmers' armpits - Have you ever felt such sharp claws on your feet and armpits, boy?\n- Nohohoho! Stohohohop! Enohohohoug! - begged the warrior, feeling the worst excruciating tickle of his life, provoked by those pointed and sharp claws. He desperately tried to free his arms and bend his legs to protect himself, while his feet continued to shift feverishly back and forth each time the claw tickled his soles.\n- Good, I'm glad to hear that. I hope you're having fun, my friend - commented the bird amicably, continuing to scratch his prisoner's armpits and feet - I really enjoy talking to you, even if you don't say many things. But your laughs are fun and that makes me very happy!\nSaying that, Soaring squeezed the bear's elbows and legs so he wouldn't move, tickling his armpits quickly and poking his toes. Shimmers opened and closed his toes, laughing and swaying happily back and forth, looking into the eagle's eyes.\n- Enohohohough! Pleheheheasehehehe, nohohoho mohohohore! I cahahahan nohohohot stahahahand thihihis! - he yelled desperately, his laughter getting louder from the incessant tickling under his arms and on the soles of his feet.\n- I already told you, if you talk to me, I'll decrease the intensity of the tickling, but since I've repeated it about thirty times and you haven't heard me, so that means you like being tickled - said the bird with a mischievous smile, scratching the armpits and feet of the warrior - Seriously, Shimmers, you really like tickles. I thought No Heart was exaggerating when he said you loved being tickled for days on end. But now I see that this is indeed true!\nAnd to emphasize his words, Soaring Eagle sank his claws a little deeper into the bear's armpits and feet soles, exploring the most sensitive spots. Shimmers felt his cheeks redden from the teasing, at the same time he grimaced as he felt his limbs being held in that position that kept him helpless from the tickling torment.\n- Pleheheheasehehehe! I beheheheg! – he yelled, shaking his head back and forth very cutely, with his mouth open and eyes closed, opening and closing his toes as he felt those merciless claws slide over them – Nohohoho! I cahahahan nohohohot stahahahand thihihis ahahahanymohohohore!\n- Hehehe, poor little bear... Tell me, how did you discover that you liked being tortured with tickling? It certainly wasn't at No Heart's castle, he doesn't strike me as a very fun person to do that... – the eagle stopped and gave a provocative wink to Shimmers, quickly sliding the claws under the swordsman's arms and feet – But I am! Now, how about admitting that you're really enjoying being tickled?\n- Nohohoho! I ahahaham nohohohot gohohohoing!\n- No problem, little bear, you don't need to say anything, the gleam in your eyes tells me everything - replied the bird while poking the front of the warrior's toes, in addition to scratching his armpits harder.\nSoaring was also having a great time, as he'd never had the chance to play with anyone like that. He continued his flight, tickling Shimmers and using his claws to explore the prisoner's sensitive spots. He loved watching his new friend desperately wiggle his toes and force his arms free, his laughter rising a few decibels as he felt the pointed claws scratch the front of his toes and the dimples in his armpits.\n- No! Nohohoho! Pleheheheasehehehe! Mehehehercy! – the bear begged with his eyes closed, shaking his head back and forth, while his cheeks reddened from all those teasing from his new friend.\n- So, my little bear friend, are you enjoying the ride? – the eagle questioned after flying in silence for some time, squeezing the warrior's elbows and legs a little better so that he couldn't free himself while he was tickled – I think you already know the Forest of Feelings well, but we must admit that it is a really beautiful place. Just like you, when you're laughing. Coochie coo!\n- Yehehehe! Enohohohough! – Shimmers yelled opening and closing his toes, trying to pull his arms in a fruitless way – Ihihihif I tahahahahalk to yohohohou, wihihihihill yohohohou stohohohop tihihihicklihihihing mehehehe?\n- I don't think I'll stop now, after all you're a cute little bear and I like to hear you laughing - replied Soaring, quickly scratching the bear's armpits up and down, as well as scratching the bear's feet from heels to heels. your fingertips – Also, you didn't want to talk to me before, so why should I talk to you now? Are you sorry you did that, or...\nThe bird just drummed his claws on the soles of Shimmers' feet as hard and fast as possible, but in a way that didn't hurt the swordsman.\n- Or you can't stand being tickled anymore? - he concluded with a sly chuckle, digging his claws between the prisoner's toes to provoke a tickle.\nFeeling that, Shimmers couldn't even respond, he just let out a loud laugh as his feet were touched by those drumming claws, making him open and close his toes and struggling to shrink his arms and legs. He smiled and blushed at the eagle's taunts, sweat running down his entire body only making the sensation of claws slithering over his sensitive skin stronger.\n- Okay, okay, I'll show you that I'm a nice guy - Soaring Eagle said with a smile, decreasing the intensity of the tickle, keeping just the claws sliding slowly and gently over the bear's armpits and feet - Now if I let you go, will you still risk trying to save your friends alone?\n- I neheheheheed to dohohoho thihihihis! - he replied still laughing and trying to breathe.\n- Stubborn bear, if you had said \"no\", I would have stopped tickling you - replied the eagle with a little smile - But as you are really stubborn and don't realize the risks of this mission, then we will stay together for a while longer.\n- Nohohohoho! Enohohohough, pleheheheasehehehe! - Shimmers begged exhausted.\n- Nu-uh, I like to tickle your armpits and furry feet. You're really very sensitive under the arms, plus I love feeling your toes trying to grab my claws - saying that, Soaring ran his claws over the bear's toes, which immediately curled up and tried to hold the claw - I don't mean ? Coochie coo! Now enjoy the ride, I'm sure you will love it.\n- Stahahahap! Nohohoho, lehehehet my feheheheet ahahahalone! Stohohohop tihihihickling mehehehe! - the bear begged desperately, feeling the eagle tickling his toes with impunity, without him being able to stop it. His armpits were also very sensitive, and he struggled to free his arms from the grip of the bird's paws. But none of that helped, and all that was left was for Shimmers to stand there, being blithely tickled by this special new friend.\n*****\nIt was past midnight, and Life Heart woke up with a start when she didn't see Sage Heart lying beside her on the bed. Sitting up a little, the unicorn saw the companion leaning out of the bedroom window, looking at the stars in silence. His face showed concern, and Life Heart could feel in her heart that something was wrong with her husband.\n- What happened, honey? - asked the unicorn in a soft voice, as she turned on the lamp on the headboard - You seem worried about something...\nSage looked at his wife and smiled sadly.