Chapter 5

March 20th 2017, Tokyo.

Raymond narrowed his eyes as the reporters blinded him with camera flashes while they bombarded him with questions, their words drowned into a loud mess of incoherent phrases. Beside him was Itami in his formal dress uniform, standing at the attention of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense. The two soldiers were standing at the podium in the National Theatre of Japan – the National Diet Building, the PM's Office and the Cabinet Office were still under heavy reconstruction – where they were called by the Prime Minister himself to award them for their bravery during the battle and to deliver an official statement to the nation and the whole world.

Unofficially, this was a scheme to divert the public's attention away from the recent controversy that sparked a day after the battle. The government was criticized for failing to send troops in time during the invasion, it was proven that numerous units were ordered to stand down during the fighting. The government made the wise decision to throw Hypnos under the bus, blaming them for not preventing the invasion. As if they had the technology to detect a gate that appeared out of nowhere to begin with. This ridiculous controversy even reached the international community, turning the debate into a mess of "blah, blah, blah" and more nonsense.

You know, basic politics.

The Prime Minister started to state his opening speech of the awards. Raymond didn't listen, primarily because his level of Japanese wasn't that good but also he didn't feel like he deserved a medal, especially for courage, valour and heroism. He didn't deny his acts in the battle but the fact that only him and Itami were awarded sat uncomfortably with him. Many soldiers did extraordinary actions in the battlefield, many gave out their lives heroically yet they were not mentionned. Sure the casualty list is far too long to name each fallen but there were still numerous soldiers who acted above and beyond the call of duty. Alas this is the current situation and he was part of it, might as well suck it up and move through the day.

The loud claps of the reporters broke his trance and he shifted his gaze to the approaching Head of State, behind him were SDF staff personel with black cases in their hands. The Prime Minister smiled and shook the Marine's hand firmly, steeping aside and smiled for the camera before turning to one of the staff personel. He opened one case, presenting the American Medal of Honour, sent to the Japanese government by POTUS himself. Raymond bowed his head down, letting the PM to slip the prestigious military decoration around his neck. To be frank, he did feel a little bit proud though he wished this ceremony happened in the States where his family could at least attend it.

The second case was opened, displaying the Japanese Medal of Honour with Red Ribbon. The medal was much smaller and didn't have the same prestigious impact and value than its American counterpart. The Prime Minister gently pinned it on his chest just below the Marine Corps service ribbons. He shook his hand once again, stepped back and saluted him. Raymond saluted back stoically. He then moved on to Itami, awarding him with the Medal of Honour with Red Ribbon, the Order of the Rising Sun (Second Class) and a sash of Order, personally signed by the Emperor of Japan. The two soldiers then took their seats behind the Prime Minister with the rest of high ranking officers, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the head of Hypnos and scapegoat of the government, Yamaki.

"Citizens of Japan," The Prime Minister began firmly, "On March 9th, 2017, Tokyo was invaded by a foreign and alien force from another world. The portal, now named as "the Gate", appeared mysteriously in the middle of Ginza, where thousands of pedestrians lived on with their day. This foreign army, comprised of "Digital Monsters" or "Digimon" for short, indiscriminately and brutally attacked our fellow citizens. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police was the first to respond to this surprise aggression. Among them was Second Lieutenant Yōji Itami, of the Ground Self-Defense Force, who led and directed the evacution of eight thousand civilians at the Imperial Palace. Twenty minutes into the battle, the SDF fought the digimon, establishing multiple Forward Operating Bases around Ginza while the United States Marine Corps oversaw the Shinjuku FOB," The reporters remained silent since the speech started, taking down notes as they listen to the Prime Minister.

"An hour later, the entire United States Forces of Japan and the Eastern Army were mobilized and deployed to Tokyo to contain the opposition force. It is also at this time that an American fleet was heading to Tokyo with Marines and Army paratroopers. The Central Army was placed in the maximum state of alert while the North Eastern Army began preparations to reinforce and resupply our forces. The battle lasted 44 hours, in which Americans and Japanese fought valiantly and courageously the digimon army, eventually leading to the decisive victory and the utter destruction of the opposition force. The numbers aren't certain yet but we have counted at least 47,000 killed, civilians and combatants included. This event will live on in infamy for Japan, Tokyo will be forever scarred by this battle. However it is also during this harsh and hellish time that we saw the best acts of Humanity and bravery. Staff Sergeant Stephen Raymond and Second Lieutenant Yōji Itami showed us the sacrifice and courage to go above and beyond the call of duty but thousands others, dead and alive, showed exact valour in the battlefield, fighting for home, country and family. That is why, after numerous discussions with the Cabinets and with the accords of the United Nations Security Council, I, Shingenori Hōjō, Prime Minister of Japan, declare war on the digimon nation responsible for this atrocious and brutal attack,"

