Cora's Camp

Theos was tired after all the walking they had done. A day and a half of marching was not pleasant in this heat. He was hardened a bit and he kept trying to help Kemba but he kept insisting doing the tent by himself. Even though he wasn't in much better shape. Theos sighed and sat off to the side looking out at the camp watching the army make small talk between soldiers. Theos gaze went back to Kemba as he announced he was done.

"You did good," Theos said appreciatively.

"I'm not sure we need all this space to be honest....it's so big." He turned to look to Theos, "At least it will comfortably house us for the night, I can't wait to get out of this sand stuffed armor." Theos nodded it would be good to get into some shade. "My fur is going to need a good cleaning when this is all over. Its already lost its sheen...then we haven't bathed in several days now. What I wouldn't give to sit in the royal bath with you draped in my arms." Theos chuckled also wanting a bath.


"Is he okay?" Kaa asked. Kemba turned to face them, "No I'm not...I want a bath." He whined Ban chuckled. "Well...that will be hard to do in the middle of a desert so unless you two will lick yourselves clean, you will have to cope." Kemba chuckled at Don's comment, "There's a thought." Don shook his head, "I walked into that one...anyway, it looks like you got our tent up." Theos ears perked, "Our?" He questioned. Kaa nodded, "Dad said we all have to share this tent. There isn't enough for us kids." Probably had to save room for resources.


"So much for a quiet evening with Theos..." Kemba said a little disappointed, "Is Blake and Ike included in that?" Kemba asked. "No...Blake got his own...apparently a Sistermon helped him out....and Ike will be sleeping with his father." Don answered. "So just the squirts then? I guess that makes it a little better." Theos chuckled, "Yea, we're roomies till the end it seems." Ban added. "I guess we won't get cold at least."Kemba added.



"I'm surprised you guys don't want to spend the nights with Cora though." Kemba questioned, "We thought so too, than dad said he'd probably be working most of the time. He didn't want us losing rest because of it." Theos didn't doubt it. "What kind of work?" Kemba asked. "Night watch mostly...he doesn't plan on sleeping I guess. We tried talking him out of it to no avail."



"I see." The sooner they ended this war the better for all of them.



"There all done...guess this is home sweet home eh Ike?" Cole said looking to Ike. "I suppose this won't be much different than when we camped out leaving Scomparsa behind...only this time we have an actual tent." Ike nodded following his father in, "I am gonna miss watching the stars with you though, they often put us to sleep. Remember? Even before we left that city." Ike looked up. He did like the stars but they made him feel so small and he knew he already was.



"I miss those nights. Surprisingly, it was Midas who showed me how relaxing it could be....he told me he used to do it with his father." So it was something many fathers and sons did. "I'm glad I got to experience it with you." He drew silent, an expression of worry befalling him.



"I know you wanted to participate in this war...I'm sure you're happy that Theos brought you into the command unit...against my wishes. I just...didn't want you in harms way. If I lost you...I'd have no reason to continue living." Ike looked to the ground. "You're your own person, I know and you have to make your own decisions...but I can't handle another loss like your mother. It will end me. Would you consider joining Magi's troops? Help out around camp?" He asked.


"I won't get any stronger if I sit on the sidelines," Ike said avoiding looking at his father. "If you do die I need to be strong enough to make my own way....we both know Theos though. He cares about others. He probably will push me to the low risk areas... he just put me in the command unit so I wouldn't feel useless while everyone else was out battling." Ike knew why. He appreciated it though Theos was trying to protect his feelings and protect him without seeming mean about it. He was trying to please everyone but the truth was was that was impossible.

"In any case, I don't mind having you three stay with us." Kemba said he walked into the tent, "Not like there isn't enough room!" He called from inside. "Good it isn't like you have much choice anyway." Don said, Ban made his way around the tent eyeing it closely. "You did this all by yourself?" Ban questioned. "I did." Ban looked at one of the pins used to hold the tent in the sand. Sand did not make for a good foundation, so the pins they used were made to be stuck into a mold that would keep the tents from collapsing.

"I think you did this one wrong." Ban said poking it with his claw; the pin shifting as he did. Kemba stuck his head out, "What is wrong?" Kemba looked over and Ban smiled, "Don't worry! I'll fix it!" His brothers and Kemba looked on as Ban was about to pull the pin from the sand. "Ban wait that is the--!" Don called out too late, Ban plucked the pin and like dominoes effect, the other pins popped out not being able to support the structure. Kemba let out a high pitch eep! as the tent collapsed on him; his head sticking out from the entrance. Kaa brought his snout down to Kemba's face, "Eep?" He chuckled.

Kemba puffed out his cheeks, glaring at the prince. Ban held the pin and cocked his head, "Why did it fall down?" He asked. Don walked over and took the pin, "This is the central pin...without it the tent can't stand even with it molded. It becomes to heavy on one side." Don looked back over to the struggling Kemba, taking a bit of enjoyment from his squirming under the clothe of it. "Though how one forgets to put the central pin into the mold is pretty ignorant." Ban covered his mouth with his claws happily giggling. "Theeeeeeeooooooooos" Kemba whined unable to free himself from the confines of his own mistake.

Don walked over to Theos standing by his side, he mused once more at the sight of the entrapped feline. "There is a joke in there somewhere." He smiled. "Help meeee!" Kemba stressed, Ban tried to lift the tent off of Kemba but only partially succeeded. There was just to much of it. "Kemba is at our mercy it seems." Don said looking to Theos. Kaa turned around and looked at Theos, "You know, if Theos helped you the first time you might not have made this mistake." Kaa said winking at Theos. Kemba moaned in defeat, "Just get me out of here!"



"I won't get any stronger if I sit on the sidelines," Ike said avoiding looking at his father. "If you do die I need to be strong enough to make my own way....we both know Theos though. He cares about others. He probably will push me to the low risk areas... he just put me in the command unit so I wouldn't feel useless while everyone else was out battling." Cole knew his son was right but it didn't ease him to hear it. He was his father, it was natural for him to want to keep Ike safe.

