Chapter 22:
Royal Knights
Hours has passed after the sun finally showed up. The coaliton force and the Metal Empire force had just went through a sleepless night. The coalition force has managed to push back the enemy line and there was only a kilometer for them the pass before they reach the enemy base. Managing to link with eachother and now at standby behind the edge of the forest.
Richards lets out an exhausted yawn before he looked back at his subordinates. They were tired after two whole nights of constant action. Covered from head to toe in dirt and grime and for some in blood, they however still have the will to fight once again.
"Fix bayonets and check your ammo. We're going on my mark. One final push, Marines." Instructed the Battalion officer.
After receiving the order, the Marines and JGSDF took out their bayonets simultanously and fixed the blade at the end of their rifle's barrel. The distinctive click of the bayonets and of weapons loaded with a new mag was heard all across the frontline. Richards aimed down the ACOG's sight. The tip of the trijicon reticle was at the head of a Sealsdramon. Both forces knew what will happen in just a few seconds. A moment of eerie silence filled the battlefield as they prepare themselves for one final assault. One final fight. To the very last breath.
The Sealdramon was about to give out the order to charge but got his head shot by Richards who stood and opened fire while moving forward, catching the Metal Empire troops off guard as the rest of the entire coalition now charged. The humans let out a warcry as they go down the slopes of the hill and into the arid clearing.
Time seemed to pass rapidly as the humans gun down and stab and bash at every enemy soldier they see. Some human soldiers got killed but they didn't stop their advance, quickly overruning the enemy's first line of defense.
Raymond charged at a Commandramon who hadn't reacted quick enough and got stabbed through his chest. Raymond use all of his strenght to force his opponent to the ground and withdrew the bayonet. He then drew out his sidearm and continued to fight on with it. Dispatching enemy troops left and right, Raymond was drying his pistol magazines quicker than he could shoot. A Sealsdramon ran up to him with his combat knife at the ready. Raymond turned around and fired at his opponent's left foot and then at his head once he dropped on the ground. He then heard another Commandramon charging him before he got killed by Guilmon, who launched an attack to save him. Raymond gave a thumb-up and Guilmon nodded in response.
The coalition force kept on pushing through and ran up the hill that led to the camp. But as soon as they reached the top of the other ridge, they stopped dead on their tracks. A white flag was hung at the end of a flag pole and the humans were met with the forces of the Royal Knights. Metal Empire troops were gathered in groups as they were being inspected and watched over by the Strike force.
The coalition stared at the scene in disbelief and confusion. Richards was the first one to finally step forward and slowly approached the destroyed camp. The humans shortly followed suit.
"Lieutenant-Colonel Richards, glad to see you alive." Greeted Captain OuRyumon with a small grin.
Richards saluted the captain and then asked tiredly. "What- How did this happened?"
"Thanks to your informant that we've received, we managed to call out the Metal Empire for lying and abusing its neutral status. We also found that they were funding the Imperium's legions with soldiers and supplies." UlforceVeedramon explained after landing beside the Strike force captain.
Richards was at lost of words before feeling his blood boil. "Then why the fuck you idiots didn't help us or even warn us you were here." Both the digimon went pale by the human's sudden anger. "I've lost men to get here, many men, all for nothing! What the fuck, guys?"
UlforceVeedramon gulped nervously and then started: "We, uh, didn't really plan this through-"
"No fucking shit!" Richards cuts him furiously, "Bunch of incompetent idiots!"
"Look I know it was devastating and that you all been through hell but we recently just got here. Take some rest, sir. We'll handle this from here on out. Take care of your wounded." Suggested OuRyumon before he returned to his tasks.
Several minutes later, the humans were greeted by Royal Knights' physicans and U.S Army's medics. Enemy or not, all wounded were being taken care off equally. However, the Marines' opinion on the Royal Knights just turned sour.
Stephen rested under a tree and dumped an entire water bottle on his head to cool off the heat and tension in his head. A satisfied smile rested on his face as he laid down and closed his eyes. However his rest was interrupted when someone lightly kicked his right foot.
