FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

A/N: I need to thank my friend ShimmeringStar/EternalDragonsTear/Aqua Bear/Lonesomeheart for helping me to write this and letting me use his characters.

Chapter 8: Shimmering New Life

An adult woman sat outside only half interested in the food she'd ordered from the outdoor restaurant as she pulled out her smartphone. She swiped up then swore to herself, thankful most of the Brazilians around her couldn't understand her, "Damnit! Always forget about the camera spot, what?" She saw a small minimised picture in the corner and clicked it, a picture of herself, a man the same age and a two-year old boy. "Ugg, missed one of those family photos," She deleted the picture the closed the camera, "Now let's see..."

"Any business news?"

"Nothing yet but," The woman started and her gaze shot up to the man seated across from her. He was dressed in all black, shirt, pants, longcoat and shoes but his hair was purple, almost vivid neon in the light. He drank from a glass of water in front of him. "Who are you?!" She demanded.

The man smiled, it looked pleasant but somehow sent shivers down her spine, "A fellow restaurant patron looking for a seat and a conversation."

"Then look somewhere else, I'm expecting my boyfriend soon!" She looked back down at her smartphone. "I'm sure you can someone else in Rio to talk to."

'But you are the only one with information that I need.'

The woman went rigid with fright as she heard the man's voice in her head. She wanted to cry out but found she had lost her voice, she couldn't even feel her legs as she tried to get up.

'You can't run. I'll make it stop when I have what I need,' the man leaned forwards, one arm on the table, 'You're the first lead I have about the son you abandoned, where is he?'

The woman felt her throat loosen up and she answered, "I don't remember."

'Let's see if you do, Jezabel.' His eyes seemed to pierce into her mind and she found herself dredging up memories she thought she had forgotten, her mind being forced into things she didn't want to remember: meeting her husband, her wedding day, the birth of her son, all sped by in her head as if she were watching a slide show of her past.

'A name, a place, did you not even try to remember where you used to live?' The man's voice echoed in her head. 'the last time you saw him.'

It was as though she was there again. Jezabel stood in the front room, dressed to walk out the front door, a suitcase of her belongings at her side. "No, Antonio, I don't love you anymore, and he," she pointed at the five-year-old boy standing nearby, "was a mistake I should never have made. I wasted so much of my time on you and on him!" Her voice had risen in intensity as the boy started to cry, "I'm going now and I hope I never see either of you again!" She opened the door, she couldn't remember what her husband had said as she slammed it behind her and walked to the taxi to take her to the airport. She wasn't sure if Antonio had run out after her but she was long gone before he could say anything.

Her vision returned to the present and the man's expression changed to one of disgust as he narrowed his eyes at her, and this time spoke aloud, "You don't care about your own son enough to even remember his name." She felt an invisible hand close on her throat as he continued, "Your memories are almost useless to me but they are enough to start." He stood up and turned his back to her.

Jezabel struggled to breathe and as she watched him walk away she felt her neck twist and she reached up to grab at the invisible hand choking the life out of her. She desperately tried to kick her legs, to try and stand up and walk away as if that would somehow save her. Her vision was blurring, her mind going numb as she tried to shake her body and make her legs work but only succeeded in toppling her chair sideways and falling to the ground, still trying to force some air into her lungs. She stared up at the other people nearby, walking past her as if she wasn't there. She reached out to grab someone's leg but missed as her arm went limp. She tried to give someone a sign, or make some noise to be noticed, but they all ignored her. Her vision clouded and dimmed as the world faded into nothingness.

Mental Heart continued to walk away, passing a young man who instantly noticed Jezabel's distress.

"Jezzy!" He was at her side, shaking her, "Jezzy what's wrong?" Suddenly everyone seemed to notice the woman's dead body lying on the ground.

Mental Heart continued to walk away, obfuscated from everyone around him. "I could have just kept my distance then left," he mused to himself, "But people like her disgust me beyond belief."

OoOoO

Love Heart was having trouble sleeping. He rolled over twice, first to face Confidence Heart then away from her. Finally, he sighed and got out of bed. After a quick trip to the bathroom, Love Heart went to stare out the bedroom window. He pushed the window open and leaned on the sill. He stared down at the clouds then up at the clear sky. He stared up at the stars, wondering if the Great Wishing Star was up there somewhere.

"Great Wishing Star, am I doing everything right? I just..." He sighed and stared down at the clouds, "The end of the world is coming and I feel like I'm just sitting on my butt waiting for something to happen. Can you give me some sort of sign?"

A bright light shone down from above, Love Heart looked up in time for the beam of light to touch the eight-pointed star on his forehead causing it to light up. Love Heart stared up at the star from which the light emanated as a voice from overhead spoke to him.

"Love Heart Bear. Come to Big Star Point tomorrow and speak with me. I have a very important task for you."

Love Heart continued to stare until the light beam vanished. He shuddered, yawned then went back to bed. Confidence Heart felt the weight next to her and immediately snuggled up to her husband. Love Heart smiled and snuggled back before he fell asleep.