Cole turned his head back to the ceiling, his expression unchanged "Yes you are right. I am sorry for being a burden." Cole said. "You must feel so chained....with me constantly worrying and protecting you. I am being so selfish, and I'm sorry." Cole took a moment. A silence falling into the room momentarily.

"I wanted a better life for you. A life free of fighting and pain....none of this was supposed to happen." Cole sounded hurt and ready to cry but his eyes were dry. He had never shed a tear in front of Ike before, not even when his wife was killed. "Instead, my very actions have done the opposite of that and as a result, I can't give you that life. I have wronged you..." Cole said. "I keep trying to push you into a lifestyle for my own peace of mind without considering what you might want. All the talk about being stronger and having armor like mine. I only thought of it as a defense...then the training came and you participated...intent on fighting." Cole sighed.

"I got scared...because I saw you wanting to live a life like mine. I didn't even consider that as an option for you." Cole looked away from him, "I should have been a better father to you. Your whole life is my fault...everything you've endured is my fault. If I only took you and your mother from Scomparsa when I had the chance....you'd be smiling. I should have thrown away my duties to this kingdom...and just lived with you and her. I put you through so much and I tried to make it right, but I only make it worse."

"You deserve better."

"In any case, I don't mind having you three stay with us." Kemba said he walked into the tent, "Not like there isn't enough room!" He called from inside. "Good it isn't like you have much choice anyway." Theos chuckled. "You did this all by yourself?" Ban questioned. "I did."

"He wouldn't let me help," Theos said shaking his head.

"I think you did this one wrong." Theos cocked his head as the pin shifted. He was pretty sure that wasn't suppose to happen, "What is wrong?" Kemba looked over and Ban smiled, "Don't worry! I'll fix it!" Theos knew this wasn't going to end well he could just feel it. "Ban wait that is the--!" Theos winced as the tent collapsed kicking up the sand around it, "Eep?" Theos had to chuckle at poor Kemba.

"Why did it fall down?" He asked. Don walked over and took the pin, "This is the central pin...without it the tent can't stand even with it molded. It becomes to heavy on one side." Theos smiled walking over to the struggling Kemba. "Though how one forgets to put the central pin into the mold is pretty ignorant." Ban covered his mouth with his claws happily giggling. "Theeeeeeeooooooooos" 

"There is a joke in there somewhere." He smiled. "Help meeee!" Theos chuckled. "Kemba is at our mercy it seems." Theos nodded, "You know, if Theos helped you the first time you might not have made this mistake." Kaa said winking at Theos. Kemba moaned in defeat, "Just get me out of here!" Theos stood in front of him and let him grab his legs so he could help pull him out. He backed up pulling Kemba free of the tent.

"Well you want help setting it up this time," Theos chuckled. He asked it even though he was already walking over to put one of the pins back in that hole. He then backed up and jumped on it all four hooves coming down and driving it deep. 


 "Yes you are right. I am sorry for being a burden." Cole said. "You must feel so chained....with me constantly worrying and protecting you. I am being so selfish, and I'm sorry."

"No," Ike responded softly. 

"I wanted a better life for you. A life free of fighting and pain....none of this was supposed to happen." Ike suddenly felt bad for just simply not agreeing. "Instead, my very actions have done the opposite of that and as a result, I can't give you that life. I have wronged you..." Cole said. "I keep trying to push you into a lifestyle for my own peace of mind without considering what you might want. All the talk about being stronger and having armor like mine. I only thought of it as a defense...then the training came and you participated...intent on fighting." Cole sighed.

"I got scared...because I saw you wanting to live a life like mine. I didn't even consider that as an option for you." Cole looked away from him, "I should have been a better father to you. Your whole life is my fault...everything you've endured is my fault. If I only took you and your mother from Scomparsa when I had the chance....you'd be smiling. I should have thrown away my duties to this kingdom...and just lived with you and her. I put you through so much and I tried to make it right, but I only make it worse."

"You deserve better."

"I couldn't imagine a better life. Not because of my poor upbringing but because of the wonderful family I have. I just want to be like you....I don't have to be a warrior. But you hid a part of you for so long I just wanted to feel closer to you after you revealed it. I guess in some ways we are both selfish,"Ike said nuzzling his father as he lay beside him. "I won't die in this war....but you can't either. You have a lot to teach me about your home."

"Well you want help setting it up this time," Kemba sighed and Don grabbed his shoulder as he passed by with a smile. Each prince grabbed a pin and began to help put up the tent again. Kemba walked over to assist. After a moment it was properly fitted. "See what happens when you work properly together?" Kaa teased, Kemba nodded "Yea yea...."

Just then Blake had wondered over, "There you guys are! I see you've finished making your tent." Kemba looked towards him, "Well it must pay to date a Sistermon I guess. We hear you got your own." Kemba stated and Blake laughed, "I'm not dating her...she owed me a favor." Don crossed his arms, "Is that kids are calling it these days?" Blake glared at him, "I don't want to hear sass from a bunch of kids. I was just coming by to check up on you all." Kemba looked out over the camp, "Is it really okay for us to camp here like this? The enemy could be on top of us in a day." Kemba said worryingly.

Don nodded, "That is probably true but our soldiers will be very well rested and fed. Where they are marching, we're resting. Will be at full strength and that will give us the edge in tomorrow's battle." Kemba looked back to Don, "Then we should have a plan to protect the things we can't afford to lose."

"That is what Dad and Magi are doing right now, all of the most important gear and the food is being brought to our rear. The army in front of it, and all personnel will be back there too." Kaa said. Don looked over to the direction of Ike and Cole's tent, of course not able to see it to clearly. "That is where Ike will be tomorrow." He said.

