When Hope Dies

by Fauna Greywolf

In a desolate future where no one cares, the last of the Care Bears must struggle to survive in a world that no longer wants them. As they search for a way to make their lives more manageable they may just find a way to fix things.

11. Chapter 11

Tender Heart marched towards the house Trick, Trust, Melody, and Tinker lived in. Trick was supposed to have shown up for star-o-scope duty that morning and had yet to make an appearance. Tender Heart knew he wanted to spend time with Ruby as long as she was here; it was why he had given the hare the afternoon off. However he couldn't shirk his responsibilities.

Arriving at the house he knocked on the door. "Hello Trick? Open up. You were supposed to be on duty 2 hours ago."

The door opened to reveal Melody Heart. "Good morning, Tenderheart," Melody said, "I'm sorry but Trick and Ruby left a while ago, they didn't say where to. I was just about to head out myself."

He stared at her in disbelief. "Great. That's just great. Now how am I supposed to track him down. Well if you see him tell him he needs to get to the star -o-scope."

"Tenderheart, I could help you search for him," she placed her hand on his arm, "Tenderheart, thank you for everything. Until we came here I was just a burden on everyone. They had to push me around, help me into and out of my chair when I wanted to sleep or get up, carry me over places my chair wouldn't go and I couldn't contribute anything to help them. But here I'm doing so much and I don't like seeing Trick taking advantage of this place. I know Trick fairly well so I can help you find him."

He was taken aback by Melody's words and her offer to help. No one ever offered to help him unless they wanted to get something in return. "Thank you Melody. And I could never imagine you being a burden. You're just a little different so you have to do things a little differently."

"Thank you," Melody said, wheeling out of the house, "We can take my car, I think they'll be over by the river somewhere, they try to find places that are hard to spot except from certain angles," she added as she wheeled over to where she kept her special car.

Tender Heart nodded as he got into the passenger side of the cloud mobile.

Meanwhile, Trick and Ruby were indeed by the river in the Forest Of Feelings but they weren't doing what Melody expected. Both were up in the trees tying balloons filled with jello or paint to branches. When the triggers were activated the balloons would pop all over whoever tripped them.

Trick could hardly contain his glee. "I've been waiting forever to set this prank up."

"I'm surprised you lasted this long. You've been talking about it ever since you heard about the trees up here." Finishing the balloon she was tying off she nimbly moved to the next branch.

"I had to wait till the timing was perfect."

Ruby snickered, "You mean when Tinker was out of the way because you didn't want her to kill you."

"Yup."

Melody flew the car over to the river, and landed some distance away, "They should be around here somewhere, Tenderheart, is there anything I should be aware of?" she asked.

His eyes scanned the trees, looking for not so obvious but still visible places like Melody told him. "What do you mean?"

"I'm still not too familiar with this area, I try to avoid rivers or other bodies of fast moving water," she said, clearly nervous.

Seeing she was nervous he put his hands on the handles of her wheelchair. "You should be alright. We'll be staying on the path mostly. But just to be on the safe side I'll keep my hands on your chair." He smiled down at her as they headed through the Forest.

"Thank you, Tenderheart," Melody said as they began down the path.

Hearing Tenderheart and Melody coming up the path Trick quickly finished tying off his last balloon. "Quick Ruby get out of sight. Victims one and two are inbound." He dove from the tree into a bush on the side of the path. Ruby followed, crouching next to him and peering out through the leaves.

As they unknowingly moved towards the two would be pranksters past, Melody searched around for them. "They should be somewhere around here, they're better at hiding than you might think," she said.

"I'm sure Trick picked up a few tips from Funshine and Playful Heart." He unknowingly pushed Melody over the first trip wire. Next thing they knew a dozen or so balloons exploded all around them, showering them in paint and jello.

Trick popped out of the bush. "Worked like a charm!"

Melody was at first shocked, and she just sat there then she turned her chair, as quickly as could be managed, towards Trick. Tenderheart looked about to give a stern lecture then something snapped in Melody, her eyes became dangerous and she began shouting.

"Trickster Heart Hare!" she began, "I cannot believe you, you're hanging around pulling pranks when you have responsibilities to uphold! What is wrong with you, after everything we've been through we finally found this wonderful place where we have family and friends and instead of doing your job you're just wasting time! Do you have any idea how long it's going to take me to get clean, not to mention making sure my chair doesn't jam now? What are you thinking?" she finished. She'd never been that angry but after everything she couldn't hold back anymore.

Trick just stood there looking at Melody. He had never seen her blow up like that before. His brain didn't know quite what to do in this situation.

Ruby however stood from her crouch, hands on her hips. She knew that Trick would quickly apologize as soon as he could think again, that's just the kind of guy he was. However this time she was not going to let that happen.

"Are you seriously calling him out on having fun?" She paused for only a moment to edit her speech, not wanting Tenderheart to hear something he wasn't supposed to. "Melody, who was it exactly that spent the most time on lookout, making sure the rest of us were safe when we were on our own. Who was it that made sure we had enough to eat and safe places to sleep. Trick has made it his sole responsibility to keep us alive, forgoing a lot of 'fun time' in order to do so. He has spent the most time doing perimeters around our camp sites and going to the most unfamiliar places on scavenging trips for food, and parts to keep that old piece of crap wheel chair of yours in working order. So you know what, yeah for once in his life he is forgoing responsibility to enjoy himself and if you have a problem with that then that is just too damn bad!"

Melody was taken aback by what Ruby said, "I uhh, I," Suddenly she broke down crying, "You don't understand, At least you've always been able to do something, I.. I," she turned and began wheeling away at top speed.

"Melody!" Tenderheart called after her.

"Leave me alone!" she shouted back. She was wheeling awfully fast, her arms were stronger than most thought as her old chair required a lot more strength to work and this one, which moved so easily in comparison, rolled along too fast for them to keep up, especially when she began going downhill.

Tenderheart watched her go and looked at the two pranksters, not expecting any remorse or regret he said, "I hope you two are happy, fine Trick, take your time off," he said, before turning and marching away, he had to get Melody's car and take it back to her house. He conjured a rainbow roller and hitched Melody's car to it and took off, towing it back to her house, she'd make her way there eventually he hoped.

Meanwhile, Melody failed to realize how fast she was going and at the bottom of the slope she was on she hit a loose rock from the path and her chair fell forwards, planting her painfully on her front. She lay there, crying and unable to move, until she heard a voice

"Melody are you alright?" she recognized the voice as Harmony's.

"N-No," she said through her tears.

"Well we can't have such a pretty voice sobbing like that," the second voice belonged to Brave Heart who moved behind her and, with Harmony's help, lifted her chair back up straight, "Would you like to talk about it, Melody?"

"Not really," she said, "I just want to..." she wasn't sure what to say.

"Well why not come back to our place?" Harmony offered.

"Your place?" Melody asked, a bit confused."

"Why not, it's not far from here," Brave Heart said, taking the push handles of Melody's chair and pushing her along, "You can sit there and think then tell us if you want when we get back there."

Melody just smiled as she was pushed and Harmony placed a hand on her shoulder, "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but we're here for you."

"Thank you," Melody said.

A short time later they arrived at Brave Heart's cave, which had a door built into the entrance a short ways in, which Harmony opened to admit them. Brave Heart parked Melody's chair across from the loveseat and then sat down on it with his arms around Harmony.

"Just rest here, Melody, Harmony and I have a day off for today and you can stay with us. You've been working harder than we ever expected of you and no one will mind if you take some time off."

"Thank you," Melody said, wiping some of the dirt off her front, "So you two live together?" she asked.

"Oh, we're married," Harmony said. Melody was surprised and Harmony went on to explain, "We didn't make a big deal of it but Brave Heart and I recited our vows a couple months ago. Of course Love-a-Lot wanted to make it a big deal but Brave Heart and Tenderheart managed to keep her busy so we could just have a simple ceremony with True Heart marrying us."

"And we've been together ever since," Brave Heart said, and they both placed their left hands together, allowing Melody the first chance to see the wedding bands on their hands.

Melody couldn't help herself and started crying again. The couple got up and both stood by Melody. "Melody, are you alright?" Harmony asked.

"I'm sorry," Melody wiped her eyes, "I'm just happy for you." 'I wish I could tell you why' she thought to herself.

"Don't be sorry," Brave Heart said, "Now let's get you cleaned up, that jello and paint needs to come off."

"I'll clean the chair," Harmony offered as she undid the seat belt Melody had on, "you can help her get clean."

"You got it," Brave Heart said as she carefully lifted Melody out of her chair. Melody clung to him smiling. She loved this, being with her future parents and seeing them so happy together, and caring for her like she was their daughter. She ruminated on that as Brave Heart ran a bath for her and helped her into the tub once it was filled. She'd always wanted this, and Brave Heart and Harmony hadn't seemed to make the connection that the purple lioness was their daughter. But honestly she thought they could handle it if they found out, but she would never tell them, she was responsible enough not to do that. She just relaxed and did her best to help Brave Heart as he washed the paint and jello out of her fur.

Regaining control of his motor and lingual skills Trick looked over at Ruby. She was watching Tenderheart fly away towing Melody's cloud mobile. "I know, I was too harsh right?"

Trick hugged her against him, "For Melody yes. If it had been Tinker then no." He kissed her eyebrow, "But it didn't make what you said any less true and I thank you for it."

"I meant every word. You were a big reason of why we survived and you never took a moment for yourself. It's time you finally got to be a teenager and have fun." Tilting her head up she kissed him softly. "I'll find her later after she's had a chance to calm down and apologize for calling her useless. But for now let's get away from here before people see us and find the trap."

Trust Heart was heading to Brave Heart's house for his next caring mission study, he was improving and according to him he should be able to pass the tests before too long. He knocked on the door and was greeted by Harmony.

