Chapter 25:
The Knight and the Shaman
February 2nd 2018, Castle Albion.
The Royal Knights and several Marine officers were waiting at the landing platform for their guests. The group talked casually amongst themselves until they spotted a V-22 Osprey coming towards them. The hybrid aircraft gently landed on the platform and its rear hatch opened slowly. Coming out of the aircraft were several armed special forces operatives along with four Taomon bodyguards and the two awaited guests: Sakuyamon and ambassador Yamaki.
The SFG operatives escorted Sakuyamon and Yamaki, much to the Taomon's protest and reluctance. At the presence of the leader and founder of the White Blossom Order, the Royal Knights and Staff Sergeant Renamon bowed to show respect while the humans saluted. Sakuyamon seemed happy to see her old friends after some years of separation caused by the war. She greeted Alphamon and his knights with an excited smile, exchanging small talks and hugs, until she faced Dukemon.
Her broad smile quickly turned to a frown. Dukemon can feel his heart drop, shattering to pieces, and gulped loudly as he witnesses his ex's cold stare. He simply lend out a hand, nervously.
"H-hey, Sakuyamon, l-long time no see, right?" Dukemon tried to sound cool and collective, but it was obvious he was failling at that.
The shaman stared at him for long seconds before sighing and shaking his hand, forcing a friendly smile at him.
"You seem to never change, Dukemon." She replied blandly.
She let go of his hand and then smiled back broadly when she laid her eyes on Renamon. She put her hands on her shoulders, silently demanding the fox to rise up. She looked at her with a proud smile.
"It has been a long time since I've seen one of my best students and I can see that you've grown to a strong digimon. I'm so proud of you." She stated.
Renamon smiled back and saluted at her mother figure. This prompted Sakuyamon to giggle before she faced Raymond. The captain bowed down while taking off his cap.
"Oh my, what a gentleman." She noted loudly. She bowed down in return before shaking Raymond's hand. "It is a pleasure and honour to finally meet the man and the Marines in person."
"Same here, ma'am." Responded Raymond.
After the greetings, Alphamon, Omegamon, Sakuyamon, Yamaki and the Marine officers headed to the meeting room to discuss on the alliance and Sakuyamon's intel.
After asking for the map of the Digital World to be displayed on the oval table, Sakuyamon then demanded a scroll from one of her Taomon bodyguards. Reading through it rapidly, she points at a specific location in the Industrial sector, a region controlled by the Imperium. It is a strategic region due to its ressources and factories, capable of constructing railroads and military grade technologies. Considered to be an important region for transportation and economic state.
"Factory 119." She stated. "It had recently received an upgrade capable of producing weapons in large quantity and in a short amount of time. It is also capable of creating armour-type digimon and cloning Commandramon and Sealsdramon. One of my scouts has spotted major activity in this area." She explained with a frown. "They think that the Imperium is preparing for a major counter-attack."
"How can they be sure?" Asked Raymond.
"They have spotted multiple Locomon, GranLocomon, Blimpmon and Valvemon transporting troops and artillery pieces. They reported that the number vary in the hundreds, probably thousands." Everyone in the room was shocked.
"Of course they had to amass thousands of troops deep in their territory." Added Duftmon, pondering for a counter-measure.
"Can't we just nuke them?" Suggested Dukeman while feeling a bit uncomfortable about metionning the notion of "nuke".
"Can't. There is a city and couple of villages nearby, the blast and radiation could kill them." Informed Yamaki. "Plus, nukes are expensive to use and it'll take huge amount of time to carry one in the Digital World."
"Well speaking of WMDs, there are rumors that the Imperials are building one, using plans hacked from one of your nations, deemed the most powerful weapon in human history." Sakuyamon told them nervously.
Every human in the room paled, soon realizing what she meant by "the most powerful weapon."
"Are they seriously re-making the Tsar Bomba?!" Exclaimed Colbert.
"Uh, mind us telling what is this "Tsar Bomba"?" Asked sheepishly Dynasmon.
"It's a soviet thermonuclear weapon. It had a yield of 57 megaton TNT, it was originally built to yield 100 megaton TNT. It can destroy anything in its path in a 55 klick diameter." Explained Yamaki with dread in his voice. "And that is the result of the initial blast, you then need to add the result of radiation poisoning. And that can kill thousands decades later."