"I couldn't imagine a better life. Not because of my poor upbringing but because of the wonderful family I have. I just want to be like you....I don't have to be a warrior. But you hid a part of you for so long I just wanted to feel closer to you after you revealed it. I guess in some ways we are both selfish," Cole looked down at his son, "I won't die in this war....but you can't either. You have a lot to teach me about your home." Cole's smile returned and he turned over on his side facing Ike.

"I will do my very best." Cole reached for his son's helmet and removed it, he turned it over and showed him the inside "Do you see that scale inside? The one on the side of the helmet?" Upon inspection, the scale was familiar in color to his father and it had a symbol carved on it. "That scale is one of my own. I carved the symbol of life on it. My mother gave me one when I went to Scomparsa to keep me safe...of course it was her scale." He reached into his right brace around his wrist and pulled out the scale that looked worn and grey.

He showed it to Ike, the symbol had faded, and was nearly unrecognizable "I have held onto it all this time...the symbol is nearly faded now and the scale has become grey and fragile." He grew sad a moment, missing its former appearance. He looked at Ike and stroked his head, "With this charm, even if I die, I'll always be here to protect you." He said leaning into a kiss, holding his lips to his son's head a moment before pulling away. "Don't ever forget that."

Just then a soldier walked into the tent, "Sorry for the interruption General but King Cora is calling for the leaders in the war tent." Cole eyed the soldier and nodded, dismissing him. "Well this was short lived." Cole turned back to Ike and smiled, moving his hair away from his face. "Could you go gather your friends and meet at me at the war tent? It's Cora's tent just outside ours." Cole embraced Ike in a hug, he stood up and walked outside the tent. He picked up his chest armor and dressed himself, doing the same with his helmet. Once it was fitted comfortably, he looked back at Ike and winked before grabbing the hilt of his sword and walking towards Cora's tent.

Theos smiled as together they manage to get a good solid tent up. "See what happens when you work properly together?" Kaa teased, Kemba nodded "Yea yea...."

"There you guys are! I see you've finished making your tent." Kemba looked towards him, "Well it must pay to date a Sistermon I guess. We hear you got your own." Kemba stated and Blake laughed, "I'm not dating her...she owed me a favor." Don crossed his arms, "Is that kids are calling it these days?" Blake glared at him, "I don't want to hear sass from a bunch of kids. I was just coming by to check up on you all." Theos chuckled at their teasing, "Is it really okay for us to camp here like this? The enemy could be on top of us in a day."

Don nodded, "That is probably true but our soldiers will be very well rested and fed. Where they are marching, we're resting. Will be at full strength and that will give us the edge in tomorrow's battle." Kemba looked back to Don, "Then we should have a plan to protect the things we can't afford to lose."

"That is what Dad and Magi are doing right now, all of the most important gear and the food is being brought to our rear. The army in front of it, and all personnel will be back there too." Theos nodded that was a good place to put everything. "That is where Ike will be tomorrow."

"Indeed," Theos responded. "The resources may still be in danger though. If things turn south for them they may look to destroy our resources and force us to retreat early. We need to keep an eye on all their units."


"I will do my very best." Ike cocked his head as his father removed his helm.  "Do you see that scale inside? The one on the side of the helmet?" Ike nodded taking the helmet from his father to examine it more closely. "That scale is one of my own. I carved the symbol of life on it. My mother gave me one when I went to Scomparsa to keep me safe...of course it was her scale." Ike looked up and over at the grey scale.

"I have held onto it all this time...the symbol is nearly faded now and the scale has become grey and fragile." Ike looked into his helmet. He would definitely do the same, "With this charm, even if I die, I'll always be here to protect you." Ike leaned into his kiss even as his eyes studied the dips of the scale. "Don't ever forget that."

"Thank you," Ike said.

"Sorry for the interruption General but King Cora is calling for the leaders in the war tent." Cole eyed the soldier and nodded, dismissing him. "Well this was short lived." Ike nodded and stood up. "Could you go gather your friends and meet at me at the war tent? It's Cora's tent just outside ours." Ike hugged him and nodded placing back on his own helmet. He followed his father out and began towards Theos and the others once he saw them.

"Cora's calling a meeting," Ike said as he arrived.

"Must be about tomorrows battle," Theos responded looking to the others.

"Indeed," Theos responded. "The resources may still be in danger though. If things turn south for them they may look to destroy our resources and force us to retreat early. We need to keep an eye on all their units."

"I don't think we have anything to worry about. The camp supplies will be protected by Magi and the Sistermon. Honestly, they're probably going to be the safest of everyone tomorrow." Blake replied, Don smiled as he saw the approaching Ike "Hello Ike." Don greeted with a wave of his claw.

"Cora's calling a meeting," Ike said as he arrived.

"Must be about tomorrows battle," Theos responded looking to the others.

Kemba began walking towards Cora's tent, "Well let's not keep our King waiting then." Kemba said. The others followed closely behind. They arrived at Cora's tent, it was embroidered with gold and was the largest in the camp. Definitely fit for a king. Cole greeted them, opening the tent. "Thanks for coming so quickly. I hope you've had enough time to settle."

"Yes, we have. With a little help we got our sleeping quarters prepared." Kemba said emphasizing the team work and earning a chuckle and smile from some. Cora was inside standing opposite of the entrance just behind a fairly large table with a map of the desert spread across it.

"Gather around the map, I received word from our scouts moments ago." Cora said. Blake placed his hand on his hip as he studied the map, "I wasn't aware we had scouts out in the field yet." Cole nodded, "Yes we sent them out before our march. They left days before us."

"They have met with the enemy army of Scomparsa. I received this letter from our scouts, delivered by one of the Agumon scouts. The enemy looks like a mixture of both Scomparsa soldiers and Stall's personal men. The army is large and they couldn't calculate an exact number but they believe they have more men than we do." Cora said holding out the letter. "Outnumbered and out trained? That doesn't bode well does it?" Blake commented.

