"I came all this way for a reason. Today is the day of salvation."
~Kirk Cameron~
"You're leaving again?" Ignitemon asked, tilting his head.
Mervamon smiled reassuringly, though it felt forced. "Yeah, just for a few more nights. Don't worry little bro, everything will go back normal soon, okay?"
He frowned but nodded in returning, lowering his gaze to the floor.
"Now get some sleep; I'll be back in the morning."
Steady drips of water against leaves broke the silence of the cool night; the air damp from the rain earlier that day. It had left all the vegetation covered in droplets that glistened beautifully in the silver moonlight.
Mervamon scanned the surrounding area with a hawk-like gaze, golden eyes narrowed with focus and anticipation. She wasn't even sure if she wanted him to return or not in all honesty. She knew it was dangerous for him to be in the Zone, but at the same time she was disappointed with how she had fought against him and felt the need to redeem herself. And this time she didn't want to be caught off guard.
A faint stirring to her left instantly made her tense, and Mervamon whirled around to see the familiar white cloak draped from a nearby tree branch, the assassin already having made himself comfortable a safe distance off the ground.
Reapmon raised a hand in friendly greeting. "Hey."
I didn't even notice...
"What the hell are you doing back here?" She hissed, gripping her sword hilt despite his calm, relaxed air. She supposed it just steadied her own nerves to know she was ready if he did decide a sudden surprise attack. She wouldn't put anything past him considering the odd tendencies he'd shown.
He merely shrugged. "Just passing the time. We had such a lovely chat yesterday."
"I wish I could say the same...However, I'm going to need to ask you to leave, once again..."
He sighed slightly. "This again...? You know you can't enforce your threats."
"Of course I can! Just try me!"
"If memory serves right, I'd say you lost pretty badly last time..."
Mervamon glared daggers at him and was about to make a sharp retort, though was interrupted when Reapmon suddenly stood and turned his back to her.
"But if you really want me to leave so badly, I'll respect that. After all, there won't be much of this place left soon..."
The warrior felt her blood go cold. That was right, Tactimon would be laying siege on the Zone in the very near future. And Reapmon seemed to know all about it.
"Wait!"
He glanced down at her with an inquisitive look. "Yes?"
"What do you know about the attacks planned on the Zone?"
"A lot. But what makes you think I'd tell you?"
"You're not exactly the most loyal of Bagra's minions from what I've gathered."
The reaper looked amused and leaned against the tree trunk next to him. "So you remembered; I'm touched. Alright, I have to give you points for that. I'll tell you about Tactimon's battle plans."
"Seriously?! Just like that?!" Mervamon asked in shock.
"Sure, why not? I doubt it'll do you much good."
The warrior narrowed her eyes. "What makes you say that?"
"You seem like the reckless type. I doubt you'll take much of anything I say into consideration and just charge into the fight without thought. Kind of like how you did with me. And we both remember how that ended."
"Tch, I just wasn't ready, that's all." Mervamon replied haughtily, her pride slightly wounded.
"That was the point I'm trying to make. You don't strategize, or plan ahead when you attack. No matter how strong you may be, without proper planning, you'll just get yourself killed. Especially against Bagra's army."
Mervamon looked away. "You underestimate the Jungle Zone. There are plenty of powerful Digimon here. We'll be fine."
"Then why are you so afraid..?" Reapmon asked.
"I'm not scared of Bagra or Tactimon's army! The only thing I'm afraid of is the thought of my friends and family getting hurt by them.." She murmured quietly.
Reapmon stayed silent for a few heartbeats, then said, "If you will change your battle tactics and take my words into consideration, I will tell you Tactimon's plans. If you do so, you might actually stand a chance."
"..Alright, fine." Mervamon agreed. "But.. Why help us and risk getting yourself killed?"
"I don't care for the thought of a world under Bagra's rule." He responded simply.
"Finally something we agree on.." She muttered. "Though I still don't understand why you serve him in the first place then."
"You probably never will. Though that's hardly important right now."
"Alright.. Well, we don't have all day. What are Tactimon's plans then?" Mervamon asked impatiently, sheathing her sword and crossing her arms.
Reapmon blinked at her, then rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, I don't exactly know yet.. I just know he said he'd be here in 3 to 4 days..."
She could only stare at him mutely for several seconds. "..You're joking, right..?"
"Don't worry though! I can find out everything you'll need tomorrow and tell you tomorrow night." He reassured her.
"And what if you don't..?"
"Then you'll probably die, and the Jungle Zone will fall under Bagra's control, along with the rest of the Digital World." Reapmon answered bluntly. "Because honestly? This little 'resistance' lead by you and Stingmon? It's probably the closest thing to a shot at holding Bagra back. It's still unlikely he'll be stopped, but hey, at least you can say you tried, right?"
"Thanks for the motivation.." Mervamon muttered sarcastically.
"No problem. Inspirational speeches are my specialty."
"Personally I think they could use some work..."
Reapmon merely laughed it off, straightening his posture. "I guess so, huh? Well, I guess I should get going then, and see what I can dig up on Tactimon's strategy. Though don't expect too much by tomorrow; he's learned to keep his plans much better hidden than the other Generals. He knows I tend to pry further into the empire's inner workings than I should. Anyways, I'll see you later." He said, opening a Zone Transfer portal and jumping inside, closing it a moment later.
Can I really trust him to give me accurate information tomorrow..? Not entirely, but I don't have any other choice... Without knowing what to expect and coming up with a plan, the Jungle Zone will fall, just like he said...
