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Chapter 12: Union and Birth

This was her dream. Love-a-Lot had notes stuffed to overflowing in a thick binder that she had been filling up since they first defeated Dark Heart that planned out every aspect of her dream wedding. Some would call her obsessed but that obsession proved very useful in putting it together in only two weeks. Love-a-Lot insisted on being her own wedding planner and turned into a near literal hurricane; it was nearly impossible to get her to stand still as she was fitted for her wedding dress: a lacy sleeveless white gown she had drawn herself and been refining for years.

Tenderheart was amazed but by no means displeased with how much Love-a-Lot threw herself into her work, it was that dedication that was part of why he loved her. This left Tenderheart with little to do during the actual preparations save for choosing his best man and groomsmen. Grumpy was chosen as his best man, despite the fact that he complained he'd have to dance with Cheer (Love-a-Lot's maid of honor), while Champ and Brave Heart were chosen to be his groomsmen. Love-a-lot chose Harmony and Friend Bear as her bridesmaids.

It all led to this moment for her. Love-a-Lot stood in front of the altar with Tenderheart where True Heart presided over the ceremony.

"With the power vested in me by the Great Wishing Star I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss." Love-a-Lot's breath nearly caught in her throat as she leaned in and kissed Tenderheart on the lips.

No one noticed when Confidence Heart quietly snuck out of the Hall of Hearts while the new married couple kissed.

Confidence Heart marched through the silent Kingdom of Caring towards the communal gym, her hands clenched into fists as she stared at the ground in front of her. Even this far away she could pick up the sounds of revelry from the Hall of Hearts and it only spurred her to move faster. She finally kicked in the door to the gym and slammed it behind her with another kick. She immediately sought out a punching bag, which she hefted up and hung from the ceiling before she laid into it with unrestrained rage.

Confidence Heart wasn't sure how long she stood there, punching, kicking and just wailing on the bag with everything she had.

"Everything alright, sports fan?"

Confidence Heart whirled around to see Champ Bear behind her. She sighed then turned back to the punching bag, "What! Makes you! Think! Something's! WRONG!" with her last shout she kicked the bag so hard that it broke off the hanging chain and flew across the room to strike the wall near Champ, who reflexively dodged aside.

"Well there's that," Champ watched as Confidence Heart retrieved the punching bag and went to the supply closet for a new chain, "And that you ran out before the reception. Aren't you happy for Tenderheart and Love-a-Lot? Or aren't you at least hungry?"

Confidence Heart finally reattached the punching bag and resumed her assault on it, "I want to be, but I needed to burn off some frustration!" The bag swung back under her assault and she stepped aside to avoid the backswing before she resumed her assault.

"Why don't you just go the Magi gym?" Champ glanced briefly over his shoulder.

Confidence Heart delivered one last punch then caught the bag on the return swing. She took a deep breath, "Because...as soon as I step out of that broom closet I'm going to see, hear or smell the happy couple and their wedding," then she whispered, "It was supposed to be ours."

"What?" Champ's ears perked up and he stepped closer in an attempt to hear what she said.

Confidence Heart turned to Champ which let him see that she was crying, "The wedding. Love Heart and I were supposed to get married, now he's gone."

Champ gave a smile, "Cheer up, sports fan, he'll be back someday."

"THAT NOT THE POINT!" Confidence Heart shouted as wind spiraled around her fist and she delivered a savage punch to the bag, which again sent it hurtling off its chain and across the room.

Champ recoiled from Confidence for a moment as she panted. "I didn't think you cared that much about being married."

"I don't...sort of..." Confidence Heart sighed and retrieved the bag again, but this time she just replaced the chain and stuck it back in the supply closet. "I know I don't act like it but I don't hate girly stuff, I mean I put up with dress shopping with the other girls for a day. I just wanted us to show each other, and everyone, how much we were in love." She walked over to an sat on a bench near the door, where Champ joined her, "Ever since Patient Heart was kidnapped, Love Heart's been too hard on himself. I was hoping that a wedding day would help: showing our love in front of everyone, dancing, eating without caring what it was, partying and then," Confidence gave a coy smile, "Some time alone in bed, maybe a honeymoon."

Champ rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, Cheer mentioned that you two umm... sleep together already."

"For a couple years now," Confidence sighed, "your girlfriend mentioned you two haven't had sex yet."

Champ blushed, "No, I mean she's not ready, I'm not ready..."

"I get it, yeesh everyone here's a prude. Maybe now that they're married Love-a-Lot and Tenderheart will join the club. Then I guess Swift Heart and Grumpy are next," Confidence Heart sighed an hung her head, "Damnit, I was trying to avoid thinking about this."

