Chapter 7 The Prophecy

Meanwhile, back at Redemptionheart's office, Redemptionheart was checking her supplies and found that she had to go down to earth to the rain forest to pick some rare plants and use them for medicine. As she left, she put her sign closed in front of the office door as was her custom. She then went down to Shimmeringstar's house to see how he was doing.

Shimmeringstar now just activated his weapon as Lonesomeheart and Aqua bear have stood their with their mouths dropped at what they saw.

"That's cool!" Shouted Aqua bear.

"That's different." Said Lonesomeheart trying to figure out why the saber had two different colored blades sticking out from both sides.

"Yeah, that is different," Said Shimmeringstar as he looked on in wonderment himself. "Let's go talk to Brightheart. Maybe he can describe what's going on with this."

"Great idea!" Shouted Aqua bear as he asked Shimmeringstar if he could hold the weapon. Shimmeringstar gave it to his little brother as they walked briskly to Brightheart's laboratory.

Meanwhile, Brightheart was just finished up on working on another one of his inventions.

"There, its finally complete," He said to himself as he took off his protective mask. "This will go along nicely with the saber I created for Joaquin." It was a black holder that had a single strap of leather lace which was also made from velcro which was made to stick to any piece of clothing. "I just hope that Shimmeringstar has found a way to activate it." Then he heard someone knocking on his door. "I wonder who that could be. I'm coming!" He shouted as he ran to the door. "Who is it?"

"Its me, Shimmeringstar, along with Aqua, and Lonesomeheart bear." A voice replied. Then he unlocked the door and opened it up.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Smiled Brightheart at his unexpected guests.

"Where here to show you something." Replied Aqua bear enthusiastically.

"Come on in!" Said Brightheart as he waved them in. After they entered, Brightheart closed the door behind him and attended to his guests. "So, what was is it you wanted to show me?"

"This," Said Shimmeringstar as he reached into his pocket and revealed the white hilt and activated it.

"Whoa! You got it to work!" Brightheart said excitedly with a smile. "But, that's strange, why are the two blades two different colors, and not one solid color?"

"We were hoping that you could answer that question." Replied Lonesomeheart.

"Well, how did you activate it?" Asked Brightheart. Lonesomeheart explained the whole situation to the science inventor, Brightheart then came with his analysis.

"That's interesting. I've never come across anything like this before. But perhaps the best way to explain this is the fact when Aqua and Lonesomeheart bear used their carebear stare, somehow your own heart powers ended up in the saber. If that's the case, then that explains why the double edged saber is two different colors." Said Brightheart in a conclusive manner as he observed Shimmeringstar holding the double edged saber which had one blade aqua, while the other one reflected a hot pink color. "Well, the important thing is that you have it working now. Congratulations, the saber is now yours like I promised."

"Thanks a lot Brightheart!" Answered Shimmeringstar as he hugged the raccoon.

"Your welcome," Said Brightheart as he hugged the human in return. "Oh, I have one more thing for you!" Brightheart reached into his pocket and grabbed the black holder and gave it to Shimmeringstar.

"What's this?" Asked Shimmeringstar.

"Its a holder for your new saber." Answered Brightheart. "See, watch!" Brightheart took the holder from Shimmeringstar's hand along with the saber and deactivated it. He put the white hilt inside the holder wrapping the loose string snugly around the hilt and placed it on Shimmeringstars' blue pants.

"That's cool. I've never seen anything like that before." Shimmeringstar said impressed observing the holder as he briefly walked around with it testing to see how well it stuck to his pants. "This thing has a good grip! It doesn't loosen up so easily like my older one did."

"I figured you could use a new holder due to the fact that you often lost your old saber." Giggled Brightheart.

"Gee thanks!" Said Shimmeringstar sarcastically at Brightheart.

"Well, I honestly thought you lost your old saber way too often, so I just thought I'd be helpful and make you a new one."

"Which I do appreciate Brightheart. I was looking to get a new holder anyways, and you provided it. Thank you."

"Your welcome, now I have a lot I have to attend to right now. Why don't you go try it out with your new friends?" With that, his guests walked out of the lab as they waved goodbye to each other. "I hope they don't hurt each other or Redemptionheart bear would kill me!" Said Brightheart to himself as he closed and locked the door behind him.

