Author's Note: After hours of racking my brain and more hours of proof reading... I finally decided that this was good enough for the public. Here is the next part of Pride and Love. Thank you all for your wonderful reviews. You all deserved this a hell of a lot earlier, but when writer's block kicks in for me, or when my mind is set on another idea... well, you probably know how it goes.

Another thing... I'm not too into the girl/girl, or the guy/guy relationship thing, (don't flame me, I'm just speaking my mind) so if anyone thinks that they see hints of that at all, keep in mind that Sora is disguised as a guy. All the characters in my fic are straight.

Enough of my talking... well, maybe a little bit more... Um... I have absolutely no clue what the names of the parents are. Any name other than those of the Digi-destined are all made up. Please forgive me if they sound stupid.

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon... Do I really have to have one of these for each chapter? Hmm... Anyways... I don't own Mulan either, or at least I don't own the rights to it or the original idea... but I do own my story and the plot... somewhat... heh heh...

So, without further ado...

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Tai stood in his room and waited until he heard one of the boys shut the door. He then turned around with a serious face and bowed down, "Forgive me, Your Highnesses, I didn't realize you would be here." He had to try his best to not sound irritated at his two closest friends.

Matt and TK couldn't control themselves and began laughing. Matt spoke, "Don't be so serious, man. You're really putting on a pretty good show there, Captain. Now, get up."

Tai rose to face the two nobles and his face remained serious, "May I ask of My Lords, why it is you are here?"

"Don't be so serious," Matt repeated, "You don't have to treat us like princes unless we're in public and everyone knows who we are, which in this case no one knows who we are, so... uh..." He caught Tai's angry glare and immediately shut up.

Tai sighed, "I am being serious now. I have to be serious, because this is no laughing matter. What are you two doing? Do you know that if His Majesty of Ishida and Queen Nancy of Takaishi find out that I'm trianing two princes in my training camp, I'd be in big trouble? Especially since when you're a trainee here, I'm the one who gives orders and commands? It wouldn't matter how good a friend I am to you. They could have my head for ordering around the princes of Kingdom Tachikawa's allied kingdoms. What do you expect me to be able to do?"

"Don't sweat it, Taichi," Matt said, "Just don't think of us as princes. The reason we came here was so we could get away from prince life for a while. We aren't here to torture you or get you in trouble or anything..."

"You're serious?" Tai narrowed his eyes.

"We're serious," Matt grinned. TK sighed aloud and slapped his head in exasperation at his brother's determination to stay around.

"Alright," Tai finally said, "I have a feeling that there's no way I'm going to be able to do anything about this. You two do reserve the right to do as you please... Just promise me that you won't cause any trouble. Just because you two are princes does not mean I'm going to go easy on you."

"Yes, Captain!" Matt said. He looked at TK who just grinned sheepishly and nodded.

"Uh, yeah, whatever," TK rolled his eyes.

Tai sighed, This is going to be a very interesting training group. What next?

"Ruki Takenouchi," Kari said, she smiled at the auburn haired trainee who returned the friendly gesture and proceeded to move on. Something about this person seemed so different to her. She had a feeling that this particular trainee was no ordinary boy. She handed the draft letter to Mimi, but stopped when Yolei spoke up.

"Wait," Yolei flipped through the two pages of the book once more, "Ruki Takenouchi isn't in here."

Kari looked at Yolei confused and then turned back to the trainee who had handed her the draft letter, "Are you sure you're supposed to be here?"

Sora began to panic, but tried not to show it. She just nodded, "Yes. I'm sure, My Lady. Unless there's another training camp nearby."

Mimi, with one hand balancing the tray, opened Sora's draft letter with her other hand. Takenouchi, huh? Sounds familiar... she thought to herself. She read the letter carefully and then spoke, "This can't be your draft letter. Ruki Takenouchi is an experienced soldier and I believe he is a lot older than you are. Do you understand that it is treason to steal the royal draft letters?" For that split second, she had forgotten that she was, at the moment, posing as a common village girl instead of the crown princess of Tachikawa.

Kari and Yolei looked at Mimi in surprise. Mimi shrugged nervously, "Um, I... I may be an outsider, but I'm sure I know a thing or two about the royal law of the land." She smiled and let out a breath of relief when Yolei and Kari nodded.