"Sorry, sports fan," Champ put a hand on Confidence's back. "Want to come back to the reception?"

Confidence Heart stood up and stretched, "In a bit, I need to stretch and shower, maybe blow off a little more steam."

Champ watched her with concern as she headed for the bench press machine, then stood up and followed her, "Want me to spot for you?" he offered.

"Thanks, but I'll be fine. Plus, I don't think you want to get sweat all over that tuxedo, or leave Cheer without a dance partner." Confidence Heart set the weight then lay down on the bench.

Champ looked at his arm, as if remembering he was still dressed up as a groomsman for the day, "Right. Why didn't you get dressed up?"

"Didn't want to, hnnng!" Confidence grunted as she lifted the weights. "I'll be fine. I'll see you in a few OK?"

"Alright. Be careful sports fan," Champ turned and left the gym.

"Why does he call everyone that?" Confidence asked aloud once he had left.

OoOoO

Regal Heart sat at home with a book in hand and some tea on the coffee table as she enjoyed a rare moment to herself. Pace was asleep, Chance was out on a caring mission and her other children were out with Hugs and Tugs for the afternoon. She had the baby monitor set up just in case but even at toddler age Pace was a quiet child.

A soft knock at the front door took Regal out of her book. She sighed, marked the page and got up to answer. "Hey Wish, what brings you here?"

Wish Bear smiled somewhat awkwardly as she stood on the front step, her hands clasped in front of her tummy symbol, "I just wanted to talk, and visit for a while. Is this a bad time?"

Regal sighed and rolled her eyes, "I guess not, but I was enjoying having some time to myself for the first time in months."

Wish averted her gaze and frowned, "Oh...sorry. I wish I'd come at a better time." she was about to turn and leave when Regal put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

"Sorry, Wish, it's fine. Come in," Regal stood aside to let Wish into her house.

Regal plopped down next to where Wish had sat herself on the couch, "So why are you here? Just for a social call? To see Patient Heart?"

Wish twiddled her fingers in her lap, "Well...It's umm..." she looked down at her tummy symbol for a moment.

Regal leaned in closer and put a hand on her shoulder, "Wish, is something wrong?"

Wish's head snapped back up to look at Regal, "What? Oh no not at all. Actually things are very right. I'm just nervous..."

"Right? Nervous? Wait..." Regal watched as Wish carefully put her right hand over her tummy symbol and gave an awkward smile. "Wish Bear, are you pregnant?"

"Yes."

Regal smiled, "Congratulations. You're not too far along are you?"

"Only a couple weeks, I just found out today." Wish looked down at her hands, I was hoping you could give me some advice on what to expect."

Regal sighed and took a drink of her tea, "I guess if anyone is going to offer advice about pregnancy it would be me. Well first off you're going to be hungry pretty much all the time, and not always for things you normally enjoy. I put mustard on everything when I was pregnant and normally I can't stand the stuff." Regal held up two fingers, "Second, watch out for mood swings because the hormones will drive you crazy. Most people will forgive you if they know you're pregnant, and on that note: everyone is going to want to touch your belly when you get big, how you deal with that is up to you...Actually hold on a moment," Regal stood up and walked to the book case on the wall. She scanned through the books until she found what she was looking for, "Here," she passed the book to Wish Bear as she sat back down.

Wish read the cover, "What to Expect When You're Expecting?"

"Soulful got that for me when I was pregnant with Chance. I read through it a couple times, it has some good advice in there." Regal thought for a moment, "With Tenderheart and Love-a-Lot married I get the feeling there's going to be a lot more kids running around soon."

Wish smiled, "thank you Regal. Now I just need to figure out how to tell everyone."

Regal took another drink, "So I'm the first one you told?"

"Well third after Phoenix and Take Care," Wish sighed.

"Right," Regal nodded then quirked an eyebrow as something hit her, "wait since when were you and Defender married?"

Wish blushed, "Oh...well... we aren't actually married, but Phoenix promised himself to me after that incident with Dark Heart. So I guess... we're mates now. Do you think everyone will understand?"

Regal chuckled and shook her head, "Why not? Love-a-Lot might be a bit miffed that she doesn't get to plan your wedding but I think everyone will be happy for you. Animals don't bother with marriage, and wouldn't know what it is either way. It's a human thing we just sort of adopted because we deal with humans. It's _your_business how you want to live your life. If you want people to know without making a big fuss out of it then just tell someone like Cheer and let word spread."

