Tony, Yemeni, and the others were in a desperate scramble as they carried their comrades out of the burning VTOL. The aircraft was plummeting, flames licking the sides, and the ground rushing up to meet them. Apostle's voice, booming with fury, sent chills down their spines.

"WHERE ARE YOU YOUNGLINGS GOING?!!?"

Tony's POV

I could feel the searing heat from the burning VTOL against my back as I carried a wounded soldier. My mind was racing. Mira Apostle—here, now? We were in deep shit. She was a legendary figure, a nightmare from the stories of the Crimson Legion, and now she was bearing down on us with deadly intent.

3rd POV

Apostle flew out of the wreckage with frightening speed, her eyes blazing with an unholy light. She was a force of nature, her power undiminished by her age. Her aura crackled with dark energy, and she moved with a fluid grace that belied her centuries of battle experience.

Tony and Yemeni managed to get the last of their comrades clear of the VTOL just as it exploded, sending a shockwave through the air. The force knocked them to the ground, but they quickly scrambled to their feet, instincts taking over.

"Scatter and engage!" Tony shouted, knowing that staying together would make them easy targets.

The Pantheruos warriors, their durability and agility honed to perfection, leaped into action. Yemeni led a group to the left, using the terrain for cover. Tony went right, moving with a speed that even Mira Apostle would have trouble matching.

Yemeni's POV

We need to buy time. Apostle is too powerful to face head-on without a plan. I signaled to Keith and Shinobu to take flanking positions, hoping to catch Apostle off guard. The air was thick with tension, every moment a delicate balance between life and death.

Tony's POV

I took cover behind a rocky outcrop, trying to calm my racing heart. I peeked out, my eyes tracking Apostle as she descended with predatory grace. This was a fight we couldn't win through brute strength alone. We needed strategy, cunning, and a bit of luck.

3rd POV

Apostle landed, her wicked smile never faltering. "Come now, children. Show me what the mighty Pantheruos warriors are made of."

With a roar, she unleashed a torrent of dark energy, forcing the coalition soldiers to scatter even further. Tony and Yemeni exchanged a glance, unspoken understanding passing between them. They had faced impossible odds before and come out alive. They would do it again.

Tony's POV

We need to isolate her, draw her away from the others. I signaled to Yemeni, and she nodded, understanding my plan.

"Over here, Apostle!" I shouted, stepping out into the open and firing a burst of plasma shots her way.

3rd POV

Apostle turned her gaze to Tony, her smile widening. "Ah, there you are, little Panther. Do you wish to dance with death?"

She surged towards him, her speed blinding. Tony barely had time to react, diving out of the way as Apostle's fist smashed into the ground where he had been standing, creating a crater.

Tony's POV

Damn, she's fast. But we need to keep her focused on me. Yemeni and the others will use the distraction to set up a counterattack.

I rolled to my feet, firing another burst at Apostle, who deflected the shots with a wave of her hand. "Is that all you've got?" she taunted.

3rd POV

Yemeni and the others were in position, ready to strike. Yemeni raised her hand, signaling the start of their counterattack. From their hidden positions, the Pantheruos warriors unleashed a coordinated barrage of elemental and physical attacks, aiming to overwhelm Apostle from multiple angles.

Apostle laughed, her dark energy forming a protective barrier around her. "You think this will stop me?" she sneered, but there was a flicker of doubt in her eyes.

Tony saw the opportunity. "Now, hit her with everything we've got!"

The Pantheruos warriors intensified their assault, their combined power slowly cracking Apostle's defenses. She roared in frustration, her aura flaring dangerously.

Yemeni's POV

We can do this. We have to. I focused my energy, preparing for one final, decisive strike. "Tony, get ready!"

Tony's POV

I could see Yemeni's plan unfolding. We needed to synchronize our attacks perfectly. "On my mark!"

3rd POV

With a surge of determination, Tony and Yemeni launched their attacks simultaneously. Tony's plasma shots and Yemeni's elemental barrage converged on Apostle, breaking through her defenses and striking her with full force.

Apostle screamed, the impact driving her to her knees. For a moment, it seemed like they had won. But then, with a final, desperate burst of energy, she threw them back, her aura flickering.

Breathing heavily, Tony and Yemeni regrouped, ready for another round. Apostle staggered to her feet, her expression a mix of fury and grudging respect.

"Impressive," she hissed. "But this isn't over."

Tony's POV

We had survived the initial clash, but the fight was far from finished. I exchanged a grim look with Yemeni. We would fight to the end, no matter the cost.

"Let's finish this," I said, determination steeling my voice.