"She's right," Kari said, "Stealing royal draft letters and posing as someone else to serve as a royal soldier is high treason. Are you sure this is where you're supposed to be? Is there a reason for this?" Deep down, she didn't know why, but she was hoping that this trainee would have a good enough excuse so as not to be charged for treason.

"I-" Sora began, but was cut off.

"What seems to be the problem?" Tai's voice called over to his sister. Behind him, came the two blonde princes, trying to hide their smirks from the stunt they had just successfully pulled off. Tai stepped up to his sister.

"This new recruit does not have the correct credentials," Mimi spoke up, "This is not his draft letter." She indicated the script she had in her hand.

Tai looked at Kari who nodded, "He may be joining as someone he's not, which we all understand is illegal."

"I can explain everything," Sora spoke up unwittingly. She almost slapped herself. How was she going to tell these people why she was really there? Who she really was? I'm actually a girl disguised as a guy so I can take my father's place in battle so that he can live peacefully the rest of his old age? Sora felt helpless, but hoped that she'd be able to make her brain work at least half as quickly as Izzy's usually did... Izzy! He'd get her out of this... Wouldn't he? No, I can't rely on Izzy all the time. I'm the one who got myself into this mess, she thought, Why didn't I listen to Papa? No... why didn't I just listen to Izzy and come up with a good story as to why I'm here instead of Papa? She almost groaned at herself angrily, but refrained when she heard the captain speak up.

"Let's hear your expla-" Tai stopped talking when he saw this new recruit's face. The first thing that caught his eye was Sora's- her ruby crimson eyes. So familiar... so entrancing... Tai's face softened immediately and without so much as a thought, he spoke, "Do I know you from somewhere?"

"I don't believe so, Captain," Sora said immediately looking down away from his stare. Her heart began pounding quickly both in fear and something she didn't seem to understand. Though she denied it, she had already recognized this young captain as the same young man who had broken her fall only days before.

"Are you sure...?" Tai asked blinking in confusion. He shook his head to snap out of whatever trance he had fallen into. Whatever that was, Tai thought, snap out of it, Taichi. What's wrong with you? Then something else caught his eye. A red-head standing right next to Sora. He looked at Izzy in recognition, "You... I remember you."

Izzy just stood there. Though he was usually a quick thinker, it wasn't easy for him to do so while he was, at the same time, fearing that Sora's identity would be found out. The only thing he could choke out after a long silence was, "Uh, yes, my Captain." He gulped and then spoke quickly now, "We saw each other only two days ago while you were passing by delivering the royal draft letters, My Lord."

"Yes," Tai said, "That's right. And-" he glanced at Sora, but not understanding why "-there was a girl, was there not? She fell out of the large oak." There was a little bit of snickering from the line of trainees, but it immediately stopped when Tai looked over. He turned back toward Izzy.

Izzy nodded and Sora almost felt like strangling her life-long friend. You're not helping, she thought, Great! What if he recognizes me? This is just great.

Kari and Yolei looked at each other smirking. "A girl," Kari mouthed to Yolei. Looks like Tai's found his significant other, she thought, I wonder who it could be. But she then turned her attention back to the situation.

"Tai," Kari beckoned.

"Uh, yes," Tai turned back to Sora, "Can you explain why this is not your draft letter?"

"If I may, Captain," Izzy began, but continued without being given permission. All he could think of was saving his friend's butt, "My friend here, is the son of Ruki Takenouchi, the rightful owner of this draft letter. But because Mr. Takenouchi had an unexpected accident costing him the use of his leg, he wasn't able to make it to the front as he intended."

"Can he not speak for himself?" Tai asked.

Izzy almost fell over in shock. That was one of the questions he did not expect to be asked. He gulped a little, but was unnoticed, "He, uh... Of course he can."

Tai nodded satisfied. He turned back to Sora, "Now, why weren't you drafted in the first place?"

"Yes," Yolei chimed in, "By law, as the son of Ruki Takenouchi, you should have been the one to be drafted instead of your father."

"It's a private family matter that had just been resolved, Captain," Sora answered deciding to take things into her own hands now. Mentally, she thanked Izzy with a sigh of relief.

