The Prince and his Friend

"It is starting to get cold. Are you going to be okay Ike?" Ike nodded in response. His armor was plenty warm enough.

"So Ike...you followed me out here without even asking what it is I'm actually doing. Do you know already?"

"No I don't. However since you were going alone I knew it wasn't safe," Ike responded. "You put everyone else above yourself So I knew better than to let you go alone."

"No I don't. However since you were going alone I knew it wasn't safe," Ike responded. "You put everyone else above yourself So I knew better than to let you go alone."

"You've come some way since that scared naked boy standing behind his father's legs to scared to greet us. You've become more confident and have grown stronger. It is very refreshing." Don smiled and looked ahead at the last glimmer of sunlight.

"I'm going to ask Stall for a bit of that dark magic. To bring back to Magi to save my brother. I heard Magi say if he had it, he could reverse engineer it and help save Kaa. I have to get one and fix my mistake." Don explained not looking to Ike, afraid of the expression he could be making.

"You've come some way since that scared naked boy standing behind his father's legs to scared to greet us. You've become more confident and have grown stronger. It is very refreshing." It was only because he was no longer being treated like a slave.

"I'm going to ask Stall for a bit of that dark magic. To bring back to Magi to save my brother. I heard Magi say if he had it, he could reverse engineer it and help save Kaa. I have to get one and fix my mistake." Ike frowned and was quiet a long moment.

"A deal with the devil costs one his soul," Ike responded. "You would be better off stealing it than trusting Stall."

"A deal with the devil costs one his soul," Ike responded. "You would be better off stealing it than trusting Stall."

Don shook his head, "The last thing I'd ever do is trust that monster. Not after everything he's done. No...I'm putting my trust in someone else entirely. I just can't allow Stall to know." Don wondered if the princess would even trust him after he had nearly killed her.

He didn't have a choice, she liked Kaa. Don had to believe that would be enough to warrant her assistance.

"I will have to hope the Princess will help me, otherwise..." Don let his voice trail off. He didn't need to say it, Ike knew and so did he.

"The last thing I'd ever do is trust that monster. Not after everything he's done. No...I'm putting my trust in someone else entirely. I just can't allow Stall to know." Someone else?

"I will have to hope the Princess will help me, otherwise..." From what Ike understood him and the princess were not on good footing. Why would she help however? Did Don know something he didn't? Not that it mattered it was enough of a hunch for Don to go on. Which meant there was something there; a reason why she would help.

"Father always said she was a tom boy but had a good heart," Ike responded after a moment.

"Father always said she was a tom boy but had a good heart,"

Don sighed, "It is not her heart I'm worried about...it is mine. I've darkened mine in order to do what is needed and at the time I thought what was needed was to slay her and force her father into a mad fury. I was preying on his love for her because of how strong that emotion is. From what I've read, love and money are the biggest motivators of ones actions. If this isn't fates twisted way have getting back at me, I don't know what is."

Don continued with Ike, they approached a sand dune and could see a pillar of smoke on the horizon.

"We are getting close...I suppose walking together is finished." Don turned to face his friend.

"Ike...if the worst happens..." He began and shook his head, "No...I won't think that way. We'll get out of this. I know it."

"It is not her heart I'm worried about...it is mine. I've darkened mine in order to do what is needed and at the time I thought what was needed was to slay her and force her father into a mad fury. I was preying on his love for her because of how strong that emotion is. From what I've read, love and money are the biggest motivators of ones actions. If this isn't fates twisted way have getting back at me, I don't know what is." Ike had to agree. He planned to use love against his enemies and now it was love that drives him towards his enemies.

"We are getting close...I suppose walking together is finished." Don turned to face his friend.

"Ike...if the worst happens..." He began and shook his head, "No...I won't think that way. We'll get out of this. I know it."

Ike nodded, "I am sure we will. You just be careful."

Ike's walk slowed so he fell behind Don. Eventually he made his way more around the camp than into it. He knew the ins and outs of being a servant so it was easy for him to blend in. He rubbed a bunch of wet sand over him the moment he could to hide his blue skin. It stood out too much otherwise.

Don took a deep breath to calm his nerves and continued on with Ike at his back. He really hoped he was right about this next part.

The camp came into view and he approached it, he began walking with his arms raised and placed them behind his head. The soldiers spotted him and immediately came out towards him.

"Coraggian soldier! Kill him!!" A Yasyamon called out. "Halt!" Don replied, "I come alone and baring no ill will! I am Don, Prince of Coraggio and I am here to see your leaders! I invoke Parlay!" Don yelled out.