3rd POV

The battle continued, the outcome uncertain. But in that moment, Tony, Yemeni, and their comrades knew they had the strength and resolve to face whatever came next. Together, they would fight for their future, for their people, and for the hope of peace.

All of sudden, an explosion is seen in the sky and a rush of wind comes down on the city.

Apostle and the others were confused, 'What the hell?'

The shockwave from the explosion blacks out the streets and electronically knocks all aircraft out of the sky, turning off lights in the buildings, and shorting out traffic lights and powers, disabling it.

Tony, Yemeni and the other Pantheruos were shocked feeling their abilities gone. "Oh shit." Tony said feeling weak.

The VTOLs go down and a airship is seen crashing into a building.

Yemeni was shocked & scared, "OH SHIT!!"

Tony looks back at Apostle and decided that she was less of a threat. For now.

"Let's go! Let's go!"

"What the hell's goin' on?!" Keith exclaimed scared.

Yemeni was running as fast as she possibly could, "Get off the street now! Go! Go!"

They run for shelter, dodging falling VTOLs that rain on the streets, including Pantheruos that were flying now falling, Jets and even Crimson Legion aircraft. One Halo crashes right on top of a disabled Crimson Legion APC, destroying it.

"This isn't good, guys!" Shino screamed.

"Whoa!" Itami shouted nearly getting crushed.

Yemeni was really scared even though she still shouted orders, "Don't stop! Keep moving!"

Meanwhile Tony...

Tony's POV

HOLY SHIT!!!

3rd Pov

"Go, go, go!" He shouted dropping his rifle and pistol.

"What the hell's goin' on?!" Keith shouted and asked.

Tony and Yemeni answered shocked & scared, "EMP!!! LOOK OUT!!"

They reach a bookstore just as a Halo crashes near the opening, shell-shocking Tony, and blocking the opening with flames. Tony finds some spare ammo and a rifle and grabs a pistol.

Tony and Yemeni led the group inside the bookstore, the shockwave from the EMP still reverberating through their bones. The air was thick with dust and the acrid smell of burning metal. Outside, chaos reigned as aircraft and vehicles crashed, powerless to stop their descent.

Tony's POV

My heart was pounding in my chest as I rummaged through the wreckage, grabbing whatever weapons and ammo I could find. The EMP had disabled our abilities, and we were down to basic survival skills.

"Everyone, grab what you can!" I shouted. "We need to be ready for anything."

3rd POV

The Pantheruos and their allies quickly armed themselves, their faces grim. They knew that without their powers, they were at a severe disadvantage. The bookstore was dark, the only light coming from the flickering flames outside.

Yemeni was already strategizing. "We need to find a way out of here and regroup with any remaining forces. This place is a death trap."

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the building. Everyone froze, weapons at the ready. From the shadows emerged a small group of civilians, terrified but unharmed.

"Please, help us!" one of them pleaded. "We were caught in the explosion, and we don't know where to go."

Tony's POV

I felt a surge of determination. "We'll get you out of here. Stick close to us and do exactly as we say."

3rd POV

As the group prepared to move, another explosion rocked the building, sending debris raining down. Tony and Yemeni shielded the civilians as best they could, but the danger was far from over.

Apostle's voice echoed from outside, full of rage. "You can't hide forever, Pantheruos! This city will be your grave!"

Tony's POV

Great, just what we needed. I exchanged a look with Yemeni, who nodded. We had to move fast.

"Follow me, everyone. Stay low and keep quiet," I instructed, leading the way through the maze of bookshelves and overturned furniture.

3rd POV

The group moved cautiously, every sound amplified in the tense silence. Outside, the city was a war zone, and they had to navigate through it to find safety. They emerged from the back of the bookstore into an alleyway, the cool night air a stark contrast to the chaos inside.

Tony's POV

We need to get to higher ground and see if we can spot any friendly forces. "Yemeni, take point. Keith, cover the rear."

3rd POV

Yemeni nodded, leading the way with her keen senses on high alert. The alley was narrow, offering some protection, but it was also a potential trap. They moved quickly, the civilians huddling close, their fear palpable.

As they reached the end of the alley, they saw the full extent of the destruction. Buildings were crumbling, fires burned unchecked, and the sounds of distant battles echoed through the streets.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the smoke, stumbling towards them. It was a Pantheruos soldier, badly injured but alive.

"Sergeant Towson!" the soldier called out, recognizing Tony. "We have a rally point set up a few blocks north. Command is trying to regroup there."

Tony's POV

Hope flared in my chest. "Alright, everyone. We have a destination. Let's move!"

