Chapter 13:

Warpig

September 29th 2017, Londreau, UDC.

"Marines! The Imperials are on the run and are currently making their last stand at the Palace. Tanks are rolling in and 'Warpig' just got out of the mud, we're tasked to reinforce 1st Force Recon and pushing alongside 'Warpig' to the left flank. A Viper will be our air support and the RKs are lending us a hand. His name is Examon and he's one big and tough son of a bitch so we're lucky to have in our side. Oorah, marines?"

"Oorah!" The platoon shouted in unison before they board in the Venoms.

With the help of the Digital Marines and Examon, the offensive force broke through the imperials' left flank quite easily, setting their ranks in disorder. Raymond led his men forward, completely ignoring the bullets that whizzed by him. The act was enough to motivate the marines and followed him, charging the enemy position with determination. From the air, the attack helicopter and Examon cleared out the way and gave the offensive force an easy path to the palace.

Raymond went up the stairs and jumped over the sandbags the enemy had installed. Around him, various imperial foot soldiers laid on the ground in agony, clutching their wounds or calling out help. They seemed to not care about the incoming coalition, being heavily damaged to fight back. Others however, lost their will to fight and simply sat down in shell shock, their stares were empty. The marines continued to move up, leaving them and encircled the palace. Multiple attack helicopters spewed out rounds at enemy positions at the palace's second floor, neutralizing the enemy that mounted defensive positions.

"Left side breach! Stack up!" Ordered Vasquez.

With the main offensive force distracting the enemy, the assault group stacked up at the sides of a set of steel doors. A marine planted C4 charges on the doors and they all backed away for the charges to detonate. The explosion engulfed them in dust and ash but it proved ineffective against the door, it was only bent inward.

"Well shit, that's embarrassing." Commented Raymond. "Overlord, uh, we've got a situation... How can I say it clearly? Uh we can't breach in the building." He reported with incertainty.

"You can't breach in?" The commander asked in disbelief. "Did you use the C4 charges?"

"Yes sir, it only made a dent, sir."

"You're just going to figure this out by yourselves, marine. Solve this quickly because we're running out our momentum."

"Understood, sir." Raymond turned his radio off.

"Need help, humans?" Asked a voice above him.

They turned around, their weapons drawn upwards and aimed at two hovering digimon.

"Easy there. We're Royal Knights." Stated the smaller knight with his hands raised a little to show no sign of hostility. "Duftmon sent us to assist you."

They flew down and landed near the marines and gave Raymond a quick salute.

"What can we do to help out, Lieutenant?" Asked Magnamon.

"Magnamon, you kick down the doors and you, Craniamon, you'll be the first to go in. You'll cover us with your shield until we all go in. Got it?" He said with a serious tone. The Royal Knights simply nodded and stacked up with the marines.

The golden knight stood in front of the doors and unleashed a powerful kick. The doors violently flew in the building, crashing against the pristine white wall of the palace. Immediately, Craniamon held his shield up and went in, deflecting the incoming enemy fire. The marines followed behind him, taking use of his massive figure as cover and fired back behind him. They spread out, took cover behind the defensive walls and structure columns. Magnamon went in last. He flew in and hovered in front of the imperials on the second floor.

"Magna Blast!" He shouted as he unleashes multiple anti-personnel missiles at them.

The attack took out most of the enemy force, granting the marines a safe passage to the second floor.

"Lieutenant, you take right side, we'll take the left." Stated Vasquez as they went up the stairs.

Once on the second floor, they split up and sweep both sides. While the forward assault group cleared the second floor, the marines of Echo company, led by Captain Richards, alongside the Aerial Strike Force went in the palace. Richards ordered his company to split in platoons and secure the first floor. He turned his headset on and called Command.

"This is Captain Richards of Echo company, we're currently sweeping the palace, no sign of "Crow Demon" yet."

"Roger that, Echo Actual. Keep searching and call evac if the VIP has been founded. There are still pockets of Imperial forces, I advise you keep a look out there."

"Second floor, left wing, clear." Announced loudly Vasquez.

"First floor, right wing, clear!" Announced Lt. Martinez.

"First floor, left side, clear." Reported a marine officer.

" 'Crow Demon' founded, second floor, right side." Informed Raymond through the radio.

OuRyuumon, Richards, Craniamon and Magnamon ran up the stairs to join up with Raymond's platoon. They found the VIP, holding on to Dukeman as they walked out of the room slowly.

