The War Meeting

Theos looked around at the sad and solemn faces. Wondering how many would have to bed with friends tonight. It wasn't just families lost but entire homes. He saw one digimon collapse in her weeping fit others crowding around her to hold her. It was saddening to know this was just in one night. Many more deaths were yet to come with the war. Many men and women wouldn't make it home from the battle field. A realization only made more clear as the army came into sight.

"I wonder how Cole is handling all of this." Theos shook his head it looked like he had been dealing with it my throwing himself into his work. Which probably wasn't the healthiest thing. "Oh...it's you guys. You're looking well..."


"If only we could say the same for you, you sound and look horrible." Don commented, Cole shook his head "I'm perfectly fine. It has been long since I've had to stay up so long. Not since before Ike was born." Theos smiled but was still worried. "You should go to sleep, it isn't healthy." Kemba added. Cole chuckled, "Men like me do not have such a luxury. I have an army to prepare to march and a war meeting to set up for which you're early too by the way." Cole said. "It doesn't start for another hour."



"Honestly, we came to help you. The war meeting wasn't our only reason to come here." Kaa added. "Thanks, but as you can see the clean up process has concluded as of an hour ago. We've let the townsfolk return home, now we just need to focus on starting the rebuilding process....though that will have to be the task for the townsfolk. Normally, we'd do it but with war looming we cannot. With all of the destruction from yesterday, it could be weeks before it's all repaired." Cole sighed.



"You're working so hard, I feel like we could've done more." Kemba said with a frown, "Oh please! You've done more than I could have asked of you! Besides, seeing you all here is refreshing." Considering they were out of commission for awhile he supposed it was to be expected. Probably dozens of soldiers were still out of commission.



"You'll be doing even more soon enough....I just pray you all will come out of this unharmed." Cole said. "We all will." Ban said trying to cheer the mood, Cole chuckled "Perhaps. My job is to make sure you do." Like any parent protecting their children. He probably would keep his word but at what expense. "You say perhaps....does that not include you?" Don questioned. Cole realized he might have given himself away, "I suppose I should tell you all that the odds I'll make it out of this war alive are not very good. I'm the only one who can lead the main forces and so I have to fight at the front. I didn't want you all getting your hopes up that we'd all make it back. In fact, I'v already made peace with the chance that I will be killed before a victor is won. Such is the way of war." 

"Dozens will die and dozens will live. You have good digimon to fight beside you Cole. Don't try to take it all on your shoulders. We need you in top form and to do that you need to make sure not to take unneeded risks. You can't make sure we survive if you aren't around to do so," Theos stated. He was perturbed at his calm talk of death.

Ike already had this conversation and remained quiet beside his father. He knew his father spoke truth. Odds were those on the front lines wouldn't make it home.

"Dozens will die and dozens will live. You have good digimon to fight beside you Cole. Don't try to take it all on your shoulders. We need you in top form and to do that you need to make sure not to take unneeded risks. You can't make sure we survive if you aren't around to do so," Cole smiled at Theos. "Sometimes that reality is unavoidable. I must fight at the front lines and fight with everything I have. Every solider I kill, means one of mine lives and has a greater chance of coming home and kissing their wife and child. As the head of Coraggio's army, the burden of taking it all on my shoulders is my job. There is no way around it. Everyone's livelihood must be put before my own, I cannot save everyone it's foolish to think so...but I can fight like I can and that is what matters."

"It is my duty to ensure everyone can rely on me. That is my purpose and my burden, one I cannot share. I hope, should that day come and I am slain, that you will help Ike grow and mature. Though I may be here in body, but Ike is my heart and as long as he remains, so too will my will."

Kemba nodded not knowing one else to say. Kaa teared up a bit but wiped them away, "It will be as if Ike is our blood." He said making a promise. Don shook his head, "I find this conversation in poor taste....I will not accept you dying Cole. Not when Ike still needs you....I also don't need to promise that because he's already my friend."

Ban stayed silent, his head drooping as a result of the conversations ominous tone.

Cole patted his sons head, "That is all I want. My boy to grow up with more love than he knows where to put it. He deserves that life."

From the distance, coming from the palace they could see King Cora riddled with minor wounds. He had refused medical attention saying he hadn't needed it, they weren't bleeding but it was hard to believe they weren't painful. He had a sharp gaze in his eye as if they were focused in on an animal set to be killed. It wasn't hard to imagine Cora was still teeming with anger. A ferocious and intimidating side for him. The triplets in unison bowed their heads as if they were in trouble, they could almost sense their fathers burning rage inside.

Ban slightly hiding behind Theos. Cole turned when he heard the great kings thunderous foot steps, Cora had changed so much as a hatchling. It reminded him of his father, this intense anger could have been a result of Gale's harsh beatings. "Your Majesty." Cole greeted as he approached with a squadron of royal servants at his side.

