Hi everyone, it's time for another chapter! Thank you again to everyone that reviewed, faved and followed the story and I again encourage you all to do the same. To answer a guest's question about Louise using magic the answer is yes, but it won't be a central part of the story. She will only use magic in very dire situations so don't expect constant explosions. Anyways here's the story, hope you enjoy it.

No one heard from Luna's team for almost two days since they began the mission. No one was worried as it was common for the teams to not contact anyone unless it was for dire emergencies and the squad knew that Luna was a capable leader even if she had her share of weaknesses. So it came to a surprise when news came that Luna's team was found as POWs as it sent a shock to the entire squad, "H-how did that happen?" Alicia asked, "I thought this was supposed to be a simple mission!"

"It was," Mason said, "command doesn't know what happened. Though reportedly the initial prisoners were a trap and that Luna's team was lured before being overpowered," he acted composed and calm despite news that his sister was a prisoner of war though Louise knew that Mason would be worried and frightened, she would be if it was one of her sisters and Louise could understand to a degree what Mason was feeling right now.

"So what happens now? Are we going for another rescue mission?" Alicia asked.

"No way!" Alice said, "What if that is what the enemy is aiming for?"

"Well we can't just leave Luna and the others there! Who knows what they're going through right now?" Alicia retorted.

"If we just rush in without a plan then we'll be falling right into their hands, it won't be any better at all," Alice argued.

"That's enough you two," Mason said sternly, "we're not going to leave Luna and her team behind. We don't do that with anyone, that's why command has a plan. The Confederacy have contacted us and they're going to give all the prisoners they have in exchange for ours," as the squad muttered amongst themselves.

"So it's a prisoner exchange," Daniel said with a frown, "even I can tell that this is a set up."

"Indeed it is especially since the location is quite close to the Confederacy's main army, no doubt they are thinking that they can attack us once all the prisoners had been exchanged and ambush us. Killing two birds with one stone," Mason said as he bit his nails in frustration, it was a percarious situation and Louise couldn't see how they would be able to get away with this situation short of another rescue mission, or fighting the Confederacy when they got the prisoners.

"So then what's the plan?" Daniel asked.

"For now squad 13 will spearhead this since they're our men though we'll have support from the 4th squad as well," as no one protested this time, it was their men being taken and they would not have any of the other squads have it. "A sniper is a must in this situation, to take down any hidden threats that might occur in this exchange, the exchange location is a rocky terrain over a chasm and the prisoners will be exchanged on a bridge. No doubt they plan on cutting the bridge as soon as they got their prisoners out, so we need to move fast. As soon as we got the prisoners then we need to run like hell to safe ground before they can do anything funny."

"Well if you're asking for volunteers then count me in," Robert said, "although your sister might have been a pain especially for me...she's a good sergeant and I wouldn't have anyone else, plus she still owes me for losing in poker," as the squad laughed.

"Alright well that's a sniper down, any other snipers want to volunteer then come speak to me soon, I'm going to need someone now to go on the bridge and take back the prisoners. I can't since I'm the CO for this operation and the message said that no officer is to take the prisoners, only enlisted men, it needs to be someone who can work under pressure and is not scared of heights. There's also the chance that you might die, we will try everything under our power to not let that happen, however anything is possible and therefore...I cannot ask you to sacrifice your life for the others but it's going to take some major guts for this.

Louise looked around her as she wondered who would volunteer for this, although all of them were ready to protect and fight for their friends going into a situation where death was a high possibility was asking a little bit too much of people. Louise herself would have volunteered for it, however with her eye and the fact that it would be disorienting with her depth perception it was just asking for a disaster as she cursed her uselesness. "I'll go," a voice said as Louise turned to see that it was Alicia who had volunteered for it.

"You would go Alicia?" Mason asked as she nodded, "Alright then, I thank you for that I really do, now who wants to accompany me and defend the rear if things get hairy? I can't take everyone as that would be too suspicious so those that aren't coming will be in reserve."

This one Louise would be able to take, although she would have a little bit more time to truly orient herself with actually fighting this would be as good as any time to test herself to the limit. She immediately raised her hand as Mason looked over her for a moment before nodding, "Alright Louise you're up, who else wants to go?" as Alexander's hand came up naturally...it seemed that wherever Louise went so did Alexander...but then again no one can deny that they make a great team. Louise then saw Claudia's hand go up as she caught her eye as she winked at Louise making her frown, she hoped that she wouldn't compromise this mission all for the sake of one upping her. And then surprisingly Suzie's hand went up as Suzie smiled shyly at Louise as she nodded back in return. "Alright then, be ready to move out in 3 hours let's get our guys everyone," as squad 13 cheered, "oh Louise could you stay back I need to talk to you," as Louise looked at Mason in wonder but nodded.