"Oh, hi Trust Heart, I forgot you were coming over," she said.

"Is Brave Heart here?" Trust Heart asked, hoping to get the lessons started as soon as possible, so it would be over with as soon as possible.

"He should be free, he's just helping Melody back into her chair," Harmony explained.

"Melody?" Trust Heart thought she was on a caring mission. He carefully pushed past Harmony and saw Melody, with Brave Heart checking her chair to make sure it was working.

"Oh, hi Trust Heart, sorry I guess I forgot about your lessons today," he said, smiling that same semi-dopey grin he often had.

Trust Heart took one look at Melody's face and he saw that she and been crying, he knew her better than anyone. He went to her side and asked, "Melody, what happened."

"Oh well," Melody hesitated, but she looked at her half-brother, she smiled seeing him pulling off a true puppy dog face then explained what had happened with Ruby and Trick earlier that day.

When she finished, Trust Heart looked furious, "She said that to you, why," Trust turned and took off.

"Trust, Wait!" Melody called after him.

"I don't think you could stop him," Brave Heart said, he looked quite serious but not angry, "He reminds me of myself at that age and I think he should let it out, or it might build up and it could come out at a bad time. Now I'll take you home, Melody, don't worry you can have a day off, no one will mind, especially not Tenderheart after what you did for him," he carefully took her chair, but Melody put a hand out.

"Thank you, Brave Heart, I just need some rest, but I'd like to be alone for now," Melody said.

"I understand," Brave Heart pointed down a hall, "The spare room's over there, there's a television there and no one will disturb you."

"We'll be back soon if you need us," Harmony said. As Melody wheeled to the spare room, Harmony went to sit down while Brave Heart decided to go out. Harmony would be there for Melody and Brave Heart wanted some air. Melody would be fine, and Harmony understood that Brave Heart had his own way of helping.

Trust Heart kept running, as fast as he could back to the Rainbow River searching around for Ruby. Eventually he spotted her and dashed over to her, suddenly stopping and panting near her where she could see him. He needed to catch his breath before he could say anything.

Ruby quirked an eyebrow as she gazed at the panting Trust Heart. "What happened to you? You look like you're about to keel over." Trick was a few feet behind her washing his hands in the multicolored water.

Trust Heart finally took a deep breath and blurted out at the top of his voice, "I can't believe you said that to Melody Heart! Do you know how she feels? Yes I admit Trick did and has done a lot for us but do you ever know how she felt. I slept in the same room as her for years and I can't count the number of times I woke up to her crying. Every time I would ask her she would say she always felt so useless, she tried her best, she put on a strong face for all of us, singing and doing her best to cook and clean even though she was crippled, she was holding a lot of pent up sadness in her because she couldn't go out on patrol and she couldn't even help in the most critical areas. I don't know what you should do but you had no right to talk to Melody like that!" He turned to Trick, paused and shook his head, "Never mind, you didn't do anything wrong Trick." He turned and began walking away, "Now I have a flying lesson to get to."

Ruby sighed but spoke calmly and quietly, "I didn't actually call her useless and I'm sorry if she took it that way."

Trick nodded, "She was just sticking up for me." He knew that was the reason Ruby wasn't yelling at Trust. He was defending his sister which is something she would always respect.

"Whatever," was all Trust Heart said as he continued to walk away.

Trick smirked at his girlfriend. "I like hearing those words. 'I didn't do anything wrong.' You know I never hear those enough."

"That's because they're never true. And we both know he likes you way more than me." She stuck her tongue out at him.

"You probably should apologize sooner rather than later."

She nodded to him, "Don't need anyone else chewing my ear off for making her cry." She turned her head away from him. "Not that I care if they do." She muttered under her breath.

Brave Heart had decided to stop for something to drink; Share had set up a cafe of sorts in recent years so he stopped for a cup of soda and a hot dog. He sat and ate as he thought about what he should do. He wanted to talk to Ruby about this but he wasn't her father, and he knew Trust Heart probably would have spoken to her as well. He finished his food and sat drinking, wondering where Ruby and Trick might be and how he'd go about finding them.

Trick had decided to go put in a few hours at the star-o-scope, leaving Ruby to wander around on her own. He really hadn't meant to shirk his duty, he'd just forgotten about it in all the excitement of finally being able to set up the prank. He was slightly ashamed at himself; back in the future he never would have forgotten a lookout shift. Ruby sensing this had quickly assured him the slip was alright because they were so much safer now.

As she wandered, she rehearsed her apology in her head. It needed all the help it could get since she was not good at all admitting she was wrong. "And I have absolutely no idea where she is." Finding herself in Care-A-Lot she saw Brave Heart sitting at a small table. "I bet he knows where she is. He is her father after all."

Walking up to him, hands in her jeans she cleared her throat, "Hey Brave Heart, have you seen Melody?"

"Yes, I've seen her," Brave Heart said a bit stoically.

"Well will you tell me where she is?" Ruby asked, not wanting to beat around the bush.

"I will, in a moment," Brave Heart set his empty drink cup down and turned to Ruby, "My wife, Harmony, and I found her face flat in her chair, crying at the bottom of a slope. We took her home and cleaned her, then Trust Heart came by and we found out what happened. I'm not going to say what Trick did is wrong or right, but from what I've learned about you I don't think you should have said to her what you did." Brave Heart saw the look of annoyance in Ruby's face but cut her off, "Don't say anything, I've heard it all, Ruby. I know what people say about me, I've been on the internet, and yes I know how to use it, and I've seen the way people on earth see me. It's no secret I'm not smart, I don't know anything about science or any of that sort of thing, I can't follow half of the things Bright Heart and Grumpy or even Tinker go on about in meetings but I'm not stupid, I know how people feel and I can tell that Melody was really hurt. I'm sure you didn't mean to hurt her and from what you said, Melody told me exactly, that you weren't trying to attack her but she's still extremely sensitive and she was hurt by what you said, I know sensitive people are difficult to deal with because you have to watch what you say more than with other people and if you don't want to hurt them you have to be kinder to them than normal. If you want to apologize she's at my house, Harmony will help you see her but you'll have to handle it yourself."

Ruby was slack jawed for a moment and asked, "How do you know that?"

Brave Heart smiled, "There's a reason I'm the leader of the Care Bear Cousins, I know I don't seem qualified for my job, and some people like Swift Heart like to joke about my name not being the right one and stuff like that, but there's a reason Noble Heart chose me and it's not because I'm a lion. Tenderheart was chosen because he's organized and knows how to get people to do their jobs correctly, I was chosen because I'm decisive and able to take action when plans fall apart or can't help. I know sometimes my actions do more harm than good but if you ask anyone who's been on a mission with me they'll tell you that I've helped more than I've hurt the situations I've been in. I know that those weird shows and comics people make about us make me out to seem like I only got this job because no one else wanted it, but you can't believe everything you read." Brave Heart stood up and placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder, "If you want to give Melody time to cool off, feel free, she's taking some down time at my house and I know she won't hold a grudge, trust me."

Ruby stood silently as she absorbed what the leader of the cousins told her. She could easily see it now, why he had been chosen for the post. Her memory recalled the few times she had seen him in his cell, radiating madness and pain. It made her heart hurt to think how far he had fallen. Without thinking, and later hoping he would attribute her strange behavior to one of her "flashes" she threw her arms around Brave Heart giving him a hug and whispering "I'm sorry." Releasing him before he had a chance to respond she kept her eyes cast down. "I'm harsh because I don't want to care too much. I've seen what that can do to people." Turning she began to head to his home in search of Melody.

Brave Heart watched her go, blinked and smiled, "Strange girl," he said, "Ah well she's a good person and things will work out."

"Talking to yourself again Brave Heart?" Swift Heart plopped into the other chair at his table.

Brave Heart smiled at Swift Heart, "Nah, I was talking to Ruby. Apparently she had a bit of a misunderstanding with Melody this morning so I was giving her some advice. So what are you up to today, Swift Heart?"

"Going down to earth in a bit to do a follow up on a caring mission I had a few days ago." She took the remaining half of his soda and took a swig.

"That's good, anything special about this mission?" Brave Heart asked, letting Swift Heart take the rest of his Soda.

She stood up, "Nah. Just making sure the kid I helped is doing okay in his new neighborhood."

Walking next to him she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his mane. "You know I don't think you're stupid. I'm proud to call you our leader."

Brave Heart smiled, and took her hand, "I know, but I know you do what you do because it keeps me on my toes." Despite how they usually acted, he and Swift Heart were good friends, the kind who could tease each other without hurting each other. "I hope your wedding with Grumpy goes well. Are you excited or worried that Love-a-Lot is involved?" he asked.

"I'm really excited about finally getting to this point. And I'm scared silly Love-A-Lot is going to get involved. I refuse to let her have any influence over my dress."

"Well maybe I can give her some extra tasks to do, so she'll be too busy to 'help'," Brave Heart offered, "Tenderheart and I were able to keep her off our back at mine and Harmony's wedding. We wanted it small and simple. How about you, what do you have planned or is it a surprise?"

"We know we want it at night. And I have given Grumpy control of the catering menu which made him pretty happy." Moving back to her seat she looked at him a little sadly, "I'm going to miss not living in the Forest of Feelings anymore. So I expect a very sad, heartfelt, tear jerker farewell speech from you." She teased him. "Plus I'm going to make sure we have lots of alcohol, cause you know how we Cousins do." She brushed her shoulder off with a smirk.

"I'll start drafting the speech tonight," Brave Heart joked, "and I look forwards to it Swift Heart. Just give me a holler if Love-a-Lot is getting too involved and I'll see what spare work I have for her."

"Oh believe me I will." She examined her fingernails as she voiced her next question, refusing to meet Brave Hearts eyes. "So, have you and Harmony talked about having kids?"