"Mind if I take the spot next to you?" The figure asked.
Stephen opened his eyes and saw that the figure was Richards, who beamed at him a grin.
"Sure." He lazily replied and Richards sat next to him.
They rested in silence for awhile before Richards coughed to grab Stephen's attention.
"I want to tell you that, since you're a Captain now, I want to give you a gift to celebrate your promotion." He announced, which prompted curiosity to Stephen.
Richards pulled out a worn desert coloured M45 MEUSOC. He then presented it to him.
"This is my M45 from my days in Force Recon. I want you to have it because you're going to need it more than me... and because I'm not a gun nut like you when it comes to M911s." He added jokingly at the end.
He handed the sidearm to Stephen, who took it carefully as if it was a Christmas present.
"You do know Christmas has already passed, right?" Stephen joked. "But jokes aside, I can't believe you're giving me this."
"Listen, Stephen. We've known each other since Afghanistan and we've been best buds since then, just accept it alright." Richards stated before he stood back up. "Well I'm not staying here any longer for the sappy moments, I still have some business left to do. See you later." Richards waved at him and went on.
Stephen inspected his new pistol with a small childish grin. He placed it in an empty mag carrier and went back to resting his eyes.
Various transport helicopters arrived at the newly established Landing Zone to evacuate the dead and the wounded while the Metal Empire troops prepared themselves to go back to Facture.
As the sun died down the coalition forces were finally able to evacuate out of the battlefield. The ride back to base went in silence as the Marines were finally able to take the time to reflect upon what they have just been through, the constant firefight, the sleepless nights and the loss of friends.
An hour later, the Marines of 1st Battalion finally came back to their base, all of them had tired and stunned looks on their faces and they directly hit the beds as soon as they possibly can.
January 18th 2018, Eniac Continent.
The mighty roars of the CH-53E Super Stallion's rotors shook the aircraft's passenger compartement, interrupting Captain Raymond's small nap from time to time.
"Landing in 30 seconds." The pilot announced to the Marines.
Though they were all equipped with their combat gears on, the Marines of Alpha company 1st Battalion are not going in a combat mission but they are actually moving to a new base, one that they do not need to build from scratch.
"Welcome to fort Albion, Devil Dogs, you're all knights in shining armour now." Announced jokingly the pilot as the helicopter touched down on the LZ platform.
Raymond ordered the Marines out of the helicopter and to gather with the rest of the company. Below the helicopter platform was a courtyard where the entire company gathered around Raymond and Alphamon, who welcomed them gratefully.
"Alright, listen up! Since this isn't your usual military base, there are some strict and mandatory rules to respect." He then looked down at the rules imposed by Duftmon. "Weapons and combat armour are staying in the garrison, a sidearm is allowed for officers and NCOs only. All facilities are open and allowed for us to use. Available between 0500 and 0200 hours. Just show your permission badge at the staff and you're good to go. Other than that, the other rules are basically common sense and the same as any combat outpost we've been before. Welcome to your new home Marines."
"Oorah!" They all replied before marching to their new garrison.
"I hope you'll enjoy your stay, captain." Alphamon said to Raymond.
"If we don't get under attack by terrorists on a daily basis then yes, I'll probably enjoy my time here, Alphamon." Raymond responded with a joking smile.
"I have always been intrigued with how you fight in your recent wars, Captain, mind if you can share me some of these stories," The Aloof Hermit proposed to which Raymond accepted. "Do you like tea, captain?"
"I'm more of a hot chocolate person but tea is okay." Answered Raymond, feeling welcomed in the fort.
January 20th 2018, Castle Albion target range.
"Contact!" Shouted Raymond.
Some Marines of 1st platoon turned left, aimed at the target dummies and opened fire simultanously. Shots connected to the dummies, releasing high pitched ting. The Marines were demonstrating their weapons and tactics to the Royal Knights, who were gathered behind the target range.
After firing half a magazine, the Marines rested their weapons on the tables beside them and Raymond metionned the Royal Knights to come over. The Digimon knights came over and a Marine explained them how their weapons worked.