\n- I don't really know what's going on... - said the bear in a low voice - I just feel as if the whole weight of the world is on my chest, as if something very bad is happening to someone who is me. important...\n- Is Confidence okay? After all, I get worried about her too sometimes...\n- It's not about her - said the magi after a few moments thinking - I mean, of course I'm worried about her too, and I feel that very bad things have happened with our daughter these last few days. Loveheart and Snowy Heart felt it too. But now it's a feeling is different. I feel like he's someone important to me, but I can't tell if he's someone from the past, present or future.\n- Do you mean that you feel that something bad is happening to someone, but you don't know who it is with?\n- Sounds ambiguous, doesn't it?\n- Of course not, my dear - said the wife, who got up and walked to her husband's side, hugging him - You yourself said that magic, because it is linked to our feelings, shows us things we can't understand.\n- You're right - agreed the old bear, resting his chin on his companion's head - Even with all the years I've lived and with all the knowledge I've acquired, I still have a lot to learn. But I wanted to understand why this feeling now...\n- Surely at some point you will be able to understand. Now, how about we both go back to bed? It's still too early, we can sleep a little longer...\nSage Heart smiled and followed Life Heart back to bed. Both had slept together since they became a couple, even though there was no ceremony to mark the occasion. They had just come together as husband and wife, and since then everyone has accepted them that way.\n- Thank you for being with me at all times... - said the bear kindly, lying down next to the unicorn and holding her paw and smiling - I can feel that Confidence will come back soon, and then we will live in the Kingdom of Caring, together with the Care Bear Family, fulfilling our mission to protect them and help people.\n- So be it, I'm wishing for it... - she replied happily, before yawning and kissing Sage Heart's nose - Good night, dear...\n- Good night - he concluded, turning off the lamp and soon they both fell asleep.\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'><strong><div class='align_center'>The Care Bears<br />United Hearts<br />1st Part<br />Chapter 11</div></strong><br />*****<br /><br />Despite his advanced age, Frank still had a driver&#039;s license, but he always preferred to use a reliable taxi service to travel between B&amp;H headquarters and his home, to avoid the heavy traffic in Manhattan and New Jersey. Also, even though he had driven his own car to work that day, he was unable to drive home, his mind was very distracted as he thought about how he felt about Care Bear Family, especially after from Fred&#039;s phone call letting him know that Hector and Forest Ranger were at his house.<br />Sitting in the back seat of the vehicle, the old man was silent, distracted. He felt anger, disappointment, sadness and pain towards the bears and cousins, his heart was tight after he had been treated like a criminal by his best friends. But he still loved them, he still cared for each of them, and maybe that made his pain even worse, since he wasn&#039;t capable of hating Noble and True for the way they acted.<br />At this moment, the taxi stopped in front of the businessman&#039;s house, who paid for the trip, got out of the vehicle and walked to the door of the residence, taking a deep breath before entering silently. As soon as Frank opened the door, he heard the sound of voices in the kitchen, heading there and seeing Hector and Forest Ranger sitting at the table, eating a plate of Parmigiana rice, while Fred talked to Hellen, the housekeeper, telling her about the Kingdom of Caring and the Care Bear Family, and what they had done for their old friend.<br />- So during the trial, Mr. Frank sided with Champ and Confidence and tried to defend them, but those cretins not only treated our boss like a criminal, they threatened him in a sordid and cruel way! - Fred said in an inflamed tone, as was his custom when he was angry - They really seemed willing to finish Frank, and that&#039;s when Forest intervened and convinced the other bears and cousins that it was better to let us go than create a case of police.<br />- My Gosh!... That&#039;s why Mr. Frank has been so quiet and sad the last few days... - murmured the young housekeeper, looking shocked at the private secretary and then at the green jaguar - I never imagined that Care Bear Family could act that way with someone! This is the complete opposite of what I saw in cartoons when I was a kid!<br />- I know that... - muttered the feline in a sad tone, lowering his head and feeling tears form in his eyes - I feel so sad, so ashamed of what we did to Mr Frank... That&#039;s not how you treat someone, even more an old friend...<br />- I also feel sad that Frank went through this, after all he is such a nice man... - Hector said with an upset look - All I wish now is that he can forgive the Care Bear Family...<br />- Well, believe me, Hector, this is my biggest wish too - interrupted the old man with a friendly smile on his lips, attracting everyone&#039;s attention.<br />- Frank! &ndash; shouted the boy, running happily to hug the businessman &ndash; Glad you came!<br />- That&#039;s true, I thought you didn&#039;t even want to receive me, after what happened in the Kingdom of Caring... - commented the jaguar in a shy tone, shaking the old man&#039;s hand cordially - But I&#039;m also glad you&#039;re here, after all, we really need your help...<br />- I have no reason to avoid you two, but I&#039;m really surprised to see you here - Frank replied with a smile - Now tell me, what&#039;s going on? And why is Hector dressed so ridiculously?<br />- Ah... Well... It&#039;s a long story - said the boy with a little laugh - I lost my shirt and shoes when I was tortured along with Shimmers, and then Forest Ranger got these clothes for me...<br />- You what?!? Tortured?!? &ndash; shouted the old man, jumping up in surprise &ndash; Who tortured you?!? Did they hurt you?!?<br />- NN-No, they didn&#039;t hurt me, I swear! &ndash; the little Brazilian stuttered a little worried &ndash; I was just tickled by Cheer, Redemption and Lonesome, while Trueheart and Aqua Bear tickled Shimmers...<br />- Bastards! &ndash; Fred shouted, also turning red with anger &ndash; How did they have the courage to do that to a child?!?<br />- After Champ and Confidence were kicked out of the Care Bear Family, Nobleheart and Trueheart decided that Hector should be tickled as a way to pay for his stay at the Kingdom of Caring &ndash; Forest Ranger began to explain, seeing the businessman&#039;s angry look &ndash; They also punished Shimmers for lying about not knowing the fennec&#039;s secret, to set an example so that no other Family member would lie again.<br />- Poor boy, I&#039;m sorry that you were so mistreated by those who claimed to be your friends... - Hellen commented lovingly, patting Hector&#039;s head - And how did you manage to escape those evil creatures?