Chapter 7 Goodbye Bai Hu

Theos stirred it had been a long time since he had slept in like this. His mouth opened into a yawn. His teeth mostly healed from last night's mining. Their jagged ridges shining slightly in the morning light. He blinked several times lazily. He plopped back down, the events of last night still staining his fur and leaving him with a faint ache. He snuggled closer to Kemba not wanting this to end. His head turned to the sun and mind to what today was. They were due to meet Max and go to W.A.D.A.

Theos sat back up and slid out of bed to go relieve himself. Once he was done, he sat under the window licking his mane. Then he went over and nuzzled Kemba awake before giving him a plaintive kiss as an incentive to get up. Kemba awoke to Theos' kiss and opened his eyes with Theos smiling over him.

"Today's the day we join W.A.D.A." Theos said with a smile. Kemba had thought about it, it was morning wasn't it but he had a dream last night. One of his village and people, he wondered how it was after all this time. Was it abandoned? Did some of his people return? It was questions he hadn't really thought about.

"Yea I suppose it is." He said moving off the bed. Kemba ached here and there and it reminded him, he probably shouldn't go anywhere with Theos' scent still very strongly on him.

"I'm not going anywhere feeling like this, and smelling like this." Kemba said heading off towards the bath, stepping over his armor. Theos smelled himself, he was no better off in the smell department. He followed Kemba into the bathroom.

"We should probably eat to. We aren't going to those dreaded mines so no reason to rush, right?" Kemba said beginning to fill the tub. "So about last night... what does this mean for us?" Kemba wondered if it was just a spur of the moment to forget the tragic events. It was possible they did anything they could to forget. He needed to be sure.

"It means we are mates... I feel it in my bones. I do not know how but I do know my kind mates for life," Theos said and walked over. "And you? Do you feel as though this is for life?" Theos would understand if he didn't. Very few species mated for life didn't they. Honestly, if he didn't want to be his mate he never would have let him do what he did.

Theos watched the water and waited for him to turn it off before hopping in causing a splash. Kemba instinctively covered his face as his white fur dampened and dripped from being splashed. Kemba didn't mind and smiled as he jumped in with a laugh. He came up from the water and shook the water from his eyes and touched his nose to Theos making him smile. Theos never realized how much he liked water. All the ponds and small lakes of the mountains were much too cold to swim in. They were there for mainly drinking. Occasionally someone daring would jump in but get right back out. Their idea of baths was preening and licking themselves clean.

"You mate for life huh? That's good. I can have you all to myself then." He teased a kiss, but pulled himself away and swam to the back of the tub. Theos watched him swim away, his head slightly cocked.

"I left my village when I was six, so I don't know about that sort of thing, I can't see myself with anyone else." Kemba made a goofy face and placed his hand over his mouth and looked at Theos. "Though I'm only sixteen so I have a long life ahead of me." Kemba teased. "My kind rely on affection, so if you start falling behind, I can't guarantee that we will have a repeat of last night." He said.

Kemba opened his legs under the water and sat down on the bottom, his nose and eyes the only things visible while he sat. He stared at Theos on the other side, watching him. Kemba had found the perfect Digimon and was admiring him in his mind while he stared.

Rely of affection huh? Well they are weapon digimon, it only made sense that they relied on others. He'd do his best to make sure there was plenty of repeats. "Well I can guarantee we will...so I guess we got a fifty-fifty chance," Theos said smiling.

He disappeared under the water and walked over on the bottom. His nose coming up bopping Kembas before playfully bounding away with a splash. Kemba chuckled as Theos teased him back, it was cute. Kemba submerged himself and crawled along the bottom towards Theos, and reappeared as close to him as he could get. He wrapped his arms around Theos and pulled him to his body. He teased his paw, placing it on Theos's underbelly and moved it inward.

"I have half a mind to make it one hundred." Kemba said nibbling Theos's ear playfully and purring. Theos laughed as his ear was tickled with noise and touch. Kemba stopped his paw just before reaching its desired destination, resting it, teasing his partner. He took his other paw and lovingly pet the fur on Theos chest. Kemba leaned against the tub with his soulmate wrapped in his arms. Theos was a little disappointed but he didn't mind, he rested against Kemba, his head leaning onto one of his shoulders.