Wish smiled and stood up, the book clutched in her hands, "Thank you Regal, I should be getting home now."

"Good luck," Regal waved goodbye as Wish exited out the front door.

OoOoO

"So where are we going, Connie," Tugs followed Connie and Hope into the Forest of Feelings with Hugs right behind him.

"Somewhere special, just hold on a moment." Connie stopped to recall where they were going.

Tugs blushed slightly, "If it's a special place why are our sisters here?"

Connie blushed and shook her head, "Not that kind of special! Just, ugg hold on!"

Hope smirked and took over, "I think it's this way, com'on." She took them into the trees and they finally emerged into a sall clearing shielded from prying eyes.

"Here we go, welcome to one of our secret spots," Contrary Heart spread her arms to show off the location.

Hugs stared up and around, "Gosh, I didn't even know we had places like this in the forest."

"We have a few, but only we know about them," Connie leaned up against a tree covering a small heart she'd drawn on the bark with chalk a couple days ago.

Tugs thankfully didn't notice, "So why are we here? Is this some sort of secret club?"

"Sort of. Remember when Love Heart almost killed Cold Heart?" Connie asked.

Hugs shuddered, "I do. I'm just glad he stopped."

Hope walked over to Hugs and put a hand on her shoulder, "Do you know why he stopped when you hugged him?"

Hugs looked up at Hope, "No...why did he?"

Hope pointed to her chest with a finger, "Because you stopped him. When you hugged him your tummy symbol lit up and he just stopped. It's a special power you have."

Hugs blinked, "Special power?"

"We all have the, me, Connie, Chance, even Love Heart and you two," Hope looked, then over at Tugs, who was staring at her.

"Special powers? We? Who's we?" Tugs looked from Hope to Connie.

"Second generation Care Bears," Connie spun her right hand, "Love Heart, and the rest of us, were born as Care Bears instead of changed from normal animals." Connie walked over to Tugs, "We know that Hugs has a 'cooldown hug' and we're going to find out what you can do," she prodded Tugs' chest with her finger.

Tugs blushed slightly but pumped his fists in the air, "Alright! Let's do this!"

OoOoO

"Tenderheart, Wish Bear and I are mates," Defender Bear stood in front of Tenderheart in the Hall of Hearts.

Tenderheart looked up from the documents on the desk and stared, open mouthed at Defender, "Wait what? You're married? For how long?"

Defender shook his head, "Not married, really, but we became mates after the incident with Dark Heart a few years ago."

Tenderheart put a hand on his forehead and leaned back, "And you kept it a secret this long? Why?"

Defender took a deep breath, "Because we wanted to keep things private, I've seen how everyone reacts to each new couple or wedding up here and neither of us wanted to make a public display about our love."

Tenderheart nodded then looked at the silver wedding band on his finger, "Yeah...Love-a-Lot goes a bit gaga over weddings, she's been talking non-stop about Grumpy and Swift Heart lately." He looked back up to Defender, "So why are you telling me this now?"

Defender took a deep breath, "Wish is pregnant and we're moving in together soon."

Tenderheart blinked, "Oh well...congratulations. How much longer?"

"About ten more weeks, if it lasts as long as Regal's did. I should get going, I have to help Wish move today," Defender turned to leave.

"Alright, good luck," Tenderheart pulled out the home registry binder to update the housing information, something they had decided to do after Care-a-Lot was destroyed and recreated several years ago.

OoOoO

"I wish I didn't have so much joint pain." Wish Bear's stretched out tummy symbol flickered for a moment and then faded. She patted her taut tummy. "I guess even my wishes can't make this any more pleasant." Wish leaned back to stretch which pushed her pregnant tummy forwards and knocked the star-o-scope off kilter. "Oops!" she grabbed the object and peered through it again.

"Still at it, Wish?"

Wish stood up to see Confidence Heart who was standing on the observation platform next to her. Wish smiled, "I am, no reason not to."

Confidence looked down at Wish's pregnant tummy, "How much longer?"

Wish patted her tummy, "Two more weeks, if she's on time. Want to feel?"

Confidence Heart quirked an eyebrow, "Aren't you sick of people doing that?"

Wish blushed, "Maybe, but I actually like it, and with Grumpy and Swift Heart's wedding tomorrow everyone's attention is on them."

Confidence sighed, "Right. Can I borrow the star-o-scope for a minute?"

"OK," Wish stepped aside then went to sit on the bench that was across from where the star-o-scope was set up. She watched Confidence Heart swing the star-o-scope up and around.

