A week or so later Swift Heart was making sure the final touches were being finished for Ruby and Tricks wedding party. She had made sure not to make anything too frilly and to have a good music system set up.
She directed her helpers on setting up the tables and adding the centerpieces as she checked on the food in the kitchen. The guests would be arriving soon and then Trick and Ruby would make their entrance and be presented as a married couple. Just like a real reception.
"How's it coming Etienne?"
"Perfect if I do say so myself. An' no onions in anyting per yo' request." He grinned as he ladled sauce onto steak medallions.
Grinning she returned to the main room and waited for people to arrive, including her husband and both her daughters.
Grumpy arrived shortly thereafter, holding Lively Heart Rabbit in his arms, "Hi Swift Heart, the hall looks great," he gave her a quick kiss, "Here, Lively's been asking for her mother all day," He offered the infant rabbit to Swift Heart.
"Awww, you hungry baby?" She grinned at her as she took her. "I'll take her in the kitchen to feed her. Can you make sure the lights are working properly? I want to make sure they change colors."
"Right, might as well make myself useful," Grumpy nodded, going over to check the lights his wife was referring to.
Going to the kitchen she passed by Brave Heart and saw he was having issues with getting the flowers to stand up right. "Go give Grumpy a hand, I'll get them after I feed Lively."
Grumbling about uncooperative floral arrangements he moved off.
"Come on munchkin." Swift Heart said to her daughter with a giggle at the lion.
At about that time, Bright Heart had arrived in the hall and noticed Grumpy checking the lights.
"Hey Grumpy, checking for burnt out bulbs?" He asked.
"Among other things," Grumpy replied, tapping a light bulb to see if it was working properly, "How's Gentle Heart?"
"She's fine, she picked the flowers out for the day," Bright Heart nodded, "Want any help?"
"Be my guest," Grumpy replied.
"Mind if I help too?" the voice came from Brave Heart who had just walked up behind them.
"If you want," Bright Heart replied.
Etienne had started to set food on the buffet table leaving Swift Heart in private to feed her daughter. Her ears twitched at the sound of footsteps and she looked to the door. Gentle Heart came in with the extra flowers.
"Hey Gentle Heart. Thanks again for the arrangements, they're gorgeous."
The lamb smiled, "I thought they would appreciate the tiger lilies."
"Brave Heart was fussing with one of them. Could you check it for me?"
She nodded. "Of course." Turning she went to check on her flowers.
Melody and Trust heart arrived next, Trust Heart gave a low whistle when he saw what was done to the hall, "Wow, Swift Heart really went all out here."
"Why wouldn't she, it's her son's reception after all," Melody pointed out.
Fauna and Blue arrived soon after. By then Swift Heart and Lively had returned to the main room and Fauna moved over to speak with her. "Are the grandkids here yet?"
Swift Heart shook her head. "Not yet, but they should be soon." She grinned and held out a big bag of red, silver and black confetti. "Can you put this up there in the tarp so when I pull the chord it falls on Ruby and Trick during the first dance?"
Fauna nodded and gained her Pegasus form. "You know they are going to kill you for this right?"
Swift Heart nodded, "But I don't care."
Fauna took the bag in her teeth and flew to the suspended tarp.
Tinker and Arrow arrived with their children shortly thereafter, Artesia was walking but Arrow was alongside her in Pegasus form, just in case she needed support for the steps. Thankfully Freedom Heart seemed to be asleep.
Upon seeing Fauna, Arrow smiled and nudged his daughter, "Say hi to grandma," he said softly to her. Artesia looked up at Fauna a bit nervously, unsure what to do.
Seeing her granddaughter Fauna swooped down, landing lightly in front of her. Nickering to her softly she ran her nose over Artesia's neck, breathing on her and licking her. The filly relaxed and began trying to bite Fauna's ears and forelock.
"She seems eager to get to know you mom," Arrow was happy at this and he nodded.
Fauna smiled at him. "Yea. I think I'll hold off shifting around her though until she's a bit older. You and your sister freaked when you saw me in human form the first time." She moved to look at Freedom and nickered softly at him too.
Freedom Heart stirred in his mother's arms and blinked up at Fauna. The Pegasus cousin gurgled and reached for her. "Here you go," Tinker lifted her son closer to Fauna's face.
Feeling the tiny hands on her face made Fauna smile. She lipped his tummy making him giggle. "So easily amused at this age. Then they turn into that." Her eye flicked to Arrow.
"Love you too mom."
Blue finally noticed his grandkids had arrived and came trotting over, "Hello Tinker. Arrow." He touched noses with his son.
Freedom Heart giggled and Tinker smiled, "He likes that grandpa," she said, smiling and trying not to laugh.
Blue grinned, "Then he'll love this." Lowering his muzzle to Freedoms belly he blew hard and vibrated his lips.
Fauna shook her head at her mate's antics, he had always been the dopier of the two of them around Ruby and Arrow as well.
"Nice dad," Arrow chuckled as his son was giggling, "So is everything ready yet?" he asked.
"I think so. All we need is the guests of honor." Fauna was looking around, "And they should be getting here as soon as everyone else arrives. Swifty wants them to make an entrance."
"How did Trick feel about that?" Arrow asked his mom.
Wincing as Artesia got a grip on her ear she gently dislodged her towards her pop pop. "He was planning some dance to do on the way in but knowing your sister that won't be happening."
"It looks like everyone's arriving," Tinker noted, "We should find a place to sit Arrow."
"Alright, come on Artesia," Arrow nudged his daughter to get her to follow him.
Meanwhile Trick was trying to get Ruby out the door to attend their party. She was taking forever to finish getting ready.
"Rubes you know my mom hates to wait. If we're not on time she'll summon a winter that will last a thousand years."
Her voice came through the bedroom door, "I think you're exaggerating just a tad. But I'm done anyway so chill." Opening the door she stepped out, "Well, how do I look?"
Trick felt stunned as he looked at his wife. She was wearing a white halter dress that was draped so the bodice was tight and the skirt had lots of movement. The drapes were secured by a jeweled pin on her left hip and showed a slit of the under fabric. Her short hair had been pulled into a bun at the nape of her neck. Around her throat glittered the firefly necklace Trick had given her.
Snapping her fingers in his face to get his attention she asked again, "Is this good silence or bad silence."
Moving over to her he smiled softly at her, "Very good silence. You took my breath away. I almost wish we had a real wedding now."
"Almost." Leaning up she kissed him. "Let's go make your mom happy."
Offering her his arm they headed for the party.
In the hall, everyone had taken their seats, and was waiting for Trick and Ruby. Grumpy checked his watch for what seemed like the fiftieth time: "Where are those two?" he grumbled silently.
Swift Heart sighed beside him, ears twitching, "I knew we should have sent someone to rush them along. Neither one is ever on time for anything."
Just as the thought left her mouth, Trick pushed open the doors with Ruby on his arm, "May I present for the first time ever. Well, to most of you here, Mr. and Mrs. Trickster Heart Hare."
Ruby rolled her eyes besides him, "So glad for the millionth time I don't have to take your name."
"Who knows wifey dear, Trickster Heart Tiger sounds good to me."
That got a laugh out of her, "My herd would eat you alive, and I'd just watch."
Before he could retort Swift Heart yelled, "Walk in here now! You're late."
Trick shivered, "Brrr did it get cold in here all of a sudden?"
Shaking her head and trying not to laugh she got Trick moving and together they walked in to the applause of their family.
Artesia let out a soft whinny among the applause, Tinker was keeping her voice low, making sure her kids were feeling alright.
Hearing the whinny Ruby left her husband to go see her niece. "Hey sweetie!" Kneeling in front of her she cupped her cheeks and kissed the swirl of hair in the middle of her head.
Trick however continued walking; pretending Ruby was still on his arm. "Perfect wife. Right here." He gestured to the empty space.
Shaking her head Swift Heart motioned to the food table. "Go ahead and eat everyone, we'll dance afterwards."
With Swift Heart seeming to have given her permission, most everyone went to the food table. A few went to meet see Tinker and Arrow's children, who were making their first real public appearance today.
Etienne and Gloria immediately went to meet with Ruby and Trick.
"So how do it feel to be tah'd down?" Illusion Heart asked both Ruby and Trick at once.
Trick smirked, "I actually prefer handcuffs."
"Trick!" Ruby clapped her hands over his mouth as her cheeks went red. "So help me I will take out your larynx." Facing Etienne she replied, "For the most part it's nice."
Nodding he pried his wife's hands off his mouth. "I'm enjoying it."
Gloria couldn't help but giggle, "Handcuff hmm?" she teased them.
Etienne chuckled as well. "Oui, it took some adjustin on mah part but tings been goin' good." He put an arm around Gloria.
"But just in case, I still have my nest in the jungle to hide out in. Did you make the food? It smells awesome."
"My tanks chere. An oui, I did. Made sure to do dat loaded mac and cheese you so fond of."
Ruby's eyes lit up, "I'll be right back." She hurried away to snatch some before the others could.
"So how are you handling Artesia?" Blue asked Tinker, curious to hear how she was handling a Pegasus foal for a daughter.
"She's nice, a bit odd having a daughter who is mobile from the first day," Tinker replied, watching Freedom Heart while she spoke, who was being carefully shown to anyone who wanted to see him, "She's a really thirsty girl though, I tried switching to formula but it's too soon for them I think."
"Poor thing. It'll get easier when she weans and you both can have a break." Blue told her.
Fauna chimed in, "But that lovely day doesn't happen until after their teeth start coming in. Lucky you." She had Artesia pinned under one of her wings.
"How long does that take?" Tinker asked. She then looked at their daughter, "She'll have to take it easy though since she was technically premature for a Pegasus."
"Normally around 6 months old. They start learning to fly then too. Usually." She nudged her granddaughter over to her father. "I'm going to get some food and shift. Mind the munchkin."
Fauna trotted towards Ruby and waited till she was out of Artesia's view before gaining her human form.
Arrow took Artesia under his own wings, "It should be about nine months then, if it makes a big difference with the premature birth."
