The Legend Of Kuzco The Unruly

by Soulstealer8

Kuzco sat down annoyed and frustrated without a word, holding his head in his hands looking down at the desk. He knew everyone was probably staring at him they have been the moment he spoke up. They were all probably thinking he was angry about the whole situation going on outside the Inca Empire, that was only half true but this was something else entirely... Same story new title

4. Chapter 4 The Draft

A/N: Some extra characters from the show not shown in the last few chapters even though they should've been will be added in this chapter.

Hope you all enjoy reading! :)

Italics: Thoughts

Chapter 4: The Draft

Kuzco guided Misty up the hill at the grey crack of dawn, his head hung low.

He was long dressed out of his emperor robe and wearing his usual green poncho with the red llama, and red tunic underneath.

"What am I going to tell..." Kuzco's thoughts trailed off as he spotted Malina's house on his way up the hill.

"At least she'll be leaving today. That's good… maybe she already left, I hope." Kuzco couldn't tell if anyone was home, ordinarily Kuzco wouldn't care about causing a scene in public, but by revealing news of a potentially impending draft meant trudging on dangerous territory. Kuzco had no other choice as one by one he passed by houses belonging to friends and neighbors.

Guaca's house.

Yatta's house.

Kavo's house.

Moxie's house.

Ramon's mom's house.

"Kronk's Aunt Matilda's house where his brother Krank lives.

Kuzco's eyes shut tight in anger. He looked down unable to imagine when and if his friends: Malina, Guaca, Yatta, Kavo, Moxie, and Ramon have to be told their fathers will head off to war. He could only imagine Kronk's Aunt Matilda's reaction when she hears her brother Rick and her nephews: Kronk and Krank will be joining in battle. And Ramon's mom when she hears her ex-husband will or might be drafted into the army. Kuzco doesn't know much about Ramon's family, all he knows is that his parents are divorced and his dad lives somewhere else in the kingdom.

He and Misty made it up the hill and he guided her to the llama pen. He removed the saddle and the reigns and placed them over the fence unsure of where they go. He looked at Misty and patted her on her long neck.

Thanks Misty."

"Mwa!" Misty responed. Kuzco forced a small smile as he allowed Misty to find a spot to rest in the pen with the other sleeping llamas.

Kuzco turned away and sighed.

"Pacha and Chicha are gonna kill me for getting home late." Kuzco sighed. He walked over to the fence and sat on the grass and leaned against it. Kuzco thought back on the war meeting. Kuzco felt his blood boil in anger and grunte he held his head in his hands in fruatration.

"Is this how Pacha felt when I told him I was going to build Kuzcotopia? What am I going to tell him and Chicha? The whole village? Heck! I don't even have any time to inform the entire kingdom! It's not like there's getting any out of it. Anyone who tries to go running will be arrested or killed for treason, and so would I for warning them. I would get dethroned..." Kuzco leaned his head against the fence and looked up at the dawn sky. "It's not like it's confirmed yet or anything. The draft's still gonna happen, but immunity for the village is still in consideration... I hope..."

Kuzco found himself nearly dozing off when the sound of Pacha's voice shot through the air.

"Kuzco!" Pacha shouted. Kuzco jolted and looked up where the voice came from.

"What took you so long! How long did the meeting last?" Pacha asked worriedly. Kuzco felt at a loss for words. At the look of shock on Kuzco's face, Pacha grew worried. Pacha knelt beside Kuzco.

"Kuzco what happened?" Kuzco felt his lips trembling. He shook his head trying to rid the tremble.

"P-Pacha." Kuzco stuttered. He swallowed trying to control his voice. "S-something's going to happen. I didn't ask for it! The meeting… they acted like I wasn't there. I was just a figurehead for them while they called all the shots." Kuzco paused for a moment, "… We're going to war Pacha." Pacha's eyes widened, he looked like he'd gone a few shades paler. Kuzco's words began tumbling out of his mouth as he felt himself release so much suppressed panic from the last several hours.

"They gave me no other choice but to agree to everything! Lives are at stake and if we don't start fighting now we'll have no protection, no resources, no allies. The invaders are moving south, soon there won't be anymore: Aztecs, then Mayans, and then us. They didn't give me any other choice but to agree to an alliance. Not like my opinion mattered to them anyway. One of my own commanding officers went behind my back creating some sort of underground agreement with a few other members of the army and council to form an alliance with Empress Anacaaona without informing me." Kuzco looked down his shoulders trembling. He was about to mention the draft when Pacha's hand rested over Kuzco's shoulder.

"You tried your best Kuzco. This war won't be the end of the world." Kuzco shook his head at Pacha's words. Pach- that's not everything. Pacha's brows furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Kuzco swallowed unsure whether or not he should say it.