Meanwhile, Redemptionheart bear just reached Shimmeringstar's house and couldn't find him anywhere. So she decided to write him a note before she left. Just as she was about to leave after sticking the note to his wall, she saw him along with the two caring guardians walking along the cloud path.

"Hey, its Redemptionheart bear! How are you doing Redemptionheart?" Inquired Aqua bear as he ran to the bear and hugged her.

"Just fine," Smiled Redemptionheart bear as she returned the hug. "Shimmeringstar, just the person I wanted to see!" She said giving him a mischievous look while crossing her arms.

"I'm not in trouble am I?" Asked Shimmeringstar looking nervous.

"And why would you be in trouble?" Inquired Redemptionheart bear.

"No reason." Smiled Shimmeringstar nervously showing his white teeth gently clinched together.

"No, your not in trouble," Reassured Redemtionheart bear unfolding her arms while smiling at Shimmeringstar. "I just wanted to check on your wounds before I left."

"Their fine. As a matter of fact, I think their almost completely healed."

"Really," Inquired Redemptioheart bear. "Well, I'd better recheck them before I go just to make sure." Shimmeringstar stopped in his walk, who obviously didn't like being treated like this. But, he continued to walk again towards the doctor for he knew that arguing with her would not be fruitful. She talked with Shimmeringstar as she checked his wounds for infections.

"Wow, I have never seen anyone recover so quickly. You must keep in great shape!" She said impressed.

"Not really," Replied Shimmeringstar in a matter of fact type of tone. "I eat and work out just like any other person."

"Well, you must of inherited some type of healing ability due to the fact that even if you did do everything right diet wise or exercise wise, these wounds would still require a great more time to heal and all that is left is a small scar on your hip. I don't think I'll need to give you new wrappings."

"Does that mean I can work out again?" Inquired Shimmeringstar with hope.

"Yes." She replied.

"Alright!" Shouted Aqua bear. "So that means that we can try out your new saber!"

"Now wait a second!" Redemptionheart bear said holding up her ultra violet paw.

"Aw, but you said he could work out." Grumped Aqua bear.
"Yes, but I did not say that he could go all out. He'll have to do light workouts and take it easy because I do not know to what extent Shimmeringstar has recovered." She said as Aqua bear looked dissappointed. "Hey, I didn't say that he couldn't work out at all, I just said that he has to take it easy if he does work out."

"I guess some training is better than nothing."Said Aqua bear staring down at the clouds.

"Also, I expect you to take it easy on him!" Warned Redemptionheart bear.

"We will!" Lonesomeheart and Aqua bear both said in unison.

"Good, now I have to go now take care!" She said as she waved to them goodbye as she stared out her own cloudcar and took off in it.

"Well, let's begin our training shall we?" Announced Shimmeringstar as they walked to his backyard and began their sword training.

One hour later, Lonesomeheart, Aqua bear, and Shimmeringstar were sitting down breathing hard recovering from a nonstop workout.

"Boy, that was a good workout wasn't it?" Said Aqua bear as he panted for breath.

"Yeah that was," Replied Shimmeringstar. "If Redemptionheart bear ever found out how hard I was working out, she'd kill me!"

"Yeah, your right!" Responded Aqua bear. "Maybe we should take it easy."

"No way!" Shouted Lonesomeheart bear who quickly recovered from her workout. "Let's continue shall we?"

"You two work out for a while," Answered Shimmeringstar. "I need to rest a moment."

"Okay, how about it little brother?" Lonesomeheart bear inquired.

"Sure!" He said as he activated his saber and engaged Lonesomeheart bear in a saber duel parrying and attacking hard with his sister.

"I'll beat you in a sword duel one of these days sis!" Pronounced Aqua bear.

"In your dreams Aqua!" Responded Lonesomeheart bear as she sidestepped a attack and reached out with her paw and knocked her brother over using the heart. "You never could beat me in one on one sword play!" Lonesomeheart bear said proudly. "But you can try again if you want too." Aqua bear got back up and engaged his sister a second time. Shimmeringstar slammed down some water from a green cup that he had brought outside. After he was done drinking the whole cup, Lonesomeheart, and Aqua bear both locked sabers pushing against one another.

"I've got you now!" Said Aqua bear pushing his sister away who still stood. Aqua bear charged in with a overhead strike which Lonesomeheart bear parried away as she countered with a tackle down low upon Aqua's legs which put Lonesomeheart underneath of Aqua. Then she quickly pushed him off and pounced on her brother locking his arms underneath her knees.