Confidence Heart shook Love Heart awake the next morning. He smiled up at her, "Good morning."

"Good morning to you too," Confidence Heart kissed him, "Slept in a bit late."

"Time to shower then," Love Heart rolled out of bed.

Confidence Heart giggled, "Yep."

A few minutes later, Love Heart and Confidence were washing each other in their bedroom's attached bathroom shower. Confidence Heart turned around and gave Love Heart a hug and kiss, which he reciprocated.

"I love this, just the two of us in the morning," Confidence Heart whispered, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Me too," Love Heart sighed. Then his experience the previous night came back to him. "but not all day."

Confidence Heart sighed, "I know."

Mira exited the free bathroom to the smell of bacon and eggs from the kitchen. Her four tails wagged in glee as she skipped into the kitchen to find her parents, still damp from the shower, just sitting down to breakfast.

"Morning!" Mira hopped up on her chair where the food was already served, along with a huge plate of toast.

"Good morning," Confidence Heart's plate was already half eaten. Love Heart had uncharacteristically eaten his breakfast rather fast and just sat staring at his empty plate as he waited for his wife and daughter to finish.

When he was gathering up the plates, Love Heart finally spoke, "I got a message from the Great Wishing Star last night."

"Wow, really?" Mira leaned forwards.

Love Heart smiled as he stacked the dishes in the dishwasher, "Really."

"I thought I heard something last night," Confidence smirked, "What did he say?"

Love Heart shut the dishwasher door then turned to face the two, leaning back on the counter, "He told me to go to Big Star Point today and that he has an important task for me."

"Ooh Ooh! Can I come!" Mira was standing on her chair, arm raised like she was in school.

"Sure, in fact let's make it a family trip." Confidence Heart stood up.

Love Heart stepped up and gave Confidence a soft kiss, "If you insist. Let's go now."

The three of them stood just outside the front door, Miracle Heart standing between her parents as they went through their warm-up stretches.

"Remember how to fly?" Love Heart looked down at his daughter.

"Yeah!" Mira's tails waved as the wind picked up around her.

"Then let's race there!" Confidence suddenly shot up into the sky.

"Hey wait!" Love Heart laughed as he and Mira took off after her.

Everyone in the Care Bear Family knew the way to Big Star Point. Twice a year they had to round up all the Star buddies then the Heart buddies that flew around the Kingdom of Caring and bring them to the Great Wishing Star; the stardust and heart seeds contained within provided the magical energy to keep the Kingdom of Caring afloat, solid and even allowed it to grow if the need ever came.

Mira stared down as they flew over the deserts and canyons that lead to Big Star Point. "It looks so different from up here."

"Yep," Confidence Heart slowed down to fly up alongside her daughter, "And a lot faster than running that trail."

Love Heart looked back at them and smiled, then looked ahead towards Big Star Point. The sky started to dim and Love Heart pointed forwards, "Look!" All three of them watched Big Star Point come into view and the Great Wishing Star descending from above: a colossal five pointed star with a mouth and eyes on the front. The three of them didn't even bother to land, only slowing to a stop and hovering at eye level with the Star.

"Thank you for coming, Love Heart Bear, and you two as well, Confidence Heart Fennec and Miracle Heart Kitsune. I wish I had time to tell you more but I have a very important mission for you. I have seen the arrival of Futureheart and I do not know what will come, but there are other lost Care Bears on Earth that you need to find, something only you can do." Love Heart looked down at his tummy symbol then back up to the Star as it continued to speak, "But there is something more urgent for you to take care of. There is a child on Earth who needs your help, one I have only just become aware of. He is begging to be rescued from his life and has incredible of potential but you need to go find him before it's too late."

"Where is he?" Love Heart asked.

"I will guide you to his home, be careful for his sake and yours."

Images flashed in Love Heart's mind, showing him the way. He held his head as he made sense of the directions then turned around, "Follow me." He shot off back the way they came. Confidence and Mira didn't need any convincing to chase after him. They completely bypassed Care-a-Lot as they headed down towards Earth.

"Where are we going, dad?" Miracle Heart asked as she caught up to her parents.

"I don't know the name, but it's somewhere in the United States," Love Heart searched the ground as the city came into view.

The street was relatively quiet as the three of them landed in front of the small townhouse. It was late in the morning so they just assumed everyone was at work or school. Love Heart looked the place up and down then stepped up to the front door and knocked with Confidence and Mira right behind him.

"Hello?" as he knocked the door swung in, not having been latched properly. A bit unsure about trespassing but knowing his duty, Love Heart pushed the door the rest of the way open.

All three of them recoiled at the smell, Miracle Heart even plugging her nose. "What's that!?" her voice buzzed with her nostrils plugged.

"Booze," Confidence Heart blew and a bubble of clean air appeared over her head, shortly followed by one around her husband and daughter. She grimaced, "ugg, I can still smell it."

"Not as bad though, thanks." Love Heart stepped into the house to find it was a mess. The smell coming from a box full of empty beer bottles and cans. He called again, "Hello? Is anyone here?" No answer.