"Kuzco, talk to me." Pacha said. Kuzco removed himself from Pacha's hand holding his shoulder and leaned against the fence. Pacha sat beside him. Kuzzco took a breath before speaking.

"What Anacaona told me, the invaders… they aren't ordinary. They came in large metal boats with strange technology never before seen by our kind." Pacha blinked in confusion by this.

"So they're some sort of advanced nation?" Pacha asked. Kuzco shook his head with a shrug.

"No one knows. No one knows what they even look like, their entire bodies are covered in cloaks. Their weaponry is said to be so advanced they light up and are more powerful than what we have. What's strange is that they don't even sound like they're fighting for territory or conquer or whatever, Anacaona said they looked like they're ransacking and killing and kidnapping anyone who might have what they want." Kuzco hesitated before continuing, "Anacaona said there're too many of them. It started out with five of their large metal transport boats, then more and more came carrying who knows how many invaders. Everyone in the war meeting gave me no other choice but to agree to an alliance to make the army stronger. The Mayans can't send in an army, they'll be sending in some of their best men., but…" Kuzco brought his knees to his chest and held his legs close. Kuzco shut his eyes tight and grit his teeth, "…but not even our own army will be enough people to fight them off. More and more ships are arriving every day and the invaders are moving south looking for whatever it is they're searching for. Kuzco turned his head tp Pacha, "… They want to draft the kingdom Pacha…"

Pacha's eyes widened. He found himself looking over at his village through the gaps of the fence. Pacha shook his head.

"No..."

"Pacha, I tried asking for immunity, they threw me out before they gave me an answer. I don't even know if they will or won't…"

"Guess we'll find out won't we?" Pacha said interrupting Kuzco, his voice blunt. Pacha stood, Kuzco did as well.

"Pacha? Are you okay?" Kuzco asked worriedly looking at Pacha's back. Pacha faced down not daring to turn to Kuzco.

"Kuzco, I don't know what happened at that war meeting, and I really don't want to blame you either. The only thing that's keeping me from lashing, is knowing you tried to get immunity for this village. Let's both head inside and get some rest before, when or if, they arrive." Pacha began walking towards the hut. Kuzco mouth hung slightly agap not processing well what Pacha had told him. Kuzco ran up behind him.

"Pacha! Pacha wait!" Kuzco couldn't help but feel like a llama again the moment he found out Yzma and Kronk were trying to destroy him and he went calling out to Pacha, at the time with no avail. Pacha stopped in his tracks. Kuzco haulted in his steps in a stumble.

"Pacha? Are you angry?" Kuzco felt like a little kid for some reason. For some reason this man's opinion of him and his actions mattered more than anything.

Pacha shook his head still hanging low.

"No Kuzco, I'm not mad… just disappointed…" With that Pacha said nothing more and headed inside. Kuzco's eyes widened, he felt his breathing elevate.

Kuzco ran back inside the llama pen and kicked the fence in anger. He grunted and got on his knees with gripped fists slamming onto the top of second wood post.

"Why didn't he just say he was mad!?" Kuzco shouted. He brought his forehead on top of the sides of his fists almost in a praying position. Kuzco shut his eyes tightly in frustration.

"Sun God? Or dad. or mom? Anyone who might be up there! Please! Have the council and army leaders decide to give this village immunity!" Kuzco exclaimed his prayer.

Kuzco remained in his position for hours. The sun had risen considerably and was beating down Kuzco's back.

Chicha looked out the window as the family began their breakfast and saw Kuzco in the pen.

"How long has Kuzco been out there?" Chicha asked.

"You mean he never came inside?" Pacha asked.

"Came inside? What are you talking about?" Chicha asked.

"I saw him get here this morning. I told him to get inside to get some rest…" Pacha paused in a frown, "I may have said some other things… I should go talk to him." Pacha headed out the door leaving a confused Chicha inside.

"What's wrong with Kuzco?" Chaca asked as she began eating her breakfast.

"Probably some emperor stuff. I saw him working on it yesterday." Tipo said. Chicha looked at Tipo her eyes widening.

"You did? What did he say?" Chicha asked.

"Nothing. Why?" Tipo said sounding confused.

"Mom, is everything okay?" Chaca asked.

"Y-yes, everything's fine." Chicha said, she looked back at the window and looked at Kuzco's position.

"I hope…"

Kuzco was snoring. He felt pressure behind one of his shoulder blades, the unexpected shake surprised him. Kuzco's head shot up and hit it against the top third wooden post of the llama pen fence.

"Ow!" Kuzco groaned rubbing the back of his head.

"Kuzco you okay?" Pacha asked. Kuzco looked down unhappily before standing up and saying, "Yeah, I'm okay." Kuzco leaned against the fence placing his hands the top of the third post looking anywhere but Pacha. Folded his arms over his chest doing the same as Kuzco for a bit before looking up first.

"Kuzzco about what I said earlier today…" Kuzco shook his head.