A collection of surprised gasps, shocked mutters and stunned silence followed after that statement. Japan going to war was unconceivable to the general public, even when the Constitution had been modified in 2015 that allowed the SDF to be deployed in foreign states. The other reason that shocked the reporters was the fact that the invasion was carried out by a "digimon nation".

"Yes, indeed. After an undisclosed source given to Hypnos, the belligerent force was part of the "Imperium", a totalitarian empire that is currently waging war in the Digital World and have now set their eyes on our world. We must unite our forces and prevent a future invasion. For a week, the SDF carried drone reconnaissance across and into the gate. This will give us the opportunity to strike back the Imperium and bring down justice, freedom and Democracy. We will liberate the Digital World from the Imperium but we need help, that is why I beg the international community to aid us with this dangerous but noble mission. We will accept any support and help we can get before we start the campaign. I am willing to speak and negociate with other states for this campaign. To my fellow Japanese citizens, I promise to you all that justice will succeed and the Imperium will pay for attacking our great nation." He declared firmly before he left the podium much to the shock of everyone. The reporters bombarded him with questions, trying to comprehend what was going on but alas he did not give a single comment.

Four days later, Prime Minister Shingenori Hōjō unceremoniously fled his office due to the heated debate he created with the United Nations, which then sparked another controversy when Interpol and the National Police Agency accused him of money laundering and tax evasion. He was shortly replaced with current Prime Minister Motoi Shinzō.

April 5th 2017, Camp Soumagahara, Shintō.

The sound of boots hitting the paved road echoed loudly as a platoon of Marines jogged in tight formation for their routine morning run. The whole military camp was bustling with activity as Japanese and American soldiers trained and prepared themselves for the upcoming invasion of the Digital World. Barely a week after Hōjō's statement to the world, the United Nations agreed to aid and liberate the Digital World with Japan and the United States at the lead of the expeditionary force: the International Digimon Defense Force. The IDDF First Expeditionary force is mostly comprised of NATO state members, primarily the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, Belgium and Germany to name a few. The IDDF is however a UN military force and so falls under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Security Council. Other nations that support financially or militarily the IDDF include, for example, South Korea, China, South Africa, Brazil, India, Pakistan and Saoudi Arabia.

This is probably the largest international military force in modern History. This could also mark as the first time that the world's nations united under the same banner and goal: the protect Humanity from Digimon.

As the world prepares itself for war, the United States, under the commands of President Marshall Dirrel, created a new specialised division in the Marine Corps, the "First Digimon Expeditionary Marines" or "Digital Marines" for short. They will be the country's primary task force in response to digimon related threats. To prepare and adapt themselves for the unknown dangers of the Digital World, the Marines received specialised training from MARSOC, renewed tactics and equipment as well as an increase of budget for the Marine Corps and military research institutes such as DARPA and the MCCDC. But one key detail that makes the "Digital Marines" stand out from the others: the inclusion of digimon personel into their forces.

Hypnos provided the Corps with a list of potential recruits after scanning throughout Tokyo for digimon. Although the list showed at least four dozen digimon, they were all Rookies with young tamers. The list finally counted down to only four digimon: Renamon, Guilmon, Cyberdramon and Flamedramon. Originally there were to be seven digimon but Impmon and Terriermon were too small to serve while the last one, a Dobermon, refused to serve and preferred to stay behind.

His footsteps were soon muffled as he walked across the field towards the group of digimon and Marines, doing push-ups while a drill sergeant counted for them loudly and sternly. Second Lieutenant Raymond stopped in his tracks just a few paces behind the drill sergeant. The senior Marine sensed his presence and turned around, sharply saluting the officer. He returned the salute formally.

"Alright that's enough, stand in line and wait for further orders!" The drill sergeant barked. The digimon quickly executed his command, standing in line while recovering from the exercise, but it seemed like they didn't need one, unlike their human counterparts. "Is there anything you want, sir?"

