Chapter 53
Back in the White Queen's Palace, Swift Heart was waiting with Nivens, Defiant, Love, and Calm outside the infirmary as Mirana's people saw to Fauna's injuries. It hadn't been easy, the young pegasus had to be drugged first, which she was less than pleased with, and then the queen had to find a concoction to have her regain her true form. Now they were working on repairing the hole in her wing and the torn muscle. Swift Heart was pacing outside the door, having been prevented from being inside. "What is taking so long?"
"The injuries she took are rather severe," Calm Heart said. "They can heal her but fixing that hole in her wing will take time."
"And they are reattaching muscle. Those take forever to heal," Love Heart added gently. "She will have to work to regain strength in it, and the hole may never grow hair or feathers again."
"You guys are awesome with this bedside manner," Swift Heart muttered at them.
"Fortunately that's not a big problem here," Nivens spoke up as he moved to Swift Heart's side. "They have healing potions here that can speed up the her healing, enough to skip that kind of trouble. The ones she needs are rare but they said they'd do it as a favor for saving me, despite that explosion."
"Well then I'm extra extra glad I saved you." She said, giving his hand a tentative squeeze.
"No problem sis," Nivens said. "Would you mind checking in one me, or at least sending someone to check up on me every so often?" he asked.
She nodded, "Of course. Is this because of your memories returning?"
"Yeah. I want to see more of you guys now. I'm happy here and I have a job I love but still..." Nivens looked down, "Everything here seems so crazy and I could use a dose of normal every so often."
"I could kill those guys. You were so happy and now they made you have regrets." Putting an arm around his shoulders she said, "I will try to come as often as I can, and I will drag these losers along with me too. I'll even see if Gloria would like to come."
"Thanks sis," Nivens gave her a hug.
While they were talking, Calm Heat pulled Love Heart aside. "Love Heart, we need to talk."
"Why, what's wrong?" Love Heart asked, seeing the concern on her face.
Calm Heart sighed. "I'm tired. I'm sick and tired of this whole thing, this fighting, this hating, this non-stop war, I just want to stop."
"Stop? You mean stop fighting?" Love Heart asked, he wiggled a finger in his ear.
Calm Heart nodded, "Yes. I don't want to be a part of this anymore. If possible I just want to leave and have my own life, away from all of this."
Love Heart groaned and rubbed his hands over his eyes. "This is the worst possible timing for this. Losing a body in this fight could mean the difference between us winning and losing." He took his hands away from his eyes and looked at the lynx.
Calm Heart had to wipe her eyes before she spoke, "I know, Love Heart, I know. But I just can't do this anymore. First the hunters, then No-Heart and now these Shadow Magi. I can't see an end to our fighting and I want to just have to a life to myself."
"So you're just going to hang out in the Kingdom of Caring and not help with anything?" Love Heart asked, incredulous.
Calm Heart shook her head, "No. I'm going to leave, to live where I won't be in the way and can just be happy."
Love Heart sighed again and held his head. "Ugg, my head!"
Love Heart leaned against the wall and held his head, thinking hard. "I'm going to hate myself no matter what I decide here." He gave Calm Heart a sideways glance, "Alright. I release you from your duties, Calm Heart. You can pack and leave as soon as we get home."
Calm Heart smiled and gave Love Heart a hug, "Thank you, Love Heart."
"This isn't going to go over well, but at least one of us can get out of this unscathed," Love Heart admitted.
The Door to the infirmary opened and the Queen came out. Swift Heart and Nivens rushed over to her, "How is she?"
Mirana smiled as her fingers danced through the air, "She is well. The potions finally worked on her and all her injuries have been healed. She may be a little sore and sleepy over the next few days but over all she will make a full recovery."
Swift Heart sighed in relief, "Thank you your highness."
"It was the least I could do. After all you returned my white rabbit to men," she smiled at Nivens.
Nivens bowed, "Thank you, you're majesty."
"You may go into see her now. I'd like for her to rest for a bit longer before she returns home, just to make sure there are no more ill effects."
Swift Heart nodded moved into the room.
Soul Heart was the last to return to the tower, none the worse for wear, she observed the four who had gone to Wonderland. "Things could have gone better, but at least you all have returned."
"I'm sorry I failed to defeat Love Heart," Blade Star apologized. "I won't lose to him again."
"It's alright. Love Heart is more powerful than you could have anticipated," Soul Heart assured her. She turned to Stolid Heart, "You performed superbly, keep working on your skills and you may be unstoppable."
Stolid grinned, "Thank you, Soul Heart."
"And you, Flare Heart. I need to take a look at your doll after this," She spoke to the fox. Flare Heart just grunted.
Pitch was sitting nearby, sipping her coffee and reading her book. She had looked up as her teamamtes returned, "Well you look in one piece. Can I assume you actually have a win under your belt now?"
Glacial nodded, "Yes yes. I vas victorious."
She toasted him with her mug, "Congrats. Vodka shot is on me." He smirked at her.
"But Flare got toasted," Stolid said which caused the fox to start fuming.
"Did she? And by who may I ask?" Pitch closed the book and leant forward in interest.
"Fauna Greywolf," Flare muttered.
Pitch laughed, "The shapeshifter huh? Interesting. I would have thought you could just charbroil anyone you went up against. Torrid filled me in on the mission, and I take it this means no Delay Heart?"
