Into the Dragons Mouth

They pushed the final canister along with the help of some of the servants, they were nearly to the catapult. "This is it, after this we light them and get the hell out of here." Kemba said

Remmy smiled, "The servants were so helpful, it was a good call General." Ban frowned, "Remmy, call me Ban please...we're friends." Remmy turned a slight red, "B..but you're my general...and prince..." He said turning away.

Ban shook his head, "Those are just titles, I'm just like you." Remmy looked back returning Ban's smile. "Thanks, Ban."

Kemba looked at them and was happy they were bonding, Ban's unit would become close if they all shared his innocence. All the more reason to get Ban home.

"The last catapult...finally." Kemba said helping to prod against it. "Now all we need is to light them from a safe distance..."

"I wouldn't do that..." An all too familiar voice rang out, just the sound of it gave Ban and Kemba a sinking feeling. Within moments, the guard had completely surrounded them and Stall was among them.

"Ah Theos, his sex toy, the useless prince and a servant? This is who they sent to destroy my war machines? Theos and his pussy I can understand....but the infant prince and a slave is insulting." He said coming to the forefront of the soldiers.

Kemba unsheathed his sword, stepping in front of Theos. "Did you think I wouldn't notice the servants odd behavior? How they suddenly wanted to speak with the guard of whom they had been trying to avoid for their lifetime? Perhaps Dubal's men are foolish enough to fall for their folly...but thank you for being so easy to catch."

Ban began to shake, hiding behind Theos and Kemba. Remmy looked over frowning, he wanted to protect Ban but he was not made to be strong. "However Theos...you are free to go back to the Coraggio camp." Stall said removing his handgun. Kemba looked at him, "W..what?" He asked.

"Yes...this was a foolish attempt at destroying my catapults, I told you, you will come to me of your own volition when everything you love is dead and you no longer have anything to live for. Only then, will I stop coming for you." He aimed it at the group.

"Though only Theos is free too go, the rest of you are now my prisoners...if any of you even attempt to light those canisters, I will shoot you dead. Theos....bare in mind that all I need to do is keep you alive....that means I don't need to keep you in tact. So unless you prefer being legless, don't get wise and just accept that you've been a fool and mourn your soon to be dead loved ones." Stall gave a chuckle.

"This is it, after this we light them and get the hell out of here." Kemba said



Remmy smiled, "The servants were so helpful, it was a good call General." Ban frowned, "Remmy, call me Ban please...we're friends." Remmy turned a slight red, "B..but you're my general...and prince..." Theos chuckled at the pair. He was sure a lot of digimon had no idea a prince could be so friendly.



Ban shook his head, "Those are just titles, I'm just like you." Remmy looked back returning Ban's smile. "Thanks, Ban."



"The last catapult...finally." Kemba said helping to prod against it. "Now all we need is to light them from a safe distance..."



"I wouldn't do that..." Theos fur bristled a snarl escaping his throat as he turned towards the voice. His ears went back as he recognized Stall. The cunning bastard knew it all along be was just waiting for the right moment so he could give them the greatest sense of dread.



"Ah Theos, his sex toy, the useless prince and a servant? This is who they sent to destroy my war machines? Theos and his pussy I can understand....but the infant prince and a slave is insulting." Theos scoffed at his nicknames.



"Did you think I wouldn't notice the servants odd behavior? How they suddenly wanted to speak with the guard of whom they had been trying to avoid for their lifetime? Perhaps Dubal's men are foolish enough to fall for their folly...but thank you for being so easy to catch."



"However Theos...you are free to go back to the Coraggio camp." Theos wasn't as surprised as the others. He already had a secondary plan, "W..what?" He asked.



"Yes...this was a foolish attempt at destroying my catapults, I told you, you will come to me of your own volition when everything you love is dead and you no longer have anything to live for. Only then, will I stop coming for you." He aimed it at the group.



"Though only Theos is free too go, the rest of you are now my prisoners...if any of you even attempt to light those canisters, I will shoot you dead. Theos....bare in mind that all I need to do is keep you alive....that means I don't need to keep you in tact. So unless you prefer being legless, don't get wise and just accept that you've been a fool and mourn your soon to be dead loved ones."

"I think not," Theos said growling. "These servants have proven their bravery in helping us and we can not let them down. No matter how strong you are no matter how much you make others cower before your strength. In the end it will be the masses of the weak that will destroy you. You are nothing before us Stall for you are not immortal and don't you forget it," Theos said his lip curled up and his snarl remaining.

"I say light them up," Theos barked. Telling Ban to light one even as he stood on his hind legs to block Stalls shot. Secretly he hoped his little talk about the weak overthrowing the strong would encourage the servants to follow their lead and light the rest. "Maim me all you want Stall but you will never break me."

"I think not," Theos said growling. "These servants have proven their bravery in helping us and we can not let them down. No matter how strong you are no matter how much you make others cower before your strength. In the end it will be the masses of the weak that will destroy you. You are nothing before us Stall for you are not immortal and don't you forget it," Theos said his lip curled up and his snarl remaining.