"Pacha I get it, I messed up…" He looked down as he said his next words. "I'm not my dad. I try all I can but, in the end I'm just a scrawny kid who can't hold his own. If my dad wanted immunity he would've gotten his way. But I'm not him. …Y-you see…"

Pacha rose a hand up before he continued the same way he did when Kuzco tried apologizing to him as a llama for accusing him of things he didn't do.

"Kuzco I'm…" Before Pacha could get another word out loud drumming was heard from the bottom of the hill.

"What's going on?" Kuzco asked aloud. He and Pacha both looked over the fence down the hill. There was what looked like a parade of soldiers riding llamas drumming to a beat. Kuzco's eyes widened his mouth agap.

"No!" Both he and Pacha hopped over the fence and went running towards the front of the hut. Chicha came running outside as well as soon as she heard the drumming from inside, she gestured the kids to stay inside. Chaca and Tipo were both holding Yupi's hands worriedly. Chcha shut the door in front of them. Chaca saw the look in her mom's eyes before the door shut all the way.

"Mom looks really scared!" Chaca said worriedly.

"C'mom! We have to go see what's going on!" Tipo said gesturing his siblings to follow him. They all ran up the stairs and climbed out their bedroom window. Chaca was careful with Yupi as they jumped down a safe spot on the roof to peer over to see what's going on.

The whole village came out of their houses at the surprise. Kuzco Pacha, and Chicha and the rest of the village all looked at the soldiers on their six feet tall llamas. Two or four of them were carrying the Incan national flag. There were at least eight different soldiers. Three of which Kyzco knew on sight. General Rick, Commander Aaron, and Lieutenant Rango. Kuzco's blood ran cold at the sight of the third one. He glared heavily at him. Mr. M. came up on his llama in front of the other soldiers. Kuzco's eyes widened.

Once the soldiers and councilman came to a stop where everyone in the village can see and hear them Mr. M. sat straight on his llama's saddle and began the announcements for the one thing Kuzco dreaded most.

The Draft…

XXXX

"Citizens," Mr. M. began, "I bring a proclamation from the palace. The previous night our emperor to be, Kuzco, the Aztec Empress Anacaona, the kingdom's council, and head army leaders held a war meeting discussing an alliance between our kingdom, and the Aztecs. You are hearing here and now An alliance has been forged to defeat invaders trespassing onto MesoAmerincan lands." Mr. M. announced there were several gasps and a few cheers at the knowledge their kingdom will be assisting the Aztecs.

"By agreement of the council, army leaders, and Empress Anacaona, one man from every family must serve in the army!" Kuzco's eyes widened as he realized Mr. Moleguaco left him out of the list. Hundreds of gasps were heard among the crowded villagers. Pacha's eyes widened only a bit not at all too surprised at the knews. Chicha let out a gasp and turned to Kuzco.

"Kuzco did you know about this." Kuzco looked at her and shook his head.

"No! I asked for immunity, they kicked me out of discussing the draft after I…" Kuzco looked down.

Pacha turned to Kuzco now interested on why the draft could've been prevented because of Kuzco.

"After you what?" Pacha asked. Kuzco looked down feeling both ashamed and guilty. Kuzco didn't like these feelings. They didn't feel like him. Pacha and Chicha were both waiting for an answer, he had to speak now.

"After I had an outburst. I got so angry I tried attacking a lieutanent. Chicha gave Kuzco a face that resembled both grief and disappointment. She shook his head as she said his name in dismay.

After the announcement from Mr. M. Kuzco was forced to watch as one by one neighbors and friends were forced to watch fathers, brothers, and sons get drafted into the army. Moxie, a supposed bad girl and straight A student of Kuzco Acadamy burst into tears as her father's name was called. He watched as Guaca's face downcast in sorrow and fear as his father's name was called. Kuzco shook his head not believing his eyes and ears. Kuzco's eyes narrowed down into a glare.

"They lied to me!" Kuzco snarled.

Kavo's father was later called after several men before him were called. Kavo's father was an elderly little man who could barely walk without a cane. Kuzco's eyes downcasted that not even the draft takes mercy on the elderly. Everyone watched in surprise as Kavo placed his large beefy arm in front of his father and said.

"Kavo will take place of father in army." Mr. M's eyes widened then half lidded in what appeared to be sadness feeling guilty to be sending in one of his own students into the army, however Kavo did volunteer.

"Very well." Mr. M. said reluctantly. Kavo was a big guy who tried beating up Kuzco once. He was large and strong, Kuzco already knew he would be useful to the army but his family was none too happy to see him grab the scroll originally meant for his father.