"What are you all doing out of the hospital? You should be resting." He said in a deep volatile tone.

"Sometimes that reality is unavoidable. I must fight at the front lines and fight with everything I have. Every solider I kill, means one of mine lives and has a greater chance of coming home and kissing their wife and child. As the head of Coraggio's army, the burden of taking it all on my shoulders is my job. There is no way around it. Everyone's livelihood must be put before my own, I cannot save everyone it's foolish to think so...but I can fight like I can and that is what matters."



"It is my duty to ensure everyone can rely on me. That is my purpose and my burden, one I cannot share. I hope, should that day come and I am slain, that you will help Ike grow and mature. Though I may be here in body, but Ike is my heart and as long as he remains, so too will my will."



Theos couldn't but to find it noble but foolish to think in such a way. He was only one digimon none of them could think to put such a burden of thousands of lives solely on his shoulders. It was like him and Kemba taking every death solely on there own shoulders. They would buckle under the weight and he would too. He wondered if Magi could change his mind about it.


"That is all I want. My boy to grow up with more love than he knows where to put it. He deserves that life."
Ike bowed his head a bit at his fathers words. More love than he knew what to do with. Sounded nice but it left him wondering what such a thing was like and whether it might smother him or not.

Theos looked to Cora as he approached his words dying on his tongue. He lowered his head respectfully in front of the troops. Coras anger palpable in the air. 


"What are you all doing out of the hospital? You should be resting." 

"Magi healed us my king," Theos responded. "It is all hands on deck so we came as soon as possible to assist your efforts my king." 

"Magi healed us my king," Theos responded. "It is all hands on deck so we came as soon as possible to assist your efforts my king." Kemba thought Theos's noble talk was strange given their relationship but not surprising in this situation.

He couldn't help think of the mirror version of Cora compared to their own. "Very well. Where are we with the meeting?" Cora said turning his attention to Cole, "There is time yet my liege, I was in the middle of preparing the map of the desert." Cora nodded, "How much time will it take?" He asked. "Another twenty minutes or so." Cole replied. "You have ten...when I finish my round through the city, I expect this to be finished. I will accept nothing less." Cora said he began moving towards the city, his men following after him.

He didn't so much as eye any of them, not a word spoken. It left Ban a bit teary eyed, he hated his father like this. Theos could hear him whimpering a bit as he hid behind him. "So that is the result of Gale's discipline? All that juvenile anger he couldn't show has manifested itself as an adult." Cole said his gaze softening with pity. "I should have done more...protected him from his father." Don shook his head, "No...as painful as it is, perhaps grandfather's method is better for us at this moment. That killing instinct I sensed from father...he won't be so easily trifled with. I saw him fight in the palace, it was akin to a demon. My brothers and I won't have that because of the way he's raised us."

Kaa looked at Don and thought it cruel that he approved of Gale's abuse towards father, but he couldn't deny the monster it would make him on the battlefield. Cole looked at Don, "You certainly have your grandfather's bluntness." Don scoffed, "Don't mistake me for my grandfather, I despise the man for what he did to father...but I realize how it has helped father develop into a fighter. He's a master at funneling his anger and directing towards his foes making him a serious opponent."

"Don't forget, it's also what hurt us during our training session. Don't confuse pain with anger." Kaa said, "Usually I find them the same thing." Don said coldly. "Whether you like that truth or not, it is what it is."

Ban sat down curling his tail around his legs and drooping his head. "You know Don, I'm getting real sick of your attitude." Kaa said glaring at Don. "You're just too soft, heir to the throne." He replied. Kaa hissed baring his teeth and Don followed suit.

"Very well. Where are we with the meeting?" Cora said turning his attention to Cole, "There is time yet my liege, I was in the middle of preparing the map of the desert." Cora nodded, "How much time will it take?" He asked. "Another twenty minutes or so." Cole replied. "You have ten...when I finish my round through the city, I expect this to be finished. I will accept nothing less." Theos ears remained back even as he walked away. Cora was a lot different from his normal caring self.



"So that is the result of Gale's discipline? All that juvenile anger he couldn't show has manifested itself as an adult." Cole said his gaze softening with pity. "I should have done more...protected him from his father." Don shook his head, "No...as painful as it is, perhaps grandfather's method is better for us at this moment. That killing instinct I sensed from father...he won't be so easily trifled with. I saw him fight in the palace, it was akin to a demon. My brothers and I won't have that because of the way he's raised us."