"But not out determined." Ban spoke up catching everyone's attention, the usually timid prince had a serious look on his face. "If we learned anything these last few days is how strong our bond is. Our kingdom is more united than ever before. Our soldiers....our friends....they're determined to protect our home from another attack!" Ban said gripping the table.

Kaa smiled, "Ban is right, we have far more drive and determination than they do which makes us a more dangerous army. We know what its like to have strong bonds and if Cole and Ike's stories are to be believed then we know Scomparsa doesn't have any of that. That is what is going to determine our victory." Don sighed.

"Yes this is all true but we need to make sure that our overly determined attitude doesn't blindside us into a trap or worse. It's great we have very high morale but it doesn't mean we can just rely on that alone. Good planning will save more lives then running gung ho into the fray."

"Heh, the princes are serious. I like that." Blake said giving a smile. "There is a reason I called you here however, there is another part to the letter." Cora spoke up earning back everyone's full attention. "Watching the enemy camp the previous night, we saw a small faction leave the camp ahead of the enemy army. They looked to be specialized units but what there purpose is we don't know. We also want to warn you, Scomparsa has attack vehicles. Catapults and other such weapons of siege. We feel that if this small faction are spies, they will endanger our army. We're going to follow them and attempt to stop them before they reach the army wherever it may be and report back to the enemy. We hope our efforts will be fruitful, but in case the worse happens..." Cora stopped reading, frowning at the latter part of the letter.

"Catapults..." Kemba said, Don stroked his chin thinking "That would be very bad if those weapons were used on our army...if these spies were to be successful and report our position to Stall the only thing we'll be having for breakfast is fireballs." Blake spoke up.

"That is why we need to ensure those spies don't know that we're here." Cora stated, "We need to do more then that..." Don said looking at his father, "More then stop those spies?" Cole questioned. "Even if that was successful and we stopped them, it would still make the battle for tomorrow very difficult to win. Honestly, pushing back Scomparsa with such weapons may prove impossible. We need to destroy those weapons before they have a chance to use them at all." Don said.

"That is madness! You're implying to send a small group ahead to find the enemy and destroy the catapults? With the amount of soldiers they have not to mention Stall himself? The King of Scomparsa might even be there! It's suicide!" Kaa expressed.

Don's face frowned and he sighed, "Yes....it is. Chances are, whoever goes will not be returning...but if I'm right, if we don't and they use those weapons on us....we're all dead." Don looked to his father who was troubled but giving it some thought.

"Father! I'm against that! We can come up with an alternative!" Kaa expressed, "Don't be stupid Kaa! You'd risk our chance of victory on an alternative? Those weapons will be behind the main army, they'll be safe from any of our men. This is the only course of action!" Don yelled. Kaa hissed at his brother, "Think about what you're asking!" Don looked at his brother with a serious expression, eyes fixed on him. "I know what I'm asking." Kaa looked surprised and appalled by his brothers willingness to sacrifice someone.

"Who even are you?" Kaa asked, "You think I want to send someone to their death!? I'm trying to save our kingdom!" Don yelled back, "At what cost!? Your families lives!? There is no kingdom without them!" Kaa walked over yelling into Don's face, his spit spraying his brothers snout.

Ban hid behind Theos, afraid of his brothers increased arguing. Kemba tried to stand between them, "Come on you two! Not cool! We're all trying our best here! Knock it off!"

Kaa looked at Kemba and scoffed turning away and looking to his father, "We should just eliminate the spies...then come up with a plan to deal with the catapults." Kaa insisted. Cora looked to Cole, "Your thoughts?" He asked. Cole looked to the King and then to the group.

"Don isn't wrong...those catapults will make it very difficult to win the battle. With my ability to fly, I could potentially fly to the catapults tomorrow and try and destroy them...but that would take a lot of time. Time that will be used to wane our army. We risk high casualties...and potential loss." Kaa didn't like where this was going. He looked frantically at Cole and Cora as his father sat back in his chair behind him and sighed.

"Then we do not have a choice....we will send a group to eliminate the spies....and then to sneak into the enemy camp....and destroy the catapults." Kaa was shocked, he eyes wide open at his fathers decision. "Wh...what..?"

"If that is the case Cora....I will go." Cole volunteered. "I am the most powerful next to you and I have a high chance of success. I will gladly give my life to ensure all of yours." Cora looked at him with a frown.

"I do not doubt that you will succeed...but as Don said, this is a mission most likely you will not come back from." Cole nodded, "I know...but you are here to lead the troops in my place." Cora sighed, "There is a strong distaste in my mouth..."

Don looked at Cora, "Father...Cole is far to important to the future of this army. His loss would devastate morale...we need a small group that can possibly go unnoticed up until they destroy the catapult."

Ban came out from behind Theos and spoke up, "I'll do it." Ban said. Everyone looked to him, "Ban no. You're not going into enemy territory." Don said. "Well....you said you need someone small and fast to do it....I am small and fast." Ban stated.

Kaa slammed his fist down on the map, "We're not sending our youngest brother to his death!" He angrily yelled. Ban flinched then gave his brother a half hearted smile, "I am...not afraid...I want to help...I want to be useful...all I've ever done...was hide and watch people around me get hurt...I want to be a burden anymore..."

Kemba shook his head, "You're not a burden Ban! We never even conjured the thought!" Ban chuckled a bit, "Thanks...but its true...I'm not very strong and I'm not good in a fight...I'm clingy and annoying sometimes....I still haven't been able to breathe a fire stream for more then a couple of seconds....I was chosen to be a scout because I wouldn't see battle right? Well...to be a scout I have to be fast and invisible...I can do that. I've been that. You know it is our only option." Ban said.

Kaa had a stream of tears running down his angered expression, "This...is..." He looked down at the table his tears dropping to the map and staining it, "Why do any of us have to go?" Kaa asked. Cora frowned at Kaa but this was the reality of it, "I will not send any of you to do this task. You are my children, I'd be insane to do that. I'll gather some of our finest troops and send them." Cora said.

