3rd POV

A year into the Galactic World War VII, the frontlines of Planet Kit-sun had become a grim battleground, marked by a relentless cycle of conflict and survival. Amidst the chaos, Tony had risen through the ranks to become a 1st Sergeant. His once olive drab combat armor was now well-worn, covered in grime and battle scars that told the story of countless skirmishes.

Tony sat in a makeshift mess area, eating his rations with a weary but determined demeanor. The rations were basic, a stark contrast to the elaborate meals of the past, but they were sustenance. He chewed slowly, the taste of the food almost inconsequential compared to the weight of his thoughts.

The trench had become a second home, a place where moments of respite were rare and fleeting. The sounds of distant explosions and the murmurs of soldiers discussing the latest intel filled the air. Despite the constant tension, there was a sense of camaraderie that bound them together.

Tony's gaze was distant as he stared at his ration pack. The harsh reality of the war had taken its toll, and the battles seemed to blend together in an endless cycle. Yet, he remained focused, knowing that every action, every decision, was crucial to their survival and the eventual outcome of the war.

Around him, soldiers went about their tasks, their faces a mix of fatigue and resolve. The trench was a mosaic of humanity, each person carrying their own burdens and hopes. Tony had become a key figure in this patchwork, his leadership and experience invaluable in navigating the complexities of warfare.

As he finished his meal, he glanced at the makeshift notice board where updates and orders were posted. The war was far from over, and the demands on his role had only increased. The constant strategic adjustments, the ever-evolving tactics of the enemy, and the relentless push for victory weighed heavily on him.

Tony's thoughts drifted to his comrades, particularly Yemeni. They had both changed significantly over the past year. Yemeni, now a seasoned Sergeant herself, was a steadfast ally in the fight. Their shared experiences and the challenges they had faced had only strengthened their bond.

He took a deep breath, the weight of his responsibilities settling on his shoulders. The war had pushed them to their limits, but it had also forged them into something stronger. Each day was a battle, not just against the enemy, but against the fatigue and uncertainty that came with it.

Tony stood up, ready to rejoin his unit. The fight was far from over, and the path to victory was still fraught with obstacles. But as he walked back to the frontlines, he carried with him the resilience and determination that had become his hallmark. The war might always change, but so would he, adapting and fighting for a future where peace was not just a distant dream, but a reality within reach.

The battlefield was a chaotic blend of explosions, gunfire, and the relentless advance of coalition forces against the entrenched Crimson Legion. Night had fallen, but the burning fields and buildings cast an eerie glow, illuminating the carnage. A news reporter's voice crackled over the comms, describing the scene with a grim urgency.

"After heavy fighting, soldiers of the coalition began their evacuation of the area where the Crimson Legion is making their stand. Fighting has intensified, with anti-aircraft fire targeting Pegasus Riders and burning fields lighting up the night. Communications are in chaos, and commercial flights from the spaceports in allied planets have been canceled..."

A VTOL flew through the thick of it, weaving through the chaos. Below, a squadron of Halos engaged enemy forces, while a lone Pantheruo tore through a large group of Crimson Legion soldiers with brutal efficiency. In the sky, an airship initiated a bombing run, its payload lighting up the ground below.

Tony's POV

I had just left the controls of the VTOL, hooking up to rappel down. The chaos around me was intense, but my focus was sharp. Suddenly, a burst of anti-aircraft fire hit our VTOL.

"OH SHIT!!" I yelled, my heart racing as the VTOL began to swing wildly out of control.

"Quad 50! We're hit! We're hit!" the pilot, callsign Hotel Six, shouted through the radio.

The VTOL lurched violently, but I managed to swing from the ropes into a shattered window, crashing into a room just as the VTOL went down.

"Lima Niner, we are going down!" Hotel Six's desperate voice echoed in my ears.

"Lima Niner, Hotel Six is gone," Command confirmed over the comms, the loss hitting hard.