"Affirmative, Gunnery-Sergeant, I would like to discuss some matters with Private Renamon," Raymond replied plainly, gazing at the four digimon.

"Private Renamon!" The Gunnery-Sergeant called loudly.

"Sir!"

"You may take your leave with the Lieutenant,"

"Yes sir!"

Raymond beckoned the digimon to follow him while the rest of the platoon resumed their exercise. He tossed her a small bottle of water, which she thankfully accepted and drank the half of it in one swing. He led her to the Marines' HQ and towards his office.

"Stand over there," He pointed at the spot behind a chair. She silently obeyed and stoically stood at his attention.

He took a seat behind his desk and pulled out a folder. "So, how's basic training so far?" He asked casually, "Oh and be honest, please,"

"Tiring, repetive but easy, sir," She replied bluntly, earning a chuckle from the officer.

"I knew you'll say that," He said before he cleared his throat, "That is why I'm offering you another job, more suited for you and that requires your special skills," He gazed at her, intriguing the vixen with this offer, "Are you familiar with Force Recon?"

"I've heard a little bit about them," She replied sincerely.

"Well I've discussed with the Recon unit attached to the company about integrating you into their platoon. They agreed and are willing the welcome you into their platoon. Congratulations, Private Renamon, you are now a Recon Marine," He stated with a small smile.

Renamon seemed to be surprise at first but quickly masked her reaction with her usual cold and neutral expression. She bowed her head respectfully towards him, "Thank you, sir, it will be an honour to be a part of Force Reconnaissance,"

A knock on the door interrupted them. It opened after Raymond gave permission to enter, revealing to be a First Lieutenant, maybe older than him by a few years. The officer had tanned features, blond short cut hair and bright blue eyes. The Marine was also much larger than Raymond, the woodland MARPAT shirt envelopped tightly around his well developped chest, broad shoulders and biceps. He gave Raymond a curt salute and observed Renamon nonchalantly.

"You must be Private Renamon, am I correct?" He spoke calmly.

"Yes, sir," She replied flatly.

"Renamon, meet your new platoon commander, First Lieutenant Colbert," Raymond informed her.

"It is an honour to meet you, Lieutenant Colbert," She stated graciously with a bow.

"The feeling's mutual, Private. I guess you'll leave her with me from here now?" He asked plainly at Raymond, who responded with a nod. "Get your stuff and meet me at the mess hall in twenty mikes," He instructed her before he opened the door and politely let her out first.

"Good luck, Renamon," Raymond said before the door closed in front of him.

Later in the day, all officers and non-commissioned officers of the battalion were reported to the multi-purpose room. The spacious room was filled with the idle chatter of the Marines, waiting patiently for their battalion commander to begin the briefing. Raymond sat between Captain Richards and Staff Sergeant Dukeman, his nominated second-in-command. He took a quick glance at his wrist watch.

"Running late?" Richards asked with a sly smile.

"I hope no-" His words were abruptly silenced when the battalion's Sergeant-Major shouted.

"ATTEN-SHUN ON DECK!"

Immediately, everyone stood up with their backs straight and gazed forward with stoic expressions, their hands against their sides as they silently watched Lieutenant-Colonel Eversman walk in the room with a proud smile.

"At ease and take your seat," He instructed calmly.

There was a brouhaha of chairs being moved as they all sat down in unison before complete silence reigned once more. Facing the rows of Marines was a wide, blank screen where the projector and laptop stood on a table just in front of the Marines. Eversman walked towards the table, picked up the projecter's remote control and stood back beside the screen. A light, cheerie "bip" broke the silence as the projector displayed the Marine Corps' famed emblem: the "Eagle, Globe and Anchor" before the map of the world was displayed to the Marines.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Marines, the invasion is upon us in two months. In two months, "Operation Restoring Freedom" will begin in Ginza where Japanese and American forces will be the first to cross it and arrive in the Digital World; we will be at the very tip of the invasion force, the first to land our boots on the ground and face this new world..." He intentionally slip a small moment of silence, letting his words sink in the minds of the Marines.

"Marines, in two months, we will embark on a campaign that will make the difference between the freedom of this world and its destruction along with Humanity. March 9th was quite a day, the digimon army of the Imperium's war machine, attacked and slaughtered our people, our kind. Now across the gate, the Digital World and its inhabitants, Digimon, are under the tyranical rule of the Imperium, fighting desperately for their freedom, however the Imperium means to keep that world and are in the process to invade and conquer ours..."