Don shook his head, "That won't be efficient, they're too big...we have to send one of us." Kaa looked at Don and reached out gripping his brothers arm tightly, "Why don't YOU go then!?" Kaa angrily said, Don winced at the grip and looked at Kaa. "I can't....I'm too important..." Kaa's eyes momentarily widened and then they sharpened on Don and Kaa clenched his fist punching Don in the snout. Don's head snapped back and blood spread across the floor from his nostrils, he landed with a thud.

"Hey!" Cole said pulling Kaa away, "You bastard! You self-righteous piece of shit! As long as it isn't you!?" Kaa yelled as Cole brought him outside the tent. Don rose from the sand, blood trickling down his face and tears in the corners of his eyes. He touched a finger to his nose and examined the blood on his scales. Sitting on the desert floor.

"Well let's not keep our King waiting then." Theos and Ike walked with them. "Thanks for coming so quickly. I hope you've had enough time to settle."



"Yes, we have. With a little help we got our sleeping quarters prepared." Theos chuckled at his response.
It had been fun to be honest and a nice change.


"Gather around the map, I received word from our scouts moments ago." Theos stood on his hind hooves for a good look at the map, "I wasn't aware we had scouts out in the field yet." Cole nodded, "Yes we sent them out before our march. They left days before us."



"They have met with the enemy army of Scomparsa. I received this letter from our scouts, delivered by one of the Agumon scouts. The enemy looks like a mixture of both Scomparsa soldiers and Stall's personal men. The army is large and they couldn't calculate an exact number but they believe they have more men than we do." That was far from an appealing thought. "Outnumbered and out trained? That doesn't bode well does it?" Blake commented.



"But not out determined." Theos smiled at his encouraging words. "If we learned anything these last few days is how strong our bond is. Our kingdom is more united than ever before. Our soldiers....our friends....they're determined to protect our home from another attack!" Ban said gripping the table.



Kaa smiled, "Ban is right, we have far more drive and determination than they do which makes us a more dangerous army. We know what its like to have strong bonds and if Cole and Ike's stories are to be believed then we know Scomparsa doesn't have any of that. That is what is going to determine our victory." Don sighed.



"Yes this is all true but we need to make sure that our overly determined attitude doesn't blindside us into a trap or worse. It's great we have very high morale but it doesn't mean we can just rely on that alone. Good planning will save more lives then running gung ho into the fray."



"Heh, the princes are serious. I like that." Blake said giving a smile. Indeed they were. The effects of the upcoming battle no doubt. "There is a reason I called you here however, there is another part to the letter." Cora spoke up earning back everyone's full attention. "Watching the enemy camp the previous night, we saw a small faction leave the camp ahead of the enemy army. They looked to be specialized units but what there purpose is we don't know. We also want to warn you, Scomparsa has attack vehicles. Catapults and other such weapons of siege. We feel that if this small faction are spies, they will endanger our army. We're going to follow them and attempt to stop them before they reach the army wherever it may be and report back to the enemy. We hope our efforts will be fruitful, but in case the worse happens..." A special unit? That was not a good sign and neither were these catapults. The only thing they could do was deal with them both.


"Catapults..." Kemba said, Don stroked his chin thinking "That would be very bad if those weapons were used on our army...if these spies were to be successful and report our position to Stall the only thing we'll be having for breakfast is fireballs." Blake spoke up.



"That is why we need to ensure those spies don't know that we're here." Cora stated, "We need to do more then that..." Don said looking at his father, "More then stop those spies?" Cole questioned. "Even if that was successful and we stopped them, it would still make the battle for tomorrow very difficult to win. Honestly, pushing back Scomparsa with such weapons may prove impossible. We need to destroy those weapons before they have a chance to use them at all." Don said.



"That is madness! You're implying to send a small group ahead to find the enemy and destroy the catapults? With the amount of soldiers they have not to mention Stall himself? The King of Scomparsa might even be there! It's suicide!" Theos frowned at the conversation. It had taken a dire turn and it left him silently thinking about what to do.



Don's face frowned and he sighed, "Yes....it is. Chances are, whoever goes will not be returning...but if I'm right, if we don't and they use those weapons on us....we're all dead." Don looked to his father who was troubled but giving it some thought.



"Father! I'm against that! We can come up with an alternative!" Kaa expressed, "Don't be stupid Kaa! You'd risk our chance of victory on an alternative? Those weapons will be behind the main army, they'll be safe from any of our men. This is the only course of action!" Don yelled. Kaa hissed at his brother, "Think about what you're asking!" Don looked at his brother with a serious expression, eyes fixed on him. "I know what I'm asking." Theos stared at the sandy ground. One for the many...



"Who even are you?" Kaa asked, "You think I want to send someone to their death!? I'm trying to save our kingdom!" Don yelled back, "At what cost!? Your families lives!? There is no kingdom without them!" Theos ears went back at their yelling.



"Come on you two! Not cool! We're all trying our best here! Knock it off!"



"We should just eliminate the spies...then come up with a plan to deal with the catapults." Kaa insisted. Cora looked to Cole, "Your thoughts?" Theos hoped Cole had a better one.



"Don isn't wrong...those catapults will make it very difficult to win the battle. With my ability to fly, I could potentially fly to the catapults tomorrow and try and destroy them...but that would take a lot of time. Time that will be used to wane our army. We risk high casualties...and potential loss." Theos looked to Kaa sadly. He was trying so hard to save lives.



"Then we do not have a choice....we will send a group to eliminate the spies....and then to sneak into the enemy camp....and destroy the catapults." Theos frowned the decision was made. "Wh...what..?"



"If that is the case Cora....I will go." Cole volunteered. "I am the most powerful next to you and I have a high chance of success. I will gladly give my life to ensure all of yours." Theos shook his head.