After the instruction of the weapon's uses, they were instructed to use the rifles at the range, which was a funny sight for the Marines. In the beginning the Royal Knights didn't know how to properly use the rifles but after some bit of help from Marines, they were all able to fire at the targets with some decent accuracy.
"This is actually kinda fun to use." UlforceVeedramon pointed out with a huge grin plastered on his face.
"How are you faring, Sleipmon?" Asked Dukemon, who was proud of his accuracy with the M16A4.
"Pretty good." Sleipmon replied casually.
"'Pretty good'? Bro, 90% of your shots went straight to the head. You're just being modest." Brook pointed out, impressed with the Royal Knights exceptional precision.
Dukemon's pride instantly broke upon hearing it.
"Think we can try some of their bigger guns?" Dynasmon asked hopefully to Craniumon.
"Alright, who wants to try the M240 light machine gun?" Dukeman asked loudly as he brings Cyberdramon's weapon over the table.
"Looks like your wish just came true." Craniumon said to Dynasmon.
An hour as passed as the Royal Knights tested out some human weapons such as assault rifles, sniper rifles and light and heavy machine guns. The day went on uneventfully. At the mess hall, the canteen was crowded with the addition of the Marines who were enjoying their meals blissfully. Raymond and Dukeman sat at the same table with Dukemon, Duftmon and Magnamon.
"Jesus! Rhodo's cooking is heaven compared to our usuals." Exclaimed Dukeman as he devours his food.
"It has been a long time since I've enjoyed a good meal." Raymond added before burping loudly. "Sorry about that."
"Is food really that bad in your canteens?" Magnamon asked curiously.
"Bad and bland." Dukeman replied.
"As bland as Duftmon." Raymond whispered, earning laughter around the table except Duftmon, who glared at him.
"I'm just fucking with you, Duftmon, you need to chill." Raymond said with a relaxed smile.
"I'll 'chill' once this war is over," He took a quick sip of his water, "I'll be in the library, if any of you want to find me." He then took his plate and walked out.
Once he was out of their sight, Dukeman leaned in and asked quietly: "Is he always like that?"
"Yeah, he doesn't really open up too much," Magnamon answered nonchalantly, "Quite sad that he thinks that friendship is useless."
"Odd..." Stephen noted, "He should know that camaderie is essential in a military unit; keeps them in cohesion. He should know that, it's basic CO 101."
"Maybe he didn't get the same lessons as you guys." Hypothesized Dukemon casually.
"Impossible, read his file," The human officer explained, "One of the best students in at Qinglongmon Academy, and to my knowledge, that academy forms some of the best tacticians in this world."
"So what's your point?" Asked the white Hazard knight, now intrigued.
"I think he's simply an introvert, not too social, shy maybe?"
"Well good luck making friends with him, I've tried numerous and he always get under my skin." Dukemon stated with his arms crossed.
"Challenge accepted!"
With a quick sip of his cup of water, he quickly got off the table and began his quest. The two Royal Knights looked at each other in confusion before looking at the other human.
"Don't look at me!" He said with his hands raised defensively.
January 25th 2018, Village Summerdaft.
A dozen of M-ATVs were speeding through the expansive grassland towards a burning village, under sieged by local bandits. The Marines of 1st platoon were following Duftmon, Examon, Dukemon and UlforceVeedramon, who were all flying above the convoy.
"Royal 5, this is Alpha 1, we're going to proceed to evacuate the civvies first away from the battle, think you can handle two ultimates and two champions?" Raymond asked to Duftmon through his radio earpiece.
"Affirmative. Just get the civilians away, that is all." Duftmon replied calmly.
"Roger that..." Raymond responded with a bit of dread in his voice.
"Examon, provide overwatch from above, cover the Marines with their evac. Ulforce, you take out the two champions while Dukemon and I hold off the ultimates until all civilians are cleared." Duftmon instructed methodically. "Is that clear?"
The three other Royal Knights nodded with determination and parted away once they closed in on the village.