"Should we be in here?" Mira asked.

"If a kid lives here then we can't get him out fast enough," Confidence Heart stepped past Love Heart, kicking an empty can on the floor in disgust, "And neither can we."

The search of the house didn't take too long, it was only a one story building, and it was Miracle Heart who found the child's room first. "Mom! Dad! Over here!"

Mira stood in the entrance of the bedroom. It looked like a typical kid's room but small, without many toys, a few crayon drawings of Care Bears stuck to the walls and a small school notebook on the floor. Mira walked over and picked up the book as he parents arrived. She opened the notebook and started to read aloud, not noticing her parents right away.

"Ever since mom left us, dad has been hurting me and also saying mean things to me. When I ask for his attention or help with my homework he ignores me. Then when I do something wrong or make any noise when he is watching the news he picks me up by the arm and threw me in my room. I don't know why he's so mean to me."

Several dried tearstains marked the lines under the entry.

Love Heart approached Mira, "You shouldn't read someone's journal, Mira, that's private."

Mira looked up at her parents and closed the book, "I'm sorry, dad, but maybe the kid we need to help wrote this."

Confidence looked from her daughter to her husband, "Can't hurt to see what he wrote about, if we want to help him."

Love Heart sighed, "Alright. You can keep reading Mira."

Mira nodded then turned the page and read the second entry.

"Seven days have past and Dad drinks more and more and has punched me saying its because of me that Mom left us. I don't deserve to live. I wish the Care bears did exist so I could be taken by them and loved. At least they would care for me and never abuse me."

More dry tearstains under the entry. Mira shuddered and turned to the third entry.

"Ever since Mom left us Dad I'll always blames me for this why is this my fault? I always feel everything is my fault. I wish the Care Bears would rescue me from this. Especially my favorite Care Bear Wish Bear. I wish they were real. Today today again my dad was watching the news and he smacked me of across my face. This makes me feel so rejected and unloved."

"Big words for a little kid," Confidence mumbled. Mira shushed her and read the fourth entry.

"Another two weeks have passed since Mom has been gone. It's been over two months now since she has been gone and left without any notes or for any reason. Dad drinks and gets drunk every night at the bar before he comes home. I am so afraid of him. I always shake every time he comes home. My nerves are on end, and my stomach is in knots each I see him come home and on edge. I want this cycle to end. I missed him how he was before. He always takes it out on me when he is not in a good mood.

"Today a dreadful thing happened, my dad punched me across the face because I didn't get his beer can fast enough for him. He sent me to bed without supper and I was heart broken. I no longer feel love with my Father. I hate him. This abuse has been getting far too out of hand. I need to run away."

Mira was trembling, she rubbed her eyes as she started to cry but turned to the fifth entry. At the top of the page there was a crayon drawing of a young boy holding hands with what was unmistakably Wish Bear. An arrow from the text pointed to the drawing.

"Here I have a picture drawn the walking and wish bear holding hands my friend and my favorite Care Bear in Care-A-Lot playing together. I get my mind in trapped in this world that I wish Care Bears were real because this is the only thing that makes me from my everyday life my life sucks. I don't know how much longer I can take this."

"Why didn't he know about us?" Mira asked but didn't wait for an answer as she turned to the sixth entry.

"I really wish that Wish bear was there would come so that I could go to Carelot and be raised by The Care Bears because at least I know with them I would be loved and never be abused or rejected. I hate my dad I hate my life and this is why I wish Care Bears were real so that I could be with them. I would choose to be with them in a heartbeat a hundred times over. Because at least I know what them I would always be loved and never be abused and always feel loved and wanted and have encouragement and real relationship with people who love me that surround me with love and carry me when I am down. Even though they are fictional creatures at least they understand what real love is and they would be dedicated as a family. This is all I ever wanted ever since Mom left I have always been heartbroken. I feel my existence is a sad one. I wish I could just end it all some days...."

Mira finally had enough and dropped the book, her four tails drooping. Love Heart and Confidence Heart had teared up as well and Love Heart crouched down in front of his daughter. "Mira?"

"Why would his dad do that?!" She sobbed then lunged forwards, grabbing her dad in a big hug. Love Heart hugged back and patted her softly on the back while Confidence Heart retrieved the journal and continued to read in silence. "Why would any dad do that?"

"I don't know," Love Heart gently rubbed his daughter's back, "I just know that it's wrong. He's taking out his anger on his son and drinking so much it makes him act stupidly."

"You'd never hurt me, Daddy, mommy?" Mira's reversion to childish names made Confidence Heart crouch down next to them.

"I promise, we'd never hurt you like this," Love Heart said.

Confidence smiled weakly and wiped some of the tears from her daughter's face, "Yeah, we both promise we'll never be like this." She stood up as Mira continued to hold on to Love Heart then opened the journal up again.