"Mind if we relax like this a bit? I have a feeling it will be a while before we can be this close again." Kemba sounded a bit sad as he rested his head against Theos's back, Theos could tell something was on his mind. Theos thought about it, yeah, they were going to be busy settling into W.A.D.A... but there was something else behind his tone. Kemba was purring as he enjoyed Theos's companionship.

"What do you mean," Theos asked remaining as he was. He also wanted to remain close. Kemba stopped purring after Theos asked him. The young cub sighed.

"I had a dream last night, one I hadn't had in a long time. It was about my home village, Aello. I was back home, in the thick snow with my pa. Enjoying the mountain air." Kemba smiled, "Now that I think about it, I also came from a mountain. Though it's much farther than here. I get that feeling anyway. I don't remember much of it. Just when I was a young." Kemba rested his chin on Theos as he continued.

"After all these years, I still don't know anything. If I'm the last of my kind, if anyone came back to the village...if it's still in ruins." Kemba took a moment to reflect, his paws gripping Theos tighter underneath and on his chest. Theos smile faded, it was an interesting thought. After so many years if anyone had come back he didn't doubt that it had been rebuilt at least partially. "I want to know what happened now that a decade has gone by." Kemba said burying his face into Theos a moment. "I want to see Aello. So...I'm not going to join W.A.D.A. yet. Not until I see Aello and close the book on my childhood. I guess from everything that has happened... it's the last part of me that needs closure. So, being here, this close. Touching your body and hearing your heartbeat. Feeling your love... I want to hold on to it for as long as I can because I can't go with you right now." Kemba frowned a bit. Theos wouldn't force him to come with him.

"I love you so very much, Theos. I want to spend endless time with you and grow old. I want to tell anyone and everyone who will listen, about you. Become stronger by your side and have many many nights like yesterday...but I can't do that if my mind is afflicted." Kemba continued to stroke Theos' chest and gave a soft smile. Conflicted between him and his old home? Wasn't one's home and future with the one they loved?

"So... I have to put W.A.D.A. off for a little while. Okay?" Kemba wanted very badly to ask Theos to travel with him. The words were on his lips but they never came. W.A.D.A. was his dream and Dan's and with Dan gone, it was up to Theos and himself to fulfil it. Theos could do that now and he wouldn't be selfish enough to ask him to forgo it. Kemba's tail swayed back and forth on the water's surface as he contemplated these things.

"Do you want me to go with you," Theos asked. He'd leave it up to Kemba, Kemba froze at the question. Yes! He thought but the word didn't come. Theos admitted to himself he wanted to join W.A.D.A. it had always been his dream to meet humans but it was a want not a need. Family was more important to him than anything. Though he did question whether it would be safe. Ara had wanted him for something called Cursed Exodus and he still didn't know if that meant he was a target. He would probably be safer at W.A.D.A. The thought of parting was a hard one...

"Well..." Kemba began, Theos run away with me! Please! These thoughts ran through his mind, he couldn't say them. "You've been waiting for this for so long." He said, but being separate from you would be too difficult! Come with me! Another unspoken thought. "I want you to join W.A.D.A." Kemba said kissing Theos neck to avoid eye contact. Theos raised his head a bit to nose at Kembas ear exposing his neck further as a sign of trust as Kemba kissed it. That's not true! I want you to come with me. Ran through Kemba's mind. His grip loosened and he stopped stroking Theos.

"I'll join you when I finally learned what came of my people. Whether it's still in ruins or a thriving paradise, I'll return to you." Kemba added. I don't want to see you go. He thought, he couldn't say what was on his heart for Theos' sake. It made his stomach hurt. Theos rested there, it was something Kemba truly had to do. How could he say no or push himself on him? "I'll be as quick as I can." Kemba put on a fake smile. Why won't I tell him the truth? Why won't I be selfish? Kemba asked himself silently. "So, can you wait for me a while?" Kemba asked. I just found my soulmate...and yet I am prepared to leave him. I'll suffer so he can thrive. This is the extent of my affection. I'm such a stupid lion. Kemba thought. His embrace of Theos had all but disappeared, allowing Theos to move if he chose.

