A Very Important Date
Blade Star had managed to return to the castle right when Shatter Heart had, complaining about being chained to a tree and having to force himself free. Seeing how badly injured Blade Star had been he had "convinced" the Red Queen to get someone to help her. Blade Star was now healed and almost fully recovered, so she and Shatter Heart decided to go down to Swift Heart's cell to watch the ritual as it was about to take place.
Dementiva was already down there, standing at Swift Heart's cell.
"Hey, are we too late?" Shatter Heart asked, "We wouldn't want to miss this."
Dementiva smiled at them, "Not at all, we were just about to get started." She indicated the cage where Swift Heart was chained to the floor, she was bent over, hands on her knees panting, as if she'd just run a marathon. "She was...difficult to chain."
"So I can see," Blade Star said, rubbing a place that was still sore from her battle with Valiant Heart, "Well Swift Heart, it looks like your new life is about to begin. Look at it this way, once you're the White Rabbit, we'll have no reason to kill you like we will the others," Blade Star couldn't help but snicker to herself.
Swift Heart glared at them, "Can I at least keep the part of my memory that says I hate them?" Dementiva laughed, "Sorry darling. Not even something so small can remain." She began to chant a spell. Swift Heart went ridged as Dementivas magic floated towards her, enveloping her in a shifting globe of color. She felt her body go limp and her mind began to recall every event of her life. The images then floated out of her head and were made visible to those watching.
Blade Star smiled, paying very close attention to the bubbles as they floated out of Swift Heart, "Good thing we're here, her memories have information we can use in our little feud with the rest of the Care Bear Family," Shatter Heart nodded, also smiling as he observed.
One of the bubbles that floated out was fuzzy, a thought and emotion rather than a memory, showing Swift Heart smiling as she was held by Grumpy and, Shatter Heart grinned, "Looks like Grumpy Bear didn't know how she felt about him. I can't wait to tell him."
As the bubbles thinned, reaching towards Swift Heart's infancy the two Care Bears saw an image of Swift Heart being held and rocked by Noble Heart as he tried to get the bunny to sleep. Blade Star's eyes blazed and she clenched her teeth and fists, "They had it so good. They were cared for instead of being abandoned."
Shatter Heart placed a hand on Blade Star's shoulder, also clearly angry at the image, "We'll get them don't worry, and then they'll all see how we suffered."
The last bubble drifted out of Swift Heart. It was a replica of her Tummy symbol which began to shrink and eventually faded away. With it's fading, the empty shell of the rabbit fell to her knees, eyes closing. Dementiva grinned triumphantly as she called back her magic. "Part one is complete. Now I just need a moment to rest and I will begin part two."
"Good, once this is done all we'll need to do is wait a day or two for you to finish your control of Wonderland, and they we're gone and our deal will be finished," Blade Star said.
"Aww are you so eager to end our partnership?" She grinned at them before taking a sip from her goblet.
"We've had fun and we appreciate your help, but our vengeance can only be fulfilled in the real world. We may return here at times but we will be busy making the rest of the Care Bear Family suffer," Shatter Heart said.
"That suites me quite well actually. Then they will stop searching for a way to steal my White Rabbit." She turned her attention back to the cell, "Speaking of which, I believe it's time I continue. She has a long day of studying ahead of her." Reaching out with her hands she began to invoke the spell. As she spoke, her magic attached to the rabbits head and then to the floor, as well as forming funnels in the air. When Dementiva finished her spell, light began to flow through the magical tubes and into the soon to be White Rabbits mind. Dementiva clapped her hands joyously as her hair writhed, "Now all I must do is wait for her knowledge to be downloaded."
"And about how long is that going to take?" Blade Star asked.
Dementiva thought on it, "Hmm. Well supposedly it takes a day, but our friend here was a 'fast' learner so perhaps only about 12 hours."
"A fast learner?" Blade Star was confused.
"What does it matter, Swift Heart's dead," Shatter Heart stated grinning, "but they don't know that, so when they come to try and save her in vain we can finish them off!"
It was a few hours into the morning when Grumpy suddenly felt a pain emanate from his chest and travel down to the pit of his stomach. He stopped, drawing a gasp at the painful sensation. Loyal Heart was at Grumpy's side in an instant.
"Grumpy Bear! What is the matter?" he asked, concerned.
He shook his head, "I dunno. I just got this awful feeling. Almost like a part of my heart was injured." He stood for a moment before shaking his head, "It's gone now."
"Whatever caused it, I have been considering something," Loyal Heart said, "Shatter Heart was strong and Blade Star was just as strong if not stronger, more to the point, whoever this Dementiva is that they serve must be much more powerful. We should seek out allies, the cat and those twins were not hostile so perhaps there are others."