Confidence Heart read in silence, occasionally glancing up at her family to make sure they were alright. She grimaced and winced at the various entries until she finally reached the end. "Love Heart, Mira, I think you should hear this one." Her voice caused Mira to look up, eyes still wet. Love Heart still held onto Mira as Confidence read the last entry.

"Many of the past previous journal entries have been me wishing I could be with the Care Bears and raised by them. I no longer desire to be with my dad nor in this cruel world where I also get teased by kids. I feel that my value is not of any worth, not to my dad, and not to anybody in this world and I wish I could just disappear in the world and no one could never find me ever again and just disappear in Care-A-Lot and be happy with the Care Bears. True Heart, Noble heart which would all be my dedicated friends. Many of the past journal entries were pictures of me with the Care Bears at how happy I could be with them. I imagine playing with them and being raised with them playing with them being cuddled by them to know what their fur feels like in always having a warmth around me and unconditional love. And I said this many times before I would I would exchange my life willingly to be raised by then I wouldn't care what the cost would be I wouldn't care even if it was forced kidnapping or to be raised by them at least I know it would be with good intentions and love where I feel I should always be.

_ _

"Today I did everything my dad asked me to do but yet he still punched me on my stomach and I feel terrible. I am in a lot of pain and this is the last straw. I am going to run away after this. I forgive you Care Bears if if you are real and it come after me. I probably don't deserve to be raised by you or loved by you anyhow since you probably don't want to see my ugly face either. Cries. I'm a worthless child that nobody wants. My life is a mess and I just got to get out of here. But if you do exist Care Bears, some great Wishing Star I would do anything to be with you guys. I would do chores, and I promise I would be good. I promise I would follow the rules. I also would hope that you guys will not reject me if you found me and made sure that I I was accepted by you whether or not I may feel worthy or not. I have to get away from my father. The abused just has gotten worse each and every single day and anything out there cannot be as bad as what is going on at home. Okay Wishing Star if you were real I will make a wish upon you right now to be part of your family the Care Bear family I just wished it this hurt in this pain will go away forever I don't want to hurt anymore. If this was my only prayer this would be my request that for me to start a new and to be loved and dedicated even with my messed-up mind I know you guys could fix me I would not reject me no matter what. That is what a family should be. A child should always feel loved and welcomed aside their own home not abused and always heartbroken. A child is supposed to be played with by his parents caressed touched loved even tickled. I would love to be pinned down and tickled. I honestly do feel that when I ran away this might be the last time anyone ever hears of me because I fear my dad will catch up to me and not let me live or let me go. So far anyone that sees us journal entry just know that my name is Joaquin in that I just wish to be loved as a child should have been loved by his father and his mother. Also carebears or especially Wish bear if you see this note, always know you were my favorite carebear, but to any other carebear or carebear cousin, know that I would always be good if you took me in. I'm sorry if I'm not the child you wanted if you already know. sniffs well time to run away..."

Love Heart stood up and turned to face Confidence as she finished, "Was that written today?"

Confidence closed the book, "Yes, which means he's out there running."

"Then we have to find him!" Miracle Heart clenched her fists, "We can't let his dad do that to him!"

Love Heart and Confidence couldn't help but smile at their daughter's enthusiasm. "Then let's get going!" Confidence Heart said.

As they exited the house, Love Heart's tummy symbol started to glow red. "What?" he looked down then forwards and his expression hardened. "This way!" he took off with his wife and daughter hot on his tail.

OoOoO

A young boy was running down the street, panting with exertion and clutching a book in his arms as a voice from behind him spurred him onwards, "Joaquin! Get back here!" The voice was slightly slurred. Joaquin stumbled and turned into a park into a currently abandoned playground and crawled into a plastic pipe that lay on the ground. Unfortunately, the man saw where he went.

The man unfastened his belt and pulled it out then stretched it to get a firmer grip. Joaquin was cowering as the man reached in and grabbed his leg, "I told you get back here!" he raised his arm and prepared to swing as he pulled the young boy out of the plastic tunnel. Though some people were nearby none of them moved to stop him.

"Get away from him!" the father turned to the voice to see a three colorful animals running straight at him.

Confidence Heart let off a bust of air behind her and launched into a flying kick, striking the father's hand as she flew past. He shouted in pain and dropped the belt as she landed. Love Heart ran around him and took up a defensive stance between him and his son as Joaquin crawled back into the pipe but turned around to watch what was happening. Mira stayed behind the man, panting a bit from running around so much and not being as used to it as her parents.

Finally recovering from the shock of seeing the colorful animals, the father glared at them, "Get the fuck outta my way!" He kicked out at Confidence Heart, who blocked the blow with her forearms without even flinching.

"Not a chance!" Confidence Heart said, uncrossing her arms.

The father spotted Mira behind him and aimed a back kick at her. Even as she jumped out of the way, Love Heart was there to block his kick, "Don't you dare touch my daughter!"

"Then I'll touch you!" the father suddenly lunged down at Love Heart, his arms fastening around the green bear's neck; he wasn't strong enough to lift the bear off the ground so he settled for trying to strangle him. Love Heart's hands shot up to grab onto his assailant's hands as he tried to force them off.

