Tender Heart sighed as he tried to find where Wonder Heart had wondered off to. He headed from his office in The Hall of Hearts into the history section. He thought his inquisitive Niece may have made her way into the seasonal section. Where displays were changed along with the season. Sure enough he found the wide eyed Cub staring at what appeared top be some type of skeleton. Tender Heart tapped her shoulder.

Wonder Heart jumped as Tender Heart startled her. She whirled around. "Oh Uncle Tender Heart, you scared me!" Halloween was fast approaching. Wonder Heart had already had other Cubs tell her some scary Halloween stories. So the sight of a skeleton had made her a bit edgy.

"Sorry little" one said her Uncle. Wonder Heart then pointed back at the skeleton. Her curiosity much aroused.

"I wonder if that is real. I wonder what it was if so" said the Girl. "It doesn't look like the Bear skeleton I saw in a book called 'Understanding Ones Body for Cubs'. Was it a Human?"

Tender Heart sighed. "Should I really tell her" he thought. Just then he spotted three little Piggies running down the hallway. Behind them was a rotund Sow Piggy. Further behind was just the Care Cousin who could help him explain everything to Wonder Heart. Beastly Boar.

"Get back here you little Piggies' hollered the Sow. The three little Pigs skidded to a halt as they spotted Wonder Heart. Then as they locked eyes on the skeleton. Their panting Mother said "oh my" as she spotted the skeleton. As they all stared a slight metallic clicking sound was heard. It came from Beastly's leg brace hitting the stone floor.

Beastly sighed as he saw he and Sweet Treat's piglets trying to poke the skeletons bones. "Don't poke Bony Heart's bones" said their Father. "Show some respect or he may haunt you this Halloween!"

"Beastly, be careful what you say. If you frighten Candy she may wet her bed tonight" said Sweet Treat. Three little Piggies and one Cub Bear now had their curiosity further aroused. Carefully they looked the skeleton over. Well, all but Taffy. She checked over the skeleton's hip area. "Wow, was it a boy or a girl" she asked. She was pointing to the approximate area one would expect a certain something to once have been.

Beastly laughed. "Bony Heart was a boy, well, sort of'" By now Share Bear and Grumpy joined the little group. Grumpy almost smiled. "Tell them the story, Beastly" said Grumpy. "After all me and Share should get something for having just paid our Property Tax!"

Share giggled. "Yes Beastly. It is a story that should be shared during Halloween." Beastly sighed as Cheer Bear and Obsessive joined the group. "Yeah, tell us Beastly" said Obsessive. "I am a late comer to Care a Lot. I missed out on the early years here."

Cheer giggled. She pulled a few chairs out of a nearby room. "Oh yes, tell them Beastly. It was one scary yet fun Halloween that year." Beastly hobbled over to a padded chair and sat down.

"Well it was a bad Halloween in a way" said Beastly as he launched into a story. "To some it seemed as if the unthinkable had really happened. Murder had come to Care a Lot. Even worse some thought I may have had a part in it! Imagine, a nice bad guy like me being a murder suspect."

Tender Heart tried not to laugh. "Oh yes Beastly. You were bad back then. Bad in a good way. I am surprised you really hadn't been the death of No Heart. Please go on with your story."

So Beastly did just that. His story harkened back to the days when No Heart was still evil. When Shreeky was still a little brat of a Witch. In an odd way Tender Heart missed those days long past. Life in Care a Lot seemed much more eventful back then. Now days the biggest worry was avoiding one of Oopsy Bear's mishaps. The wrath of Harmony whenever things did not go the way she thought they should. Or when Share Bear messed up an order at the Share Shack.

Beastly usually dreaded Halloween. No Heart and Shreeky celebrated it in the style of the old country. Ireland to be specific. So they celebrated The Samhain. In Samhain past real Wizards and Wiccans had dropped by the Castle. Beastly always feared they may cast another actual Spell on him. Being cursed once was enough for him.

He also resented how others thought of him as scaredy cat. How demeaning to one who was once a fierce Wild Boar. So this year he decided to get some revenge. But first he needed to think of something.

No Heart planned to be away for a day or two at a Wizard and Mage Convention. Before leaving he ordered Beastly to get some quality spying of the Care Bears and Cousins done. While spying for No Heart Beastly had snuck a ride in Good Luck's cloud car's trunk. He actually accomplished it without getting locked in, as had happened in the past.

Beastly spent a few minutes outside the car as Good Luck visited some Human Irish friends. Outside a school he watched as what looked like a skeleton was heaved onto a dumpster. "What a shame to throw away such a realistic skeleton model" said a janitor.

"Well" said another man. "We are receiving a real skeleton tomorrow. Some poor guy wanted his body donated to science after his death. We get his skeleton."