"Kronk and Krank!" Mr. M. called out after several more names were called. Kuzco watched as Kronk and Krank's Aunt Matilda shed several tears at this, General Rick turned his head away unable to watch his two only sons grab the scrolls accepting their drafts to the army. Kronk and his brother joining the army was no surprise to Kuzco, part of him always knew they would follow in their father's footsteps someday. Kuzco knew Kronk, Krank, and Rick all live in a different village, Rick must've brought them over here to their Aunt Matilda's to say their goodbyes before the draft. Kuzco did feel bad for their Aunt Matilda who cared so much about the both of them. This must mean Kronk and Krank must've known ahead of time they was going to get drafted they didn't look at all fazed at the situation.

"Ramon!"

"Ramon stood up straight and walked bravely towards Mr. M to grab the scroll. Ramon's mother was in tears as he walked away Ramon's eyes locked with Commander Aaron's for a split second as he eyed Ramon remorsefully as he walked back to his weeping mother. Ramon is old enough to join the army Kuzco wasn't entirely surprised he was called, what did surprise Kuzco was that he didn't feel like gloating that Ramon might never be seen again.

Kuzco watched on as the sound of Malina's father's name was called after several other neighbors' names were called.

"No!" A scream was heard. It was Malina!

"They haven't left yet!" Kuzco thought.

The next thing that was heard was the sound of Malina's voice.

"Mr. M.! I want to volunteer as a nurse!" Malina cried out. Mr. M looked at Malina in shock and surprise as did many of the villagers.

"Malina? Are you sure you're up for the job?" Mr. M. asked hesitantly.

"It's extremely intense and gruesome, who knows what you might see and what you'll have to do." General Rick said. Malina stood up straight and bravely and boldly said, "I'm sure!" Kuzco looked at Malina in shock.

"No." He whispered.

"I would like to volunteer as a nurse too!" Moxie cried out."

"So would I!" Yatta's voice shouted.

Yatta's mom Mata pulled her back and whispered.

"Yatta! What are you thinking?"

"Mama. Daddy died in war because they didn't have enough nurses to treat everyone, I won't let my friends have to suffer through that too." Yatta said.

"Ahem! Do we have a nurse or not?" It was Lieutenant Rango who'd asked this. Mata patted Yatta's hand and frowned as she let go. Yatta turned around and looked Lieutenant Rango in the eye and said, "Yes sir!"

"Sir!" It was the sound of a terrified and weak sounding voice that called Lieutenant Rango. It was Guaca.

"I would like to volunteer as a soldier!" Guaca said trying to keep his trembling voice firm.

"No!" It was Guaca's father who'd said this. "Please don't allow it!" Guaca's dad pleaded.

"Are you entitled to your decision boy?" Lieutenant Rango asked using an intimidating voice looking down at Guaca with his shadow casting over both of them. Guaca looked up at him a bit terrified looking at the shaded face of Lieutenant Rango before forcing himself to nod, he was sorrowful but determined.

"Moleguaco!" Rango called turning to Mr. M. who frowned not wanting to send off more of his students as he dug through the bag containing the scrolls and pulled out one nameless volunteer scroll and handed it to Guaca.

Chicha covered her hand over her mouth in shock at this scene. Kuzco and Pacha both frowned.

"Is this what village teens do for their fathers? Join them in battle or go in their place?" Kuzco thought observing a scene so forieghn to him.

The next name that was called was like a blow to the chest for Chicha, the kids watching on the roof, and Kuzco.

"Pacha, the village leader!" Everyone gasped.

"Dad!" Chaca, Tipo, even Yupi cried from the roof top. They were so high up no one heard them. Pacha began walking up to Mr. M. to receive the scroll. At this moment Kuzco finally snapped.

"No!" Kuzco ran up and spread his arms out blocking Pacha's path much to the surprise of Pacha, the soldiers, council member, and the entire village watching.

"I won't allow anyone in this village to get drafted! I asked for immunity, you all said-!"

"We said we'll consider it." Rango cut off in a snarling impatient tone.

"As emperor I demanded it! That was an order! I allowed the draft as long as this village had immunity!" Kuzco shouted. Before he knew it a heavy wooden stick was swung at Kuzco. Kuzco felt the stick strike his upper right arm and part of his back, knocking the air out of him as he hit the ground. He heard the villagers gasp and Pacha and Chicha shout out his name in worry. From the rooftop Chaca gasped and covered Yupi's eyes.

"Kuzco!" Tipo cried. Pacha and Chicha hurried beside Kuzco as he tried to sit up gasping for breath. The end of the stick was brought to Kuzo's face in a threatening manner. Kuzco's eyes widened as he eyed it.

"Kuzco!" Malina shouted. She was about to run up to him before her parents pulled her back. General Rick and Commander Aaron as did all of the other soldiers, villagers, and Kuzco's friends looked on in shock that a lowly lieutenant struck the emperor to be with a wooden staff.

The end of the staff was still looming threateningly in front of Kuzco's face.