Theos shook his head. Useful as it may be he didn't need to become cruel. Nor did he need to be treated cruelly to learn how to fight. "You certainly have your grandfather's bluntness." Don scoffed, "Don't mistake me for my grandfather, I despise the man for what he did to father...but I realize how it has helped father develop into a fighter. He's a master at funneling his anger and directing towards his foes making him a serious opponent."



"Don't forget, it's also what hurt us during our training session. Don't confuse pain with anger." Kaa said, "Usually I find them the same thing." Don said coldly. "Whether you like that truth or not, it is what it is."



Ban sat down curling his tail around his legs and drooping his head. "You know Don, I'm getting real sick of your attitude." Kaa said glaring at Don. "You're just too soft, heir to the throne."

"Like it or not we have a job to do. Let's finish this map before he returns. Unless you two want to be locked in a room and made to stare at one another," Theos said. His own tone growing a slight edge. "We have no time to bicker among ourselves about things long past."

"Like it or not we have a job to do. Let's finish this map before he returns. Unless you two want to be locked in a room and made to stare at one another," Theos said. His own tone growing a slight edge. "We have no time to bicker among ourselves about things long past."

Kaa and Don both looked over to Theos and calmed a bit. They shot each other a glance and Kaa huffed some steam from his snout in defiance of Don. Don paid it no mind and looked to Cole, "So what can we do to speed the process along." Cole looked at Don, "Well...for starters...our scouts have reported back to us this morning by air. They gave me the report of the enemies location. They're about a three days walk from our borders, we won't march fast enough to meet them before they cross." Cole pointed at a section on the map to indicate.

"We will need to play defense thanks to the attack last night, we're at a disadvantage. We will need to have the main army meet them as far away from the captial as we can. We have forts positioned around the desert that stand as way points to defend the kingdom. They have been out of use since their conception but made in preperation of war under King Gale. I need you guys to mark each fort on our map, and the location of the enemy. Also, prepare the documents that our scouts sent over. We will be handing these out during the meeting, meanwhile, the army will be preparing to march." Cole explained,

Forts huh? Kemba thought, this country was prepared for war but never needed them. King Gale may have been cruel, but was certainly well prepared. "I see...I had no idea we had forts." Don said eyeing the map. Cole nodded, "Yes, and neither does Scomparsa. That was the idea, build them in secret. When we show how well defended our lands are here, it should slow them enough to turn the tide." Cole stated.

"If it is one thing Stall has shown us, is how resourceful he is at gathering information. Should we really assume they don't know of their existence?" Kemba spoke up. Don nodded, "We have underestimated him once already." he added.

"It is possible, but the forts were made to look ancient and run down and they fly no flag either. Their disguise as ruins was made to fool any who cross the desert. We can only hope that will be enough to pay it no mind." Cole replied.

"Well, dad will be back soon. Let's get to work." Kaa said, everyone nodded and began to help detail the map.

Cole walked over to Theos and motioned him over to speak with him in private, "Hey Theos...I have a special task for you. I'm already going to be controlling the main forces...I see how these digimon follow you. I want you to be in charge of them. We will require special units for different tasks for the war, to support me and the main forces. I know this is a lot to ask, but I think you're perfect for the job....though consider it carefully, if you say yes, your decisions will directly manipulate the lives of everyone here, What do you think?" Cole asked.

"So what can we do to speed the process along." Cole looked at Don, "Well...for starters...our scouts have reported back to us this morning by air. They gave me the report of the enemies location. They're about a three days walk from our borders, we won't march fast enough to meet them before they cross." Theos frowned and stood up on hi hind hooveshis front resting o the tale too keep him upright so he could study the map.

"We will need to play defense thanks to the attack last night, we're at a disadvantage. We will need to have the main army meet them as far away from the captial as we can. We have forts positioned around the desert that stand as way points to defend the kingdom. They have been out of use since their conception but made in preperation of war under King Gale. I need you guys to mark each fort on our map, and the location of the enemy. Also, prepare the documents that our scouts sent over. We will be handing these out during the meeting, meanwhile, the army will be preparing to march." Cole explained,

"I see...I had no idea we had forts." Don said eyeing the map. Cole nodded, "Yes, and neither does Scomparsa. That was the idea, build them in secret. When we show how well defended our lands are here, it should slow them enough to turn the tide." Cole stated.

"If it is one thing Stall has shown us, is how resourceful he is at gathering information. Should we really assume they don't know of their existence?" Kemba spoke up. Don nodded, "We have underestimated him once already." Theos also agreed.  There was no underestimating Stall it could be deadly for them all.


"It is possible, but the forts were made to look ancient and run down and they fly no flag either. Their disguise as ruins was made to fool any who cross the desert. We can only hope that will be enough to pay it no mind." Cole replied.

"Well, dad will be back soon. Let's get to work." Theos nodded but is gaze followed Cole as he motioned to him. Theos got down from the table following.