The VIP was badly beaten, his wings were damaged and bleeding down, his armour dented and fractured; his right leg was broken and his mask was damaged. He's torso and right leg bled out slowly but were bandaged up thanks to the marines.

"Karatenmon! Are you okay?" Asked Magnamon with worry and walked towards him to aid the Captain of the Stealth Force.

Dukeman lended the wounded digimon to the Royal Knight.

"Take care, sir." He commented at the winged digimon.

"Thank you, Sergeant." Thanked Karatenmon with appreciation.

"Overlord, this is Echo Actual, requesting an evac on our position. The VIP has been found, I repeat, the VIP has been found." Reported Richards.

"Evac is en route in 6 minutes. Good job out there, Marines."

Suddenly, the palace started to shake as they heard eruptions and incoming fire outside.

"Fuck! This is Warpig! Dozens of hostiles on our position, heavily armed and they're coming in real fast! We're holding them off but we could use some help!"

"Royal Knights, I want you to stay with the VIP and protect him, we'll take care of the imperials." Richards ordered them with an authoritative tone. "Marines! Get your shit together and move out! We will hold our grounds until evac arrives. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Captain!" The marines of Echo company shouted out.

Marines were holding outside of the palace, taking cover behind the steel walls installed by the enemy. Meanwhile, the M1 Abrams tank "Warpig" took the brunt of the attacks and rolled up front to give cover for the marines. The 65 ton vehicle shot out 120mm shells at its enemies, anniliating everything in its wake. The .50 cal machine gun controlled from the inside took out the survivors and the coaxial M240B LMG spewed out hot lead at anyone who dared to get up close. The metal beast displayed its firepower, quickly becoming the bane of the Imperials but the morale boost of the Marines. Shell after shell, the tank's firepower was enough to push back the wave of enemy soldiers. As it rolled forward, the marines advanced, guided by the tank as it led them the counter-charge.

"Hostile tanks, 4 of them, 9 o'clock!" The tank crewman warned them as it pointed its main gun at the column of Tankmon. "Take cover, boys!"

"Cyberdramon! Use the SMAW!" Ordered Raymond.

The digimon dropped his LMG and reached out for his rocket launcher strapped to his back. He flew to one of the nearby buildings' rooftop and took a firing position. With the Tankmon backs' open at him, he aimed carefully and pulled the trigger. The warhead impacted with the exposed flesh of the leading Tankmon, blowing out its torso before being engulfed in the explosion. With the leader out, the rest of the Tankmon dispersed and fired all of their arsenals at the marines. Cyberdramon swore and took out the spent ammunition. He placed another warhead at the end of the launcher and aimed at one of the living tanks. As soon as he pulled the trigger, a bullet ricocheted off his head, making him divert the warhead accidently. The rocket hit the threads of a Tankmon, rending it immobile in the open.

Cyberdramon looked around to find out who shot him. Then more bullets whizzed at him, the shot missed dangerously close. A unit of Assaultmon suppressed him, giving cover for the armour.

With the last ammunition out and his favorite weapon on the ground, he swore under his breath and took cover behind the stone rooftop, slowly being cut out by the shower of bullets. He cracked his knuckles, the popping sounds was satisfying for him until he jumped over the rooftop and flew towards the Assaultmon.

"Ah shit! Left thread's down. We're sitting ducks out here." Informed the tank crewman after the tank took a shot at the threads. " Our armour is taking a beating and we're almost out of shells!"

"Captain! Tank's immobilised!" Reported Lt. Raymond.

"Hey! Tell that dragon to aim for the tanks!" Ordered Richards while pointing at Examon in the sky.

Raymond looked up and wave his arms around to get the dragon Royal knight's attention. Examon saw him and flew closer so he could hear the Lieutenant.

"Take out the tanks!" Raymond shouted.

The giant dragon nodded and started to fire H.E rounds at the cyborg tanks. Meanwhile in the palace, the two Royal Knights stood on the second floor, casually observing the marines as the firefight intensified. Magnamon then gasped while his eyes widened.

"Is it just me or did we just follow an order given by a human without a single word." He asked in sudden realisation.

Craniamon just realised it and slapped his head onto his hand.

"We did, Magnamon. And we're stupid for doing so." He replied, feeling stupid at the moment.

"So what are we going to do?" Asked the knight of Miracles.

