Chapter 8 Defeat, achknowledgement, and regrouping
The Carebears just got back to Carelot after a failed surprise attack at Noheart's castle. Disheartened and concerned about being defeated by Noheart's apprentice, the morale of the carebears dropped sharply as they regrouped at the hall of hearts.
"Now what are we to do?" Asked Grumpy Bear.
"We defend Carelot, that's what!" Responded Aqua Bear Gruffly.
"But how, we don't stand a chance against Darkage." Said Tenderheart.
"Especially after what happened during that last battle. According to my calculations, Darkage alone contains enough power to destroy us all by himself! Let alone facing the dark villains alliance." Said Brightheart calculatingly.
"Listen everyone, we can't give up just because we lost one battle." Said Trueheart.
"That's right," Replied Nobleheart Horse. "We mustn't give up hope. We must come up with a new strategy to defend Carelot."
"Easier said than done." Replied Lonesomeheart Bear. "When I gauged Darkage's power level, it was more than double my heart powers and Aqua's combined. The evil side of the force is strong with him!" Everyone agreed with Lonesomeheart's logic and began to murmur with discontent.
"So what do you suggest? That we surrender to the forces of evil?" Answered Aqua bear. "Or better yet, let them know we are no match for them?"
"No but," Lonesomeheart got interrupted.
"Listen everyone!" Everyone looked at the creamy furry bear that had just said this. "Fighting and arguing amongst ourselves isn't going to help us. We must come up with a new course of action to defend Carelot," Everyone stopped there murmuring and refocused on the situation at hand. "Any idea's anyone?"
"Can I say something?" Asked Wishbear.
"Go right ahead Wishbear." Replied Trueheart smiling at Wishbear.
"Now that we know that Darkage's is really Joaquin Benividas, instead of trying to fight him, we need to convince him about the truth about what happened to his parent's and who killed them."
"Are you nuts," Replied Lonesomeheart. "You minus well say, would you like a sizzling surloin steak or well done carebear bacon strips with our hides served on a silver platter?!"
"Listen," Shouted Wishbear calmly. "Its our only chance at victory."
"But Wishbear," Grumped Grumpy Bear. "Our carebear stare didn't even work on him. Not to mention he has a freaky ability to deflect our stares making him impossible to reach!"
"I know this plan sounds nuts to all of you. But as a caring carebear, we don't give up on those who truly need our help. Don't forget, he was led astray by Noheart. He's only merely reacting to his feelings of bitterness and hate because of what happened to his parent's. Put yourselves in his shoes Lonesomeheart bear. Would you like for us to just treat you as an enemy or would you have liked for us to give you every possible opportunity for you to change so that we could help you?"
"I would have liked for you to try to help me." Stuttered Lonesomeheart as she confessed with her head lowered in shame.
"Then why is Darkage, I mean Joaquin any different," Argued Wishbear pointedly. "We must help him, no matter the cost to us. I believe if we continue to try and help him, he will see the truth of how Noheart lied to him and maybe he'll leave Noheart for good and join us to fight against the evil alliance."
"Its a long shot, but I believe Wishbear has the right idea." Trueheart said with conviction. "I hope none of you die!" Replied Lonesomeheart Bear pessimistically . The rest of the carebears looked at her annoyed but ignored her as they refocused on there strategy to get him separated from the rest of his companions to try and convince him of the awful truth of what really happened.
Meanwhile, in Noheart's throne room all the villains including Noheart's apprentice were all discussing a strategy of what to do in there preparation of an attack on Carelot. While everyone else was sitting, Darkage was standing while Noheart was sitting on his throne.
"Well done my all powerful apprentice," Said Noheart with much enthusiasm. "You have proved yourself more than worthy!"
"Just doing my job." Said Darkage licking his chops after eating some meaty ribs.
"I have to say, I had my doubts because of you being soft from time to time!" Said Noheart.
"I would have done the same to anybody else who would have dared to harm my parents." Replied Darkage.
"Would you have challenged the mighty Noheart?" Replied the evil sourcerer with his darkened red eyes staring intently into Darkage's. Darkage hardened his face and eyes with just as much intensity showing no fear of his master. For he had recognized this as one of Noheart's intimidation's.
"Yes Master. Even you would feel my wrath if you had anything to do with my parent's demise." Darkage said with no quiver in his voice. The whole room grew silent with apparent fear of what they anticipated was about to happen next.
"Shut up Darkage! You can't talk to my uncle like that," Yelled Shreeky. "Now apologize or I'll." Darkage turned his head towards Shreeky and shot her a warning glance that would have made the devil turn pale. She stopped mid range of her Shreeking.
"Don't you ever tell me to shut up again you stupid freak of nature unless you want me to slap the crap out of you!" He said loudly.
"You wouldn't dare! Just for that comment I'm going to Ahaaaa choke," Darkage had her in his death grip. "hachokke."
"Its just like you to alway's choke under pressure isn't it?" Said Darkage with a twisted smile.
"Let her go Darkage!" Replied Noheart as he got up from his throne with his saber drawn.
"Make me fart heart," Opposed Darkage as he continued to choke Shreeky. Noheart stood up and drew his saber. Just as he was about to swipe at Darkage, Darkage had let shreeky go and thrusted out his right hand sending Noheart flying backwards hard right onto his thrown using the force. Noheart attempted to get back up but zwhorr, Darkage had his double edged saber aimed right at Noheart's chest. Noheart froze in fear. "If you ever try that again, you'll have to tell me what you would like on your tombstone!" Darkage said looking right into his Master's eyes who looked dreadfully fearful of his apprentice.
"Don't you talk to me like that!" Replied Noheart angrily.
"In that case, I'll just kill you now and we can have your funeral today!" Darkage moved the saber closer to Noheart's chest.
"Alright! I won't do that again!" Said Noheart in surrender who slumped down in his thrown eyeing the sabe fearfully.
"Let this serve as a warning for anyone of you who wishes to opposes me. It doesn't matter who you are to me. I will destroy anyone that get's in my way. Even my own master. Does anyone else wish to challenge me?" Everyone stopped staring at Darkage and acted like they were busy doing other things. "Shreeky, do you care for a second helping of my death grip?"
"No, please don't hurt me!"
"Good, Now sit down and shut up so that we can get this meeting started!" Shreeky shuttered and fell silent. Darkage removed his red Saber from Noheart's chest and stood perfectly in the position he was before as if nothing had ever happened with his arms folded across his chest. They now continued over there strategy and planned how they were going to capture all of the carebears.