"Oh we've more than talked about it," Brave Heart said, grinning goofily, "we're planning on turning the guest room into a nursery soon. Why do you ask?"

She shrugged, "I was just wondering. What with a whole bunch of us getting married now it's just gotten me thinking." Grinning at him she continued, "Besides I think you'd make a really great dad. That kid would never be bored."

Brave Heart chuckled, "You got that right, thanks Swift Heart." He looked at her, trying to see into her eyes, "Anything else you wanted to talk about?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I just heard the tail end of your little speech, you know where you brought up me saying you're name should be...Oh what was that one I used last...oh yeah Captain Flashlight, and wanted to make sure all was well." Finally meeting his eyes she sighed, "And the rest I've got to sort out on my own. But when I do, you'll be one of the first to know."

"Thanks Swift Heart," Brave Heart said, "I'm sure Cozy Heart would like to be kept in the loop too. She asked to be your maid of honor didn't she?"

"I asked her but yeah she's going dress shopping with me. And she'll be my matron of honor since she's hitched now too." She snapped her fingers as she remembered another detail, "Silver and violet are going to be our colors. So dress appropriately. And you and the other guys better make sure Grumpy keeps his tux spotless."

"We will, don't worry. I can't believe I forgot Cozy and Jolly were already married," Brave Heart said, slapping himself on the forehead.

"How could you forget? They dragged us all down to Alaska so they could get married on a glacier." She shuddered, "That snow was so wet. I swear I didn't speak to her for a week after she told me her location."

"Maybe I just blocked it from my memory," Brave Heart said, "I spent almost a week in bed after that trying to get warm again."

Shrugging she shook her head, "Harmony and I both told you not to go sledding on your belly just because the bride and groom did it. A) You couldn't steer so you went straight into a drift, and B ) your fur isn't waterproof like theirs."

"Can you blame me, I was caught up into the moment," Brave Heart grinned sheepishly, "at least there was not permanent harm done."

Ruffling his mane she got up, "No harm no foul. But I better get going and handle this Caring Mission. Tell Harmony Grumpy and I want to go on a double date with you guys soon."

"Sure thing," Brave Heart said, standing up, "good luck Swift Heart, see you later. I'm going to check up on Melody and Ruby."

Her tummy symbol glowed as a cloud mobile began to take shape from it. "Good luck with that." Waving to him she flew away, going a little faster than necessary.

Brave Heart waved goodbye to Swift Heart then turned and headed back to his own home to see if Ruby was having any luck.

Arriving at Harmony and Brave Hearts house she knocked on the door. "Ugh. Just do it quick like a Band-Aid." Shifting from foot to foot she waited for someone to answer.

Harmony answered, and she saw Ruby, "Hi Ruby, would you like to come in?" she asked.

She nodded. "Is Melody still here?"

"Yes, she's in the living room," Harmony stepped aside to let Ruby in.

"Thanks." Moving past the purple bear she strode into the living room. Melody was indeed in there, looking away from her. "Hey Melody, can we talk?"

Melody looked up at Ruby, she was feeling better now, "Hi Ruby, yes we can talk," she said.

Sitting on the couch she leant forward on her knees, "So about earlier. I'm sorry if what I said made you think I was calling you useless, but I wasn't. I was only standing up for Trick."

"I understand," Melody said, she took a deep breath, "I'm sorry about earlier, but you know how I feel about these things."

Ruby looked ashamed for a second, "Not really I don't. I never bothered to ask because I don't want to end up getting too close to people."

"I've noticed. I know we've seen a lot of bad things happen from the emotional attachments we've seen form but you can't just avoid people forever," she placed her hand on Ruby's, "Trust me, things will be better for you."

She looked at Melody's hand. "I can't. Because we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow." Tentatively she put her hand on Melody's, "But. I'm going to try. And I'm going to think before I say things."

"Thank you, Ruby," Melody said, "Now I'm guessing you have something else you want to do so I won't keep you."

"Not really. Trick decided to put in a few hours and we're gonna meet up after lunch. So for now my morning is pretty free."

"Well, what did you want to do?" Melody asked.

"Well since apparently it is such a big deal to shirk out on responsibilities, why don't you show me where they assign them."

"Ok," Melody said, wheeling towards the door and bidding a goodbye to Harmony, "It's at the Hall of Hearts mainly," she said, "I know you know where that is."

Ruby nodded, "It seems like that's the only place anything goes on in here. Meals, Meetings, Caring Mission assignments, does anything not happen there?"

"I don't know, honestly," Melody admitted, "It just seems to be the center of activity here. Maybe you should suggest they do some things here in the Forest of Feelings."

Ruby shrugged non-chalantly, "I'm not a member of the Care Bear Family so it really doesn't affect me one way or another. I also don't think the others will appreciate me sticking my nose where it doesn't belong."

"You never know until you try," Melody said as she began wheeling towards where the Hall of Hearts was.

"So you seem to really like going on these caring missions huh? Did you really feel that useless back home?"

"Ruby, didn't you notice all I did was sit around, trying to cook and not able to help with even the most basic tasks the rest of you had to do on a daily basis. I couldn't do anything, I never even left the base until we came here," Melody said, stopping, "Here I'm actually doing something, I'm helping and I feel like I'm actually worth something."

"I noticed you kept your mom calm and the atmosphere nice with your optimism and singing. None of us were ever stressed around you. And I'm sure now that we have viable ingredients you could actually make something decent. I however burn water."

"Thanks, Ruby, but I didn't really feel useful, you were all out patrolling, scavenging, fighting and foraging to keep us alive. I may have helped but you could have easily survived without me," Melody said, sounding a bit downtrodden.

"Product of my raising. If things had been different you wouldn't feel useless. You'd be alright and able to take care of yourself. The fact you're helping with caring missions is helping the others and that in turn is helping us. So in a way, you are being extremely useful." She grinned, "Could you imagine if they sent me down to console a melancholy kid?"

Melody giggled, "Yeah, that would be a disaster alright. Thanks Ruby."

She sighed in relief, "Glad I helped because I was running out of nice things to say." She teased.

"At least you tried," Melody said, "so do you want to see the dispatch hub at the Hall of Hearts or did you have something else in mind?"

"Well we're here so we might as well go inside." She pointed at the heart shaped building in front of them.

"Alright then," Melody said, entering the hall of hearts, "The dispatch center is at the back, it's just an office where files on missions new and old are kept. Tenderheart spends most of his time in there."

She scanned over the files and stacks of paperwork. "No wonder he is such a stickler. He needs to get out more. Or at least get a good lay or something."

"Probably," Melody said, "but he doesn't seem interested in having a romantic life. Who do you think would be a nice match for him?"

"Melody I have met him for maybe a total of an hour. I've barely held a rational conversation with him. I have absolutely no idea who would be good for him. All I know is they have to be able to get him to loosen up big time."

"Good point," Melody said, "on that note, does anyone other than True Heart really know much about him? Well what else would you like to see?" Melody Heart asked.

"Brave Heart probably does. They do a lot of work together right? And I dunno. What do you guys do for fun? You know when you're not saving the world." She picked up a stack of papers and began to idly thumb through them.

"Well I sing. Harmony says I have a natural talent so she's giving me lessons," Melody said, "I'm not sure if Tenderheart even gives himself downtime, he'd probably go crazy if he were forced into a vacation," she giggled.

A light bulb went off in Ruby's head and she stopped thumbing through the files. "Maybe that is exactly what he needs. A forced vacation with some of his closest friends to get him to relax. I'm sure if enough of us were in on it, it could be done."

"Isn't that what we're going to do at the summer festival, or did you want to try and force him sooner than that?" Melody asked.

"Check this. And listen closely cause I'm only saying it once. We get him wasted at the summer festival and instead of bringing him back here, we get them to take him somewhere else for a nice week off."

"That sounds like a great idea," Melody said, giggling to herself, "but where can we take him that he will be safe and have fun?"

"I think some of the boys should take him on a road trip. We can research into it and find a good route for them to take." Putting the files down she looked at a large map of the US hanging on the wall.

"That sounds great, I'm sure Trick will love that," Melody said, "Maybe he can find a new bike to ride or something."

"He needs something. Those cloud cars aren't coming close to cutting it for him." Plopping into a rolling chair she began to spin in circles. "I can tell he is getting restless."

"Well I'm sure something will happen, either he'll find a way to scrape one together or maybe he could ask Tinker to make one for him," Melody suggested.

"Either option would work for him." Looking around the room she made sure nobody was lurking nearby. "Has there been any activity from you know who yet?"

Melody shook her head, "Nothing major has come up. Hopefully he isn't starting earlier than Grumpy remembered. I've also tried to see if we can find a trace of Indy back in this time. If we can stop No-Heart's plan then it would be a good idea to get Independent Bear to join the family in peaceful times, he might even be able to help us."

"That's a good plan. Lemme know when you find him and I'll try to knock some sense into him."

"Maybe," Melody thought for a moment, "but trying to knock some sense into him might be a bad idea," she added.

"Most likely. But it might be easier than the begging you're going to have to do to get him to come. I mean look how long it took him in our time."

"Maybe," Melody said, "but he spoke with me a bit before we left. apparently even back now he was quite serious, and he had that sword he carries with him since back now and he knew how to use it. He might be quite violent when we meet if we're not careful."

"Exactly why I should come with you guys. I can defend myself and you if he does prove to be less than pleasant." She turned her fingernails into claws as proof.

"Maybe," Melody said, "Just be careful. So what would you like to see next?"

While the girls decided what to do next, Arrow and Tinker had made their way to Diamond Lake to get in some swimming. The water here was perfectly clear allowing swimmers to easily see the bottom and the water was always around 75 degrees. Landing on the beach he folded his wings in allowing Tinker to dismount. "Go ahead in."

"Gladly," Tinker took a running jump and landed in the water a fair distance out, going under then popping back up, "This water's great, come on in Arrow!" she called to the shore.