"I say light them up," Theos barked. Telling Ban to light one even as he stood on his hind legs to block Stalls shot. Secretly he hoped his little talk about the weak overthrowing the strong would encourage the servants to follow their lead and light the rest. "Maim me all you want Stall but you will never break me."

Ban nodded and looked towards the canisters just as he was approaching them, a Gaioumon followed by a young DinoRexmon appeared. "Not so fast little prince..." his swords were drawn and Ban backed up. "Th...Theos..." Ban said. Stall suddenly began to laugh to the point of nearly gasping for air. He held his face and threw his head back.

"Oh I soooo enjoy this game you and I are playing." Stall said coming back down from his laugh, "The fight you have in you means I can still torture you. I can still crush you and make you discover a hatred for me so dark that the line becomes smeared between us." Stall snapped his fingers and guards had pushed the servants who had assisted Theos and his group to the front and placed them all on their knees.

Suddenly, a group of guards opened and the remaining servants were seen, Stall walker over to them. "Listen....you all have been called here, because these....traitors....on their knees have plotted against the crown of Scomparsa. They listened to the lying whispers of these Coraggians. Told that they could live a better life if they joined them. We in Scomparsa, have provided you all with food and housing, clothing. We give you a livelihood in exchange for your servitude. That is all we ask. The coraggians....they would have you fend for yourselves. Be strong enough to live or die trying. That is a warriors code, not one a worker of the crown should have to live by. We want all of you to live, that has always been our goal because we care enough." Stall began to walk back to the servants on the ground. They were all silently crying.

"I'm not saying we have the best living environments...we have a much too small a nation...but we strive and claw by expanding....for the sake of the people....for the sake of you who make us nobles better. Coraggio grows big on the fat of their people, this war....is also to help expand our nation and with Coraggio's riches, better your lives further. As adviser to the king and general of this army, it hurts my heart that these servants were so selfish that they'd betray us."

Kemba knew exactly what was coming, "He's...going to execute them..." Remmy and Ban looked to Kemba.

"As adviser to the king, with the power invested in me, I declare these servants treasonous and I enact the law of death." The servants all began to beg for their lives as Stall pointed his gun at one of them. The other guards prepared to execute them, "Let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks they can betray the great rule of Dubal." Without a moment of hesitation and regardless of any complaints, Stall execute the servants. Their bodies slowly dissipating into data, leaving the sand stained with their blood.

"You're all dismissed." Stall said and the servants ran back to their work. Stall looked to Theos, "Hmm....I do believe you said something about the masses of the weak will destroy me....hmm...well...clearly, they're more interested in preserving their livelihoods you tried to destroy."

Ban hid his face from the brutality. Kemba clenched his blade as tight as he could, his anger boiling in his blood.

"Those deaths are on you Theos....not me. I simply enacted the law of Scomparsa." Stall didn't sound remorseful at all. Grey kept quiet being only Natalie's personal guard, but he found this all distasteful. Making a show of this was not his style. Sadly, even Natalie possessed no power over Stall.

"Now...." Stall pointed his gun at Kemba. "STOP!" Ban yelled.

He ran out and stood in front of Stall, "Just stop! I can't take this anymore!" Ban said, his face red with tears and snot. "Why are you doing any of this!? What is the point of it all!? Why can't you leave us alone? Why can't we just have a family? I don't want war...I don't want anymore digimon to die! Please, just stop it! I'll ask daddy to pay Scomparsa whatever riches they want! We will even let you take some of our nation if that is what it takes to leave our people and family alone! Haven't you killed enough?" Ban yelled.

Stall stared at the young innocent prince as he cried out, "Those families in Coraggio.......Jared.......those nice digimon....they deserved to be happy! You're a bully! No one is smiling anymore because of all of this!! Daddy is mad and Don is fighting with Kaa and I dunno if they're even safe anymore! Theos and Kemba are trying to be brave but they're so sad! We didn't ask for any of it! I want to stop it all! I love when Theos smiles and kisses Kemba and they're happy. I love it when they played with me and kept me company! I loved when we all ate ice cream with Cole and Ike! I love when my brothers and I cuddle together....you stole our happiness! Just stop it!"

Kemba suddenly had a sinking feeling in his stomach, "Theos...."

Stall glared at Ban, "What a disgusting creature you are...your innocence makes me sick....very well...I'll make it stop...but just for you." Stall aimed his gun at Ban and Kemba could feel his heart stop. He suddenly forgot to breathe, he found himself beginning to move forward. Everything felt in slow motion, he felt like he was wading through water. His eyes widened as he heard the gun go off and Ban's small body jerk back followed by blood splatter flying into the air. Kemba gasped, and reached out, his sword falling into the sand.

"BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!" He screamed. Ban collapsed into the sand, his spine shattering as the bullet passed through his body. His body slid with the force of the impact and he laid looking directly at Theos, his face contorted from the extreme pain he was in. Remmy fell on his knees unable to find the words.

Grey narrowed his eyes at Stall, he was moved by Ban's words...and Kaa and Ike's cries now held some water, at least too him. Still, they were the enemy...this was an inevitable outcome.