<br />Forest Ranger felt a lump in his throat at those words about the Care Bear Family, but he couldn&#039;t say anything to try to defend the honor of his kind, after all they&#039;d done. The boy also felt sad, as he didn&#039;t want adults to hate the bears and cousins, no matter how wrong they were.<br />- We were tickled for several hours without stopping, and I don&#039;t even remember what happened, just that I passed out - Hector continued with a sad look - When I woke up, I was together with Shimmers in a cave, in the middle of the night, in the Forest of Feelings, and that&#039;s when he told me about the invasion...<br />- Invasion? - asked the housekeeper with a surprised look.<br />- Yes, the Kingdom of Caring was invaded, and apparently the Care Bear Family was taken prisoner - said the green cat quickly - Shimmers said that he and Hector were freed by Aqua, Lonesome and Redemption when they ran to Care-a-lot to try to help friends. They both hid in the forest to regain their strength before meeting me the next day.<br />- Shimmers then sent us here, to ask for Frank&#039;s help, while he himself stayed there, alone, to try to find out what happened and help our friends - completed the Brazilian, before turning to Frank - Please, Frank, you are the only person who can help the bears and cousins, and who can help us now...<br />The old man was pale, but with pure anger, and there was a bright gleam in his eyes that showed his annoyance at hearing about the bad things the Care Bear Family had done to Hector and Shimmers. He could never have imagined that his old friends bears and cousins would have the courage to act like that.<br />- Honestly, I doubt the Care Bear Family really wants or needs my help - he muttered with a huff of anger - What am I going to help them for? They just ignored me, and treated me like a criminal! They shamelessly expelled and tortured their own friends!<br />- Frank, please, I know we didn&#039;t act right, but&hellip; &ndash; Forest Ranger begged with tears in his eyes &ndash; But don&#039;t let anger take over your heart&hellip; Please, we need your help!<br />- You should be glad you weren&#039;t kicked out of here like Frank and I were kicked out of the Kingdom of Caring! &ndash; Fred snapped gritting his teeth &ndash; First you treated us with all the arrogance in the world, and now you come here begging for help!<br />- What Care Bear Family did is unforgivable... - muttered the old man, turning his face away, giving a deep sigh of sadness, feeling his heart ache as if he was going to have a heart attack - I don&#039;t care what&#039;s happening to them, I never want to see them in front of me again. If you and Hector need anything, I will specifically help you, but not the bears and cousins...<br />A deep silence took over the room as Forest Ranger and Hector slowly lowered their heads, feeling defeated and their hearts breaking. That&#039;s when the boy started crying.<br />- II-I thought you were someone good... - he muttered between tears - II-I thought you cared about your friends... That you could forgive them...<br />- It was a mistake that we came here... - said the jaguar with a faint voice, trying to hold back the tears - We will never bother you again, Mister Heartom... Come with me, Hector...<br />And without saying a single word, both slowly walked away, still with their heads down, not sure what to do now, after all, they didn&#039;t even have anywhere to go or who to turn to. Both of them no longer had family, friends, not even a house to live in, without any future.<br />Frank remained silent for a few seconds, head down, face turned away, eyes closed. His pain was immense, but now it was even greater, after hearing the Brazilian boy&#039;s words. As much as the Care Bear Family had been wrong, it wasn&#039;t right for him to withhold help, especially since Hector himself cared about the bears and cousins.<br />When he heard the front door open, indicating that the boy and jaguar were leaving, the old man desperately ran after them both, arriving in time to close the door in front of them.<br />- No! No! Please stay! I can&#039;t do this to you! &ndash; he shouted starting to cry, and kneeling in front of Hector and Forest Ranger, holding his hands &ndash; I can&#039;t do this to my friends! Forgive me for what I said before! I swear to you both, by all that is most sacred, that I will help the Care Bear Family, even if I have to give my life for it!<br />The only answer that the cat and the boy could give was a big hug to the old man, crying with joy and emotion for knowing that he really was a good person and would help them. Meanwhile, Fred and Hellen just stood back, watching the scene thoughtfully, and reflecting on the value of friendship and the gift of forgiving someone for their mistakes.<br />*****<br />The figure of forgiveness is something very present in Christianity, and although in the old days there was an informal agreement between humans, bears and cousins in San Martin, for species to mutually respect each other&#039;s beliefs without trying to impose values, Flower had really converted to Christianity, without following a specific denomination.<br />She just had faith in God, and faith in Jesus Christ as the One who had come into the world to set people free from sin, including herself. So it was nothing new for her to kneel by her bed and pray, giving thanks to God for her day and her life, even in the worst of times. It was that faith that had helped her when she lost her husband Heavenly, when she had to raise Joyful practically alone, and when her daughter and son-in-law disappeared.<br />And that was just what the old female bear was doing at that moment, kneeling beside the bed, hands joined, eyes closed and head bowed, praying in a low voice.<br />- And I thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be here for another day, with my friends and my dear grandchildren, and I thank you for their lives, for being by my side, and that they lack nothing, as well as my friends who are far away, may the Lord console their hearts. I thank you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!<br />With a slight sigh, she opened her eyes and smiled, and was getting to her feet when she noticed that Hugs and Tues were standing in the doorway of the room the three of them occupied at Kriskun&#039;s house, looking at their grandmother in surprise. For a moment the old female bear and the cubs were silent, looking at each other, until she giggled lovingly and smiled at them.<br />- Did something happen, my dears? &ndash; she asked calmly &ndash; You seem surprised and curious&hellip; What do you want to ask?<br />- Ah... Well... It&#039;s just that... - the baby blue bear hesitated in embarrassment - It&#039;s just that we were passing by and... Well...<br />- We saw you kneeling, talking to herself, and&hellip; &ndash; the baby pink bear felt her cheeks flush &ndash; Why were you doing like Shimmers does when he prays?<br />- Do you believe in the God of humans, Grams Bear? &ndash; quickly asked the grandson, looking at his grandmother with curiosity &ndash; How can you believe in something that she can&#039;t see?