"But they've made a grave mistake that day. We fought them that day and here's what the Imps are not expecting: the fucking United States Marine Corps. Marines, from now on terrorism will not be our job, the Middle East will not be our theatre of war; the Digital World is. Besides, the International Goatfuckers can wait their turn before we whip 'em down," Light laughter broke the heavy silence that weighed in the room, easing the solemn air.

"Marines will do battle with the Imps in their own world, a world that no human being have stepped on or ever heard of before the invasion of Tokyo. Now the JSDF have sent multiple drone scouts around our landing site and so far they haven't found any hostile presence. That said, we do not know much about this world; that is why it is safe to assume that the moment we hit our boots on the ground, expect a fierce fight. The Imperium will not let us get through their turf that easily but we will make sure that they'll regret facing us! Marines, the eyes of the world will be upon us on that day, we are writing History that will change the course of Humanity as we speak. Our success rate depends solely on you, the men and women on the ground. You're decisions and actions will matter. You're lives now belong to the security of our world. I suggest that, if the chance presents itself, to call your family and loved ones, if possible, hold them dearly, and join them in prayers for peace on this Earth and goodwill to everyone, no matter their skin colour, beliefs or origins. Then report back here, ready to cross the wide void of God knows where that lay inside the gate; where we will meet our enemy and kill them all. That is all I have to say. Semper Fi," Eversman calmly observed his Marines before he left the room in silence.

"A-TTEN-HUT!" The Marines stood up straightly and stoically, "Carry on,"

The briefing ended and the chatter resumed, they were all pumped and impatient to face their new enemy. The excitement of exploring a new world was also mixed with apprehension and worry. The fear of the unknown was still in everyone's mind, the enemy they faced that day will be nothing compared to what they will face in the near future. They will lead the offensive, into the digimon's homeworld. Anything could happen after they've crossed the gate.

"This looks like Irak all over again," Richards lowly said, gazing at the world map.

"At least we're going to invade a fantasy world," Dukeman replied, trying to lighten up the mood, "Hey, you think we'll see some cat girls over there?" He asked slyly.

"Why? Is that your kink? I thought you were married," Raymond said humorously.

"Not really, but it would be cool. Don't you think?"

"Don't know, might want to ask Raymond, he knows more than anyone in the battalion, heck maybe the whole Marine Corps," Richards joked lightly, pushing Raymond with his elbow.

"I'm afraid that the Digital World will not be filled with cute cat girls, gothic lolis and sexy elves. It is quite dangerous if you look at the list of digimon there currently is," He answered truthfully.

"Man, why do you have to break a man's dream?" Dukeman complained, "I was really hoping to get a picture of one, maybe tame an adorable Pokemon-"

"Digimon, Louis," Raymond corrected, "And I sure hope Pokemon aren't real, because we have enough problems with Digimon, in addition with terrorism,"

"Yeah, you don't want to forget about those guys either," Richards retorted dryly. "You think we're up for this?" He asked with a more serious tone.

"Dunno, to be frank," Dukeman shrugged, "A lot can happen once we step foot into that world, and God knows what awaits us at the other side. What about you, Raymond?"

Raymond remained silent for during the conversation, observing the world map pensively before he shifted his gaze toward Dukeman.

"Can't be sure... It is going to be tough out there, even with digimon on our side nothing will guarantee us a high success rate..." Then a knowing grin crept up on his lips, "But at the same time, Colonel's right, the Imps aren't going to expect us... so who knows? Maybe we'll just beat the shit out of 'em?"

"Well one thing's sure for me; I hope it'll be a short war," Richards stated, "If back there was a victory... I'll really hate to see defeat,"

Both Raymond and Dukeman hummed in agreement; none of them were able to imagine the drastic consequence if they failed to defeat the Imperium. They hoped that wouldn't be the case.

June 20th 2017, Ginza District, Tokyo. D-Day to "Operation Restoring Freedom".

Hundreds of soldiers, American and Japanese, stood in tight and organized formations at the attention of the Japanese Prime Minister. Beside the stage where the Prime Minister and other state officials stood was the impressive and intimidating gate, surrounded by a thick steel dome installed by the Self-Defense Force. Ahead of the infantry formations were the vehicles with the tanks at the very front of the invasion force.