"I do not doubt that you will succeed...but as Don said, this is a mission most likely you will not come back from." Cole nodded, "I know...but you are here to lead the troops in my place." Cora sighed, "There is a strong distaste in my mouth..."



Don looked at Cora, "Father...Cole is far to important to the future of this army. His loss would devastate morale...we need a small group that can possibly go unnoticed up until they destroy the catapult."



Theos looked to Ban as he finally, "I'll do it." Ban said. Everyone looked to him, "Ban no. You're not going into enemy territory." Don said. "Well....you said you need someone small and fast to do it....I am small and fast." Theos stared at Ban. He was stepping up to the plate out of all of them.



"We're not sending our youngest brother to his death!" He angrily yelled. Ban flinched then gave his brother a half hearted smile, "I am...not afraid...I want to help...I want to be useful...all I've ever done...was hide and watch people around me get hurt...I want to be a burden anymore..."



Kemba shook his head, "You're not a burden Ban! We never even conjured the thought!" Ban chuckled a bit, "Thanks...but its true...I'm not very strong and I'm not good in a fight...I'm clingy and annoying sometimes....I still haven't been able to breathe a fire stream for more then a couple of seconds....I was chosen to be a scout because I wouldn't see battle right? Well...to be a scout I have to be fast and invisible...I can do that. I've been that. You know it is our only option." Theos frowned his gaze once more going to the ground. Was this really the only way? They had to come up with a plan.



"This...is..." Theos looked to Kaa sadly and started towards him, "Why do any of us have to go?" Theos had to agree but what he wanted didn't matter, "I will not send any of you to do this task. You are my children, I'd be insane to do that. I'll gather some of our finest troops and send them." Cora said.



Don shook his head, "That won't be efficient, they're too big...we have to send one of us." Theos didn't like this one bit, "Why don't YOU go then!?" Kaa angrily said, Don winced at the grip and looked at Kaa. "I can't....I'm too important..." Theos winced at the punch. Those were the wrong words. It was more like he wasn't qualified for it.



"Hey!" Cole said pulling Kaa away, "You bastard! You self-righteous piece of shit! As long as it isn't you!?" Theos hated to think it but Don did kind of deserve it. His words were much to blunt. Ike walked over making sure Don was alright and helping him up.

"You sure you can Ban," Theos asked him.

"We need a method to destroy the catapults either on a delay or from a distance. Giving the scouts enough time to get away before the place becomes swarmed. They will also no doubt be heavily guarded. Stall may anticipate something like this. We should send an advanced scouting party now to watch and see if they lay traps to protect the catapults. After that the other scouts can move in and destroy them," Theos said no matter Ban's answer.

"I don't like this any more than Kaa but we have little choice....you could have picked better words Don. I'm sure you don't like this any more than him," Theos said casting him a saddened glare. He was slightly angry but it wasn't completely his fault. He and Kaa both needed to cool their heads.

Don got up from the desert floor with Ike's help giving him a glance of thanks, Cole let Kaa go outside the tent who turned away with angry tears. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!" He yelled, then kicked the sand in front of him and then dropped on his claws. Cole shook his head, "Maybe you aren't ready for this kind of thing after all." Kaa looked at him, "How are you all okay with sending one of us to die?" Kaa exclaimed, "That Don....how dare he talk so little about life..." Cole shook his head, "That isn't the case at all...Don does care but this is war and in war hard decisions like this are needed."

Kaa stood back up, wiping his runny snout "I refuse to accept that. There is always another way..." Kaa said. "Hmm....so it is okay for my soldiers, your subjects, to put their lives on the line but when it comes to any of those closest too you, they cannot do the same? If that was the case, you and the others should have just stayed in the palace." Cole said.

Kaa looked up at him, "That isn't what I meant...." Cole shook his head, "Then what did you mean? It sounds to me that you want to preserve our lives over everyone else's. Does your love end only with the digimon inside this tent? Is there none for the many soldiers that have joined you on this battlefield?" Kaa was shocked by Cole's words. They rang through his ears and his heart ached. His anger was soon replaced by shame. He was ashamed that he was willing to let others die if it meant those closest to him lived. He frowned, dropping his head.

"This is just proof that you aren't ready to lead this kingdom Kaa. You don't have the heart of a king that bares the lives of his subjects and friends. You have the heart of a child who seeks comfort...there isn't anything wrong with that...but..it isn't something we need right now in war." Kaa raised his head, "What about Ike? What if it were him? You will tell me you wouldn't try to find a different way?"

Cole looked down, contemplating his words then looked back to the young heir, "If it were the only way....as a father I want nothing more then to protect Ike. If the only way to ensure victory was to put Ike in that kind of danger, and it was his decision...I wouldn't. I'd respect Ike's decision as a warrior and ensure his sacrifice wouldn't go for naught...because out here...my feelings for those closest to me...must come second." Cole turned to walk back into the tent.

Kaa clenched his claws together, "I don't believe you....not the kind of relationship you two have." Cole sighed, "Believe it or not...it is your choice. After you've cooled down, you may join us again." Cole walked back inside leaving Kaa to his thoughts. Kaa watched the flap of the entrance close behind Cole and he felt alone for the first time in a long time. He turned away from the tent and dragged his feet back to his own. Ban catching a glimpse of him leaving.

"You sure you can Ban," Theos asked him.

Ban turned back and looked at Theos, "Um...y-yea...I am sure." He said trying to hide his discomfort of the whole situation.

"We need a method to destroy the catapults either on a delay or from a distance. Giving the scouts enough time to get away before the place becomes swarmed. They will also no doubt be heavily guarded. Stall may anticipate something like this. We should send an advanced scouting party now to watch and see if they lay traps to protect the catapults. After that the other scouts can move in and destroy them," Theos said no matter Ban's answer.

"I don't like this any more than Kaa but we have little choice....you could have picked better words Don. I'm sure you don't like this any more than him," Theos said casting him a saddened glare.