Ban laid looking at Theos, "Th....theos......" He said, "I...it hurts......." His small face had its smiled ripped from him and replaced with something horrifying. A look of fright, pain and sorrow replaced it. It was enough to make anyone sick. Stall was pleased with himself as he chuckled.

Kemba slid on his knees to Ban and quickly plugged the hold to stop the bleeding. "No...no no no...no no no no....Ban....Ban.....Ban...no." Kemba said as he cried.

Natalie arrived with Grey her gaze going towards the seemingly empty camp. Though one look through a few revealed a large group around the catapults. They approached the guards parting for them to stand front and center for the view. Grey unsheathed his weapons in warning.

"Not so fast little prince..." his swords were drawn and Ban backed up. "Th...Theos..." Theo blood turned cold at his laughter. it was almost shocking to hear it and it left nothing but the sense of dread in its wake.

"Oh I soooo enjoy this game you and I are playing." Natalie Glared at Stall. Game? This was war her army may be pawns to him but they were living things. This was why she had never liked Stall. His high and mighty act., "The fight you have in you means I can still torture you. I can still crush you and make you discover a hatred for me so dark that the line becomes smeared between us." Theos looked to them then Stall a snarl forming again. 

"Listen....you all have been called here, because these....traitors....on their knees have plotted against the crown of Scomparsa. They listened to the lying whispers of these Coraggians. Told that they could live a better life if they joined them. We in Scomparsa, have provided you all with food and housing, clothing. We give you a livelihood in exchange for your servitude. That is all we ask. The coraggians....they would have you fend for yourselves. Be strong enough to live or die trying. That is a warriors code, not one a worker of the crown should have to live by. We want all of you to live, that has always been our goal because we care enough." Stall began to walk back to the servants on the ground. They were all silently crying.

"I'm not saying we have the best living environments...we have a much too small a nation...but we strive and claw by expanding....for the sake of the people....for the sake of you who make us nobles better. Coraggio grows big on the fat of their people, this war....is also to help expand our nation and with Coraggio's riches, better your lives further. As adviser to the king and general of this army, it hurts my heart that these servants were so selfish that they'd betray us." What heart? Both Theos and Natalie thought.

"He's...going to execute them..." Remmy and Ban looked to Kemba.

"As adviser to the king, with the power invested in me, I declare these servants treasonous and I enact the law of death." The servants all began to beg for their lives as Stall pointed his gun at one of them. The other guards prepared to execute them, "Let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks they can betray the great rule of Dubal." Theos flinched but he refused to cry or show weakness. Natalie raised her head up looking down her snout disapprovingly of Stall. However it was the right punishment for the crime.

"You're all dismissed." Stall said and the servants ran back to their work. Stall looked to Theos, "Hmm....I do believe you said something about the masses of the weak will destroy me....hmm...well...clearly, they're more interested in preserving their livelihoods you tried to destroy."Theos scoffed.

"Those deaths are on you Theos....not me. I simply enacted the law of Scomparsa." Natalie was silent it was the law indeed. She only wished she knew how this all came to pass. Though the fact they were near the catapults said something.

"Now...." Stall pointed his gun at Kemba. "STOP!" Ban yelled.

He ran out and stood in front of Stall, "Just stop! I can't take this anymore!" Ban said, his face red with tears and snot. "Why are you doing any of this!? What is the point of it all!? Why can't you leave us alone? Why can't we just have a family? I don't want war...I don't want anymore digimon to die! Please, just stop it! I'll ask daddy to pay Scomparsa whatever riches they want! We will even let you take some of our nation if that is what it takes to leave our people and family alone! Haven't you killed enough?" Ban yelled.

Stall stared at the young innocent prince as he cried out, "Those families in Coraggio.......Jared.......those nice digimon....they deserved to be happy! You're a bully! No one is smiling anymore because of all of this!! Daddy is mad and Don is fighting with Kaa and I dunno if they're even safe anymore! Theos and Kemba are trying to be brave but they're so sad! We didn't ask for any of it! I want to stop it all! I love when Theos smiles and kisses Kemba and they're happy. I love it when they played with me and kept me company! I loved when we all ate ice cream with Cole and Ike! I love when my brothers and I cuddle together....you stole our happiness! Just stop it!"

Theos was moved by his words. It was all so true Stall had cause d so much pain and he would only cause more. He didn't mind Theos standing up to him....but Ban. Theos suddenly knew what was going to happen next.

Natalie listened with a frown. Were all the princes this soft? The one from before and now this one. They surely could not be evil if they all acted like the children they are. It proved it however he had not been lying. Who knew what Stall has committed in her fathers name.

Stall glared at Ban, "What a disgusting creature you are...your innocence makes me sick....very well...I'll make it stop...but just for you." Stall aimed his gun at Ban and Kemba could feel his heart stop. He suddenly forgot to breathe, he found himself beginning to move forward. Everything felt in slow motion, he felt like he was wading through water. His eyes widened as he heard the gun go off and Ban's small body jerk back followed by blood splatter flying into the air. Kemba gasped, and reached out, his sword falling into the sand.

"BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!" Theos bolted to is side as well. He stood there staring down at him not knowing what to do. If there was anything. They had no medical supplies and their enemy wouldn't help.

"Th....theos......" He said, "I...it hurts......." Theos gut churned and he was reminded of Dan in those caves. How he was peaceful towards the end wanting nothing more than to feel their fur. It was the exact same feeling it left him numb his mind refusing to work.

"No...no no no...no no no no....Ban....Ban.....Ban...no." Kemba said as he cried.

"To heel Stall," Natalie commanded him like the dog he was. "As enemies of the country they are to be brought before the king and judged before being executed. Now one is in no shape to be judged before him. You should learn your place." Theos gaze didn't leave Ban but his ears perked to her words.

To heel Stall," Natalie commanded him like the dog he was. "As enemies of the country they are to be brought before the king and judged before being executed. Now one is in no shape to be judged before him. You should learn your place." Theos gaze didn't leave Ban but his ears perked to her words.

Stall looked to Natalie, "Sorry Princess, as General of this army and adviser to the king my actions are as if they are his majesties. I have full authority to execute enemies of the country as I see fit. That also makes me your superior during war times...you'll do well to remember that..or you can find yourself confined to your chambers till I bring your father victory." He looked back to Kemba, Theos and Ban. Remmy couldn't believe this was all happening, this wasn't supposed to go so badly.

"Ban...hey Ban...don't close your eyes bud...we're here...right beside you." Kemba said. Ban was blinking wildly as he tried to stay conscious, he let out a cough and blood ran from his mouth. His breathing was becoming short and heavy, "Damn it...I can't stop the bleeding! I can't stop it!" Kemba snapped his head towards Stall. "STALL! He was just a kid! A frigging kid!! He was the happiest creature on this planet! How shitty of a person do you have to be to do this? You rotten garbage! All of you who side with this monster! You're all scum!" Kemba said turning his head to Natalie and Grey.

Grey felt uncomfortable with all of this, such slander being said. What was he missing? He had only ever been around Natalie. Was his government truly so corrupted?

"You Scomparsians.....you are no better then Stall and Cursed Exodus! Dubal....all of you! You ruin so many innocent lives!! All for your own personal gain! You are all stains on this world!!" Kemba exclaimed as he looked back to Ban and gave a smile. "Hey hey Ban...can you hear me?"

Ban tried his best to look at Kemba, "mmm...mmhmm..." He tried to say, Ban cringed as the pain shot through his body. "We're going to get you help....we're going to take you back to Coraggio and you're going to see Raja again. We're going to play and eat ice cream okay? But you have to stay awake."

Stall began to move closer as he loaded more bullets, "He may be a kid, but you placed him in war...therefore....he's nothing but a soldier in the end. Not a very good one either." Stall pointed his gun at Kemba, "Remember what I told you? If Theos had just handed himself over when we nicely asked...this all would have been avoided. My consciousness is clear. Theos is the murderer here, not me. All these deaths, are his alone...including yours."

Kemba glared down his barrel, Stall looked at Theos "Who do you love more I wonder....the baby king.....or your lifelong mate? I wonder if I should shoot him enough to bleed out....and make you choose." Stall chuckled. "Burn in hell you bitch." Kemba said.

Grey could do nothing but watch as Stall was about to enact his right as General to kill them. He then noticed the Agumon sneaking towards one of the canisters. He raised his blade but then just as quickly relaxed it.

"Sir!" A soldier called, Stall looked at him then to where the guard was pointing. Stall's eyes widened, he had gotten so into his torture of Theos that he didn't notice Remmy sneak away. "No!" Stall moved his gun to aim at Remmy. "For Coraggio!!" Remmy called.

Kemba looked at the brave Agumon who spat out a small flame to the canister to immediately cause it to explode. Grey grabbed Natalie and leaped high into the air away from the catapults. Kemba reached out and grabbed Theos and threw himself over Ban's body to protect him as the resulting explosion erupted causing the catapult to engulf in flame. Pieces of shattered, burning wood flew through the air as the machine came undone. When they had placed the canisters, to cause a chain reaction, they made sure to leak the oil. The oil ignited and the flames made their way to the other canisters causing them to explode.

Soon all five catapults were burning. Remmy had given his life to complete the mission, so that if they died here, it would not be in vain. Stall was knocked to the sand from the explosion. Grey landed safely and put down Natalie.

As Theos would open his eyes, something was very different. He would not see Kemba...instead...a different digimon was standing over them. A peculiar digimon that shared Kemba's white fur and blue armor but he was on four legs and bigger...enough to stand over both Theos and Ban. As Theos looked up at the face of this new digimon, he knew in his heart that this digimon was Kemba....he had finally evolved. He stood over them, with a serious expression. "Are you okay?" Kemba asked in a deeper tone.

"Sorry Princess, as General of this army and adviser to the king my actions are as if they are his majesties. I have full authority to execute enemies of the country as I see fit. That also makes me your superior during war times...you'll do well to remember that..or you can find yourself confined to your chambers till I bring your father victory." Natalie gave him a sharp glare. He held no respect for the crown and one day it would be hers. She would teach him not to mess with her then. For now though he was soiling her father's name and the name of the crown and only her father could put him in his place. She doubted he would however he is too proud to admit to not being able to control his own advisor.