Tai looked skeptically at Sora. Again, Sora panicked knowing that that wasn't enough to satisfy Tai's curiosity.

"You see, My Lord," Izzy interjected saving Sora again, "By law, my friend is not allowed the rightful title of Takenouchi, being that his mother is not the lawful wife of Ruki Takenouchi. But because Ruki Takenouchi is unable to serve in the royal army, my friend was asked to take Mr. Takenouchi's place in battle."

Tai narrowed his eyes at the young red-head, "Why not let him answer?"

"To him," Izzy answered confidently, "his background is somewhat, uh, embarrassing for him to speak about. I hope you can understand that, Sir."

"Is that so?" Tai said.

"From what I know," Yolei interrupted, "Ruki Takenouchi is a very proud man. There is no way that he would let his son take his place-"

"Yes," Izzy interrupted the girl, "Mr. Takenouchi is indeed a very proud man. Even with a hurt leg, he insists on being at the front. It had taken a lot of pleading from Sora and myself to-" Izzy stopped talking. Oh no. I slipped, Izzy thought. He had been thinking so fast and talking at an even faster speed that he didn't even realize what he had said. And only a second ago you were so confident, Izzy scolded himself, This is getting very, very exhausting. Sora owes me big time.

"Sora?" Kari asked.

"Uh," Sora's eyes widened, "my sister, uh, half-sister-" Mental note: strangle Izzy "-Papa always listens to her. She was able to talk him into letting me take his place."

"And you are...?" Tai asked.

"I, uh-" Sora began.

"He doesn't even know his own name," someone snickered. Tai turned to give a warning look, but found that all the trainees were as he had left them- standing quiet and very, very still. He turned back toward Sora and Izzy with a suspicious look.

"What now, Tai?" Kari asked.

"He's only trying to help his father, an exception is in order," Matt chimed in unwittingly. He hung his head sheepishly remembering that while he was at training camp, Tai was the one who gave the orders. He knew that Tai was already upset with him for suddenly appearing on the training grounds. But to his surprise, Tai nodded in agreement.

"That's true," Tai said, "I admire people like you." His cold face softened and he smiled at Sora, "Even though you are not obligated by law to come brave battle in your family name, you still did so. I'll accept you into my camp, but this does not mean that you get any special treatment. Do I make myself clear?"

Sora nodded, "Very clear, Captain."

"His name's not on the list," Yolei brought up.

"Then write it in," Tai said walking off back to his spot to observe. Matt and TK took their places back in line after they nodded in greeting to Sora and Izzy. The two returned the gesture.

Kari smiled sweetly at Sora. Like Tai, she too admired people who thought of others more than themselves. Putting their life on the line, even though they didn't have to, just so a loved one wouldn't get hurt. But for some reason, she still felt that this person was no ordinary boy who came to training camp. This person was different.

"Okay," Yolei also smiled at the young girl incognito as a boy, "Name."

Sora panicked for possibly the hundredth time, finding herself running through her brain for the first name that popped into her head, "My name is..." she spoke slowly.

"Don't you know your own name?" Mimi asked.

"Of course I do, My Lady," Sora said nervously, "It's-"

"It must be the heat," Izzy cut in, "You haven't been feeling too well lately, have you, Nicolas." He stressed the name to let Sora know that he still had her back.

"Yes, that's it," Sora played along. She turned back to Kari and Yolei, "Just put me down as Nicolas."

"Okay," Yolei smiled and wrote in the name. She, as well as Kari and Mimi, shrugged off what seemed like the red-head suggesting a name and the auburn haired trainee accepting it. Yolei spoke to confirm, "Nicolas Takenouchi." Sora nodded. She let out a huge mental sigh of relief, but wondered if the girls in front of her didn't notice the fact that it seemed more like Izzy was giving her a name. Too much worrying for one day, she thought, I am going to get a very good night's sleep.

"Since you're fighting in your father's place," Kari said, "You will be given the rightful name of Takenouchi while you're here."

"Thank you, My Lady," Sora bowed.

Kari withheld a fit of giggles. "My Lady." Nobody had ever called her by a respectful title before and this one recruit had already used this line of respect a few times. Usually, everyone just called her Kari, with the exception of Tai who called her "squirt" every now and then.