"Yeah I guess so, but how are we supposed to find them?" He continued to massage his chest. Something had shifted with that weird pain and he felt wrong.
"I don't know," Loyal Heart looked around, "perhaps if we find the Cheshire Cat again or some others, they can lead us to some allies."
He threw out his arms, "What are we supposed to do? Just say, 'Yo Cheshire Cat, we need your help to find some allies.'"
"Well since you asked so nicely, I suppose I can help you out." Grumpy jumped as the cat appeared behind him.
"Ahh, Cheshire Cat," Loyal Heart said, scratching him behind the ears, "Is there anyone else in this place who might help us against Dementiva, and is there something else I should call you, or does Cheshire Cat suffice?"
"You might try the White Queen. One of your friends is there already." He turned his fur blue and silver, "A wolverine I believe." He disappeared to re-appear on Grumpy's head. "And I have no other name. I merely am what I am."
Grumpy scowled and crossed his arms, "And that makes you what? The Wonderland Popeye?"
The cat stared down into his eyes, "Oh. It has a sense of humor. I hope you didn't hurt yourself on that one." He swatted at the cat, but only hit air. Cheshire Cat laughed from the air around them.
"Thank you Cheshire Cat, but could you at least point us in the right direction please?" Loyal Heart called out.
"So demanding. And when you've done nothing for me in return. But I suppose there is time to repay me later." The trees around them parted to show a glorious white palace off in the distance.
"I thank you," Loyal Heart bowed, "and if there is anything I can do for you, you need only name it and I will do everything in my power to do it as they aid you've provided has been invaluable." He turned to Grumpy, "It seems that Valiant Heart has already found allies, we should meet up with him, as that will increase our chances of stopping Dementiva."
Grumpy stared a ball of yarn out of his tummy symbol, "Here Cat. Amuse yourself." Pouncing on the string he began to tangle himself in it, purring contently, not watching as the two Care Bears walked away.
Elsewhere, Snowy and Fauna had continued to the castle for a moment, but stopped and turned to Fauna, "Fauna, as much as I have faith in your abilities and my new powers, I don't think it's a good idea for use to try and take on Dementiva alone."
"We won't be alone. We are going to meet up at the castle with the others. And Swift Heart will help too."
Snowy sighed, "I want to believe that too, but the others could be lost and it might be a while before they reach the castle. The Hatter told us of the White Queen. If she is trying top stop Dementiva then she is on our side, I believe we should go back and ask those three to introduce us to her. If Dementiva needs Swift Heart then surely the White Queen will want to help us save her."
Fauna paused and took a deep breath. Shifting to her true form she knelt down, "Climb on. I'm done with this walking nonsense."
Snowy blinked, "If you're sure," Snowy said climbing on, "I wasn't sure if you liked others riding on you."
Her eyes glowed briefly, "When it's my sister's life on the line I can make an exception. Hold on tight to my mane." As soon as he gripped she took off back down the path at a full out gallop.
"I see, so are you going to the castle then?" Snowy asked, doing his best to hold on without hurting Fauna.
"No. I'm doing what you told me." Seconds later she pulled to a stop at the Mad Hatters tea party. "Change of plans, can you tell us how to get to the White Queen?" He opened his mouth but Fauna cut him off, eyes glowing once more, "And it better be a straight answer 'cause my patience is officially used up."
He laughed nervously, "She lives in that direction." He pointed over the March Hare's head.
"Thank you," Snowy Heart said, unsure if Fauna wanted him to dismount, "Are you going to come with us or should we leave you to your tea? The White Queen could surely use people like you."
"I've been considering things with the letter L..." Fauna snorted, "Forget it." Spreading her wings she took to the air. Pausing above the tree line she tried to spot the White Queens castle.
Snowy Searched around too, then suggested, "Maybe you should change your eyes to something that can see better, an eagle's eyes might be better suited for this thing, I cannot see anything."
She mentally kicked herself for not thinking of it first before shifting her eyes to those of an eagle. The castle stood out like a giant pearl. "I've got it. Hold on tight." Flapping her wings she sped towards the distant ivory structure. Snowy Heart held fast as Fauna sped off.
At that same time, Loyal Heart and Grumpy Bear were arriving at the very same castle of the White Queen, Loyal Heart eyed the guards at the gate as he spoke to Grumpy.
"This appears to be the right place, let's introduce ourselves shall we?"
Grumpy spoke to one of the guards. "We are Grumpy Bear and Loyal Heart dog and we seek the Queens aid in saving our friend."
The guard, whose head resembled a chess knight, turned to the other, who's head resembled a bishop, then turned back to the two blue guests, "Are you the friends that Valiant Heart spoke of?"
"Yes we are, and if he's here then all the better," Loyal Heart said.