Dynasmon and most Royal Knights were at a loss of words. They couldn't believe that humans were capable of developping such a powerful weapon, no weapon in the DigiWorld could even compare to it, until now.
"So, let me guess this straight." Interrupted Raymond. "You're telling us that the Imperium is re-developping one of the most powerful weapon on Earth and they plan to use it against us, right?" Sakuyamon nodded in confirmation at his statement. "I guess that it haven't arrived at Factory 119, where the main force is, and you plan to take it out before it could reach there?"
"Exactly. Our scouts has captured some enemy personnels and interrogated them. For now, we only have a week to stop it before it reaches Factory 119." Replied Sakuyamon.
"So where is it now?" Asked Dukemon with interest which earned him a surprised look from his ex. "What? You know me, Sakuyamon. If something is about to destroy my friends and loved ones, I want it destroyed and fast."
"I'm glad you haven't lost your burning passion." Commented Sakuyamon with a small smile.
"More like reckless passion." Added Duftmon, to which the Shaman giggled.
"To answer your previous question, Dukemon, it is located in the Fog Rainforest, in the Jungle Region. A small Imperial science facility is built next to the Temple Waterfall." She answered.
"We're going to need a lot of Marines and Special forces if we're going to fight in there." Proposed Colbert after carefully examinating the area around Temple Waterfall.
"I'll contact the Lieutenant-Colonel about this, lets hope that we'll get some Navy SEALs or Delta Forces with us." Dukeman warned Raymond.
"We'll probably get Rangers for this situation." Raymond guessed.
While the Marine officers and some of the Royal Knights were debating on the probable search and destroy mission, Dukemon was ignoring everyone, instead he was staring at Sakuyamon fondly, remembering the times they were happy together. The smile she gave him everytime they see each other, the beautiful laugh she makes was music to his ears and her kind, and sometimes stern, personality was something he admired her for. He was also feeling guilt in him. Sakuyamon noticed him staring at her. She flashed him a small, genuine, smile, one that mentally said "sorry for the harsh greeting this morning". She did feel bad for giving him the cold shoulders. Dukemon happily responded with a thumb up, forgiving her.
Later that night, Dukemon was wandering aimlessly in the castle's hallways, armour off and only wearing his casual clothes. He sometimes glanced outside the windows, staring briefly at the bright moon. Heaving out a sad sigh, the knight continued his aimless wandering.
After much wandering around, he spotted his brother at the left wing balcony with Renamon, talking to each other happily, some laughters could be heard. Dukemon just stopped and stared at Guilmon with surprise and a small smile tugging on his face.
"Wow, Guilmon, didn't know you were dating Renamon." He said quietly to himself, not wanting to interrupt their lovely moment.
"Dukemon." Called a voice beside him.
Dukemon jumped in surprise, startled by Duftmon who seemed to be narrowing his eyes at him.
"Gah! Don't just sneak up on me like that!" Dukemon complained. "Karatenmon is already enough."
Duftmon rolled his eyes before handing Dukemon a piece of paper. "Here's the new password for your computer account."
"Right... thanks." He replied sheepishly after taking the paper.
"Next time, try to remember your password. That is the third time since last month." Duftmon scolded him coldly. "Seriously, you're as clueless as Dynasmon with computers." He added angrily.
"Aw, come on! At least I know how to use one." Dukemon countered. "It's just that your passwords are ridiculously long and random."
"You do know that you can change the password in the settings, right?" Duftmon asked coldly, knowing that Dukemon didn't even thought about it.
"I...I... crap this is embarrassing." Dukemon face-palmed, realizing the stupidity he was displaying in front of Duftmon. "At least it's not in front of Sakuyamon..." He thought hopefully.
"I've got to agree with you, this is embarrassing for you." Commented Sakuyamon right behind him with amusement.
"DAMN IT!" The internal scream echoed deep in his mind and soul.
"Duftmon, can I burrow you Dukemon for awhile?" Asked softly Sakuyamon.