"Hey Theos...I have a special task for you. I'm already going to be controlling the main forces...I see how these digimon follow you. I want you to be in charge of them. We will require special units for different tasks for the war, to support me and the main forces. I know this is a lot to ask, but I think you're perfect for the job....though consider it carefully, if you say yes, your decisions will directly manipulate the lives of everyone here, What do you think?"

"It can't be helped. Like you said they already follow me and I'd rather avoid another fight between Kaa and Don by making one of them leader," Theos stated. "I will do my best to lead them."

"It can't be helped. Like you said they already follow me and I'd rather avoid another fight between Kaa and Don by making one of them leader," Theos stated. "I will do my best to lead them."

Cole nodded, "Good...I will be counting on your support." They went back to the group and finished preparing the map and strategies to present to the king after some time. Finally, Cora could be seen returning "Are we ready?" He asked. Cole nodded, "Yes. We're just waiting on the leaders. They've been arriving in bunches." Cole said. Cora made his way past the children and sat in a chair that was presented to him, he sat with huff of steam from his nostrils "Then we will begin soon."

Among the digimon arriving for the meeting was Blake. He had a bit of a wobble in his step, assuming from his knee injury. "Hey guys...sorry I'm late....a few certain digimon forgot to wake me.."He said sarcastically. Kemba chuckled a bit, "Are you sure we wouldn't have been interrupting?" He responded. "I could have used the extra help finding my pants..." Blake said with a laugh. Don shook his head, "A little professionalism please." Blake gave a nervous smile. "Your majesty, everyone is accounted for that should be here."

Cora nodded and leaned forward, "Then we begin the meeting. I want to know how we are going to destroy Scomparsa, I want to erase that kingdom from the desert." He bellowed. It was a bit off putting, "Well your majesty, as we had previously discussed, I will lead the main forces alongside each of these squadron leaders." Cole said referencing some of the armies older, more experience digimon. "We will march through our lands, and intercept them about a two days walk from Coraggio. We will hit the army with everything we have to push them back and start our counter attack." Cole said moving figures across the map as a visual aid.

"The first battle is going to be critical, we will hit them with our full might. It is win or we lose the war before it begins. From the attack last night, we lost five percent of our forces...we still have enough manpower to combat their army. We did well in minimizing the damages." Cole moved around the table to get a better view. "When we win, and push them back they will regroup and try again." Don looked to his father, "My prediction is that they won't try another direct assault and will redirect their forces around our army." He added.

"It is then that they will have to pass through several of our forts. Each a standing in our defense." Cole continued, "We don't know which fort however, so we will have men stationed at each one. They will intercept the enemy forces and hold down the location and prevent them from continuing on. A signal will be sent from any of the forts that may be under attack where we will lend support from a neighboring fort, or the main army if we can." Cora listened carefully and nodded in understanding.

"We will form an impassable defense in our lands, and force them back across the border where we mount an offensive and start our march to Scomparsa." Cora leaned back, "I will join in the first battle." He stated and the heads of the army all looked at one another. "King Cora, with all due respect...that will likely be the bloodiest battle. If you were to fall..." Cora raised his hand to silence Cole. "This is not up for debate. You said it yourself, if the first battle is lost than so is Coraggio. For such a serious battle you need my fighting strength and quite frankly, I don't feel like sitting in safety."

"Father...we know you want justice for Coraggio, but there won't be any if you die." Kaa said. Cora glared at him, "Than I suppose you will have to step up won't you? It is what you've been trying to prove to me since you hatched. I will hear nothing more of this! My mind is made. Onto the next thing!" He said embers sparking from his maw. Kaa backed down immediately and felt a little hurt by his fathers reaction. "As you wish....your majesty." Kaa said. Cora relaxed and closed his eyes, his demeanor calming. He took a deep breath before opening them and speaking.

"I know you're just trying to protect me...I get it. I need to fight alongside my people...I must. There are just some things I can't sit out." He said softening his gaze. "I didn't mean to snap at you...I'm sorry." Kaa gave a small smile, "It's fine..." Cole began again when Cora gave him a nod,

"Now...as discussed before, the royal family will be acting as Generals and each will be in charge of a certain small group of men and carry out objectives that will support the main forces. The commanding General will be Theos, with his ability to lead, he was chosen to give the overall orders. Don will be acting as the generals advisor." Don looked at Theos, "I will support you with information I gain from both the front lines and our scouts and advise you on certain tasks that can be done that will further our goals. You of course will make the final decision on which party goes where. It's the least I can do for you after everything you've done for this family." Don smiled.

