Chapter 19:
The Christmas Kiss
December 24th 2017, Camp Iarica.
Raymond has invited some of his friends to celebrate Christmas in the barrack's break room, three hours before the official Christmas party at the base's mess hall. The barrack was decorated with all sorts of garlands and LED lights hanging around the break room. A small decorative Christmas tree was placed on the dining table, surrounded with cakes, cookies and soft drinks.
The room was filled with joyous laughter and happy chatting. Guilmon, Dukeman and Stephen were the only ones wearing a Christmas hat. The three were having a friendly converation on the dining table. Guilmon was telling them one of Renamon's most embarrassing moments, which amazed the two humans.
"After that, she came out looking like a bipedal living mop." Guilmon chuckled, remembering that moment like it was yesterday. "We had to dry her up quickly, of course Terriermon had the bright idea to use hair dryers and well, in a minute her fur just *poof*, instant fluffy furball."
The others laughed, picturing Renamon as a huge yellow furball, if only someone had took a picture of that moment. Stephen then received a text on his personal cellphone. He responded the text and excuses himself to everybody before leaving the barrack.
"Got any idea where he's off to, Gunney Dukeman?" Asked Renamon as she approaches Louis and Guilmon.
"Please don't call me that here, it makes me feel old." Louis joked. "But to answer your question, I have no idea where he's gone to."
Renamon shrugged then gave a light kiss on Guilmon's cheek before giving him a cold stare. "Tell more embarrassing stories of me and I'll find creative and horrible ways to torture you." Guilmon paled at this sudden change. "Is that clear, Corporal Guilmon Matsuki?" He gulped and nodded frantically. "Thanks sweety!". She gave another kiss and went off to talk with Flamedramon and Gary.
Guilmon let out his breath that he has been holding this past minute before Louis spoke up.
"I'm amazed you didn't faint from pure fear, Guilmon."
"I'm more amazed that I didn't shit myself on the spot..."
Raymond went up the stairs of the HQ's officers' quarters and headed to Richards's sleeping quarters. He knocked the door twice before given the permission to go in.
Richards sat behind his desk, one corner of the desk was full of paper work while he was reading each and every one of them, one-by-one. Richards looked up at Stephen with tired eyes and metionned him to stand in front of him.
"Still have a lot of paperwork?" Asked curiously Stephen, feeling a bit bad for his C.O.
"It's the price to pay for getting a promotion this soon in the career." Richards said with a lazy grin. "I've got your 'special package'. It's the duffle bag beside my bed." He pointed out.
Stephen smiled and thanked his friend. He went to his bed and inspected the content inside the huge duffle bag.
"How come I'm not invited to your party, Steph?" Richards complained.
"I did invited you, but you were like 'I wish but I've got a lot of paperwork to do tomorrow.'" He said while doing a poor imitation of his friend. "But you can simply stop the work and come with us." Proposed Stephen as he heaves the bag full of letters and mail boxes sent from the Human World. "There's some cookies and hot chocolate~" He added to persuade the Battalion commander.
"Fine... I'll come with you." Richards decided, giving in to Stephen's suggestion.
Stephen cheered and they both went outside.
Guilmon and Renamon were sitting on the barrack's two-steps stairs of the front porch, holding hands and looking up at the clear night sky. Renamon rested her head on Guilmon's shoulder while playing occasionally with his Santa Claus hat, while he rested his head on top of her's.
"Renamon?"
Renamon hummed in response, signaling him that she was listening.
"What should we do after all of this?" Guilmon wondered out loud.
"Can you elaborate your question, please?" Asked Renamon who was initially confused at his question.
"What I meant was... what should we do with our lives once we've done our service. Like where should we live, or do we have to get jobs or something like that."
"Ah..." Renamon thought for a probable scenario for a minute before replying. "I would like to go back to the Real World, at least it's more peaceful than here."
"I guess that would be great... But what about us?"
"What do you mean? I'm still going to spend time with you once we're done here. We can explore the city together in broad daylight now since the humans know of our presences."
Guilmon nodded and contemplated on what Renamon just said. They gazed at the sky in silence, letting the gentle breeze gracing their figure.