<br />Flower smiled even more when hearing those questions, because the moment had finally arrived that she had always wondered what it would be like, and that was about her talking about her faith in God to her grandchildren. The old female bear had never talked to Hugs and Tugs about this subject, not because she was afraid they would react badly, but in order not to influence the twins&#039; choices and let their curiosity do the work.<br />- I was kneeling like Shimmers, because I was really talking to God, just like he does - she said, sitting on the bed and making a sign for the cubs to sit next to her - And I don&#039;t need to see God directly to know that He exists, I can just look around and see His work around me. It&#039;s like the wind, you can feel it on your skin, but you can&#039;t see the air moving.<br />- That&#039;s not a fair comparison - Tugs argued, sitting on the grandmother&#039;s left side and looking at her seriously - We can see the wind, swinging the branches in the trees.<br />- Tugs is right, we can see the wind, but we cannot see God - agreed Hugs, sitting on the grandmother&#039;s right side - And I can&#039;t understand why you have to kneel down to talk to Him.<br />- I kneel down as a sign of respect, to show God my fear for Him - Grams Bear explained kindly, patting the two grandchildren on the head - And you said the right thing, Tugs. We can see the wind swaying the branches and leaves in the trees, making the waves on the lake... but we can&#039;t see the air moving. It&#039;s the same with God, we can feel His love, we can see the beautiful things He created around us, but we can&#039;t see Him face to face.<br />- But if we cannot see God, how can we believe that He exists? &ndash; insisted the little blue bear, looking into the grandmother&#039;s eyes &ndash; And most importantly, how can we know if He is really listening to us, when we talk to Him?<br />- That&#039;s called faith, my dear. It means believing in something you can&#039;t see or touch. I have faith in God, I have faith in Christ Jesus, I have faith in all the wonderful things He has done and is still doing for me. And I know that He hears me, and comforts my heart every day, guiding my steps, giving me hope! I know He loves me more than I deserve, and I&#039;m so grateful to Him for that!<br /><br /><div class='align_center'><em>God sent<br />His beloved son<br />to save me<br />and forgive<br />On the cross He died<br />for my sins<br />But resurfaced<br />and alive was<br />with the Father being<br /><br />Because He lives<br />I can believe in tomorrow<br />Because He lives<br />there is no fear<br />But I know well<br />that my life<br />It&#039;s in the hands<br />Of my Lord who is alive<br /><br />And when finally<br />arrive the time<br />in which death<br />I will face<br />no fear then<br />I will have victory<br />I will see in Glory<br />My Lord, who is alive<br /><br />Because He lives<br />I can believe in tomorrow<br />Because He lives<br />there is no fear<br />But I know well<br />that my life<br />It&#039;s in the hands<br />Of my Lord who is alive<br /><br />It&#039;s in the hands<br />Of my Lord who is alive...</em></div><br /><br />- It&#039;s so beautiful and comforting to hear you talk like that, Grams... - said Hugs after being silent for a few seconds, pensive - It makes me want to believe that God really can hear us and also loves us... When we talk to God, will He also hear us?<br />- Well, that&#039;s something you both will have to experience, but I&#039;m sure God will be very happy to hear you talking to Him - Flower replied kindly, feeling her heart overflowing with joy, as her eyes sparkled - And you will too an immense happiness, just as I felt the first time I prayed, and just as my daughter Joyful felt when she first prayed.<br />- Your daughter Joyful? &ndash; Tugs asked in a surprised tone &ndash; You mean&hellip; Our Mom?<br />- You never told us about her... Not about Dad... And neither about Grandpa Heavenly... - said the baby pink bear sadly - Are you ashamed of them, Grams?<br />Flower&#039;s cheeks flushed at the question, and she realized that just as it was time to talk about her faith with her grandchildren, it was also time to tell them about her past.<br />- No, I would never be ashamed of them - she said with a slight smile, before lowering her head and sighing - Grandpa Heavenly was the best bear in the world, he never failed to support me for a single moment, even when our interests were not the same. He was truly a leader to all of us, and an amazing person!<br />- Did he also like your giggling apple pies? &ndash; asked the baby blue bear curiously &ndash; And did he also know several stories like you, Grams?<br />- Do you think he would play with us? Did he also believe in God? &ndash; added the little sister, looking into the eyes of the old female bear &ndash; And what happened to Grandpa Heavenly?<br />- Yes, he loved my apple pies, and he&#039;s the one who told me several of the stories I know - Grams Bear replied, with a faraway look, remembering his old companion - He didn&#039;t believe in God as I do, but he always respected me, and I bet he wouldn&#039;t let go of you two for a second.<br />- But what happened to him? You haven&#039;t answered us that yet! &ndash; insisted the young male bear, practically standing on the bed &ndash; And neither what happened with Mom and Dad&hellip; Why didn&#039;t you ever tell us about them, Grandma? And where are they, why have they abandoned us?<br />- Dad and Mom didn&#039;t like us? &ndash; asked the young female bear, holding her grandmother&#039;s hand &ndash; Or did they become little stars in the sky?<br />- My darlings&hellip; I&#039;m sorry&hellip; &ndash; Flower started, with tears in her eyes and a wavering voice &ndash; I didn&#039;t tell you about them before because it was too hard for me&hellip; And I was afraid of losing you too. Forgive me for that...<br />- It&#039;s okay, Grams Bear! - exclaimed the two cubs together, hugging the old woman happily and showing their love for her, which encouraged her to continue.<br />- When the Care Bear Family had to abandon this island many years ago, Grandpa Heavenly stayed behind to allow us to escape. He was a true hero, sacrificing himself for his people and his friends... And as for Joyful and Looter, they disappeared during a Caring Mission, just a few months after you two were born... And we never found out what happened.<br />- Joyful... Looter... - Hugs repeated in a low and emotional voice, with tears streaming down her cheeks - They have such beautiful names...<br />- Just like Grandpa Heavenly&#039;s, and yours, Grams Flower... - commented Tugs also emotional, before chuckling - I never thought that Papa Bear had a pirate name. How were they?<br />- Much like you - Grams replied with a wide smile, wiping the tears from herself and her grandchildren - Looter Bear was sky blue, and his tummy symbol was a half-open safe, with the key in the lock, and showing a star kept inside. He is a true expert in jewelry and ornaments. Joyful Bear was pale pink, with dark pink hair, and her symbol was a bouquet of yellow roses tied with a crystal star bow. She loved taking care of plants, cooking, playing... And Grandpa Bear was a white bear, with the kindest smile in the world.