Training with Cole

"What has this world come too where children are fighting wars?" Cole said. He looked at his sons small figure, "I brought you to Coraggio to live a better life. To forget the atrocities of that awful place. Instead, my carelessness got me discovered by Stall. They knew from the beginning and waited for me to return here. They had every intention of using me as a catalyst to start this war." Ike turned around hugging his dad a bit.



"That Scomparsian prince that took your mother. He was a coward. He never had enough courage to approach me even with my title. He was a drunk, but never disrespected me out of fear. I could see it in his eyes. Stall...stall must have whispered in his ear. That prince was used as a sacrificial lamb. Dubal never liked that nephew. I played right into their hands and I couldn't see it." Cole smiled at his son.



"I will make it right. I'm going to keep my promise and give you a better life. Even if...I don't get to spend it with you." Ike looked to his father questioningly.



"I'm the only one who can lead the main battalion. I'll be on the front lines thinking of you. I will fight until the last drop of my blood is spilled. After every battle when I return to the camp, I want to hold you and kiss your face because there is no promise I'll make it back. I want you to know that." Ike buried his head into his fathers chest.



"I want you to also know that if daddy dies. It will be because I carved out a future for you with these same hands that avenged your mother. Ike, no matter what happens after today. Everything I do, I do for only you. Coraggio, the princes, Cora...they're all just a bonus. If I didn't believe this city was your best chance at happiness, I'd have fled with you after the coronation." Cole kissed Ikes head, "I hope you can forgive your old man if I join your mother..."

"You won't die," Ike said softly. "You are too strong to die," Ike continued. "You can't blame yourself....and you can't die blaming yourself. You got to live because without you I'll never get stronger and I'll always be alone. You are the only one whom I love and can rely on..." Ike said softly his head still buried in his chest. Ike had been warming up to the others sure but it is still far from love. Who knew what would happen with the war too his father was the only one he had ever relied on. To rely on anyone else was unimaginable. 

"You won't die," Ike said softly. "You are too strong to die," Ike continued. "You can't blame yourself....and you can't die blaming yourself. You got to live because without you I'll never get stronger and I'll always be alone. You are the only one whom I love and can rely on..."

Cole held his son's head as it was buried into his chest, his grip tight around Ike. "Oh my boy...that isn't true. You're already plenty strong, you have the same look in your eyes as I did when I was your age. You're not alone either, everyone here wants to be apart of your life. With them, you'll never be alone...they're part of the happiness I envisioned for you. I have always wanted their kind of bond for you. A friendship so powerful, you'd do anything to keep it." Cole spoke softly, in a loving and calming tone.

"My strength...my strength was for Coraggio once. For my mother whom I loved more then the breath in my lungs. She meant the world to me, I became a knight in order to keep the city she lived in safe. Nothing else mattered except her. Then King Gale sent me on the mission to Scomparsa in fear of them rising against us. The thought of a war and my mother being caught up in it was unfathomable, so I did it. Being alone in Scomparsa was the scariest thing I ever had done. I knew no one, and no one wanted to know me. I thought of my moms embrace every night and longed for it, I became home sick and nearly quit." Cole smiled.

"Then I found your mother, a beggar, alone on the street. At first I didn't pay her any mind, just another poor soul who fell victim to Scomparsa's ways. When I passed by her, she asked for spare units and I, in my depression, told her I had nothing. She smiled at me and said, that's okay sir thank you for the consideration I hope you have a wonderful day. Those words she spoke to me caught my attention...she was happy in Scomparsa being a poor, homeless girl. Her bright smile almost tore down the very darkness of that city." Cole's thoughts on his late wife brought tears to his eyes.

"I went back to visit her every day after that, bringing what little money I had. It wasn't long before I fell in love with her and she I. She embodied everything my mother had, her heart and soul were pure white in a blackness so thick you couldn't see two steps in front of yourself. She comforted me when the news of my mothers passing reached me, my strong bond with my mother was a difficult thing to lose...but your mother helped me and realized that my bond with my mother was as strong as my new bond with this digimon I fell in love with. I didn't think my love for her could be beaten until the day you hatched from your egg." Cole leaned down and kissed Ike's head once more.