Most of the soldiers had no idea what it was Don asked for except the Yasyamon who stepped forward, "You know we aren't pirates right?" He laughed. Don grinned, "I know but I doubt you'd understand any bigger words. You can scout the area if you like, but I tell the truth. My camp does not know I've traveled here alone."

"So then we can just kill you and be done with it!!" A Greymon said approaching with ember burning from its maw.

"You sure that is wise? As a Prince, I'm a direct contact...friend of Prince Theos. What would your general say if you kill me without first informing him that I've come? At the very least, inform your princess if you think that I am not worthy to speak to that devil."

"Your words mean nothing! Die!!" The Greymon charged forward only to be stopped by the Yasyamon. "Bind him and bring him before the General." The Yasyamon commanded.

The other soldiers looked confused by that command but they obeyed. The servants approached Don and they bound his claws together. The Yasyamon pulled Don by his neck and raised him to his feet. "Walk worm."

They marched Don through the camp, past where Ike had buried himself. As they marched, the soldiers yelled and hollered saying that they had captured a Coraggian Prince. It would be time for an execution soon.

Those words reached Grey and Natalie's tent and Grey peaked his head out, "They captured a prince? You don't think it is the heir do you?" Grey turned back to look at her. "Should we go see? If what they say is true, he is being brought before Stall to die."

They eventually reached the center where Stall's tent was and the Yasyamon looked to Don. "On your knees." He ordered. Don did not look to the digimon or obey, he simply stared at the entrance to the tent.

"I said on your knees!" The digimon bashed his weapon into Don's head which caused him to groan. A steady stream of blood ran down his head. He looked at the Yasyamon, "A prince bows to no one but their king, I will not kneel."

"Then we will make you!" The Yasyamon smashed Don's knee and the young prince yelled out and fell on his side with a loud yell. The soldiers all reached and grabbed him, pulling him up and forcing him on his knees. Now all that was left was for Stall himself to show up.

Don's breaths became long and exasperated from his broken knee and the searing pain in his head. He stared at the flap of the entrance.

Ike watched from the sidelines. Walking straight in was a bold move and rather stupid. They could have sneaked him to the Princesses tent. Before the general? He was going straight to Stall which is far from a good thing. The question was now would Natalie intervene. Ike followed at a small pace back weaving along the outskirts of the crowd.

"If it is him he was a fool to come here," Natalie said with a scoff. "What does that idiot have to prove to me anyway," She said standing up to look out the tent as well. 

"I hate that sorry little prince but I do own him one," Natalie grumbled and walked out towards Stall's tent. "This is going to be nothing but trouble."

Ike flinched as he watched as Don was brought to his knees. He will be happy he brought Ike along later. He would be unable to walk properly otherwise and he would probably pass out from pain before making it back to camp on his own.

"You know I thought your brother was the biggest idiot. But this takes the cake," Natalie said glaring at Don as she moved out of the crowd in front of him. "Walking into an enemy encampment like you own the place. I really am surprised they didn't just slit your throat."

"You know I thought your brother was the biggest idiot. But this takes the cake," Natalie said glaring at Don as she moved out of the crowd in front of him. "Walking into an enemy encampment like you own the place. I really am surprised they didn't just slit your throat." Grey stood behind her, eyeing Don. He was captured? He seemed a little to smart for that. What was he up too, Grey wondered.

Don looked at Natalie, she had shown up. Now all the pieces were set, he had to ensure that Stall didn't know that Natalie had any thing to do with him or his brother for now, so he'd have to play it off for their sake.

Don arched a brow, "You don't know my brother and you don't know me. I barely know you, princess." He moved his head back to face the tent just as Stall walked out. He approached the prince and chuckled.

"So, the second born son of Cora has come to see me? I thought you were supposed to be the smart one but I guess you're just as foolish as the rest of your family." Stall reached for his gun.

"I have nothing to negotiate with you. You walked into your own death boy. I'll be sure to send your family flowers." Stall aimed it at Don's head. Don's expression did not change. This is where he had to convince Stall...what this entire trip hinged on.

"You won't kill me Stall." Don said firmly, Stall chuckled and pressed the barrel to Don's bleeding head. "Is that so? I'll admit you've piqued my curiosity. Why won't I?"

"Because I am Theos's family and you want to destroy Theos's mind body and soul don't you? Killing me will be so much less effective. You see Stall..." Don gave a wide grin.