3rd POV

The group pressed on, navigating through the devastated city. Every step was a reminder of the stakes, and the reality that they were now fighting for survival without their powers. But they were Pantheruos, and they would not give up.

As they approached the rally point, they saw other survivors and soldiers gathering, a small beacon of hope amidst the chaos. Tony and Yemeni guided the civilians to safety, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Tony's POV

We've made it this far. We can make it through this. "Stay strong, everyone. We'll get through this together."

3rd POV

The battle was far from over, but for now, they had found a moment of respite. The Pantheruos warriors stood ready, determined to protect their people and reclaim their city from the darkness that threatened to engulf it.

An hour later, they saw a massive explosion and Heavy gunfire is seen from a distance.

"That's the royal palace! The royal family and the Kit-sun Queen is there!" Major Stonewall spoke seeing the rising flames.

"MOM!!" Keith shouted as his mother the Kit-sun Queen was now in danger.

Tony saw this and approached the commanding officer's location. Along with Yemeni and Major Stonewall.

As they got there they saw that the man was dead.

Stonewall checked to see if he was wounded and saw that he had a rebar through his stomach and back.

"Looks like he sat here and slowly bleed out..." Stonewall said and sighs, "So long Colonel Hsu..."

Stonewall looked at Tony and Yemeni. She removed Colonel Hsu's rank and stood at attention to the two. "Lieutenant Gene, 1st Sergeant Towson. For survival in the war so far and the honor you two have displayed. I hereby promote you two to the rank of Major."

This both shocks, surprises, and confuses them. Normally, someone like a Colonel or a 1st General can give the rank of Major like that.

That is when Stonewall placed the ranks of Colonel on her and handed her Major rank to the two of them.

"Your first mission as Majors is to gather a enough soldiers to the palace and save the occupants. Failure to this mission will be the loss of the royal family and Kit-sun Queen and the Crimson Legion victorious. We mustn't let those bastards win. Is that understood?" Stonewall said to Tony and Yemeni who now removed their Lieutenant rank and 1st Sergeant rank and place their Major rank.

They saluted to Stonewall, "Yes, ma'am!!" They said in unison.

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Tony and Yemeni as they adjusted their newly acquired Major ranks. The honor was unexpected, but there was no time to dwell on it. The survival of the royal family and the Kit-sun Queen depended on them.

Tony's POV

"Gather the troops, Yemeni. We need every able-bodied soldier we can get."

Yemeni nodded, her expression resolute. "On it, Major Towson."

3rd POV

As Yemeni went to rally the soldiers, Tony turned to Colonel Stonewall. "We'll get them out, ma'am. We won't let the Crimson Legion win."

Stonewall's face was stern but hopeful. "I know you will. May the spirits guide you both."

Tony and Yemeni quickly assembled a squad, their numbers bolstered by the determination in their eyes. The recent chaos had hardened them, and now they were ready to fight for their home and their leaders.

Tony's POV

"Alright, listen up!" I shouted, addressing the assembled soldiers. "We're heading to the palace. The royal family and the Kit-sun Queen are under attack. We get in, secure the area, and get them out. Failure is not an option."

3rd POV

The soldiers nodded, their faces set with grim determination. Tony and Yemeni led the charge, moving swiftly through the war-torn streets. The sound of gunfire and explosions grew louder as they approached the palace, the night sky illuminated by the flames consuming the once-magnificent structure.

Tony's POV

We moved with purpose, every step bringing us closer to the palace. The sight of the burning palace made my blood boil. This was our home, and we were going to defend it with everything we had.

3rd POV

As they neared the palace gates, the intensity of the battle increased. Crimson Legion soldiers were everywhere, their red armor gleaming ominously in the firelight. Tony signaled for his troops to take cover behind the rubble and engage the enemy.

"Take them out!" Tony ordered, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Tony's POV

The gunfire was deafening as we exchanged shots with the Crimson Legion. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, every sense heightened. Yemeni was beside me, her face a mask of determination as she directed the troops with precision.

3rd POV

The battle raged on, but Tony and Yemeni's forces were relentless. They pushed forward, their goal clear. With every fallen enemy, they moved closer to the palace entrance. The heavy resistance from the Crimson Legion only fueled their resolve.

Tony's POV

"Almost there!" I shouted, rallying the soldiers. "Keep pushing!"

3rd POV

As they breached the palace gates, they were met with fierce opposition. The grand halls were filled with smoke and debris, the air thick with the acrid scent of burning materials. The sound of fighting echoed through the corridors, a grim reminder of the stakes.

Tony and Yemeni led their soldiers through the palace, systematically clearing each room. The closer they got to the throne room, the more desperate the enemy's resistance became. Finally, they reached the large double doors leading to the throne room.