"Go ahead. I'm going to get a headache if he continues his nonsence." Responded Duftmon nonchalantly.
Dukemon was about to punch Duftmon, only to be stopped by Sakuyamon who was dragging him away from the tactician.
After being dragged around the castle for several minutes, Sakuyamon finally led him outside, to the ramparts of the castle's wall. She lets go of him, prompting Dukemon to massage his left wrist due to her strong grip.
"Glad you still have that steel grip." Dukemon groaned.
He looked back at the shaman and felt his jaws dropped. He just noticed that Sakuyamon wasn't in her usual combat attire, instead she was wearing a white and red miko robe, the white colour covered her upper body while the red colour covered the lower body. She is also not wearing her fox mask, revealing Dukemon her light pale white face with dark purple markings on both of her cheeks, her purple glossed lips and her icy blue eyes. Her long white hair swaying to the wind gracefully behind her head. Dukemon could feel his face heat up as his heart beat at a rapid pace.
"What are you gawking at me for?" Asked Sakuyamon with a bit of annoyance in her voice.
Dukemon shook his head. "Nothing. It's just that your beauty hasn't change, still as perfect as ever." He said nervously.
"Flattery won't get anywhere near me, Dukemon." She responded coldly with a frown.
"O-ouch..." He thought to himself. "Sorry..." He meekly said.
"Omegamon told me that you wanted to tell me something."
"OMEGAMON!" He internally scolded, making a mental note to have a "talk" with the white knight.
"Well here goes nothing..." He decided to finally tell the truth. "Sakuyamon, I...I w-wanted to say I'm sorry-"
"Dukemon, for the last time, sorry isn't going to cut it, not after what you've done to me and my own kind." She interrupted him, pinching her nose bridge out of frustration. "You're wasting your time..."
"But-" Dukemon tried to spoke up but got interrupted once again.
"There are no "buts", Dukemon! You abandonned my kind in chaos when they needed you!"
"Let-"
"You've set my village ablaze!" Sakuyamon's voice turned aggressive. "You forgot our anniversary!"
"I-"
"And more importantly: YOU ABANDONNED ME!" She shouted angrily at him.
"WOULD YOU LET ME SPEAK FOR FUCK'S SAKE!" He shouted back, startling Sakuyamon.
"I got outnumbered in the village! So no shit I couldn't save them! I'm sorry that I set your village in flames but it was only thing I can think of to distract the whole damn army! I'm sorry that I couldn't be there for you but I almost lost control of my Hazard! And I haven't forgotten our anniversary, I planned to propose to you!"
Sakuyamon just remained silent, feeling guilt building up inside her.
"I had to escape, to run away like a fucking coward to protect you! I'm sorry! I'm deeply sorry! I-I wish I was smarter, better... I wish I could've saved them all."
Dukemon let his tears running down his face, the stress and guilt finally out of his chest.
"I don't want to lose you! I-if only I had more control then m-maybe this mess could have been avoided...Without you, I am nothing."
He wiped some tears away and walked back in the castle, leaving Sakuyamon in silence. The Shaman felt her knees weakening, holding onto the ramparts as support, trying to process everything in her mind, regretting all those years of cold absence.
Dukemon headed towards his sleeping quarter, trying to stifle some sobs along the way. Ahead of him was Omegamon who was staring at him with concern.
"Dukemon, are you-" Suddenly Dukemon punched him on the face.
The Omega knight could feel his nose bleeding. Then he felt Dukemon lifting him up by his t-shirt collar. Dukemon had red shot eyes and a very pissed attitude.
"Next time you pull some shit like: I'll brake one of your arms!" He warned him aggressively.
"What are you even talking about!?" He asked while raising his tone, confused and angry that Dukemon, his best friend, would just punch him out of the blue.
"I know you told Sakuyamon to talk to me!" Answered Dukemon after releasing him on the floor.
"What?! I hadn't even seen her after the meeting! I was with Duftmon and Alphamon. Remember?!" Omegamon stood back up and dusted himself off.
Dukemon's eyes widened, realizing his immense error. Being caught up and confused in his thoughts, he ran away from Omegamon, seeking refuge and isolation in his room. Locking up the door, he sat on his bed and rested his head on his palms, sobbing quietly.