"Never count on having me down unless you do it first and foremost!" She boasted while she sat on Aqua's chest. "Also always remember that their is more to sword fighting than just the sabers!"

"You cheated!" Protested Aqua bear. "This was a sword duel, not a grappling match!"

"Always expect the unexpected," Said Lonesomeheart bear as her brother struggled to wriggle his arms free from her knee lock but was unable to free himself. Lonesomeheart seeing her brother's vulnerability, smiled and looked at her brother's eyes intently.

"Okay, let me up! You win!"

"Nah, not until I have a little fun." She said with a mischievous smile.

"Oh no," Begged Aqua bear. "Please don't tickle me! You always do this every time we sword fight!"

"I know," She said gleefully as she playfully lifted up her right arm and began to do circle motions gradually going down until she touched Aqua bear's chest with a knuckle. "Zz! Zz! Time for your daily medicine!"

"HAHAHA! Sto-haha-PPP! Ple--haha-aahaha!" Unable to finish saying please, he went into cute hysterical laughter. "Shimmeringstar hahah, Please hahaha! Help me!" He said inbetween his fits of laughter.

"Sorry little brother," Said Shimmeringstar with a smile as he looked on admiraringly. "But your on your own!" His tickle torture lasted for another minute or so sending his laughter into high squeals before Lonesomeheart bear finally stopped tickling him and helped her brother to his feet. Aqua bear panted heavily recovering his breath.

"You are cruel!" He said socking her on the arm.

"No, I'm just doing what a older sister should do." She said poking her brother with her elbow playfully on his side.

"Okay, I think I'm ready for one last round!" Announced Shimmeringstar as he walked up to the two caring guardians.

"I'm too tired to train, thanks to my sister!" Shouted Aqua bear clearly a bit upset. "Why don't you see if you can beat her?"

"Very well," Replied Shimmeringstar. "Are you ready Lonesomeheart bear?"

"Yes," She said. "But don't lose! Or I might do the same thing to you!" She said smiling at him.

"Ha," Scoffed Shimmeringstar. "You couldn't beat me if your life depended on it!"

"Just remember, if I do, don't get upset!" After that, the two engaged in their sword play. Lonesomeheart bear was the first to strike but her opponent easily blocked it. She tried a vertical side swipe, but Shimmeringstar parried it away. She then locked swords with Shimmeringstar with a overhead strike and was immediately thrown backwards by Shimmeringstar knocking her on her back.

"Hey, you don't have to be so rough!" She protested as she got to her feet. Shimmeringstar didn't respond as he stayed focused. She then engaged him again as he blocked a side swipe and a overhead strike. Lonesomeheart bear continued to attack but Shimmeringstar blocked everything she attempted. She temporarily locked swords with him but quickly disengaged and backed off, remembering that she didn't have the strength to match her opponent. So she reached out with her paw using the heart knocking Shimmeringstar backwards to the ground. But he quickly regained his stance as he kicked his legs up and out regaining.

"Is their any way to beat you?" Lonesomeheart bear said out of frustration.

"Their is always a way to beat your opponent," Replied Shimmeringstar. "You just have to stay focused and not lose your cool." Lonesomeheart bear nodded and came in with a overhead strike which was blocked. She stepped back and put her hand forth using the heart to send Shimmeringstar to the ground yet again. After her opponent hit the ground, she quickly ran towards him while he was still on the ground and attempted a overhead strike. But before she could land it, Shimmeringstar reached out with both his arms and used the heart knocking her away to the ground as her saber went loose from her hand. Shimmeringstar quickly kicked his legs up and out and swiftly dove and landed on Lonesomeheart bear's chest. He quickly placed his legs on top of her arms and sat on top of her.

"Hey, get off me!" She demanded trying to wriggle free but to no avail. Unlike her brother, Shimmeringstar weighed up to 170 pounds while she barely weighed 30. She looked up to Shimmeringstar as he looked at her with a big smile on his face. "Fine! Go ahead! I can take it!" She said bravely looking away.

"heh, But I don't think you can take it!" Replied Shimmeringstar.

"Oh yes I can! Do your worst!" She said bravely with no ounce of fear.

"Hey Aqua bear, why don't you join us!" Invited Shimmeringstar.

"Sure!" He said as he ran towards them.

"You better not Aqua!" Lonesomeheart bear threatened.