"Dad!" Mira tried to jump in.

"Stay there! Your dad's fine!" Confidence shouted. She looked back over her shoulder to see that the boy had climbed out of the plastic pipe and was watching his father try to strangle a Care Bear.

The father grit his teeth, "Die!"

"No!" Love Heart pulled on his hands and pried them away from his neck. He saw the stunned look on the man's face and gave a sinister grin, "Don't look so shocked." A jolt of electricity shot from Love Heart's hands and through the man's arms.

He jerked away from Love Heart and stumbled back as the pain receded, "Freaks, I'll be back!" he turned and stormed away.

Love Heart rubbed his neck slightly to ease the pain that was there, little as it was, now they could check on the boy. All three of them turned to see Joaquin had walked around the pipe and now stood amongst them. He was staring at Confidence Heart.

"You're real?" he reached out a hand towards her.

Confidence Heart grinned, "I'm as real as you are."

Joaquin reached out and touched her arm, feeling the soft but coarse fur. Then grinned, "You are real!" He suddenly shot forwards and took her in a tight hug. Confidence Heart wasn't bothered as he couldn't have hurt her even if he wanted to. "Thanks for saving me."

"No problem," Confidence Heart patted him on the back.

Joaquin let her go and stepped back, giving a happy look to all three of them, "Thank you, but I have to go before he comes back to find me." He turned and started to walk away.

Confidence Heart was struck by an idea, an idea that came from the journal pages she had read. She darted in front of Joaquin, "Where do you think you're going?" she grinned. She was slightly taller than the five-year-old boy and managed to wrap her arms around him and under his arms, lifting him off the ground. Their noses touched as she tilted back to make sure his feet were off the ground.

Joaquin blushed and smiled, "I'm going to go, I have to get away from my father." Despite his smile there was note of fear in the boy's voice.

"You already got away from your father, we rescued you." Confidence's voice was kind but she kept a firm grip on Joaquin.

"Yeah, now that means I need to go before he comes back," Joaquin squirmed in Confidence's grip but was unable to escape.

"You're not going anywhere," Confidence kept a firm grip underneath his arms as she grinned as he struggled in her grasp.

Love Heart walked over and took Joaquin's journal from Confidence's hand, "We found this at your home, we know you want to be raised by the Care Bears and live with us." Love Heart opened the journal and showed Joaquin some of his own crayon drawings.

"Hey! Who said you could look at that?" Joaquin growled and tried to struggle out of Confidence's grasp.

"Hold still!" Confidence grunted but easily countered his struggles and held on as he started to pant from the effort and the energy he burned up running from his father earlier. "Just relax," Confidence gave a disarming smile which somehow made Joaquin blush, "We're your friends, we came here to rescue you."

Joaquin stopped struggling and looked down, "But why? I don't deserve this..."

Love Heart opened the journal and began to read, "June 3 I wish I had a carebear friend to hold hands with, and to cuddle with. At least in there arms I can forget all about my pain and abuse my father puts me through, to know I am loved." He shut the journal and put his hand on the boy's shoulder. Joaquin started at hearing his own words read back to him but smiled at Love Heart despite being held firmly in place by Confidence.

"Mom! Dad! He's back!" Miracle Heart's shout caused Love Heart to spin around and see Joaquin's father approaching, a handgun pointed right at his daughter!

"Forgot I had this," his aim was unsteady but he spotted Joaquin in Confidence's grasp as he squirmed to get away from him. Any observers had since fled the park upon seeing the man with the firearm enter which left the five of them alone, obscured from the roads by the surrounding trees. "Give him back to me or she dies."

Love Heart tensed, "Mira, get behind me now!" lightning crackled across his arms and his tummy symbol glowed white.

Mira saw the weapon in the man's hand and froze in place. It was pointed at her and his finger was on the trigger; she could hear his heartbeat and see him twitch, one little mistake and he would fire.

"Don't move!" the man shouted at her, "I need you to stay there then I'll let you go."

Love Heart looked back at Confidence, who had turned her back to the man, Joaquin still held tight in her arms so her back was between him and his father. He readied to move as he saw the man tense up.

Love Heart's body electrified for an instant and he seemed to vanish as the man's finger jerked and the handgun fired. Mira was rooted to the spot right as her father appeared in front of her, drawing a sword from his tummy symbol and bringing it up, the flat of the blade deflecting the bullet. In the same instant his left hand shot out and the lightning that surrounded his body danced along his arm and shot right at the man, lancing across the distance and blasting the gun out of his hand.

The man cried out in pain and grabbed at his now scorched hand, "You little fucker!" he shouted, "That's my good hand!"

He turned to retrieve his gun only to feel a sharp sting at his neck. Love Heart had crossed the distance in an instant and his gaze had hardened, no longer just severe but full of deadly intent as the tip of his sword pricked at the man's neck.