Kari moved on to Izzy who was next. The other two girls followed behind. Mimi spoke to Sora, "Do you go by Nick sometimes?"

"Uh, I could," Sora said. Mimi smiled and turned back to what she was doing.

"Kou- Koushiro, is it?" Kari said trying to pronounce the long name. Izzy nodded.

"Koushiro Izumi?" Yolei asked looking at the longest name on the list, pronouncing it with no problem. Kari nodded and Yolei checked it off. They moved on.

Sora glanced at Izzy as soon as they were out of sight from the three girls or Tai. She almost laughed. "Nicolas?" she mouthed. Izzy shrugged, mouthing, "Couldn't think of anything better." The two immediately stood still when Tai glanced at them. Both trying to hide their laughter and amusement at how close they were at being found out.

"Tai," Kari walked up to her big brother after all the trainees were accounted for. Tai nodded.

"Take the draft letters into my quarters and set them on my study table," Tai said. Kari, Yolei and Mimi turned and walked away.

Tai looked out at the group, "I'm glad to have all of you here. All ready to serve the royal army and fend off the Kirik Clan, whom I have received news are only miles from shore at this moment. It'll only be a matter of time until they arrive outside of our kingdom walls. The council has estimated about ten to twenty days."

"Tai," Kari turned back around, "I almost forgot..." She turned toward the two blonde recruits who had been unable to produce draft letters. She began to walk toward them.

Now it was Tai's turn to panic along with TK. Matt on the other hand, remained calm and spoke to clear up the awkward situation, "Lady Kamiya," Matt began, "We've already spoken with Captain Kamiya about our situation. You see-" he glanced at TK "-my brother and I are from outside of the kingdom. We used to live in Mount Jyoto. When we heard about the upcoming invasion of the horrendous Kirik Clan, we decided to come help out the kingdoms which rule over our beloved Continent of Liyira. Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain draft letters." At the same time, Tai and TK let out a silent sigh of relief.

"And you okayed this, Tai?" Kari asked.

Tai nodded, "We will need all the help we can get. The Kirik Clan is known to be very strong."

"Okay," Kari said, "If you say so." She walked over to the two brothers, "I'll need your names."

"Uh, Matt and TK," Matt said. Instead of giving their full names, Matt felt that it would be a better idea just to give the names that the two brothers usually went by around family and close friends; the names that none of the common people had heard. He knew very well that practically everyone in the kingdom knew the names Yamato and Takeru. Giving those names would probably attract a lot of attention and a lot of confusion.

Kari nodded and Yolei wrote down the names, "Interesting names. How about a surname?"

"Yorobi?" TK choked out hoping that it sounded more like a reply than a suggestion. Matt glanced at his brother through the corner of his eyes keeping back a smile.

Nice TK, Matt thought, Sounds good.

"Matt Yorobi and TK Yorobi," Yolei said, "Gotcha."

"What does TK stand for?" Kari asked curiously smiling at the young blonde.

"Nothing," TK squeaked nervously receiving a small giggled from the girl. He calmed a little and smiled back at her catching his eyes with hers. They seemed to lose each other in their gazed for quite a while. At that moment, a certain maroon haired boy at the very beginning of the line, became angered.

Is that blondy hitting on my girl? Davis Motimiya thought in jealousy.

Yolei gently shook the younger girl's shoulder. "Okay," Kari turned to the other two girls not quite wanting to break her gazed from the blonde, "Let's go." They walked away.

Tai now took control over his group again hoping for no more interruptions. He looked up at the sky and noticed that it was almost time for the midday meal, "Soldiers. There are a total of ten camp bunks on this camp. That should be enough for six persons per bunk." He pointed toward a building to the side, "That is where the medical station is located, where Dr. Kido's son, Joe Kido will tend to you if should have any injuries or health related problems. Also in that building is the girl's bunk- you are to never go in there unless there is a good enough reason. My room is next to theirs. Councilman Jujo's bunk is next to the medical facilities. The mess hall, where you will all have each of your meals, is located in that building-" he pointed toward another building separated from the camp building.