Taking his time he waded into the lake. Reaching Tinker he was still able to stand on the bottom with the water level reaching to where his neck met his back. His tail floated behind him on the surface. "This definitely feels good."

"It sure does," Tinker said, "is it hard to swim in that form?" she asked.

He nodded. "I really can't do much more than wade and tread water for a few minutes at a time. If I spread my wings I can sort of float but I don't have that down quite yet."

"Well then why not change form?" Tinker asked.

"It makes the others nervous to see humans here." He looked around the lake very carefully. Seeing no one he took a deep breath and shifted to his human form. "I guess it can't hurt just for a little while."

"As long as it's alright," Tinker said, "Just don't get weighed down by your clothes," Tinker began swimming on her back.

Arrow laughed and stripped off his shirt, "Way to try to subtly tell me you want to see me naked." Using his Pegasus magic he sent the shirt over to the beach to dry out.

Tinker smiled, "Well I wasn't trying to be clever, but whatever floats your boat. Besides you've been seeing me naked since we got back to this time."

Shaking his head he dove under briefly, using the water to slick back his hair from his eyes. "It's not totally the same. You're covered in fur so nothing shows." He smirked, "And in that case you've been seeing me naked in my Pegasus form."

"It's the same thing as me having fur," Tinker said, swimming over to him, "It doesn't really count. Too bad your guardian form can't swim like your sister's can."

"Yeah too bad. But at least mine can fly, and I'd take that over swimming any day." He moved his legs to entwine hers, "And eagle form does have its uses."

Tinker pressed against his chest, "I can see that, but I can only fly with your help or a cloud car. But I love swimming, which is funny cause Swift Heart can't stand water."

"Any idea why she hates it so much?" He kissed the tip of her nose.

"I think because she can't swim. Actually I remember, dad told me she can't swim, in fact during that opposites fiasco her opposite dragged her into the water and almost drowned her, but dad managed to save her with CPR," Tinker explained. She sighed, "Dad always broke down after that story, I can't blame him really."

Arrow nodded in understanding, "He must have really missed her. Just by seeing them together now you can tell how much he loves her. I can't even imagine what it would be like to lose you."

"And I can't imagine what it would be like to live without you either," Tinker said, "this last month was torture and us being apart for so long while I do caring missions will be hard." Tinker kissed Arrow on his mouth, hugging him close while using her legs to stay afloat."

Holding her against him he kissed her back briefly. "We'll have to come up with a better system of seeing each other. I'll try to make it to Care-A-Lot more often."

"We'll figure something out," Tinker released him and began floating on her back again, "So is there any other place you wanted to show me while I'm here?"

Shrugging he swam a circle around her. "I didn't exactly plan an itinerary. I figured we could just wing it, so to speak. Was there anywhere you wanted to see while you were here?"

Tinker closed her eyes, "I don't really know. Where do Pegasus get married or mated? Just in any part of the falls or is there a specific place?"

That made him stop and swallow some water, causing him to cough. "Why *cough* you wanna *cough* know *cough* that?" He rasped out the last part, finally expelling all the water from his lungs.

"Curiosity mostly," Tinker said, "If you don't know is there anything else we haven't been yet?"

"They pretty much get married wherever. It usually is in a big open space so all the friends and family can attend and watch the ceremony."

"Makes sense," Tinker mused before turning to swim upright, "But what do you want to do for the rest of the day?" she asked.

Before he could respond a voice called to them from the shore. "Arrow? Is that you?" Looking over Tinker's shoulder Arrow saw a small group of mares looking at them. The one in the front was the one who had spoken. Her body was a light yellow along with her wings and her mane and tail were striped pink and purple. Arrow smiled at her, "Hi Divani. What brings you out here?"

Her eyes shifted to Tinker, "Pallas let it slip that you had a visitor and that you might be here."

He nodded, "Ladies allow me to introduce my girlfriend Tinker Bear."

Tinker waved while she tread water, "Hi," was all she could think to say.

"Oh I see. Well now the human form makes sense. I guess it makes her feel more comfortable. After all, who would choose to look like that." Her gaze returned to Arrow, "Not that you're human form is any less perfection then your true form."

A mint green mare on her right nodded, "None of the humans we've seen look as nice as you."

"It's impossible to have a small ego around you girls. You're too kind."

"Always glad to be of use to you Arrow." The mint colored one replied.

"In any way we can be." Divani tossed her mane and casting a sidelong look at him.

"Fans of yours?" Tinker asked somewhat sarcastically.

"In a manner of speaking." He rested his hands on Tinker's shoulders. "If you want you are more than welcome to join us for a swim. WE would be more than happy to have you." On "we" he gave her shoulders a squeeze.

Seeing this Divani's smirk faltered ever so slightly, "Perhaps some other time. We have things to do. Pegasus things. Later Arrow." Spreading their wings they took flight, leaving the two alone.

"Was it something I said?" Tinker asked flatly.

"Nope. Just you being you." He told her kissing the side of her head. "They really don't like that you snagged me." He imitated Divani, "But it's not my fault. I don't know any better because I grew up on earth."

Tinker snickered, "Ah well, that's their problem." Tinker thought for a moment and then added, "I guess they don't like the fact that I'm not a Pegasus."

"No they do not. And I imagine they'd like it even less if they knew I was one of the heir's to the throne." He looked worried, "Especially the council."

Tinker shrugged as she swam to shore, "Well from what I hear the council don't like much anymore, especially after Blue succeeded the throne. If they knew you were one of the heirs I'm sure they would be trying to suck up to you even more. Good thing they don't," she climbed out of the water and stood there, letting herself dry off.

Following her to shore he too crawled out, instantly regaining his Pegasus form. Proceeding to shake off he flapped his wings scattering water everywhere. "I don't know about sucking up. Did you know one of the council members is my great-grandsire?"

"I meant the girls would be sucking up to you actually," Tinker said, "and I didn't know that. Whose grandfather is he, Blue's or Fauna's?"

Arrow grinned at his error, "Woops. Yeah they probably would be a lot more forward in their flirtations, which is saying something since they take it pretty far already. But the council member is Fauna's grandsire. His name is Tonar."

"That's interesting," Tinker said, "Do you think anyone suspects the truth about us yet?" she asked.

"Red Snout still thinks there is something wrong with Ruby and I. He thinks the circumstances of our discovery are a little too coincidental." He looked over at the distant Onyx Mountains. "And I've avoided my cousins Shy and Nova because I'm afraid they'll figure it out."

"Well that's one month down, up to 17 to go," Tinker said, "I think Swift Heart is suspicious but if she has she hasn't said anything. So where to next?"

"Let's dry off first and then we can decide. Who knows, maybe something interesting will come along."

Tinker shook her self slightly, then a thought crossed her mind, "How do you think Trust Heart is doing right now?"

At that moment, Trust Heart had just come off his caring mission lessons, according to Brave Heart his success rating was up to 85%, just 5% shy of the minimum grade so with any luck he'd be able to finish those lessons in less than a week. Tenderheart had told him to seek out Trickster Heart Hare when he was done as his new driving instructor.

Trust Heart found Trick staring through the Star-o-Scope and dashed over to him calling out, "Hey Trick!"

He didn't pull himself away from the Star-o-Scope, "Hey small fry. What brings you out here?"

Trust Heart skid to a halt just behind Trick, "Tenderheart told me to find you, you're my new driving instructor up here."

That caught his attention. Turning he leaned casually on top of the star-o-scope and smiled down at Trust. "No kidding? Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me. Are you sure Tender Heart was sober when he told you this?"

"Isn't he always?" Trust Heart asked sarcastically.

"Touché. All right then young grasshopper, let's get to it. I am going to teach you the best and coolest way to drive. Cause let's face it, I'm a pro." He strutted past Trust Heart heading for an empty space to conjure a cloud mobile.

"Right," Trust Heart said, getting into the driver's seat, "let's start with me avoiding crashing first," he suggested.

Trick got into the passenger seat. "Okay well first off don't slam your foot down on the acceleration. Ease it down gently till you go as fast as you want to. Second, don't yank the steering wheel from side to side. It only takes a little correction to change direction."

"Right," Trust Heart said, pressing the accelerator, but nothing happened.

"First, turn on the ignition," Trick added.

"Oh, right," Trust Heart started the car and pressed lightly on the accelerator, feeling the car inch forwards.

"See nothing too it. Now ease down again slowly and then practice slowing down again by easing down on the break."

Trust Heart nodded as he followed his new instructor's directions. He didn't want to cause any accidents like he had with his previous driving instructors.

Trick couldn't help but laugh at the death grip Trust had on the wheel. "Okay kid, first I'm going to need for you to breath. Look around, we are surrounded by nothing but clouds, in a car made of clouds, and if you crash you are going to land on clouds so no way are we going to get hurt. Second, this is a learning experience and I'm not going to chew you out if you make a mistake. Third," He cranked the radio on the cloud car, "No one is ever going to be a good driver without some tunes." Trick bopped his head along with the beat.

Trust nodded as he pressed harder on the accelerator and did his best to relax. Trick was the only person left in the Kingdom of Caring who would still give him lessons and he wasn't going to mess this up.

"See you're doing just fine. Go ahead and stop for a second." As the cloud mobile came to a stop, a slightly rough stop, Trick stood on his seat and turned to face the air space behind them. Using his tummy symbol he created red poles that floated in a straight line about 10 feet off the ground. There were small nozzles on the side of each pole. "Okay Trust, now try and weave in and out of the poles." He smirked at him, "If you touch one, the nozzles will squirt you with water."

Trust Heart gulped, he didn't hate water but he still didn't like being splashed. He turned the car around slowly and pulled up, starting his pole weaving rather slowly.

Trick stared non-chalantly over the side of the car, "So were you really that bad with the others? I can't imagine what you could have done that would scare everyone out of wanting to teach you."