Going through the Eastern entrance of the village, the Marines could see the flames on the other side of the village, where the attack was reported. Fortunately, only a small part of the village has been afflicted from the destruction, for now.
Deploying at the edge of the area of operation, the Marines occupied all roads that led to the AO and set up a defensive position, weapons at the ready when a Digimon would harm a civilian. Team leaders instructed loudly at the villagers to vacate the area in a calm and orderly fashion, doing their best to reassure the panicking general population.
"Status report, Marines!" Raymond demanded to all squad leaders.
"2nd squad clear!"
"3rd squad clear, no hostiles spotted!"
"4th squad clear, Examon is providing an overwatch for us!"
"1st squad clear, Captain!" Answered Dukeman.
Suddenly, an explosion erupted near their defensive perimeter followed by Examon responding to the threat with a long range attack.
"This is 4th squad. Uh... correction on status. We've got possible hostiles a block ahead of us, should we engage them?" Asked Flamedramon unsure on how to respond.
"If there are no more civvies, you can. In other cases, you hold your position until then. If you see them, light those fuckers up." Raymond instructed.
"Roger that, holding position."
Just as Ulforceveedramon arrived to stop a Revolmon and a Hanumon, a Metalgreymon Virus appeared from the corner of a street and opened fire. The cobalt Royal Knight has easily dodged the attack and Examon fired in response. Meanwhile the two Champion level Digimon used the opportunity to escape.
Revolmon climbed onto Hanumon's back and ordered him to flee hurriedly. The Beast digimon was at first confused and reluctant until he saw Dukemon approaching them at high speeds. Hanumon ran quickly and made a sharp turn to the right at the end of the block and sped up. However, he eventually stopped shortly in his tracks once his eyes laid upon a small group of heavily armed humans with their weapons aimed at them as if they were expected.
"Light them up!" Flamedramon ordered loudly.
Hanumon ran the other way while Revolmon tried to fire back. A .50 cal round struck right through Hanumon's left knee, exploding the bones and flesh into a mess of shattered bones and oozing and fleshy bits. Hanumon fell violently on the ground with a roar of pain. Revolmon was launched a few meters ahead by the sudden fall. The Beast digimon tried to get up on his foot with defiance, only to be gunned down by several more small arms rounds.
"Come on, Hanumon! You can make it!" Revolmon shouted desperately to encourage.
The pain was too much for him to handle and he fell unconscious before bursting into data particles.
"NOOO!" Revolmon narrowed his yellow dot eyes and charged at the Marines. "Justice Bullet!" He said before firing a giant bullet from his torso.
The Marines managed to jump out of the way as the bullet impacted on the M-ATV that caused no serious damage to the vehicle. The gunner of the vehicle retalihated with a burst of .50 caliber rounds, all of which connected to Revolmon's head and exploded his entire body.
"Alpha-Actual, this is Alpha 1-4. Two hostiles neutralized and defensive perimeter is secured. All civilians have been evacuated." Reported Flamedramon after checking up on his squadmates.
"10-4. Link up with 1-3 and take out the Metalgreymon."
After receiving the report and that the civilians had been evacuated in their area, Raymond ordered 1st squad to move out and assist Duftmon, who was a few blocks away.
Duftmon Leopard mode narrowly dodged an attack by his opponent before sending a kick to Grappuleomon's face to disoriente him. He jumped a few meters back then summoned pillars of bedrock that erupted from the ground and tossed Grappuleomon to the air.
"Blockade!" He shouted as he tears his opponent in the air from every angle.
Grappuleomon crashed violently on the stone road, creating a deep crater around him. Duftmon landed gracefully only a few feet away of the crater. At the other side of the crater, three M-ATVs arrived and a group of humans came out, their weapons trained on the crater.
"I thought I told you to evacuate the villagers!" Duftmon sneered as soon as his eyes laid on Raymond angrily.
"We did. All civilians have been evacuated and we took out the two champion digimon." Raymond replied calmly before eyeing the crater. "Is he dead?" He asked curiously.