Tony's POV

"On my mark," I whispered, signaling to Yemeni and the others. "Three...two...one...now!"

3rd POV

They burst through the doors, weapons ready. The sight before them was both harrowing and motivating. The royal family and the Kit-sun Queen were surrounded, fighting valiantly but outnumbered.

Tony's POV

"Engage the enemy! Protect the royal family!" I commanded, my voice carrying over the din of battle.

3rd POV

The Pantheruos soldiers surged forward, engaging the Crimson Legion with renewed vigor. Tony and Yemeni fought at the forefront, their movements precise and deadly. The throne room became a battleground, but slowly, the tide began to turn in favor of the Pantheruos.

Tony's POV

I saw Keith fighting fiercely, his eyes burning with determination. "Keith! Get your mother to safety!" I shouted over the chaos.

Keith nodded, breaking through the enemy lines to reach his mother. The Kit-sun Queen looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude and relief.

3rd POV

As the last of the Crimson Legion soldiers fell, a tense silence filled the throne room. The battle was won, but the war was far from over. Tony and Yemeni quickly moved to secure the area, ensuring the safety of the royal family and the Kit-sun Queen.

Tony's POV

"We did it," I said, breathless but triumphant. "We saved them."

3rd POV

Major Stonewall's voice crackled over the comms. "Excellent work, Majors. The evacuation teams are on their way. Hold the position until they arrive."

Tony's POV

"We will, ma'am," I replied, looking at Yemeni. "Let's get them out of here."

3rd POV

The Pantheruos had won a crucial battle, but the war raged on. With their new ranks and renewed determination, Tony and Yemeni were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that the fight for their home and their people was far from over.

Mortar fire is then devastating the way ahead.

"The mortar fire means that the Crimson Legion is readying for a final attack." Tony announced, "If they want a fight, we'll give them a fight! MOVE OUT!"

A spare Halo arrives overhead.

The pilot Sweet speaks via the radio, "Majors, you copy?"

"Go ahead, Sweet." Yemeni responded.

"Crimson Legion forces advancing on your position, about one klick north."

"Yeah, we know. We're leading a counter-charge."

Tony and Yemeni mount on a truck and ride towards the battlefield.

"You two got guts. I'll give y'all that."

Yemeni then spoke, "What about Commander Apostle? Do we have confirmation on her location?"

"No idea. We expect Command to report back soon."

The mortar fire stops for a moment and silence ensues. "The mortars have stopped... that's not a good sign." Tony said nervously.

Yemeni nodded, "No... it's not."

Their fears were answered as a loud battle cry rings through and Crimson Legion soldiers charge over the hill.

Tony smirked, "Here they come! Here they come, my soldiers!! Fight, my soldiers!!"

Tony dismounts and fights the Crimson Legion soldiers. Once the truck crests the hill, Yemeni called out to him. "Tony! Target those mortar crews! They are behind the rocks!"

Tony and a Pantheruo soldier starts shooting and taking out the crews. "The mortar crews are down!" The ladder said. Tony calls for air support.

"Beginning strafing run!" Sweet said as he began taking out lots of Crimson Legion soldiers.

Heavy Machine Gun crews arrive and fire at Sweet's Halo. "Dammit! We're taking fire from the ground! Sooner or later one of them is going to get lucky!" Sweet yelled on the radio, "We can't make another pass until one of you take out those HMG crews!"

"We'll deal with them!" Tony said and turn to the Panteruo soldier next to him, "Corporal Verwoerd! With me!"

Johannes Verwoerd nodded, "Yes, sir!"

Johannes and Tony took out the crews. "MG crews are down. You're clear!" Tony calls for air support.

"Okay, coming around again." Sweet said as he takes out Crimson Legion soldiers but they too are replaced by more. Sweet finally takes them down but... "Shit! Stray fire took out the guns! I can't make another run!"

"Tony! Get on the truck!" Yemeni called out to Tony as he climbs onto the truck once again. "The cowards are weak! We must finish them off now!"

Tony started loving seeing this side of Yemeni and he and her fire from the truck, everyone charging towards the Crimson Legion forces and seen getting killed by them.

"Our journey to victory has begun everyone! DEATH TO THE FUCKING CRIMSON LEGION!!!!" Tony screamed as a battle cry is heard by the Pantheruos Army.

All Crimson Legion soldiers are killed and Tony and Yemeni dismount while Sweet lands.

"Haha!" Tony laughs, "My friend from above! You two killed many CL today, eh? Yes... We all did."