"Apparently you haven't asked them," Trust Heart said as he tried to pick up speed.

Trick air guitared next to him. "Well compared to what I've seen and experienced, this is hardly the most dangerous or frightening thing on my countdown." When the guitar solo ended he began drumming his thighs along to the beat.

Trust Heart sighed, slowing down as he was about to hit a pole and just barely missing it, "Remember, I've been on simulators for the last couple weeks because none of them want to go driving with me until my crash ratio drops."

Trick pointed at the last pole. "Stop after that one and put the cloud mobile in reverse. You're going backwards next. For this you are going to turn around and look over your shoulder the whole time. You're not ready to use mirrors yet." He turned around in his seat to help Trust, "And do you know how many times I'm sure they crashed when they were learning? Please. No one is perfect."

"Thanks," Trust Heart said, starting to get more confident as he drove backwards through the poles.

Trick grinned as Trust maneuvered through the poles, "Very nice Trust. Clearly it is my superior teaching helping you through this."

"Must be, usually by now I'd have nose planted several times into the clouds," Trust Heart said, smiling.

"Let me take a wild shot in the dark here, but as soon as you did something wrong you got yelled at or the lesson got ended right?"

"Usually, but it wasn't just one thing half the time," Trust Heart admitted, "Brave Heart was the most tolerant of my instructors but even he has his limits."

He ruffled Trust's hair, "It helps that I've known you forever. I have no problem trusting you." He laughed at his pun.

Trust Heart laughed back and right at the end, knocked against the last pole and shouted as he was sprayed with water.

Trick laughed even harder, "Oh man. You were doing so well. Haha I'm not gonna lie and say I wasn't hoping that would happen, at least once."

"Oh yeah!" Trust Heart shook his head fiercely to dry himself off, and soaking Trick in the process, "how are you now?" he grinned at his instructor.

Trick wiped water from his eyes, frowning at Trust. "Well I was going to let you practice doing loopy loops but you can just forget that mister." He crossed his arms in mock anger.

"Sorry," Trust Heart's ears drooped, he wasn't able to tell that Trick wasn't really angry.

Using the crossed arms over his tummy symbol to shield what he was doing, Trick stared a water gun into his hands and fired it on Trust. "Gotchya!"

"Ack! stop it!" Trust Heart held his hands up to protect his face.

"That is the punishment for moistening the instructor. Now go ahead and go forward and backwards through the course till you're comfortable with it." Pulling his arm back he couldn't resist shooting Trust in the shoulder once more.

Trust sighed and went about his training again, weaving between the posts forwards and backwards.

Looking around Trick realized they were totally alone. His ears curved to resemble horns and he looked at Trust. "Change of plans. We go pick up the girls and head down to Earth for some ice cream. Up for it?"

"OK," Trust Heart said, shifting gears, "Where would Ruby and Melody be right now?"

Trick shrugged. "Where would Melody go if she was upset?"

Trust turned the wheel, "Probably to Brave Heart and Harmony's place," he said, pressing on the accelerator, not fully, still unsure of his driving, but faster than he had on the course."

The path to Brave Heart's took them by the Hall of Hearts. Trick's ears picked up the familiar sound of his girlfriend's laughter. "Hold on Ace. They're in there. Take her down nice and easy."

"Right," Trust Heart said, landing the car carefully by the front of the hall, sighing in relief as he leaned back.

Trick stood on the seat and cleared his throat. Placing one hand on his chest and the other out in front of him he called, "Fair maidens, woulds't thou please grace us with your presence alas we pine in you absence."

Ruby glanced out the open front door and grinned, "Well look who decided to skip out early." She turned back to Melody, "What do you think? Should we acknowledge them?"

Melody thought about it and nodded, "If we don't he's bound to start saying things that are more embarrassing," she said, turning and wheeling towards the front door.

Following Melody out Ruby feigned surprise, "Why Trickster Heart Hare, to what do we owe this pleasure?" She put on her best fake southern belle accent.

He motioned to the cloud mobile, "My squire, Young Trust Heart and I wish to whisk you and Lady Melody away for a journey to an earthly ice cream parlor. Does this please you?"

Ruby put her hands on her cheeks, "Oh happy day. And here I thought I would be wasting away without evah knowing the sweet joy of such a treat." Skipping to the cloud mobile she allowed Trick to help her inside.

Trust Heart got out to help his sister out of her wheelchair and to collapse the chair so it could be loaded into the trunk before getting back in the driver's seat. Melody rolled her eyes at the overplayed words shared between Trick and Ruby as she buckled herself in.

"Well where are we going?" Trust Heart asked, not really knowing where any ice cream stores might be.

"Heck if I know. The only ice cream place I ever saw was half exploded. But I figure they are pretty common so we can just head down to Earth and stop when we see one."

"Alright," Trust Heart said, starting the car again and taking off, looking to Trick for possible instructions or comments on his driving.

Gripping Trust's head he gently turned it so his eyes were facing forward, "Eyes on the road kid. We are leaving the sanctum no crashtorum of the clouds."

Ruby reached between the two to change the radio station. "Pardon me boys." Trick's eyes went to her butt, now right in front of his face, "Take your time. I'm just enjoying the view."

Melody sighed; the mood whiplash in Trick continued to confound her in this time, compared to how he'd been in their time. Trust Heart sped up a bit, doing her best to keep his eyes in front of him and gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Returning to her seat she glanced at Melody, "Everything okay Melody?"

"I'm fine," Melody said, "Trick just continues to baffle me, he's so different from back in the future."

"Yeah he is. But this is the way he's supposed to be, if he wasn't forced to grow up so fast." She smiled at the back of his head, "It takes some getting used to but he grows on you. And believe me, if we were ever in trouble, he'd be right there to get us out of it again."

Trick yelped, "Trust Heart! Watch out for the geese!"

"Whoa!" Trust Heart swerved to avoid the geese before turning back down to earth, "Want to take over?" he asked.

Uncovering his eyes he shook his head. "No no. You're good. Just remember that flocks of birds are not target practice." He looked over his shoulder at Melody, "You seem better from earlier."

"I am," she said, "I spent some time at Brave Heart and Harmony's house."

As they spoke, Trust Heart neared earth, flying over a city.

"Try not to hit any of the buildings Trust Heart." Ruby muttered as she looked over the edge of the cloud mobile. Flying this way was okay, but she was uneasy about not having her wings ready to fix any small turbulence issues.

Trust Heart said nothing but cringed a bit, this was not helping his confidence.

"So we're down here for ice cream, see any place?" Melody asked her car mates.

Shooting Ruby a look he returned his attention to his pupil, "Pay no attention to the wicked witch of the back seat. Go ahead and ease the cloud mobile into that dead end over there. We can walk around and look on foot. I think it's time you earned a break."

Trust Heart nodded and guided the car down for a controlled but somewhat rough landing. He again sighed in relief as he stopped the car and climbed out to pull Melody's chair out and help her into it.

"Well, lead the way," he said to the others, never having been down to earth since they went up to the Kingdom of Caring.

"What do you think Melody? You've logged the most hours down here on caring missions."

Ruby took Tricks hand, "My, isn't that...useful." She grinned at her, thinking back to their conversation.

Melody ignored Ruby's comment, "Follow me, I'll be able to find something soon," she said, wheeling out of the alley in her chair.

As they walked Ruby and Trick looked around. She was surprised to feel him tense up as he gazed everywhere, ears twitching to catch as many sounds as possible. "It's not the same world Trick, relax."

He gave a slight nod but didn't do so.

"I know how you feel," Trust Heart said, "I haven't been down here for a month and I still expect something to happen."

Melody wheeled on ahead. The purple lioness felt a bit awkward as she didn't share any of their apprehension. Not only had she seen the good in this world and been helping kids for a couple weeks now she also hadn't seen much of the world they had come from. She had only been outside when she was an infant and couldn't remember any of that, and due to her being paralyzed from the waist down she'd never left their home and only had their reports to know what that world was like. She eventually spotted an outdoor ice cream parlor and pointed it out, "There, that place looks nice enough," she said, wheeling towards it.

Trick picked out a table for them. "I'll save it if you guys want to get the ice cream. Ruby knows what flavor I like." He sat on the side that allowed him to see the window where orders were placed.

"Sure thing," Trust Heart said, heading for the vendor window. He ordered a chocolate cone, Melody got a chocolate-vanilla twist cone with sprinkles on it.

Ruby ordered a mint chocolate chip cone for herself and a peanut butter fudge swirl for Trick. Carrying his cone over to him she sat on the table behind him, allowing Trick to lay back against her legs. Taking a lick Ruby purred, "That hit the spot."

Trust Heart didn't speak, he ate his ice cream quickly then was forced to stop, "Brain Freeze!" he said, holding his head and wincing.

"That's what you get when you eat too fast," Melody said, eating hers more slowly.

Trick however was looking at the few teenagers staffing the ice cream stand. "They won't stop starring at us and whispering."

"I don't blame them," Melody said, "We help young children mostly, teenagers, especially boys, seem to have issues with us, we're a bit too cute for their liking it seems."

Ruby smirked and licked her cone, slowly, "Maybe you three aren't to their liking, but I believe they are appreciating my level of 'cuteness'" Arching her back a little she sent a smile over to the boys.

Trust Heart finally recovered from his brain freeze and looked over at the teenagers, then to his sister. A though crossed his mind, "Melody, is there anyone back home you have a crush on?" he asked.

"No, not really," Melody admitted.

"Yeah, me either," Trust Heart said. No one up there who was available really interested him.

"Yeah well if you want to wait about 5 minutes Ruby will be fair game for you Trust Heart." Trick muttered while casting a glare in the teenagers direction.

Ruby rolled her eyes, "Yeah like I take that threat seriously." She got up from the table, "Be right back. I think this cone needs some cherries."