"Do you like kids?" Guilmon asked out of the blue.
Renamon bursted into laughter and stared at her boyfriend with amusement. "Where the hell did that came from?"
Guilmon blushed sheepishly and stared back at his girlfriend with a hesitant smile. "Well... I was thinking that maybe... we could... you know... have a family one day." He stuttered nervously.
Renamon's eyes widened with surprise and looked at the ground, pondering. Noticing the sudden discomfort, Guilmon hung his head in shame.
"Sorry... You don't have to answer. I know it's a random and stupid idea."
"Oh no! It's just that... you caught me off guard. Guess I didn't thought much of our relationship going further but-"
Sadly for Guilmon, Renamon got interrupted once Stephen came back with a cumbering duffle bag and their Battalion commander. The two digimon stood up and saluted Richards.
"At ease. I'm just here to have some fun, so drop the formalities. It's Christmas after all." Richards said with a comforting smile and the four of them went in the barrack's break room.
After welcoming Richards with a roaring cheer and a hot chocolate, everyone gathered around Stephen with impatience and curiosity.
"Ladies and gentlemen, for these past weeks, I've been hoarding and keeping some of your mails because I've personally requested your families to send Christmas presents months before for this very special occasion." He announced proudly. "And because I wanted to be Santa Claus for once." He added with a chuckle.
Stephen rummaged through the duffle and took a stack of comic books along some letters for Flamedramon.
"From your family with love." He handed the presents to Flamedramon who gently took it and stared at them like sacred objects.
"I think I'm gonna cry soon." He said before hugging Stephen. "Thank you!"
Stephen continued to hand off the mails and presents before it was finally Renamon's and Guilmon's turn.
"As for the two of you: I have for the beautiful lady a box full of the greatest chocolate brands you could ever wish for." He announced as he handed to her a box full various chocolates.
Renamon stared at the box with glee and looked like she was going to devour them in seconds. Stephen then handed her letters and a family picture of the Nonakas. "Rika wants you to have it as a morale boost."
Stephen then faced Guilmon who was waiting for his turn impatiently. "The Matsukis had been quite generous to you and sent probably half of the bakery to you."
Guilmon squealed and was about to jump and get the duffle bag, however Stephen stopped him just in time.
"But before I give you the presents, safety first buddy." He said as he pulled a box of condoms.
Guilmon immediately blushed madly and tried to hide it from everyone and especially Renamon's eyes. Stephen backed away and pushed Guilmon away with a mischevious smile, knowing this moment would come.
"Hey, Renamon! Come here." Stephen called out.
"NO!" Guilmon protested childishly.
Renamon turned back and looked at her commanding officer confusely. He showed her the box of condoms and he ordered the couple to listen to him. Renamon's face was as red as Guilmon's scales, maybe redder.
"Now that you have these, I want you to use them whenever you two want some 'fun' at the base. Always use protection, am I clear?" He demanded.
The two embarrassed digimon nodded reluctantly and Stephen then threw it at Guilmon who barely caught it.
"Does he know that Digimon don't mate?" Whispered Guilmon, to which Renamon shrugged in response.
"I hope this is just a joke." She added irritatedly.
The party continued for another hour before Richards announced everybody to go to the mess hall for the official Christmas party.
At the mess hall, the canteen was filled with Christmas songs and laughter of the Marines and the JSDF soldiers of the base. The rookies were warmly welcomed by the more experienced soldiers and enjoyed their time with them, playing games and talking happily.
Thanks to Colonel Hazama, the soldiers were lucky enough to get loads of KFC buckets and pizza boxes. The delicious and addictive foods were being passed around from table to table as the men and digimon enjoyed their meals to the last.
Various soft drinks were being distributed by the mess hall staffs. The joyous atmosphere was a complete contrast of the harsh and brutal reality these soldiers had and will go through tomorrow. But for now, for Stephen and many others, they could finally forget these events for a day and enjoy their small vacation.
At past midnight, Eversman finally joined in and suggested every company to take a group picture. The Marines and Digimon of the newly created Alpha company gathered close to each other so they could fit in the camera's frame. At the front of the company was 1st platoon with Renamon and Guilmon holding a sign with 'Alpha company' written on it.