<br />- Goodie goodie gosh! They really seem to be the best parents and grandpa in the world! &ndash; exclaimed the male baby bear happily, before a sad expression took over his face &ndash; I would have loved&hellip; to have met them&hellip;<br />- Me too... I would have loved to have met them... - agreed the pink bear, crying again and hugging Grams Bear - Grams, if one day we become little stars... Will we meet Grandpa, Mom and Dad? Will they recognize us?<br />Flower felt a lump in her throat, before lovingly hugging her grandchildren. She didn&#039;t know exactly how to respond, as deep in her chest the old female bear always kept the hope that Joyful and Looter were still alive.<br />- II-I don&#039;t know... - she muttered also starting to cry - II-I just know that, no matter what happens... WW-We&#039;ll keep on loving them forever! Just as I love you, my grandchildren!...<br />- And we love you, Grams! &ndash; the twins agreed with emotion, hugging the old woman tightly, while still reflecting on everything they had learned about their grandfather, father and mother, wishing they could meet them one day.<br />*****<br />Confidence stood on the platform of the sleeping car, the door halfway open, staring wearily at the landscape, although it was forbidden to stand there. But the fennec was bored, and she was trying to distract herself with something. Champ had stayed in the cabin, taking a nap, and after pacing the train, she just sat there, her chin on her arm and her mind far away, wondering how her family would react to seeing her back, and how they would take the bad news she brought.<br />As she thought about it, she heard the sound of the wagon door opening, but she didn&#039;t care. Suddenly, the fighter felt someone touch her shoulder lightly, and thought it was the sports bear, or even the train chief ready to scold her for traveling in a forbidden place. But to her great surprise, it was neither one nor the other, although she immediately recognized who was standing there in front of her.<br />- Mister Hokkay! What a pleasure to meet you here! &ndash; she said with a wide smile, bowing in a traditional way to greet the newcomer, seeing that a lady was accompanying him &ndash; You too, Mrs. Hokkay. How long have we not seen each other...<br />- I say the same, honorable Cassandra Terada - replied the old Japanese man in a cordial tone, looking at the fennec amicably - The last time was at that amateur competition in Eugene, two years ago. Where have you been lately?<br />- Oh, I was just taking a long international trip, learning about new cultures, and now I&#039;m coming home.<br />- I&#039;m very happy to hear that. And you&#039;re back just in time, as there&#039;s a tournament in Vancouver next month! I&#039;m one of the organizers, it&#039;s the Canadian Amateur Karate Championship. If you want to participate, I would be very honored to have your presence there...<br />- Thank you for the invite, Mr Hokkay, but I&#039;m not really thinking about taking part in competitions at the moment - Confidence thanked him with a kind smile - I really need some rest after so many months of traveling, not to mention I don&#039;t feel in shape to fight...<br />- No problem, honorable Cassandra, I understand very well - said the old man with an acquiescent sign, taking a card and a pamphlet from his pocket and handing them to the young woman - Anyway, you are my guest, if only to watch the competition. But if you change your mind, we&#039;ll welcome you. Now, if you&#039;ll excuse us, Yumi and I are going to leave. Sayonara!<br />- Sayonara, Mr and Mrs Hokkay - concluded the desert fox, seeing the elderly couple walk away.<br />For a few seconds Confidence still stood there, reading the pamphlet the old friend had given her, which said that the competition would take place at Vancouver&#039;s municipal arena on July 23rd. The first prize was 100.000 American dollars, and there were the main rules, categories and how the competition would be. The fennec smiled and tucked the paper into her trouser pocket before returning to the cabin to find Champ Bear already awake and sitting up in bed, perusing several tourist pamphlets he had collected that morning in the dining car.<br />- Oh, I see that the sleepy athlete has already woken up - she said in a playful tone, taking off her shoes and sitting next to the bear - So, are you thinking about becoming a travel agent or a tour guide?<br />- Neither one nor the other, sports fan - Champ replied laughing, putting the flyers aside - I was just passing the time, after all you weren&#039;t here when I woke up. Where were you?<br />- I went for a walk, and I ended up meeting an old friend.<br />- A friend?<br />- Yes, Mr Tarugo Hokkay and his wife Yumi - Confidence replied smiling - He is director of the National Martial Arts Association, and he competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It was he who encouraged me to compete in official and amateur karate competitions, and always was by my side, helping me to prove my worth as a fighter.<br />- Great! I would love to meet him too - commented the young athlete in an excited tone, before chuckling - At least it will be less boring than staying here in the cabin, reading tourist pamphlets.<br />- Well, Mr Hokkay invited me to watch a competition next month, it will certainly be a good opportunity for you to meet him - said the fox with an amused expression - And as we are both bored, I have an idea of what we can do now. I&#039;ll try to find out if you have any elemental powers.<br />- Ah... Well... I don&#039;t know if it&#039;s a good idea... - the bear hesitated with an uncomfortable expression - I mean, I&#039;ve never thought of that kind of thing before...<br />- Come on, Champ! I promise it won&#039;t hurt - Confidence commented in an encouraging tone, sitting cross-legged on the sofa bed - Also, you may have a hidden power, and it will be cool to discover it!<br />For a few seconds Champ remained silent, undecided, until he nodded slightly, also sitting cross-legged in front of the fennec, and letting her hold his hands. The fighter closed her eyes and concentrated, and the sportsman saw her paws begin to glow slightly, at the same time that a shiver took over his body.<br />- I can feel that there is something different inside you... - said the fennec, still concentrating and with her eyes closed - But I can&#039;t tell if it&#039;s really some kind of elemental magic or something related to Stare. Perhaps Sage Heart can clear this up if you want...<br />The sportsman just lowered his head and gave a sad little sigh.<br />- Honestly... I don&#039;t care... - he muttered in a despondent tone - I&#039;m nothing without Stare, and I wouldn&#039;t even be able to learn magic...<br />- We already talked about you using Stare or not - interrupted the desert fox sharply - And about elemental magic, no one is born knowing, the use of magic occurs only after a lot of training. Or did you manage to lift 100 pounds on the first try?