Confidence's face hardened as she tried to peer closer through the lens, "Looks quiet so far...What's he up to?"

"Who?" Wish asked.

"No-Heart. He's been too quiet lately," Confidence Heart stood up.

Wish Bear heaved herself up and off the bench, one hand on her swollen tummy, "I admit that does worry me. What do you think he's up to?"

Confidence Heart folded her arms, "I don't know, but he didn't try to do anything at Tenderheart and Love-a-Lot's wedding and now we're about to have another one," she turned to look down at Wish's tummy, "And a new cub. No telling what's he's going to do soon."

Wish's hugged her arms protectively around her tummy, "Do you think he's going to do something?" Wish's voice came in a worried tone.

Confidence Heart's face was still serious and she raised a hand, palm upwards, "I heard that he kidnapped Regal Heart on her wedding day and kidnapped Patient Heart the week he was born. He hasn't done anything since Love Heart left which means he's either planning something big, or he's given up. After everything I've heard about No-Heart I doubt he'd give up."

"I see..." Wish looked at the ground, or at least tried with her tummy in the way. She was about to speak when she felt her tummy shudder, "Oh! She's kicking! Want to feel?" Wish looked up with a smile on her face and her hands on her tummy.

Confidence Heart hesitated for a moment then carefully reached out for Wish's pregnant tummy. As soon as she touched Wish's tummy she felt a kick right under her hand. "It's nice," she forced a smile the withdrew her hand.

"Oh! Confidence are you alright? Oh my stars! Calm down please!" Wish pleaded to her unborn daughter.

Confidence Heart sighed, "I'll be fine. I'll just need to keep an eye on No-Heart tomorrow."

Wish finally managed to get her unborn daughter to calm down. She looked up at Confidence, "What? Aren't you going to the wedding tomorrow?"

Confidence shook her head, "No. I'm going to come out here to the observation post and keep an eye on No-Heart, just in case he tries something."

Wish put a hand on Confidence Heart's arm, "Why don't you want to come to the wedding?"

Confidence Heart grit her teeth and pulled her arm away from Wish, "I just want to keep everyone safe!"

"Confidence, please talk to me!" Wish waddled around to Confidence Heart's front.

Confidence looked down at Wish then sighed, "Because I'm jealous OK!"

Wish started, "Jealous?"

"Yes!" Confidence threw up her hands and shouted, "Jealous of True Heart and Noble Heart, Regal and Stellar, Love-a-Lot and Tenderheart and you and Defender! I'm jealous because you're all happy loving couples and I'm alone!" She turned to lean over the fence and glared out across the clouds, "I bolted from Love-a-Lot and Tenderheart's wedding as soon as they kissed and went to the gym." She sighed, "I hate feeling like this, I want to be happy for everyone but all I can think is 'I wish that was me up there at the altar'."

Wish stepped forwards and put a hand on Confidence's shoulder. She gave a concerned look, "Why don't you go and visit Love Heart?"

Confidence Heart hung her head, "I want to, but I can't." She reached into her pants pocket and pulled out a crumpled letter, "Renegade brought me this from Love Heart a week after he left. It says he trusts me to take care of everyone and to keep training Anger Heart and Guidance Heart. He's trusting me to do my job so I have to trust him and what he's doing. If I go there that could give No-Heart or Cold Heart the opportunity to attack." She stuffed the letter back in her pocket.

"You should come, at least go to the reception to get something to eat afterwards," Wish leaned over slightly and used the railing for support.

Confidence Heart averted her gaze, "Maybe. You should head home just in case No-Heart's spying on us."

Wish gave Confidence Heart a worried look, then nodded, "OK. Just consider it, please." Wish waddled away while Confidence Heart stayed at the observation post.

OoOoO

Confidence Heart didn't go to Swift Heart ad Grumpy's wedding. She didn't even go to the Hall of Hearts. She spent the entire day at the observation post with a pile of sandwiches full of: salami, cheese, spinach, lettuce and mashed avocados. She finished her last one as she peered through the star-o-scope towards No-Heart's castle.

"Come on," she mumbled through a half-full mouth as she tried to focus on the dark structure, "Where's your plan to sabotage the wedding today?"

Confidence Heart was vindicated when she saw Beastly peddling his flying bicycle towards Care-a-lot and... wait who was that? It looked like a young human girl with purple hair done back in a ponytail that had a green streak back through it. She was waving a hand mirror with a gem set above it and she was berating Beastly.