He then pointed at ten buildings spread throughout the camp, "Those are your bunks. There are posts outside of each bunk, for those of you who have ridden in on horses. You will have an hour and a half break each day to do whatever you please- which does not include entering the girls' bunk. You are allowed to leave the camp grounds only during that allotted time to roam the village or the surroundings, but you must be back in time, or you might be punished. Training begins each morning right before sunrise. You are expected to be awake and properly prepared each day. I expect that all of you know to maintain a state of discipline.

"You may now go put your personal belongings away and then return back here for the midday meal. If there are any other questions, feel free to ask. And again, you are to never enter the girls' bunk unless there is good enough reason. I hope I make myself clear. Dismissed." Immediately, all the boys scattered toward the bunks.

Izzy and Sora turned to head for the nearest bunk, but Tai stopped them, "Excuse me, Takenouchi. I must ask you a few questions."

Sora nodded, "Izzy, you go ahead." Izzy nodded and walked off running into the two blondes who offered to share their bunk with him and Sora. He nodded and they all headed toward the bunk closest to the camp building.

"Your name was Nicolas, was it not?" Tai asked Sora.

"It is, my good Sir," Sora replied looking down.

"Are you sure we've never met before?" Tai asked, "Because I feel as if I know you..."

Sora shook her head and lied, "No, Sir. I don't believe we've ever met. But it may be my sister, Sora that you are thinking of. My friend Izzy told me that you had saved her when she slipped and fell back on Mount Mihiroshi. I thank you for that. My sister is very dear to me. My sister and I both possess many physical similarities. That could explain why you you feel a bit of recognition towards me."

Tai nodded, "Maybe." He sighed, "You may go now." Sora nodded in satisfaction, Now that that's taken care of... She then turned to find Izzy.

From his bunk, Councilman Jujo watched in interest and concern for his kingdom as the auburn haired trainee headed for the bunk. Hmm... he thought, Ruki Takenouchi's son... and not his lawful son either... Really? This might be something for me to look into. He turned back into his room.

"This is a nice bunk you picked, Izzy," Sora said. Inside, each bunk was the exact same setup. Three small beds at each side of the room. Next to each bed was a small table with drawers for personal possessions.

"Yep," Izzy said, "Nice. Six beds. Just like all the others." He smiled and advanced toward a bed at the center. Sora rolled her eyes at her friend's bluntness and attempt at sarcasm.

She tossed her bag onto a nearby bed just as someone else did. She looked up to meet the azure blue eyes of a young blonde. She immediately picked up her things, "I'm sorry. You take this one." He smiled and shook his head.

"No, you go ahead," he turned and put his things on the bed across the room. A younger version of him occupied the bed next to his.

Sora placed her things back on the bed, which was next to Izzy's, and sat down. Next to Izzy, a young dark haired boy, who looked very gentleman-like took the last bed in the row. Across from this boy, was the young fourteen year old who looked very similar to Captain Taichi Kamiya.

"You're that Nick guy. I hope you don't mind me calling you Nick," the blonde across from Sora said to her, "I'm Matt. That's TK." Sora nodded remembering that they had been the only two who could not produce a draft letter.

"I'm Davis," Davis said walking over. He gave a quick glance at TK, deciding that it would be best to keep this blonde in check. He couldn't have him hitting on Kari. TK caught his glance and gulped. Not even one day into camp. Had he managed to make an enemy that quickly?

"I'm Ken," the dark-haired boy smiled and nodded as he neatly placed his things into the table drawers.

"Now that all the introductions are given," Matt said, "Let's-"

"Wait," Davis said, "who's the red-head?"

"Koushiro Izumi, wasn't it?" Ken said joining the rest of the group.

"Just call him Izzy," Sora said, "Everyone does."

"Well," Matt said, "Nice to meet all of you. Now... we have to go eat. I'm starved!"

Laughing and nodding, everyone left the bunk. Sora trailed behind Izzy.

"What's wrong, Sora?" Izzy turned around and whispered.

"I just hope everything goes okay," Sora said, "I'm not exactly too thrilled with this sleeping in the same room as other guys thing. It feels kinda... weird and... not too comforting..."

"It'll be fine," Izzy said, "I wouldn't worry too much. Don't forget. I've got your back." He then, as if remembering something, ran over to the drawer beside his bed. He picked something up that Sora couldn't make out and came running back toward her.