"Yuck, I would rather have the fake skeleton hanging around" said the janitor. "I sometimes have to work alone here at night. I hope the real thing is not haunted!"

Beastly was delighted as he crept away. The men had given him an idea. So he stashed the skeleton as best as he could in the Cloud Car's trunk. Then tried not to faint with fright as he hitched a ride back to Care a Lot. Huddled up to a realistic skeleton model.

How relieved he was to creep out of the trunk. It was now nighttime. He assumed it was dark enough so no Care Bear or Care Cousin would spot him. However Proud Heart Cat was just about to start her nightly prowl. The moonlight was ample for a Care Cousin Cat to see. Beastly had just stood the skeleton up. He nearly died of fright as he heard a loud hiss. Then some one yell "get me out of here!" Beastly didn't see Proud Heart run off into the darkness. If he had he would have seen her fur raised up in hackles.

Beastly tried to regain his composure. Maybe this was a real skeleton after all. One that was haunted. However if so it may come in handy. No Heart would probably reward Beastly for such a relic to add to his Castle's dark reputation. But first Beastly wanted it to pull off the ultimate Halloween prank. He would see if he could indeed scare others.

With a bit of difficulty Beastly carried his bony burden. As he pictured frightening Shreeky or No Heart he came up with a name. He stood the skeleton up as he neared his destination. "Well Bony Heart. That castle will soon be your new home." Then he stashed the skeleton under a tarp near No Heart's castle. He then told Shreeky of following Good Luck all the way to Ireland. Shreeky was actually impressed with Beastly's report. Beastly had made no mention of his unique find, though.

The next day all was not well in Care a Lot. Proud Heart had reported seeing Beastly with a skeleton. Care Bears and Care Cousins wondered aloud. Would Beastly actually kill someone? Was the skeleton a victim of No Heart or Shreeky. Could it be No Heart's or Shreeky's remains. Done in by Beastly, whom they had so often mistreated. With Halloween so close whispered rumors made the season scarier than normal.

To quell such talk True Heart sent Brave Heart and Champ to spy on the castle. As they were still making their way there Beastly went to check on the skeleton. Shreeky had noticed him looking nervous as he slunk out the door. So she discretely followed him. Meanwhile Brave Heart and Champ strained their eyes to see what was going in. Beastly removed the tarp and stood Bony Heart up. There was a sudden blood curdling scream. Once again Beastly nearly died of fright. He whirled around to see Shreeky standing there.

Then Beastly smiled as Shreeky ran off so fast a Care Cousin Rabbit couldn't catch her. "Wow Bony Heart" said Beastly to the skeleton. "That sure is fun to see!" Then he saw something jump out of a bush just as Shreeky got near.

"Ah" screamed Brave Heart as he and Champ tried to run. Shreeky plowed right into Champ. Down they went into a heap as Brave Heart ran off sounding like a Banshee. He moved so fast as he screamed he would have done the Cowardly Lion of Oz proud. As Shreeky and Champ untangled themselves they heard laughter. They turned to see a laughing Beastly waltzing with a skeleton.

Shreeky and Champ both felt sheepish as Beastly pointed the skeleton's right hand at them. "Ha ha, I got you both" he said merrily. "You got fooled by a model!" Shreeky would probably get revenge on him later, but he didn't care. He had fooled and frightened a Care Bear and Shreeky. Beastly's dream of a glorious Halloween where he actually frightened others was coming true!

Shreeky was so embarrassed she did nothing to stop Champ as he headed home. Champ was so embarrassed he decided not report what had truly happened to True Heart. By now a quivering Brave Heart had told True Heart it appeared as if Beastly had murdered someone. The unthinkable just may have happened in Care a Lot!

When Champ arrived home he told True Heart that the skeleton was not Shreeky's remains. He had seen her alive, which was the truth. He then said he didn't know about No Heart's whereabouts. Which also was true. Now many Care Bears and Cousins imagined the unimaginable. No Heart may be dead. They weren't sure if they should feel sad or glad. After all Care Bears should never be glad someone died.

Meanwhile No Heart returned to Care a Lot after spending a tumultuous time at the Convention. All he wanted was some time home quaffing down some wine. He had recently had Beastly lug it up from the ancient stone lined wine cellar. No Heart thought he just may need a drink or two after his return.

As No Heart magically arrived home his magical aim was a bit off. It was no big deal. He decided to poof himself inside the Castle after stretching his legs. Just around a bend in the road was Funshine. Funshine rounded the bend just as No Heart was fading from sight. The Bear gasped as if she had seen a ghost. No Heart's ghost to be exact. So she hightailed it home. She would have outrun a grey hound. Funshine could barely speak coherently when she got home.

When No Heart arrive inside his castle Shreeky was holed up in her room. No Heart could get no answer out of her as to why she was moodier than ever. Beastly feigned ignorance. Then tried not to chuckle aloud as he snuck outside to sneak a peak at Bony Heart. Luckily Bony Heart was fine. So Beastly happily went inside.