Confidence Heart stepped back from the star-o-scope and squinted towards the sky cycle in the distance, "Not today." she bared her teeth then took off to intercept the invaders.

Beastly panted as he set the cycle down, "We're here, Shreeky," he panted.

"Took you long enough, furball!" Shreeky jumped out of the large yellow side car that had been attached to Beastly's cycle-copter. She brandished her mirror towards the Hall of Hearts then scowled, "Yeeach! A Care Bear wedding, well I'm not going to let that happen."

Shreeky was about to start her march towards the Hall of Hearts, when Confidence Heart leapt up and landed in a three-point stance in front of her. "And I'm not going to let you ruin it." Confidence Heart stood up to face Shreeky and cracked her fists in anticipation.

Shreeky cackled, "Heehahahahaha! I don't think so. One Care Bear Cousin isn't going to stop me. You had it easy but now you have to face me, No-Heart's niece Shreeky!" She raised her mirror, "Magic mirror make then mad, turn whatever's good to bad!" A bright purple beam fired out of the mirror and struck one of the lampposts on the path to the Hall of Hearts. The lamp-post suddenly came to life, gaining cartoonishly evil eyes and sharp teeth. Confidence was taken by surprise enough to that the lamp post dove down and wrapped its body around her. Confidence struggled as she was lifted high into the air and the lamp post tried to snap at her with its glass teeth.

Shreeky grinned up at the struggling fennec, "Hahahaha!" Well you can just sit up there while I ruin...their...wedding..." Shreeky watched in surprise as Confidence forced the wrapped post outwards until her arms were straight. She kicked out hard at the lamp post's body which made it roar in pain as she hit the ground.

"Not gonna work!" Confidence Heart darted forwards. Shreeky didn't have time to react as Confidence snatched the mirror from her and kicked her in the chest. "Confidence Heart tossed the mirror up in her hand then smirked over at Shreeky, "So this is your magic wand? You're nowhere near your uncle's level." Confidence Heart caught the mirror then looked up at the lamp post, which glared at her then changed back to normal. Confidence Heart glared at Shreeky and pointed the mirror at her, "I'm not a Care Bear Cousin, I'm a Care Bear Magi and you can't imagine what I've been through. Go home before I lose it!"

Shreeky ground her teeth and pointed to Confidence Heart, "Give me back my magic mirror, Care Bear, or I'm gonna, I'm gonna!"

"N-n-n-no Shreeky d-d-d-don't!" Beastly waved his arms defensively, but it was too late.

Shreeky took in a deep breath and shrieked at the top of her lungs, "EEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Confidence Heart dropped the mirror and her hand flew to cover her ears, her normally sensitive hearing meant that the loud shriek was like a thousand jackhammers pounding at her skull and her hands couldn't cover enough of her ears to block out the sound. It was so painful that she dropped to her knees and the world spun around her. Beastly seized his chance and ran over to Confidence, grabbing the mirror and running it back to Shreeky.

"Give me that, furball!" Shreeky snatched the mirror from Beastly then turned to Confidence Heart, who was still kneeling on the ground as her eardrums pounded. "Hahahah! Well it looks like you can't beat me after all. What should I do with you?" She grinned, "oooh I know, I'll turn you into a statue and present you to uncle No-Heart as a present."

Confidence Heart tried to stand up, but her head spun too much and she had to grab a nearby lamp post to stay upright. A blast of magic from the mirror flew past her and struck the post, turning it to solid bronze.

"Hold still!" Shreeky stomped her foot as she pointed the mirror at Confidence Heart again. Confidence tried to face her but she had just barely caught sight of Shreeky as her mirror lit up again.

"Care Bear Stare!" A bright silver beam of light fired from behind Confidence Heart and struck Shreeky's arm, which send her aim up and wildly missed Confidence Heart. Independent Bear ran up alongside Confidence Heart and helped her to stand, "Are you alright?"

Confidence couldn't hear hi but as soon as she saw him she asked one word, "Wedding?"

"They heard the scream but I volunteered to check it out. They're still going ahead," Indy's symbol glowed and he conjured his katana into his left hand. "Now you, get out of here before I force you to leave."

Shreeky stomped her foot again, "Stop getting in my way!" She raised her mirror again.

Indy reacted quickly, he dashed forwards and swung his sword at the mirror which sliced the top off and shattered the glass. Indy stood next to Shreeky but didn't turn to face her, "Leave now, little girl, before I decide it's worth my time to end you."

The threat seemed to pass over Shreeky's head and she s jumped in place, stomping her feet on the ground, "You Care Bears don't know who you're dealing with! I'll be back and you'll all pay! BEASTLY!" Her last screech made Confidence wince.