Love Heart bared his teeth and hissed out at him, "You tried to shoot my daughter, it's bad enough that you torment and ruin your son's life but if you had actually hit her then I promise that you would not still be standing here alive!" Despite his appearance, the man knew Love Heart wasn't joking around as he continued to speak, "Leave now, I promise that if you're not gone in a minute then I'll stop being so nice."

The man stepped back and held up his hands. He back away until he was amid the trees, then turned and sped away. Love Heart kept his sword pointed in the man's direction as he watched him go; he didn't relax until the man was long gone from his sight. Finally, he let his sword dissipate then turned to his daughter.

Mira was still rooted to the spot in fear as Love Heart approached and crouched in front of her, "Mira! Mira say something!"

Mira immediately started to cry and flung her arms around her father, "Oh dad! I was so scared! I thought he was going to sh-shoot me!" Love Heart hugged her back and rubbed her back as Mira let it all out.

Joaquin had immediately tried to struggle away as soon as he heard his dad's voice but Confidence had kept a firm grasp on him. He calmed down and watched in amazement as Love Heart disarmed then scared his father off, even moreso as he watched the green bear comforting his scared daughter.

"I wish my dad was like Love Heart," Joaquin whispered.

"Oh you do?" Confidence Heart smirked, which made Joaquin blush and turn his head back to her. He didn't realize he'd said that out loud. "Because we came just for you, Joaquin and it looks like we came to save you just in time," Confidence Heart nuzzled her nose against Joaquin's.

Joaquin's expression brightened up, "You mean you came, just for me?"

"Yes, we came specifically for you," Confidence said.

"Re-really?" tears of joy began to leak from Joaquin's eyes.

"Really," Confidence said.

Mira had calmed down enough for Love Heart to let her go and the two of them joined Confidence and Joaquin by the play equipment.

A voice spoke in all their minds, 'then your wish shall be granted.' The three Care Bears instantly recognized it as belonging to the Great Wishing Star; Confidence was startled enough to let go of Joaquin.

As soon as his feet hit the ground, Joaquin panicked and took off at a run, "No, I can't handle this!"

Confidence Heart was the first to react and ran ahead of Joaquin, getting enough of a lead on him to turn around and grab him off his feet, hooking her arms under his again. She grinned and nuzzled her nose against his, "Nu-uh, there's no escape and we're going to make sure you get your wish to live with us." Joaquin blushed as he felt his heart race.

Love Heart came up behind Joaquin and, on some unknown impulse, tickled the boy's sides which made Joaquin giggle and blush. "Now you won't be able to resist being transformed."

A bright light emanated from above them as the Star's voice spoke again, this time out loud, "Joaquin your mind is clouded by the abuse your father inflicted on you and I can feel the dissonance within you. To save you from yourself, your memories of your life as a human will be removed and you will be raised by Love and Confidence."

Joaquin felt the cloud of magic obscure his mind and he mumbled, "Love and Confidence."

Both Love Heart and Confidence winced as they felt the light surrounding them tug at their very being, turning yellow on Confidence and green on Love Heart. The two energy fields merged together over the boy's body as his clothes dissolved and his body began to reshape: he shrunk, tan fur sprouted up all over his body, his ears moved up his head and rounded off, his feet became big padded bear paws, his closed eyes became more expressive, his nose and mouth pushed forwards to merge into a bear's snout with a heart shaped tip, a small red heart appeared on his tush and lastly the fur at the center of his forehead darkened into a small eight-pointed star.

"A unicorn Star?" Love Heart asked as he and Confidence were left holding a five-year-old Care Bear cub between them.

"Mom, dad, what just happened?" Mira rubbed her eyes, the stared at the cub the two now held between them.

Love Heart and Confidence exchanged looks, then looked down at the bear that was Joaquin. Love Heart was the first to speak, "We need to get him to the Great Wishing Star. Confidence can you carry him?"

"No problem." Confidence Heart still had a tight grip on the cub as she lifted off the ground. She smiled, "heh, easier now that he's lighter."

Love Heart nodded to Mira then the three of them took off back towards the Kingdom of Caring.

OoOoO

The Great Wishing Star still hovered at big Star Point as the group arrived. Confidence Heart still held onto the tan bear even after landing.

"I see your mission was a success," the star said.

"This was your plan?" Confidence Heart looked down at the still unconscious bear cub in her arms.

The star closed its eyes for a moment then opened them again, "It was. You saw how he was treated and what came of it. There is more to it than that and you will discover his potential and power in time. Raise and train him well, like I know you can."

"When is he going to wake up?" Confidence Heart asked.

"When you give him a name and tummy symbol, but before you do the three of you must make a promise to me." The Star seemed to lower closer to the ground and Love Heart, Confidence and Mira listened intently. "The magic I used to change him means he is your true son, a mix of your genes was used to create his new form. His memories of being human are gone and they must never be allowed to resurface. I have wiped all that I can from his mind but you must keep this a secret from him. I trust you not to tell anyone who doesn't need to know but you must promise you will never tell him about his past."