"When you were born so was a love greater then any I had ever felt. She gave me a beautiful baby boy that I knew I had to take away from Scomparsa....I planned then to take you back to Coraggio but the threat of war still loomed so for your sake, I continued my mission and became employed by Dubal. Well, you know the rest....the lengths I had to go through. I still wanted to give you a good childhood so I spent as much time as I could with you at home...to keep you happy despite the terrible living conditions and horrid digimon." Cole rested his face on Ike.

"My point is son, that even if I don't die in this war...like my mother, I will eventually die of age or perhaps disease. My heart cannot love anyone greater then you but your heart....is young and unexplored. You can find someone who you can love, someone who will be able to share the bond you have with me. Ike, you do not need me to be happy...I need you to be happy...and I am."

Cole had hoped that Ike would be able to move on if anything happened to him and he had hoped this tale of his would do just that. The extent of Cole's love ended with Ike but Ike's did not have to end with Cole. That's all he ever wanted, was for Ike to find happiness.

"Oh my boy...that isn't true. You're already plenty strong, you have the same look in your eyes as I did when I was your age. You're not alone either, everyone here wants to be apart of your life. With them, you'll never be alone...they're part of the happiness I envisioned for you. I have always wanted their kind of bond for you. A friendship so powerful, you'd do anything to keep it." Ike knew his father was right but that was all it was was friendship. It still wasn't the same....none of them could ever replace him.



"My strength...my strength was for Coraggio once. For my mother whom I loved more then the breath in my lungs. She meant the world to me, I became a knight in order to keep the city she lived in safe. Nothing else mattered except her. Then King Gale sent me on the mission to Scomparsa in fear of them rising against us. The thought of a war and my mother being caught up in it was unfathomable, so I did it. Being alone in Scomparsa was the scariest thing I ever had done. I knew no one, and no one wanted to know me. I thought of my moms embrace every night and longed for it, I became home sick and nearly quit." Cole smiled.



"Then I found your mother, a beggar, alone on the street. At first I didn't pay her any mind, just another poor soul who fell victim to Scomparsa's ways. When I passed by her, she asked for spare units and I, in my depression, told her I had nothing. She smiled at me and said, that's okay sir thank you for the consideration I hope you have a wonderful day. Those words she spoke to me caught my attention...she was happy in Scomparsa being a poor, homeless girl. Her bright smile almost tore down the very darkness of that city." She had always managed to smile despite it all.



"I went back to visit her every day after that, bringing what little money I had. It wasn't long before I fell in love with her and she I. She embodied everything my mother had, her heart and soul were pure white in a blackness so thick you couldn't see two steps in front of yourself. She comforted me when the news of my mothers passing reached me, my strong bond with my mother was a difficult thing to lose...but your mother helped me and realized that my bond with my mother was as strong as my new bond with this digimon I fell in love with. I didn't think my love for her could be beaten until the day you hatched from your egg." Ike looked up at him after his kiss.



"When you were born so was a love greater then any I had ever felt. She gave me a beautiful baby boy that I knew I had to take away from Scomparsa....I planned then to take you back to Coraggio but the threat of war still loomed so for your sake, I continued my mission and became employed by Dubal. Well, you know the rest....the lengths I had to go through. I still wanted to give you a good childhood so I spent as much time as I could with you at home...to keep you happy despite the terrible living conditions and horrid digimon." Ike had always been happiest at his fathers or mothers side. Without them he felt alone...maybe he was too clingy to them.



"My point is son, that even if I don't die in this war...like my mother, I will eventually die of age or perhaps disease. My heart cannot love anyone greater then you but your heart....is young and unexplored. You can find someone who you can love, someone who will be able to share the bond you have with me. Ike, you do not need me to be happy...I need you to be happy...and I am."