"We knew you'd never agree to this draft. You've already grown too attached to peasant life and those you live amongst. We figured the best we can do was lie to you." Kuzco grit his teeth and glared. He growled as he rose about to charge at Rango before Pacha and Chicha held him back. Kuzco looked up at Mr. M. still glaring.

"Did you know about this!?" He asked. Mr. M's eyes were wide still shocked at what just occurred and shook his head.

"Pacha!" Rango said sternly demanding the village leader his attention. "I believe you have a scroll to receive. Mr. M. frowned as he had no other choice but to hand Pacha his draft scroll. Kuzco shot his hand out trying to reach for Pacha as Chicha still held him back.

"No!" Kuzco said.

"Kuzco, it'll be alright." Chicha said.

"Pacha," Mr. M. said, "since you are village leader, leading the village cannot go unattended. While you're away the council decided to leave village leading duties to the elder, Urkon." Pacha's eyes blinked.

"Urkon? Are you sure?" Mr. M. nodded. Pacha let out a breath as he grabbed the scroll and walked back to Chicha and Kuzco, his back straight and braver than anyone else who has already received a scroll.

"No! I won't allow this!" Kuzco shouted.

Kuzco tried breaking free from Chicha's grip.

"Kuzco, there's nothing more you can do… it's done." Chicha said trying to calm Kuzco down. Kuzco broke free and ran up to the pathway where the llamas were riding away carrying Mr. M. and the soldiers.

"I won't allow this. I'll find a way to-!" Lieutenant Rango turned around on his llama and pointed the wooden staff at Kuzco threateningly.

"To what little boy? Find immunity and save your friends? It's too late for that. You failed them." Kuzco was knocked to the ground by the end of the stick thrusting Kuzco in the chest. Kuzco hit the ground yet again. The end of the staff was this time stuck under Kuzco's chin and forced him to look up at Rango which was difficult to do under the glare of the sun.

"For an Emperor you're hella unruly! You're an embarrassment to royalty, by standing up for people as worthless as easily replaceable peasants!" Rango spat. He jumped off his llama and intimidatingly glared at Kuzco.

"And for the record you are not the emperor." Rango turned around and hopped back onto his llama and rode off with the others. Kuzco looked down as the reminder of not being the emperor and not being able to control his kingdom's affairs or the army hit him again. Pacha and Chicha came up beside him and helped him up. Kuzco caught several looks from the villagers some angry, some confused, others who actually looked grateful for Kuzco trying to help them, even a few looked satisfied at the sight of Kuzco getting beat around for once.

Pacha and Chicha brought Kuzco back to the hut once the village decided it was time to head in and shut the doors and windows for a moment of peace. Chaca, Tipo, and Yupi were already inside acting as if they hadn't seen the scene outside.

Later that evening…

Another summer storm was raging outside the hut like the night before the last day of school.

Kuzco and his foster family were eating dinner in silence that evening. Kuzco felt his appetite slipping little by little as the guilt made his stomach feel sludgy. After the beating Kuzco received today Chicha and Malina, who'd come over had to nurse him back to health. There were a few bruises on his right arm and back when he was struck the first time and one on his chest where the staff had struck him the second time.

Kuzco began to feel the silence weighing over thickly. Chicha had also felt the silence become tense she turned to the children and said, "Kids, as soon as you finish go upstairs and head to bed. Chaca and Tipo nodded in understanding why, unfortunately they made it a little too obvious why.

"You heard and saw everything, didn't you?" Chicha asked. Chaca and Tipo both nodded guiltily, even Yupi looked a bit guilty as he looked down. Kuzco wrinkled his forehead in anger as he looked to the side.

"Don't worry." Pacha said. "Everything will be alright. I promise." Pacha looked at his kids showing so much bravery while displaying genuine promise. The sound of silverware clattering against a plate was heard from one end of the table. Everyone turned to look at Kuzco who had his hands clasped together and headed facing down at them, his hair blocking all traces of his face.

"This is all my fault. You shouldn't have to go Pacha." Kuzco said, his voice sounding nearly self-loathing.

"Kuzco..." Chicha said trailing off.

"Kuzco, I know you tried your best but in the end we have to do whatever we can to help lives in danger. Even if it doesn't go the way we plan." Pacha said.

"But you-!"

"I can handle myself Kuzco! You should learn to do that for yourself!" Pacha said his voice raised. Kuzco was silenced at that. He stared at Pacha for only a few seconds which felt like hours for everyone at the table. Kuzco grit his teeth unable to hold his temper, what Pacha said hit close to home. He slammed the side of his fist against the table in frustration.

"This isn't right! They should've listened to me! They lied and disobeyed me! Now they're putting innocent people in danger! They're no better than I was…" Kuzco said beginning to raise his voice as well. Pacha didn't like this and kept his voice raised as well.