"I'd wait forever if I have to, and then some. You do what you need to," Theos said pulling away slightly to look at Kemba. "I'll make sure every moment I'm not on duty I will come visit you," Theos said and gave a sad smile. He gave Kemba a kiss and started to get out, the moment was over, Kemba hated it. He remained in the tub alone, watching Theos dry off and he leaned over the tub. Theos would be lying if he wasn't sad. But he knew they both would be all the better for it eventually. Their love wouldn't burn out like some couples. Instead it would grow with each simple moment they had together, just like this.

"How will you find me? We won't be able to talk to one another." Kemba said looking sad. He wanted to pull Theos back into the water with him, to extend this time he had. It was ending to quickly, why did real life have to begin so soon? He reached one of his paws out grasping at the air, as Theos was too far. After a moment, he also hopped out of the water, and knelt draining the tub. Down the drain went the rest of his precious moment. Kemba silently cursed the day, and wished for the previous few seconds back. He stood up, dripping wet. His damp fur outlining his body well, he turned his face back towards Theos.

"I wonder if I can write you letters..." Kemba said his tail swaying back and forth. He had gotten a chill down his spine as a cool breeze touched him. He gripped his arms and waited for Theos to hand him the towel.

Of course, they would allow it. Theos tossed the towel around Kemba and hugged him close with it slowly drying him off.

"I'm sure I can," Kemba added, he was still struggling to let Theos join W.A.D.A. but he put the thought to the back of his mind. While Kemba was drying, his stomach had made a growl, he grabbed his belly and looked at Theos.

"Yes, you can as much as you want," Theos said putting the towel up.

"Want some eggs?" Kemba asked, he had been alone for so long he had learned how to cook for himself. He had no idea if his cooking was any good but he liked it himself. He would share his first and final breakfast for a while with Theos. He would make the best things he could if Theos were to want it. Theos followed Kemba towards the kitchen.

"Of course, Can't go anywhere on an empty stomach can we," Theos said with a smile. "We have a long way to go to find your home after all." Letters wouldn't work...he was ready to sacrifice his childish dreams. He had to grow, sometime, right? Kemba nearly tripped over himself when he heard those words. Was Theos serious or was this some cruel joke?

Kemba looked at him, "What did you just say?" Kemba's heart nearly failed. "I thought I heard you say we have a long way to go to find my home." Kemba put a finger in his ear to see if there was water lodged in it. "That couldn't be what I heard, because you were going to join W.A.D.A., I want you to join W.A.D.A. and fulfill your... our dream. You don't need to give it up at my expense." Kemba said, his heart began to pick up pace. He started to grow excited, had the cries of his heart reached Theos somehow? Those unspoken thoughts? Was their bond truly that grand that one could see the heart of the other? It was hard to imagine. Theos smile just kept growing wider at Kemba's disbelief. He had to say his look of surprise was cute.

"Besides, I haven't the slightest clue on where to even begin." Kemba said, he grabbed his left arm and looked away at the floor.

Which made it even more important. "You should leave and live the life you want." Kemba added. It was obvious to Theos about his partner's underlying excitement, even if he was trying to play if off, his heart and body couldn't lie. The life he wanted... he had dreamed of glory, humans and helping others but not everyone needed to be a hero.

"I mean it. I dreamed of W.A.D.A. and being a hero... but in some ways, they are the dream of a child. Ara opened my eyes to that. Acting the hero, trying to save others... you can't save everyone. And more often than not you only end up getting hurt yourself," Theos said stopping a few steps away. Kemba's heart felt like it was floating on the clouds. "Glory, money, title means nothing in the face of family and love though. I'll go wherever you go." Theos said and smiled. Kemba's tail stiffened and his face gradually got happier and happier. His body began to shake with excitement.