They all regroup with relief. Other similarly hardened structures in the distance are seen with green smoke emanating from their roofs, signifying that the Battle has been won in favor of the Pantheruos and it's allies.

"So," Tony began as Stonewall approached them. "when are we goin' to Crimson Legion Capital on their planet?"

"Not soon enough Towson." Colonel Stonewall said as she sighs, "But I know we're gonna burn it down when we get there."

Yemeni sighs, "When the time is right, guys." She looks back at the rising sun and the burning Monument feeling her powers coming back. "When the time is fuckin' right."

They all look out into the distance at the city in flames.

"I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU!!!" Called out Crimson Legion Army Commander Mira Apostle as she landed in front of the group.

The sudden appearance of Commander Apostle sent a chill through the air. Her eyes glowed with an unholy light, her presence exuding a menacing aura. The soldiers around Tony and Yemeni instinctively raised their weapons, but they knew this was a different kind of battle.

Tony's POV

I felt a surge of adrenaline as Apostle landed, her voice booming with rage. This was the moment we had been preparing for, and there was no turning back.

3rd POV

Apostle's laugh echoed through the battlefield. "You think you've won? This is just the beginning!"

Tony stepped forward, his eyes locked on Apostle. "We're not afraid of you, Mira. This ends now."

Tony's POV

With a swift motion, I readied my rifle, aiming at Apostle. Yemeni stood beside me, her eyes fierce and unwavering. "We've faced worse than you," she said, her voice steady.

3rd POV

Apostle's grin widened. "Then come and face your death!"

The battlefield erupted into chaos as Apostle charged, her movements a blur. Tony and Yemeni moved as one, their training and instincts guiding them. Bullets flew, and energy blasts crackled through the air.

Tony's POV

I fired off a series of shots, but Apostle was fast, deflecting them with ease. She closed the distance in a heartbeat, her hand glowing with a sinister energy. I barely had time to dodge as she swung at me, the force of her blow sending a shockwave through the ground.

3rd POV

Yemeni moved in, her blade flashing in the dim light. She struck at Apostle, but the commander parried with inhuman speed, retaliating with a powerful kick that sent Yemeni sprawling.

"You're strong," Apostle taunted, "but not strong enough."

Tony's POV

I couldn't let Yemeni fight alone. With a roar, I lunged at Apostle, tackling her to the ground. We grappled, trading blows, each strike sending ripples of pain through my body. But I couldn't afford to stop.

3rd POV

Tony's determination was unwavering. He managed to pin Apostle down momentarily, but she threw him off with a burst of energy, sending him crashing into a nearby wall. Yemeni was back on her feet, charging at Apostle with renewed fury.

Tony's POV

I struggled to my feet, shaking off the pain. This wasn't just about me or Yemeni; this was about everyone who was counting on us. I grabbed my rifle, aiming carefully at Apostle.

"Now, Yemeni!" I shouted.

3rd POV

Yemeni feinted to the left, drawing Apostle's attention. In that split second, Tony fired, his shot hitting Apostle square in the shoulder. She screamed in rage, her energy flaring wildly.

"You'll pay for that!" she snarled, her eyes blazing with hatred.

Tony's POV

I grinned through the pain. "You first."

3rd POV

With Apostle momentarily weakened, Tony and Yemeni moved in for the final strike. Together, they unleashed a coordinated attack, their weapons and abilities combining in a dazzling display of power.

Apostle tried to retaliate, but the combined force was too much. With a final, desperate scream, she fell, her body collapsing to the ground.

The battlefield fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the soldiers. Tony and Yemeni stood over Apostle's fallen form, their bodies bruised and battered but victorious.

Tony's POV

I looked at Yemeni, a smile breaking through the exhaustion. "We did it."

3rd POV

Yemeni nodded, her eyes filled with relief and pride. "Yeah, we did."

The remaining Pantheruos soldiers began to cheer, the sound growing louder as the realization of their victory set in. They had done it. They had won the battle and brought down one of the Crimson Legion's most feared commanders.

Colonel Stonewall approached, her expression one of admiration. "Well done, Majors. The city is ours, and Apostle is defeated."

Tony's POV

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the battle lift slightly. "What's next?"

3rd POV

Stonewall smiled, a glint of determination in her eyes. "We prepare. The Crimson Legion won't take this loss lightly. But today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we plan our final assault on their capital."

Yemeni looked out at the rising sun, her powers returning with the dawn. "When the time is right," she repeated, her voice filled with resolve. "We'll finish this."

As the sun rose over the city, the Pantheruos soldiers stood united, ready for whatever came next. The battle was won, but the war was far from over. And they were prepared to fight until the very end.