"Yes, right away Shreeky!" Beastly ran over to the sky-cycle and started peddling even before Shreeky had jumped in.

Confidence Heart ignored the retreating threats of vengeance and shook her head. Indy came over to help her stand, "Are you alright, Confidence Heart?"

Confidence looked up at him, "What? Ugggg my head's killing me!"

Indy guided her over to a nearby bench and helped her to sit down, "Just wait here, I'll go get Take Care."

Confidence barely registered what he said and just slumped back against the bench. A couple minutes later she was being supported between Indy and Take Care as they led her to the hospital.

After fifteen minutes of testing Confidence's hearing was finally coming back. Take Care peered down Confidence's ear with an otoscope, "Well there's no permanent damage at least," She stood back and tossed the cone from the otoscope's tip into a bin to be washed, "How's you're head."

"Still pounding," Confidence finally put a hand on her forehead, "Got any Asprin?"

"Just a minute." Take Care passed the gel cap and a glass of water, which she downed in an instant.

Confidence sighed as she waited for the painkiller to take effect, "Where's Indy?"

"He went to give the report about what happened," Take Care stood back and folded her arms, "Can you tell me what happened?"

Confidence nodded, "I was at the observation point when I saw Beastly flying towards Care-a-Lot..."

OoOoO

"...and then I got took Confidence Heart to Take Care's hospital with her before I came to write this report." Independent Bear was seated in the leaders' room as he wrote down the report on the report form about attacks against the Kingdom of Caring.

Tenderheart nodded as he typed the same information into the computer they'd installed there recently, "I see. So No-Heart has a niece, and a family of some kind. What do you think she's going to do next?"

Indy set his pen down, "I know she's going to come back and keep harassing us. Shreeky wasn't scared when I destroyer her mirror or that I was using a katana so she's either fearless or too dense to understand how much of a threat I posed. Personally I think it's the latter." He put the report paper in that year's file folder, "Was the wedding interrupted at all after I left?"

Tenderheart saved the report and turned to Indy, "No. We continued even after you and Take Care took off, I think she was happy to get out of there though."

There was a knock on the door and Indy turned his head, "Who is it?"

"It's Wish Bear. May I come in?" she sounded worried.

"Yes, come in," Tenderheart said.

Wish entered with one arm resting on her pregnant tummy. Both Tenderheart and Indy saw the worried look on her face. Tenderheart stood up and put her hands on both her shoulders, "Wish, what's wrong?"

"It's about something Confidence Heart told me yesterday," Wish hugged her belly protectively as Tenderheart stepped back, "She said that No-Heart would try something at the wedding today and that he would try to do something when my cub is born. He did try something today didn't he?"

"In a manner of speaking," Indy folded his arms, "That girl Shreeky is his niece, but I don't know if she came here on her own or at his command."

"Either way, something almost did happen and now..." she looked down at her tummy, "I'm scared. What if he tries to do something to my daughter? He went after Regal on her wedding day and he kidnapped three of her children right after they were born..."

Indy nodded, "I was wondering about that too. He's been quiet ever since his fight with Love Heart and now it looks like he's back." He walked over to Wish and put a hand on her shoulder. He squeezed it reassuringly, "I promise, we'll make sure nothing happens to her, or you."

Wish managed a smile, "Thank you. I should get back to the reception."

Tenderheart smiled reassuringly. "Have fun, oh and can you ask Brave Heart to come here. We need to talk to him about all of this, just to make sure everyone's on the same page."

"Thank you, I will." Wish retreated out the door.

Brave Heart arrive a couple minutes later, two trays of food in his hand. "I brought you your servings from dinner, you two haven't had a chance to eat."

"Thanks, Brave Heart." Tenderheart sniffed at the roasted root pie and sausages, "But we do have to have a meeting now."

"Well I already ate so I'm all ears." Brave Heart took his seat at the meeting table.

Indy took a bite from the root pie before he spoke again. "Wish just came to see us. Confidence Heart guessed that something was going to happen at the wedding today and Beastly showed up with No-Heart's niece Shreeky. We chased her off but something else Confidence said scared Wish, that No-Heart is probably going to try and kidnap her daughter after she's born."

Brave Heart's face hardened, "I wouldn't put it past him, or whoever Shreeky is."

Indy nodded, "And the fact that she showed up today means they're watching us. They have to have noticed when Flash Heart died and Love Heart left and they must know that Wish is pregnant and close to her due date."