"Why not? You seem to be a bit tied up at the moment!" Aqua bear said gleefully as he stood just above her. "How can I help?"

"Um, how about you sit on top of her ankles and..."

"Oh, no, not that," Lonesomeheart said with a quiver in her voice. "Not my feet! Anything but my feet!" Aqua bear quickly ran towards her legs but was unable to sit on them for Lonesomeheart bear began kicking her legs.

"Now be nice," Commanded Shimmeringstar. Or else I'll do this to you!" He began gently moving his knuckle in circles on her chest which caused her to laugh a little.

"Hey, stop that!" She said as she giggled lightly. Shimmeringstar sped up the tickling upon her chest as she began squealing with laughter. Unable to pay attention to anything else, she completely forgot about Aqua bear as he managed to sit on top of her legs after a fashion and sat comfortably on her ankles facing her hot pink feet!

"Now its your turn!" Teased Aqua bear as he ran his finger along the patted heart of her right foot. Her legs gave a slight kick after this. "Koochy koochy koo!" He said as he ran another finger up from her heel tickling up to her toes.

"HAHAHA--Oh---Sto-hahap!" Poor Lonesomeheart could barely breath as she was being tickled upon her chest and both of her feet. She continued pleading for mercy in between her fits of laughter, but it only led to them tickling her more which caused her to squeal. Aqua bear was completely enjoying himself as he now was holding back her toes with one paw, while brushing his fingers lightly just underneath her toes on her right foot. "HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA--A!" She was now laughing so hard, she was struggling just to breath. Aqua bear was really enjoying how much control he had on her feet as they now were not wriggling as much as a result from the prolonged tickle torture. Lonesomeheart bear was now howling with laughter as tears were now streaming down her cute face which eventually surrounded her muzzle on both sides. Shimmeringstar decided that she had enough and instructed Aqua bear to stop. Aqua protested.

"Aww, Can't we tickle her a little longer? Pleaasse?" Begged Aqua bear.

"No," Replied Shimmeringstar. "Now stop or I'll tickle you for much longer!" Aqua bear stopped tickling his sister's feet and got up for fear of his older brother's threat. Shimmeringstar stood up and helped her to her feet. She panted for breath placing her hands over her knees temporarily supporting her weight.

"Are you alright?" Asked Aqua bear as he approached his sister. She grabbed him by the hair of his fur from his chest and shook him.

"Don't you ever tickle me like that ever again!"

"Aw, but it was fun!" Smiled Aqua bear as he was being shook in the air by Lonesomeheart. "Besides, you tickled me!" Lonesomeheart bear put her brother down.

"I suppose your right," Lonesomeheart bear said. "But I didn't tickle you for nearly as long! Just you wait Aqua bear, I'll get my revenge on you!" Lonesomeheart said as she playfully tickled his chest. Aqua bear smiled and backed away from his sister for he knew she meant every word.

"But that was fun." Debated Aqua bear.

"That was fun," Agreed Shimmeringstar. "But I have one question. I never read the caring guardian prophecy. Can you tell me what that's all about?"

Lonesomeheart bear recited the prophecy by heart and explained to Shimmeringstar once again what they thought it might mean.

"Hmm, why don't we go and see Nobleheart and Trueheart and inquire about the prophecy and the role we think they might be apart of?" Asked Shimmeringstar.

"Great, let's go!" Shouted Aqua bear.

At the hall of hearts, Nobleheart and Trueheart were going over the very same thing, the prophecy regarding the chosen one.

"Do you think that Joaquin might be the chosen one that the prophecy is referring to?" Inquired Trueheart.

"Yes," Replied Nobleheart. "Have you ever seen anyone so powerful as him? Don't get me wrong, Aqua has his magical powers, and Lonesomeheart has her gifted skills as a sword fighter, but come on, do you think that anybody else well come along that possesses as much as power as him?" Said Nobleheart with pride as he shook his paw into the air.

"No," Agreed Trueheart. "I just don't want to jump to any conclusions because what if he is not the chosen one we deem him to be? I don't want to put any more added pressure to Joaquin's predicament. Especially now that he's going to have to try to totally adapt to a new life with us." She warned.

"I suppose your right Trueheart," Sighed Nobleheart. "But he fits the prophecy perfectly to a tee. I mean, look at this, 'out of the darkness will come a bright light redeemed by the chosen one.' Who else fits that description?"