"Now Theos, here is a personal dossier of everyone I created. Their strengths and weaknesses and any other relevant information. You'll also see there what squadrons need to be formed that I think will help a lot. If you think one of us will do better with the main force, you can assign us there. These will be our acting roles for the war, swapping us to different units may become very difficult once we begin so assume now that this is the only chance you'll get to assign us." Don said rolling out a scroll.



Don waited for Theos to look over the document, then spoke. "Now, we will all probably start out at camp everyday unless our task prevents us. We will need to sleep and eat and that is where I'll give my information to you to determine our course of action. With that in mind...to what unit do you want to assign us?" Don asked. They all looked to Theos for his answer, Kemba was fine with staying by Theos side...he was going to anyway. He now waited to see what Theos would decide.

Cole looked to his son and then went over to Theos, "I know he is under you influence and I have no say, but I humbly request you place my son with the support unit." Cole asked. "He is my everything...and at least there I know he will be safe. Though, as his general you have the right to place him where you think he is most effective...I just had to ask." Cole stated.

Cora looked to Theos, "Theos, your family will respect whatever your decision is." Kaa nodded, "And we will perform in that squadron to the best of our ability." Blake chuckled, "You bet." Ban walked over to Theos and nuzzled him giving a smile as a way to comfort such a difficult decision. "I know you'll do right by us." Ban said then hugged him. Don looked over to Ike, wondering how he was taking to his father's request. He wasn't sure if Ike was looking forward to combat or not but his dad had in the past made it clear he'd prefer Ike away from harm.

Still, Don wondered what Ike wanted in all of this.

"Good...I will be counting on your support." Theos worked beside the others. He gave it a once over as Cora returned and sat at attention. "Are we ready?" He asked. Cole nodded, "Yes. We're just waiting on the leaders. They've been arriving in bunches." Cole said. Cora made his way past the children and sat in a chair that was presented to him, he sat with huff of steam from his nostrils "Then we will begin soon."



Theos eyed Cora a moment then his gaze turned towards the approaching Blake. "Hey guys...sorry I'm late....a few certain digimon forgot to wake me.."He said sarcastically. Kemba chuckled a bit, "Are you sure we wouldn't have been interrupting?" He responded. "I could have used the extra help finding my pants..." Theos chuckled in response, "A little professionalism please." Blake gave a nervous smile. "Your majesty, everyone is accounted for that should be here."



Cora nodded and leaned forward, "Then we begin the meeting. I want to know how we are going to destroy Scomparsa, I want to erase that kingdom from the desert." He bellowed. It was a bit off putting, "Well your majesty, as we had previously discussed, I will lead the main forces alongside each of these squadron leaders." Theos took in the battle ready commanders. "We will march through our lands, and intercept them about a two days walk from Coraggio. We will hit the army with everything we have to push them back and start our counter attack." Cole said moving figures across the map as a visual aid.



"The first battle is going to be critical, we will hit them with our full might. It is win or we lose the war before it begins. From the attack last night, we lost five percent of our forces...we still have enough manpower to combat their army. We did well in minimizing the damages." A full out attack was going to be difficult. "When we win, and push them back they will regroup and try again." Don looked to his father, "My prediction is that they won't try another direct assault and will redirect their forces around our army." He added.



"It is then that they will have to pass through several of our forts. Each a standing in our defense." Cole continued, "We don't know which fort however, so we will have men stationed at each one. They will intercept the enemy forces and hold down the location and prevent them from continuing on. A signal will be sent from any of the forts that may be under attack where we will lend support from a neighboring fort, or the main army if we can." It was a solid plan.


"We will form an impassable defense in our lands, and force them back across the border where we mount an offensive and start our march to Scomparsa." Cora leaned back, "I will join in the first battle." Theos was not surprised at his statement. His anger was driviing him and he was a force to be reckoned with. "King Cora, with all due respect...that will likely be the bloodiest battle. If you were to fall..." Cora raised his hand to silence Cole. "This is not up for debate. You said it yourself, if the first battle is lost than so is Coraggio. For such a serious battle you need my fighting strength and quite frankly, I don't feel like sitting in safety."



"Father...we know you want justice for Coraggio, but there won't be any if you die." Kaa said. Cora glared at him, "Than I suppose you will have to step up won't you? It is what you've been trying to prove to me since you hatched. I will hear nothing more of this! My mind is made. Onto the next thing!" Theos frowned and glared at him just a bit. "As you wish....your majesty." 


"I know you're just trying to protect me...I get it. I need to fight alongside my people...I must. There are just some things I can't sit out." He said softening his gaze. "I didn't mean to snap at you...I'm sorry." Kaa gave a small smile, "It's fine..." Theos was glad he calmed himself for his children.