"I promise!" Mira was the first to speak, making a 'cross my heart' motion across her chest.

"He won't find out from me, I promise," Confidence Heart said.

"I promise, I won't tell him anything," Love Heart held up a hand, then paused and turned back to his wife and his new son, "What should we call him."

Love Heart and Confidence shared looks for a moment, a couple name ideas popping into their heads but nothing concrete. It was Miracle Heart who gave the suggestion, her four tails wagging as she did so. "How about Shimmering Star Bear? Because the Star brought him to us."

Confidence Heart smiled, "Sounds great, Love Heart?" she set the bear down on the ground. Love Heart nodded and fired off a glowing replica of his tummy symbol, which spiraled around the bear before settling on his tummy, forming a three pointed yellow star.

Shimmering Star stirred and opened his eyes to see Love Heart and Confidence Heart standing over him. "Momma?" he whispered.

"That's right, sweetie," Confidence Heart felt a warmth spread through her, something she felt she would never feel again.

Shimmering Star turned to Love Heart, "Are you my daddy?"

Love Heart reached down to stroke his cheek, "Yes, I am."

"And I'm your big sister, Miracle Heart Kitsune," Mira had stepped into view just as, "Nice to meet you, Shimmers."

'Shimmers' giggled as Confidence Heart picked him up. "Want to fly?" She asked.

"Yes!" Shimmer said.

"Then let's fly home." Confidence held tight onto him and took off.

Mira was about to follow when she saw Love Heart still standing at the base of big star point, "Dad? Are you coming?"

Love Heart gave a contented smile, "I'll catch up in a minute, go with mom." Mira cast an odd look back at Love Heart then took off.

Love Heart watched them go for a minute, then reached into his tummy symbol and pulled out Joaquin's journal. He touched the cover for a moment, then sighed and discarded the book on the ground, "Never remember," he said before he shot off. The blast from Love Heart's launch sent the book flying off the edge of Big Star Point and the winds carried it away, pages ripping out and shredding and the fragments scattering out of memory...

OoOoO

Transformation took its toll on a body so right after lunch, Confidence and Love Heart sent their new son, Shimmering Star Bear, off to bed. He slept in their guest room which they decided they would decorate and rearrange later but for now they thought it was best to just let him sleep.

Mira sat at the dining table staring into her bowl, idly pushing the last spoonful of mac and cheese around with her spoon.

"Mira, are you alright?" Love Heart scooted a chair over to his daughter's side.

"Not hungry?" Confidence asked, "You don't have to finish all of it."

"It's not that," Mira set her spoon down and looked up at her parents, "It's just... why didn't we find Joaquin sooner? His dad was doing this to him for so long and...we should have gone to help him before."

Love Heart sighed, "Because... we can't help everyone, Mira. There are millions of children on earth who need our help but our kind of help can't always work, and there aren't even a hundred of us yet. Sometimes...things just slip through and we never know about it. We do all that we can but sometimes it just isn't enough."

"What can we do though?" Mira looked up at her father.

"Just do our best to help every child that we can," Love Heart gave her a kiss on the forehead, "I know it's hard to think about but it's something we have to accept and do our best to change things."

"OK..." Mira took her last bite then got up and dropped the dishes in the sink, "Can I go to Marina's please."

Both her parents knew she needed some cooldown time so Confidence nodded, "OK, just be home for supper."

Mira trudged out the door, her four tails drooping. She just needed to take her mind of the troubling questions today had raised for her.

Confidence Heart leaned back in her chair and sighed then smiled. "This feels good."

"Having another kid?" Love Heart was also smiling, "Not disappointed you couldn't have him yourself?"

"Maybe..." Confidence leaned forwards, "Sure I miss being pregnant and I don't get to go through the process, but at least this way we skip the worst stuff, like the terrible twos and toilet training."

"MOMMA! DADDY!" Shimmering Star's voice caused both of them to jump to their feet and speed to their new son's room. The found him awake and sitting up in bed, crying.

Confidence Heart was at his side immediately, "What's wrong, Shimmers? Did you have a bad dream?"

"No," Shimmers sniffed, "I'm wet."

Love Heart pulled back the covers and saw the wet patch around his son's legs, "You wet the bed."

"OK, come to momma," Confidence Heart lifted Shimmers off the bed, "I'll take care of you."

"I'll run these through the laundry then." Love Heart began to strip the bed as Confidence carried the still sniffling Shimmers to the bathroom.

Confidence Heart gave Shimmers a quick bath and dried him off then set him on the counter, "OK now let's make sure you don't do that again." She pushed him back so he was lying on the counter then opened one of the counter's drawers, "Good thing we saved these from when Miracle Heart was a cub," She pulled out a large cloth diaper.

Shimmers leaned up as Confidence slid the diaper under his bottom, "No! I'm a big bear I don't need those." He tried to get up only for Confidence Heart to lean forwards and hold him down.

"Sorry but we're not going to take any risks," Confidence pulled the diaper up over his front and tied it tight at its sides. It was a snug fit, tied too tight for Shimmers to undo on his own or even slip off without untying. "There, all done."