"I'll still be sad though....all my memories are with you," Ike said sighing a bit. "I'll make more I'm sure. However I can't imagine them without you....you've always been there."
Ike turned pressing his shoulder into his dad. "If you die I'll still live on...it will be hard...like when mom died. I won't be alone; it won't be the same either though. Because I won't have you beside me....and no one could replace you."

"I'll still be sad though....all my memories are with you," Ike said sighing a bit. "I'll make more I'm sure. However I can't imagine them without you....you've always been there." Cole noticed his son wasn't ready to let him go. He understood his vision but his attachment was very strong. For now, that was fine. Ike's attachment to him would be what gave him strength in the coming days.

"If you die I'll still live on...it will be hard...like when mom died. I won't be alone; it won't be the same either though. Because I won't have you beside me....and no one could replace you." Cole laughed and pulled Ike away from him. Holding him in his hands, arms outstretched.

"I don't want you to replace me. I want you to keep me alive in your heart like my mother is alive in mine. Besides, I challenge you to find any digimon that can tickle you like me!" Cole said and ruthlessly tickled his son's sides and underarms, laughing as he did it. He enjoyed his son's intense laughter and smiling face, the way he flailed about and begging for him to stop.

Don had never truly fallen asleep, listening to their conversation. A smile had been brought to his face as his head lay their watching secretly. What they had was such a beautiful thing, it reminded him of how Cora spent time with himself and his brothers and now Theos and Kemba. This though, this was stronger somehow. Ike was Cole's only son and Cole Ike's remaining parent. Their darkness had stitched something deep within them, it made anyone who watched them feel good inside.

Don would likely never know such a deep parental love, no, not without enduring incredible pain and suffering. He didn't yearn for what Ike had with his father, but he did want to protect it. "Huh...what a strange thing to want to do..." Don thought allowed. He couldn't help this feeling, but he did question where it came from. He wouldn't think to hard on it, he'd just act on it.

After a moment of enjoying his son's laughter, Cole stopped his fiendish assault and tried catching his own breath from his own laughter. He brought Ike back into his chest, cradling him like a newborn and wiped any tears from Ike's face should he had laughed with such intensity.

"Ike, I am here now and until that dreadful day comes...be it two hundred years from now or an hour, I will always be by your side. You can count on me to be here for you. Hmm...if I do make it through this war, would you mind if I asked Magi to cast a spell on you to keep you this young forever?" Cole asked chuckling.

"I don't want you to replace me. I want you to keep me alive in your heart like my mother is alive in mine. Besides, I challenge you to find any digimon that can tickle you like me!" Ike began laughing loudly. His sides hurting after awhile. He cuddled up to his dad and remained there. Theos ears perked at Ikes laughter and he watched them for a long moment smiling. It seemed his son managed to cheer him up. That was good.


"Ike, I am here now and until that dreadful day comes...be it two hundred years from now or an hour, I will always be by your side. You can count on me to be here for you. Hmm...if I do make it through this war, would you mind if I asked Magi to cast a spell on you to keep you this young forever?" Ike smiled.

"We all grow up eventually....but I wouldn't mind staying small for you," Ike said smiling. 

"We all grow up eventually....but I wouldn't mind staying small for you," Cole laughed, "Is that right? I'll really do it you know...I'm a selfish father like that." Cole chuckled. "Not that you'll have your growth spurt anytime soon. Benefit of our species of living long lives I suppose. There is still time yet for me to baby you though I'm probably being to embarrassing." Cole said.

Just as they were talking, a small tremor was felt through the ground. Cole felt it and he lifted his head looking around, "Hm?" He wondered. Blake sat up, "Did anyone feel that?" Blake asked looking around. Don stood from his resting spot and looked around.

"I did." He responded. Kemba awoke and removed his embrace of Kaa and lifted his head up, rubbing his weary eyes. "Feel...what?" Kemba asked. Kaa and Don both lifted their heads off of Theos both still waking from their short nap.