Tenderheart swallowed a chunk of meat, "Then why didn't they try something at my wedding?"

Indy rolled his eyes, "Probably because Hurricane Love-a-Lot put things together so fast he wasn't able to plan anything."

Tenderheart couldn't help but chuckle as he looked at the silver wedding band on his right ring finger, "I couldn't even keep track of what was going on until I was standing at the altar."

"Focus, Tenderheart!" Brave Heart's voice raised which snapped Tenderheart's attention back to him. "I think we have extra reason to be worried too, No-Heart has extra reason to want to hurt Defender Bear after he nearly killed him and helped Truth Bear break away from him."

Indy counted off on his fingers, "Defender, Love Heart and Regal Heart, they're probably the ones he has the biggest grudges against."

"Take Care might be high on that list too, since she saved my life after he nearly drowned me," Brave Heart shuddered at the memory, "He has to hate her for stealing that win from him."

"And then there's Fauna," Tenderheart got a faraway look in his eyes.

Indy looked over at Tenderheart, "What about Fauna?"

Tenderheart shook his head to clear it, "Oh right, that was before you joined. When Fauna was a foal she wanted to learn magic but none of us could teach her, this was before Defender joined the family or she found the Falls again, so she ended up going to No-Heart for training."

Indy almost choked on his mouthful of food, he held his throat as he grabbed a drink from the water cooler and washed the food down his throat. "What?!"

Tenderheart sighed, "She was naïve and she didn't really know who No-Heart was, or maybe he convinced her that he just wanted to help. Either way she trained with him until she was almost fully grown; even though she met and fell in love with Blue during this time she still kept learning from No-Heart."

Brave Heart cleared his throat, "To cut a long story short she learned some magic from him and when we found out we freaked out then she freaked out and ran off to No-Heart. Fauna helped No-Heart capture all of us and he almost won that day, but Grumpy and Swift Heart managed to change her mind at the last minute so she set us free and turned on No-Heart, then everything exploded and we thought she was dead."

Tenderheart hung his head, "We didn't see her for two years then one day we found her symbol carved into a tree in the Forest of Feelings. At first we thought it was a cruel joke or prank but it turns out she was alive. She escaped the castle and went into hiding until she snuck out and carved that symbol as a way to tell us she was still alive. We were angry but relieved and that's more or less the whole story."

Indy pounded his chest to make sure the food got through before he spoke, "Does she still use his magic?"

Brave Heart shook his head, "Nope, you need one of his crystals to do that."

Indy nodded and sat back down, "Right, but we're off topic here. We know that No-Heart, or Shreeky, is going to try something when Wish gives birth, so we need to be ready."

Tenderheart swallowed the last of his food and wiped his mouth, "What do you suggest?"

Indy rested a hand on his mouth and furrowed his brow, "Give me some time, I'm still not used to being a leader. I promise I'll have something before her due date."

"Don't worry, we'll be here to help you too," Tenderheart reassured him.

Indy smiled, "Thanks."

OoOoO

No-Heart listened to Shreeky rant about her broken magic mirror as she stormed up to her room in the tower.

"I see my daughter's doing as well as ever," the voice spoke from the small cauldron on No-Heart's alchemy table.

No-Heart glared at the face that rippled on the surface, "And why did you send her to me again?"

"She needs to learn magic in a place that's better stocked...shall we say. My own resources are tied up in mundane avenues at the moment and, though I am loathed to admit this, your collection of arcane lore is more substantial than mine."

A shriek from upstairs caused No-Heart to suddenly transform into a snake. He slithered up onto the table to glare back into the cauldron, "And it has nothing to do with her volatile and disruptive temperament, Quenos?"

"Perhaps. I think that might be put to good use disrupting those Care Bears you're always at war with." The voice's tone became smug, "How is that going by the way?"

No-Heart transformed back to his true form and stepped down to the ground, "They are multiplying: finding new and lost members and having children!" No-Heart turned away from the cauldron, "The lioness has a brood of four and now, the mate of that white bear is about to give birth!"

"That is troubling, so why do you not do something?"

"I have tried!" No-Heart's shout caused the room to shake, "I kidnapped her twins and her fourth child and both times they were saved before I could do anything!" He turned back to the cauldron, his eyes blazing, "This time I will not let this go unanswered, I will steal that infant and this time I will use it to destroy them. And failing that I will kill it and its parents!"

"Given your track record I would wait on this until-"

"I will not wait! Even with your daughter here I will not let this go unanswered! If I must, I will employ her talents, her voice seemed to cripple that one member of the magi." No-Heart turned to one of his spell books, "And with one of their defenders dead and another missing there will be no better time than now."