"I'm so fucking dumb..."
There have been a few attempts from Omegamon to talk to him but Dukemon ignored him, deciding to escape reality for a bit to dreamland.
February 3rd 2018, Castle Albion.
Dukemon woke up abruptly from the loud and strong knocks coming from his door. He goggrily sat up on his bed, until he heard Alphamon's voice from the other side.
"Dukemon? Is everything alright? You've been sleeping all morning."
The Hazard knight swore under his breath as he hastilly put some decent clothes on. He ran to the door and opened it, forcing a smile. Greeting him were Alphamon, Omegamon and Raymond, all in combat gear.
"Jesus Christ, Dukemon, you look like shit." Commented Raymond with worry.
"Dukemon, what's going on with you? Get your armour on, we're waiting for you in the war room." Instructed Alphamon. "You have ten minutes." He added sternly.
Once the Royal Knights and their Captains were present in the war room, Raymond started the meeting with an announcement.
"I have confirmation from my higher-ups that "Operation Outbreak" is a go. We will get support from Bravo and Charlie company, along with the Army's 101st Airborne Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment and JGSDF SFG." He then frowned as he reads out the rest of his notes. "However, because of the presence of a WMD, air and ground support is out of the question. Which means we'll have to retrieve the weapon the hard way. Explosives are limited. Little birds and Venoms will be our only form of air support."
"Looks like we have to hit them with speed and precision." Stated Ouryuumon. "Blitzkrieg tactic is our only option here."
"I agree." Alphamon said. "We cannot leave any room for mistakes for this mission. One wrong move might cause the lost of the entire region in a second."
"Our troops will be airlifted." Explained Raymond. "The Marines will occupy the village Bravo and Charlie, distracting most of their forces. Airborne troops will cut off the main route from point Alpha and point Delta." He demonstrated to the digimon the locations on the digital map. "This leaves Special forces to escort the bomb from the sanctuary. We're going to need strong built airborne digimon."
"I guess Examon can help us with this." Suggested Sleipmon.
"Correct. However he is a big target." Pointed out Colbert. "One shot to the bomb and he'll blow with it."
"We need volunteers to cover Examon as he extracts the bomb." Proposed Omegamon.
Though silent from the beginning of the meeting, Dukemon raised his hand behind the crowd.
"I'll like to volunteer." He simply said.
"Me too." Added UlforceVeedramon.
Alphamon gave them a nod of confirmation before he turned to Duftmon. "Think you can come up with a plan?"
"Already did." He replied. "How long can your forces be ready for the mission?" He asked Raymond.
"Two days."
"Ouryuumon, I want you to nominate three squadrons from the Aerial Strike Force. They will assist the extraction team at picking off the Imperials."
"I'll get the fastest and the strongest." Replied Ouryuumon with a stern face.
"Good. Speed is key. Dynasmon and Magnamon, you'll be assigned with the Marines. Rhodoknightmon and Craniamon with the airborne troops. Omegamon, Sleipmon and I will be with the extraction team. Finally Alphamon and Sakuyamon will take care of the facility with the Recon Marines." Everyone nodded in confirmation, ready for the upcoming operation.
Dukemon was in the castle's training gym to pass some time. Swiftly and fiercely throwing strikes at the punching bag, the other occupants of the gym stared at him in awe. Marines were gathered around him, observing him. They were impressed by the sheer force Dukemon was sending to the leather bag. Suddenly, Dukemon sent a punch particularly more powerful than the usuals and sent the bag to the other side of the gym, hitting the wall violently with a loud 'thump' on impact. It left a small crack on the white wall. The humans stared between the knight and the small crack, they cheered ecstatically.
Dukemon simply ignored them and grabbed another punching bag, hanging it on a small hook on the ceiling and proceeded his series of fury filled strikes.
Omegamon entered the gym, greeted by the loud music the humans were playing on their stereos. He walked pass the various digimon and humans until he found Dukemon, still unleashing a flurry of strong hits and kicks. He walked up to him, standing at a safe distance in case the punching bag flies off again.
"Dukemon." He called him loudly.
The Hazard knight stopped dead in his actions and looked at Omegamon, breathing heavily.