"Now...as discussed before, the royal family will be acting as Generals and each will be in charge of a certain small group of men and carry out objectives that will support the main forces. The commanding General will be Theos, with his ability to lead, he was chosen to give the overall orders. Don will be acting as the generals advisor." Don looked at Theos, "I will support you with information I gain from both the front lines and our scouts and advise you on certain tasks that can be done that will further our goals. You of course will make the final decision on which party goes where. It's the least I can do for you after everything you've done for this family." Don smiled.



"Now Theos, here is a personal dossier of everyone I created. Their strengths and weaknesses and any other relevant information. You'll also see there what squadrons need to be formed that I think will help a lot. If you think one of us will do better with the main force, you can assign us there. These will be our acting roles for the war, swapping us to different units may become very difficult once we begin so assume now that this is the only chance you'll get to assign us." Theos studied the scroll carefully thinking of everyone's strengths.

"Now, we will all probably start out at camp everyday unless our task prevents us. We will need to sleep and eat and that is where I'll give my information to you to determine our course of action. With that in mind...to what unit do you want to assign us?" Theos was silent a moment gathering where he wanted to put each digimon.


Ike watched Theos wondering where he would be put, "I know he is under you influence and I have no say, but I humbly request you place my son with the support unit." Cole asked. "He is my everything...and at least there I know he will be safe. Though, as his general you have the right to place him where you think he is most effective...I just had to ask." Cole stated.



Theos looked to Ike for his approval. Ike looked to his dad a moment then the ground, "Theos, your family will respect whatever your decision is." Kaa nodded, "And we will perform in that squadron to the best of our ability." Blake chuckled, "You bet." Ban walked over to Theos and nuzzled him giving a smile as a way to comfort such a difficult decision. "I know you'll do right by us."

"Kaa you and Blake will take the special forces. Don you take the archers. Ban you will take the scouts. Ike....you will be with Kemba and me. We can provide support where needed. During the main battle once it starts wounded will start pouring in. I can assure you Cole he will be back there helping treat them. After that we need him where we can," Theos stated. 

"Kaa you and Blake will take the special forces. Don you take the archers. Ban you will take the scouts. Ike....you will be with Kemba and me. We can provide support where needed. During the main battle once it starts wounded will start pouring in. I can assure you Cole he will be back there helping treat them. After that we need him where we can,"

Cole didn't seem to happy but he'd trust Theos nevertheless, everyone else did for a reason. Don took back the dossier and filled in the spots needed, "Okay...so Kaa is assigned leader and Blake will be moved into his ranks as a second in command, I've been put in charge of the ranged unit, Ban has been put in charge of the scouting unit and Ike has been placed with Theos and Kemba. That should fill in the positions." Cole nodded and looked to Cora.

"Your majesty, that should do it for our plan...right now nothing else matters except pushing back the enemy in the first battle. We will march as soon as we're done with the preparations. Magi and his unit are gathering all the supplies and each captain will have their squadrons take camping supplies. We should be ready within the hour." Cole said. Cora nodded, "Good...then we have one final piece of business to attend too." Cora said and looked out to the royal blacksmith coming into view with a set of armor for each of the children.

The triplets all simultaneously dropped open their mouths and became excited. Cole chuckled as their tails began to wag, "The blacksmith worked on this all night...and for Ike, I found my old set of armor. The blacksmith repaired and polished it and fitted it to your body. It's not as strong as mine, but it should do the job. I know how you wanted a set like mine." Cora nodded, "I also requested a set made for Theos...luckily, we had Midas's armor from when he was a boy. He never wore it so all we had to do was polish it." Cora smiled as it was brought out.

The Spinomon armor consisted of a head piece made of iron. An iron plate that covered their chest and snapped together across their back, not interfering with their spines. For their arms, a metal shaft was crafted to cover their forearms and elbows. Their legs would also be protected with a metal shaft, shielding the sides of their legs and knees. Their tails would have nothing and their naturally spiked shoulders would pose as its own protection, even if they were short and stubby still. Cole looked over to Blake, "Sorry Blake, we didn't get a chance to craft you some but we should have some already pre-made that you could wear."

Blake shook his head, "No thanks, I can't move as freely being hunkered down by iron armor...I'll rely on my reflexes and natural fighting ability." Kemba looked over Theos armor and wondered if Blake's problem would also be shared with Theos if he decided to wear it. It certainly looked nice and gave Kemba some thoughts, he imagined him in the shining armor and purred a bit. "I don't know if this will work well with Theos...but I wanna see him in it regardless...if just for a moment." He looked to Theos and winked.

The triplets all went up to the set they wanted and looked it over. Ban sniffed at his and wondered just how heavy it was, he thought it looked like him. "Well do you guys want to try it on?" Cole said walking over the the armor rack, "Yes!" Kaa said excitedly. Cora stood and walked over himself, "I'll help you put it on." He said. Cole looked over at Ike and motioned him over, "Need my help?" He asked kneeling down to a knee and ruffling his hair.