"You and I are exactly the same. I would want nothing more then to drag you in front of your loved ones and take you apart piece by piece. Enjoying your screams of agony and discontent. Making sure you never sleep through it and take my time so that everyone knew that I destroyed you because anyone who loves you is just as guilty of your crimes. Knowing they'd be hurt so badly by watching..." Don began to chuckle.

"We're high functioning sociopaths you and I. No one else in this camp can even begin to understand what goes on inside our heads but I know. I know exactly what you think. How you think. Watching others suffer is what you live for and you have proven that time and time again. So that is why you won't kill me...no...not without hearing me out." Don gave a clenched toothy smile.

Stall stared at the prince who pressed his head against the barrel, staring with a sinister smile. There was a brief silence and Stall began to laugh and he pulled his gun away.

"Very well...I'll hear your plea boy. Though I can't say I'll allow you to leave, you're right. I do want to destroy that dog prince so the chances are you're going to become my prisoner. Speak."

Don let out a breath, "You'll let me leave because what I came for will excite you to much not to let me. Your last attack on my people, has comatose my older brother. Kaa has not been able to recover after being afflicted by your black magic...that seed your soldier used on him. I want one to save my brother with." Don asked bluntly.

Stall jerked back a bit by the request, "Oh? Now that is an interesting request for sure. Ha ha ha ha ha."

"I'm right aren't I? If I give him your dark magic, he'll wake won't he?" Don questioned.

Stall stroked his chin, "Yes...he will wake...but he won't be the brother you once knew. He'll become darkened and impulsive. You should just let him die boy. Though I particularly don't care."

"I know it will change him, but I'll be there to guide him. I'm just as smart as you, I'll be able to manage him. I'm wagering that I can help him conquer your dark magic, your wager will be I can't and Kaa will have to be put down by the very people he loves. Now isn't that a reasonable wager Stall?" Don asked.

Grey looked to Natalie and whispered, "What is he thinking? This is madness...Stall's magic will be the end of the Coraggians."

"You don't know my brother and you don't know me. I barely know you, princess." He was planning something. Natalie frowned but said nothing more to him. Natalie's gaze went to Stall as he came out.

She waited and watched wondering how exactly he was going to deal with Stall. He wasn't exactly the easiest person to deal with. Ike meanwhile stood with the other servants watching from the back. 

"You won't kill me Stall." Don said firmly, Stall chuckled and pressed the barrel to Don's bleeding head. "Is that so? I'll admit you've piqued my curiosity. Why won't I?"

"Because I am Theos's family and you want to destroy Theos's mind body and soul don't you? Killing me will be so much less effective. You see Stall..." Don gave a wide grin.

"You and I are exactly the same. I would want nothing more then to drag you in front of your loved ones and take you apart piece by piece. Enjoying your screams of agony and discontent. Making sure you never sleep through it and take my time so that everyone knew that I destroyed you because anyone who loves you is just as guilty of your crimes. Knowing they'd be hurt so badly by watching..." Don began to chuckle.

"We're high functioning sociopaths you and I. No one else in this camp can even begin to understand what goes on inside our heads but I know. I know exactly what you think. How you think. Watching others suffer is what you live for and you have proven that time and time again. So that is why you won't kill me...no...not without hearing me out." What was he talking about? Knowing how Stall thinks that was a laugh. No one could match that bastard in evilness.

"Very well...I'll hear your plea boy. Though I can't say I'll allow you to leave, you're right. I do want to destroy that dog prince so the chances are you're going to become my prisoner. Speak." Natalie frowned at his enjoyment of this.

"You'll let me leave because what I came for will excite you to much not to let me. Your last attack on my people, has comatose my older brother. Kaa has not been able to recover after being afflicted by your black magic...that seed your soldier used on him. I want one to save my brother with." He was wanting dark magic to save his brother Kaa? Natalie's frown deepens at those words. Nothing good came from black magic.

"I'm right aren't I? If I give him your dark magic, he'll wake won't he?" Don questioned.

Stall stroked his chin, "Yes...he will wake...but he won't be the brother you once knew. He'll become darkened and impulsive. You should just let him die boy. Though I particularly don't care."

"I know it will change him, but I'll be there to guide him. I'm just as smart as you, I'll be able to manage him. I'm wagering that I can help him conquer your dark magic, your wager will be I can't and Kaa will have to be put down by the very people he loves. Now isn't that a reasonable wager Stall?" Don asked.