"I almost forgot," he said. Pulling Sora's hand up, he placed a small, intricately designed heart-shaped necklace in it, "Your mother wanted me to give this back to you. She's hoping that it'll bring you good luck."

"Thanks Izzy," Sora smiled. She felt like hugging her friend again, but thought better of it. There might be just the slightest amount of... confusion if someone walked in to see two guys- actually, one girl disguised as a guy and another guy- hugging. She looked up at him, "You're the best, man."

"Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?!" Nancy Takaishi stormed through the doors of the Ishida Palace waving a piece of paper in her hand.

"What are you, crazy, woman?!" Kingdom Ishida's royal king whirled to find his ex-wife face to face with him. An angry and somewhat scared expression on her face, "How did you get in here?!"

"I entrust my son with you and the next thing I know he's taken off!" Nancy almost screamed. She shoved the paper into Brikriu Ishida's hands and then began to pace the room.

"TK's run off?" Brikriu asked in confusion before even looking at the letter.

"With Matt!" Nancy cried, "Oh... where could they be right now?" She stopped pacing and wrung her hands.

"'Dear Mom,'" King Ishida read, "'Can't explain now, but you'll understand later. Went off with Matt. Will explain everything when I get back. Don't worry about me, I'll be okay, TK.' What does this all mean?"

"You tell me!" Nancy said.

Brikriu's anger began to show as he stomped off toward his son's room.

"What are you doing?" Nancy asked following behind.

"This is ridiculous and absurd," the king huffed, "Yamato is in his room-" He swung open the door only to be faced with an empty room- Matt was nowhere. He scanned the teenage blonde's quarters and his eyes landed on a sheet of paper sitting under a wolf shaped paper weight.

Immediately, both parents ran over to grab the letter, even though it seemed apparent what it would say:

Dear Dad,

Couldn't stand the idea of marrying some complete stranger. Decided to go away for a while to cool off and hopefully find true love. Don't try to find me, cause you won't be able to. I'll answer to you when I get back.

Matt

P.S. Took TK with me. Hope Mom doesn't mind.

Nancy put her hands on her hips, "You were saying, My Dear." She gave him one of those "I told you so" glares. Brikriu just glared at her angrily.

"Well, what are we going to do now?" Nancy demanded.

The king took a deep breath, "Nothing."

"What?!" Queen Takaishi was taken aback by this comment.

"I said, we do nothing," King Ishida crumpled up the letter and tossed it into the nearest basket. He then walked out of the prince's room followed by his dumbstruck former wife.

"Brikriu, our son's are out in who knows where right now," Nancy cried, "We can't do nothing! What if they're in danger?"

"We can't do anything because Matt and TK are both big boys now," the king said calmly but sternly, "Matt is a young man and TK is becoming one. They need their space and time to themselves every once and a while. Besides, they're old enough to take care of themselves and each other."

"What about the wedding?" Nancy asked, "Yamato is supposed to marry the Princess of Tachikawa soon. What about that?"

"It's been postponed," Brikriu stated, "I received a message from Kingdom Tachikawa that because of the foretold battle, it wouldn't be a good idea for this type of celebration now. At least not until things begin to calm down. And..."

"And what?" Nancy asked.

"Well," Brikriu said, "King Kai of Tachikawa doesn't want to admit it, but... well, it seems that the princess has... runaway. He didn't tell me in person, one of his messengers told me in confidentiality."

"I see," Nancy said. Her face almost softened for a moment there, but became enraged again, "We can't just sit around and do nothing! If there is an impending battle, then our sons are in a lot of danger."

"They're young adults now," King Ishida said, "They have to face the consequences of their own actions."

Queen Nancy was about to protest, but sighed and decided not to. As much as she hated to admit, her former husband was right. Besides that, there was no way the boys could be found if they didn't want to be. She closed her eyes and slumped down into the nearest chair.

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And that's the end of this part. I hoped you like it. I'm currently digging more ideas out of my brain and the next part is on it's way. I'm not exactly sure how many more there will be... when I get to writing, I just keep going. And I know that Nicolas wasn't exactly the best name, but it was the first one that popped into my head when I was writing. I'll probably just make Izzy explain that his stuffed bunny used to be named Nicolas... or not... whatever...

Please review. Thanx.