"We'll travel and learn and find your home," Theos said giving Kemba a kiss and pulled away. Wait. Don't stop! Kemba thought. "Now how about breakfast." He said giving Kemba no time to argue. Kemba embraced Theos, kissing him deeply. It was a surprise to be sure, but Kemba couldn't contain his overflowing happiness. Theos leaned into the kiss not wanting it to stop. After a few long moments, it did though. He let out a happy chuckle, grinning ear to ear. Kemba stopped and his eyes were teary with joy. He looked Theos in the eyes and just smiled. Kemba embraced him in a tight hug briefly.

He turned around and ran over to the kitchen and flipped on the stove, reaching for the eggs in his fridge. He was humming a happy tune and looked back at his partner. Theos broke into a full smile and shook his head. He found Kemba's overreaction endearing.

"I'm going to make you the best breakfast I've ever made!" Kemba began to prepare the food, his tail waving back and forth, his hips were swaying left to right as he hummed his happy tune. He was so happy that his heart reached Theos. He knew now that his kind must mate for life as well, there was no other explanation. Theos sat at the table to wait. He enjoyed seeing Kemba like this. Someone was missing from this picture though. He could just imagine Dan teasing him. The wound was still fresh...but it was healing quickly it seemed in the company of one another.

"Want anything else with it?" Kemba asked not taking his eyes off the eggs.

"Hmmm, rocks," Theos questioned. Not a usual meal for most so he doubted he had any but it never hurt to ask. His tail swayed slightly. "I'll need to tell grandpa of our change in plans. Maybe he knows of a place with snow and a mountain. I know the harpymon of my mountain mentioned hot springs in a tundra but I'm not sure where that is."

Kemba let out a nervous laugh, "Rocks? I forgot you liked minerals... I'm fresh out." Kemba placed the eggs on a plate and walked them over to Theos, "I hope you like them. W.A.D.A. gave them to me, they're from an animal on the human world called a chicken. It took me years to learn how to cook them just right." Kemba walked back to the kitchen and poured them each a glass of water and brought it over, sitting across from Theos. A chicken? Theos wondered what such a thing would look like.

"Jared does seem wise enough to point us in the right direction." Kemba took a bite of his eggs and made a hum of pleasure. His face lighting up at the taste. Theos took a bite of the substance. It tasted new and strange. It wasn't terrible but definitely not a favorite. "Delicious!" Kemba took another bite. So long as he liked it though. Theos ate with a smile.

"Tundra is the name of the continent my village is in. I remember it being very cold and full of snow. I haven't seen snow since I was six years old." Kemba said. Theos wondered if he loved the snow. "I know of those hot springs but I was too young to go down the mountain. I'd be blown away by the harsh winds." Kemba paused to take a drink from his glass, some of the water escaped and streamed down his mouth being absorbed into his fur. He put the glass down and played with his remaining egg,

So Kemba's home was close to the hot springs. The harpymon were an unknown boon it seemed.

"Do you think Jared...will be okay with the two of us? You know... being lovers? I don't want to sour your relationship with your grandpa." Kemba asked. "We can hide it from him if it helps, but I'm not letting you go to save the world." Kemba said pointing his fork at Theos. Theos doubted his grandfather would be against it. He was a kind and an understanding old digimon.

"Anyway, do you want more or anything else before we set out?" Theos had finished while he spoke.

"I'm good, and I don't think he will be against it at all. If anything, he'll be happy I found someone." Theos said smiling. He grabbed his plate and took it to the sink. "He may be a little upset I'm not following my dream, but he's understanding when it comes to family. He'll understand why," Theos continued and washed his plate and Kemba's when he brought it over. Kemba did own a dishwasher but Theos looked happy cleaning it.

"So, we know where we have to go. We just need a direction, and once we are there maybe the city or someone in the hot springs will know where the village is," Theos said turning to Kemba. "It will be a long trek though... we need to make sure we have enough food, water and things. I got lucky crossing the desert because I had none of that." Theos said thinking back.