"Nobody that I know of." Admitted Trueheart.

"Exactly," Exclaimed Nobleheart. "Also, the prophecy refers to someone coming out of the darkness. Joaquin was on the darkside with the force and we redeemed him to the heart! I am 100% sure that the prophecy refers to our very own beloved Shimmeringstar!" Just when Trueheart was about to reply, they heard someone knocking at the hall of heart's entrance. Trueheart walked over to the door and opened it.

"Why hello you three," Trueheart exclaimed with a big smile. "Shimmeringstar, we were just talking about you!"

"Is it anything bad?" Inquired Shimmeringstar.

"oh no no," Assured Trueheart. "Nothing of that sort. But please, come on in so we can talk inside."

"Thank you." Replied Shimeringstar as he stepped in after Lonesomeheart, and Aqua bear. Trueheart closed the door behind them.

"Hello Shimmerinstar!" Shouted Nobleheart horse. "So how do you like it up here in the clouds with us?"

"Different." Replied Shimmeringstar.

"As in good different, or bad different?" He asked curiously.

"I think more good different than bad different." He replied not trying to sound negative.

"Good," Replied Nobleheart horse. "We heard about your little accident with Brightheart this morning."

"He told you huh?" Asked Shimmeringstar as he smiled nervously.

"Oh, you'll find that its very hard to keep secrets up here in Carelot lad," Answered Nobleheart. "However, it's no big deal. You were just excited to see your new weapon." Shimmeringstar looked excited as he took out his saber and showed it to Nobleheart. "So did you figure out a way to activate it?" Shimmeringstar stepped back and made sure their was no one in front of him or behind him. Then he activated his saber. "Hey, nice colors!" He said sounding very impressed. "That's very unique."

"I couldn't of done it without the help of Lonesomeheart and Aqua bear though." He confessed.

"Your welcome Shimmeringstar!" Lonesomeheart and Aqua bear both said in unison.

"So what were you and Trueheart talking about earlier?" Inquired Aqua bear.

"Oh we were going over the prophecy and..." Nobleheart was cut off,

"I don't think we should be talking about that yet!" Shouted Trueheart defensively.

"Oh calm down Trueheart," Retorted Nobleheart. "What's the harm in talking about it?"

"Well, like I said before, we don't want to add any unwanted stress to the situation." Trueheart said slowly and cautiously.

"What situation?" Inquired Shimmeringstar.

"That'll be for another time." Replied Trueheart.

"Trueheart, let's get one thing straight," Said Shimmeringstar in a authoritative manner. "When I used to be Noheart's apprentice, he promised me that he wouldn't keep any secrets from me and look what he did? I'm not saying that your him and that you have any such intention, however, I must say I do not like it when people try to keep things from me regardless of the reason. When I came here, I told you everything about me. I didn't keep any secrets from you and I hope that you'd do the same for me." Trueheart walked over to Shimmeringstar's side as he deactivated his saber and she gently put her paw on his shoulder.

"I know you wouldn't keep anything from me," Trueheart said softly. "I also don't intend on keeping any secrets from you either. Its just that I feel its not in your best interest to know about this. Not at least until you've gotten comfortable with us here."

"But you are keeping a secret from me," Replied Shimmeringstar with a bit of irritation in his voice. "And I already told you I do not like it when people withhold information! Now I'm going to ask one you last time, What was it you were talking about?" He said getting a little louder. Trueheart stepped back in surprise at his authoritative and demanding tone.

"Hey, you can't talk to me like that!" Retorted Trueheart. Nobleheart quickly stepped inbetween them with each of his arms stretched out preventing them from coming any closer to one another.

"Now that's enough you two," Said Nobleheart taking control of the situation. "Trueheart, you know that he must know sooner or later. Also we can't be keeping things from one another. Its not fair to keep him in the dark!"

"I suppose your right," Trueheart said sighing with a deep breath. "I'm sorry Shimmeringstar. Its just that I don't want you getting hurt again."

"I understand your concern for me Trueheart," Replied Shimmeringstar. "I'm also sorry for snapping at you."

"Now that's the carebear's spirit!" Replied Nobleheart bringing both of his arms down.

"Can you forgive me Shimmeringstar?" Asked Trueheart looking up to the human.

"Yes," Said Shimmeringstar. Trueheart reached out to him with both arms. Shimmeringstar picked her up and hugged her. "I would never hurt you or do anything that would bring harm to you." Shimmeringstar said reassuringly. "I love you and Nobleheart very much. You guy's are the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I also hope you feel the same."