A stronger tremor ran through the ground this time, shaking the room. "Oh...that!" Kemba said jumping up. "What is it?" Kaa asked standing. "It's a rumbly..." Ban answered still laying but looking around.

After a moment, Magi had reappeared floating down to them undoing the slow spell. "Cole! Cole! Coraggio is burning!!" Magi yelled. Cole's eyes widened and he placed his son down on the ground and stood.

"What!?" He exclaimed. "Several explosions have erupted all over the city!! The guard has been mobilized but there are fires in several parts! They're trying to contain it!" Cole reached for his helm and gauntlets and equipped them.

"Scomparsa!?" Cole asked, Magi nodded, "Yes...their are reports of several enemy soldiers in various parts of the city. They're small in number but went completely undetected! They've begun killing civilian and soldier alike!" Cole turned to face the kids.

"Retreat to your rooms until I have a better understanding of the situation! You're to be protected at all co--" Before Cole could finish his order, the room ignited in a bright light and the sound was deafening. The upper floor had exploded above them and collapsed. It was the Royal Dining Room, the place where they had the coronation.

Kemba opened his eyes when his hearing had returned, Magi had protected them from the blast and rubble of the room collapsing. They were inside a protective field and could now see Coraggio. The sky was filled with smoke and the horizon lit with fire. Every section of the city was under assault, and even the castle was struck.

Magi looked at everyone, "You're okay...I managed to get a shield up in time and take us from the guard hall." They now were just above the Castle's front gate and could see the palace and where they came from. The palace was burning.

The triplets looked on in horror at their home with tears in their eyes. Kemba clenched his paw, "How did this happen...?" Cole picked up his sword, "Scomparsa....they never left Coraggio after the coronation....they went into hiding here...and planted bombs all over the city. Stall must have planted one in the dining hall...Jared's death...it was a distraction from his true purpose."

Don cleared his face, "A forward assault....to prepare for the main army. They look to cripple us in the stables before we can meet them on the battlefield." Don clenched his claw, "This an advanced warfare technique...I should have anticipated this." Don said.

Blake looked towards the Noble Residences, "Father..." He said pressing up agaisnt Magi's ward. "The noble's gate is locked, but I can see enemy soldiers trying to make their way in." Blake said. Kaa looked at Cole, "What if their are soldiers already in the palace? That bomb that exploded...their could be more!" Ban curled himself shivering from the fear overtaking him.

Kemba looked towards the Bazaar, it was lit aflame but the southern district was still untouched. "Kim..." Kemba looked at Cole, "Small Town has not been attacked yet! It's the poorest part of the city, we need to back them up!" Kemba said.

Cole sighed, "I wanted you all to sit this battle out but the city is in dire need of all of our help....I know you only trained for a few hours...I hadn't expected this....these soldiers that are attacking us. They're not Scomparsians, they're Stall's personal men. Kids, help me repel the enemy! I must gather the guard in town and mount a counterattack...Theos, these kids look up to you....you're their hero and idol. I trust you to lead them into battle, you also have the most experience alongside Blake and Kemba when it comes to real combat. I must go now, decide what action to take and see it through!"

Cole turned to his son and patted his head, "Remember what I told you..." Cole turned and flew off into the city, leaving Magi's ward.

Don closed his eyes, and gathered himself. He should have known that Stall would have used such a tactic against and ill prepared city. It was working, but they needed to counterattack. It was time for him to put his skills to use.

Don took a deep breath and turned to face Theos, "Cole isn't wrong...you've told us stories before about how you lead your friend Dan and Kemba in the mines. Well....you have the most experience...I will trust your decision but let me advise you, General Theos." Don said walking towards him.

General Theos? Kemba thought...definitely an upgrade from his title of Captain. "We start our fight here and now! Everyone....we only had a few hours of training but we're already mentally prepared! Let's help our beloved city! We will not let Stall cripple us before we even have a chance to fight back!" Don said. Kaa nodded, "I agree....I was prepared to go into this war untrained....I won't let this fear grip me!"