I barely had time to catch my breath when a Crimson Legion soldier burst into the room, drawn by the noise. Instinct took over. I ambushed him, snapping his neck with a quick, brutal motion. As I wrestled his shotgun from his lifeless hands, two more soldiers appeared, alerted by the commotion. I fired, taking them both down before they could react.

With the gun finally free, I paused, taking in the destruction around me. Outside, the battle raged on, and the Flagship of the Pantheruos Army was under heavy fire. My eyes widened in horror as I saw it take a direct hit and begin its descent.

"The princess was on there..." I whispered, a mix of dread and determination washing over me.

3rd POV

Tony stood in the wrecked room, his mind racing. The fall of the flagship was a devastating blow, not just strategically, but personally. The princess, a symbol of hope and unity, had been on board. The loss was unthinkable.

Yet, there was no time to dwell on it. The fight was far from over. Tony knew he had to push forward, to find a way to turn the tide. Every moment counted, and every action could mean the difference between survival and defeat.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. The battlefield called, and he would answer, driven by a fierce resolve to protect what remained and to honor those who had fallen.

As he stepped out of the room, weapon at the ready, the sounds of war surrounded him once more. The path was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Tony Towson would continue to fight, no matter the cost.

Tony's POV

Just as I was about to step out and rejoin the fray, my comms crackled to life with a distress call. My heart skipped a beat when I heard the voice on the other end. It was the princess! She was alive!

I ducked behind some rubble, finding a secure spot to listen in, my pulse quickening. The princess, a symbol of our resilience and hope, was sending out a distress call. This was priority one.

"Mayday, mayday! This is Princess Alara of Pantheruos. Our flagship has been shot down, and we are under heavy enemy fire. Coordinates 23.57.89.11. Requesting immediate extraction and support!"

Her voice was steady despite the situation, a testament to her training and bravery. I immediately took note of the coordinates. My mind raced with plans and possibilities.

I quickly responded, hoping she could hear me through the chaos. "Princess Alara, this is 1st Sergeant Tony Towson. Hold your position. I'm on my way. Over."

I knew this mission was going to be dangerous. The area around the downed flagship would be swarming with enemy forces, and extraction would be no simple task. But I couldn't leave her there. She represented so much more than just royalty; she was a beacon for our people.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. I would need to be quick, precise, and ruthless. The princess's life—and possibly the outcome of this battle—depended on it.

Slipping through the chaos, I began to make my way towards the coordinates she had given. The sounds of battle intensified around me, explosions and gunfire creating a symphony of destruction. The path was treacherous, but I moved with purpose, navigating the debris and enemy patrols with a singular focus.

As I approached the coordinates, I saw the remains of the flagship, a twisted mass of metal and smoke. It was heavily guarded, Crimson Legion soldiers swarming the area. I took cover behind a fallen beam, assessing the situation.

This was going to require precision and stealth. I readied my weapon, my mind already formulating a plan. Taking a deep breath, I prepared to engage the enemy, the image of the princess's distress call burning in my mind.

With one last check of my gear, I moved forward, ready to face whatever stood between me and the princess. The mission was clear: extract Princess Alara and bring her to safety. Failure was not an option.

3rd POV

Tony advanced through the wreckage with the stealth and precision that had earned him his rank. The Crimson Legion soldiers were numerous, but Tony's determination was unwavering. Each step brought him closer to the princess, and each encounter with the enemy was handled with lethal efficiency.

He moved like a shadow, eliminating threats quietly and methodically. His Pantheruos heritage, with its blend of strength, speed, and intelligence, was on full display. He was a force of nature, unstoppable and relentless.

As he neared the central wreckage of the flagship, he could see a small group of Pantheruos soldiers, including the princess, hunkered down and returning fire. They were surrounded, their position precarious.

Tony's heart pounded in his chest as he prepared to make his move. The princess's life, and the hopes of his people, hung in the balance. With a final, deep breath, he launched into action, determined to turn the tide and ensure the princess's survival.