Trust Heart looked to Trick and asked, "Jealous?"

He licked his cone. "Not really. I know no other guy has the patience needed to put up with Ruby." He leaned forward and said rather loudly, "And none of them would put up with being her punching bag!"

Ruby returned to them, carrying a small cup. "Here punching bag, I flirted with them to get you some free hot fudge." Handing him the cup she resumed her seat behind him.

Trick shook his head at Trust Heart, "When you do find love, make sure it's not exhausting."

Trust Heart had no response to that, but returned to his ice cream, eating more slowly to avoid brain freeze.

Melody looked around, making sure none of the other Care Bears were nearby and asked, "So, what do you guys think we should do about our mission?"

Once more Trick was all business. "We need some more background information on No Heart and how he operates. Then we can figure out how he plans on making the UN fall apart ad we can get to him before it happens. There is also a high probability that we will run into him before the afore mentioned 'date' and when we do, we need to make him think we are just like the others."

"That should be easy," Trust Heart added, "From what I've heard a Care Bear Stare, Cousin Call, or whatever we call it is the main way we're supposed to deal with him," he looked at Ruby, "Though apparently Fauna preferred more direct methods even before things turned bad."

Ruby sat up a little straighter out of pride for her mom, "That sounds like what I would do. And in the end it was how he was defeated."

"Right, but we can't rely on that this time, especially since she didn't finally get up the nerve until after it was too late," Trust said.

Melody looked a little downtrodden, "What am I supposed to do when we make our move?" she asked sadly.

Trick smiled at Melody, "I'm sure we'll think of something. You could always roll over his feet."

"Fauna did what she could, but certain someone's wouldn't let her kill him outright, and towards the end she had some newborns to look after." Ruby's eyes narrowed as she addressed Trust Heart, "I didn't see your precious parents running to stop him."

"Hey, if they had done that, they would be no better than he was!" Trust Heart shot back.

"Please, let's not start this!" Melody pleaded, "Arguing over what did and will happen if we aren't here won't change anything. I admit it's a flaw we seem to have that we can't just destroy a threat outright, but we don't have the authority or the resolve to do it. And from what I've seen his power seems too great for them to eliminate him outright, he seems to have ways of escaping that keep him alive."

Trick placed a hand on Ruby's knee, "Then we just have to find out those escapes and block them."

"I don't want to hear you insulting my mom's nerves or her methods again, do you hear me? Not when you've never seen her in action and don't know anything about her." Leaving that as her last word she took another bite of her cone.

Melody remained silent and finished her ice cream. Trust Heart sat there, fuming but unable to think of a reply to Ruby's comment.

Trick sensing the tension tried to diffuse the situation. "Hey you know what could be fun? We should set up a slip and slide back in Care-a-Lot. What do you guys say?"

"Umm, I guess so, not sure how I would use it," Melody said.

"Yeah, that does sound like fun!" Trust said enthusiastically, his mood changing as he decided not to say anything to Ruby for the moment.

"You could roll at it really fast and then toss yourself out of the chair onto your belly. That should be enough momentum." Trick told her.

Ruby jumped off the table, "I'll be right back. I'm going to pop into that store over there and get a bikini." She ran across the street to the small clothing store.

Trust Heart grinned as he watched Trick, "Well now, seems you made a really good suggestion eh?" he said.

Trick lightly slapped a hand against his surprised face. "Goodness me, I had no idea she would have to wear a bathing suit for this activity." Stretching both arms behind his head and folding them he sent a cocky smirk and wink at the ice cream staff.

"Do you think I need a swim suit too, or will I be fine as I am?" Melody asked.

Trick shrugged, "It's up to you. We've gone this long without our clothes. Truthfully, I kinda miss my old leather jacket though. And pants. Sometimes I really miss pants."

"Why do you miss pants, having issues or something?" Trust Heart asked.

"Pants have pockets. You can keep things in them without having to carry it everywhere." Trick told him.

"I guess, but no one said you couldn't wear pants," Trust pointed out.

"Uh yeah they did. My dad when we left, remember? He said they usually went commando."

Ruby returned carrying a bag from the store, "Who's going commando?"

"Oh, Trick's just lamenting that he can't wear pants cause Grumpy said so," Trust Heart explained.

She grinned, "Hah. Running around in your birthday suit not as glamorous as you thought?"

He shook his head. "I may revert to wearing something some of the time. But we'll see. Did you get what you needed?"

She nodded, "Are we ready to go?"

"Well then let's go," Trust Heart said, standing up and heading back towards where their car was parked. Melody turned and wheeled after him.

"You driving Trust Heart or am I?" Trick asked him.

"You can," Trust Heart said as they reached the car and he began to help Melody out of her chair and into her seat.

Trick and Ruby got in the front seat. As he adjusted the mirrors Ruby fiddled with the stations of the radio. "Okay everyone. Hold on."

Waiting to hear all 3 of their seatbelts click he slammed his foot down on the acceleration, shooting the cloud mobile into the air and heading for Care-A-Lot. One fast ride later, Trick had pulled out the slip and slide and set it up near their house, using a hose to wet it down while Ruby went to change.

"Now this looks like fun," Trust Heart said, "Is there anything I need to know?"

He shook his head, "Nope it's pretty straight forward. You slip, then slide. Like so." Running at the wet plastic he jumped on it upright and surfed all the way down. At the end he spread out his arms, "Tada."

"Sweet," Trust took a run and dove on the slip and slide, sliding at high speed to the end. He stood up smiling, "woo that was fun!"

Ruby cleared her throat, "So what do you think?" The bikini she picked out was simple and black with the top and bottom covered in glittery dots.

Trick whistled and stomped his foot repeatedly on the ground.

"That's what I thought." Running at the plastic she slid down it, laughing as she went.

Trust Heart couldn't help but stare as Ruby got wet from the slide, at his age it was impossible not to.

Getting up at the end she ran her hands through her short wet hair, pushing it out of her eyes. Walking past the boys with a little more shimmy in her step then necessary she went to Melody. "Do you need help?"

Melody nodded, "I'm also a bit nervous, you know I won't be able to get back up at the end on my own. At best I'll be able to crawl back to my chair and maybe get into it."

Ruby tapped her chin thinking, "Well I have another idea, if you're willing to hear it."

"I'm listening," Melody said.

Trust was still staring, at Ruby, he was a bit too young to avoid it and no one was telling him otherwise.

"I could gain my tiger form and have you ride on my back. Then I could slide down on my belly. You'll still get the force of the water but then you won't have to be stuck at the end."

Trick noticing Trust Hearts silence glanced over at him and saw him starring at his girlfriend. He shook his head trying not to laugh, "Careful Trust. If your eyes get any wider they may fall out."

"Sure, that is if you don't mind Ruby, since you don't usually like riders," Melody said.

"Huh, what?" Trust Heart broke out of his stupor and realized he'd been staring, "Oh uh, sorry, Ruby, Trick, uhh," Trust Heart blushed slightly.

Ruby who hadn't been aware Trust was staring at him looked at him in confusion. "Sorry? Sorry for what?"

Trick poked Trust in the shoulder in teasing, "He was ogling youuuuuuuuu."

Placing her hands on her hips she relaxed one allowing the other to pop up slightly, "Oh you were?"

Trust Heart couldn't help himself and drooled out, "uh yeah, I mean, yes," he couldn't help himself and stepped back, tripping over his own feet and falling flat on his back. Melody just sighed at her brother, unable to think of anything to say about this.

Grinning she walked over to Trust Heart and leant over him, peering down into his face. "You are making me feel so super good right now." Without straightening she looked over to Trick, "How come you never get like this around me?"

He waved a hand at her, "Easy. I remember when you went through your awkward phase."

She gasped in shock, "I did not have an awkward phase. Melody? Did I have an awkward phase?" She glanced over her shoulder at the lioness.

Melody held up her hands, "I'm not getting involved in this, Ruby," she said, shaking her head.

"I don't remember an awkward phase, but I guess I was too young," Trust Heart said, grinning idiotically as Ruby gave him an eyeful.

Trick too moved to lean over Trust, "Yup. He is sprung on you Rubes. Look at him sucking up to you when only a little while ago you guys were screaming at each other."

Leaning down she patted Trust's bright red cheek, "Not a bad approach Trust Heart."

"Uh-huh, uh yeah," Trust Heart said, finally regaining composure enough to keep his senses in check better.

Melody wheeled over and looked down at her brother, then spoke to Ruby, "Please, give him a break before he passes out, Ruby."

"Yea or before I decide I have to actually be worried about something." Trick commented holding a hand down to help Trust up.

Ruby shifted into her tiger form, "All right Mel Mel. Hop on and consider it a return for me making you cry earlier."

"Mel Mel?" Melody hadn't heard that nick name before but she carefully unbuckled herself from her chair and lifted herself out of her seat, pushing herself onto Ruby's back, lying on her stomach and holding onto her sides for support. Her legs dangled over the sides, lifeless as always. "I'm as secure as I can be," Melody said.

Trust Heart stood up, with Trick's help, "You OK, sis?" he asked. Melody nodded, not wanting to repeat herself.

"Hold on tight." Getting a good running start Ruby gave a small leap and flung herself down the slip and slide. She twitched her tail from side to side to stay straight and kept her eyes closed against the spray of water.

Melody held on as tightly as possible as she felt the water spray hit her, not as much as she expected it as Ruby did shield her from most of the spray. At the end she opened her eyes and said, "That was fun, but I guess I'm just not meant for this sort of thing."

"Sorry but that is the only way I could think to help you slide down it. Either of you have any better ideas? Other than the original one of having her fling herself from her wheelchair." Ruby questioned Trick and Trust.

Trick shrugged, "Tie star buddies to your hands and have them pull you down?"