"Yeah?" He asked calmly, trying to hide the guilt in his voice.
"With me. Now." The white knight ordered with an authoritative tone.
Dukemon took a towel from his sport bag and wiped some sweat off his face before carrying the bag and followed Omegamon hesitantly. Once out of the gym, the two knights continued to walk in a tense silence. After cluelessly following Omegamon, they arrived at Alphamon's office, where Alphamon, Ouryuumon, Leftenant Paildramon, and Sakuyamon and her bodyguards were discussing about the operation.
"Ah, Dukemon, glad you can- Oh my..." Alphamon was caught off guard, his eyes went wide open.
Dukemon then realized that he was only wearing his shorts, revealing his bare naked muscular torso, brawn shoulders and firm arms, still covered in sweat due to the intense training. Alphamon stuttered a little bit, however for the others, they were blushing madly, especially Sakuyamon. It also seems that one of the Taomon and Paildramon were having a nose bleed. As for Ouryuumon, he seems to enjoy the view.
"Hehe... sorry for not wearing something appropriate for the occasion." He apologized sheepishly.
"Well I guess Omegamon should have warned you." Alphamon eyed the metionned digimon with suspicion. "Anyways, Sakuyamon, Ouryuumon and Paildramon, would you mind leave us alone for a moment." He kindly asked. "I need to solve some "internal affair" between my knights."
Everyone complied, silently leaving the office. Dukemon was alone with Omegamon and Alphamon. The black knight coughed lightly before speaking to Dukemon.
"I'm quite worried for you, Dukemon. Recently, you've been quite agitated and emotional."
Dukemon simply hung his head in shame and regret.
"You told the truth, that I am glad to hear. But then you punched Omegamon for no reason."
"I'm sorry." The Crimson knight sadly apologized.
"Don't say sorry to me, that's Omegamon you should own an apology." Alphamon corrected him firmly.
Dukemon looked up, staring deeply at Omegamon's clear blue eyes. "I'm deeply sorry, Omegamon, for hitting you in the face. I-I just lost a nerve back there and you didn't deserve it." He told him sincerely.
"Apology accepted, friend." Omegamon replied cooly, though he seems to blush in embarrassement behind his helmet.
"With that out of the way, Dukemon, can I trust you that you'll be mentally strong for the mission? I know for a fact you are blowing some steam off at the gym." Dukemon nodded in response, feeling a bit relaxed now that the affair was sorted. "Alright then, you two can leave."
The two knights nodded and left the office silently. They stood outside for several seconds throwing a glance at each other.
"Want to grab something to eat?" Asked shyly Omegamon.
"S-sure. But I need to take a shower and get a change." Replied Dukemon stoically. "I'll meet you at the mess hall."
"Right."
They both hesitantly went on their separate ways. After a much needed shower and armour on, Dukemon joined up with Omegamon in the mess hall, where the white knight was eating his meal at a slow pace, waiting for him. He placed down his food tray and sat facing Omegamon. At first, they were simply eating their meals in silence until that silence turned into a couple of giggles to chuckles and then to a hearty laughter. The awkward silence wasn't something they're used to, they usually talk for hours with no end in sight, presence of one another was welcoming.
To those who didn't know them, Dukemon and Omegamon had been friends years before the Order was even founded. Their long time friendship was a sign that no matter what, they would stay friends until death set them apart.
Author's note: Bonjour tout le monde! Long time since I've done this but anyway this is more of a disclaimer. As some of you may notice(or not), certain names and some of the Royal Knights' personality are quite similar to those of another author: Griff4823. Well that is because they are the same, not at a 100% copy-paste, I try my best to deviate a little bit. The reason why is because I'm lazy(of course...) and because I actually love this author's writing of the Royal Knights. I respect and admire him and his works. This story wouldn't have existed without his stories that inspired me to write. That is why I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend you read his stories, they are the best! It is professionally well written, I wish it was canon, heck I wish there is an anime adaptation. Yes, it is that well written. So yeah, read his awesome stories instead of this French made poubelle. Until next week! :) (P.S: He also wrote one lewd story between AncientGarurumon and KaiserGreymon; I now ship them so hard :D)