Just as No Heart sat down to sip some wine he heard a distant commotion. He went to a window. Then called Beastly over. No Heart pointed bony a finger towards Care a Lot. "Beastly! Go see what has got those infernal Care Bears so riled up. It may be something we can use against them later."

"Okay boss" said Beastly. Beastly then had an idea. He needed a better place to hide Bony Heart. Beastly had just upgraded his Pedal 'Copter. It now had a storage area, which was like an old fashioned Earthly car rumble seat. Beastly grabbed some rope and belts. Soon Bony Heart was strapped in. One of Bony Heart's hands was hard to position. Beastly got an idea as he adjusted it. Beastly grinned proudly. It truly looked as if a skeleton was hitching a ride on back. One who was now giving others "the finger".

Beastly had a bit of a hard time getting aloft, but soon he and Bony Heart were flying. Beastly had a brilliant idea. He loved watching Human war movies whenever he was on Earth. He pictured a warplane strafing in his mind. Then he spotted Swift Heart Rabbit below, who seemed to be nervously looking around. Beastly tried to put his flying machine into a dive.

Swift Heart looked up and back as she heard a whirring sound. What she saw was nearly enough to turn her fur white. Beastly swooped by as a skeleton on back appeared to give her the middle finger. Swift Heart set a new land speed record for rabbits as she hopped home in fright.

Next to get air attacked was Harmony. She was happily singing to herself. As she got a most unusual middle finger gesture her voice went up two octaves. "Now she sings like Shreeky" Beastly yelled back to Bony Heart.

Beastly was now so proud of himself he just had to tell someone. So he set down in Care Square. He saw Care Bears and Care Cousins pointing and hollering. Was Beastly a murderer or a hero? Some Bears and Cousins grabbed rocks and other possible weapons to defend themselves if needed. Luckily for all involved Secret Bear was able to get close enough to look over Beastly's rider. She dropped the pitch fork she had planned to defend herself with. Then for the first time in her life she laughed really loud.

Beastly was startled. The Bears and Cousins who were about to attack him were baffled. They had thought Beastly may be insane. Was Secret Bear insane too? As they timidly closed in rocks, sticks and bottles were dropped out of their hand paws. Mouths went agape. Beastly then realized just what had happened. He and Bony Heart had really shook up Care a Lot. His prank once again had succeeded in scaring someone.

Beastly figured it was safe enough to step out of his Pedal 'Copter. He saw Grams throw her shawl over Hugs and Tugs. Beastly was glad she did so. He secretly admired the little tykes. Now he could get back at the adults without the Cubs seeing something they shouldn't. Beastly proudly helped Bony Heart to give everyone else a bony middle finger. Then shouted "Boo! We really fooled you!"

Sheepishly Brave Heart, Swift Heart and others checked out the skeleton. Bony Heart's hand was put in a more civil position by Beastly. Hugs and Tugs now toddled up. Hugs nearly jumped out of her diaper at the sight of a skeleton. Then realized what was going on. "Wow, Halloween is really here" said Hugs as she pulled her diaper back up. Tugs was standing with wide eyes. He often heard the adults say bad things about Beastly. To Tugs Beastly was now the coolest bad guy ever!

Take Care was amazed as she now checked out Bony Heart. She could tell it was indeed a model of a Human skeleton. Carefully crafted to look real. "What amazing detail of a Human skeleton. It certainly looks like the skeleton of a male. One of an adult. No Heart's skeleton probably would resemble this. Where did you get this Beastly? I am jealous that my own Human model is a child's toy compared to this one."

Before Beastly could reply True Heart grabbed him by the scuff of his neck. "Beastly. Do you realize how much terror you have caused. Just where did No Heart get this?"

True Heart truly thought Beastly's ride was No Heart's idea. She was duly impressed as he explained everything. More so as she activated her Tummy Tag as he spoke. Beastly was telling the truth! Bears and Cousins who had feared him a moment ago now looked at him in awe. Treat Heart Pig then had an idea. She had secretly met up with Beastly in the past. Treat Heart whispered in Beastly's ear.

Care Bears and Care Cousins were still shaking their heads in disbelief as Beastly and his passenger finally were allowed to lift off. One of Care a Lot's biggest Halloween scary gags had been pulled of by Beastly!

"Lands sakes" said True Heart as she watched Beastly and Bony Heart fly off. "I hope Beastly gets a few treats this Halloween. I kind of like that brat of a beast!"

"So do" said Treat Heart Pig. "I had an idea that will help he and I pull another trick." She told True Heart what she had whispered to Beastly. Reluctantly True Heart decided to let the Pig do what she wanted. Then before True Heart could change her mind and stop her the Pig hoofed it over to the Caring Tower. Meanwhile True Heart passed the word to ignore the Caring Bell for a few minutes. After others asked what was up they grabbed binoculars and spy glasses. Others tried to sneak closer to No Heart's castle. This they had to see!