"Do you see him here?" Stolid snapped at her.
Pitch smirked, "Ooo fiesty."
"Unless there's anything you need to discuss with me, I would like to return to my work on the two immortals," Soul Heart said.
"A moment Soul Heart. I have a request I would like to make since ze entire team is here," Glacial spoke up.
"Well, Shatter Heart is on guard duty but very well. What is your request, Glacial Heart?" Soul Heart asked.
"Torrid is off somewhere too but I'll fill her in later," Pitch added.
Glacial never asked for anything so she was interested to see where this went. "A friend of mine es thinking of changing her life and is looking for a place to stay. I offered her here until she has thought of something else."
Pitch laughed, slapping the arm of her chair "Ha! Well I'll be dammed. Nanookie of the North has a love interest!"
Glaring at her he reiterated, firmly. "She es just a friend. Nothing more."
"I don't see any problem with that. Is there anything else you would like to tell us?" Soul Heart asked.
Casually he added, "Dah. You have all met her before. Et is Calm Heart."
The silence that followed as this news sank in was broken by Pitch leaping to her feet, "Are you insane!"
"I have to agree," Stolid Heart spoke up. "She's our enemy, Glacial!"
"Yeah! You literally just fought her the other day. She knocked you out and-" Pitch stopped, her mouth hanging open as realization hit her.
Glacial looked away as she resumed her tirade, "oh hoh hoh you crafty bastard! You only made it look like she went after you!"
"Does it help if I told you she had no idea who I was till zat first encounter?"
"No!" Pitch shot back.
"Did she throw the fight today as well?" Blade Star asked.
"Enough," Soul Heart stopped the conversation with just a word. She walked over to Glacial, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Is there a reason she wants to live with you, Glacial?" she asked.
He nodded, "She es sick of all ze fighting and such that has been happening lately. She wants a normal life. Away from Care-a-Lot and ze others."
"So tell her to get a freakin apartment!" Pitch lashed out.
"And you offered to let her live with you because you have feelings for her," Soul Heart surmised. Before Glacial could protest, Soul Heart placed a finger on her lips. "I understand."
"Understand!?" Flare Heart shouted, but Soul Heart ignored her.
"Very well, she can come here but only if she promises not to contact the Care Bears and does nothing to undermine us," Soul Heart said.
"Could we use her to gain an-"
"No!" Soul Heart cut Blade Star off, "If she wants out of the fighting then I won't force her to give up information or use her as a hostage. She'll be out of our way and that's all that matters." Soul Heart turned back to Glacial, "Contact her and bring her here whenever you are ready. We're short on bedroom supplies so she will have to share a room with you for the time being."
"I do not think that will be a problem."
Pitch scoffed, shaking her head, "Just friends my foot."
Soul looked to Pitch, "If she has no interest in interfering with our plans I expect you to treat her civilly."
Putting her book down she drained her coffee mug, "Then I think its best I am not here for now. I'm going to town." Pushing past Glacial she headed for the door.
"Well I think it's great that Icy's found himself a girl," Flash Heart Bear announced his presence as he and Serious Heart Monkey entered the room.
Glacial sighed, "She es just a friend. Nothing romantic at all. We just bonded when she needed an ear. Her family has been stressing her for a while now."
"Of course she's just a friend," Serious mocked before she turned to Soul Heart, "Here. We found the component plants you needed." The monkey passed a satchel to Soul Heart.
Soul Heart peered inside and smiled, "Perfect. This is the last of what I needed to use the ritual I planned for our two captives."
Glacial excused himself to check on Calm Heart. He tried to forget what his friends had said about him liking Calm Heart. There was just no way that was true.
Back at the White Queen's castle, Nivens and Swift Heat had been given permission to go and see Fauna.
They stood at her side and Nivens was the first to speak, "Are you feeling better?"
Fauna nodded, spreading her wings to check the one over. "Yeah, just a little tired. But whatever they gave me is working. Was anyone else hurt?"
Swift Heart shook her head, "Just some pride here and there."
"That's good." Turning back to Nivens she said, "Sorry I tried to bite you."
Nivens just waved it off, "You weren't the first thing that tried to bite me today and you certainly won't be the last."
Fauna smiled, "Interesting job you have nowadays. Pissing off a few snapdragons I take it?"
"Or a bandersnatch." Swift Heart said at the same time as Nivens.
Startled they looked at each other and Swift Heart gave him a little smile, "Well that's not freaky at all."
"It's good to see that you're doing so well," Mirana spoke up which made the three of them jump as she had entered the room in complete silence.
"I'm still not used to that," Nivens clutched his chest.
Swift Heart nodded, "I have the best ears around and she spooked me! That is one useful skill Queenie."
Mirana smiled, "Yes it is. But I do feel bad I am forever surprising my subjects. You are still doing well Fauna?"
She nodded, "The leg is good and the wing is good. Whatever you all gave me was awesome."
Mirana's smile faltered, "You were very lucky. Those injuries were quite severe."
"Good thing I went back for her," Nivens said. "Did you need me to do something, your highness?"
Mirana shook her head and produced a small amulet that looked like a small hand mirror. "I overheard your desire to see your sister, or someone from her home, more often." She presented the amulet to Swift Heart, "Anyone who wears this may pass through a mirror into my courtyard and return through it to the same mirror they departed through."