Blake nodded, "I was a good fighter once but I know nothing of battle strategies. That is where Theos has me beat, so I will follow you." Kemba looked at Theos, "Forever and always. I am yours."

Ban was still frightened but stood, "I want to be....of help to Theos too!"

Everyone seemed prepared to fight, Don looked at Theos, "I was able to gather my thoughts General, with your permission I'd like to advise you in what course of action we can take!" Don said, he looked at Ike and then back to Theos. It was time to keep his promise.

TRAINING COMPLETE!

Total experience gained: 4,450

Experience to Next Level: 393

Theos stood as he felt the tremor. His gaze looking around for some sign of what it was. Ike likewise got up letting his father stand. What was it? They both thought even as the ground rumbled again. Magi appeared with the second rumble and they all looked to him for answers. Theos ears folded back at the news even as his hide bristled.

"Scomparsa!?" Cole asked, Magi nodded, "Yes...their are reports of several enemy soldiers in various parts of the city. They're small in number but went completely undetected! They've begun killing civilian and soldier alike!" Cole turned to face the kids.



"Retreat to your rooms until I have a better understanding of the situation! You're to be protected at all co--" Theos yelped as the sound and the light mixed together robbing him of his senses. The sound being lost in it all. He blinked multiple times his vision fading in and out for several seconds until it finally returned. He gazed out over the city wide eyed.


"You're okay...I managed to get a shield up in time and take us from the guard hall." Theos fur stood on end at the sight of everything.


"How did this happen...?" Cole picked up his sword, "Scomparsa....they never left Coraggio after the coronation....they went into hiding here...and planted bombs all over the city. Stall must have planted one in the dining hall...Jared's death...it was a distraction from his true purpose."
Treacherous bastard using his death for such a thing.


"A forward assault....to prepare for the main army. They look to cripple us in the stables before we can meet them on the battlefield." Don clenched his claw, "This an advanced warfare technique...I should have anticipated this." Ike cocked his head unsure anyone could have predicted this.



"Father..." He said pressing up agaisnt Magi's ward. "The noble's gate is locked, but I can see enemy soldiers trying to make their way in." Blake said. Kaa looked at Cole, "What if their are soldiers already in the palace? That bomb that exploded...their could be more!"Theos had to agree although he was sure the royal guard was already on it ad probably sweeping the place even as they spoke.



"Kim..." Kemba looked at Cole, "Small Town has not been attacked yet! It's the poorest part of the city, we need to back them up!" Theos looked towards the inn worriedly.



"I wanted you all to sit this battle out but the city is in dire need of all of our help....I know you only trained for a few hours...I hadn't expected this....these soldiers that are attacking us. They're not Scomparsians, they're Stall's personal men. Kids, help me repel the enemy! I must gather the guard in town and mount a counterattack...Theos, these kids look up to you....you're their hero and idol. I trust you to lead them into battle, you also have the most experience alongside Blake and Kemba when it comes to real combat. I must go now, decide what action to take and see it through!"
Theos had no idea what to say. Magi or Blake would be optimal choices they were both much older and wiser.


"Remember what I told you..." Ike nodded.

"Cole isn't wrong...you've told us stories before about how you lead your friend Dan and Kemba in the mines. Well....you have the most experience...I will trust your decision but let me advise you, General Theos." Don said walking towards him.



"We start our fight here and now! Everyone....we only had a few hours of training but we're already mentally prepared! Let's help our beloved city! We will not let Stall cripple us before we even have a chance to fight back!" Don said. Kaa nodded, "I agree....I was prepared to go into this war untrained....I won't let this fear grip me!"



Blake nodded, "I was a good fighter once but I know nothing of battle strategies. That is where Theos has me beat, so I will follow you." Kemba looked at Theos, "Forever and always. I am yours."



"I want to be....of help to Theos too!"



"Guys..." Theos said softly his tail wagging slowly and uncertainly. There was no way he could refuse now.