Tinker nodded, carefully retrieving her son, "When do you think Freedom Heart should learn how to fly?" she turned to ask Blue.
Blue shrugged, "Whenever his wings develop and he starts trying to use them. You can probably ask Cuisine how old he was when he learned how to fly."
"I will, when he's not busy," Tinker nodded to Cuisine Heart who was busy eating at that moment.
"I could go for some food actually, how about we head over and grab some." Blue shifted to his human form and went to hug Ruby. When she saw him she grinned and threw her arms around him, resting her head momentarily on his chest. He in turn kissed her hair and told her something the others couldn't hear.
Swift Heart waved at them, "Tinker, you guys are sitting with us."
"OK mom," Tinker moved over to the food table, carefully taking food for her and Arrow before going to sit with Swift Heart and Grumpy, carefully cradling Freedom Heart the whole time.
"Here Tink. Let me have that grandson of mine so you can eat." Tinker handed the baby over.
Grumpy put him in the crook of his arm so he could still observe the festivities. It also put him next to Lively Heart and the two began gurgling at each other.
"Say hi to your aunt Lively," Tinker nodded to the two cubs.
"It's still odd to see it that way," Arrow added as he began to eat.
"I agree." Trick added. He had stopped by on his way to the table for himself and Ruby. "Look at little LiLi she's getting so big." He made goo goo eyes at his younger sister and waggled a finger in her face. Reaching out she grabbed the finger and held on tight.
"Someone wants her big brother to stay." Swift Heart translated.
Freedom was looking at Trick upside-down since the hare was leaning over his dad.
"I just hope you're a better brother to her than you were to me," Tinker said, glaring at Trick.
"Of course I will be. She's much cuter then you were." He stuck his tongue out at her, "And she won't be attacking me with weird inventions that no one needs."
"Hey, I've made useful inventions," she carefully revved with her left hand, reminding him of the bike she'd made back in the first timeline so no one would catch on.
He smirked at her, "All the useful ones were used as bribes to keep me out of your hair."
Ruby came up with her mom and dad, "Can you invent me something then that will keep him from talking during movies? He voices over the actors and it drives me crazy!"
"I could invent something like that, but I'm not sure it would be, *ahem* appropriate for public," Tinker smirked.
"Right, have you tried putting your wings in his mouth," Arrow suggested sarcastically.
Ruby scoffed, "Oh yeah right. There's barely room for the two of us in that burrow in my human form, let alone in my true form."
Fauna and Swift Heart nodded in agreement. "I could fit when I was a foal but as I grew it got harder."
Swift Heart looked at her daughter and smirked at her, "Oh Tinker."
"Well she asked," Tinker defended herself, "but if it's for private use then why not just gag him and put him in a strait jacket?"
"Cause I can't do anything if my hands are tied." Trick defended himself.
Ruby nodded, "He has a point there."
Freedom squalled as Lively grabbed ahold of his mane. "Lively no! Too rough sweetie." Swift Heart gently opened the little bunny's fingers.
Trick looked momentarily worried, "Do not teach her to pull my ears!"
"I don't think that's a skill that can be taught or untaught," Tinker smirked, "and if that's the problem Ruby, then keep him quiet some other way."
"Duct tape it is then."
"I'll stop talking during movies if you stop singing songs that aren't playing when other songs are." He told her.
Ruby rolled her eyes, "Whatever Trick."
"Marriage is about compromise," Grumpy nodded, "It takes some time to figure out how and what but you'll get it eventually." He looked over at Tinker and Arrow, he didn't want to voice aloud how quickly they seemed to have fallen into the groove of marriage, he recalled what Swift Heart had told him about the previous timeline he couldn't remember and taking that into account it made sense, but of course even though he believed what Swift Heart had told him it wasn't something that was a good idea to bring up.
Blue nodded, "And since you two really didn't spend that much time figuring each other out, you will have more than a few bumps in the beginning."
"Oh daddy don't be so gloomy. Really, Trick and I will be just fine."
Trick slipped his arms around her shoulders, hugging her, "Fighting is how we say I love you. And we're very good at it." Ruby nodded in agreement.
"Whatever works for you Rubes," Arrow replied.
"Well I'm starving so we are going back to our table."
"Don't forget you two have the first dance." Swift Heart called after them. Both waved their hands in dismissive gestures.
"They seem to be rather well adjusted, all things considered," Arrow noted.
"Well as long as they don't cause your burrow to collapse on them, mom," Tinker added.
She smiled, "Oh I don't think we have to worry about that. It's seen it's fair share of abuse back when I was still living there and it's still in one piece."
Grumpy blushed and Fauna sniggered, "Rascal."
"Shut it." He shoveled food into his mouth.
"If they ever want kids though, they'll have to relocate." Blue commented.
Arrow shrugged, "I don't think they're thinking that far ahead yet dad."
Tinker nodded, "Neither of them ever seems to think too far ahead most of the time, I guess that means they're perfect for each other."
"Speaking of things that are perfect," Fauna remarked dryly as Beastly entered the room. He was wearing his work overalls and hat and went to get a plate of food. He was grumbling to himself, most likely complaining about the cleaning he would have to do after the party.
"How's he been working out anyways?" Tinker asked, she had never known Beastly ever, and only seen him briefly in either of her lives.
"He causes more messes then he cleans up. And I use that word loosely. But the alternative of what he could be doing is worse so we put up with it."
Swift Heart snickered, "I thought Illusion was going to bite him in half when he left all his food jars open and replaced most of them with the food he likes to eat." She made a face at what Beastly considered food.
"Yech! I don't want to think about that," Tinker grimaced, "As long as he's not causing problems it doesn't really matter what he does."
Seeing Fauna leave her seat, Blue cleared his throat.
"What? I'm just going to go say hello."
"Funny. I don't believe you."
As Beastly spooned lasagna on his plate he continued muttering, "And that glitter will take hours to get off the floor. Stupid happy occasions."
"Easy there fuzz brain. People are starting to talk about you." Fauna stood behind him, making him jump and the lasagna to fall on his face.
"Hahahah oh Beastly, you never disappoint."
Scraping the food off his face he scowled at Fauna, "You're one to talk. If I had a nickel for every time you've made a snide remark..."
"Awww flattery? To what do I owe the pleasure?" He scooped up his plate rather than respond and ran from the hall. A few of the others saw him covered in food and couldn't help but laugh.
Grumpy watching him go and commented: "I think he's going to cause trouble for us soon, and I'm not just worrying too much," he added quickly to forestall the inevitable claims of such things, "I think we should watch him more carefully."
Sliding back into her seat Fauna nodded. "He does seem to be slipping."
"And the way you've treated him over the years has nothing to do with it?" Swift Heart asked her.
Blue snorted, "He deserved it." Looking at Tinker and Arrow he told them, "He caused a lot of problems before his master was disposed of."
"We've heard," Arrow nodded, "I'd like to say he was just misguided but he seems resistant to any sort of change. He's still acting the same way he did since I saw him on my old visits and I've seen people try to reach out to him only for him to turn them down."
"Too many years in the dark." Fauna added.
Ruby returned, "I hate to bust up this intensely private conversation you all seem to be having but can I borrow Freedom? I finished eating and Trick is busy talking bikes with Jolly and Illusion."
"Alright, go ahead dad," Tinker nodded.
Grumpy lifted the Pegasus cousin cub he still had into Ruby's arms. "Be careful with my grandson," he cautioned, unable to stop worrying about that.
She acted insulted, "He may be your grandson, but he is also my nephew. I would never dream of...woops!" She dropped Freedom from her arms making Grumpy jump forward. However the baby barely fell a centimeter before Ruby had him securely again. Both of them were laughing. "Chill out Grumpy. I know how to hold a baby." Hefting him up she carried him back to her table, sitting him in her lap when she got there and letting him play with her utensils.
"As much as I find fault with her actions at times, I still trust her with my kids," Tinker nodded to her sister-in-law, "She may be short sighted but she's not careless with kids."
Arrow nodded in agreement. "And I feel like we are going to have to pry them away from her in the future." He nipped Artesia lightly on the neck. She snorted and went to retaliate against her dad.
"We'll see," Tinker replied before finally deciding to go back to eating.
After everyone had finished eating Swift Heart stood up and motioned for Harmony to start the music. "Alright Ruby and Trick, you guys get your first dance. Then the floor will be open to everyone."
Trick took Ruby's free hand. "Let's do it."
She hefted a sleeping Freedom up higher onto her shoulder, "Let me drop him off with his mom first."
Shaking his head he pulled her and his nephew onto the floor, "He's fine where he is." Grinning she leaned up and kissed him. As the music started he held Ruby and Freedom close and began to sway.
Tinker watched the dancing couple with some apprehension, "I hope those two know what they're doing."
"What do mean Tink?" Arrow looked to his wife in question.
"Just a mother's worrying," Tinker replied, "They have our son out there."
He rested his nose on her shoulder. "It's just a slow dance honey. I think he'll be fine. Besides he's with his aunt and uncle. They'd both never let anything happen to him."
"I know Arrow, but I just can't help it," Tinker smiled and nodded, placing a hand on her daughter's back. Artesia nuzzled her mother's side.
Shifting down to his human form he held a hand out to his wife, "Want to dance?"
Tinker smiled at Arrow and took his hand, "I'd love to," she replied as they made their way on to the dance floor.
Artesia tried to follow but Swift Heart held her back, "Stay here with grandpa and me. Mommy and Daddy will be right back."
Ruby smiled at her brother and sister in-law as they came out on the floor. "Look at us old married couples."
"You two are hardly an old married couple," Arrow commented, while smiling.
"Oh hush Arrow, let's just enjoy this while we can," Tinker replied.
As the song ended the music changed to become upbeat and a few more members of the family, especially the younger ones joined the couples on the dance floor.
Ruby laughed when she saw Melody have to drag Trust out. "That a girl Melody, you make him do it."
Illusion and Grateful Heart stepped onto the dance floor as well, finding the more upbeat music more to their tastes than the slow stuff before had been; it wasn't long before nearly everyone was dancing.