Taking the amulet from the queen she looked it over, "Wow thanks. This is perfect!" She elbowed Nivens, "There you go, now I have no excuse to not visit you."
He winced a bit from her elbowing and rubbed his side, "That's good. Think you can get me that new uniform sometime soon?"
"Yeah definitely. I'll go talk to Cheer and Love-a-Lot as soon as I get back about making it for you," she assured him.
"Thanks sis," Nivens clapped her hand.
"So am I good to go yet? I can't stay here all day," Fauna asked.
"As long as you feel okay, yes you may go." Mirana had barely finished speaking before Fauna was standing and heading out of the room.
"Forgive her. You'd think since she is practically married to a king she'd know how to treat royalty." Swift Heart bowed to the White Queen once more, "Thank you again your majesty. I'll see you all soon."
Once Swift was upright, Nives gave her a hug. "See you soonish," he said. "And if you meet anyone you think I might like, send them my way."
"Match maker match maker make me a match..." Swift Heart hummed as she returned to the waiting room. "Alright guys, let's get out of here."
"Good. I don't like leaving home undefended this long," Love Heart commented as they headed for the mirror.
They group easily passed through and came out in the Care-a-Lot gym. "I better go check in on the research nuts." Fauna said, covering a yawn with her wing.
"And I'd better go pack," Calm Heart said. "Can you tell everyone, Love Heart?"
Love Heart sighed, "It's an uphill battle, but I will."
Calm Heart smiled, "Thank you." She turned and headed for her house.
"She's leaving? But why? Did something happen?" Swift Heart asked, looking concerned.
"She's just tired of all the fighting," Love Heart said as the group headed back into town. "For that brief period when we had a family, before the hunters, she was our mediator. She only learned earth elementalism because she didn't want to be left out of the lessons. She was never really a fighter. She felt she had to help us deal with the hunters to avenge Koran but ever since then I've seen her wearying. I hoped she'd be able to adjust but I guess I asked too much of her."
Swift put a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sorry Love Heart. It's hard when a member of your family leaves you. When Good Luck Bear moved to Paradise Valley to be with Polite, I didn't understand his reasoning at first and I was so sorry to see him go. But with time, you'll realize this is the best choice for her."
"I hope so," Love Heart looked over to where Calm Heart had departed then turned to face forwards as the rest of them went their separate ways.
Fauna took her time getting to the Hall of Hearts. "Mirana wasn't kidding when she said I would be tired. Damn." Walking in she called out, "We're back book worms. What do you got for me?"
"We've made some progress," Aurora said. "It's a bit tough trying to work with this technology." She glanced over at the rainbow rescue beam pad.
"Luckily for us we have this guy." White Fang said as he pointed to Bright Heart. As Fauna got closer he made a face and wrinkled his nose, "Phew! Young lady what mishigus have you been getting into! That Wonderland magic all over you reeks!"
Offended, Fauna lay her ears back and scowled, "I got hurt and had to be healed. It will go away in a few days."
White Fang covered his nose with his wing. "Not soon enough. Go stand by that window."
"You can smell magic?" Guidance Heart asked, surprised. She was channeling light elementalism into the open panel of the Rainbow Rescue beam where Bright Heart was working, partly as light and partly for a test he was conducting.
"Of course I can! I'm the strongest shaman in the Falls." White Fang told her. "It's my duty to know when strange magic is about. It could be dangerous."
"What do our powers smell like?" Guidance asked.
"Watch the light!" Bright Heart spoke up. Guidance hastily corrected the beam of light she was using to illuminate Bright Heart's job.
"Usually it smells like whatever element you're using." Aurora sniffed, "But it's an odd smell, not like any magic I've ever encountered."
"Makes sense. Elementalism isn't really magic it's sort of like a martial art for your body's life energy," Guidance explained. "But it derives from a similar source."
Fauna was getting impatient, "Alright we get it. We all smell funky. Awesome. Now do you have any significant progress to tell me about that I can tell Blue, or can I go home and go to bed?"
"You can tell him we're getting close to making a link but without knowing where we need to go it will be difficult to make a portal to where Renegade and Nova are being held," Aurora said.
"Trying to track Wonderland magic is trying to pin down living chaos," White Fang added.
Fauna nodded, "Sounds about right." Looking to Aurora she said, "Bright Heart or one of the others can show you to the portal when you guys are done."
"I hope you sleep well," Aurora said before she turned back to her work.
Swift Heart made her way straight to Cheer's house to see if the trendy bear could help her out with Nivens' uniform request. Knocking she was only sort of surprised to see Champ answer. What shocked her more was the fact he was wearing an apron and oven mitts. "Excuse me ma'am, is the man of the house at home? I have a favor to ask her."
"Ma'am?" Champ blinked then sighed, "Oh ha ha, Swift Heart. I'm just trying to be romantic for Cheer."
"I see that. Cooking is a good choice. But anyways is she home?"
He nodded, "Yeah she is in her bedroom working on her nails or something."
Moving past him Swift headed for the bedroom and sure enough Cheer was at her vanity with her nail kit. Seeing Swift Hearts' reflection in the mirror she beamed, "Well this is an unusual surprise."
"Not the first one for me today," Swift Heart said. "Cheer can you do me a favor."
That really got her attention. Swift Heart never asked for favors. "Sure. If I can I mean. What do you need? Oh! Are you finally ready for a makeover?" She rocked her chair in anticipation.