"I was able to gather my thoughts General, with your permission I'd like to advise you in what course of action we can take!" 

Theos nodded at Don not yet trusting his voice. He was ready to listen to his plan. He had to wonder if they had time to dilly dally though with so much burning around them. 

Don smiled once he got the okay from Theos, "The way I see it, we all should be able to help multiple parts of the city at once. Cole will gather the guard and fight on multiple fronts so we should do what we can since we cannot fly like he can."

"Here is where I think we can be most effective, there is no telling if the palace has enemy soldiers in it and how many. They could look to kill father and mother and end the war before it starts. If that is the case, the palace will be under heavy siege. It's up to you whether or not you should send us to support the palace."

Don looked towards the noble district, "The Noble District gate will be destroyed soon. The noble district is a vital part of our government. If it's completely destroyed and we lose the nobility, it could devastate our economy and political power. Most noble's are poor fighters living lavish lives. I can't imagine they'd be able to repel an enemy attack without multiple casualties. You should consider some of us backing them up. The guard is mobilizing to assist them but it's your call. If the noble district falls, then it's a straight shot to the palace. They could reinforce any soldiers already inside the palace if there are any to begin with." Don pointed to Small Town.

"Small Town should be another consideration. It is a small part of the city that hasn't been attacked yet, citizens are going to need a place to flee too for safety. We could form a safe zone of the city there and get citizens to safety there. Building a strong defense in Small Town and keeping the enemy away. Small Town is rich with farmers and has an Inn, plenty of food and water and supplies. Though, Small Town will become a target once the enemy realizes what we're doing there. Once Small Town is an established safe zone and is under heavy guard, helping the closest districts should be the next priority."

Don looked back at Theos, "I believe these three tasks should be our strategy." Magi nodded, "Theos, you should also consider who is in these places already and if they'll be fine on their own. If you intend to split up the party to cover all three, you may not need to send multiple people to a certain location but it needs to be your decision. I will be going to Small Town to assist with the safe zone, this is Cursed Exodus not Scomparsa so we don't know if Stall is here or not. We will need a safe zone and with my medical expertise, a safe zone will need a doctor. What do you want to do?" Magi asked.



Don looked at Theos, "What should we do General?" Kemba placed his paw on Theos's neck and gave him a warm smile, "Theos...I trust you just as I did in the mines. I will always support your decision. I was your rock then and I'll be it now. Trust your instincts" Kemba touched his nose to Theos to try and calm his nerves. "I love you." Kemba whispered and pulled away.

All eyes were on Theos, the decision was on him now.

"Here is where I think we can be most effective, there is no telling if the palace has enemy soldiers in it and how many. They could look to kill father and mother and end the war before it starts. If that is the case, the palace will be under heavy siege. It's up to you whether or not you should send us to support the palace." Theos thought about it he knew Cora could handle himself though. However if they pulled anymore treachery then he may be in danger. 

"The Noble District gate will be destroyed soon. The noble district is a vital part of our government. If it's completely destroyed and we lose the nobility, it could devastate our economy and political power. Most noble's are poor fighters living lavish lives. I can't imagine they'd be able to repel an enemy attack without multiple casualties. You should consider some of us backing them up. The guard is mobilizing to assist them but it's your call. If the noble district falls, then it's a straight shot to the palace. They could reinforce any soldiers already inside the palace if there are any to begin with." Theos nodded and thought about the overweight Kilgath who could probably only last so long.

"Small Town should be another consideration. It is a small part of the city that hasn't been attacked yet, citizens are going to need a place to flee too for safety. We could form a safe zone of the city there and get citizens to safety there. Building a strong defense in Small Town and keeping the enemy away. Small Town is rich with farmers and has an Inn, plenty of food and water and supplies. Though, Small Town will become a target once the enemy realizes what we're doing there. Once Small Town is an established safe zone and is under heavy guard, helping the closest districts should be the next priority."