<br />- Of course not, it took me several years to get there. But how does this elemental magic work? You still haven&#039;t explained this to me.<br />- Elemental magic is made using mana, that is, the magical energy that all people have in their body, and which is enhanced through persistent training from a single element - Confidence explained calmly, looking into the bear&#039;s eyes &ndash; The more you train in pushing this energy out, the more the mana shapes itself in relation to the chosen element, earth, water, air, fire and plasma.<br />- And each chooses its own element by affinity?<br />- This can happen frequently, but the personality of the user also tends to inform which is the best element they should use. The training allows the user of elemental magic to use mana to create their own element or, at higher levels, to manipulate it along with the environment. For example, in my case I have air as my element, so I can create air cushions where I can jump or land, use air to make my punches stronger and faster, as well as creating gusts of air to knock down an enemy.<br />- Like that breath of air you used to bring the Care Bear Family down? &ndash; Champ asked curiously, receiving an affirmative signal from Confidence &ndash; This is interesting&hellip; But can you use your powers anywhere?<br />- Yes, I can use my powers anywhere in the world. Remember the fire at Kelly&#039;s house over Christmas? I used my magic there.<br />- Of course, now it makes sense! You pushed the door and the fire back using wind magic!<br />- Exactly! You see, Champ, around our world there are gigantic power lines called Leys, and they act like great highways where magic flows almost everywhere. Where two ley lines intersect, like the Kingdom of Caring, or where my family lives, magic becomes much richer and easier to use. We call these locations Nexus Points. And there is still a whole capillary network, which distributes the magical energy throughout the world, through the ether cords. They act as a catalyst to reach ley lines.<br />- In the same way as the inner light is used to reach the Stare?<br />- More or less that, only with a different intensity. Either way, it will be interesting to see how my family reacts when they find out what our tummy symbols are for, and learn how to use Stare!<br />- I still don&#039;t think that&#039;s a good idea... - Champ muttered again, with his head down and sad eyes - We&#039;ll be hunted down by the Care Bear Family if they find out that two outcasts like us have taught someone else to use the Stare.<br />- Well, I&#039;m no pariah, and I&#039;m not afraid of them! &ndash; Confidence retorted, frowning and pointing a finger at herself &ndash; And I will teach the Care Bears Magi, my family, how to use Stare, and no one will stop me!<br />The bear just gave a dejected sigh, wishing he could have that same certainty and confidence as his friend, but he couldn&#039;t. Without saying a single word, he just kept his head down and turned to the window, watching the landscape and dreading what would happen in the future, even more so when they arrived at the Terada house...<br />*****<br />It was late afternoon and the sun was heading towards the horizon, with the sky starting to turn orange, but Shimmeringstar Bear was still being tickled mercilessly by Soaring Eagle. As much as the bear struggled, screamed and demanded, that playful bird had not given a single second of rest, always trying to converse amicably with its sensitive victim.<br />- Stohohohop! I cahahahan nohohohot stahahahand thihihis ahahahanymohohohore! Lehehehet mehehehe gohohoho! - the swordsman felt tears running down his cheeks as he kicked and swung his legs, sweating from head to toe.<br />- Then talk to me, little bear - replied the eagle with a laugh, squeezing Shimmers&#039; arms and elbows a little tighter with his strong paws, calmly circling a single claw in his armpits - You may not believe me, but I&#039;m not a bad guy. And I&#039;m also not torturing you out of spite, just for fun. Coochie coo!<br />- Whahahahat do hohoho yohohohohou wahahahant frohohohom mehehehe? &ndash; questioned the bear, waving his legs in the air in all random directions, swinging his knees back and forth and trying to lift them to protect himself, but without success &ndash; Whahahahahahye ahahahahare yohohohou dohohohoing thihihihis?<br />- I already told you, I just want to have fun with you, little bear - Soaring laughed and continued tickling under the warrior&#039;s arms, slowly drawing circles and figure eights with his claws, before scratching quickly - And you move a lot, it seems a mouse being carried by an eagle to the nest... Well, I am an eagle.<br />Saying that, he scraped his claws up and down quickly over the in Shimmers&#039; dimples armpits, who laughed and scratched his chin against his chest, opening and closing his hands frantically.<br />- Nohohohoho! Wihihiihll yohohohohou dehehehehevohohohour mehehehe? &ndash; he questioned in a worried tone, looking at his captor &ndash; Yohohohou sahahahaid thahahahat thehehehere ahahahare othehehehers of yohohohour kihihihind!<br />- No, I&#039;m not going to eat you, and we&#039;re not going to meet other eagles, I was just kidding - said the bird with a friendly smile - I&#039;m sorry if I scared you, I&#039;m just trying to talk... How about we do we make a deal? If you&#039;re nice and talk to me, I can ease the tickle. What do you think?<br />There was a real glint of curiosity in Soaring&#039;s eyes, he was really curious to talk to Shimmers. As he waited for the bear&#039;s response, he began to scratch faster at the prisoner&#039;s armpits, exploring the edges and sinking his claws into the skin.<br />- Plehehehehease lehehehet mehehehe gohohoho! I hahahahave to rehehehescue my frihihihiends! - shouted the bear as he continued to kick and laugh, trying to free his elbows from the eagle&#039;s paws. Shimmers was starting to like Soaring, but he didn&#039;t want to make it easy or admit weaknesses &ndash; Thehehehey neheheheheed mehehehehe! Lehehehet mehehehe gohohoho!<br />- I know you need to rescue your friends, but think with me, if you couldn&#039;t get past me, how will you be able to deal alone with hundreds of men armed to the teeth? &ndash; the eagle asked curiously &ndash; I mean, I know you have various powers, I can feel it while I drain them from you, but honestly I don&#039;t think you can face machine guns and cannons.<br />Saying that, Soaring Eagle squeezed the bear&#039;s elbows a little tighter with his powerful paws, continuing to scratch Shimmers&#039; armpits in a friendly manner.<br />- You can&#039;t even stand being tickled... Imagine if you had to go through other types of torture - he continued in a worried and friendly tone - No, my little bear, you can&#039;t do this alone. You need help to rescue your friends. Coochie coo!<br />The swordsman grimaced when he felt his arms being squeezed once more, as he looked helplessly at the friendly bird, shaking his head back and forth, starting to squeeze his legs.