Kemba took one of the pieces for Theos and looked at him, "Oh yes this is going to make you even more attractive." He chuckled.

"Okay...so Kaa is assigned leader and Blake will be moved into his ranks as a second in command, I've been put in charge of the ranged unit, Ban has been put in charge of the scouting unit and Ike has been placed with Theos and Kemba. That should fill in the positions." Cole nodded and looked to Cora.



"Your majesty, that should do it for our plan...right now nothing else matters except pushing back the enemy in the first battle. We will march as soon as we're done with the preparations. Magi and his unit are gathering all the supplies and each captain will have their squadrons take camping supplies. We should be ready within the hour." Cole said. Cora nodded, "Good...then we have one final piece of business to attend too." Theos wondered what it was til he saw the blacksmith. He wondered if his was light weight.


"The blacksmith worked on this all night...and for Ike, I found my old set of armor. The blacksmith repaired and polished it and fitted it to your body. It's not as strong as mine, but it should do the job. I know how you wanted a set like mine." Ike smiled at his father, "I also requested a set made for Theos...luckily, we had Midas's armor from when he was a boy. He never wore it so all we had to do was polish it." Theos imagined it probably would have been hard to make him wear it. Being the free spirit that he is.



"Sorry Blake, we didn't get a chance to craft you some but we should have some already pre-made that you could wear."



Theos looked at his own armor it looked like iron and bronze plating. He got that the one part ran along his spine and that the helm went on his head. He looked to the small bangles made to protect his upper and lower legs. They were not very large but were probably made to minimize the hindrance of movement.

Blake shook his head, "No thanks, I can't move as freely being hunkered down by iron armor...I'll rely on my reflexes and natural fighting ability." Theos slid his head into the helm. It settled cocked making him use his hooves to correct it. "I don't know if this will work well with Theos...but I wanna see him in it regardless...if just for a moment." He looked to Theos and winked.



"Well do you guys want to try it on?" Cole said walking over the the armor rack, "Yes!" Kaa said excitedly. Cora stood and walked over himself, "I'll help you put it on." Ike walked up to his father armor in hand, "Need my help?" Ike nodded working with his dad to make sure all the clasps were done.



"Oh yes this is going to make you even more attractive." He chuckled.


Theos chuckled and positioned himself for the armor to be tossed on his back. The clasps ran around his underbelly and clasped at the side. The armor ran the entire length of his body. The plated metal done in such a way that his movement was unhindered. However it did weigh him down a bit he could feel it. it was troublesome not having fingers. He let Kemba suit him up then he gave a small walk around in a circle testing the weight and its effects on his movement.

It felt strange and unnatural but he had never worn clothes before so he supposed it was natural. he smiled his tail wagging a bit. "What do you think," he asked Kemba.

"What do you think," Kemba whistled to show his approval, "Definitely good looking. If I even needed a knight in shining armor to rescue me, you're definitely the one for the job...though if I had a personal preference, armor-less Theos is still my favorite Theos." He purred. Blake chuckled, "You two are hopeless romantics you know that? You make me want to actually settle down with someone." He said. Kemba looked over to him in disbelief, "Some how I doubt that." He said.

"No really! Well...once I find my special someone which probably won't be for like......years." Blake said. "Uh huh." Kemba said crossing his arms and shaking his head with a smile. "How do we look!?" Ban said jumping up and down in place, "Ban...stay still...I can't finish this clasp if you're constantly moving." Don said trying to finish buckling his armor. Ban stopped and looked over, "Oh...sorry." He said with an apologetic smile.

Kaa and Don were fully armored up and came over to Theos with Ban once he was done. Kemba looked them over, "Definitely looks good fellas." He said. Blake had to agree, "I bet that is going to be the difference in the coming battles for sure." He added.

Don looked over to Ike and walked over, he really did look like a thinner, shorter Cole. "Not bad Ike." Don said walking around him, "You certainly look the part, I bet you're just missing now is a sword." Cole walked over, "Yes I couldn't agree more. Now, this is much heavier than the sticks we used to us for practice back in Scomparsa, but the technique is the same. Remember the sword training I taught you if you ever have to use it. I pray to Yggdrasil you don't...but now your armor set is complete. We did change it a bit, I hope you like it. It makes you stand out." Cole said.

Don placed his hand on Ike's shoulder, "You're certainly the looker now, I bet Kaa won't be the only one getting attention from the females now." He gave his friend a bright smile. Cole shook his head, "Not my little 'mon...there isn't a woman on this planet that is good enough for him." Cole said hugging Ike. Just then a soldier ran over and spoke to Cora, the king turned to face everyone.