An administration staff took several pictures before announcing to Alpha to act dumb for the final picture. While the others prepared to make silly faces or poses, Renamon whispered to Guilmon in a seductive tone.
"I've been thinking about what you've said earlier and... my answer is yes, I'll love to."
Guilmon beamed a huge smile and looked back at Renamon to see if this wasn't a dream. As the staff member counted down, Guilmon prepared himself to make a move, one that will stay in the Battalion's memoirs.
"3, 2...1... say Devil Dogs!" Announced the Marine loudly.
"Devil Dogs!" Everyone shouted and that moment, Guilmon took Renamon by her arm, turned her so that her back rested on his arm and leaned in for the kiss while holding the sign up high proudly. The picture was taken at that precise moment. It depicts the Marines and the Digimon of Alpha company cheering proudly or staring at the couple with surprise while some were oblivious to the moment and kept their ridiculous faces or poses.
Indeed, that picture stayed in the Battalion's memoirs.
December 26th 2017, Camp Iarica.
"The first ones to go in will be the JSDF and Charlie company by land. Alpha and Bravo company will be going by air after the advance force has passed the Metal Empire's borders. Charlie company will act as a support detachment which means that the japanese are the ones ordering around." Explained Richards to the officers and NCOs in the base's hangar. "Are there any questions?"
Captain Ben Middendorf raised his hand. "Should we expect any enemy contact?"
"Good question. Intel say no because the Metal Empire is a neutral state in the war so there shouldn't be any enemy forces in there if their rules are the same as ours. That said, Royal Knights warned us that the Metal Empire isn't really a state that we should trust and they recommend we should keep our awareness at a high level. Any other question?"
Richards waited for a minute and proceeded with the briefing. "Our main objectives are to secure the town of La Rose-Blanche, then until the Army's paratroopers drop in LZ Hotel, we will hold our grounds at Hill 45. In the AO, we might encounter hostiles but also some friendly forces notably from the Republic of Node. On another note, the UDC's army is back on duty and will assist our main force until we reach the Royal Knights' control zone. With that said and no further questions, have a nice day and we'll meet again two hours before the OP. Oorah?"
"Oorah!" The Marines responded before going on their separate ways.
January 4th 2018, 3 klicks in the South of the Metal Empire.
The landscape was a complete contradiction of "Metal". Covered and filled with various mountains and hills, the landscape had different shades of green that span across kilometers in the Metal Empire. Lush green and dense forests dotted the area with fields of colorful flowers. Due to its close proximity with the Forest Zone, there is no doubt that the (Digital) Mother Nature did her job across the DigiWorld.
The 4th Infantry Regiment 5th Brigade of the JGSDF rode on the wide dirt road, surrounded by the expansive green scenery and highlands. The JSDF convoy span a kilometer long. Trails of sand and dust left off by the passing vehicles created a large and wide brown-ish smoke that covered the vehicles.
Resting his left arm lazily outside of the vehicle's open window, Itami was playing a game on his phone to pass the time. He would occasionally glance ahead of him if there was something going on.
Next to him, on the driver's seat was Kurata, who had a very bored expression on his face. He was about the turned on the radio, only to stop and remember that there were no satellites up in the Digital World. He let out an irritated sigh and kept his eyes on the road.
Behind his seat was Kuribayashi, drawing various small sketches on her notepad given by Raymond on New Year's Eve as a present. She was concentrating a lot on her drawings, sometimes her pencil slipped and traced a small line on her helmet that she used as a solid support for drawing.
And to her left was Tomita, who was sleeping soundly during the whole trip. His head was glued to the window and his Type 64 battle rifle hung losely between his legs.
Several military jargons were being heard in the radio but none of the messages were really important. Most of the messages were check-up reports from the units in the convoy and traffic controls from the JASDF.
"Man, for an important operation, this sure is boring." Began Kurata with a blank stare.
"Would you prefer to get shot perhaps?" Itami asked sarcastically.
"I would. It's been forever since I fired my gun." Added Kuribayshi frustrated with the recent result of her sketch.