Swift Heart even managed to drag Grumpy out on the floor. She had left Lively with Gentle Heart while she enjoyed a few songs.
"I got to admit Swifty. You pulled this party off. I think the kids are really enjoying it."
She nodded and spun herself into Grumpy's arms, "Of course they are. I knew they would." Groaning internally at her cockiness he spun her back away from him.
The party wore on until rather late in the day and people left in pairs and groups. Tinker and Arrow were two of the first to leave, so they could put their kids to bed. Tinker was carrying the already sleeping Freedom Heart while Arrow had Artesia lying across his back as they walked.
"That was nice, I was surprised nothing bad happened," Arrow commented.
"Hey, even Trick isn't disrespectful enough to ruin his and Ruby's own party," Tinker added, "Looks like the kids will sleep through the night at least."
"Yeah," Arrow nodded.
Trick and Ruby were still dancing slowly on the dance floor. His arms were around her waist holding her close and hers rested casually about his neck. They were both pleasantly surprised how much they enjoyed celebrating their marriage. It was a whole day just about them and in truth, it was exactly what they needed.
Fauna and Blue watched from the door as they danced together. "They really do love each other." Fauna murmured resting her chin on her mates shoulder.
"Yeah they do. Both our kids are grown and married now. Does that mean we're done?"
She shook her head, "Nope. We'll never be done. They'll always need us."
He moved a hand to grip hers. "Let's head home. I have some things to do with the council."
She sighed completely jealous of how easy Trick and Ruby had it right now. She missed the days of being able to have endless alone time with Blue. "We better go then." Moving a few feet away she started to head for the portal.
Everyone in the Care Bear Family was talking about the party for quite a while, so much that no one even noticed where Beastly was going.
"Stupid Care Bears," he grumbled to himself, "No-Heart may have treated me badly but at least I got to do stuff I liked even if I had to clean up."
He looked upon the old castle where he used to live. Every once in a while he was able to sneak away and come back here, but never for too long.
"Wouldn't want those no good doo gooders getting wise on me." Looking at the tower that housed No Hearts potion room he saw a cloud of smoke coming from the chimney. "Hey! Who's in there?"
Like always he rushed in without thinking of forming a plan. "When I get ahold of them, I'll ...I'll...we'll I'll do something truly nasty."
Reaching the tower he ran into the room. "Alright, who's the dummy taking Lord No Hearts stuff?"
In the center of the room stood a tall skinny woman with Purple and green hair and a sour expression on her face. She laughed upon seeing Beastly, "It's about time you showed up fur ball. I was starting to think those Care Bears had managed to keep you locked away. Tell me, how do you clean a rainbow without washing away the color."
His jaw hit the floor, "Shrieky? Is that you?"
Brow furrowing she inhaled "!"
Beastly was flung from the room yelling. "Yup it's you."
"Get back in here pea brain. You are going to help me get revenge on those Care Bears." She curled her hands into fists, "I'll make them pay for killing Uncle No Heart."
Beastly cackled, "Sounds good to me! But uh...how're you going to do it?"
"Easy, fuzz brain, their children," Shrieky replied, "And we have someone else to help us this time. Come with me and I'll show you."
Beastly bumbled from the room after Shrieky with a frown on his face, "What makes you think you can show up here after all these years and start bossing me around again?"
She stopped, making him run into the back of her legs. Whipping around she fired a blast from her magic mirror, "That's why yellow teeth! Now get a move on."
As she resumed walking he mumbled "Probably only needs me because she can't tell the difference between a Care Bear and Care Bear Cousin."
He began to shiver as he walked, 'Had the castle always been this drafty?'
Beastly's question was answered when they entered the old throne room only to find it covered in snow and ice and a familiar but not really welcome person waiting them.
"Cold Heart!" Beastly shouted.
He made no move to get up from No Heart's throne.
Shrieky whacked Beastly on the back of the head, "Stop Shouting!" Pointing up she showed Beastly the icicles hanging precariously from the ceiling.
Cold Heart glared at Beastly, "You would do well to listen to her. If you hadn't been living with those fuzzy-wuzzies so long I wouldn't even want you here."
"Wh-wh-why me?" Beastly stammered.
"You know their home and who the children are, plus I know despite your... mental phalluses that you have an uncanny knack for stealth," Cold Heart explained, "Shrieky has made a rather daring plan that we need you to help us enact."
She moved so she was standing between Cold Heart and Beastly, "You lint breath will be luring the kids away from Care-a-lot back here. Their parents will be so busy looking for them that caring missions will go neglected, earth will be forgotten, and we can make them pay for killing No Heart, the greatest wizard of all time."
She directed the last statement at Cold Heart, daring him to challenge it.
Beastly frowned, "But they'll know it was me won't they? If all of them disappear at once?"
"That's why you won't be doing it all at once. Think about it, one goes missing, everyone starts to search. Then a few more are that much easier to slip away. And then some more. You can make up some lie about a carnival or whatever for all I care. Just make sure you continue acting normally and no one will suspect you."
Beastly cackled, "This might actually work. But what are you going to do with the kids when you get them?"
Shrieky tapped her chin, "I haven't decided yet."
"I'd suggest you start as soon as possible, keep doing your janitor things but watch for the kids and what they are interested in," Cold Heart added, "And take this for the infants," He produced a bottle with a green liquid in it, "It's a special sleeping medicine that will keep them from crying out when you take them."
Taking the vile he slipped it into his overalls, "Hyuck hyuck hyuck, oh boy, oh boy! I've been waiting for something like this."
Shrieky pointed to the door, "Get going! I don't want to raise my voice!" Remembering the icicles Beastly ran from the room, hitting a patch of ice and sliding the rest of the way.
Shrieky covered her eyes with her hand and shook her head, "Why does he have to be the only option."
"He's lived with them for quite some time and he's been able to sneak around without being noticed, and besides it was either him or Frostbite..." Cold Heart groaned at the thought of his somehow even clumsier assistant trying to do what Beastly was supposed to.
She nodded, "Lesser of two evils." Realizing what she said she cackled, "Or in this case maybe the greater." Pulling out her mirror she fluffed her two toned hair, "Who knows, the time away may have done him some good."
Beastly managed to keep his cackling down as he made his way to the small quarters he'd been granted, "Ooh time for my revenge, now who do I start with," he checked down a list of the family he had access to as he checked which kids would be best to start with.
In Pegasus Falls, Blue was going over another revised version of the treaty he had drawn with the Hurroks. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Fauna reading in her human form, sprawled out on their couch. She had been a bit distant from him since Ruby and Trick's party and it was worrying him. It was most noticeable when he attended to royal matters and when she was called by Tinker to answer a question about Artesia.
Putting down his pen he walked over to the couch and leaned over the back, "Do you want to talk about it yet?"
Her eyes didn't leave the page, "Talk about what?"
"Why you've been awkward lately. It's not something everyone would notice but I'm always hanging around you so I couldn't help it." He grinned, trying to ease the tension with a joke.
Closing the book with a sigh she looked at him, "You're going to think I'm awful."
"No I'm not. After all these years together you should know that. Nothing you could ever say would make me think you're awful." He remembered a similar conversation when Arrow and Tinker were married.
"I miss us. I miss how things used to be when we first got together, before royal duties got in the way; before kids and grandkids came into our lives. We used to spend a whole day just laying together and watching clouds drift by, and it was the nicest thing I could have imagined. I miss it just being us and I wish there was a way to get that back."
He knew exactly what she meant. Their alone time had been greatly reduced over the years, and it was no longer effortless. It took planning and timing. He too had begun to miss the spontaneity that had been the core of their relationship.
Drawing an imaginary design on the back of the sofa he thought of something, "Well I don't' know about forever, but what if I could make it just us for a few weeks?"
Fauna sat up a little straighter, "What are you talking about?"
He grinned, "What if you and I just blew out of here, didn't tell anyone where we were going, and had a vacation. Just the two of us?"
"But how can you do that?" Her concern didn't fool him for an instant. He could see her eyes shining at this idea.
"I can leave the Council in control while I'm gone. They are all trustworthy and can more than handle it." Reaching over he moved a stray strand of hair out of her eyes, "I think you're right and we need some us time. I know we've more than earned it."
Leaping at him she hugged him tight, "Thank you Blue!"
Hugging her back he kissed her cheek. "I'll go talk to them and we'll be out of here in an hour."
"I'll ask Widgeon to mention it to Arrow next time he sees him." Kissing him quickly she wiggled out of his arms. "Let's go!"
While he was hardly a child, Cuisine Heart Pig still wasn't considered an adult yet and he was still going to school. He had learned to fly with the wings he had sprouted recently however he wasn't strong enough for long distance flights yet and his father told him not to fly while too close to the edges of Care-a-Lot just to be safe; Cuisine Heart saw no reason to worry his parents, especially his mother because she got very concerned whenever he got into any sort of trouble, however rare it was.
He was heading to Etienne and Gloria's house for a cooking lesson when he ran into someone he didn't recognize; dressed in one of the oddest outfits he'd ever seen, including some of the things that Playful and Funshine came up with.
"Umm hello?" his greeting was also a question.
Beastly fixed the electric yellow mask over his eyes and cleared his throat, making his voice lower, "Fear not young pig! I am the AMAZING-" he paused briefly, "FLYING...Condor." He said the last word a little less confidently, "I have come to invite you to my circus of wonders and mystery." Flaring out his arms Beastly exposed a cape of lime green and covered in multicolored sequins and some feathers.
Cuisine gave "Condor" an odd look, "A circus? Here?" he was a bit confused but still naive enough to believe him.
Beastly nodded, "Yes sireeee my young friend. You see our circus is a flying circus and can travel anywhere. In fact our cloud is parked right over there." He pointed beyond the trees of the Forest of Feelings.
That got Cuisine Heart's attention, "A flying circus really!" he sounded excited, "Can you show me please?"
Chuckling Beastly spread his arms, "Absolutely. Follow me riiiiiiight this way." Turning he began to briskly walk, making his cape billow out behind him.
Cuisine Heart eagerly followed the person, wondering just what he would see.