"Ban...hey Ban...don't close your eyes bud...we're here...right beside you." Theos felt powerless as he watched Ban. He said he would bring him home safely...This....this was why he had decided to never make another promise. How Kaa was going to hate him and Don for this. "STALL! He was just a kid! A frigging kid!! He was the happiest creature on this planet! How shitty of a person do you have to be to do this? You rotten garbage! All of you who side with this monster! You're all scum!" Natalie's eye twitched as she was called scum. She didn't side with Stall.

"You Scomparsians.....you are no better then Stall and Cursed Exodus! Dubal....all of you! You ruin so many innocent lives!! All for your own personal gain! You are all stains on this world!!" Theos couldn't help but to feel the same at this very moment. Kembas outburst not unlike his own back at the mines. Was he going to promise Stalls death like he had promised Aria's. "Hey hey Ban...can you hear me?"

Ban tried his best to look at Kemba, "mmm...mmhmm..." He tried to say, Ban cringed as the pain shot through his body. "We're going to get you help....we're going to take you back to Coraggio and you're going to see Raja again. We're going to play and eat ice cream okay? But you have to stay awake."

"He may be a kid, but you placed him in war...therefore....he's nothing but a soldier in the end. Not a very good one either." Stall pointed his gun at Kemba, "Remember what I told you? If Theos had just handed himself over when we nicely asked...this all would have been avoided. My consciousness is clear. Theos is the murderer here, not me. All these deaths, are his alone...including yours."

Kemba glared down his barrel, Stall looked at Theos "Who do you love more I wonder....the baby king.....or your lifelong mate? I wonder if I should shoot him enough to bleed out....and make you choose." Stall chuckled. "Burn in hell you bitch." Kemba said.

"The bastard blames all the deaths on a child. When it is he who pulls the trigger....that evil bastard probably sleeps well at night thinking the world is the sin and he is untouchable," Natalie commented to Grey.

"Sir!" None of them had noticed Remmy. Natalie turned her gaze to the suicidal agumon. "No!" Stall's sudden cry made Theos look up and follow his gaze. "For Coraggio!!" Remmy called.

Theos felt Kemba touch him to pull him down and he didn't fight it. He placed himself over Ban feeling something wet and warm smearing on his chest. His legs locked bracing himself against the explosions and his ears back. It was deafening and left Theos ears ringing.

Natalie felt her body lurch as she was pulled into the air. The view of the scene below her playing out in practically a blink of an eye before they landed again. She was grateful for Grey's abilities so they would not be caught in the explosion. She looked out into the fire seeing a new digimon clad in the orange hue.

Theos felt a weight lift off him and he opened his eyes. He sat up and looked up to the white digimon before him. the tips of the fur glowing orange from the fire around him giving him an almost angelic glow. "Are you okay?" Theos nodded his sensitive ears still ringing a bit.

Theos suddenly looked down to Ban, "We have to get out of here now! While Stall is still down." Theos jumped up to let him grab ahold of Ban. He looked around for an exit. Most of the guards seemed busy with the blinding blaze. After the darkness of night the world was lit up as though it was day. Theos started running in one direction towards an opening in the flames. He looked back making sure Kemba was following before continuing.

Kemba did not follow Theosm, he gazed down at the dying Ban. Ban's soft pained face and heavy breathing burning an image into Kembas mind as he looked at Kemba's new feral form. Kemba watched the blood coming from Ban's wound and he took his heavy paw and tried to plug it, but he was too big. The giant cat bared his fangs and tears escaped his eyes and the hatred behind them intensified. Low growls emenated from Kemba's throat and he lifted his paw and looked at its blood stained pad.

He couldn't help Ban like this, Ban would die and be another victim of this stupidity. Kemba's lips furled back and his stare intensified, he turned to look at the blaze as the guards tried to save their weapons. Remmy had died to ensure they would succeed....Ban was dying because of his innocence. This was madness. His gazed focused on the unconcious Stall and Kemba let out a bone shaking roar. He began to move forward towards Stall with the intent to kill him.

He would avenge everyone, he thought. He could only think on his rage and hatred and nothing else. Theos could notice more guards from the front running towards their position they would be trapped again before long. Guards close to Kemba ran at him, a Tyrannomon and a Boogiemon. Kemba looked at them and charged with the blades on his forelegs and leaped at the dinosaur digimon. He impaled the digimon in the chest and clenched his jaws on his throat, his saber teeth making quick work of the flesh and bone. Kemba jerked the digimons head until it snapped.

The Boogiemon charged him with his pitchfork and was met with Kemba's wrath. A quick slash of his claw cleaved the demon in half. The blood of his dissipated foes dripping from his fangs and claws was a terrifying sight against the luminescence of the fire. Kemba let out a roar, "Staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall" He bellowed from deep within himself. The reinforcements fast approaching.

Stall was beginning to stir as well.

Grey had returned to the burning of the catapults, now that the explosions had passed. His attention turning to Kemba in the distance, "The feline evolved....what would you have me do princess?" Grey looked to her, "Shall I kill him?"