"That kinda defeats the purpose doesn't it," Trust Heart said, "I mean those star buddies can't fly so fast. Wait, how about a slide?" the dog suggested.

Trick's ears perked up, "Like a slide leading onto the slip and slide?"

"Exactly!" Trust Heart said, "a short waterslide onto the slip and slide."

"I suppose, I'd be willing to try that," Melody said, "As long as you stop me from sliding to far or hurting myself."

"You could put something soft at the end for her to crash into. "Ruby said with a little snicker.

"Should we drag a spare mattress out here, or maybe I should conjure a bunch of pillows or something," Trust Heart suggested.

"A giant jello mold!" Trick shouted excitedly.

"Really Trick? Really? Is there anyone encouraging these suggestions because they need to stop." Ruby snapped at him.

"Oh ye of little faith. Jello has close to the same consistency as water and won't feel totally harsh if you go into it."

Ruby couldn't shift and pummel Trick with her hooves like she wanted to so she settled with glaring in disdain at him.

"Sliding into jello?" Melody shuddered, "Why does that sound so, wrong?" she asked Ruby.

Trust Heart shrugged, "So what can we use for a slide?"

"It sounds wrong because Trick has a one track mind." Turning to Trust Heart she asked, "Can't you conjure one with your tummy symbols?"

"I can try, but what should it be made of?" Trust Heart asked, "plastic like those water slides I'd heard of?"

"As for a safe impact, probably just pile up some clouds, it's not like they're hard to come by," Melody said.

Trick rubbed his hands together, "Oh I'll take care of the slide. I just had a great idea." Closing his eyes he focused on creating an inflatable slide that squirted water down it, allowing the slider to move more easily. Finishing it up he felt slightly light headed and sat down on the ground. "There you go Melody."

"That's pretty good, Trick," she said. She looked to Trust Heart, who nodded and the both of them began to use their symbols to create a rather large pile of clouds at the end of the slip and slide.

"That should work," Trust Heart said, "So how does she get up to the top, do you want me to carry her up?"

"Can you pull yourself up using your arms Melody? That way you'll be in position to slide down head first." Ruby asked her.

"I can try," Melody said, "Just set me down next to it and I'll give it a shot."

Walking to the slide Ruby gently slid Melody off her back before going to Trick. Once in her human form she pulled Trick back, letting him lay his head in her lap. He sighed gratefully and closed his eyes. "You over did it. You aren't ready to make such complex things."

He grinned sleepily up at her, "I won't argue that. But I hate seeing my family unhappy."

Melody gripping the rungs of the ladder and pulling herself up. She'd forgotten how strong her grip and arms were. She made it to the top and pulled herself over the edge, "Well here goes," she said, pushing herself over the edge of the slide. She slid down, slowly initially then as her legs followed her she shot forwards down the slide at high speed. The lioness closed her eyes as she felt the water spray over her as she leveled out. It was fast and exhilarating. She smiled as she reached the end and hit the clouds with a *whump*. Melody pushed her head out so she could breathe better and looked over at the others, "That was awesome!" she declared.

Ruby applauded as Trick shot his fist into the air. "Right on Melody! That was some slick slide age." He popped to his feet, "My go again." Running to the ladder he scrambled up it and with a whoop threw himself down the slide.

Melody barely had time to roll out of the way as Trick smashed into the clouds next to her, "Careful!" she said, "You know I can't move that fast out of my chair."

"Want me to help you into your chair?" Trust Heart said, coming up next to his half-sister.

"I would like to go again," she admitted, "Can you just carry me back to the slide?"

"Of course," Trust Heart knelt down and picked up Melody and carried her to the end of the slide, helping her up to the top.

Before she slid down, Melody checked over the edge, "Hey, Trick, move before I slide down!"

Saluting her he hopped off the slip and slide. "There you go Melody, slide away!" He swept his arm over the clear ground.

This time, Melody didn't close her eyes, she even screamed in exhilaration as she sped down the slide and hit the clouds. She smiled as she pushed herself out of the clouds, "This is fun!"

"You bet!" Trust Heart climbed up the slide, "Move aside, I want to do this," he said. Melody rolled out of the way and Trust Heart slid down backwards this time. Smiling and standing up when he hit the cloud cushion.

"My turn." Tugging on the tie of her bikini top to make sure it was tight Ruby pushed herself down the slide, laughing as the water sprayed over her. Instead of hitting the clouds however she did a fancy twist onto her hands and flipped over the cloud bank. Landing on her toes she kept her arms out at her sides, "Tada!"

"Wow, that was cool!" Trust Heart said, applauding.

Melody nodded, having pushed herself up on her arms to watch as well.

"Thanks. I'm just glad to see I'm not getting rusty." She glanced up at Trick on the top of the slide, "You coming down or are you going to stay there gawking all day?"

Sticking out his tongue he hurtled down the slide in a superman pose, yelping as he went headlong into the cloud bank.

"Did that hurt?" Trust Heart said, walking over to and leaning over Trick.

He raised a hand with one finger up, indicating he wanted Trust Heart to wait, "I will answer that when my ears stop ringing."

"You do that then, but move cause I want to go again," Trust said, he walked over to Melody, "Would you like another ride."

"Thanks, Trust Heart, but I think I'd like to get back in my chair for now, I don't like being forced into this position."

"Alright," Trust Heart lifted Melody up and helped her back to her chair, then darted for the ladder of the slide again.

Trick still hadn't moved so Ruby grabbed his hand dragging him out of the clouds. "Snap out of it Trick, you're fine."

He shook his head, "I feel weak. I'm heading for the light. I think I need mouth to mouth."

Grinning she decided to humor him and pressed her lips to his briefly. After she released him he jumped back to his feet, "All better!"

Trust Heart just rolled his eyes then grinned and shot down the slide again. Melody watched, and smiled at Trust Heart as she sat back in her chair.

Ruby was looking around, "Does anyone else find it odd that none of the others have come to see what is making so much noise over here?"

"Maybe they're all busy," Melody said, she looked around, "Unless Playful and Funshine are hiding nearby trying to decide how to make our fun into their fun."

Trick shook his head, "Nah they had other plans for today and I hardly think they are done with them so early." He grabbed his ears wringing them out briefly.

"Well what else should we do?" Trust Heart asked, standing up again, and shaking himself dry.

Ruby quirked an eyebrow at him, "You tired of this thing already?" She made a move towards the ladder.

"Not yet, but I was just making sure," the blue dog said, grinning.

"I think I've had my fill," Melody said, "Thanks for helping me, Trust Heart."

"Oh, no problem," Trust heart replied to the purple lioness.

Trick had snuck up behind Ruby and pushed her down the slide, staying on top of her, "Sneak attack!" together they slid down the slip and slide, luckily stopping before hitting the clouds.

Untangling herself from Trick she rolled away and stood rubbing her back. "Owww. Thanks a lot Trick." Looking at him she saw him blush and slap a hand over his eyes. She also noticed her top lying on the ground next to him and quickly crossed her arms, her cheeks flushed red "Trick!"

He tossed the top at her "I'msorryI'msorryI'msorry."

Melody had averted her eyes out of respect, but Trust Heart had been unable to avoid staring, he seemed to be frozen, as though he were a statue of some sort, his mouth hanging open in a stupor.

Snatching up her top she hurried behind the cloud bank, knocking Trust Heart out of her way as she did so, "Oh get over it Trust." Ducking out of sight she muttered about the idiocy of teenage boys, referring to both Trick and Trust several times.

Trust Heart shook his head and stood up, "Sorry," he said, "I just..."

"Don't worry," Melody said, "I don't think she'll hold a grudge for that. But I think we're done here for the day."

Uncovering his eyes Trick looked at the position of the sun. "I think we burned off that ice cream and I'm starving. Lets go raid the fridge back at the house." Walking over to the cloud bank he peeked over, "You decent?"

Ruby stood with a scowl. "I'm good." Shedding her human form she shook out her mane.

"I could use a bite too," Trust Heart added, "let's go get something to eat."

Melody nodded in agreement, "I agree."

Rearing back Ruby took off at a gallop for the house. "Ha! With Tinker gone I actually have a chance of winning."

Trick ran after her, "Of all the times I ever needed my bike, this definitely ranks number 1."

Trust took off after the two, "Hey, I'm in on this too!"

Melody just sighed and she wheeled after them slowly, "Those guys, they can't let up for a minute," she said, smiling to herself as she followed after them.

Seeing the house Ruby shifted down into her tiger form and leapt through the window. Closing the window behind her she then went to lock the door. "Ha! The Fort has been claimed for the Pegasus. Admit defeat." She called out to her friends.

"Aww no fair!" Trust Heart called as he arrived, panting hard.

Melody wheeled over to the door as she arrived and knocked on it, "Hello, Ruby? May we come in please?"

Trick gently pulled Melody away from the door, clicking his tongue and shaking his head. "Don't even sweat it. I got this." Kneeling down in front of the lock he fitted a piece of metal into it. "Apparently the conqueror in there forgot that I used to pick way more complicated locks then these on-"

"On what Trickster?" He froze as he heard Swift Heart's voice from behind them.

Spinning and trying not to look too frightened he saw her leaning against her cloud mobile with her arms crossed. "On Earth of course. What did you think I was going to say?" He managed a smile, hoping the others would help his story.

Trust Heart nodded vigorously, "Yeah, he did, he had to do it to free Ruby and Arrow form the Hunters."

"I wasn't there for that," Melody said, "I had to stay back, or I might have become a hostage."

Ruby opened the window and leant out, "Yeah and he had to do it sometimes to steal food and stuff for us."

Swift Heart's fingers drummed on her arm as she looked the four over. "Normally this is when I'd have to give you the speech about how picking locks is bad, and stealing is even worse...you shouldn't take things that don't belong to you...blah blah blah. However," She let her face relax into a grin, "That would make me the world's biggest hypocrite since I used to pick the lock on my crib all the time." Pushing off the cloud mobile she walked over to them, "Just don't let True Heart and Noble Heart catch you."