Grey looked to Natalie and whispered, "What is he thinking? This is madness...Stall's magic will be the end of the Coraggians."

"I have no idea but he is no fool. He has something up his sleeve. Whatever it is he needs the orb," Natalie responded crossing her arms.

"I have no idea but he is no fool. He has something up his sleeve. Whatever it is he needs the orb,"

Grey wasn't so sure. Don seemed desperate to him, like this was the last thing he could do. It was too desperate.

Stall walked, turning his back from Don and stroking his chin in thought. "A reasonable wager hmm?" Stall chuckled.

"Unbind him." Stall ordered and the soldiers obeyed. Don rubbed his wrists as he watched Stall. Was it enough? Would Stall take his offer? There was one thing Stall didn't know that gave Don an edge. Stall didn't know Magi was still alive. This would be perfect.

"I am not one to turn down a reasonable offer. Though why should I risk the heir's chance of recovery? Should you succeed and the Prince can control the Seed then I give you a weapon of considerable danger to this army."

Don's eyes narrowed as Stall spoke his mind...uh oh, he thought.

"No...the wise thing to do would be to let the heir die, and..." Stall took his shotgun and pointed it back at Don.

"Kill the very next heir, leaving the throne without a son to claim it. How was it by the way? Mourning your youngest sibling? He bled well."

Don had to think...he could tell Stall that Ban was alive but that may only further entice him to shoot and kill Don. If Don gave into the grief then would that end any better? Stall should have taken the wager...yet...no, he is feeling the loss of control and trying to establish it again. Press Don, press!

Don shook his head, "Ban is of no consequence. That is in the past and you would let this chance to torture Theos slip through your fingers? It was from my understanding that was all this war was to you. Just a way to torture the pup your mistress wants."

The Scomparsian army looked at one another, wondering what it was Don was talking about. Mistress? Was Stall not fighting for the kingdom?

"Well...this is interesting news." Grey whispered.

Stall lowered his weapon and began to laugh that echoed through the silent camp catching Don by surprise.

"Yea...it is. It's always been about that mutt. I enjoy the mind torture...the physical torture...seeing him rot slowly from the inside out gives me goosebumps!! I dream of his tortured expression walking to me when he gives himself over. It is exhilarating! My mistress will enjoy taking him back to her nest."

"So you admit it? You're not fighting this war for Scomparsa!?" Grey yelled.

Stall looked over to Grey, "Calm yourself boy. The King knows of my plot, he has always known who I answer to first. You're just a soldier to take orders. Royal information is not yours to know. I get to do what I want and bring glory to Scomparsa for my free reign by the Kings order. Something of which I have done time and time again. Before me, Scomparsa was but just a fragment of what it is now. Coraggio will fall, and glory will be brought to Scomparsa, of that I can promise. Anyone who disagrees with my methods will be counted as treasonous by order of the King."

Grey couldn't believe the King knew about this snake and let him do as he wanted. It seemed almost like a bad dream.

"STALL!" Don yelled. Don cringed as he got up on his feet from the pain.

"I need that Seed! Do you accept my wager or not!? If this is about Theos, then killing me will do the opposite of that! What is more important? Your fun or killing the heirs of the kingdom?"

Stall looked back to Don, "Hmm...I do imagine Theos will be quite tortured seeing the heir in such a fragmented state and internal strife inside Coraggio does bode well for our troops. Very well I accept your wager."

Stall looked at the Yasyamon and nodded, the digimon approached and pulled out the black orb holding it in front of Don. The evil eluding off of it entered Don's nostrils and he visibly gagged. It was purest evil of an ancient type to be sure.

"Take it." Stall ordered, Don glared at it a moment. He had done the impossible. He had gotten the key to his brother's survival. Don reached for the orb with his dominant claw and clenched it, pulling it from the Yasyamon's grasp. It stung a little.

"Then the wager is on...let us see who wins this." Don said, he looked at Natalie and Grey. They now knew the truth just as Don planned for. Hopefully that was enough for her to trust him again but only time would tell.

Don turned and began to limp outside of the camp. He got several feet away before Stall called out again,

"Oh Don, one small revision to our wager." Don turned and his ears rang out with a gunshot. His eyes widened as he felt a warm feeling on his dominant arm. He turned his gaze to the hole in his shoulder. His life blood pouring down his caramel scales and onto the orb that he lost the grip of and rested in the sand. The pain that followed was intense and Don's heartbeat steadily increased. His breathing growing heavier.