"HOLY SHIT! HIT THE DECK!" Shouted a marine in the background.

A rocket sailed through the main entrance and flew further deep in the building. The explosion shook the palace a bit but fortunately no one was caught in the blast.

"Fuck that, dude! That thing gave me a haircut!" Yelled another marine who was lucky enough to not have his head blown off.

"I don't think they need cover. However, I think they'll appreciate extra firepower." He replied, hinting at Magnamon what needs to be done.

"I'll go help them out. You take care of Karatenmon." He said and let Craniamon carry the demon crow.

Magnamon ran downstairs and went outside. The captain of the Stealth force stared at Craniamon with confusion.

"That's an odd but bold choice you made, Crania-sama." He commented.

The Royal Knight shrugged.

"I figure these humans won't go hand-to-hand combat with the Imperials anytime soon, so I'm quite bored."

Another rocket flew straight through the buidling. The marines dived down as the projectile sailed upward and hitting a corner of the ceiling. Luckily, no one was hurt.

"Goddamn- Enough with the rockets, ALRIGHT!" Shouted the same lucky marine irritated.

Raymond instantly ducked his head on the ground, barely dodging a bullet flying pass him.

"Hang in there, marine!" He said to the wounded private.

He stood back up, grabbed hold of the private's body armour and dragged him towards the palace. The injured man screamed as he was being dragged away to safety but at a painful slow rate.

"Cover fire for the Lieutenant!" Shouted Dukeman.

Hostile and friendly projectiles whizzed near them but Raymond had only thing in his mind: bring the private to safety, alive.

A tank shell blew next to them, throwing them violently. The firefight rages on as Raymond slowly opened his eyes. Next to him was the body of the young private, dead by the blast. "Fuck!" He thought to himself and started to crawl his way to the palace, hoping that the imperials wouldn't pay much attention to him. He was wrong.

He quickly turned over his back and drew his handgun when he heard screams coming closer at him. A group of Commandramon with their bayonets fixed to their rifles charged at him. He fired off at point blank range , emptying his mag, taking out two of them and the last one thrusted his rifle. Raymond had just enough reflex to catch the blade with both of his hands inches from his throat. He used his legs to tackle the digimon on the ground and rolled on it. He took out his combat knife and aimed for its chest. The digimon used its forearm to block the attack. The two soldiers struggled to gain the upper hand, each wanting to end the life of the other. Just as the blade started to penetrate its body armour, Commandramon released a ferocious growl before it lashed at Raymond and locked its maw painfully at his right forearm. In response, Raymond released the knife and screamed in pain as the digimon used its weight to get on top of him while still having its maw deep in his forearm. The commando digimon used this opportunity to struck the marine with powerful blows to the chest. Raymond desperately tries to release his forearm from the powerful maw and with his other hand, punching the digimon's face multiple times but it only earned him more pain as the digimon sinked his teeth deeper, drawing out more and more blood. Raymond used his right knee to struck below the digimon right between its leg. The digimon welped in pain, prompting it to released its visceral grip on Raymond's arm. It glared daggers at him and was about to slash his face with its claws when suddenly it was sent flying by a powerful golden kick.

"Are you okay, Lieutenant?" Asked Magnamon frowning.

The golden knight held out his hand and pulled the marine off the ground and on his feet.

"Just run. I'll cover you!" He urged him as bullets bounced off his armour harmlessly.

Raymond nodded and ran straight to safely while clutching to his bleeding arm.

Magnamon spun around and kicked a Commandramon that charged at him. He caught the rifle that fell in his hands and threw it at a Sealsdramon. He struck an Assaultmon with a mighty punch. Soon, Aerial Strike Force digimon joined the fight as they push back the enemy counter-attack.

"Raymond!" Called Richards from the palace.

Raymond jumped through a broken window and ran up to him. The captain was sitting against a column. Beside him was a navy corpsman, applying bandages to his wound located on his right tigh. Richards held out a radio to his lieutenant.

"Air support inbound in 2 minutes, make sure they shoot at the right people." He instructed with a sarcastic grin. He then grunted when the corpsman pressed the wound by accident.

Raymond nodded and took the radio. He ran back outside and took cover behind the tank. He looked up to the East to saw that a dozen of attack helicopters were coming towards them. He called Examon and told the dragon to warn the others to pull back.