As Tony slipped inside the wreckage of the flagship, the acrid smell of smoke and the sounds of distant gunfire surrounded him. The once-mighty vessel was now a twisted labyrinth of metal and debris, but Tony moved with purpose, navigating the chaos with practiced ease. His eyes scanned the area, searching for any signs of the princess and her contingent.

The interior was a grim sight: bodies of fallen soldiers, both friend and foe, littered the ground. The air was thick with the echoes of past battles, and the occasional spark of malfunctioning equipment added to the sense of urgency.

Tony crept through the narrow corridors, his weapon at the ready. He rounded a corner and spotted a group of Crimson Legion soldiers up ahead, their attention focused on a fortified position where the princess and her guards were making their stand. The enemy was closing in, their numbers overwhelming.

Tony's POV

I could see her now, Princess Alara, fighting valiantly alongside her guards. Despite the dire situation, her presence radiated strength and determination. She was a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, and I knew I had to reach her.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. This was it. Time to make my move.

With swift precision, I moved forward, taking out the first two Crimson Legion soldiers before they even knew what hit them. My claws were a blur of motion, cutting through the enemy with lethal efficiency. The element of surprise was on my side, and I intended to use it to its fullest.

The remaining soldiers turned, finally noticing me, but it was too late. I was already among them, a whirlwind of fury and skill. The sounds of gunfire and screams filled the air as I fought my way towards the princess.

"Towson! Over here!" Princess Alara called out, her voice a mixture of relief and urgency.

I reached her position, my back against the makeshift barricade they had set up. "Princess, we need to get you out of here now!"

She nodded, her eyes fierce. "We can't leave my men behind."

I glanced at the remaining Pantheruos soldiers, their faces set in grim determination. "Understood. We'll all make it out together."

As we regrouped, I assessed the situation. The enemy was relentless, but we had a chance. I relayed the plan to the princess and her guards, every second counting. We would fight our way out, covering each other as we moved.

"Stay close and keep moving!" I shouted, leading the charge.

3rd POV

Tony and the princess's group surged forward, their combined strength and skill cutting through the Crimson Legion soldiers. The battle was fierce, every step hard-won, but their resolve never wavered. Tony's leadership and combat prowess were instrumental, his presence a source of inspiration to those around him.

As they fought their way through the wreckage, the path to escape became clearer. Tony's focus was unyielding, his only goal to ensure the princess's safety. Each encounter with the enemy was met with unwavering ferocity, each obstacle overcome with determination.

Finally, they broke through the last of the enemy lines, emerging into the open air. The battlefield was still chaotic, but they had made it. Tony signaled for a VTOL extraction, the roar of its engines a welcome sound amidst the turmoil.

Tony's POV

As we boarded the VTOL, I couldn't help but glance back at the battlefield. The fight was far from over, but we had made it through this hellish ordeal. The princess was safe, and that was what mattered most.

"Thank you, Tony," Princess Alara said, her voice filled with gratitude. "You saved us."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief and pride. "It's my duty, Princess. We'll get through this war, together."

As the VTOL lifted off, I looked at the soldiers around me, their faces a mix of exhaustion and resolve. The war might always change, but so would we, adapting and fighting for a future where peace was not just a distant dream but a reality within reach.

The journey was far from over, but for now, we had won a small victory. And in this endless war, every victory counted.

3rd POV

Tony then continues to move on.

As Tony is moving, he shoots 2 more Crimson Legion coming up the stairs.

"Lima Niner, I got eyes on X-Ray(Tony). He got CLs all over the north wing, ma'am." Spoke Lima Niner on the radio.

Yemeni's voice is heard on the radio, "Light 'em up!"

"Lima Nine is inbound. X-Ray, get your head down!"

Tony take cover as Lima Niner shoots inside the building with the VTOL's heavy machine guns, killing Crimson Legion soldiers.

"X-Ray, you're clear."

A civilian passes by Tony, startled upon seeing him and thankfully seeing him. "Out of the way, go! Lieutenant Gene, northeast corner."