Duftmon reverted back to his original form and walked up to the crater, observing the unconscious Grappuleomon.
"No." He simply answered.
"Do you take prisonners or not?" Asked Dukeman as he and Raymond looked at the bandit.
"We'll take him for questionning." Duftmon said as he approaches the digimon and took out a restraining collar.
"Alpha-Actual, this is 1-3. The greymon has been dealt with." Reported Sergeant Harris.
"There was a Greymon amongst them?" Duftmon asked confusely.
"No, he meant Metalgreymon. Most of us don't know much about digimon." Raymond explained to the Royal Knight.
However the answer seems to only to annoy Duftmon.
"Then make your men learn more, Captain. We cannot operate correctly if your men give us wrong information." He scoffed at Raymond.
"Hey, it's not as if we expected that a kid's game was actually real and that we would be fighting them." Raymond responded back.
The two stared at each other with hostility for a moment until Examon landed near them to carry Grappuleomon.
"Uh... is everything okay here?" The massive dragon asked with worry and uncertainty.
"Everything is fine. In fact, Duftmon here was about to thank us for assisting you. Isn't that right?" Raymond replied with mock grin.
"By the way, yeah thanks for the help. I think the others are as grateful as us that you guys are here now, makes the job a whole lot more easier." Examon stated happily, completely oblivious at the apparent rivalry between Duftmon and Raymond.
"Right... thank you for your services." Duftmon forced out bitterly after sighing frustratingly. "Now Examon, would you kindly take care of this scum while I talk with the mayor of the village." He instructed coldly to the 'Dragon Emperor'.
While Duftmon talked with the mayor of Summerdaft, the Marines of 1st platoon were preparing to move back to castle Albion with Examon.
"Are all Marines accounted for?" Asked Raymond to Dukeman.
"Yes sir. We've substained no casualties however one of our vehicles just got a scratch." Reported the Gunnery-Sergeant with a salute.
"And the Royal Knight?"
"He is ready when we are, sir."
"Alright then. We're oscar-mike." Stated Raymond before going in the armoured transport vehicle.
As the Marines drove out of the village, the local population cheered happily at them, waving goodbye and shouting 'thank you' to the servicemen. Some of them waved back.
While Raymond was listening carefully to the reports going in the radio, Brook was giving a few glances of worry at his captain.
"Permission to speak, sir." He asked.
"Granted." Raymond allowed casually.
"Mind to tell what just happened between you two back there?" Brook asked although a bit scared that he trugded in a private territory.
"It's just that... these past few days Duftmon and I are having a bit of a disagreement. Nothing to serious."
"I hope so. You know what they say in the military: communication is key for a succesful cooperation." Raymond looked back at him with mild interest.
"You made up that last part, right?"
Brook shrugged with a sly smile. "Maybe... it was cool in my head." He said sheepishly.
"Just keep your eyes on the road." Raymond snickered.
Later that night, the Royal Knights and the commanding officers of 1st and 2nd platoon were de-briefing on the operations in the war room. 2nd platoon, who assisted Magnamon, Rhodoknightmon, Sleipmon and Craniamon, only substained 3 wounded but little property damage was made on the town of Drachenritter thanks to their quick thinking and adaptibility. They managed to get all 8 raiders under arrest and sent for interrogation by the Stealth Force.
The next subject of the meeting is about the plans of a future military base for the IDDF in the continent, the next assault operation and the permission for the Marines to operate freely in the continent. The latter subject became quite a heated debate between the two forces, or more precisely between two individuals.
"Leaving that much freedom to the humans will only weaken our influence and cooperation with the population of Eniac and of the DigiWorld." Duftmon stated while shooting a glare at Raymond.
"Communication between our forces has been quite difficult for us. Reinforcements and supplies are spread too thin and if we don't have a least one operational base in each continent or zones, our forces will be overrun quite easily." Raymond explained calmly, trying to convince the Royal Knights.
"As if that will make things any better." Countered Duftmon.
"What do you mean by that, Duftmon?" Asked Magnamon curiously.