Kemba slowly began to walk, blood dripping and deep growls echoing from his mouth, towards Stall. Ban laid in the sand fighting for his life, he couldn't see Kemba or Theos and he was scared. A very silent utter of Theos name being called out.

Theos stopped once he realized Kemba wasn't going to follow. He looked between him and the one opening they had. His gaze went back to Kemba watching him charge into the fray. His body being stained with their blood as he torn into them like a wild animal. Theos turned back running over beside Ban.

"Kemba stop," Theos called out to him.

Grey had returned to the burning of the catapults, now that the explosions had passed. His attention turning to Kemba in the distance, "The feline evolved....what would you have me do princess?" Grey looked to her, "Shall I kill him?"

"No, the actions of the advisor are the kings actions. Let them escape I'd like to see my father have to put Stall in his place for being a foolish naive and allowing them to burn his machines and escape making a fool of him. Let's focus on making sure the fire doesn't spread," Natalie said walking along the length of the fire kicking sand into it to snuff the flames trying to escape and devour. She would love to see him reprimanded after his speech in front of so many guards. She guessed the world never told him not to play with his prey. 

"Kemba, family first; think of Ban. We have to get him help he won't last. Kemba.....please I order you to come here and carry Ban home. So we can do all those things you promised he'd be able to do again," Theos pleaded with his feral mate. 

"Kemba stop," Kemba's feral form looked back to Theos, his expression of rage unchanged even gazing at his lover. "Kemba, family first; think of Ban. We have to get him help he won't last. Kemba.....please I order you to come here and carry Ban home. So we can do all those things you promised he'd be able to do again,"

Kemba bared more teeth, "I didn't promise any of that....just like you. Just as you wouldn't promise me neither did I promise Ban. Ban is going to die...we can't help him...you know that. Let me send Stall to hell where he belongs." He growled turning his attention back to Stall who had begun to move. He was still dazed.

Kemba went to take a step forward and hesitated. He was ordered to return, to carry Ban. Ordered by his lover...and master. Stall was right in front of him, he'd be unable to defend himself. He could kill him so simple right now and be rid of this problem. Kemba was bound by his peoples laws to obey the one he chose to serve...but he had never once thought Theos would order him as a simple weapon. Not after everything.

Just then a Greymon had made its way to Theos, flames cackling in its maw. Kemba's ears perked up and looked back, he didn't hesitate this time. He returned and before the adult digimon could fire its breath attack, it was met with a powerful aura attack. It smashed against the Greymon's face and shattered some of its head armor. It stumbled back and with a roar, Kemba leaped on the Greymon biting into its throat and ripping it out. The digimon dissipated and Kemba looked back towards Theos, his expression had returned to normal.

The rage was gone from his eyes and replaced with something else. He at least looked like the Kemba Theos remembered, despite the blood stains. He walked over to the two smaller digimon and gently picked Ban up into his jaw. He leaned down and looked at Theos to get on his back. Once Theos was on, Kemba gave one more look to Stall who had sat up now shaking his head. Then with all his might, Kemba took off into the night of the desert.

Grey watched all these events as he was ordered to stand down, his swords sheathed. Stall turned just enough to see Kemba's backside fleeing into the night. "No!" Stall reached for his gun and took some shots, but they missed their marks.

He looked to Grey, "Why didn't you kill them?" Grey looked at Stall, "I twisted my ankle. I can't catch up to them." Stall stood up and glared.

"You insubordinate....I could have you court marshaled." Grey scoffed at Stalls threat, "Very well...then you can explain to the king why your strongest soldier is sitting in a prison cell when the most important battle was lost because you couldn't save the catapults."

Stall looked at the burning machines as the flames began to die down. "Damn them...." Stall gripped a tight fist and stormed off to his tent. He would need to think.

Grey looked at Natalie and bowed on one knee, lowering his head and removing his helmet. "Princess...please punish me. I noticed the Agumon before he could blow up the catapults and I chose not to act. The events of tonight and the result of tomorrow will be on my shoulders alone. I have caused a great harm to our nation. I shall accept the harshest punishment for my actions."

"I didn't promise any of that....just like you. Just as you wouldn't promise me neither did I promise Ban. Ban is going to die...we can't help him...you know that. Let me send Stall to hell where he belongs."

This was the words of the Kemba he knew behind closed doors. The angry and hurt Kemba the one that didn't think but acted. At times like that is was alway hard to talk to him. But this felt slightly different as his words stung worse than he realized. Why was it promises were always coming up now? After he had taken up the promise to never do so again.



Theos heard the crackle of flames and he looked back to see the way blocked by a greymon. Its own flames adding to the symphony of the fire. Theos placed himself over Ban so he would catch the blast fully. He had no other way to counter it. The flames around them making it impossible to dodge the blast. That was when Kemba rushed into sight. Breathing forth his own blast and then breaking his armor before going for the kill.