A few hours later Treat Heart knocked at Illusion and Grateful Heart's door. When Grateful came to the door Treat Heart spoke a bit hastily.
"Grateful Heart, I need to pick up my son, he's been here too long today."
"Cuisine Heart never showed up Treat Heart," Gloria shook her head.
"What?" Treat Heart was now worried, "But he hasn't been home for hours, are you sure you just didn't see him with Illusion."
"I doubt he could have slipped by me but I'll check," Grateful Heart Platypus turned back and called, "Etienne, dear is Cuisine Heart here?"
His voice came from somewhere in the house, "Non chere. He didn' show up fo' his lesson. I figured he fo'got." Coming to the front door he saw the worried Treat Heart and frowned, "Everyting okay?"
"I haven't seen my son since I got back from my caring mission today, I thought he just was over here," Treat Heart was sounding more worried by the minute, "I need to tell Renegade maybe he can find him!" Treat Heart took off rather quickly for home so she could get her husband's help.
"I think we should help her," Gloria said as she watched Treat Heart leave, "I know how I'd feel if we had a child missing."
Nodding he put an arm around her and kissed her forehead, "Les go mon Cherie. We can take de river an' look along it."
Word about Cuisine Heart going missing spread rather quickly, Renegade especially was worried as he flew around Care-a-Lot, shifting into an eagle so he could see better; admittedly he was a bit stiff from not shifting as much as he used to but he ignored it, his son was more important.
Even Tinker and Swift Heart managed to get their kids to sleep and sped around the Kingdom of Caring to search for the missing child.
Finishing up an area Swift Heart ran into Etienne and Gloria. "Any sign of him? I went all the way to the west edge and I couldn't find anything."
Illusion swished his tail, flinging multi-colored water from it. "Notin. We combed de river deu times an no sign of him. We even ask de others. No one seen de petite."
Gloria shook her head sadly, "I don't know where he could have gone."
"I can't see him from the air either," Renegade dropped out of the sky, shifting into his care bear form as he landed, "I'm worried sick about him I hope he didn't..." Renegade shook his head to clear it of disturbing thoughts.
Swift Heart put a paw on his shoulder, "He knew not to go near the edge and fly by himself. He's a good kid and he hated making Treat Heart worry."
"You tink he wen' to de Falls?" Illusion knew it seemed unlikely but they had exhausted the likely options.
"It's possible," Renegade nodded, but he didn't sound too confident about that idea, "I'll see if anyone's seen him in there, tell Treat Heart where I went, I hope I won't be too long."
Renegade shifted into a cheetah, paused for a moment to stretch then took off to the falls.
"I think I'll go sit with Treat Heart. I'm sure she is going crazy right now. Illusion can you go see how Tink and the others are doing on their search?"
He nodded and ran off.
"Gloria you come with me. She's going to need a good support system right now."
Gloria nodded, "Right, Swift Heart." As they headed for Treat Heart's house she spoke to Swift Heart, "I can't imagine what it's like for her, I don't have a child so I can't imagine how Treat Heart feels right now."
Thinking back to when she saw her children fade all those years ago she shuddered, "I can, and I'm pretty sure nothing could feel so awful." Looking at Gloria she figured this was as good a time as any to ask. "If it's not too personal, why did you and Illusion never have kids?"
"Well, honestly I'm not sure if Illusion wants kids or if we can handle it and still be a couple," she looked to Swift Heart, "I guess I sound kind of silly to you."
Swift Heart shook her head, "Kids aren't for everyone. If you two are happy the way you are don't change it. And don't take this the wrong way but I can kind of see what you mean. Etienne was always a little scared of commitment. Look how long it took for him to marry you."
"True, but that was more that neither of us really though that being married was all that important," Gloria added, "It's not like there's a huge stigma up here attached to 'living in sin' as humans put it."
Laughing she agreed "You got that right." Reaching the house Swift Heart opened the door, "Treat Heart honey? It's Swift Heart and Grateful. You here?"
There were some muffled noises from inside before Treat Heart answered, both Grateful Heart and Swift Heart could see that she'd been crying.
"Oh, hi girls, come in," she stepped aside to allow them passage before going to sit down again, wiping some dampness from her eyes.
"Oh Treat Heart I know you're worried but we'll find him. There are only so many places he could go and we have everyone looking." She sat next to her and handed the pig a tissue.
Gloria nodded and sat down next to her, "Swift Heart's right, we'll find him I promise."
"Thanks, but still I can't help but worry," Treat Heart replied, sniffing a little.
"Well Renegade went to check the Falls so we'll know more after that. Is there anything you need? Just name it. Grumpy is watching Lively so I'm free."
"Nothing you could give me really, I've eaten and now I just want my son to come home," Treat Heart admitted.
She rubbed Treat Heart's back in comfort, "Hopefully Renegade will bring good news back."
Sadly Renegade returned empty handed and more worried than ever. Unfortunately things weren't getting any better.
Tinker ran into a very worried Arrow on her search and the first words out of his mouth were: "The kids are gone!"
"WHAT?" Tinker grabbed him by the shoulders, "What do you mean gone?"
"I made sure they were asleep before I went to join the search but they were gone when I got home!" Arrow did his best to dislodge his mate, "I don't know what could have happened."
"Oh no!" Tinker held her head, this was by far the worst day she could ever remember in either of her lifetimes.
Steadying her he continued to look around, "Easy Tink. We'll find them."
He saw Funshine and Playful Heart running towards them. For once both looked, serious. Entirely too serious actually.
"Have you guys seen Agile Heart? He was supposed to drop something off at the Hall of Hearts and come right home but that was three hours ago."
Arrow shook his head, not liking this at all, "Where's Loud Heart?"
"We left him at home and told him to stay put." Playful Heart said.
"You should go check on him just to be sure," Tinker said hastily.
"Right, don't worry I'll be back in no time, Funshine," Playful gave her a quick kiss before taking off back to their home.
Noticing their expressions Funshine's eyes widened, "No. Don't tell me Artesia and Freedom are missing too?"
Arrow nodded, "I don't understand. They were in the house, asleep." He was berating himself mentally over and over for doing something wrong.
"It's not your fault," Tinker put her arm on his shoulders, "We just need to search around for them."
Meanwhile at Treat Heart's they had just received word that Agile, Freedom, and Artesia were also missing.
Swift Heart was on Treat Hearts phone calling Grumpy, an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"Hello?"
"Grumpy where's Lively?"
"What do you mean where's Lively? She's right here with me. Where you left us."
"Are you sure? Are you positive?"
"Yes Swift Heart I'm holding her right now, what's the matter with you?"
Sighing in relief she leant her back against the wall, "Sorry, it's just, a lot more kids are missing." She quickly caught him up on the others. "Just do me a favor and don't let her out of your sight. Actually-"
"Say no more. We're coming over." Hanging up the phone he looked down at his daughter chewing on her pacifier. "Come on. Let's go find mommy." Grabbing the diaper bag he headed out the door.
Unbeknownst to him, Beastly slipped away from the window, "Drats. Almost had her."
Tinker had gone to join her dad and was relieved to see her little sister was safe. She gave her dad and sister a careful hug, "Thank goodness she's safe dad," was the first thing she said, "What's going on dad?"
He scowled and shook his head, "I have no idea. But until we do we need to make sure all the remaining kids are accounted for." Using his free arm he hugged his eldest daughter around the shoulders, "It will be okay. As soon as we figure it out we'll fix this."
"Until then, I'm not going to let Lively out of my sight," Tinker promised, "it's hard enough not knowing what happened to my kids I'm not going to let my baby sister vanish too."
Grumpy nodded in agreement, "She's going to have someone with her every second till we find the others." He handed her over to Tinker, "Here you carry her. This diaper bag weighs more than 3 of her." Grunting he hefted it higher on his shoulder.
Tinker took Lively in her arms and held her carefully, "Is she still nursing or on formula?" she asked Grumpy.
"Still on breast milk but your mom's pumping, not feeding her directly. That's why this thing is so heavy. We are starting to switch her over." They were almost at Treat Hearts house.
"OK," Tinker nodded as they reached Treat Heart's house, "Arrow's out searching right now."
"So are Ruby and Trick. I called them after you're mom went to look."
Swift Heart met them at the door and moved to check her daughters over. "Hi honey. How are you doing?" She hugged Tinker to her after making sure Lively was in one piece.
"As well as I can considering the circumstances," Tinker replied putting just one arm around her mom, "Lively's alright too. I'm going to make sure my baby sister doesn't vanish until we find everyone else."
Grumpy dropped the diaper bag by the couch and headed back to them, "I'm going to go join the search Swifty. I'll come back if we find something."
Releasing Tinker she kissed her husband. "Thank you for watching her. I'll never call you overprotective again." She whispered.
"We both know that's a lie." He grumbled but he gave her one more kiss before leaving.
"Come on in Tink and sit with Treat Heart."
Tinker nodded and sat down with her mother and Treat Heart, she nodded towards the pig cousin, "I know how you feel Treat Heart."
"Thanks Tinker," Treat Heart nodded then smiled at the young rabbit in Tinker's arms, "You're a good big sister Tinker."
"Thanks, I try," Tinker replied.
Swift Heart was making everyone tea to help keep them calm, "Think. There has to be some connection between all your kids disappearing. And until we get word from the search party, it's the best we can do right now."
"Well the only thing that connects them is that they're all young and they all vanished when left alone, which is why I'm not letting lively out of my sight no matter what."
At that moment Ruby came running in, out of breath, "We couldn't find the others. But now Pledge Heart and Loud Heart are gone too. They're expanding the search to the old Castle but they need more help." She stopped to catch her breath.
"Oh dear, this just keeps getting worse!" Treat Heart sounded distraught.
"Are you going to help search mom?" Tinker asked Swift Heart.
She was already heading for the door. "After I go make sure Cozy and Jolly are alright."
Pausing by Ruby she raised her eyebrow in question. "As soon as I catch my breath I'm going to get Widgeon and Pallas and ask them to help." Nodding Swift Heart sped away.
Tinker held Lively a bit closer and looked to Ruby, "Any idea what's going on?" she asked.