"On the way. X-Ray, we're breaching through the roof. The whole building's overrun!" Yemeni said via the radio as she, and Lieutenant Keith Brussett's group rappel down from a window from the roof, and clear the room.

An Crimson Legion soldier outside of the building gives orders to his troops.

"What did he say? I couldn't hear from all the gunfire?" A Warcat said as she walks by them.

"I heard," Keith said as his fox ears twitch. "He said, 'Kill everyone'."

"What?" A Wardog said in disbelief.

"WHAT?!" Tony and Yemeni exclaimed.

A loud booming voice is heard over all the noise, "To the Pantheruos. Your collaboration with these kitsune is proof of your guilt and weakness. In accordance with tradition, the punishment of death is to be carried out immediately."

Soldiers enters a room and executes unarmed civilians both kitsune and not. The group kills them in a firefight and elemental power fight.

"X-Ray, this is Maj. Stonewall, anyone who doesn't get out soon isn't going to. The Crimson Legion have overwhelmed the entire north wing. This is from Lily's reconnaissance." Major Kara Stonewall spoke via the comm link.

"Roger that Maj. Stonewall, moving on." Yemeni nodded.

They enter a room with stairs, and soldiers. "Flame trooper!" Tony pointed, "At the window!"

The Crimson Legion soldier uses a flamethrower from a window high up to the ground. A few more civilians run in, but to no avail are killed by the Crimson Legion.

"Shit, this is not good," Yemeni cursed. This surprised Tony as he never heard her curse.

"X-Ray, this is Lima Nine. We've got CL on the roof. I've got eyes on Crimson Legion Commander Apost-!" Lima Niner was cut off but is seen spinning out of control with rebars sticking out the pilot cockpit window. The VTOL goes down and explodes.

"Lima Nine is down, Lima Nine is down. Anyone copy?" Stonewall said via the radio.

There is a small explosion that shakes the building.

They leave the compound, and meet up with the others.

"Command, where the hell's our pick up?!" Sergeant Yuk Itami shouted in his radio.

"Be advised, Army forces are engaged in heavy fighting East of the compound. Push through to rally point Delta - 2 klicks west on the river." Command said.

"We'll make it - you just bring us that evac!" Keith said with determination.

The loud booming voice spoke again, "Pantheruos soldiers! Put down your weapons! This is not your war! We wish you no harm. The Crimson Legion is here to liberate you!"

"We're gonna need some close air support for this." Staff Sergeant Shinobu Shino muttered.

"Skies too dangerous for an airship." Yemeni said.

They make it to an area and meet up with Soldiers engaging CLs, aided by an APC named "Bottom Feeders". Tony walks up to their radio operator, who is trying to call an airstrike, but is being denied. "R-T Lexus this is One-Five. We need immediate air support at grid 7 Delta Oscar Tango!"

"One-Five we do not have clearance in that grid. Everyone's in the shit, son."

"Son of a bitch, fuck!"

"TOWSON! Grab that damn radio!" Yemeni ordered as Tony approached the operator.

"Pull it together, and give me that radio!" Tony demanded but the guy gave him a skeptical look.

"What are you, a Reach Class?"

"Just give me the fuckin' radio."

"Good luck with that shit." He said as he gives Tony the radio.

"Lexus this is Sierra Oscar Golf X-Ray. Priority one ordinance on my command. I authenticate golf two, over." Tony spoke on the radio.

"Affirmative, X-Ray. Let us know when you need us." Lexus confirmed surprising the guy.

"Marking coordinates, take 'em out." Tony said as he laser designated a six story building.

"Coordinates confirmed. Contact at the six story building. Coming in, X-Ray. keep your heads down."

Lexus flies in a modified VTOL jet with the Maximum Heavy Armament Subsystem. Fires at the twelve story building with missiles and guns. They jump down the ledge and enters the streets.

"Holy crap!" Almost everyone exclaimed as the building came down.