<br />- Nohohohoho, stahahahap to tihihihickle mehehehe! &ndash; he begged with a huge smile on his lips, closing his eyes and kicking helplessly at the air, before closing his legs once more &ndash; Plehehehease, I wihihihihill gehehehet wehehehet my fuhuhuhur if yohohohou dohohohoho nohohohohot stohohohop!<br />- Oh, well... So I guess some trees will be watered by you, my friend - Soaring replied with a chuckle, sinking his claws into the bear&#039;s armpits and scraping up and down, carefully watching his reactions - And I think it&#039;s weird that you say you&#039;re going to wet your furs if they&#039;re already soaked in sweat.<br />It was truly unbearable for Shimmers, and within seconds a dark stain appeared between his legs, while a stream of urine blew in the wind. With flushed cheeks, he tried once more to bend his elbows to get rid of the eagle, but deep down he was starting to enjoy the situation, not least because his captor didn&#039;t get angry or upset, continuing to tickle him.<br />- Well, now that you&#039;ve relieved yourself, maybe we can keep talking - commented the bird with a little laugh, firmly holding the bear&#039;s arms and continuing to tickle his armpits - Why don&#039;t you tell me some of your adventures? I love to hear stories! And I bet your life is a lot more fun than mine... I spend most of my time in a secluded house in the south of France, with not many friends to talk to and almost nothing to do. But what else do you like besides tickling?<br />As he spoke, the eagle lessened the intensity of the tickle, but did not stop scratching the dimples in the armpits of Shimmers, who appreciated his new friend more and more and looked at him in an amused way.<br />- Mahahahany thihihihings, buhuhuhut I wohohohon&#039;t tehehehell yohohohou! - replied the bear defiantly, not wanting to show that he was enjoying being tickled in that helpless way by the bird. But Soaring had already noticed that Shimmers was really enjoying all the attention, and he just smiled kindly at his new friend.<br />- Too bad you don&#039;t want to tell me about your other hobbies... But that&#039;s ok, we&#039;ll continue with this one! - said the bird as it stuck its claws in the bear&#039;s armpits, scratching quickly up and down - Now, which other points is my little friend also sensitive?<br />Hearing this, the swordsman gulped and felt a shiver down his spine, trying to violently pull his arms out of the eagle&#039;s paws, and kicking back and forth as he was tickled in his armpit dimples.<br />- Nohohoho, pleheheheasehehehe! Enohohohough, I beheheheg! - he yelled desperately, not wanting to be tickled elsewhere on his body.<br />- Hehehe, your armpits are really sensitive, and they alone would be enough to make you laugh non-stop... But I think your body also has other ticklish spots &ndash; Soaring said with a smile, before his body started to glow and a new pair of legs appeared next to the original legs &ndash; What do you think about that? Have you ever seen an eagle with four legs? I can also create extra wings, change my shape, become invisible, see in infrared... Actually, I know a lot of tricks, but for now this is the best I have.<br />Saying that, the bird swung Shimmers into the air and used his new paws to grab the bear&#039;s legs just below the knees, closing his paws around the thighs and ankles, leaving him only with his feet out, and in a position resembling Superman flying. The warrior&#039;s eyes widened, unable to hide his concern at finding himself in that helpless position.<br />- So, little bear, can we start? &ndash; the eagle didn&#039;t wait for an answer, starting to slide a single claw randomly along the soles of the swordsman&#039;s feet, still keeping the tickle in his armpits.<br />- Nohohohoho! Stohohohop! Nohohohot my feheheheet! &ndash; bellowed the bear, closing his eyes and curling his toes, swinging his feet from side to side and trying to free his legs as well.<br />- Coochie coo, little bear - Soaring said with a chuckle, gently scratching the soles of the feet and circling the claws around Shimmers&#039; armpits - Have you ever felt such sharp claws on your feet and armpits, boy?<br />- Nohohoho! Stohohohop! Enohohohoug! - begged the warrior, feeling the worst excruciating tickle of his life, provoked by those pointed and sharp claws. He desperately tried to free his arms and bend his legs to protect himself, while his feet continued to shift feverishly back and forth each time the claw tickled his soles.<br />- Good, I&#039;m glad to hear that. I hope you&#039;re having fun, my friend - commented the bird amicably, continuing to scratch his prisoner&#039;s armpits and feet - I really enjoy talking to you, even if you don&#039;t say many things. But your laughs are fun and that makes me very happy!<br />Saying that, Soaring squeezed the bear&#039;s elbows and legs so he wouldn&#039;t move, tickling his armpits quickly and poking his toes. Shimmers opened and closed his toes, laughing and swaying happily back and forth, looking into the eagle&#039;s eyes.<br />- Enohohohough! Pleheheheasehehehe, nohohoho mohohohore! I cahahahan nohohohot stahahahand thihihis! - he yelled desperately, his laughter getting louder from the incessant tickling under his arms and on the soles of his feet.<br />- I already told you, if you talk to me, I&#039;ll decrease the intensity of the tickling, but since I&#039;ve repeated it about thirty times and you haven&#039;t heard me, so that means you like being tickled - said the bird with a mischievous smile, scratching the armpits and feet of the warrior - Seriously, Shimmers, you really like tickles. I thought No Heart was exaggerating when he said you loved being tickled for days on end. But now I see that this is indeed true!<br />And to emphasize his words, Soaring Eagle sank his claws a little deeper into the bear&#039;s armpits and feet soles, exploring the most sensitive spots. Shimmers felt his cheeks redden from the teasing, at the same time he grimaced as he felt his limbs being held in that position that kept him helpless from the tickling torment.<br />- Pleheheheasehehehe! I beheheheg! &ndash; he yelled, shaking his head back and forth very cutely, with his mouth open and eyes closed, opening and closing his toes as he felt those merciless claws slide over them &ndash; Nohohoho! I cahahahan nohohohot stahahahand thihihis ahahahanymohohohore!<br />- Hehehe, poor little bear... Tell me, how did you discover that you liked being tortured with tickling? It certainly wasn&#039;t at No Heart&#039;s castle, he doesn&#039;t strike me as a very fun person to do that... &ndash; the eagle stopped and gave a provocative wink to Shimmers, quickly sliding the claws under the swordsman&#039;s arms and feet &ndash; But I am! Now, how about admitting that you&#039;re really enjoying being tickled?<br />- Nohohoho! I ahahaham nohohohot gohohohoing!<br />- No problem, little bear, you don&#039;t need to say anything, the gleam in your eyes tells me everything - replied the bird while poking the front of the warrior&#039;s toes, in addition to scratching his armpits harder.