Don frowned momentarily at Theos scolding, it only added to the pain he was feeling. Making all these difficult decisions...he was sure that he'd eventually become hated by his brother and possibly more. He couldn't compromise though, he had to ensure the best outcome. This is what it meant to be an adviser to the throne, and his desire to show Ike a peaceful city spurred him on.

"Of course I don't like this...it is detestable to say the least but everything I've said is the truth and I won't apologize for it."

"Are you alright son?" Cora asked, Don gave a nod. "Kaa will be fine...he has a big heart...I know because I had one too...mine just got a little smaller when I was crowned."

"So then we will send Ban to the enemy camp to destroy the catapults?" Kemba asked. "Looks that way." Blake stated.

"To address Theos's statement, an advanced scouting party will be difficult to do. We just don't have that kind of man power and we're not even sure that the current scouting party are alive...they require our assistance and from there the person we send will go to the enemy camp." Don said.

"Is it really safe for just a single individual to go? Smaller numbers mean less detection and easier movement but who ever we send is going in blind. We have no idea what to expect." Blake spoke up, Ban twiddled his fingers as he worked up the courage to speak.

"Um...I know it will be dangerous but I know I can handle it...." Don closed his eyes and thought, was he really okay sending Ban on a suicide mission? This was his baby brother but was the best chance at succeeding. Kaa was strongly against it...he'd become hated for sure...could he live with Ban's death on his conscious? He had to think beyond his own personal feelings. This unease inside Don, it churned his stomach and he felt so sick. He thought for sure he would pass out.

"I think if Ban wants to do this...we should let him." Don said, there was no going back from this decision. He'd have to shoulder his families hatred after all. "He is the best for the job. Small and silent." Cora looked almost as if he were ready to cry.

"I can't send my son on this mission....he's so young...oh goddess..." Cora looked up, blinking away the tears and he leaned over the table. "Ban...are you absolutely sure?" Cora asked. Ban gave a half hearted smile and nodded. Cora looked away, cocking his head to the left and took a moment. "Very well....I will allow it...." Cora stood up straight, a crack in his voice as the pain in his chest grew. "It will be Ban's task....to destroy the catapults...." The pained expression on Cora's face told just how his heart was feeling. It reminded Theos of when he spoke of Midas.

Cole crossed his arms, "I believe the final decision should fall on Theos....Ban is technically his soldier. If he wishes to send Ban, then it should be General Theos's call."

Kemba did not envy Theos decision, he looked over to him and waited his answer. He would be here should Theos need him. Don looked at Theos, "Allow me to summarize what it is we need to do...then the decision will fall on you."

"Of course I don't like this...it is detestable to say the least but everything I've said is the truth and I won't apologize for it."



"Are you alright son?" Cora asked, Don gave a nod. "Kaa will be fine...he has a big heart...I know because I had one too...mine just got a little smaller when I was crowned."



"So then we will send Ban to the enemy camp to destroy the catapults?" Kemba asked. "Looks that way." Blake stated.



"To address Theos's statement, an advanced scouting party will be difficult to do. We just don't have that kind of man power and we're not even sure that the current scouting party are alive...they require our assistance and from there the person we send will go to the enemy camp." So the current scouts will probably need assistance if they are to help destroy the catapults.



"Is it really safe for just a single individual to go? Smaller numbers mean less detection and easier movement but who ever we send is going in blind. We have no idea what to expect." Theos had to agree and with the idea of an advanced scouting party out the window it would definitely be bad.



"Um...I know it will be dangerous but I know I can handle it...." Theos smiled a bit at Ban. He was trying so hard for all of them.



"I think if Ban wants to do this...we should let him." Theos nodded. "He is the best for the job. Small and silent." Theos eyes went to Cora who didn't like this one bit. His sweetest and youngest hatchling doing something that could kill him.


"I can't send my son on this mission....he's so young...oh goddess..." Cora looked up, blinking away the tears and he leaned over the table. "Ban...are you absolutely sure?" Cora asked. Ban gave a half hearted smile and nodded. Cora looked away, cocking his head to the left and took a moment. "Very well....I will allow it...." Cora stood up straight, a crack in his voice as the pain in his chest grew. "It will be Ban's task....to destroy the catapults...." Theos looked saddened at the wounded fathers final decision.


Ike watched he didn't really have anything to say. The atmosphere was solemn and there was nothing he could say to disperse it. It made him anxious and he had to wonder if everything would be alright.


Cole crossed his arms, "I believe the final decision should fall on Theos....Ban is technically his soldier. If he wishes to send Ban, then it should be General Theos's call."



"Ban will go. He will need assistance however. It will be the second persons duty to release the scouts if they have been captured or secure the area around the catapults and drench them in oil or some other flammable liquid. The scouts will be told to scatter for a distraction and a small group will be told to rendezvous with Ban to light up as many as they can all at once," Theos felt that the plan was somewhat solid. The question was who was number two. Kaa and Blake were out. Ike was promised to the back lines and Don really didn't do well under pressure.

"I'll go with Ban," Theos said. "Don you and Kaa will use your troops to get rid of their scouts before they return. Blake I'm going to rely on you to keep the peace between them," Theos said chuckling a bit. Theos looked at Kemba not doubting he was going to want to go as well. Two would be better than one but if all hell broke loose he was stronger with Kemba than without.

"Ban will go. He will need assistance however. It will be the second persons duty to release the scouts if they have been captured or secure the area around the catapults and drench them in oil or some other flammable liquid. The scouts will be told to scatter for a distraction and a small group will be told to rendezvous with Ban to light up as many as they can all at once,"

"I'll go with Ban," Theos said. "Don you and Kaa will use your troops to get rid of their scouts before they return. Blake I'm going to rely on you to keep the peace between them,"

Don scoffed turning his head away, it isn't like he was trying to fight with Kaa. Blake gave a thumb up, "You know it! I'm sure they'll be fine once they get into battle."