"I believe these three tasks should be our strategy." Magi nodded, "Theos, you should also consider who is in these places already and if they'll be fine on their own. If you intend to split up the party to cover all three, you may not need to send multiple people to a certain location but it needs to be your decision. I will be going to Small Town to assist with the safe zone, this is Cursed Exodus not Scomparsa so we don't know if Stall is here or not. We will need a safe zone and with my medical expertise, a safe zone will need a doctor. What do you want to do?" Theos had to think about it. One wrong move could mean the end.

"What should we do General?" Kemba placed his paw on Theos's neck and gave him a warm smile, "Theos...I trust you just as I did in the mines. I will always support your decision. I was your rock then and I'll be it now. Trust your instincts" Kemba touched his nose to Theos to try and calm his nerves. "I love you."

"Thanks," Theos said smiling at Kemba.

"Alright they couldn't have smuggled too many digimon into the palace I am sure most of the staff there are loyal and Cora is strong. We can all attest to that," Theos said nodding to himself. "He may still need backup though. Don you should return to the castle. The only way they could get Cora is through surprise. You should be there to make sure no one sneaks up on him since you can figure out how they may do it depending on the room.

"Ike you and Ban should go to Small Town and help Magi set up the safe zone. The rest of us will help hold off the advanced forces. With the four of us we should make short work of them. Afterwards Kemba and me will come to Small town to provide back up. Blake you can hold the grounds and Kaa can provide support in the castle. Of course that all depends on how things go. No matter what though you can rely on backup in Small Town because once they know they can't reach the castle they will head there for the most damage," Theos said nodding to himself. 

It was as good a plan as any. Theos felt decent about it they would stop the advancement and route it away from the palace. Then support Small town and hopefully by the time they were done they would be fleeing out of the city.

"Alright they couldn't have smuggled too many digimon into the palace I am sure most of the staff there are loyal and Cora is strong. We can all attest to that," Theos said nodding to himself. "He may still need backup though. Don you should return to the castle. The only way they could get Cora is through surprise. You should be there to make sure no one sneaks up on him since you can figure out how they may do it depending on the room.

"Ike you and Ban should go to Small Town and help Magi set up the safe zone. The rest of us will help hold off the advanced forces. With the four of us we should make short work of them. Afterwards Kemba and me will come to Small town to provide back up. Blake you can hold the grounds and Kaa can provide support in the castle. Of course that all depends on how things go. No matter what though you can rely on backup in Small Town because once they know they can't reach the castle they will head there for the most damage,

The kids all looked at one another and nodded, "Okay I'll return to the palace and check on father and mother." Don looked at Magi who let him out of the ward. Don turned to look at his brothers, "I'll make sure they're safe...you two stay safe also." Don turned his attention to Ike. "You too...I want you to see the end of this war so you can see Coraggio for what it really is. Don't die until then."

Kaa walked over and grabbed Don's shoulder, "You just make sure you don't die either." Don smiled and nodded turning and leaping from the ward heading back into the Palace.

Magi looked at Ike and Ban, "Alright you two, let's get ready to go to Small Town. We need that safe zone pronto." Ban looked back at the group and frowned, "You're going to be okay right? You won't go away like Jared?" He asked Kaa, Kaa shook his head, "No...I'll have everyone here protecting me. You just make sure there is a place for everyone to rest in while I'm fighting okay?" Ban gave a soft smile and walked next to Magi.

Magi released the group into the Noble District and levitated Ban and Ike. "Good luck and remember that together, you're all strongest." Kemba nodded, "We'll see you all soon...just as we clean up the trash here in the district." Magi chuckled, "No rush."

Blake cracked his neck, "I'll show these punks what happens when they mess with my home. Let's go!"

"Alright then, we're off!" Magi said and took Ike and Ban, flying towards Small Town. Kaa looked towards Blake already running towards the Noble District, "He's going to leave us behind if we don't assist him." Kaa said. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's kick some ass!" Kemba said drawing his sword, he could feel his adrenaline kicking in. He started to get anxious for the approaching battle.