"Kuzco you didn't get your way, that happens in life. You need to understand just because you're in line for the throne doesn't mean things are always going to go your way! Sorry Kuzco but this time you had no power over them… Y-you… you just weren't strong enough." Kuzco's eyes widened at this.

"You think I'm not strong enough to protect my kingdom?" Kuzco asked. Pacha looked down then back at Kuzco about to speak. Kuzco shook his head looking at Pacha not wanting to hear what he had to say and ran out of the kitchen. The door to the hut was heard slammed shut. Pacha sighed placing a hand on his head before sitting down. Chicha had her hands clasped together under her chin unable to speak. She stood and asked her children to go upstairs to bed.

"Okay." They both said reluctantly." She lifted Yupi from his high chair who appeared stunned into silence by the intensity of the night, even at his young age he understood when things were going wrong. The kids all hugged and wished their father goodnight. Pacha held them closely, part of him believing it would be the last time he will. The kids slowly and reluctantly made their way upstairs to their shared bedroom in the attic. Chicha and Pacha watched their children head upstairs with unshed tears in their eyes. Chicha, still holding Yupi walked up to Pacha. He grazed his hand against Yupi's face affectionately and kissed him on his head. Chicha leaned up to him, Pacha held his wife close to him who rested her head on his shoulder. They stayed like that with Yupi slowly falling asleep between them for a long moment. Chicha broke the silence first in a whisper, careful not to wake Yupi.

"You should go talk to him…" Chicha said as a suggestion. Pacha's head was against the side of his wife's head. He shook his head at her suggestion.

"I can't." He said. "All the important stuff, can't be taught, sometimes he just has to learn…"

XXXX

Kuzco sat on the fence of the llama pen watching the hut with longing eyes. For once in Kuzco's life he didn't care he was getting soaking wet in the middle of a cold summer storm.

As much as Kuzco denied it for the past year he's been living with them, this was his home, these people are his family. He asked for immunity to protect them, yet in some ways it was still wrong trying to protect a small amount when there was a greater amount fighting for their lives. Kuzco didn't want to send Pacha out there, not after all he's done for him from the moment they met a second time, as llama and human. Kuzco understood Pacha felt like Kuzco had repaid his debt the moment he saved him from falling off a cliff and falling from the palace structure. But Kuzco didn't believe his debt was all the way paid. Those two times he saved Pacha didn't require Kuzcp to risk his life, of course one of them meant sacrificing an old life but they managed to pull through in the end and get his old life back.

Kuzco thought back on the moment when Guaca and Kavo both volunteered to join the army, one to protect his own father, the other to stand beside him.

"Why would they do that?" Kuzco thought. Kuzco had no father, he got lost at sea a year after Kuzco was born, he didn't understand the relationship fathers and sons were supposed to have. All Kuzco knew was that Pacha had been like a father to Kuzco for sometime now, he understood a father was there to guide you, protect you, advise you, raise you… but a son…? Kuzco didn't understand the meaning of the word son. They were all different just like fathers only more complicated. How are they supposed to repay everything a father does for their son? He knows that on certain occasions Tipo gives Pacha gifts. But that's child's play. Tipo's still too young, still under the guidance of Pacha too be able to fully repay what Pacha will teach him as he grows. Kavo chose to take his father's place in the army, Guaca chose to join his, Kronk and Krank are expected to follow in the footsteps of theirs' and joined their's. Kuzco was already grown, he may've not known Pacha for very long, but he knows he owes him for everything he's done. Pacha risked his life to get him back to the palace, in return, Kuzco saved him from falling off a cliff. That's one debt paid. Pacha taught him how to work as a team when both their lives were at risk, Pacha saved them both, in return Kuzco chose to save him instead of saving his ticket back to his old life. That's two debts paid. When Kuzco was throne out of the only home he's ever known, Pacha stepped forward and offered him a new one, a real one, with a warm family, good neighbors and friends as a bonus. In return Kuzco tried protecting it. That's a third debt… unpaid…

Kuzco stared at the hut and waited until the final piece of candlelight from inside was blown out.

Kuzco's eyes narrowed determinedly. Kuzco was expected to follow in the footsteps of his own father. Take his place in the throne. Bottom line was, Kuzco never met him. Never knew him. How can he? Kuzco knows Pacha, and owes him. Pacha, who is like a father to him, still had his family to raise. Kuzco couldn't allow it, to have Tipo, Chaca, and Yupi to grow up without him. To have an empty void where someone significant is supposed to be. Both Pacha and Chicha filled two empty voids Kuzco had. Kuzco couldn't tear them apart, not after the way his mother reacted when the news of his father's disappearance shattered her, he could only imagine how Chicha would react if this family lost Pacha. Kuzco shook his head. Pacha was too important, village leader, family man. Kuzco knew he had to save him, but how?"

…

It was against the law for an emperor without an heir, to join the army. But like Lieutenant Rango said, Kuzco was not the emperor.