Theos stepped off of Ban letting Kemba grab him. Kemba motioned him onto his back and he complied huddling low into his fur. Using his shoulder blades like guards to prevent him from falling off the sides. His ears went back to protect them against the wind as Kemba took off.
Dust picking up behind them with Kembas powerful strides. Theos could feel his muscles moving beneath him. If he wasn't so worried about Ban he would probably feel exhilarated.



"Why didn't you kill them?" Grey looked at Stall, "I twisted my ankle. I can't catch up to them." Stall stood up and glared.



"You insubordinate....I could have you court marshaled." Grey scoffed at Stalls threat, "Very well...then you can explain to the king why your strongest soldier is sitting in a prison cell when the most important battle was lost because you couldn't save the catapults."



Natalie smirked at his frustrated glare. He deserved every bit of the pain he was getting. "Damn them...." Stall gripped a tight fist and stormed off to his tent. He would need to think.



Grey looked at Natalie and bowed on one knee, lowering his head and removing his helmet. "Princess...please punish me. I noticed the Agumon before he could blow up the catapults and I chose not to act. The events of tonight and the result of tomorrow will be on my shoulders alone. I have caused a great harm to our nation. I shall accept the harshest punishment for my actions."


Natalie looked to him with a raised brow. She walked over to his head and punched it semi-hard for her but probably nothing to him. She wasn't going to punch full force and break her own paw on his rock hard head.

"It was worth it to see Stall's face," Natalie said smirking her 'punishment' almost done. If one could call it punishment to lightly hit an ultimate in the head. "As for the rest of your punishment....let's see...carry me during the march along with our supplies." She weighed practically nothing to him so it was more for her convenience than anything. She smiled slightly.

"It was worth it to see Stall's face," Natalie said smirking her 'punishment' almost done. If one could call it punishment to lightly hit an ultimate in the head. "As for the rest of your punishment....let's see...carry me during the march along with our supplies."

Grey smiled and put his helmet back on, standing too his feet as the last of the fire had been put out. The catapults were completely destroyed. Grey picked up Natalie and sat her on his shoulder and he began walking towards their tent. "You punch like a girl." He teased.

"What do you make of everything...the weak princes...I am a warrior carved to show no mercy in the field of battle. By my blade, I bring honor to my nation. At least that is what I thought growing up, then I was assigned to be your permanent guardian as the strongest warrior the King had. Guarding an egg for nine months wasn't exactly what I had in mind or a spoiled brat after that. You whined and cried about everything, especially when the King was too busy to come see you. I had to essentially raise you in your younger years. You did something in me. You made me realize how important relationships are. I don't know anything that goes on in Scomparsa outside the palace, I don't know what Stall or the King does to the people. All I know is that I have to keep the princess safe. A digimon who has grown more important too me then the nation I dedicated my life too." Grey reached the tent and opened it, stepping inside.

"I'm not doubting your fathers words...but...when he spoke to us, and told us the horrid things Coraggio has done...and they matched to the same words as Stall...I didn't give it such thought then but after seeing the royalty for myself. Hearing the words from the enemy...and then seeing this. I do not feel right inside at all. How could they be so cruel, but carry the same heart I do? For a moment, when I saw Stall shoot that infant prince...I saw you. I wanted to place myself in their position...to better understand. I'd have killed Stall without batting an eye if he had done that too you...my superior...the person I'm supposed to obey blindly by our own laws." He placed her down on the ground, and began to pack up their things for the march.

"My warriors heart is wavering your majesty." Grey replied.

--

Kemba kept running until he couldn't hear the sounds of the enemy encampment anymore. It was getting colder as the night progressed and Kemba could feel it even against his fur. He'd be able to deal with it but he feared for the dying Ban and Theos who may not be suited to handle the cold trek back to the Coraggio camp.

Kemba came to a slow walk and looked around. He looked back to Theos, "We should make Ban's last moments comfortable..." He said with a pained voice, "He won't make it through this temperature if we keep going...just like Dan....we should stay by him." Kemba took a moment to collect nearby cacti and dried plants that had been feeding off the cacti's water before it itself went dry. He sparked a fire that fought away the brisk cold.

He released Ban as close to the fire as he could and let Theos down from his back. His heavy steps walked around and he sat on one side of Ban, the fire was big enough to keep them warm through the night. Ban laid in the sand, his eyes growing dimmer. Kemba looked over his figure with a sad expression.

"Ban..." Kemba whispered.

His breathing was becoming longer and more relaxed. His body wasn't moving, they could see his form struggling to stay together. "Theos....we shouldn't let him suffer..." Kemba said. "He must be in so much pain....damn it all...damn this war and that place...why does it have to be this way?" Kemba even in his adult form, his heart was still sensitive. Theos could hear it in his quivering voice, but what he was suggesting to do to Ban...a merciful killing.

"You punch like a girl." She better after all she is one. Though at times she did curse her weakness.