"You fired your gun at the range 24 hours ago." Tomita reminded her while still sleeping.
"I prefer to shoot at my enemies and not at some target dummies." Sneered the woman.
"You'll get your action soon, Shino, you'll get it soon." Itami stated.
"Dude, don't jinx us yet." Kurata warned with a bit of worry.
"Kurata, we're not in some action movie where saying 'I have a bad feeling about this' will get us shot."
With twisted fate and irony, thundering explosions was heard behind the hills to the left side of the convoy, followed by two dozen streaks of smoke that rose up to the sky before descending onto the JSDF.
"INCOMING!" Shouted a soldier through the radio.
"SCATTER! FAN OUT!" Ordered Colonel Hazama.
"See!? I told you so!" Yelled Kurata as he violently steered the vehicle out of the dirt road and into the grassfield.
"SHUT UP!" Itami shot back.
The artillery shells hit near the convoy, sending waves of dirt and metal sharpnel at them.
"Everyone! Move out! Keep moving forward!"
The scattered vehicles did their best to drive around and link up with the rest of the convoy. The tanks started to fire at the direction of the hill, hopefully suppressing the unknown enemy.
Another row of shells pounded the area, this time hitting a couple of vehicles. The army truck in front of their vehicle blew in a blazing fire, engulfing and consuming the soldiers in it.
Suddenly, streaks of bullets appeared from the montains and forests from both sides. The convoy now halted and pinned, the foot soldiers got out of the vehicles and fired back.
Shooting out of the vehicle's windows, all four of them kept on firing at faint appearances of muzzle flashes.
"Ah shit! We're sitting ducks here!" Shouted Kurata with panic in his voice as he quickly reloaded his rifle.
The JGSDF soldiers laid on the grass in their firing positions and returned fire. The enemy projectiles whizzing above their heads forced them to keep their heads low.
In the Type 73 light truck, the members of 3rd Recon team did their best to return fire while in the safety of their vehicle. However it seems that the enemy knew where to fire as more bullets hit the vehicles. Katsumoto laid a stream of tracer rounds out of his M249 mounted on top of the vehicle.
Behind the light truck was the Komatsu LAV. Its heavy machine gun spit out .50 caliber rounds at the forest to their right.
Just as Katsumoto was about to reload his weapon, a round pierced his body armour and went through him. He fell down from the mounted gun and landed heavily in the light truck, clutching his wound and grunted in pain.
"Katsumoto is hit!" Kurokawa shouted and immediately went to him to stop the bleeding.
Sergenat Major Kuwahara looked back and informed Itami through the radio. Hostile shells started to rain from above and the JSDF took heavy casualties. Human body parts flew into the air as the bombardment intensefies.
A shell landed near their vehicle and a sharpnel grazed Kurata's cheek. The young sergeant swore and fell back on his seat, holding his cheek instictively while blood seeped out of his fingers.
"Kurata! Let me see the wound!" Itami demanded urgently as he tries to get ahold of him.
He finally separated his hand from the wound and inspected it. A gash was cut along his cheek but luckily for Kurata it wasn't deep enough the cause serious bleeding.
"It's just a cut! You're fine!" Itami pushed him to get back to the firefight. "Colonel Hazama! What are your orders? We're sitting ducks here!" He begged before ducking his head as a bullet just hit above his window.
"We have to keep moving... air support will be here in 6 mikes. The Marines are coming to assist at the same time." Hazama informed through a raspy and pained voice.
"Sir... are you alright?" Itami asked with concern. Hazama chuckled and then coughed in response.
"I'll be fine kiddo. Now keep moving! You're Recon for a reason."
"Shit! Kurata! Let's move out now!"
"Where to, sir?!"
"Out of this place!"
Kurata quickly took control of the steering wheel and drove off as the lead vehicle of the convoy. The soldiers started to move out of the field and back into the vehicles before following Itami's vehicle.
Inside one of the type 82 command and communication vehicle was Colonel Hazama, clutching a wound on his lower waist. The colonel had a radio in hand, trying his best to keep himself conscious.