Kuzco watched as the last candle light from inside the hut was blown away, darkening the whole inside of the hut. Kuzco rose from the fence, and hurried to get his new priorities done. And that's protecting his family.

Kuzco snuck into his shared room where the kids, Chaca, Tipo, and Yupi have each already been laid to rest. Pacha and Chicha have already gone to their room, which Kuzco was grateful for being able to avoid them. The first thing Kuzco needed to do was grab his doodle notebook and hurriedly wrote everything he needed to write down in it. Kuzco didn't even bother to rip out the pages with his old doodles. As soon as he finished writing everything he needed to right down in it. He slipped the notebook under Tipo's pillow carefuly not to wake him. Next he grabbed his lucky golden llama comb (the one he used in the film) and slid it under Chaca's pillow. It was good a detangling hair and he assumed Chaca might like it for herself or for her dolls. The gift he was leaving for Yupi was a bit heart wrenching for Kuzco. He grabbed his big Wompy, the one his mother handmade for him, hugged it one last time and hesitatingly placed it beside Yupi who actually appeared to be having a bad dream, he immediately felt the soft object when Kuzco placed it beside him in his sleep and hugged it with all his little might. Kuzco felt tears stinging the corners of his eyes. He wiped them with the sleeve of his red tunic before they could fall. Kuzco watched as Yupi calmed down immediately.

"Take care of him Wompy, he needs you more than I do now." Kuzco thought as he watched his Wompy get held by a new owner Kuzco stepped away and hesitated turning around before looking back at all three kids he's come to think of as siblings before turning away and walking out of the room.

He hurried into Pacha's and Chicha's room who were fortunately both fast asleep.

Kuzco watched them as they slept for a moment. He remembered as a young child the many times he would wake up crying from bad dreams and run to his mother's bedroom for comfort. She was always alone, but always there for him. Then that day happened, when the news his father's ship was no longer being tracked and had gone missing, his mother's heart broke. He'd had a nightmare that night, he tried awakening her for comfort and she didn't she was still, absolutely still and cold as ice. He called out to anyone in the palace who would help him reawaken his mother. As soon as someone came to check on her they called a doctor, after her examination he was told she was gone. Kuzco didn't sleep at all that night Four months later on his sixth birthday Kuzco received a gift that was hidden in his mother's closet. He was told a very short man who was a head council member was in charge of organizing her things after her funeral and had found it and given it to Kuzco anonymously. On the card read,

From: Mother

To: Kuzco

May your nightmares forever vanish.

Inside the box was the original hand stitched Wompy. Kuzco recognized the stitching as his mother's handy work, considering the number of times he'd ripped his emperor robes while playing fútbol around the palace grounds. That very Wompy now had a new owner. An owner who received it with his parents still together when the original did not. Kuzco couldn't help but feel he was giving Yupi, Pacha, and Chicha the life he didn't have. Kuzco looked down.

"They're good people, they deserve it." Kuzco thought. He turned to the drawer beside Pacha and Chicha's bed. On it was an unlit candle and the draft scroll with Pacha's name on it. Kuzco gulped silently as he reached for it. He grabbed it and in its place left his half of his father's locket, just like Wompy, it was painful to let it go but he needed something significant to let them know Kuzco was gone. Pacha was the only one who knew about the locket so he'll recognize it immediately. Kuzco turned away ready to run out of the room before turning back and giving his guardians one last look. He gave them a small smile before turning away and heading out of the hut.

The storm was still raging outside. Kuzco forced himself to the shed where Pacha stored everything important. At some point this place was of unimportance to Kuzco, who'd always assumed the shed was filled with Pacha's useless peasant junk, but now it must be the only place where he'd hide his army uniform. Around the hours when Chicha and Malina were nursing his bruises several more soldiers arrived during the afternoon when Kuzco was forced to take a nap, those soldiers delivered Pacha's army uniform which he would be taking tomorrow. He knew Pacha must've hid it in the shed so the kids woudn't see it.