Trick finished picking the lock, "Believe me I won't. I didn't even want you to catch me." The door swung open allowing the others entry.

"Thanks, Trick," Trust said.

"So what were you up to, Swift Heart?" Melody asked.

"Coming back from a caring mission when I saw you four go dashing by." She looked over to Ruby, "And heard something about a Pegasus fort?"

Ruby grinned back at her, "Yup. I was first back so I took over the house."

Trick appeared behind her, "Yeah. That's not happening."

She tweaked his nose, "Whatever you say. I'm going to see what you guys have that is edible. Swift Heart would you care to join us for lunch?"

The rabbit cousin grinned, "Sure if it's all right with everyone else."

"I don't mind," Trust Heart said.

"We would appreciate your company," Melody said as she and Trust headed inside.

"Of course you can stay!" Pointing dramatically at Ruby in the kitchen he declared, "Hah! Superior numbers put's team lapine in the lead! This house is ours."

Swift Heart too struck a pose. "What do you have to say to that Flying fiend?"

Ruby paused for a moment before responding, "That all rabbits are crazy."

"I'd agree with that," Trust Heart said grinning.

"I'm not getting into this, I just need some food," Melody said, wheeling to the kitchen.

Swift Heart watched Melody roll into the kitchen. "You like keeping out of things don't you? Not one for picking sides?"

"I'm not exactly able to get into conflicts, that and I think there's enough fighting in the world without adding to it with these things," Melody smiled and added, "I do choose sides when I have too, but I prefer to stay where I am unless I have to."

Patting her shoulder she leaned over and murmured, "That's very harmonious of you." Moving away from her she hoisted herself on the counter. "So what's for lunch?"

Melody blinked at Swift Heart's comment, then shook her head, did she know?

Trust Heart wasn't paying attention but pulled out a small container of dressing, "Caesar Salad dressing, I know what I want!"

Ruby wrinkled her nose, "Who wants to eat straight up dressing." She grabbed a bag of frozen chicken nuggets out of the freezer. "Trick set the oven for me."

He did as she asked before grabbing a soda, "Swift Heart do you want anything?"

"One of whatever you're drinking. I need a caffeine pick me up." He tossed her a can. After taking a swig she asked, "How's your day going?"

"Pretty good, we set up a slip and slide and slide," Trust Heart said, grabbing some lettuce from Ruby, "And I wanted a salad."

"Thing were alright, we went for ice cream, apparently Trust Heart can drive now," Melody said.

"Oh yeah, Trick finally got me to be able to drive behind the wheel," Trust said as he made his salad.

"Phew that's a relief. Grumpy was worried they were going to make him drive with you again." She took a swig of her drink, "Not sure how I feel about that slip and slide but hey to each their own."

"It gave Trust an excuse to see me in a bikini, which was another whole new experience for him." Ruby told her as she took a seat on Trick's lap.

"And then there, OW!" Melody rolled over Trusts tail tip, not enough to damage but enough to hurt, she glared at him letting him know not to talk about the "wardrobe malfunction".

"It was just a slip and slide, but Trick made a slide bit for me so I could use it," Melody said, smiling at Trick, "Turns out I can climb a ladder, my arms are stronger than they look."

"That's a useful skill trust me." She told Melody. "It's good to have an ace up your sleeve as it were."

Swift Heart looked to Ruby sitting on Trick's lap, thinking to herself how cool it was that her and Fauna's kids were together. "So you made a slide huh? Bet you felt awesome afterwards."

Trick smiled rubbing the back of his neck, "I didn't know it would be so complicated."

"You'll get better at it. Playful Heart once tried to make a catapult...it didn't end well."

"Really, what happened?" Trust Heart said, starting to munch down his Caesar salad.

She stole a crouton from his plate, "Well. He tried to make a catapult so he could fling mud at those of us on the obstacle course. However he was only like 8 at the time and didn't fully understand how a catapult worked and in the end, the whole thing flipped, flinging the mud at him before deflating like a giant balloon."

Trust fell backwards into his seat laughing, "OH man HAHAHA! I'd have paid to see that backfire!" Even Melody managed a giggle at that story.

Trick however turned up his nose at them, "You just cannot appreciate a true artist."

Swift Heart giggled at him, "Well your artist was laughing along with the rest of us and I believe he said something along the lines of 'Looks like there's mud in my eyes.'"

Hearing the timer go off Ruby moved to the oven to extract the chicken nuggets. "You could learn a thing or two from him Trick." She sent a little wink along with her statement, knowing full well that had already happened."

"Don't encourage it Ruby. Trust me. Just like the electric fork. It seems like a good idea at the time, but it will end in disaster." She snatched a chicken nugget before Ruby could.

"Knowing Trick he'd probably have similar disasters the first time he tried something that complex on his own," Melody said.

"Hey I do just fine the old fashioned way. I think I'll stick with that for a while."

"Well look who already beat Playful Heart in the common sense department." Swift Heart complimented him, earning a big grin in return.

Ruby munched happily on a nugget, "How's your salad Trust Heart? Is it nice and salady?"

"Mmmhmm," Trust said, through a mouthful, swallowing, "want some Swift, Melody?"

"I'm fine," Melody said, going to the fridge to get something else.

"Sure. I love me some salad." Grabbing a plate she forked some on. "Trick you're not eating?"

He got up and pulled out some left over pizza, reaching over Melody to do so. "Why would I eat greens when I have this most excellent of all culinary accomplishments?"

Swift Heart put her hands together and bowed, "Ah yes of course. The cold pizza."

With each moment Trick felt himself falling more in love with his mom. He couldn't believe she was living up to all his expectations.

Ruby looked over Melody's shoulder, "What are you looking for?"

"Not sure," Melody said, "I'm not all that hungry, you know no legs to drain my energy. Mind if I have some of the pizza, Trick?" she asked.

He handed her a slice. "Nope. Here this is one of Tinker's pieces you can have that."

"Thanks," Melody said, taking the slice and eating slowly. She turned around and wheeled next to Swift Heart, "You seem very close to Fauna, why is that?" Melody had heard the story before but she decided to make sure this was covered, in case anyone called attention to it without having been "officially" told.

"Well Fauna grew up here with us after her parents were killed because Noble Heart and True Heart found her alone on earth. And ever since then I always saw her as a little sister. Plus we have a lot in common so we just sort of gravitated towards each other." She fingered her can, remembering, "We've been through a lot together and I know there's nothing we wouldn't do for each other." She laughed, "We were quite the sassy little teenagers if I do say so."

"I can imagine," Melody replied.

"Must have been crazy for everyone else," Trust added.

She shrugged, "They put up with us. Especially Grumpy. That grouch always did have a soft spot for her."

"But you guys stayed close even after she left. That couldn't have been easy." Ruby voiced.

"She always comes back. But you're right. I missed her an awful lot when she'd gone. But I know that she's happiest there and sometimes you've got to just make due." She looked at Melody, "Does that answer your question?"

Melody nodded, "Yes it does," she looked at Swift Heart for a moment, then returned to her pizza.

Trick got that mischievous glint in his eye, "Speaking of sassy teenagers and growing up here. What exactly was it like? And I don't want the boring stuff. Dish the dirt!"

Laughing she set her drink down, "Oh you guys don't want to hear about all the trouble we got into."

"Oh yes we do!" Trust Heart said, smiling.

"You'd better tell them, Swift Heart, or they won't let up," Melody cautioned, smiling.

"All right, you asked for it." She tapped her fingers as she thought of a good story to start with. "How about our first ever Halloween dance?"

Launching into the story, it was soon followed by another and another and another until before they realized it, the afternoon was gone and it was early evening.

Melody, Trick, Trust and Ruby stayed captivated the whole time. Trust was the first to speak after it was over.

"Wow, that's cool!" he said, "is that all for today?"

"I hope so, it's getting late," Melody said.

Looking at the clock Swift Heart yelped, "Crap I didn't mean to talk your ears off. You should have stopped me hours ago." Getting up from her seat she massaged her butt as it had fallen asleep. "Thanks for having me but I have to go. I have a dinner date." Grinning at them she sped out of the house.

"That Wonderland thing sounds like the freakin coolest thing ever." Ruby exclaimed.

Trick nodded, "I wonder if Delay is still the White Rabbit there?" Ruby and he exchanged a look but said no more on the matter.

"Melody what was your favorite story?" Trick asked her.

"Probably the Opposite's story, how things all worked out," she admitted, "but they said a bunch of the opposites just vanished, what do you think happened to them?"

"Wonderland was my favorite too," Trust Heart said, "but yeah, that bit with the vanishing opposites was weird."

"Maybe something took them out." She drew a finger across her throat incase her meaning was unclear.

"Like who?" Trick asked her.

"No Heart for one. If he created them he may have found a way to track them down and make sure they paid for failing."

"Maybe," Melody said, "but what would they have failed at," at that point the lioness yawned, "but I think I need some sleep now though."

"Yeah, that's not a bad idea," Trust Heart added.

Trick gripped Ruby's hand, "We'll leave the house so it's quiet for you guys."

She let Trick pull her out of the house, leaving Trust and Melody to go to sleep.

Outside they headed for the Forest of Feelings. Trick wrapped an arm around Ruby's shoulders. She in turn relaxed against him, resting her head against his shoulder and leaning into him.

"I want to take you on a real date Ruby."

She smiled, "You do? Since when?"

"Since mom said she was going on a dinner date with dad and she practically vaporized out of the room."

Ruby laughed, "You want me to vaporize for you?"

"Yes woman. Vaporize for me right now!"

Reaching up she covered his eyes, "There. I'm gone."

Both laughing they continued on their walk, planning their first official date.