Kemba nodded, "Well, on our way, we can visit the different towns. It doesn't have to be all business you know. It will be both of our time seeing the vast world. Besides, I'm sure other towns will have people who could help us. I have quite a bit of units saved up from working so long, so we can shop here and there if we need to." Kemba said walking to his bed, avoiding his armor and reaching underneath. He pulled out a small but heavy satchel. He smiled at it as the money inside clanged together. Kemba took his breastplate and placed the satchel inside. He walked back over to the bathroom and brushed his teeth while relieving himself. Theos smiled, he had to admit they probably would discover a lot of places. He walked out of the kitchen and sat down licking his mane again.

It wasn't long before Kemba was ready to go. "Theos, in the fridge, there is a cabinet with a small bag. It has un-perishables inside. It is small but it should get us to our first stop...I hope." Kemba said giving a nervous smile. He began dressing himself, putting his armor back on and sheathing his weapon. He moved to the kitchen, and took his remaining bottles of water about ten or so, placing them in a separate satchel which he threw over his shoulder. Theos nodded grabbing the bag and swinging it up around his neck.

"Hmm...I think we're set. Are we forgetting anything?" Kemba asked.

"Money, food, water, I think we have everything we need." Theos said nodding. He walked back out of the kitchen and nuzzled Kemba. "Shall we go?" He asked. He was ready to leave this place. Of course, they had to stop by the factory first where Jared waited with Max. Theos wanted to say goodbye and thank you.

Kemba looked at Theos and nodded, "Let's go. A new adventure awaits!" Kemba said approaching the door, he opened it and would allow Theos out first, his tail playfully whipping Theos's butt earning a chuckle. He looked back at his home and eyed it. It would be a long time before he saw it again.

"I'm proud of you Kemba." Dan said appearing in the middle of the room. He sat there, smiling at Kemba. Of course, he wasn't truly there but Kemba returned the smile and turned away, a small tear flying out of the corner of his eye fading into the darkness of his unlit home. Kemba closed the door and locked it, he ran up the steps to meet Theos, nudging his nose to Theos and walking off towards Jared. Their adventure of unknown stories was about to begin. A journey of love and companionship. Danger and excitement. A journey together at last.

They took the same familiar path they had always walked down; the feeling was euphoric. With it being the last time they traveled this way. Memories of sleepily heading to work in their minds. In the end, they would remember this road but it would not remember them. The sand shifted in the faint breeze erasing their paw prints.

The truck had already departed by this time and everyone was hard at work inside the factory when Theos and Kemba arrived, Jared put a smile on when he saw Theos approach. It seemed so different in the day than early morning and late night. It was for the most part quiet. Near the center stood Max and Jared along with Nanimon. Theos hopped forward happily. He was happy to see his grandfather again.

"Hi grandpa," Theos said giving Jared a hug, Jared returned it. "Max." Theos greeted turning to him and Max saluted Theos when he greeted him. Nanimon was standing there, reading a letter of some sort.

"Theos you're looking lively, I guess last night went well? Kemba seems to be in high spirits as well." Jared said looking over at Kemba who had stopped to talk to a couple of the workers. Theos could hear his name being used.

Max nodded, "My condolences, Jared told me what happened to young Dan. I requested W.A.D.A. give him a proper burial in his honor." Max said and turned to look at Nanimon. "Well foreman, it's a legal document saying Jared is now under W.A.D.A. protection and any attempt to do him or his property harm will result in criminal charges brought against the Bai Hu government. As such, the document also states that Theos and Kemba and the late Dan are now considered W.A.D.A. recruits and therefore are to be excluded henceforth from all mining duties and operations therein. Failure to comply will result in criminal charges." Max ordered sternly.

Nanimon was not happy and looked at Max, "Peh! You humans and your interfering! Our leader won't stand for you doing however you please! I'll be sure to send this directly to him and then we will see how W.A.D.A. reacts!" Nanimon said storming away.