<br />Soaring was also having a great time, as he&#039;d never had the chance to play with anyone like that. He continued his flight, tickling Shimmers and using his claws to explore the prisoner&#039;s sensitive spots. He loved watching his new friend desperately wiggle his toes and force his arms free, his laughter rising a few decibels as he felt the pointed claws scratch the front of his toes and the dimples in his armpits.<br />- No! Nohohoho! Pleheheheasehehehe! Mehehehercy! &ndash; the bear begged with his eyes closed, shaking his head back and forth, while his cheeks reddened from all those teasing from his new friend.<br />- So, my little bear friend, are you enjoying the ride? &ndash; the eagle questioned after flying in silence for some time, squeezing the warrior&#039;s elbows and legs a little better so that he couldn&#039;t free himself while he was tickled &ndash; I think you already know the Forest of Feelings well, but we must admit that it is a really beautiful place. Just like you, when you&#039;re laughing. Coochie coo!<br />- Yehehehe! Enohohohough! &ndash; Shimmers yelled opening and closing his toes, trying to pull his arms in a fruitless way &ndash; Ihihihif I tahahahahalk to yohohohou, wihihihihill yohohohou stohohohop tihihihicklihihihing mehehehe?<br />- I don&#039;t think I&#039;ll stop now, after all you&#039;re a cute little bear and I like to hear you laughing - replied Soaring, quickly scratching the bear&#039;s armpits up and down, as well as scratching the bear&#039;s feet from heels to heels. your fingertips &ndash; Also, you didn&#039;t want to talk to me before, so why should I talk to you now? Are you sorry you did that, or...<br />The bird just drummed his claws on the soles of Shimmers&#039; feet as hard and fast as possible, but in a way that didn&#039;t hurt the swordsman.<br />- Or you can&#039;t stand being tickled anymore? - he concluded with a sly chuckle, digging his claws between the prisoner&#039;s toes to provoke a tickle.<br />Feeling that, Shimmers couldn&#039;t even respond, he just let out a loud laugh as his feet were touched by those drumming claws, making him open and close his toes and struggling to shrink his arms and legs. He smiled and blushed at the eagle&#039;s taunts, sweat running down his entire body only making the sensation of claws slithering over his sensitive skin stronger.<br />- Okay, okay, I&#039;ll show you that I&#039;m a nice guy - Soaring Eagle said with a smile, decreasing the intensity of the tickle, keeping just the claws sliding slowly and gently over the bear&#039;s armpits and feet - Now if I let you go, will you still risk trying to save your friends alone?<br />- I neheheheheed to dohohoho thihihihis! - he replied still laughing and trying to breathe.<br />- Stubborn bear, if you had said &quot;no&quot;, I would have stopped tickling you - replied the eagle with a little smile - But as you are really stubborn and don&#039;t realize the risks of this mission, then we will stay together for a while longer.<br />- Nohohohoho! Enohohohough, pleheheheasehehehe! - Shimmers begged exhausted.<br />- Nu-uh, I like to tickle your armpits and furry feet. You&#039;re really very sensitive under the arms, plus I love feeling your toes trying to grab my claws - saying that, Soaring ran his claws over the bear&#039;s toes, which immediately curled up and tried to hold the claw - I don&#039;t mean ? Coochie coo! Now enjoy the ride, I&#039;m sure you will love it.<br />- Stahahahap! Nohohoho, lehehehet my feheheheet ahahahalone! Stohohohop tihihihickling mehehehe! - the bear begged desperately, feeling the eagle tickling his toes with impunity, without him being able to stop it. His armpits were also very sensitive, and he struggled to free his arms from the grip of the bird&#039;s paws. But none of that helped, and all that was left was for Shimmers to stand there, being blithely tickled by this special new friend.<br />*****<br />It was past midnight, and Life Heart woke up with a start when she didn&#039;t see Sage Heart lying beside her on the bed. Sitting up a little, the unicorn saw the companion leaning out of the bedroom window, looking at the stars in silence. His face showed concern, and Life Heart could feel in her heart that something was wrong with her husband.<br />- What happened, honey? - asked the unicorn in a soft voice, as she turned on the lamp on the headboard - You seem worried about something...<br />Sage looked at his wife and smiled sadly.<br />- I don&#039;t really know what&#039;s going on... - said the bear in a low voice - I just feel as if the whole weight of the world is on my chest, as if something very bad is happening to someone who is me. important...<br />- Is Confidence okay? After all, I get worried about her too sometimes...<br />- It&#039;s not about her - said the magi after a few moments thinking - I mean, of course I&#039;m worried about her too, and I feel that very bad things have happened with our daughter these last few days. Loveheart and Snowy Heart felt it too. But now it&#039;s a feeling is different. I feel like he&#039;s someone important to me, but I can&#039;t tell if he&#039;s someone from the past, present or future.<br />- Do you mean that you feel that something bad is happening to someone, but you don&#039;t know who it is with?<br />- Sounds ambiguous, doesn&#039;t it?<br />- Of course not, my dear - said the wife, who got up and walked to her husband&#039;s side, hugging him - You yourself said that magic, because it is linked to our feelings, shows us things we can&#039;t understand.<br />- You&#039;re right - agreed the old bear, resting his chin on his companion&#039;s head - Even with all the years I&#039;ve lived and with all the knowledge I&#039;ve acquired, I still have a lot to learn. But I wanted to understand why this feeling now...<br />- Surely at some point you will be able to understand. Now, how about we both go back to bed? It&#039;s still too early, we can sleep a little longer...<br />Sage Heart smiled and followed Life Heart back to bed. Both had slept together since they became a couple, even though there was no ceremony to mark the occasion. They had just come together as husband and wife, and since then everyone has accepted them that way.<br />- Thank you for being with me at all times... - said the bear kindly, lying down next to the unicorn and holding her paw and smiling - I can feel that Confidence will come back soon, and then we will live in the Kingdom of Caring, together with the Care Bear Family, fulfilling our mission to protect them and help people.<br />- So be it, I&#039;m wishing for it... - she replied happily, before yawning and kissing Sage Heart&#039;s nose - Good night, dear...<br />- Good night - he concluded, turning off the lamp and soon they both fell asleep.<br /></span>","pools_count":1,"title":"The Care Bears - United Hearts - Chapter 11","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"image/jpeg","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"0","rating_name":"General","ratings":[],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"f","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"1","views":"12"}