"What do you make of everything...the weak princes...I am a warrior carved to show no mercy in the field of battle. By my blade, I bring honor to my nation. At least that is what I thought growing up, then I was assigned to be your permanent guardian as the strongest warrior the King had. Guarding an egg for nine months wasn't exactly what I had in mind or a spoiled brat after that. You whined and cried about everything, especially when the King was too busy to come see you. I had to essentially raise you in your younger years. You did something in me. You made me realize how important relationships are. I don't know anything that goes on in Scomparsa outside the palace, I don't know what Stall or the King does to the people. All I know is that I have to keep the princess safe. A digimon who has grown more important to me then the nation I dedicated my life to." He did raise her she didn't doubt that he thought of himself like a father to her. And in truth he felt like one even more so than her own father.

"I'm not doubting your fathers words...but...when he spoke to us, and told us the horrid things Coraggio has done...and they matched to the same words as Stall...I didn't give it such thought then but after seeing the royalty for myself. Hearing the words from the enemy...and then seeing this. I do not feel right inside at all. How could they be so cruel, but carry the same heart I do? For a moment, when I saw Stall shoot that infant prince...I saw you. I wanted to place myself in their position...to better understand. I'd have killed Stall without batting an eye if he had done that too you...my superior...the person I'm supposed to obey blindly by our own laws." Natalie went over and sat on her bed crossing her legs like a proper girl. She watched grey listening to his words and hearing his self doubts.

"My warriors heart is wavering your majesty."

"I am a woman and by right the heir. However whomever i marry would have greater status than me as king and ruler. I have been coddled and denied proper means to assess my own kingdom. My father is in the thrall of Stall and believes his every word. He may be strong of body but he is weak of mind," Natalie quieted for a moment. "Don't let your heart waver in tomorrow's battle. However I do think that before we deem them true enemies we should talk to the troops and slaves get to know our own country before we go judging theirs."

--

Theos remained huddled in Kembas fur. His body heat staving off most of the cold. Theos still shook slightly in the cold however. Something Kemba had to have noticed as he slowed to a walk.

"We should make Ban's last moments comfortable..." He said with a pained voice, "He won't make it through this temperature if we keep going...just like Dan....we should stay by him." Theos shook his head no. He was ignored however as Kemba made a fire and set Ban down. Theos jumped off circling the fire slightly before sitting beside Ban.

"Ban..." Kemba whispered.

His breathing was becoming longer and more relaxed. His body wasn't moving, they could see his form struggling to stay together. "Theos....we shouldn't let him suffer..." Kemba said. "He must be in so much pain....damn it all...damn this war and that place...why does it have to be this way?"

"Absolutely not," Theos snarled. "The cold has slowed his bleeding. We should keep moving; get him home to Magi so he can be healed. It's only a few hours at your speed." Theos was denying it all. He refused to let Ban die.

"I am a woman and by right the heir. However whomever i marry would have greater status than me as king and ruler. I have been coddled and denied proper means to assess my own kingdom. My father is in the thrall of Stall and believes his every word. He may be strong of body but he is weak of mind," Natalie quieted for a moment. "Don't let your heart waver in tomorrow's battle. However I do think that before we deem them true enemies we should talk to the troops and slaves get to know our own country before we go judging theirs.

Grey shook his head, "After Stall's open execution of the supposed traitors...I don't believe they will speak truthfully to us. I saw the fear they had. They'll only tell you what they think you want to hear, to preserve their own life." Grey responded. He looked back to her.

"As for the battle tomorrow, my mission has always been to protect you. That doesn't change no matter what happens. I'll see it through to the end." With that Grey devolved to preserve his strength, becoming a scar covered Guilmon. He was a lot bigger then a normal Guilmon and almost all of his markings were faded. "I'll need to preserve my strength and rebuild it after today." Grey said giving her a smile.

--

"Absolutely not," Theos snarled. "The cold has slowed his bleeding. We should keep moving; get him home to Magi so he can be healed. It's only a few hours at your speed." Kemba looked at Theos, a growl escaping from his throat as he stood up.

"Stop it! Stop pretending things will be alright!" He said, his teeth bared. "I could run as fast as I can and reach Magi but it won't help! He was shot by a bullet from Stall's gun...the same gun that Magi couldn't heal Jared from. What makes you think he can heal this one? Ban is going to die....the least we can do for him is end the pain he is in instead of holding out some sense of hope that he'll be better!" Kemba took a few steps forward, the lighting of the fire giving him an ominous glow on his white fur and his heavy steps through the sand causing it to quake slightly.

"Or are you going to order me to take you anyway." Kemba's eyes widened after he spoke, realizing what he had said. He was still angry from the whole situation and he just exploded on Theos. His intimidating snarls and showing of teeth went away and he looked down at the cackling of the fire.

"......I'm just saying....if we love him....we shouldn't let him go through this.....I'm going to go find some food for us...you were closest to Ban....just...just think it over...he'll want it to be you." Kemba turned, a glint of a tear in his eye could be seen by Theos as he did. His adult form ran towards the darkness of the desert. He wouldn't go far in case of pursuers but he needed to clear his head and he couldn't do that with his anger.

Ban couldn't really hear what they were talking about but noticed Kemba leave and he couldn't see Theos, "Th...Theos....Kemba....do..don't leave me........where are you....? I'm....scared." He said turning his head until he could see Theos. A faint smile appeared on Ban's face and the tip of his tail began to wag. "I....thought....you left..." He said.