"Give some cover fire for the Royal Knights!" He ordered before his radio buzzed.

"Echo Actual, this is Viper 6-4. We're refueled, re-armed and ready to kick some ass. Did you boys miss me?" Announced slyly the pilot.

"This is Echo 1, we're taking a lot of fire from an enemy counter-attack. Anything at 300 meters ahead of us is hostile. Take them out!"

"Roger that. Guns will be spinning in a minute. I advise you keep your heads down."

"Goddamn it, Cyberdramon! Get the hell out of here!" He scolded at the corporal.

Marines mowed down imperial soldiers as the Aerial Strike force retreated to the palace. Just as they were about to be outgunned by another wave of imperials, rockets, missiles and bullets rained from the sky. Multiple Vipers conducted strafing runs, unloading their firepower at the enemy. In just a few seconds, the imperial force fell back. The retreating soldier were immediately cut down by the attack helicopters and the marines. Warheads engulfed the imperials in an explosive inferno and peppered those around it with hot shrapnel. Bullet casings dropped on top of the marines as twoVipers hovered above them, their 3-barreled Gatling cannon spinning continously for the past minute.

Shortly after their insertion in the battle, the imperial force was wiped out and the transport helicopters came in. Marines cheered with joy as they managed to fend off yet again another counter-attack. Wounded were loaded in the transports and "Warpig" was being airlifted for repair back at the FOB. A US Army medic examined Raymond's forearm and wrapped gently a bandage on it. Once the applying was done, Raymond thanked the medic before he went off to treat the wounds of other marines.

Raymond took off his helmet and rubbed his hand through his hair. He then examined himself, contemplating at his damaged self. His gloves were ripped in small places, his uniform covered in blood, grime and dirt, covering the desert Marpat camo. His body armour was ruined, filled with holes and scratches, the kevlar slab in the armour was probably broken and useless now. His goggles was shattered, so was his shades... his favorite ones. The only thing that was miracleously untouched was his white and blue scarf that acted as a remplacement for his shemagh that was burnt in the previous operation. He let out a sigh of relief as he held the scarf dearly. He jumped in surprise when he heard Magnamon behind him.

"Oh, I'm sorry that I startled you, didn't mean that." He apologised sheepishly.

"No, it's okay." Raymond said with a smile.

"Do you mind that I sit next to you?"

"No, go ahead." Raymond replied.

Magnamon sat down of the steps of the stairs, his hands rested on his legs. He took a glance at Stephen and chuckled.

"What's so funny?" He asked, though not offended.

"You look like hell, no wonder you're called a devil dog." Answered Magnamon with another chuckle.

Stephen simply giggled before gazing back at the blue sky. The both of them sat in silence for a short moment before the Knight of Miracles coughed to break the ice.

"So um... Do you have any families or loved ones that you miss... or something like that?" He asked hesistantly.

"You're quite nosy, aren't you?" Stephen called out with a smirk.

The knight laughed while rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

"Yeah sorry. It's just that I'm curious and excited to finally meet some humans, let alone fight along side them."

"Sorry to say we're not as excited to meet you since we don't know a thing about you, yet you know a lot about us."

"We kinda expected that you humans wouldn't know much about digimon or the DigiWorld, so I guess no worries." Magnamon gave a thumbs up with his eyes closed happily, he was probably smiling at him but his helmet covered his entire face.

"It's quite beautiful." The human said casually, prompting the Royal knight to stare at him in confusion. "The Digital World. And peaceful also... Without all of this, of course." He added jokingly.

"And the Real World?" Asked Magnamon curiously.

Stephen remained silent for a few seconds, pondering on a thought before he finally answered: "Can't say I know well since the countries I traveled in were warzones. However, in these places, there are small areas still untouched by this chaos, madness, that just made the trip across the world and the fight worth it."

"Poetic." Commented the knight of Miracles.

"I have my moments." He shrugged nonchalantly.

"How's the arm?"

"Fucking hurts. Though it is not as painful as receiving a golf ball between your legs. Trust me, I know from experience."

The two of laughed before they were interrupted by the Staff Sergeant from behind.

"Sir, it's time for us to go." Announced Dukeman.

"Until next time, Magnamon. Have a safe trip back." Raymond said before picking up his helmet and walking with the staff sergeant towards a Venom.

"You too, Lieutenant." Said the Royal Knight before he joined up with the Aerial Strike force in the palace.