"Seems Magi has finished the preparations...we're ready to begin our march to meet the enemy. This is it everyone, we either die protecting my nephew and this great city, or we fall with them both. There is no way we come back without victory! I will allow each of you men to go home and see your children and families one last time. There is no guarantee you'll come back alive...make sure you give to them as much love as you can leave them. Meet by the North Gate in ten minutes." Cora had yelled, his voice carrying far into the crowd.

The soldiers looked at one another and dispersed, heading to every which way in the city. Cora turned to look at his kids, his anger having been completely subsided now. "I believe that means you five need to go say goodbye to your mother." Cora said talking to the triplets, Theos and Kemba. "No need for them to come to me dear, I figured you'd be leaving soon...so I came to see my babies off." Raja said coming from the palace.

The triplets looked to her, all sharing a sorrowful expression "Mother...we will miss you." Kaa said. "You should be resting after yesterday." Don said, "I am fine Don...thanks to you." She looked at all of them and went down on her belly, her snout coming towards them. "I love you all more than you can imagine. The five of you are so important to me...you must come back or you'll hurt this mother's heart." Kemba smiled at Raja's loving words, "I will...I promise...we all will be back." Kemba said.

Raja chuckled, "I know you will....Kemba my little noble...Kaa my precious heir....Don my wise darling...Ban my adorable baby....and Theos...my sweet prince. I promise to have a very hot meal for you when you come back through those gates victorious." She said and nuzzled up against them. "Now you all listen to Theos...he's in charge over you okay? I'll be upset if he comes home and tells me you were disobedient." She warned.

"Haaaaaaai" The triplets said in unison.

"Definitely good looking. If I even needed a knight in shining armor to rescue me, you're definitely the one for the job...though if I had a personal preference, armor-less Theos is still my favorite Theos." Theos chuckled and shook his head, "You two are hopeless romantics you know that? You make me want to actually settle down with someone." He said. Kemba looked over to him in disbelief, "Some how I doubt that." He said.



"No really! Well...once I find my special someone which probably won't be for like......years." Blake said. "Uh huh." Theos smiled wondering who the lucky lady would be. "How do we look!?" Theos gaze went over to the boys taking in their armor and nodding in approval.


"Definitely looks good fellas." He said. Blake and Theos had to agree, "I bet that is going to be the difference in the coming battles for sure."


"Not bad Ike." Don said walking around him, "You certainly look the part, I bet you're just missing now is a sword." Cole walked over, "Yes I couldn't agree more. Now, this is much heavier than the sticks we used to us for practice back in Scomparsa, but the technique is the same. Remember the sword training I taught you if you ever have to use it. I pray to Yggdrasil you don't...but now your armor set is complete. We did change it a bit, I hope you like it. It makes you stand out."

"I do like it," Ike said taking the sword. The sudden weight making him wobble slightly but he was able to hold it off the ground.
He considered it a small win.


"You're certainly the looker now, I bet Kaa won't be the only one getting attention from the females now." Ike blushed a bit looking to the ground, "Not my little 'mon...there isn't a woman on this planet that is good enough for him." Ike smiled a bit.



"Seems Magi has finished the preparations...we're ready to begin our march to meet the enemy. This is it everyone, we either die protecting my nephew and this great city, or we fall with them both. There is no way we come back without victory! I will allow each of you men to go home and see your children and families one last time. There is no guarantee you'll come back alive...make sure you give to them as much love as you can leave them. Meet by the North Gate in ten minutes." One last goodbye...



"I believe that means you five need to go say goodbye to your mother." Theos nodded ready to head for the palace. "No need for them to come to me dear, I figured you'd be leaving soon...so I came to see my babies off." Raja said coming from the palace.



"Mother...we will miss you." Kaa said. "You should be resting after yesterday." Don said, "I am fine Don...thanks to you." Theos smiled and joined in the hug nuzzling her snout. "I love you all more than you can imagine. The five of you are so important to me...you must come back or you'll hurt this mother's heart." Kemba smiled at Raja's loving words, "I will...I promise...we all will be back." Kemba said.



Raja chuckled, "I know you will....Kemba my little noble...Kaa my precious heir....Don my wise darling...Ban my adorable baby....and Theos...my sweet prince. I promise to have a very hot meal for you when you come back through those gates victorious." She said and nuzzled up against them. "Now you all listen to Theos...he's in charge over you okay? I'll be upset if he comes home and tells me you were disobedient." She warned.



"Haaaaaaai" Theos chuckled in response.


"I'll bring them back safe and sound," Theos said smiling. He didn't promise it though. War was unpredictable and he had promised himself no more promises.