Ruby's eyes began to glow, "Oh I have a very good idea of what's going on. Clearly someone got up here and is taking the kids. And when I find out who has my niece and nephew, they are going to pay."
Lively burrowed her head in Tinker's shoulder to avoid looking at Ruby.
Tinker rocked her little sister to keep her calm, "Any idea who it could be?" she asked.
She shook her head, "You?"
"No I don't," Tinker shook her head sadly, "But I'm going to keep my baby sister safe from whoever it is," Lively began fussing in her arms, "sounds like she's hungry," she said, carefully digging through the diaper bag for a bottle for her sister.
"I could help search too," Treat Heart offered as she stood up.
"Want to take a rest, Ruby?" Tinker offered, "I'm sure Arrow is going to get the godparents to help search soon."
She shook her head, "No I'm fine. Trick and he are looking at the area around where the kids were last seen to see if whoever it was left a trail. I'll keep you posted." Turning to Treat Heart she told her, "Everyone is meeting up at the Caring Meter to compare notes and come up with a new plan." Heading back outside she shifted to her true form and flew away.
Eventually the search wound down with no success. Tinker kept her word and stayed with Lively Heart all day, feeding her and keeping her clean to keep herself busy; she seemed to be taking the whole situation harder than the others seemed to and keeping herself occupied looking after her baby sister was helping her cope.
Arrow had recruited Pallas and Widgeon for the search but sadly they had found nothing either. Arrow had returned to help Tinker by carrying Lively's diaper bag on the way to the meet up at the caring meter.
He kept glancing at his wife as they walked. She just looked so lost and uneasy it was making his heartache.
"Tinker talk to me. I hate seeing you like this."
"Sorry Arrow," she apologized, "But I just feel so useless right now. I remember back in our last life I could handle almost anything at any time and the only thing that could stop me was injury. But now, all I can do is keep myself occupied and worry about where Artesia and Freedom are."
He nodded "I feel that way too. All I needed was that bow to feel safe and now, I can't even trust myself to keep an eye on our kids. I thought we had fixed the problem when No Heart was killed." A thought hit him, "You know Tink. Your brother was a real good tracker in the other time. Do you think he remembers any of that?"
"He probably does," Tinker nodded, "I just want to go home after this and rest for a while," she cradled her baby sister in her arms, "I won't let Lively Heart be taken though. I don't want mom to worry like we are."
"I think she's pretty worried as it is. It is her grandkids that are missing too." He sighed, "I wish my mom was here. And I know how that sounds but she always knows how to handle a crisis."
Tinker nodded as they reached the caring meter. Reports were being shared and Tinker found greater concern as she heard that other than Lively Heart, every child had somehow vanished from the Kingdom of Caring. She found herself holding her little sister as though she were her own child out of concern but sought out her parents as quickly as possible.
"Mom dad," she found them quickly, "I'm here, I kept Lively safe, don't worry." She reassured them.
Swift Heart smoothed the little bunnies ears down and kissed her, making her giggle and reach for her mom. "Never doubted you for a moment sweetie. I knew she was in good hands."
"Thanks mom," She offered Lively back to her, "I changed and fed her too. Until my kids are back I'm more than happy to babysit."
Widgeon and Pallas came up to her. Nudging her cheek Widgeon said, "I'm so sorry we couldn't find anything Tinker."
"Yeah what kind of kidnapper doesn't leave a trail for us to follow."
"A good one nitwit. That's kinda the point." Ruby rolled her eyes at Pallas's foolishness.
"Here's a question for you," Grumpy spoke up, "how many good kidnappers do we know who could pull this off without us noticing?"
The others began to think it over.
"No one that I've heard a peep out of in years." Brave Heart commented, "In fact, most of the other bad guys that used to give use trouble went quiet around the time No Heart, well erhem, you know." He glanced at Indy.
"I don't really know any of our other enemies," Indy confessed, "And with my mediation jobs these days I haven't had much time to learn about them."
Tinker suddenly had a thought as she looked around, "Hey, where's Beastly?"
"Cleaning the basement in the Hall. He's been there all day." True Heart said. Sure enough the door opened and he came out with an armful of boxes. He made it a few feet and then tripped and fell face down, dropping the boxes everywhere.
Champ snickered, "I don't think we have to worry about him."
Trick however wasn't convinced and exchanged a look with his sister.
Tinker nodded to Trick wordlessly noticing how Beastly briefly eyed Lively Heart before going back to work. "Mom, Dad," she turned back to Swift Heart and Grumpy, "Mind if Arrow and I stay with you for a while, just for safety?"
"No that's fine. We can put you in the guest bedroom." Swift Heart told her.
Arrow nodded, "And we'll take turns watching Lively." He knew it would put Tinker at ease.
Trick whispered to Ruby, "I'll be back. I want to take another look at some of the houses the kids were snatched from."
She nodded and moved to stand by Tinker. "I'll be outside. Just in case." She murmured to her sister in-law.
"Thanks Ruby, I really appreciate that," she gave Ruby a hug, "I'm not going to sleep tonight anyway."
"Well let's go home then," Grumpy offered, yawning.
As the others slowly began to separate to their own homes for sleepless nights Trick circled around the back of Playful Heart and Funshine's tree house. Sure enough on the ground he found a bunch of sequins and neon feathers.
Scooping them up he weighed them in his hands. "What kind of kidnapper would wear something with these on it." The other houses didn't bode as well for him. Whoever had abducted the kids left no sign of a struggle or any evidence. About to head back to Ruby, he crossed the spot where Agile disappeared. Again he found some sequins, this time attached to a clump of dull brown fur.
"I knew it." Clenching his fist he headed for the Hall of Hearts.
Beastly finished stacking the boxes, yawning. He was exhausted, having spent all day running his abductees back to Shrieky and Cold Heart while returning to the Hall to keep his alibi in place.
"Just one more little brat and then I can leave here for good."
Turning to head to Swift Heart and Grumpy's he saw Trick blocking the exit from the basement. "Leaving so soon Beastly? After we just started to get acquainted."
He yelped and started to back away from the hare.
"Where did you take the kids garbage breath." He advanced on him, hand hovering over his hip for a weapon that was no longer there.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I've been here all day." His hand was in his pocket, clutching the vial of sleep drops Cold Heart had given him.
Trick grabbed him by the front of his shirt and lifted him off the ground, "Do you think I'm an idiot? I said where-" He didn't finish as Beastly dumped the liquid into his mouth. Sputtering Trick dropped the former henchmen. His knees went wobbly and his world started to spin.
Cackling Beastly watched as Trick sank to the floor, "What's the matter Trickster Heart? Feeling a little sleepy?"
Once he was sure Trick was asleep he began to drag him to the bike-copter, "Shrieky will be sooooo proud of me. I'm sooooo bad."
Shrieky and Cold Heart were keeping an eye over the cells where they had placed the captive children of various ages. At the moment they were all sleeping either through the potion or sheer exhaustion.
Upon hearing the all too familiar sound of the bike-copter Shrieky turned, expecting to see Beastly returning with the last child, instead she saw Trickster Heart asleep in the seat.
"What's he doing here fur ball!" she demanded advancing on him.
"He-he caught onto me, I had to bring him back here before he told anyone else!" Beastly protested.
"Oh leave him be," Cold Heart decided to be lenient for the moment, "He still brought us one of their children." He then rounded on Beastly, "But you'd better get that hare in the cells then get back and get their last child now!" he shouted.
Beastly yelped and hastily dragged the unconscious Trickster to a cell before taking back off.
Cold Heart watched him go, "At least he's done well so far."
"So far," Shrieky admitted, "And even if he doesn't come back with the last kid we still have more than enough for our plan."
It was almost midnight when Beastly got back to Care-a-Lot and made it to the clouds outside Swift Heart and Grumpy's house. He could see the shadow of a human inside pacing back and forth in front of the door as well as someone sitting in the rocking chair in Lively's room.
"Stupid bears getting wise. How am I supposed to get her out now." While he slunk towards the window for a better look, he failed to realize Ruby circling in her tiger form.
As soon as Beastly's smell hit her she let out a small growl, "That idiot." Sneaking around behind him, she prepared to pounce.
Beastly was about to pull himself through the window when he felt something grab his legs and pull him back. He was unable to hold back his yell.
Standing on his chest, eyes glowing Ruby snarled down at him, "What are you doing here fur brain?" She knew the others would hear the commotion.
Tinker had been watching Lively with Arrow dozing but both were jarred by Ruby's shout. Arrow made it to the window first while Tinker went to check on Lively, who had been woken by the shouting.
"Ruby, what's going on?" Arrow's vision was still blurry when he was looking out the window, plus he didn't have Ruby's night vision.
"Beastly was trying to sneak into Lively's room. My guess it wasn't to read her a bedtime story."
"I was climbing on the roof to make sure the gutters were clean. I needed to use the window to get up."
"Liar! Where are Artesia and Freedom." She hissed.
Beastly couldn't form anymore words because Ruby's paw was pressing on his throat. Jumping through the window Arrow placed a hand on her shoulder to ease her off.
"Easy, we need him alive." He glared down at Beastly, his own eyes beginning to glow, "Now answer the question."
Instead of speaking, Beastly bit Ruby causing her to growl and release him. Beastly wasted no time and ran.
"What's going on?" Swift Heart emerged, looking around.
"Beastly, mom!" Tinker had come to the window, holding a now crying Lively Heart
"He went that wa-" Arrow pointed and Swift Heart shot off in that direction. Tinker watched her go then went to sit down, rocking her little sister, "There there, it's alright. Mom's going to get that evil fuzz ball for us," Tinker reassured her. Lively wouldn't stop crying though so Tinker sighed, "Oh alright I'll get you some food."
Beastly rather clumsily ran, breaking twigs and trampling anything underfoot in his desperate bid to get away.
Swift Heart had no trouble chasing him, not only did she know the forest better and the path was easy but her diet gave her better night vision than Beastly.
It took only two minutes for Swift Heart to catch him, as she had to go slower to avoid tripping, but even so she put on a final burst of speed when she saw him and slammed into Beastly, tackling and knocking the wind out of the fuzzy creep before she pinned him on the ground.