Max shook his head, "The government of Bai Hu will find any excuse to try and remove us from their city. Metal Etemon would be foolish to try to start something for just two workers. Don't worry, nothing bad will happen." Max said smiling at Theos. Jared nodded, "Thank you so much Max. Well Theos, you're clear to go with W.A.D.A. now! How exciting, my boy, an agent!" Jared said with a wide smile.

"Did you give thought to what guild you and Kemba want to join?" Max asked.

"Actually," Theos said a bit sheepishly. "We weren't going to head to the base quite yet. Dan's death got Kemba thinking about his home. It was destroyed some time back and he wants to go see if anyone returned. I don't want to let him go alone, but we can still do the work on the road. Helping others and telling them about the good W.A.D.A. has done. We have your stories too after all." Theos said with a smile. "Then once we're done we can head straight to W.A.D.A. and become more proper members. We are kind of weak as is. We could really help a lot more if we gained some experience first." It was lack of experience that led to Dan's death after all. If he was going to save people he had to make sure he could do it and not give false hope. Jared and Max both seemed surprised, but completely understood and smiled at Theos.

"I see. That sounds like quite the adventure, far be it from me to stop you." Jared said. Max stood up and crossed his arms.

"Well, as W.A.D.A. agents you would have access to our transporters and you'd be able to zap to wherever it is you need to go." Max said.

"Although we appreciate that Max, this is something we want to do without any shortcuts." Kemba said walking up, "I also want to see the world with my own two eyes, and help people along the way. This world, our home, is so beautiful and yet I've only ever seen this barren place. I want to see grass and jungles and meadows, beaches and mountains. I want to see lively towns and large cities. It's something I want to experience during these travels with my own two feet and my closest ally at my side." Kemba wrapped his arm around Theos.

Jared smiled and Max gave a laugh, "That is great. I can respect that. Well, in any case you both have W.A.D.A. support. You're still considered recruits and we will accept your application at any time you want. Plus, Jared will be safe while you're away." Max said.

Kemba nodded, "Thanks Max."

"Just you two be safe. Write to me often, otherwise my old heart will be stricken with worry." Jared said. Kemba gave a thumb up.

"We will." Theos responded.

"So, where are you two headed first," Max asked.

Kemba looked at Theos and back at Jared and Max. "We need to head to Tundra, where is that?" Kemba asked. Jared and Max looked surprised.

"Tundra is on the other side of the world. It would take you months to get there. You have to make your way to the port on the end of this continent and take a ship to Tundra." Max said. Other side of the world? This was going to be quite some venture then.

Kemba nervously laughed, "Oh. I had a feeling that was going to be the case...well then, just point us in the right direction and we will get going." Kemba said. Jared looked at Theos, "Are you sure you want to travel such a long way?"

"I'm sure," Theos said looking to his grandpa. "He's family after all. I'd travel around the world just to keep him safe."

"That's right!" Kemba said agreeing with Theos.

"Well, as long as you're sure and you both stick together, you'll be fine." Jared said moving in to hug Theos, Theos accepted the hug with a smile. "I'm so glad to have met both of you, you have made the end of my age worth living to." He had to admit he was lucky to have found Jared.

"Okay so you'll need to head across the desert, just keep heading west and you'll reach the port. I wish you both the best of luck. Oh, and here take this map, I don't need it because I have a virtual one programmed into my D.I.G. I'm sure this will come in handy," Theos grinned. That would be beyond helpful.

"Yes, it will Max! Thank you so much!" The thought of this journey alongside Theos excited Kemba the more they were about to set out. "Okay Theos, are you ready?" Theos nodded. Kemba took off towards the exit.

"I love you Theos. Don't ever forget that. Your home is here, with me forever and always." Jared said petting Theos, Theos leaned into his petting with a smile. "I see the way you look at Kemba, hold onto him tight. If you let him go, you'll regret it. Just as I did. If you love him, make sure he knows it for as long as you live."

Theos nodded again, "I will."

"If you ever get homesick, I'll be here." Jared said.

"I'll come back home one day," Theos said giving him one last hug before bounding off after Kemba. There journey was just beginning and he really couldn't wait to see what was out there. They headed towards the setting sun.