After everyone had left it was just Louise and Mason as the two of them sat down, "Louise about the mission...are you sure you want to go with me?" he asked.

"What are you talking about? This is Luna we're talking about of course I would want to go, we might have had our differences but it doesn't change the fact that she's my comrade and I want to save her and all the others as well," Louise said.

"I know it's just..." Mason said rubbing his hands nervously, "you don't have to prove yourself to us, we know-"

"If you think I decided to join just to prove that I'm still the same, if not better, then uninjured soldiers then you're wrong. This injury," Louise said as she touched the eyepatch, "this injury will be part of me for the rest of my life. I will need to learn to live with that, but it doesn't change me at all...I just become stronger and better then before, this isn't about me proving myself to anyone or anything like that. I truly want to go in order to rescue Luna and the others, if I become weaker then I was before then I'll accept that and strive to become stronger and if it makes me stronger then before then I'll continue to improve myself because of that."

Mason nodded slowly, "I see...I had a feeling it might be that but I just had to make sure, I'm sorry I doubted you Louise...you're the best scout we, no the military, has ever seen in a long time. You and Alexander are truly the best."

"I'm sure there are others as well," Louise said as Mason nodded, "is that all sir?"

"That will be all, get ready to move out soon," Mason said as Louise saluted to him and left the room. She then went and looked for Claudia as Louise then saw Claudia chatting away with some of the other soldiers as she made a beeline for her. She needed to get this settled with her right now before it became a big, if not fatal, problem as she grabbed Claudia, "Need a word with you," she said before dragging her out to the corridor.

"Huh? Hey Louise what's up?" Claudia asked as Louise crossed her arm and looked Claudia dead in the eye, not an easy feat considering she was taller then her.

"Look I know that you want to be my rival and I know that some of the soldiers are a bit competitive and I don't mind that," Louise began, "I don't mind if you call yourself my rival and try to one-up me with whatever you want, I don't really care about it to be honest. However I just want to make one thing very clear: our 'competition' won't get in the way of any mission, I don't want you stuffing things up just so you can act better them me got it? If we're on a mission I don't want you to act and try to look better then me, I won't compromise the safety of my friends and the mission all for some stupid thing."

Claudia blinked a couple of times before she laughed at Louise, "Y-you think I would be trying to do that?" she asked.

"Isn't that why you volunteered when I put my hand up?" Louise asked.

"No, no. Well yes that is part of the reason, but my main one was that I just wanted to help," Claudia said, "look Louise I know what I said about you being my rival and vice-versa however I also know that this is a war and people die. I'm not going to act like a hero and compromise the mission…I'm not going to have anyone else die in front of me…"

"Huh? What was that?" Louise asked not quite hearing the last part.

"Oh nothing," Claudia said with a smile, "look just don't you worry about it Louise. I know where things stand, besides…there's plenty of time for me to compete with you," as Louise was surprised by how mature Claudia was as she felt embarrassed that she even considered what she considered.

"O-oh…okay I-I'm sorry I suspected you but everyone in squad 13…they're…they're my family almost," Louise stammered.

"I know," Claudia said, "I understand, trust me I do, let's try to get them home okay?" as Claudia left Louise before she felt someone hugging her from behind, the smell of soft perfume instantly let her know who it was.

"Louise~ how are you?" Suzie asked as Louise smiled softly.

"Hi Suzie, what are you doing?" Louise asked as Suzie released her as she turned to see a red-faced Suzie there.

"N-nothing much," she said, "I was just looking for you. What were you talking about with Claudia?"

"Just clearing a misunderstanding," Louise said, "hey Suzie…you really sure you want to volunteer to be at the frontline?"

"Huh? Oh you mean going with you? Sure of course," Suzie said.

"You don't need to force yourself if you don't want to, I'll make sure that no one-" Louise began.

"No I really do want to Louise because…because I want to prove to myself that I'm going to change, what better time to prove to myself then now right? And…"

"And?"

"N-nothing it's nothing," Suzie said before running off, "I'll see you later Louise!"

"Hey wait!" Louise said but Suzie was already gone, "geez that girl can run fast."