Don let out a pained yell and grabbed his shoulder falling to a knee. Grey visibly flinched, but did nothing. Don was still their enemy.

"You can save Kaa...if you can make it back to your camp without bleeding out first. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Stall turned his back and walked back to his tent.

Don glared at Stall's back and then clenched his teeth. Stall was meticulous in his aim. He didn't hit the bone and left Don's arm still working. The Scomparsians laughed at Don as he picked back up the orb and began his pained limp outside the camp once more.

Ike would have to be careful making his way out, though Grey managed to spot him. "Oi...it's Cole's kid." He pointed out.

Don would keep walking, grasping the orb with his bleeding arm and holding the wound with his open claw, trying desperately to slow the blood flow. He did not anticipate this, Stall was just to erratic. He had to make it back, he just had too. His limp eventually turned into a drag as his knee grew numb and swollen.

"I am not one to turn down a reasonable offer. Though why should I risk the heir's chance of recovery? Should you succeed and the Prince can control the Seed then I give you a weapon of considerable danger to this army."

So the battles of wits began. Stall was right not to give in so easily. Natalie watched wondering what don would do. He was about to get shot and without his dear mutt to pull a miracle like the youngest he was doomed to die. 

"Ban is of no consequence. That is in the past and you would let this chance to torture Theos slip through your fingers? It was from my understanding that was all this war was to you. Just a way to torture the pup your mistress wants." Mistress? Was that bastard actually following an unseen hand? 

"Yea...it is. It's always been about that mutt. I enjoy the mind torture...the physical torture...seeing him rot slowly from the inside out gives me goosebumps!! I dream of his tortured expression walking to me when he gives himself over. It is exhilarating! My mistress will enjoy taking him back to her nest."

"So you admit it? You're not fighting this war for Scomparsa!?" Grey yelled.

Stall looked over to Grey, "Calm yourself boy. The King knows of my plot, he has always known who I answer to first. You're just a soldier to take orders. Royal information is not yours to know. I get to do what I want and bring glory to Scomparsa for my free reign by the Kings order. Something of which I have done time and time again. Before me, Scomparsa was but just a fragment of what it is now. Coraggio will fall, and glory will be brought to Scomparsa, of that I can promise. Anyone who disagrees with my methods will be counted as treasonous by order of the King." Natalie bristled a growl in her throat. To him they were but mere toys. He held no loyalties to them; that much had always been obvious. Now however Natalie knew he was vying for a bigger prize. Not just that mutt.

Natalie tuned out the next few sentences. Her father allowed this? How could he go against his country so willingly. No, he was a weak minded fool. Strong physically but weak minded. She had to do something before Stall's claws were to deep in to pull out. 

"Take it." Natalie looked up watching as Don took it. He had completed his task and then some. Perhaps this cataclysm was part of his plan.

"Then the wager is on...let us see who wins this." His gaze to her just confirmed her thoughts. She hated to say it but she would play right into his paws. There was no way she would let Stall continue this.

"Oh Don, one small revision to our wager." The gunshot made Ike's blood run cold for a moment. He had to take his time. He could rally with Don outside of camp and take care of it. Ike began moving along the outskirts.

"You can save Kaa...if you can make it back to your camp without bleeding out first. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Natalie watched with a frown taking no pleasure from this scene.

"Oi...it's Cole's kid."

"Leave him. We have bigger fish to fry," Natalie growled. She turned on her heel and stormed off.

"We need to rally the troops. Those loyal to the crown will stay with us. We need to break apart from Stall and his men. A hidden agenda and mistress whom's orders are above my fathers does not bode well. He has placed himself in a high position. He has promised Scomparsa glory but I didn't hear a thing about who would be on that throne," Natalie growled again. Her tail wagging in agitation.

Ike made his way out slowly. Waiting until the guards relaxed enough to start talking casually again before running into the desert. It took him a long moment but he eventually found the blood trail. He followed it quickly hoping Don had yet to bleed out. He caught up eventually was a sigh he rushed out in front of Don to stop him.

He was no doubt in a daze after so much blood loss. Ike ripped the shirt he had put on over his armor. Tending to Don's arm for a long moment. He tied it almost too tight to help stop or at least slow the bleeding. He looked up to don a moment before turning around offering his back. He may be small but he knew years of hard labor he could carry him.

"Get on," Ike said reaching back to grab his legs and urge him to lean into his back and wrap an arm around him.