"Don't you ever learn Beastly. You can't outrun me unless you cheat." Keeping her knees on his back she stared some heart shaped handcuffs and used them to bind his hands. "Now why don't you explain to me why you were being pinned by my daughter-in-law outside my daughter's bedroom in the middle of the night?" Alleviating the pressure on his back slightly, she allowed him to breathe again.
Beastly was about to offer some excuse when an absolutely furious Ruby appeared behind, even angrier because she had been bitten. Before Ruby could make any threats Beastly blurted out a confession, "Shrieky and Cold Heart made me do it!"
Swift Heart gasped, "Did you say Shrieky AND Cold Heart? But where have they been all this time?"
"Who cares just let me show that musty throw rug what happens when he uses me as a chew toy."
Swift Heart shook her head and held up a hand, "No Ruby."
Getting to her feet she pulled Beastly up as well, "We are going home and you are going to tell me everything you know. Make one wrong move," Her eyes flicked to Ruby, "And I let her have you."
Gulping Beastly let himself be dragged along. He wasn't sure whose wrath to be more afraid of at the moment.
Tinker was still in Lively's room and was still rocking her, thankfully she had fallen asleep. She heard the door opening and she carefully stood up, heading to the living room with Lively and meeting Arrow, Ruby, her parents and a bound Beastly there. Ruby remained in her tiger form just in case Beastly tried something.
It didn't take any more than the five angry glares at him to get Beastly to spill everything about how he'd been sneaking back to the castle when they weren't looking, how Cold Heart and Shrieky were working together, how he had lured each child away or fed them a sleeping potion if they were too young, and ending with his encounter with Trick in the Hall of Hearts.
"You kidnapped my husband! Do you have a death wish? Tell me the truth?" She snapped her teeth an inch from his face.
"I had no choice, he was butting in and got what was coming to him."
"How could you Beastly. We took you in and gave you a home." Swift Heart shook her head at him.
Grumpy scowled, "Oh I imagine it wasn't very heard. Once an evil henchmen always an evil henchmen."
"Yeah what gloomy said. Besides, you all forced me here, it was never what I wanted. I would take working for them any day over you."
Arrow stared down into his face, "How do we get the kids out? And how much time do we have?"
"I-I don't know, they just told me they wanted to kids to get revenge, they never said how they were going to do it!" They could see that Beastly was too scared to lie.
"Well what do we do with him?" Tinker asked, holding Lively rather protectively as she did.
Grumpy gripped Beastly's arm and hauled him up. "For now he is going to be tied to the Caring Meter where everyone can keep an eye on him." He looked to Ruby, "Go wake up Etienne and Brave Heart. Tell them what happened and have them come guard this lowlife."
Beastly stuck his nose in the air, "Don't try to flatter me."
"How about I just flatten you then."
Swift Heart moved between Ruby and Beastly. She knew she wasn't going to calm down now until they got Trick back.
"Tinker you stay here with Lively and Arrow you come with me to take care of Beastly."
Turning to his wife he told her, "Go get Renegade, Loyal Heart, Jolly, Tender Heart, and Indy. They'll go with me and Arrow to get the kids back."
Nodding she zipped off to do as Grumpy said while he moved Beastly out of the house.
"Bring our kids back home Arrow. And be careful."
"I will. Promise." Leaning down he kissed her.
As Tinker watched him leave she hugged Lively tight, trying not to worry.
Groaning Trick started to come around, hearing a sharp noise echoing nearby.
"What did that stupid fur ball give me?" Gripping his head he sat up, waiting for his ears to stop ringing. He realized the noise was multiple babies crying.
Going to the bars of his cell he saw the other care bear kids being held across the way. There were a few small crib like devices that were holding the infants and the others were scattered on the floor.
However what shocked him most was the amount of toys the older children were playing with and that they didn't seem bothered by their surroundings. In fact, they looked like they were having a good time. If anything the only thing bothering them was the screaming infants."
Loud Heart spotted the hare now awake and hooted happily. The noise made the babies cry louder. "Hey Trick! Check out all these neat toys Uncle Cold Heart made for us." He was currently flying a remote control airplane.
"Uncle Cold Heart? Are you guys okay?" He was blinking the last bit of sleep from his eyes and testing the lock on his door. It wasn't budging.
"Of course we are alright. The amazing Condor brought us here because Uncle Cold Heart made a neat carnival for us." Loud Heart stated proudly.
"Only it's not ready yet so in the meantime he said for us to stay here and play with these." Agile added. He winced as Freedom and Artesia both let out sharp whinnies.
"Hey hey, it's okay. Uncle Tricky is here." He was hoping they knew his voice well enough to be calmed by it. Artesia did indeed look his way but Freedom kept squalling.
"We have to get out of here. Do you know where Cold Heart keeps the keys?"
Cuisine Heart looked confused, "What keys? We can go whenever we want. It's just late so Cold Heart said he would drive us back in the morning. He said our parents knew and that they want us to have a good time."
Groaning Trick rested his head against the bars, "Please tell me I was never this naive as a child."
Suddenly a bunch of ice minions, accompanied by Frostbite, came into the hallway bearing trays of food.
"Duh here you go kids. Cakes and ice cream from Uncle Cold Heart." As the other kids went to the tray, Frost Bite went around to the babies and stuck bottles in their mouths. He tickled Pledge Hearts stomach making him giggle, "Heh heh, they're so cuddly."
"No don't eat the food guys, It-" One of the ice minions moved over to him and injected something into his arm. He felt drowsy once more, "Not again."
Shrieky cackled as she watched Trick fall asleep once more. "That fool. He fails to realize how easy it is to manipulate children. How's the machine coming?"
She looked over to Cold Heart as he fiddled with some dials. "Almost complete. We'll suck the caring right out of those junior fuzzie wuzzies and then freeze their empty shells into statues to decorate my new castle. Then I'll reverse the polarity on their caring energy and use it to conquer their parents." He pointed to the mirror, "And we'll start with that one."
"Your new castle? Hardly. It's mine! It belonged to No Heart so it's only right it goes to me."
He laughed at her, "You don't having an evil scheme IQ that's even a fourth of mine. You don't deserve the castle. I was No Hearts only equal, it should be mine."
About to retort, Shrieky was cutoff as Frostbite returned, "The babies are all asleep and the kids are happy."
"It's about time. They were giving me a headache." She rubbed her temples.
Cold Heart pointed a wrench at her. "Go make sure all our defenses are still in place. It has occurred to me Beastly is taking too long getting the other brat."
She bowed sarcastically, "Whatever you say, Lord Cold Heart. Woops!" Sending a bolt of Lightning to fry his butt she stalked from the room.
While Beastly squirmed under the glares of Brave Heart and Illusion, Grumpy filled in his fellow rescuers in on what he had learned.
Renegade, Loyal Heart, Jolly, Tender Heart, and Indy listened intently to Grumpy and Arrow as they explained the situation to them.
"So what are Cold Heart's methods?" Indy asked, drawing his wooden sword and giving it a couple test swings.
"He uses technology rather than magic, and ice based stuff too," Loyal Heart explained, "He's not as powerful as No-Heart, at least not in terms of his own fighting skills but he probably has a lot more lying in wait for us to deal with."
"Don't worry mate, we'll get to that bugger and get our kids back," Jolly's normally jovial voice was much more serious.
"Got that right!" Renegade added.
"Hey guys!" the group turned to see Trust Heart running up to them, Beastly had deemed him and Melody too old to try tricking away.
"Trust Heart? What are you doing here son?" Loyal asked as his son finally slowed down, panting a little and clutching a rather well made wooden sword that Indy had given him.
"I want to come with you," Trust Heart said, "I want to help save the kids."
The seven chosen rescuers all looked at each other and it was Independent Bear who broke the silence, "One more won't compromise anything and he's had enough training, but I'll let you decide Loyal, you're his father."
Loyal looked at his son's eager expression and then to the others for opinions.
"He can come if you want, but only if you think he can handle it," Renegade offered.
"It's up to you Loyal Heart," Grumpy added, Arrow nodded but he was more confident that Trust could be helpful because of what he'd done in his last life.
"Well Loyal Heart, make your decision because we need to get moving soon," Tender Heart was rather impatient.
"Alright, you can come son, just be careful," Loyal Heart said.
"Thanks dad, I promise I'll be careful, you too Sensei," he added to Indy.
"Good, so what's the plan?" Jolly asked.
"We storm the place and get our kids back," Grumpy said, "Not much else to plan around this so let's get going," Grumpy conjured a cloud car, as did Jolly Heart. Indy looked to Renegade who shifted to his Pegasus form.
"We'll go in first, you guys can search for the kids and we can deal with the people behind this more directly, keep them off your back if you want," Indy suggested as eh got on Renegade's back.
"No way, we're going to take these guys down as a group," Loyal Heart said. Indy just nodded as they took off for the castle.
"There that should do it." Standing back Professor Cold Heart admired his machine. "Now all I need is to test it out on one of those fuzzy offspring."
Shrieky turned to some of her Uncles old shadows floating nearby. "Go get Trickster Heart. We'll wait for him to wake up."
They floated off to do as she bid.
Cold Heart was practically drooling, "With all the pure caring energy those kiddies give me, my plan is sure to succeed."
Rolling her eyes in disbelief Shrieky moved away to sit on the throne. "I heard my uncle say the same thing countless times, and look where it got him."
The rescue party landed at the entrance to the castle. Jolly shivered as he approached: "Croikey it's cold here."
"Looks like Cold Heart's done some renovating," Loyal Heart observed, noting the ice on the walls, "No telling what else he's done here."
"Let's not waste any time," Renegade was clearly impatient, "Who knows what Cold Heart is doing to our kids!" Renegade whinnied and charged in. A cracking noise overhead drew Grumpy's attention and he tackled Renegade out of the way of a falling icicle about the size of a tricycle fell and stuck itself in the floor.