"We do," Replied Trueheart as she softly snuggled her creamy fur into his cheek. "We know that meeting you was no accident." After a brief moment of this, Shimmeringstar gently put Trueheart down placing her down beside Nobleheart.

"Aw, isn't that cute?" Commented Lonesomeheart bear.

"It was cute," Nodded Aqua bear. "Now, what was it you two were talking about earlier?"

"We were talking about the prophecy and who it might be," Replied Nobleheart.

"And we think it's you Shimmeringstar," Nobleheart looked at her and was about to debate with her until Trueheart gently grabbed his paw and winked at him. Nobleheart blushed a little as Trueheart turned and faced Shimmeringstar.

"So why do you think its me?" Shimmeringstar inquired. Trueheart went into explaining what her and Nobleheart talked about earlier and explained to him specifically about the part of the chosen one coming out of the dark and helping the carebears. "Interesting," Said Shimmeringstar holding onto his chin. "We also have something to discuss with you concerning the prophecy." After Shimmeringstar finished explaining about the other two chosen ones in the prophecy, Shimmeringstar explained that the prophecy might be referring to them.

"So you think were those two huh Joaquin?" Smiled Nobleheart.

"Yes," Shimmeringstar replied confidently. "Because if you say that I am the chosen one as you claim, then I must be chosen by the two founders of the carebears family. Nobody else here in Carelot matches that description except for you two!" Trueheart and Nobleheart look at eachother astonished momentarily then looked back at Shimmeringstar.

"Well, it does make sense." Confessed Trueheart.

"Then that concludes it then!" Shouted Nobleheart horse in a matter of fact type of voice. "You are the chosen one!"

"And you two are the other two chosen ones." Replied Shimmeringstar. Lonesomeheart and Aqua bear were too interested to talk as they both continued listening intently. "Then that means I know what my mission and purpose is. This only coincides with the dream I had when my Lord gave me my mission!"

"You mean the dream you told us about back in the valley where the pandas live?"

"Yes," Shimmeringstar replied. "So now that I know what my mission is, I must train to become a caring guardain as soon as possible!"

"Training to become a caring Guardian isn't just about sword battles," Shimeringstar turned and faced Lonesomeheart. "It also means exercising self control, love, caring, friendship, gentleness, patience, and kindness. For without these, even if you are the chosen one, if you do not exercise these, you will never fulfill your true destiny."

"Sounds like you know a lot about being a caring guardian," Smiled Shimmeringstar. "Then perhaps you can teach me."

"I don't know," Said Lonesomeheart bear folding her arms. "Your pretty impatient and sometimes lack self control."

"Then would you be willing to take me as your apprentice? For I am capable!" Argued Shimmeringstar.

"Alright," Replied Lonesomeheart. "Meet us at our house tomorrow early in the morning and will take off to the forest of feelings."

"Sounds good!" Said Shimmeringstar enthusiastically. "But right now, I sure could use a bite to eat right now." He complained as his stomach made its growling noises.

"Then let's go eat at the cafeteria," Replied Trueheart. "Its just about dinner time anyway." Shimmeringstar took off with Nobleheart, Trueheart, Lonesomeheart, and Aqua bear to the cafeteria in the hall of heart's.

It was now about 5 P.M. when Shimmeringstar along with his friends reached the cafeteria. Shimmeringstar just finished grabbing his grub and sat down on a long brown table which could seat several people on both sides. Trueheart and Nobleheart sat in front of Shimmeringstar while Lonesomeheart sat to his right and Aqua bear sat to his left. The dinner special they were having was meatloaf along with some corn and mashed potatoes and a decent sized brownie.

"Oh, I forgot the condiments," Said Aqua bear as he stood up and took his tray with him. The rest of them chatted amongst themselves quietly as they ate together enjoying the evening with all of the other carebears in the hall of hearts talked with their friends. Shimmeringstar felt perfectly at home until...

"Hey Shimmeringstar their you are," Shimmeringstar turned his head and saw a marine bear with a blue rainbow as her tummy symbol. "Its been so long since the last time we talked."

"Its only been one day Wishbear." Replied Shimmeringstar as she sat down next to him.

"Hey, that was my seat Wishbear," Replied Aqua bear as he approached Wishbear.