Kemba looked at Ban and walked over patting his head, "Looks like Theos and I are coming with you after all....though I had a feeling it was going to turn out like this." Ban leaned into the patting with a smile, "That makes me feel safe..." Ban said moving into Kemba and rubbing his head against his chest. Kemba hugged him and chuckled.

Cora cleared his throat, recovering from that moment of heart ache "Then you must all prepare to depart, our Agumon scout should be waiting further orders outside the camp. He can take you to his unit to help them...then after they're safe, they can show you the way to the enemy camp." Cora walked around the table towards Ban, Kemba and Theos.

"This mission meeting in adjourned. Once your preparations are complete, depart immediately." The tent then began to thin, Blake was the first to leave heading back to his tent to prepare. Don dragged his feet, his mind still buzzing with thoughts and none of them good.

Cole looked at Ike and walked out with him, "I hope this doesn't effect the future...Don and Kaa fighting." Cole mentioned, "I get the feeling Don is trying really hard to do well at any cost. Someone should inform Kaa as well."

Once the tent was clear Cora leaned down in front of Ban, Ban wasting no time embraced his father's snout. The metal of his armor becoming noisy as his tail wagged. "I love you so much Ban." Cora said, his eyes softening their stare at his son. Ban licked his dad's snout in a show of affection. "I'll be okay." Ban insisted. Cora gave a half smile, and returned Ban's lick. The kings rough tongue causing Ban to chuckle and embrace his snout once more. Cora stood back up and looked at Theos and Kemba.

"Bring him back...please." The king asked, Kemba nodded "We will....Ban is important to everyone."

"Both of you need to stay safe as well....my chest hurts at the thought of this...if I could go in your stead." Cora shook his head, "I am trusting the three of you to get the job done....and come home."

"You know it! I'm sure they'll be fine once they get into battle,"
Theos hoped Blake words would be true. They seemed to be at one another a lot recently.


"Looks like Theos and I are coming with you after all....though I had a feeling it was going to turn out like this." Theos chuckled, "That makes me feel safe..." Theos nodded that was the plan. He hasn't seen Ban in the field yet so it was for his state of mind as well.



"Then you must all prepare to depart, our Agumon scout should be waiting further orders outside the camp. He can take you to his unit to help them...then after they're safe, they can show you the way to the enemy camp." Theos nodded he was ready for this. He was ready to turn the tides in their favor.



"This mission meeting in adjourned. Once your preparations are complete, depart immediately." Ike looked to Don worriedly as he left. He followed behind him at his fathers heel.



"I hope this doesn't effect the future...Don and Kaa fighting." Cole mentioned, "I get the feeling Don is trying really hard to do well at any cost. Someone should inform Kaa as well."



Ike nodded he walked his father to his tent then looked out after Don. "I'm....I'm going to go talk to him," Ike said rushing off to catch up with Don. He fell into step beside him not wanting to disturb his thoughts.

"I love you so much Ban." Theos smiled at the scene. "I'll be okay." 


"Bring him back...please." The king asked, Kemba nodded "We will....Ban is important to everyone."



"Both of you need to stay safe as well....my chest hurts at the thought of this...if I could go in your stead." Cora shook his head, "I am trusting the three of you to get the job done....and come home."


"We will don't worry too much," Theos said and walked up to Cora nuzzling him. He smiled then started for the tent flap. He lead the way back to their tent hoping Kaa would be there.

"I'm....I'm going to go talk to him," Cole watched Ike run out of the tent, catching up with Don. He turned back and walked inside, closing the tent flap behind him. Don looked over to Ike as he showed up, he turned his head back, facing forward as he continued walking.

"You look concerned." He stated. Don sighed, "You don't have to be, my troops and I are perfectly capable of taking care of those spies. I'll be back before you know it...it's Ban who has the hard job." Don said, he knew what Ike's true concerns were and purposefully avoided addressing it. He stopped walking, not wanting to go to the tent where his brother was. He would have no choice but to stay outside with Ike.

Kemba, Theos and Ban eventually made their way past them. Kemba giving a concerned look as they passed by, but ultimately decided to let Ike and Don talk. Ban was quiet, his mind on the battle to come. He was still scared and nervous and it was always obvious when Ban wasn't himself. He wasn't very good at hiding his feelings, especially around those he spent most of his time with.

"Kaa....I haven't seen that side of him since the breakfast after your coronation...the first time was when he threatened us the first day we met him. Reminds me of myself when it comes to you, Theos." Kemba said understanding Kaa's feelings a bit.

Meanwhile, as Theos and Kemba and Ban had left Cora's tent, Kaa had curled up inside their tent. Leaving his armor scattered outside in the sand, an indication to Theos and Kemba as they approached it. He was sniffling and the whites of his eyes were light tint of red. He kept thinking back to the meeting and what he had did out of anger. Cole's words and telling him how he was still unprepared to be a king. He hated what this war was doing to everyone and he hated Scomparsa and Stall even more for initiating it.

"You look concerned." He stated. Don sighed, "You don't have to be, my troops and I are perfectly capable of taking care of those spies. I'll be back before you know it...it's Ban who has the hard job." Ike shook his head.

"What are you going to do," Ike asked. "You two can't avoid each other forever..." Ike said cocking his head at him.



Theos looked to Don and smiled a bit. He hoped he wasn't too angry with his words. Theos did think he could have proposed it a bit better but in the end it was a good solid plan and they had all agreed to it. Don should be at least a little proud.


"Kaa....I haven't seen that side of him since the breakfast after your coronation...the first time was when he threatened us the first day we met him. Reminds me of myself when it comes to you, Theos."

"Even so they were both in the wrong a bit. We should sit them down and make them stare at each other," Theos said. He sighed as he noticed the scattered armor picking one up and then another to carry inside. He walked in setting them off to the side.

"You alright Kaa," Theos asked looking to him.