To Kuzco's annoyance the shed was locked. He turned to his side and rammed against the door with his non-bruised arm. He grunted as he barged against it. It was a bit painful but luckily the material wasn't sturdy enough and Kuzco managed to break the rusting lock and ram the door wide open. Kuzco fell inside and hit the floor. He got himself up quickly and looked around the shed. He spotted the uniform hanging on a wall. Kuzco walked towards it and looked at it. The military doesn't have time to customize armor and clothes to fit each individual so they all wear a one-size-fits-all uniform to Kuzco's convenience. Kuzco grabbed the armor and began the process of placing it on. It took him a while to figure it out before finally getting it right. Kuzco needed to remove his earrings they were too recognizable. He hid them in a box. Then there was his easily recognizable long shoulder length hair. He realized he may need to cut it, but there was no useful object in sight. However he found a piece of black rope in a box. He used it to tie his hair up, not in a ponytail but in a bun so small the rope managed to camouflage in his hair and gave the illusion of him having short hair. Kuzco found Pacha's bow and arrow and Misty's saddle and lifted them. The arrow isn't strong enough to cut his hair but the rope will be enough. Kuzco took the bow, saddle, and sack of arrows and rushed out of the shed. He made his way over to the llama pen. There all the llamas were seen fast asleep. He made his way where Misty was resting beside her daughter Fluffy. The white llama with the pink bow on her head. Kuzco once thought her to be a demon llama once, which technically wasn't untrue at the time. Kuzco felt guilty about this but Misty is the bravest and strongest llama there is. He awoke Misty who was startled at the sight of Kuzco in the army uniform, not recognizing him with short hair. Kuzco calmed her down before she could panic.

"Misty, I need you to do me a favor…" Misty turned away about to lie down completely ignoring Kuzco before he spoke up again, "Fine don't do it for me, but do it for Pacha, please?" Misty stopped in her tracks and turned back to Kuzco. Kuzco reached out his hand to her.

"Please?" He asked. Misty stared at Kuzco for a moment before looking down at her sleeping cria. She leaned down and nuzzled Fluffy with her snout. Kuzco heard Fluffy murmur in her sleep as she felt her mother's affectionate nuzzle. Misty stood back up straight and walked towards Kuzco. Kuzco patted Misty on the head and got to work on settling the saddle on her back.

As soon as Kuzco finished he swung a leg over Misty's saddle, he turned back and took one last look at the dark hut and at Fluffy making a silent promise to return her mother back safely, however he made no such promise to everyone of clan Pacha that he'll return… ever.

Kuzco yanked at the reigns and Misty took off out of the pen into the rainy night. Neither her nor Kuzco looking back.

XXXX

Tipo tossed and turned in his sleep rapidly, he quickly shot up awake with a gasp as a blast of thunder sounded from outside the hut however it was not the thunder that woke him. Chaca found herself awake the same moment Tipo had. Tipo rushed out of the room before Chaca got the chance to process what was happening, and got out of bed following Tipo in pursuit.

Tipo wasted no time in barging into his parents' room and automatically exclaimed,

"Mom! Dad! Kuzco's gone!" Both his parents sat up abruptly and groggily surprised at the exclamation.

"What?" They both said confused. Pacha's eyes immediately widened as what Tipo had just said finally sunk in. He looked at Tipo and Chaca who were both standing at his and Chicha's bedroom door. Chaca was carrying a candle in her hands illuminating the room. In the corner of Pacha's eyes he caught sight of something glimmering from the light on the desk drawer. Pacha turned to the bedside drawer and caught sight of what could only be…- Pacha grabbed it hastily and looked at it in shock.

Kuzco's locket!

Pacha shook his head while staring at it in shock.

"He didn't…" Before anyone knew it Pacha was hurrying out the door into the rainy night. Everyone hurriedly in worry ran out behind him. Pacha ran straight towards the shed. To his dread, it was already open and quite forcefully if you might add. Pacha looked inside. The armor, the bow, arrows, saddle, all gone. Chicha ran beside Pacha at the shed and to add to his worry she'd said, "Misty's gone too." Pacha ran to the opposite side of the shed and ran out the path near the stable, there his children stood there staring at llama tracks disappearing thanks to the rain and mud. Chicha came up beside Pacha and caught sight of the disappearing tracks. She turned to Pacha.

"You have to go after him! What if he…"

Pacha shook his head solemnly, interrupting his wife. He turned to her and said,

"He broke a law. He's next in line for the throne, going off to war without an heir to take over for him… who knows what they'll do to him…" Chicha covered her mouth and leaned her head on her husband's shoulder and let out silent sobs. Pacha held her close as he watched the llama tracks completely disappear from the muddy path. Chaca was frowning sadly as she watched the tracks. Tipo looked up at the sky and said, "Sun God… please take care of Kuzco for us."

A/N:

Yahoo! First day of (Olaf singing voice) SUMMER! The chapter's posted and I sent Kuzco off to war, wait no, that's not a good thing… whatever it's part of the story. Yep, this chapter definitely resembled Mulan but hey I told you guys that in one of my earlier chapter A/N's also I definitely feel like Tipo and Chaca have some sort of psychic abilities that were never expanded on in the series so I just had to add it here and maybe even Yupi has it, which obviously explains why he was having a bad dream he may've seen Kuzco's future or not. You'll never know. Hehe. JK, you'll all find out in due time. However I am going to get to work on the next chapter and remember in the first chapter how Kuzco was panicking about summer homework? Well guess what, it's real and I have to do it. :( Damn the IB Program!

Anyway thanks for reading! Review and recommend please.

Sincerely,

"SS8*