The whole district had been sealed off by the JSDF, turning into a heavily fortified and militarized zone under the jurisdiction of Japan and the UNSC. Just outside the perimeter was a mass crowd of civilians, weeping for their fallen at the Ginza monument of fallen but also cheering the soldiers; their cries for vengeance and justice echoed clearly throughout the district. For once, the people of Japan demanded war...and war was declared.

The military formations were specifically organized in order to distinguish each unit and their position in the expeditionary force. Leading the expedition were the "Digital Marines", following behind them was the JSDF and finally the U.S. Army. Back at Yokota Air Base, French, Canadian and British forces were preparing to leave the base as the second wave.

Prime Minister Motoi Shinzō cleared his throat as he begins his speech to the troops who are about to embark on the most important military campaign in modern History.

"Thanks to the combined efforts of Hypnos, the UN and NATO, this action is finally authorized and ready to begin. You carry with you the hopes and dreams of our people and our country but also those of Humanity as a whole. Members of the Defense Force and of the US Armed Forces, serve with distinction and valour; we shall expect nothing less of you. May the gods be with you in this journey and protect your souls so you may all return home safely,"

He then stepped away from the podium, leaving to a high ranking officer to step up, in full combat gear, to address the troops with a firm and authoritative voice.

"I am Lieutenant-General Hazama, your commander-in-chief for this expedition. Several missions have scouted the regions around our landing site for the last four weeks; so far all of them have returned safely but we're still don't know what we'll be facing. Therefore I suggest that you all get ready for the possibility of being in a firefight the moment we step into that world. Remember your training and stick with your unit. This is going to be a tough war but I expect you all to perform your duty without hesitation. We're moving out shortly! Get in your vehicles and standby for the go code! Move out!"

"Ryoukai!"

"Oohah!"

Came the combined response, echoing through the streets and reaching the civilians, who then cheered louder in response. The soldiers quickly got in their designated vehicles, the sound of boots hitting the asphalt rumbled in the air, the mighty roars of engines shattered the sky; in minutes, everyone was ready for the upcoming invasion.

The steel dome opened its heavy, sliding doors, hissing as it slowly reveals to the world the gate that shook the whole world, a physical portal that linked two worlds together and brought them to war. The M1A2 Abrams tanks moved out, beginning at the tip of the spearhead. Their threads shook the ground beneath as the mighty and formidable metal beasts rolled into the gate and its void interior.

Inside the General's Type 82 Command and Communication Vehicle, Lieutenant-General Hazama observed and listened to the current progress of the expeditionary force with his designated 2IC, First Lieutenant Yanagida.

"General, the spearhead, they are now in their way through," The young officer reported with uncertainty, "The rest are following but we really don't know-"

"I know," Hazama interrupted him calmly, "I told them to be ready for a fight when we get there. That thing's a bottleneck so we just have to deal with it,"

Once the main armour went through the gate, the armoured transports were next. As the first APCs entered the gate, they were immediately envelopped in darkness, their headlights being their only source to illuminate their path in this dark and lifeless environment. The soldiers inside the vehicles tried to not freak out for the gate made them uncomfortable all of the sudden.

After several long and disconcerting minutes of travelling in the void, a bright light was visible at the end; finally, they were reaching the Digital World.

"Thus it begins, the story of two worlds, mysteriously linked to one another..."

The vehicles spread around as they arrived at their landing site. Tanks formed up a line around the pre-established perimeter. Troops shortly arrived and disembarked from their vehicles, setting up firing positions as they braced for a fight.

"We've got contacts to our front! Six hundred meters!"

The Marines readied their weapons, the vehicles aimed their guns at the incoming hostile army. Adrenaline surged into their bodies along with fear and worry. The night of this world was clear but the flashes of the opposition force was brighter, truly displaying their massive size from the distance. The humans knew that they were outnumbered from the start but they must hold their position until the rest of their forces could join them in battle.

"Between the two worlds rests a single path, tied together... that path came to be known as... the Gate..."

"And so, the IDDF fought there."

Author's Note: Well that's the last chapter! I hope you've enjoyed reading this story, I had a lot of fun writing this. Next stop is Digital Crisis 2 but that won't be up in a few months (bachelor's degree to pass first). Please don't hesitate to leave a review, it is appreciated and could help me improve this story or others. Have a nice day (or night) and à la prochaine! :D