Swift Heart grimaced and recoiled, "Not the kind you'd give. I want you to sew something for my new brother, Nivens."
"New brother? Nivens? Swift Heart have you been drinking? What on earth are you talking about?"
Swift quickly filled Cheer in on what had just taken place in Wonderland. When she finished the pink bear's eyes were like saucers. "Oh wow that's crazy! Well good for him and yeah I'd love to help you out. It's like we are reforming a convict! So what did you have in mind?"
Swift Heart took a deep breath. "A white pinstriped suit with a black vest, red tie and fedora. Sort of a sleek gangster look."
"Really? Who knew the opposites had such good taste." Cheer admired.
Swift Heart shrugged "He kinda had some help. It's basically the male version of what I wore."
"But with less sex appeal," Cheer said as she got up and headed for her sewing closet.
"A lot less sex appeal." She muttered. Thinking of something she called to Cheer "Hey can you make a pocket in the vest? He has to carry around a gold pocket watch too. "
"No problem," Cheer smiled. "So what's the little trinket you got there?" she pointed to the amulet Mirana had given Swift Heart."
She held it out for Cheer to see, "It's so I can visit him. It'll make any mirror take me right to the White queen's courtyard."
"Awesome. so you can go visit your brother any time," Cheer said.
"Me or anyone who wears this," Swift Heart said.
"Very cool." Going over her fabric and supplies she said "Lucky for you I have everything I need. I can have it done for you by tomorrow night. Sound good?"
"Sounds good to me. I'll be back then," Swift Heart said. "And good job having Champ do some cooking."
"I take your trip to Wonderland went well," Independent Bear spoke up from next to Swift Heart as she left Cheer's house.
Jumping from his sudden appearance she regained her composure, "Man. Twice in one day. My hearing must be slipping. Yeah it was. Nivens aka Delay had no interest in rejoining his old team."
"That's good to hear. Wr have enough troubles, especially with Calm Heart leaving," Indy said as he walked in step next to Swift Heart.
"You already heard?" she asked.
"I ran into Love Heart right after he got back. I don't like to devalue her contributions but it's not a major blow." Indy gave a smile, "At this point it would be more of a crisis if you decided to stay in Wonderland."
"Ha! Fat chance of that happening! Grumps would go ballistic! But I'm touched that you find me so valuable." She pinched his cheek as she said that. "I think she'll be much happier though. And really that's all any of us want."
Indy nodded, "Very much so. I just hope you don't slack off on your training or defence duties to visit your brother too much."
"Okay , A) I am still adjusting to me and him being related in a good way so slow that roll. And B) I will never enjoy wonderland. Ever. Got it? The place no longer gives me nightmares but it is still not my ideal vacation spot," she informed him.
"No offence intended, I'm just trying to keep the safety of our home on your mind," Indy replied. "If you like, I can visit your brother to check up on him from time to time. I've never been to Wonderland and I would like to see what it's like."
"Knock yourself out. And no offense by what I'm about to say either Indy but, I don't need to be reminded. This place has been my home much longer than it has been yours. It would crush me if anything were to happen to it." Swift Heart replied. "I'm sure you didn't mean it offensively but if you remember, I didn't want to go to Wonderland again on the first place. I don't like near death experiences any more then the next person."
Indy stopped. "Forgive me, I'm not as used to social interaction as the rest of my friends. That why I tend to disappear a lot."
"I know." Swift Heart took a moment to calm herself. "Just know that even though I love to run, I will never run away if my family is in danger. Okay?" She offered him a smile.
"Me either," Indy reassured her. "I often wish I had more of a destination in mind most times." They resumed walking, "What do you have planned for the rest of the day?"
"I should probably go check in with the husband at some point, let him know I made it out alive. And then I might try to finish catching up on the sleep I lost on my last caring mission," she told him.
"Sounds good. I had a caring mission earlier and I can understand why we do this, I just need a little more time at it." Indy turned his head to look at Swift Heart, "How would I go about travelling to Wonderland if I wanted to check up on your brother?"
Reaching into her jean pocket, Swift Heart pulled out the amulet and handed it to Indy. "Hold this up to any mirror and it will turn into a portal."
"Ah." Indy accepted the amulet, "Thank you. If you ever want to visit him I will return it whenever you ask."
Swift Heart scowled, "Hold on. I'm not comfortable with that. Mirana gave it to me, so I could visit MY brother. She's trusting me with it. So you can use it now if you want but as soon as you get back I expect it returned."
"Sorry," Indy apologized and handed the amulet back to her. "I'll wait until I feel like travelling there. Should I leave? All I appear to be doing is angering you."
"You don't have to leave. I'm just tired and it's been an eventful day. But you have been making a lot of assumptions in this conversation Indy. And I think you've known me long enough to know that if something bothers me I don't keep quiet about it."
Indy just nodded. "I should go on patrol anyway, just in case something comes up. Everyone who went to Wonderland is bound to be tired as well." He excused himself and headed off.
Putting the amulet back in her pocket she yawned, "Man...I'm more tired than I thought." She picked up her pace, thinking only of her nice soft bed.
It too barely over an hour for Calm Heart to sort through her belonging, pack what she wanted to take with her and lock up what she decided not to. As she left her house she stopped, hand going to the mace at her side. She shook her head then removed the mace from ehr belt and set it by the front door before she exited and locked it behind her.