"Oh right, traps..." Tenderheart sounded less than pleased as they followed Grumpy and Renegade in more carefully. Unfortunately more cracking noises overhead caused them look up at a veritable forest of icicles shaking and about to fall.
"Oh crap," Trust Heart gulped.
"Don't stand there, run!" Loyal's plea got them all running as the icicles began falling in rapid succession. Unfortunately after a short distance the floor became covered in ice and it took all they had to avoid the falling spikes and still move forwards. Renegade's hooves were the worst at keeping traction and he shifted into a polar bear which gave him much better traction as they ran; Arrow shifted to his eagle form which was much smaller and let him fly around the ice and avoid slipping. More than once Indy was forced to slice an icicle in half when it landed just in front of him while he ran.
Tenderheart looked ahead and saw that the ceiling was devoid of ice. "Just a bit farther care bears!" he shouted back as they almost kept running. Renegade grabbed Jolly as he fell and tossed him forwards onto the more solid ground before making it across himself. Loyal, Tenderheart, and Arrow made it across rather easily however Trust Heart slipped and began skidding.
The floor under Trust's body suddenly melted as he tried to stand up and he nearly fell through, however Independent Bear grabbed him and threw him to his father, only to fall through into it himself as he couldn't avoid sliding.
"Indy!" Tenderheart shouted as Loyal Heart hugged his son.
"Are you alright, Trust?" he asked.
"Yeah, but my Sensei..." He looked back at where Indy had vanished down the hole. There was silence for a moment as they looked back at where he had vanished, until a voice came up from the hole.
"Oh for Pete's sake I'm hanging here just pull me up already!"
Jolly, Tenderheart and Arrow, now in human form, all looked over the edge.
"Sorry mate, thought you fell down into that drink," he pointed to an ice water river below where Indy was hanging on.
"Right, just pull me up," Indy sounded exasperated as the three observers pulled him out.
"Well let's move on then," Grumpy nodded as they turned to head deeper into the castle.
Frostbite came running into the throne room, having heard all the commotion of the icicles breaking. "Boss I think we have a problem. There's some Care Bears downstairs and..." He faded off as he saw his masters face.
"I knew Beastly would ruin it somehow. Better get a move on with that one, I'll try to distract them." Grabbing her mirror she left the room.
Cold Heart wheeled Tricks gurney under the suction part of the machine. He was starting to come around and opened his eyes to see a large funnel placed over him. "This day just keeps getting better and better."
"Sit tight my young friend, the machine just needs a few moments to warm up."
Trick laughed and rolled his eyes, "My isn't that ironic."
Back in the Kingdom of Caring, Swift Heart had returned home after rounding up the team for the rescue mission. Upon entering she was pleased to hear that Lively Heart's crying had stopped and decided to check on her two daughters before she did anything else.
Swift Heart opened the door to the rather surprising sight of Tinker nursing Lively Heart while rocking slowly in the chair.
"Tinker!" Swift Heart kept her voice low but her shock was evident.
Tinker looked up, a bit embarrassed but she didn't move her little sister away from her. "Sorry mom, it's just she was crying and I couldn't find her bottles, plus I was feeling a bit lonely and this is somewhat comforting."
Swift Heart sighed and sat down in a chair in the same room, "I guess I can't blame you, but we are trying to get her to drink from bottles. That and isn't it kinda of awkward for you to be breastfeeding your baby sister?"
"Somewhat, and I promise this will be the only time I do this," Tinker promised, "It's just comforting for now with my kids and my brother being held captive."
"I understand, Tinker," Swift Heart nodded, "I'm worried about Trick and my grandkids too."
The rescuers ran through the hall towards the throne room, thankfully avoiding the traps now that they knew what was coming. As they approached the throne room a blast of magic stopped them in their tracks.
"Well if it isn't the Care Bears, and a couple Pegasus to boot," Shrieky sneered down at them.
"Shrieky, my you've grown," Loyal Heart said sarcastically.
Shrieky scowled and leveled her mirror at them, "I've grown up alright and now I'm going to get my revenge for Uncle No-Heart."
Indy stepped forwards, drawing his metal sword he spoke to his companions: "You guys go ahead, I'll deal with loudmouth here."
"Roight, give it to her mate," Jolly said.
Trust Heart just nodded, he wanted to fight her but he wouldn't disobey his sensei now.
As the other rescuers tried to move past Shrieky she just laughed and held up her mirror, ready to blast them until Indy spoke up.
"If you want revenge, then fight me," he said coldly, "I'm the one who killed No-Heart."
"What!" That got Shrieky's attention allowing the others to easily slip past her.
"It's true, I'm the one who cut off your uncle's head, so if you want your revenge then fight me," Indy offered, readying himself to fight.
"I'm going to kill you you stupid Care Bear!" Shrieky fired off a blast from her mirror that Indy dodged rather easily before turning to face her. He decided that regardless he was going to take this fight slow and give the others whatever time they needed unless they called for his help.
Grumpy led the group back out into the hall and resumed heading for the throne room. "I'm pretty sure it's down this way."
"Blymee mate how can you be sure. Oll these halls look the bloody same ti me." Jolly said exasperated as they once more passed a gargoyle that he swore they had passed in the other hall.
Tender Heart shrugged, "We usually wander aimlessly for a few minutes and then magically end up where we're supposed to be."
"I'm not wandering; I know exactly where we are." Grumpy shouted back at him.
"Unfortunately so do they," Loyal Heart pointed to some of Cold Hearts ice minions that had blocked any further movement. These creatures were a little larger concern then No Hearts shadows because they could shoot ice from their hands.
Trust Heart resettled his grip on his sword, pointing it at the ice creatures, "Let us pass, and we won't hurt you."
His response was a beam of ice being shot at him, forcing him to dive out of the way.
"Easy son. Let us old pro's show you how to handle ice minions." Tender Heart, Grumpy, Renegade, and Jolly moved to stand next to Loyal Heart.
Arrow stood back with Trust to watch for the moment.
"Care Bear countdown, 4-3-2-1- Stare!" The group released their stares at some of the minions. As it hit them their crystalline bodies began to hiss and melt in a few places. Gargling their words they retreated away from the beams of energy.
"Nice job men. But let me give this a whirl." Calling his Pegasus magic to his hands, Arrow shot a beam of his own at another ice minion. It had the same effect as the stares. "Give it a try Trust."
"But I wanted to use my sword." He grumbled.
Arrow smirked, "Tell you what. I'll melt them, you finish them off. Deal?"
"Deal!" Rushing for one Arrow had hit, he hacked it in half at the most melted points.
Indy was occupied with dodging Shrieky's attacking, doing what he needed to buy the time for the others.
Shrieky was just getting angrier as she shouted: "Hold still you stupid Care Bear!"
"And why would I do that?" Indy asked rather casually considering the situation.
"So I can have my revenge!"
"Right, that's really going to happen," Indy drew both of his swords, "Go on, try and hit me," he challenged her.
"Why you you," Shrieky took a deep breath and Indy instinctively plugged his ears.
The loud screech emanated throughout the castle pausing a lot of the activity. Trick was hit rather hard because he couldn't cover his ears, and Cold Heart had to screw his eyes shut against the noise.
"I wish that stupid girl would put a lid on it!" he spoke rather loudly. He didn't notice that the sound waves were causing some rather delicate glass casings on his machine to crack.
Trick couldn't contain a yell of pain as Shrieky's voice filled his sensitive ears.
Grumpy heard his son and hurried along, "Hang on Trick, we're coming!"
Cold Heart scowled as the rescue party entered the room, "You're too late! My machine is ready to suck the energy out of him. Feel free to watch."
And indeed the others saw the power cylinders starting to glow.
Jolly laughed, "You are such a loiar! Woi don' you bail an let the ankle-biters go."
Shaking his head Cold Heart moved to push the final button.
No one wanted to see that happen so they all made a dash at Cold Heart, but it was too late as the button was pressed and the machine began to fire up. Trick closed his eyes, dreading what was to come next. Amidst this, Trust Heart glanced up at two large glass encased glowing objects, they were cracked and getting worse as the loud shrieking continued. Trust took a deep breath as he drew his sword back.
Indy had had enough of Shrieky's screams and he jumped towards her, sheathing his metal sword and striking her hand mirror with his wooden sword, easily shattering the object before forcing his empty hand over the girl's mouth.
Shrieky was taken aback by the sudden and rather aggressive move by the Care Bear as he spoke all too calmly to her face.
"I think you'd better just stop now, miss Shrieky," Indy spoke the last two words with a note of contempt in his voice, "I'm not like the other Care Bears and I don't follow all of their rules. No-Heart was a lot stronger than you are now and I've gotten a lot stronger since I killed him; I can use magic myself now," to prove his point he sheathed his sword and used his free hand to create a small flame, "And I really don't want to kill you if I can help it, so why don't you just give up and I'll let the rest of the Care Bear Family decide what should be done with you and Beastly."
Trick's head felt like it was going to split open and as the others tried to shut the machine off at its controls. While the shrieking stopped, Trust Heart took that moment to throw the sword at the two cracked glass casings on the top of the machine. Time seemed to stand still for a moment as the sword hurtled through the air before it struck and smashed the two casings. The machine sputtered for a moment as the glowing objects flashed briefly, like a light bulb with a broken case, before the machine just stopped.
"You stupid mutt!" Cold Heart screamed at Trust Heart, "You destroyed the casing on my power cells!" They can't be exposed to open grquc!" Cold Heart was cut off as Loyal Heart placed a paw to his throat.
"Just because Proud Heart is his mother does not mean you or anyone can call my son a 'mutt'!" he growled at the professor.
"Where are our kids!" Renegade demanded.
Cold Heart just sneered, knowing they weren't capable of harming him.
"Duh, they're in there," Frostbite unwitting responded, pointing towards the playroom where the kids were either playing or sleeping.
"Frostbite you stupid nitwit I should-" Cold Heart was cut off as Arrow cast a spell that created a rather large magical gag in his mouth.
"I think I've heard enough of his talk to last a lifetime," the Pegasus commented.
"Got that roight mate," Jolly agreed.
"Let's get the kids back and get out of here," Tenderheart said, "I'll stay with these two since I don't have kids at stake right now."