No Heart had just dosed off in his favorite chair. He thought he heard an alarm clock go off. No Heart awoke with a start. As he groggily got to his feet he heard a distant commotion. Bells were loudly ringing in Care a Lot. No Heart grabbed his spyglass and went out onto the front balcony. As he focused his spy glass something in midair caught his attention. Just then Shreeky walked up beside him to see what was going on. Her magic mirror clutched in her right hand.

Shreeky noticed a few Care Bears and Care Cousins were getting close to the castle's moat. "What are those pesky fur balls doing so close to the castle" she gasped out. Then she noticed No Heart had his spy glass focused slightly upward. Shreeky shrieked and No Heart gasped as they heard something yelled from above. "It's a bird, it's a plane. No, it's Bony Heart!"

Then Beastly's Pedal 'Copter came swooping in. Shreeky's wide eyes beheld an eerie yet awe inspiring sight. Sitting behind Beastly was a skeleton giving the middle finger. No Heart dropped his spyglass just as Shreeky dropped her mirror. "Well I be un damned" said No Heart.

The Care Bears and Care Cousins gathered nearby heard a familiar sound. "Beastly" they heard Shreeky shriek. The loud shriek echoed through out Care a Lot. It reverberated through The Forest of Feelings. A legend was born that the shriek caused trees to shed their colorful Autumn foliage. Near the moat Secret Bear turned to Swift Heart. "It seems Shreeky feels the same way that you do about Bony Heart" the Bear whispered loudly. Then giggled.

Swift Heart's nose darkened as she blushed. Then she too giggled. "Beastly really is something else" said the Rabbit. "Now I know what Treat Heart sees in him!"

By now Beastly had to land. He was getting too tired to pedal. He didn't care if No Heart or Shreeky would punish him. He had pulled off his ultimate Halloween prank. He was one happy beast! He landed just outside the main gate. Just far enough away so the drawbridge could not be used to crush his Pedal 'Copter. Or Bony Heart.

Shreeky was actually speechless as she and No Heart walked up to Beastly. No Heart's eyes glared in a yellow hue. With out a word Beastly adjusted Bony Heart's right arm and hand. Then helped Bony Heart stand proud. Bony Heart was now saluting No Heart. Beastly tried his best to sound like a military man. "Beastly and Bony Heart reporting on our scare mission, Sir and Ma'am!"

No Heart and Shreeky looked at Beastly and the skeleton. Then at each other. Neither noticed Care Bears or Cousins finding ways over the moat. Or peeking over the stone wall. Those who could see and hear what was happening saw something most could never have imagined.

No Heart did his best to give a salute. Then loudly proclaimed "Beastly! Your mission was unauthorized! However I can't punish you for completing such a brilliant stunt. I hope you gave a few Care Bears and Cousins some grey fur!" Then No Heart did something to give any spying Care Bear or Cousin something to think about. No Heart helped Bony Heart to give any spying eyes a "one finger salute".

Now many years later in The Hall of Hearts Beastly finished his story. Taffy giggled as she tried to manipulate the skeleton's right hand. "So this is a big boy skeleton! A naughty big boy. Gee, I like him."

Sweet Treat sighed as others laughed. "You do seem to like the bad ones when it come to boys" said Taffy's mother. She then kissed Beastly. "Just like me!" Her and Beastly's piglets squealed with laughter. As things finally quieted down Wonder Heart grabbed her uncle's hand paw.

"That is the most awesome Halloween story" said the young Bear. The others gathered around agreed. Even Grumpy seemed happy to check Bony Heart out some more. Beastly staggered out of the chair Cheer had set out for him. Then Beastly took Bony Heart's right hand and shook hand and hoof.

"Bony Heart was like a friend to me way back then" said Beastly. "So when No Heart's castle was taken over by Too Loud and Shreeky I made sure they took good care of him. I am so glad they donated him to The Hall of Heart's Museum Wing. May his bones rest in peace, or is that stand in peace?"

Cheer Bear giggled as she went to gather chairs up. "Whether resting or standing Bony Heart is always welcome to spend some time in public" she said.

Wonder Heart looked at the skeleton with her inquisitive eyes wide as ever. To her this could not be a model. It just had to be real. Then she turned her eyes to Grumpy Bear. "I wonder if he was happy or grumpy before becoming a skeleton" she said.

Grumpy flashed a wry half smile as he pointed over her shoulder. "Take a look" said Grumpy.

Wonder Heart turned around to face the skeleton. "Wow" she exclaimed. For now Bony Heart's right hand was raised. As if he was giving Wonder Heart a friendly yet bony hand wave.