The armoured vehicle's back door was open, the sound of gunfire and the cries of his men kept him awake. He looked around the vehicle. The Type 82 got hit by a missile a few minutes ago, the warhead impacted at the front of the vehicle, killing the two front passenger. Coming back to him was 1st Lieutenant Akira Yanagida. The man was already covered in dirt and blood due to painfully extracting the wounded out of the fray.
"Sir, we need to get the hell out of here." He told the Colonel in panic.
"I know. I had Charlie and Delta company already moving out."
"What about us?!"
"You will take Echo company and the rest of Alpha and pull back to the Marines." Hazama ordered him.
"What about Delta and Charlie? You just cut the regiment in two!" Yanagida said with frustration and confusion.
"Just do what I say and get these men out of here. Evacuate the wounded and the dead quickly."
Yanagida silently gave a salute and gave out the order. Hazama coughed loudly,he roughly spat out a big gulp of blood. He took out his sidearm just in case an enemy appears in front of him.
Eventhough he gave the order to move out, the soldiers refused to abandon the dead and the Colonel, which Yanagida had hoped.
"Corporal! Radio now!" He demanded and the radio specialist handed him the comms. "Avenger 1-1, do you copy?" He asked to the incoming JASDF pilots.
"Loud and clear."
"I am requesting an airstrike at..." He looked down at his map. " Golf 5, grid 457 380, 200 meters behind the forest. Elevation is at approximately 100 meters, hostiles are foot mobiles and artillery units, probably three dozen in the AO. Friendlies are at 50 meters around the dirt road."
"Roger that. We're inbound 4 mikes. We'll start with a bombing run then we'll come back for another run."
"Lieutenant! The americans are coming!" Informed a JSDF private. "They're pushing the enemy out of our right flank!"
"Good. At least now we only have one front to worry about. Yamato! Tell Bravo and Charlie company to halt their advance and wait until reinforcements arrive." Yanagida ordered before he demanded for a medic to evacuate the Colonel.
"Hold your positions until help arrives."
"No shit! We only moved two klicks ahead!" Snarled Itami as he took cover behind a rock formation.
With the cover of their tanks, Itami's company commander wants to push further in the forest to take out an enemy machine gun nest. The platoon slowly went up the forest's steep slope. Trees and rocks were taken as cover as they keep pushing upward.
"Itami! Do we even know who we're fighting against?" Asked Kuribayashi irritated at shooting at trees blindly.
"No idea!" He answered before calling Tomita. "Throw a frag right behind that small dirt hill!"
Tomita nodded and took a M67 frag grenade. He took out the pin and threw it above the dirt hill. After the grenade exploded, followed by two cries of pain, Itami ran up to the small mound and fired all his magazine at point blank range to finish off the enemy. He dived to cover behind another tree.
"Hill cleared out!" He shouted, allowing the rest of the company to move up a little.
Back with Yanagida, the 1st Lieutenant was commanding the whole battalion, being followed by several officers and radio communicaters.
"Kushiro! I want you to get me all the air support we can get on that mountain!" He pointed out.
"Yes sir! Avenger 1-1, requesting immediate close air support. I need you to flush them out on: Hilltop Foxtrot, shift Golf. Coordinates Golf 4-5, grid 785 219."
As the soldier transmit the coordination, an attack jet flew pass them and opened fire a volley of 20mm rounds.
"Lieutenant Takahashi! I want you to carve out an LZ right over there for our evac and the americans! Blow the trees down."
The 2nd Lieutenant saluted and called his platoon with him. The men applied explosives on thin trees located to the right side of the convoy. After a minute of preparation, Takahashi gave the order and detonated the explosives, cutting and carving out tall grass and trees in the small area.
"Inform the Marines of the new LZ." Yanagida ordered.
Examinating the battlefield around him, Yanagida was micro-managing the units to create a defensive perimeter. He fired a couple of shots at the visible muzzle flashes. He reloaded his rifle then let his breath out, the adrenaline was rushing into him, it was something he rarely experienced as he mostly spends the time behind a desk. But now he must concentrate to get his fellow brothers-in-arms out of here with minimal casualties and hopefully come up with a plan to defeat this still unknown enemy.