"If you insist. I need to get back to my business. Be careful big brother," the last four words dripped sarcasm.

OoOoO

A purple tornado landed next to Take Care's hospital and No-Heart emerged. "At last, this time I will not fail!"

Before he could take a step towards the hospital a fireball struck him in the face. "You're not going anywhere!" Anger Heart Fox's twin tails swished back and forth as he conjured up another fireball that he hurled at No-Heart, which struck him in the chest.

"I will not be denied my prize!" No-Heart was about to hurl a spell at Anger Heart when Independent Bear charged at him and sliced into his arm with his katana which was wreathed in white stare energy.

Indy rounded on No-Heart and pointed the glowing white sword at No-Heart with his left hand, "You will not harm a hair on that infant's body."

No-Heart rounded on Indy only to find himself surrounded not only by them but Confidence Heart Fennec with metal arm and shin guards, Truth Bear with his guandao and Guidance Heart Raccoon with her dirk held in her off hand.

No-Heart glared at them, "You will not stop me from protecting that child, especially you!" he pointed a finger at Truth Bear.

Truth spun his guandao and electrified the blade, "I'm not your puppet anymore, No-Heart."

No-Heart roared and changed into a tiger and pounced at Truth Bear when a flash of light temporarily blinded him followed by a torrent of water that knocked him off course. Guidance Heart panted but still managed a smile as she did her best to ready herself for the next attack.

As the battle raged outside, Shreeky used her magic mirror to unlock the window to Wish's maternity room. "Now help me up, furball." Shreeky didn't even wait for Beastly to offer a hand and stepped on his head to get into the window. Wish was asleep as was her newborn cub, a pale teal bear with two small tufts of longer fur on her head, one teal and one white.

Shreeky couldn't resist a cackle to herself, "Heheeheehee, this is the easiest job I've ever been given."

There was a sudden flash and Shreeky found a sword up against her throat. "If you touch one hair on my daughter Hope Bear's head, then I will remove yours from your neck."

Defender Bear stood there, his face a mask a cold fury as he held his sword at the ready. Shreeky backed off which let Defender put himself between her and the crib where his newborn daughter lay asleep all the while keeping his sword pointed at the purple-haired witch.

Far from being afraid, Shreeky was furious, "Get out of my way, Care Bear, I have a mission and I will finish it!"

Defender tensed himself, "This is your last warning, leave!"

"Get out of my way or I'll shriek!" Shreeky didn't even wait for a reply and took a deep breath.

Defender reacted quickly and chanted a spell, "Silence!" he hurled a bolt of magical energy at Shreeky right as she opened her mouth to shriek. No sound came out.

Shreeky felt like she was shrieking at the top of her lungs but it was completely silent. Defender took his chance and charged as her, pushing her all the way to the window and outside. "That will wear off in a couple hours, but try this again and I won't be so nice." Defender shut and locked the window then sat down in a nearby chair to keep watch.

No-Heart was engulfed in Anger Heart's flames as he transformed into an elephant and reared up to stomp on him, only to miss when Anger Heart dodged out of the way. Truth swung his guandoa at No-Heart only for the blade to spark as it struck his skin. No-Heart spotted Shreeky retreat from the hospital then trumpeted and charged towards the hospital.

"GET AWAY!" Confidence Heart and Anger Heart both charged at No-Heart and rammed into his side which knocked him off kilter. Guidance Heart fired off a torrent of water at his feet from the opposite side and both Indy and Truth swung at his legs and had to jump out of the way as he fell over.

They all jumped back as No-Heart transformed back to his true form as Indy shouted, "Now! Care Bears Countdown! Four! Three! Two! One! Care Bear Stare!"

No-Heart barely had time to stand up when all five white beams of light hit him. He reeled pain and bellowed. His words incoherent as he transformed into a tornado and flew away. The Magi all watched him retreat, followed by a still silenced Shreeky being peddled away by Beastly. Once they were sure he was out of sight they all collapsed to the clouds panting heavily, Indy and Truth using their weapons to prop themselves up.

Confidence Heart grinned as she forced herself to stand up, "We won!"

"For now." Indy pushed himself up and dissipated his katana, "We need to keep watch at every wedding and birth we have for a while."

Anger Heart groaned, "Great... So we'll be on security for every wedding we have now?"

"One of us will have to be," Confidence Heart stretched as she dissipated her arm and shin guards.

"I guess we'll have to put things on hold," Guidance Heart sighed, "Oh well."