Shimmers was blushing as he sat up, feeling the new rather thick padding underneath him before Confidence lifted him onto the ground. "There, that's better," she tickled his cheek which made him giggle, "I guess you're my big baby now."

Love Heart came up from the basement in time to see Confidence Heart lead the diapered Shimmers out of the bathroom. He sighed, "As long as you're awake we should take you to Take Care."

"Who's that, daddy?" Shimmers asked.

"The doctor."

OoOoO

"Alright, you're done." Shimmers had been oddly cooperative as Take Care went through his full exam and he stepped off the exam table, still wearing his diaper. Take Care turned to Love Heart, "I need to talk to you before you."

"I know. I'll see you at home, go with momma ok, Shimmers?" Love Heart crouched down to look his son in the eye.

"OK," Shimmer's nodded then waddled off until Confidence Heart scooped him up to carry him home.

Once they were gone, Take Care turned back to Love Heart, "Alright, where did your new 'son' come from?"

Love Heart sighed, "Sit down, it's a long one."

It didn't take as long as Love Heart made it out to be but Take Care's expression kept changing to one of shock as Love Heart explained all the events of the day. Once he was finished, Take Care put a hand to her forehead, "This is easily the oddest case I've ever dealt with, not that I blame you for wanting to get him out of that home and I guess I can't dispute it now that it's done. At least this does explain a couple things."

"Like what?" Love Heart was seated now too.

"Why he wet his bed for one thing," Take Care turned to the notes on her computer, "the transformation messed with his bodily control a bit, I'm surprised he can still walk and talk as well as he can, but he's going to have problems controlling himself for a while and if his memory was wiped he likely just forgot how to use the toilet, among other things."

Love Heart sighed, "So much for skipping that. So you'll keep this to yourself right?"

Take Care rolled her eyes and sighed in annoyance, "It's my job to keep this confidential so I'll let you reveal it at your discretion, even if I think this is too far even for the Great Wishing Star. Just keep me updated is anything else strange happens. I will say that, biologically, he is your son because of how he was changed." She stood up and faced Love Heart, "What will you tell everyone if they ask?"

Love Heart stood up, "As much of the truth as I can, that we found him on earth and decided to adopt him because the Wishing Star asked us."

"Right. Good luck," Take Care sighed and turned back to her notes as Love Heart left.

OoOoO

Joaquin's father had made it home without incident, ranting to himself all the way. The first thing he did was dig a beer out of the fridge, pop off the lid and start guzzling it down. "Fucking ungrateful brat, chased off the love of my life and now he runs away and leaves me alone here."

"I take it you don't know where that ungrateful brat is then, Antonio."

"Taken by some fucking bears!" Antonio spotted the man with long purple hair and hurled the half-full bottle at him. Mental Heart didn't even flinch as the bottle flew past and shattered on the wall behind him. Antonio finally seemed to acknowledge the intruder's presence, "Get the fuck out of my house!"

Mental Heart didn't reply, merely probed into Antonio's mind to find his answers; it was easy as the encounter was still fresh in the drunkard's mind. "I see. So the Care Bears got to him first, especially thanks to you."

Antonio stumbled up out of his chair and swung his arm towards Mental Heart, "What the fuck are you talking about?" Suddenly his right arm tensed up and his eyes went wide.

Mental Heart narrowed his eyes into a sinister glare, "The way you treated your son, it's amazing he didn't run off sooner." Antonio's arm lurched over to the kitchen counter, his legs moving stiffly as if being pulled on invisible strings.

Antonio grabbed at his right arm with his left, the force pulling on his limbs snapping him out of his drunken stupor. Anger overrode fear as he glared at the Mental Heart, "What the hell are you doing?" he spoke through clenched teeth.

"Making you do my dirty work for me. I don't want to touch anything in this festering hole." Mental Heart turned and walked towards Joaquin's bedroom even as Antonio reached the counter and grabbed the smallest knife from the knife block.

Realization dawned on Antonio and he grabbed at his own wrist with his only free hand. His feet held in place as he wrestled with his own arm. "Let me go!" his voice carried with it notes of fear.

Mental Heart stood in Joaquin's room, "The only place of sanity here. A sanctuary against the madness without." He looked at one of the crayon drawings on the wall and levitated it over to him: a group of Care Bears and Joaquin drawn under a rainbow. Mental Heart glared at the image then grabbed it in his hands and tore it to shreds as Antonio screamed from the room behind him. The other pictures were shredded by psionic force as Mental Heart left the bedroom.

Antonio had been forced to pin his left hand to the counter by stabbing the knife right through and into the wood and his hand now reached for the largest knife in the block. "Stop! Please!" He begged as his hand pulled the knife free of the block and Mental Heart walked past without saying a word.

Mental Heart stopped for a moment on the front step as he heard Antonio scream in agony, then suddenly stop. He looked down at his hands and saw them trembling then clenched them into fists. "I can't believe I'm jealous." Then he walked away.