Meanwhile, Trust was unbinding Trick from the machine. "Hey, Trickster, are you alright?" he asked, concerned.
"Ugg, I'm going to have a splitting headache for weeks but otherwise I'm fine," Trick said, holding his head from both the shrieking and the machine's failed attempt to drain him. Trust nodded and went to retrieve his wooden sword, which had fallen nearby. Since the others were leaving and Frostbite was still here, both the hare and dog went to stand over the strange little man, who looked dopily up at them as though he wasn't really aware of what was going on.
"So what do we do with him?" Trust called up to Tenderheart.
"That's a good question," the voice came from Indy who had dragged Shrieky into the room, her mouth bound by a similar magical gag like the one on Cold Heart, but also with her hands tied behind her back with another magical binding. "What should we do with these three?" he asked Tenderheart.
"Not to mention Beastly," Trick scowled, "when I get my hands on the drug distributing little furball!" Trick's anger was of no surprise to anyone, after all how would they feel if they'd been subdued by Beastly of all people, then kept in a cage, kept so full of sleeping drugs that he could barely think, and nearly become the start of a rather dangerous experiment?
Artesia woke from her nap as she heard the door to the playroom open. Seeing her father she whinnied in delight and ran over to him, rubbing against his chest. Arrow dropped his nose and began licking her, bringing his wings around to encircle her, "I'm so glad you're alright."
Grumpy lifted Freedom from the cradle he was in, kissing the young foal's nose. "He's fine too." He chortled happily at his granddad.
Renegade was giving much the same treatment to Cuisine Heart and Jolly was tossing Pledge Heart up in the air and catching him again, running his beak over his sons in between.
Loud Heart and Agile were playing a video game and were ignoring the reunions. Grumpy scowled at them, "It's time to go, now."
"Awwwwww but we're having too much fun." Agile complained.
Moving to the electric outlet, Arrow kicked the plug out, causing the game to go dark. "Ooops. It broke." Groaning they moved to stand with the others.
"When we get home we are having a long talk with all of you about not following or talking to strangers."
The much larger group left the playroom and headed back for the throne room.
"So yeah, Trust Heart saved my life, or my emotions or whatever would have happened to me," Trick said.
"I wouldn't have been able to if Indy hadn't trained me," Trust Heart was doing his best to show humility but his expression showed otherwise.
Indy chuckled from where he stood watching the now defeated villains, "It's alright to be proud of your accomplishments Trust, you've done a lot of good today."
Tenderheart nodded in agreement and turned to see the others returning either carrying or leading the kids away. "Good, looks like everything's in order, we should get home now."
"I'll watch these two," Indy said, taking the magically bound Shrieky and Cold Heart, "I'm sure you guys can handle Frostbite."
"We should probably take the kids to Take Care," Trick spoke up, "Beastly just used the same sleeping stuff on them that they kept giving me instead of trying to mislead them. I could stand a visit too just in case I need to get that cra-crud out of my system." Trick hastily corrected his near curse in front of the kids.
"Good idea, we need to make sure there are no long term effects from that stuff," Loyal Heart agreed.
Indy did as he suggested and took Cold Heart and Shrieky back in his own cloud car, with the others watching from other angles just in case. The kids were all strapped into their seats in other cars as they flew back to the Kingdom of Caring. It was nearly dawn and most of the kids were falling asleep anyway from having been up all night.
Upon arriving back in Care-a-Lot the kids were all dragged to Take Care's office, the doctor having been awoken some time ago because of a call ahead that Tenderheart had sent, and was busy checking the returning kids over.
"It's so much easier when they're sleepy," Take Care chuckled, trying to find some levity now that the danger was passed, "There shouldn't be any long term effects, whatever was in their system is mostly dispersed and should go away completely in a day or two," He added confidently.
"That's good, now check me doc," Trick said. Normally he hated going to see Take Care but in this case he was making an exception. He winced as Take Care drew some blood and examined it, all the while holding his head.
"Not much else here, Trickster Heart," Take Care replied, "there's more of that sleeping potion in your system and it should go away in a week at most. But you're going to feel rather drowsy for the next few days. Just drink a lot of orange juice and other fluids to speed things up."
"Ok, what about my headache?" Trick was motioned to his still very sore head.
"Well that machine had some effect but mostly its loud high-pitched noise you had to deal with before that," Take Care chuckled as he retrieved a small pill bottle and dumped a small gel capsule into Trick's hand, "here, an extra strong pain-killer. It should take effect in a few minutes after you swallow it. If the headache persists until tomorrow then come back and I'll get you some more."
Trick downed the pill without a second though, not even needing a glass of water to wash it down.
"Trick," Grumpy was still in the waiting room while the others had gone off to either go to bed and put their kids to sleep or to the Hall-of-Hearts for the verdict on what was to be done with their enemies, but Grumpy wanted to make sure his son was alright before he left.
"Yeah dad," Trick kept his voice low.
"Ruby's here, I wouldn't keep her waiting if I were you," he cautioned.
Take Care started to leave the room but Trick grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Hang on. I need you to do one more thing for me."
Ruby started forward when she heard someone coming from the backroom. Seeing it was Take Care Bear stopped her, "Where's Trick?"
"He's coming. He just asked me to tell you first that his ears are still really sore and he would appreciate if you didn't yank on them or yell at him for being stupid."
Grinning and shaking her head she called "You can come out coward. I'm not mad. I just want to make sure you're okay."
He stuck his head around the corner, double checking it was safe before walking to his wife. Ruby slipped her arms around him, "You poor thing. I can't imagine how you feel," Sighing in relief he realized she wasn't finished because she had started grinning, "to be outsmarted by Beastly."
"Hey he poured sleeping potion down my throat, not exactly a master move."
Reaching up Ruby gently rubbed one of his overlarge ears, "Come on super spy. Let's get you home."
That's when Trick noticed the bandage on her hand. Scowling he gripped it, "What happened to you?"
"Oh Beastly bit me. Don't worry Take Care fixed it up."
"Did you give her a rabies shot?" Trick questioned the doc. Then he turned to his dad, "You failed to mention Beastly was now in pieces." He held up Ruby's hand in indication.
"He's not, but not for her lack of trying. We kept him tied to the caring meter. We'll decide what to do with him and the others now. You go home and get some rest. All that sleeping potion means you're too loopy to be of any use right now anyway."
Trick wasn't going to argue. He had no desire to see those three again anytime soon.
Noble Heart and True Heart stood in front of those who had gathered to help decide what was to be done with Shrieky, Beastly, and Cold Heart.
"In my opinion," the horse founder opened, "they should be locked away somewhere on earth where the people we help can watch them. To me it seems only fair, since they are the ones who are usually targeted by their schemes."
Lotsa Heart looked confused, "But Noble Heart, they didn't kidnap human kids. They kidnapped ours. And for years before they had been coming after us."
True Heart smiled at him, "And that's the truth. But that was merely to get us out of the way. They always intended for the human world to be their end goal and to rid it of warmth, love, caring, and everything associated with that. So as punishment, I agree with Noble Heart that they should be confined down there where they can see the fruit of their failures every day." She turned her gaze to them, "And perhaps have them assist in multiple community service endeavors."
Turning back to those assembled Noble Heart asked, "Do you agree with this?" There were murmurs and speaks of agreement from those present.
Indy, who was on guard by the three prisoners added his points in: "It would seem like a good idea, since the crimes they committed were against us it's up to us to decide their fate and deliver it; the multiple counts of kidnapping alone could easily be given to the world government to warrant life in prison, however I'm not too sure about community service at least for Cold Heart but I'll leave that for you to decide."
"What are we going to do about Frostbite?" Melody had been invited to the meeting as she and Trust, while still not full adults were seen as old enough to take part in this.
Multiple eyes turned to the cleaning closet where they had confined the rotund little man; he hadn't found his way out yet.
Brave Heart offered his opinion, "From the way he's been involved in Cold Heart's schemes I'm not so sure he's really evil, at least not on their level," he pointed to the others that Indy was guarding, "He's just not too bright and rather suggestible. If anything we could give him to a rehab organization on earth or something similar."
Noble Heart nodded, "It seems best for him at least. Are there any other objections or suggestions?" he asked one last time to the rest of the room.
Nobody had any further objections. Grumpy cleared his throat one last time, "I think it would be best to send them all different places, and then to make sure Cold Hearts place is a warm tropical climate."
Multiple voices agreed. Noble Heart looked to Indy, "So be it. Indy if you would be so kind to choose three others to go with you and take them down to earth?"
Indy nodded, "Right, Brave Heart, Trust and Tenderheart. I can take Cold Heart, Brave Heart can take Shrieky, Trust can take Beastly and Tenderheart can escort Frostbite." Brave Heart and Trust agreed and easily grabbed the ones they'd been charged with and hauled them to cloud cars for the trips to Earth; Indy followed suit with Cold Heart, being a bit more aggressive with his motions.
Tenderheart went to the cleaning closet and opened it, causing Frostbite to tumble out. "Hi," he said dopily up at Tenderheart.
"Alright Frostbite, let's get going," Tenderheart helped the man up and led him to the door.
"Duh, where are we going?" Frostbite asked.
"To your new home," Tenderheart said.
Everyone else dispersed heading for home and some much needed rest.
Tinker was extremely relived when Arrow returned to Swift and Grumpy's with Freedom and Artesia and she hugged both her kids tightly, crying slightly.
"Thank you Arrow," she said, giving him a soft kiss, "I'm so relieved they're safe."
"You're welcome, now let's get home dear," Arrow nuzzled his mate and daughter before they left, heading for home.
Ruby smiled down at her husband as her fingers ran through his hair. The minute she had gotten him home and in bed he had fallen asleep with his head resting on her stomach.
While she had been more angry that he had been taken then worried, she was still glad he had made it home safe to her. She was going to make sure the next couple of days for him were as easy as possible.
The event had also made her realize something about their current situation she had never considered before. It had been in part inspired by her parent's sudden and secret departure. But she was going to wait to discuss it with Trick till he was better.