"Afghanistan, Irak and Syria, to name a few, are all warzones that NATO have failed to stabilise. Enormous amount of ressources have been spent to only make situations worse and cost more lives." Duftmon stated angrily.
"You better watch what you're saying there." Dukeman warned coldly. "A lot of good men died there."
"So has the innocent lives lost by your hands!" Duftmon sneered. "Your so-call advance tactics and technologies were beaten by a group of cavemen in pyjamas that use obsolete military equipment!"
Almost everyone in the room looked at Duftmon in shock and surprise that the tactician lost his stoic composure. The tense quickly escalated and Alphamon, like most Royal Knights, was at a lost of words. Dukeman was about to come to Duftmon to beat him up but Raymond stopped him immediately in his tracks. Raymond let a frustrated sigh before he spoke up.
"Look, I think it's clear that you've read about our conflicts in the Middle East recently and probably in the Cold War. I must admit that, eventhough our military is the strongest in NATO, we still do horrible mistakes. Mistakes are, as we say, human." He then narrowed his gaze at Duftmon. "But let me tell you something, and you better listen carefully: my Marines are determined to end this war once and for all. The same could be said for all the armies of every nation. Billions of lives are at stake in our world and even more in this world. This is a new type of war that we haven't face before and cooperation is key to success." He then walked up to Duftmon and offered his hand. "All that I'm asking of you is to give us a hand. You may hate for our ways of warfare but I think it would be benefical for both of us if we keep our differences aside and focus on the more important matter. I promise that once we're done here, you won't see our faces or our militaries, in this world."
Duftmon stared at Raymond with some skeptism. He then looked at the hand and took it hesitantly. The two shook hands firmly, prompting Alphamon to let out a breath of relief.
"Alright, Captain Raymond, we're allowing your forces to station in Eniac and to patrol the surrounding towns and villages. Raids or covert operations, however, they should be spoken to me personally for approval." Alphamon stated calmly.
"Thank you, sir." Raymond responded with a salute.
Thus, a close alliance was born between the Royal Knights and the Marines of Alpha company 1st Battalion, begins.
Meanwhile in Renamon's and Roach's sleeping quarters.
Renamon was resting her head against the head stand of her bed and reading a book while Gary was thouroughly cleaning his new MK11 MOD 0 rifle on his bed.
"What are you reading?" Asked Gary while inspecting the internals of the upper receiver.
"Digimon Xros Wars. Flamedramon lend it to me so I could kill some time." She replied casually.
"Isn't that weird to read it? Or uncomfortable?" Gary asked curiously.
"A little bit, yes. Sometimes creepy by how accurate it is eventhough humans didn't know the Digital World exist and that this story is fiction."
"I bet it's like reading a story of your life a little bit." Gary suggested amusingly.
"A little bit." She simply added before going back to her reading while Gary resumed his inspection.
A calm and relax silence once again filled the room for several minutes until a question popped in Gary's mind.
"Hey, Renamon," The digimon fox simply hummed in response. "How much do you know about the Digimon World since, you know, it's always expanding."
Renamon put down her book on her waist and thought for an easy and quick answer.
"As much as a History teacher. That could also be said for your History. Why?"
Gary looked at Renamon with surprise, awed that she knows both worlds extensively.
"Well then, Rena-sensei-"
"Don't call me that." She warned him.
"Right, sorry. Can you explain me why time seems to follow our standards when we're initially in the internet. Shouldn't time here fly a lot faster?"
"It used to fly at a much faster rate. A day in the Real World is a full year in the DigiWorld. The programmers simply modified the timeline so that it is in accordance with Japan's time zone so that it won't complicate the higher ups with the supplies and reinforcements and to prevent 98% of our forces to experience time sickness." She explained as a matter-of-factly.
Gary's jaw dropped, amazed that Renamon could come with an explination in a blink of an eye.
"No wonder Guilmon fell for you." He muttered under his breath.
"One of many reasons." Renamon added with an amusing smile, having heard Gary's comment.