"I guess this is goodbye," she said aloud. Confidence Heart was standing by her house.
"You're really leaving?" the fennec asked.
Calm Heart nodded, "I just can't handle this anymore. After the hunters..."
"Love Heart told me. For what it's worth you were always a big help to us, in fights and on stage." Confidence gave her a smile then offered her hand. Calm Heart's own smile was melancholie but she accepted Confidence's hand, only to get pulle dinto a hug. "Just, take care of yourself, OK?"
"I will," Calm Heart promised.
"And keep in touch if you can," Confidence added.
"I'll try." Calm Heart separated from Confidence and conjured a cloud car, which she loaded her suitcase into before getting behind the driver's seat.
"Want me to come along, to see where you're going to live?" Confidence Heart asked.
CAlm Heart's clenched her steering wheel, her eyes going wide. Thankfully she was faced away from Confidence who didn't pick up on this. "No... I just want to leave this behidn until the fightings done, I don't want anyone to keep dropping by to see how I am and trying to pursuade me back."
"Alright. Well... good luck." Confidence waved as Calm Heart took off. The lynx let out the breath she'd been holding as she drove downwards and pulled out her cell phone.
"Glacial I'm ready. I'll be waiting in the town where we first met." She sent the text and sped up, not wanting to make him wait.
Glacial had just finished setting up the bed for Calm Heart as well as giving her some space to keep any personal things she may have brought with her when his cell went off. Reading the text he replied, "See you soon." Grabbing his transport mirror he left the base before any of the others could give him a hard time or ask annoying questions. It only took a second traveling through the portal before he was stepping onto the streets of his home town. Without hesitating he walked to the bench he met up with her on previously, sitting on it and waiting.
Calm Heart approached less than five minutes after he saw down, dragging her wheeled suitcase behind her. She smiled when she saw Glacial and waved to him.
Getting to his feet He asked eagerly, "Did the goodbyes go okay? Was anyone teribly upset with you?"
"Anger Heart was ticked but Love Heart understood once I told him how much I wanted to stop fighting," Calm Heart replied. "I didn't form many friendships up there outside the Magi, honestly."
Taking her suitcase he put a hand on her shoulder. "It does not matter. You have one here."
Calm Heart smiled a little more happily, "Thank you, Glacial. What about the rest of your... family? How did they take it when you told them?"
"As with you zere were mixed emotions. But for the most part they agreed to leave you alone. Soul Heart said you are welcome for as long as you need and as long as you do not contact your family."
Calm Heart nodded, "I can do that. Even if I wanted to, contacting them would just make things... complicated."
"Et is more she worries about you spying on us for them. But I know you better zen that." Taking out the mirror once more he asked, "Are you ready to go?"
"I've never travelled by mirror before, but I'm ready," Calm Heart reassured him.
Taking her hand Glacial said, "It vill be quick. You will feel as if you have lost track of time for a moment but zhat will pass." The mirror glowed and a circle appeared in the air in front of them.
Calm Heart took a deep breath and let Glacial lead her through the portal. Glacial was right about the brief lasp in her perception of time as she stepped through and she had to shake her head as she arrived on the other side.
They were greeted by Flash Heart, Serious Heart and Soul Heart on the other side of the portal.
"Welcome to your new home," Serious Heart said in greeting.
Glacial said nothing, but he also did not move away from Calm Heart. Turning to her he said, "Layla, zis is Flash Heart and Serious Heart. I believe you know Soul Heart already."
"Nice to meet you," Flash Heart gave her a smile.
"Indeed," Soul Heart said. She approached Calm Heart, who couldn't help but shrink back. "You don't have to be afraid of me. Glacial explained your reasons for coming here."
Calm Heart nodded, "I just don't want to fight anymore. I just want to live a more peaceful life."
"I can respect that," Soul Heart said. "This tower is your home now and you may go anywhere you wish, though you migh tnot want to go down to the prison."
"Prison, you mean where..." Layla stopped herself.
"Yes, I hate to involve them but I have my reasons," Soul Heart said.
"You're not acting I thought you would," Layla said.
"Don't mistake me, I do have my plans and they will go through. My hatred humanity knows no bounds." Soul Heart's eyes flashed with anger for a moment but she quickly calmed down. "But as for our kind, I can understand if you simply wish to remove yourself from the fighting and accept a position of neutrality. In fact I find the whole 'with us or against us' mentality to be a disgusting human trait."
"Unfortunately you are alone there Soul. I see myself as definitely against the Care Bear Family," Serious Heart Monkey said.
"A sentiment you and Pitch share I believe," Glacial told her.
"I am against them because I know they will step in to protect humans," Soul Heart said. "What I mean is that since Calm Heart does not wish to defend humans but does not wish to destroy them either I'm not going to lump her in with the rest of the Care Bear Family simply because she doesn't wish to help us directly, as long as she doesn't interfere."
"Thank you," Layla said.
"That being said, I do need to go over some rules for living here. First, and more important, you are not to interfere with our operation directly. You may express your opinions and I will not begrudge you if anyone agrees with you as long as no one attacks me because of it, by that same token you can't be delivering intelligence reports to your family," Soul Heart took a seat. "Second, if you leave the tower you must do so by teleportation mirror. It's not just you, everyone is required to do so, myself included. This tower is shielded from detection but I don't want to risk anyone tracking us back to our base. Third, if anyone tries to extract information from you then tell me or Glacial immediately and we shall deal with them."