"We have confirmed kills, area secure." Lexus spoke.

The coalition Soldiers move forward, taking out multiple Crimson Legion soldiers.

The coalition soldiers advanced with renewed vigor, taking out the remaining Crimson Legion soldiers with precise, coordinated strikes. Tony led his squad through the rubble-strewn streets, his eyes scanning for any remaining threats. Yemeni moved beside him, her determination evident as they pushed forward.

"Keep moving! We need to reach the extraction point!" Tony ordered, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

The group moved swiftly, weaving through the wreckage of the once bustling city. The sounds of distant gunfire and explosions echoed in the background, a grim reminder of the ongoing battle. The streets were littered with debris, making their progress slow but steady.

Tony's POV

I could see the extraction point up ahead, a small clearing where the evac VTOL was supposed to land. We were almost there. Just a little further.

"Lieutenant Gene, take point and secure the area!" I shouted, trusting Yemeni's sharp instincts and leadership.

She nodded and signaled her team forward. As they approached the extraction point, I took a moment to assess the situation. The Crimson Legion had been relentless, but we had managed to hold our ground. The princess was safe, and we had saved as many civilians as we could.

A sudden explosion rocked the ground nearby, sending debris flying. I instinctively shielded my face, feeling the heat of the blast. Turning, I saw a squad of Crimson Legion soldiers emerging from the smoke, their weapons trained on us.

"Ambush! Take cover!" I yelled, diving behind a pile of rubble.

3rd POV

The coalition soldiers scattered, finding whatever cover they could. The Crimson Legion had managed to flank them, and now a fierce firefight erupted in the clearing. Bullets and energy blasts zipped through the air, the sounds of battle intensifying.

Tony peeked out from behind his cover, his sharp eyes locking onto the enemy positions. He spotted a heavy gunner setting up his weapon, preparing to mow down his comrades.

Tony's POV

I had to take him out before he could cause any more damage. I steadied my aim, taking a deep breath, and squeezed the trigger. The heavy gunner fell, his weapon clattering to the ground.

"Move up! We can't let them pin us down!" I commanded, my voice cutting through the chaos.

Yemeni and her squad moved with precision, taking down the enemy soldiers with expert marksmanship. The coalition forces pushed forward, their determination unwavering despite the overwhelming odds.

3rd POV

The firefight continued, but the coalition soldiers fought with a tenacity that the Crimson Legion hadn't anticipated. Slowly but surely, they began to push the enemy back, reclaiming the clearing inch by inch.

A roar overhead signaled the arrival of the evac VTOL, its engines humming as it descended towards the extraction point. The sight of the VTOL renewed the coalition soldiers' resolve, and they fought with even greater ferocity.

Tony's POV

"Get to the VTOL! Go, go, go!" I shouted, covering my comrades as they made their way to the evac.

The soldiers moved quickly, helping the injured and ensuring everyone made it to the VTOL safely. Yemeni and I were among the last to board, ensuring no one was left behind.

As the VTOL lifted off, I looked out at the battlefield below. The fight was far from over, but we had won this round. We had saved lives and struck a blow against the Crimson Legion.

3rd POV

The VTOL soared into the sky, carrying the coalition soldiers away from the chaos. The city below continued to burn, a stark reminder of the war that raged on. But within the VTOL, there was a sense of victory, however small.

Tony sat back, catching his breath. Yemeni sat beside him, her face smeared with dirt and sweat but filled with determination. They had survived another battle, and they would continue to fight for peace.

As the VTOL flew towards safety, Tony's thoughts drifted to the future. The war might always change, but their resolve remained unbreakable. They would fight, they would endure, and they would win. For their people, for their planet, and for the hope of a better tomorrow.

"This seems like a lovely ride~" Said the voice in the back of the VTOL.

Tony, Yemeni and the others looked and saw someone that made their blood run cold.

Crimson Legion Army Commander Mira Apostle. She smiled wickedly at them.