"Oh, sorry Aqua bear," Wish apologized. "Its just that I couldn't find a seat anywhere else and when I saw that this spot was empty, I took it."

"Wishbear, their are plenty of seats available." Said Nobleheart horse.

"I know," Wishbear admitted. "Its just that since I haven't seen Shimmeringstar all day I just figured it would be nice to see how he was doing." She said bashfully.

"Its alright Wishbear. You can sit their if you want to." Said Aqua bear as he sat down next to Wishbear.

"Thank you," She said smiling. Then she turned to Shimmeringstar. "So, how do you like it here in Carelot?" Wishbear inquired.

"Its nice here," Shimmeringstar said happily. "I love my new home here. Everyone has been very nice to me."

"That's good," Wishbear said smiling which caused Shimmeringstar to smile. "I'm glad to see your getting along here with us in Carelot."

"I am too." He agreed as his hand shook a little as he ate his meat loaf off his fork.

"It seems you make him a little nervous Wishbear." Trueheart pointed out as she giggled.

"Nah, she couldn't," Said Aqua bear. "He's the chosen one!"

"Chosen one?" Inquired Wishbear curiously. "Are you talking about the prophecy?"

"Yes," Answered Lonesomeheart bear as she chewed a piece of her brownie. "We also think that the prophecy refers to Shimmeringstar as the chosen one."

"Really," Said Wishbear staring at the human. "That must mean your somebody very special."

"I don't know about that," Replied Shimmeringstar shyly. "I think your all just as special."

"Awww, your also very humble! I like that!" Replied Wishbear. Shimmeringstar was now beginning to look flustered.

"Your making me nervous." Stated Shimmeringstar as he stopped eating. "Can we please talk about something else?" Asked Shimmeringstar.

"Sure, so I heard about your little incident with Brightheart this morning." Stated Wishbear. "How did that happen?"

"Its a long story," Replied Shimmeringstar as he munched on his meatloaf. "Anyway's how about you tell us how your day went Wishbear?"

"Oh," Said Wishbear surprised by his question. Before she started to explain,

"Well, me and Trueheart got some things we need to tend to." Said Nobleheart horse.

"But your not even done eating your meatloaf yet!" Stated Shimmeringstar.

"I'll eat it on the way. See you all later!" Said Nobleheart horse as Trueheart and him disappeared through the exit doors.

"Well, it looks like its just us four now." Said Shimmeringstar.

"Actually, me and Lonesomeheart gotta go to," Said Aqua bear. "I just remember some chores that we had to tend to."

"Chores," Shimmeringstar questioned with doubt. "You do your chores in the middle of your dinner?"

"Yeah, um." Said Aqua bear.

"Let's just say its a skill that you learn when you become a caring guardian." Lonesomeheart said. "Well. we gotta go. See you two later!"

"Hey, wait a sec." Protested Shimmeringstar. But before he could say anything more, they split.

"Aw, its just me and you now," Stated Wishbear. "Now where were we, you asked me about how my day was, well..." Shimmeringstar continued to eat nervously while he listened to Wishbear but was glad that she was sitting next to him. If only Wishbear could read his mind now to know how he really feels about her. For he probed her mind and already knew how she felt about him and that's why he was so nervous around her.

Shimmeringstar and Wishbear just finished eating dinner together and Shimmeringstar was now walking her home along the trail with the sun setting to the west.

"Thanks for walking me home Shimmeringstar." She said as she grasped his hand softly with her teal paw.

"Yo-you-your welcome." He said nervously. "Thanks for eating dinner with me tonight."

"Your welcome," Wish said as she smiled at him. "So, who was your favorite carebear growing up?"

"Do you really have to know?" He inquired nervously.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." She said with obvious disappointment. Shimmeringstar decided to change the subject.

"So, how long have you lived here in Carelot." He asked.

"Ever since I was brought here as a cub." She said in a general type of tone. They just arrived in front of her house.

"Well, here we are." Announced Shimmeringstar.

"Good nite," Said Wishbear as she hugged him affectionately. "Thanks for walking me home.

"Your welcome." Shimmeringstar said carefully as he gently petted her head. "Have a good nite's sleep."

"You as well," She said as she walked up to her house, went inside and closed the door.

"That could have gone better," Grumbled Shimmeringstar to himself. "I know someday, I will have to tell her how I really feel about her. But I just can't." He said as he walked home by himself.