"What?" Layla was taken aback.
"I was serious when I said I respected your decision to simply step out of the fighting and that I don't consider you an enemy as long as you do remain neutral in the actual fighting. You are free to go where you please as long as you don't undermine us," Soul Heart replied, giving an honest smile to Layla.
"As I said dorogaya. For the most part everyone is fine with you being here. No pressure and plenty of time to figure things out. Come. I will show you to our room."
He nodded, "When her plans are working and things are going her way, she is pleasant enough. But I would recommend you avoid her if she es having a bad day. Not so friendly then." They walked up a few flights of stairs and Glacial stopped in front of a door that had some frost damage on it. "We are in here. I'm afraid space is short so you will have to share with me."
Calm Heart blushed slightly, "That's alright. I've lived in cramped quarters before."
Opening the door, Clam could see the room had two beds, a dresser, a large mirror on the wall and a window looking out on the far wall. There was absolutely nothing in the form of personal affects that would show who's room this was. "I have cleared out the bottom two drawers for your things. Ze bathroom is ze third door down. We must share with the other occupants but there are three of them in here."
"It's better than the tour truck," Calm Heart smiled and she took her suitcase from Glacial, dragging it over to the dresser. She knelt down and opened the bottom drawer and her suitcase and began to move her undergarments into the drawer, shut it, then opened the second drawer for her others clothes and a couple books she had brought as well.
"Glad to here. I do not mind it because I am usually elsewhere doing things for Soul." He watched her unpack. "Do you require anything else?"
"Not right now, it's still early," Calm Heart as she got up.
"That's good." Soul Heart spoke from the entrance of the room. "Forgive my intrusion, Glacial, but I felt I could give Calm Heart a little tour of the tower. Unless you wish to do that."
He shook his head, "Be my guest. I still have to find Torrid and inform her of our new housemate. She does not like surprises as you know." He moved out of the room and headed for the stairs up.
"Very well, please follow me Calm Heart," Soul Heart motioned for Calm Heart to follow her, which the lynx did.
"These top three levels are the living quarters. The very top is an attic where Torrid lives and makes her nest," Soul Heart began as she led Calm Heart down the stairs. "This level is the living area, dining room and kitchen with its attached pantry, cooler and freeze, for whatever use they gets," Soul Heart sighed as she finished the last part.
"What do you mean by that?" Calm asked.
Soul Heart sighed, "No one here knows how to cook, so they just ask for snack foods and quick meals. It's rather drab if you ask me."
"Where do you get your food?" Calm Heart asked.
"I create it," Soul Heart replied. "I'm not just a master elementalist, I'm a very accomplished mage and alchemist, and since elementalism is all I need to fight I've focused my magical studies on learning to conjure and create items, mostly food and drink which is just as nourishing as the real stuff. Sadly it doesn't work for some of the rarer spell components I need but that's easy to get around. Just tell me what you want for food and I can create it for you."
"Thank you, Soul Heart." Calm Heart smiled. "Do you think I could try cooking something."
"That's not a bad idea, it might help smooth over your relationship with some of the others, it's up to you and don't feel your have to," Soul Heart assured her. "As for the other two levels, below here is the meeting room and my laboratory and below that is the prison. You may go there if oyu wish but there isn't much you can do, and don't try to use my lab. Most of what I do is stuff no one here can quite comprehend."
"I don't think I'll want to go down there," Calm Heart said. "Is there any jerky here, I think I need to chew on something."
Rather than say yes or no, Soul Heart held up her hand and spoke a few strange words and a small slab of jerky appearing in her hand which she handed to Calm Heart. "If you want me to stockpile anything for you then make a list and give it to me. It only takes a few moments for me to stockpile anything we need."
"Thank you," Calm Heart took the jerky and bit a chunk out before she headed to the living room.
Up in the attic Glacial stood across from Torrid, explaining to the less than lucid eagle who the strange lynx downstairs was. As he spoke Torrid's emotions played out clearly on her face, ranging from surprised to troubled.
"But I don't understand. How do you just give up on the life your living and start a new one. And with the people you were just fighting. Doesn't that seem suspicious to anyone else?"
He waited for the eagle's feathers to settle before responding, "That is the point Torrid. She does not wish to have enemies anymore. She is tired of fighting. I merely wish to offer her a place where she can figure things out."
She shook her head. "And you are sure she won't sell us out to them? Or stop us from making the humans pay? Because my forest is gone! I won't rest till they know what it's like to see a pile of ash where your roost used to be." For a brief moment, the frenzied nature left her eyes and Glacial saw genuine sadness.
Gripping her shoulder, a gesture he never did before meeting Layla, Glacial replied, "We will make them pay. And Calm vill not stop us. Come meet her and you vill see."
Sighing she nodded. "Alright." Flapping onto Glacial's shoulder she added, "You know Pitch isn't going to like this."
As he headed down the stairs he groaned, "That has already been made very clear."
Thankfully the living area was empty when Calm Heart sat down on the couch and finished munching on the jerky. "I guess I'm not surprised there isn't a television here," she commented.
"None of us have any use for television. It is just a lot of flashing lights and loud noises anyway." Torrid commented as she and Glacial arrived.