"Very well," the bishop guard said, opening the gate with the knight guard, "if that is the case then enter. The White Queen may wish to see you."
Grumpy and Loyal Heart entered the front courtyard of the palace. White cherry blossom trees were everywhere and their petals danced to the floor. As they climbed the stairs, Grumpy thought he heard the sounds of fighting coming from off to the left. "Loyal Heart do you hear that?"
Loyal Heart lifted his ear, which had recovered from the Shatter Heart's sonic attacks, "I can hear it, lets take a look." The two of them went to investigate and were met with a large door with a sign saying "PLEASE KNOCK!"
A voice form inside, that they clearly recognized as Valiant Heart's, called from inside, "Who is it! I'm kinda busy!"
"Valiant Heart, it's Loyal Heart and Grumpy Bear!" Loyal Heart called.
A few softer conversations came from inside followed by an electrical sound, then Valiant Heart opened the door form inside, looking non the worse for wear save for a scar over his left eye, which despite that did not appeared blinded.
"Hey guys, how've ya been?" he asked.
"Oh you know, lost in a strange world and fighting obnoxious bears that are out to kill us. Nothing unusual." Grumpy looked at the scar over his eye, "I wonder what Fauna will say when she sees you and she have matching scars now."
"Is Fauna here?" Valiant asked, then touched his eye, "as for this scar, I got it from Blade Star, I take it you two had a run in with that one called Shatter Heart."
"We did, but we came out on top, and I've attained a new strength because of it," Loyal Heart said, forming one of his new swords to show Valiant.
"Not bad, so is Fauna here?" Valiant asked again.
A large shape swooped over their heads, "Don't tell me you boys missed me." Landing next to them she smiled, "I'm sure as hell happy to see you three."
Snowy Heart dismounted from Fauna's back, "I'm happy to see you three as well. I guess we had the same idea to seek out allies."
"Actually, I was brought here after I was almost killed by Blade Star," Valiant said, "Look, as happy as I am to see you guys, I'm in the middle of something important right now, trust me you'll see me again when the White Queen marches against Dementiva."
Fauna rolled her eyes. "Of course you are." Walking out of the courtyard with Grumpy they waited for the others before going in search of Mirana.
"What exactly are you working on?" Loyal Heart asked.
"Something to tip the scales in our favor when we go to fight Dementiva, but I can't say what right now. This room I'm training in can't be spied on so I want to make sure that Dementiva is as surprised as you will all be," Valiant shut the door and they heard an electrical discharge as the fighting noises resumed.
Snowy shrugged, "It is best we leave him, meeting the queen is a good idea," he said before jogging off after Grumpy and Fauna with Loyal Heart on his tail.
As they were about to enter the palace, Mirana came out to greet them. "Hello. I assume you are the friends Valiant Heart spoke of?"
Fauna nodded and bowed, bending one leg and spreading out her wings. "Yes your majesty."
Loyal Heat bowed as well, "Well met, your majesty. Valiant said that you're planning to attack Dementiva, I hope you can help us rescue our friend before it is too late for her."
Her fingers fiddled in the air, "I will do my best. But come rest briefly and have something to eat. You'll want to be at your best I assume."
"Of course we do," Snowy Heart said, "Thank you."
The five of them gathered in one of the spare bedrooms they had been assigned and were resting on the bed and chairs and eating the food provided for them. Fauna was currently curled up on Grumpy's lap in her cat form, sound asleep. Valiant Heart was lying down, knowing he had to rest but not for long.
Snowy spoke up, looking at the sleeping kitty Fauna, "She deserves a rest, after the battle with The Wizard of Wonderland and all the flying she's done. Though I have gained some new power as well," Snowy said, holding up his arm to conjure his snowflake shaped bow.
"That sure is something," Valiant Heart said. Grumpy remained silent as he listened. He stroked Fauna's head, hoping it would hide they way he was shaking.
"I hope that we are not too late by the time we attack," Loyal Heart said, "Shatter Heart said that by this morning, Swift Heart might have been changed."
"What!" Snowy was up on his legs, shouting, and accidentally waking Fauna, "What do you mean, Swift Heart will have changed?"
"The White Queen said that too," Valiant Heart said, not getting up, "but as much as I'm scared for what might have happened to Swift Heart, we can't go there now, we need to rest until we are ready to march with the White Queen's army."
Fauna looked up at Grumpy, her eyes wide. "What are they talking about Grumpus?" He couldn't believe how often he forgot she was three years younger then himself. She acted so mature at times, but then as soon as she was frightened, she seemed so young.
"Shatter Heart told us the White Rabbit ritual would erase the Swift Heart we knew." He felt his heart twinge in pain again. Suddenly he understood what the pain meant. "Oh no."
"What, what is it?" Loyal Heart asked, very concerned at the look on Grumpy's face.