"I could never watch anything even when I had time," Calm Heart looked up at them. "I've grown to prefer books now that I actually have time to read."
Torrid cocked her head sideways at an odd angle, "I don't read either."
"She likes to spend her free time flying and making sure no humans are nearby," Glacial clarified.
"I see," Calm Heart looked around the empty living room. "Do you use this room much at all?"
Glacial nodded, flinching as Torrid chose that moment to flap over to the back of Calm's chair. "Da. We hold team meetings in here and play cards and such."
Closer now Torrid peered down into Calm Heart's face "But we aren't like the others. We don't do the whole family bonding thing."
"You mean the others here?" Calm Heart asked, somewhat confused.
"Yup. Oh sure a few have decided to mate a few times or whatever but for the most part we try to keep things mostly business," Torrid replied with a cackle.
Glacial nodded, agreeing with her. "Ze three of us, Torrid, Pitch, and I were mostly on our own before Soul found us."
"So what happened to you before she found you?" Calm Heart asked.
Torrid began to shift from foot to foot on the back of the chair. Her feathers around her head puffed up, looking almost like a lion's mane. "My forest was burnt down so I was forced to leave. And then it happened again, and again, and again. Fire followed me everywhere I went, sent by the humans to make sure my kind was gone so they could build those ugly dwellings of theirs." The more she talked the more upset she became.
Calm Heart nodded sympathetically, "I see. What about you, Glacial, I don't think we ever spoke about what your life was like, or do you not want to talk about it?"
He shrugged, "It happened a long time ago. I have come to terms with it." Turning he removed his jacket, showing the girls the long scar down his back. "I had a brother, but ve were attacked by a male of our kind while our mother vas out hunting. He killed my brother and had started on me when my mother came back. She was able to chase him off but later died from her wounds."
"I know how you feel, sort of," Calm Heart said. "Our father was killed by an organization called the hunters. I spent the better part of my life tracking down and killing every member of their organization."
Glacial nodded somberly as he zipped up his coat once more. "I do not fault the male for what he did, it es the way of my kind. But I do fault the humans for not allowing me to live in peace, and thinking I am some sort of monster."
"Yeah someone should tell them what a pushover you are. I'm sure Calm would vouch for you," Torrid teased him with a little cackle.
"If he was a pushover then he never would have tried to offer me shelter when I decided to leave this war," Calm Heart spoke in Glacial's defence. "That took more courage than it did for me to take the lives of all those hunters."
Surprised by this Glacial asked, "Do you really think so?"
Calm Heart smiled, "Of course." She stood up, walked over to Glacial and placed her hands on his shoulders. "You risked a lot by bringing someone your allies considered an enemy into their midst but despite that you still brought me here and placed yourself on the line for me. That is real courage."
He smiled down at her but before he could respond someone behind them scoffed. "Courage? Please. Where I come from we'd call that easy access."
Turning they saw Pitch Heart leaning in the entrance way with her arms crossed.
Glacial kept himself between her and Calm, "I do not think of her that way, once again Pitch. And I will only tolerate your comments on ze matter so long."
"Any time any place big man." Looking at the lynx she sneered, "But whatever you say. We'll go with this 'just a friend' thing for a while."
"If you have a problem with me, then speak to me." Calm Heart moved to stand beside Glacial.
She shrugged, appearing as if she couldn't care less, "It's not necessarily with you specifically. Just who you are leaving to come here. I find it hard to believe you will not be having any contact with any of them, and who knows what could slip through those pretty lips when you do."
"If I ever see them again it will be after this has ended," Calm Heart said quietly. "I spent years with Love Heart, Confidence and Independent Bear but the more I think on it the less I really knew them after Koran died. Love Heart and Confidence were always together and Independent Bear was always off on his own, and driving us from place to place and up in the clouds everyone was busy with their own things. As much as they are family I don't think I left any friends behind, Love Heart was a bit too willing to just accept that I was leaving."
"And you're telling me if I was to take this," Pitch produced a sharp dagger from a sheath on her hip "and drag it across one of their throats you would have nothing to say to me?"
Glacial was glaring at her now. Warning her to knock it off.
"I can't say," Calm Heart replied.
"Ha. I'm sure." Sheathing the dagger she approached Calm, "Well then until you are sure. Keep away from me. Actually, even after that feel free to turn and go a different way if you see me coming. Because I will not ever be okay with you here. Got it?"
Calm Heart just stared Pitch back in the eyes, not saying a word.
Sneering Pitch gave a little growl, "I asked you a question, rainbow hugger."
"I heard you, and if you don't want to be around me then fine that's your choice." She turned back to Glacial, "I think I'm going to go back to my room and read for a bit."
"I will walk you." He opened his arm allowing Calm to go out before him.
"Mmmmhmmm. Why am I not surprised?" Pitch commented smugly.
Torrid nodded in agreement, "does look pretty convincing."
Thankfully, Calm Heart and Glacial were out of earshot when the next line was spoken.
"Tell me, Bitch Heart, were you always like this or did you pick up the idea to antagonise others to provoke a reaction from the handlers at the circus," Flash Heart asked as he entered the room.
Shadows began to form around her fingers in dark curly wisps. "You really wanna go there with me ponytail?" Facing Flash Heart she continued, "None of you have lived my life, so you get no place to judge me. Just like I don't ask you if you always wished you could have a girlfriend who was a mad science experiment gone wrong."
"You mean gone right," Flash Heart said. "And it doesn't matter what kind of life you've had because there are others who's had it worse and I can't fathom why you want to provoke Calm Heart into a conflict other than spite."
"Some of us were never lucky enough to have a real home or family, and she's just throwing it away. She's a moron," Pitch told him.
"That not your call to make. She has to live her own life just like the rest of us, so my advice is to stop being a bitch and do just that, like your own romantic rendezvous you've had," Flash Heart replied.
"What the hell are you talking about now? What romantic rendezvous?" Calling off her shadow powers she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at Flash.
Indy scratched his chin, "What was the term Serious Heart used... Friends with Benefits? Or something like that. Why else do you keep disappearing and coming back looking all haggard?"
Pitch laughed in their faces, "You guys have some kind if imagination. Pray tell, who exactly would I be carrying on a friends with benefits relationship with?"
"How should I know, I don't spy on you," Flash Heart replied. But maybe I should see who you're running off to see all the time."
"I'm not running off to see anyone. I just need to get away from you idiots sometimes. And I look 'haggard' because I usually have to pull off a heist to calm down." To legitimize her story she pulled a sparkly pair of earrings out of her pocket. "But hey if you feel the need to spy on me, you are more than welcome to try." Putting a finger under his chin she purred, "All I need is one little shadow and I'm gone."
Flash Heart's eyes suddenly flashed dangerously, "Alright, we'll see just how that works out. Just remember, I've been with Soul Heart longer than you have." He turned and walked away.
~~~
Calm Heart breathed a sigh of relief as she and Glacial entered his room, "Even my level head has it limits. Thanks for walking with me, Glacial."
"No problem. And I would not have been surprised if you had. Pitch has challenged everyone's, how you say, cool at one point or another. I have many a time wanted to leave her in an ice block until she calms down. But I must admit her skill set is useful," Glacial told Calm.
"I'm surprised she hasn't gotten into a serious fight with anyone here yet," Calm Heart said. "Would you like to stay with me for a while?" she offered.
"If you would like me to." Glacial sat on the edge of the bed. "What did you tink of Torrid?"
"She seems to be on edge, but I think I'd have an easier time getting her to accept me than Pitch," Calm admitted.
"That is a fact little Layla. I believe her jumpiness is due to having to constantly escape ze forest fires. But she gets very concerned over our well-being when we fight."
"Does Pitch care for your well-being?" Layla asked.
Glacial took a moment, to think over his answer. "Well…I think in her way she might. She does not like to see us loose but I tink that is because she sees it as a reflection on her own capability. And Pitch is always about herself first so I do not think I have a clear answer for you."
"Has she ever told you what happened to her before she came here?" Layla asked.
He nodded, "Oh sure. Soul made all of us when we first came. She said it would be necessary for us to work as a unit."
"Can you tell me what happened to her?"
"Her family in Africa was killed by a lion pride ven she was still a cub but her mother managed to stash her away. Some humans found her and took her to a sanctuary for orphaned animals. But she vas not there long, some soilders ransacked ze place for supplies and decided to sell ze animals on ze black market. Pitch vas bought by a circus and zey made her an attraction." Glacial paused momentarily to catch his breath before continuing. "Ze circus was cruel to her, teaching her to do tricks through pain and starvation. She vas a freak and paraded in front of humans for their amusement."
"That explains a lot," Calm Heart said. "Swift Heart said that Pitch fled during their fight when she saw Brave Heart Lion. I understand how her hatred runs deep."
Getting up Glacial checked outside the room briefly to make sure no one else was about. Returning he said in a low voice, "She is terrified of lions. But we do not discuss it. Nor the circus, unless you vant her killing you. She has... how do you say it... post...traumatic disorder?" He was struggling on the complicated name Soul had used to classify Pitch's problems.
"Post-traumatic stress syndrome," Calm Heart nodded. "I can understand that. So why is she here if she's so dark to everyone?"
"Soul Heart rescued her from zat life. She and Blade Star and Shatter attacked ze circus an freed all ze animals. Pitch felt she owed Soul and she liked zat they shared ze same view on humans."
"Soul Heart is very different from how she seemed when I first met her," Calm Heart noted.
"How do you mean?" Glacial asked.
"The first time I met her was when she attacked Pegasus Falls, she seemed so ruthless and uncaring." Calm Heart exhaled slowly, "But I suppose it's because of our allegiances. Soul Heart does seem to care for you all great deal, like Koran did for us."
"I suppose so. She just wants to make sure ve all get the vengeance owed is. And what she wants too," Glacial replied.
"It seems like she wants you to do what satisfies you, or makes you happy," Calm Heart moved closer to Glacial and leaned up against him, "She let me live here with no strings attached, well as long as I don't try to help either side. She understood that I just wanted to have my own life."
Glacial tensed as Calm rested against him. He didn't move away but he was still taken off guard by the contact. "Umm, yes I suppose."
Calm Heart yawned, "I think I'm still tired from being frozen earlier today; it was still cold inside that earth shell I made. A lot's happened, do you mind if I just sleep now?" She murmured the last line as began to doze off. Shaking his head, Glacial allowed her to stay against him. He could use this time of quiet to reflect on all the thoughts going through his head.