"It's already happened." He placed his paw over his heart, hoping Loyal Heart would know what he meant. He couldn't bring himself to actually say it; to admit aloud he had failed.
Fauna was puffing out her fur in anxiety, not liking at all how Grumpy was acting. "What's happened?"
Valiant Heat sighed and sat up, "I'm afraid that it means that Dementiva has finished changing Swift Heart, draining her memories and original thoughts in order to make her into the White Rabbit," his voice was full of regret, but he did his best to keep a straight face, wiping a tear from his eye. Snowy wasn't as restrained and he dropped his head into his hands and began crying.
Fauna backed away from them, "No. We can still save her. We can bring her back!" No one was answering her, "She can't be gone." Tears were starting to leak from her eyes. Turning she quickly fled under the bed so the others wouldn't see. Loyal Heart just sat in shock, unsure of what to say, but Valiant Heart wasn't as reluctant.
"Then we will bring her back. We may not have saved her now but we will. Tomorrow I will have finished my training, and I'm sure you guys know some stuff that can help," he raised his fist, "we will save her, and no one will stop us, not Dementiva, not those evil bears, and none of this Red Queen's forces. I know we're all sad, but tomorrow, we will be strong and we will save her!"
Grumpy had gotten up from his chair and moved out to the balcony attached to the room. Leaning on the railing he stared out into the gardens of the White Palace. A breeze blew past him, causing him to close his eyes. It wasn't hard for him to call up memories of Swift Heart creating a similar breeze in her passing. Now she was trapped in Dementiva's clutches and possibly lost forever. "Yes. We will."
Blade Star knocked on the open door to the Red Queen's chamber, "Oh 'your majesty' Dementiva has humbly requested that you join us down in the dungeon," she said, laying the sarcasm on heavy with the words "humbly requested".
The Red Queen opened the door with a dramatic flourish. "What is so important that she has to call me down to that dirty place? Can't she handle her pet by herself." She pushed Blade Star out of the way and headed down to the dungeon.
"Oh you'll see," Blade Star said, chuckling and following the Red Queen down.
Entering the dungeon she placed her hands on her hips, "All right Dementiva. What is so special that it requires my presence?" Dementiva's hair was wild in excitement and her silver eyes shined like the brightest stars.
"I just want you to meet the newest member of our team."
Stepping aside she made her former prisoner visible. The formerly blue rabbit's fur was now white and clad in a white suite jacket and white pants, both with faint black pin striping. The jacket had a low cut neckline and clung tight to her middle while opening above and exposing her pierced belly button. The hem rested on her hips. Her white pants were tight around the top but flowed out to a loose boot cut at the bottom. Her ears were laying flat under a white fedora with a black silk band. Her flop of hair hung out under the front rim and over her eyes. She saluted the Red Queen with a snide little smirk. "White Rabbit of Wonderland reporting for duty."
"Her personality hasn't changed much," Shatter Heart said, "But hey, she's still no Swift Heart," he grinned, "so, when do you take over this world?"
Dementiva patted Shatter Heart on the head. "Tut tut darling. Now that I have my White Rabbit I can gain control whenever I wish. For now though, I think I shall have my little messenger spread the word to all around Wonderland and...invite them to my coronation." She smiled a sadistic smile.
Shatter Heart started laughing, as did Blade Star, who spoke up, "I wonder what her former family members will say when they see her like this?" she said as the new White Rabbit departed.
Valiant Heart sheathed his Zanpakuto and left the training room, feeling full of energy, and went to join the assembling army on the large terrace, where his four friends were already gathered.
Mirana stood at it's head, reviewing her troops. Out of nowhere it seemed, a white blur arrived at the palace and stopped in front of Mirana. The queen gasped at the White Rabbit before her. "May I help you?"
She smiled, "The Sorceress Dementiva cordially invites you to her coronation at sunset. She hopes you will attend." The rabbit stood perfectly still with her hands behind her back as she waited for Mirana's response.
Loyal Heart spotted the rabbit and shouted in dismay, "Swift Heart! What has happened to you!"
She turned to look at him, "I don't know who you think you are talking to but that is not my name." She looked to the left of the blue dog and saw a bear staring at her. She felt uncomfortable in his gaze, as if he could see right through her to her soul. Taking out her gold pocket watch, she began to twirl it. "I need an answer.
Mirana looked apologetically at the 5 of them, "We shall be there."
"Thank you." Without glancing at the group again The White Rabbit sped away.
"Swift Heart wait!" Fauna yelled after her, but it was in vain.
Snowy was shocked, unable to say a thing, but Valiant Heart's teeth were practically grinding in rage, "Queen," he said, striving to hold back his anger, "get your army moving now! We are going to take Dementiva down now!"