"Well I suppose she's just nervous being around you," Alexander said.

"I guess," Louise said, "I just hope she doesn't kill herself because of me…that would suck big time."

"Well she's stubborn I'll give her that," Alexander said before he looked at her, "so ready to go?"

"No time like the present, anything else I should do before going off? Any special mountain equipment?" Louise asked.

"Haha nothing like that," Alexander said, "just the clothes on your back and your trusty rifle."

"Let's not forget my trusty scarf," Louise said tightening it, "oh yeah I should thank your mother for fixing it up, I'm sure it must've been a mess."

"Well it was, but my mother always did enjoy a good challenge," Alexander said as Louise nodded, "come on the truck should be here by now."

"Yeah, let's go and rescue them," Louise said.

The prisoner exchange was indeed in a mountainous area, there were mountains on all side wherever Louise looked and he could see deep chasms that looked like black abysses making her a little bit scared as a single bridge was the only thing connecting the two sides as Louise could see the white armour of the Confederacy shining beneath the sun though she couldn't see if Luna and the others were with them or not. She turned to see the prisoners there, eager to return back to their own ranks, as Louise felt a little bit nervous about the whole thing she also saw Mason and Alicia quietly discussing the plan while Suzie, Claudia and Alexander were positioned at the bridge looking out to the Confederacy. "You think this is going to work?" Louise asked on the radio to Robert as he was positioned in a vantage point looking out to the other side.

"Well I'm sure our great lieutenant has a plan, he always has a plan," Robert said.

"Any sight of Luna's team?" Louise asked.

"No sign of them, they must be in the APC up ahead," Robert said, "I can see an officer next to it though; I suppose that's their CO."

"Alright well…it's nearly time," Louise said checking her military-issued watch, "are you ready Robert?"

"Ready as I'll ever be, I'm just making sure no one's got any bright ideas before we got our men to safe ground," Robert replied.

"Be careful of an enemy sniper, I'm sure we're not the only one that has a sniper hidden somewhere," Louise warned feeling even more nervous now because the likelihood of an enemy sniper was high. To die before knowing you were going to be killed was a scary thought, but Louise tried to not let that get to her as she took deep breaths to calm herself down.

"Don't worry, I'm on the lookout for it, trust me on that," Robert said.

"Well you never do miss out on a sale so I guess I can trust you," Louise said teasingly.

"Show time," Robert announced as the prisoners were hauled off the truck as Alicia led them as Suzie, Claudia and Alexander drew their guns while Mason stood back as Louise took her position, "good luck."

"Same to you," Louise said as she took deep breaths as the prisoners were on the bridge with Alicia behind them as a Confederacy soldier led the other side.

"I see them," Robert said, "they seem to be in good shape," as Louise sighed in relief, at least nothing bad happened to them…at least physically as she hoped that Luna wasn't too traumatised by this. Fearing death was one thing, but being held captive was another thing; she then kept her rifle ready as the two parties met on the centre of the bridge as the prisoners were exchanged, the moment Alicia got the others they ran back as fast as possible. "Damn it they're already starting to cut the rope!" Robert exclaimed as everyone shifted, "Lieutenant I need orders."

"Stop him," Mason said, "stop him now!" as Robert fired as a loud bang echoed throughout the mountain as the Confederacy retaliated by firing as well, though due to the distance they mostly missed before Robert then cried out in pain.

"Robert!" Louise called out.

"I'm hit," Robert groaned, "goddamn it I'm hit!"

"Mason what do we do now?" Louise asked.

"Provide supressing fire until Alicia get here, 4th squad commence artillery support," Mason said as there was a whistling sound before mortar shells landed on the other side of the bridge as the Confederacy were bombarded by the mortars that the 4th squad were providing. Louise grinned, it seemed that Mason's plan would work after all. He expected that the Confederacy wouldn't give up their hostages so easily just for some troops so they must have had a plan and therefore he had the 4th squad ready to support them.

Alicia finally got everyone to safe ground as Luna and the others were shuttled to the truck before it sped away, "Alright rear team provide some cover while we make our escape," Mason said as the rear team consisting of those that volunteered jumped into action as they shot at the approaching troops. The bridge served as a kill zone since it was the only way that the Confederacy could get to them and so it was a simple task of making sure that they didn't get to their position. Louise fired her rifle as the rear team began to fall back, they weren't looking to completely wipe out the Confederacy but just stall them long enough for Mason to make his escape before an APC would come to pick them up.

"What about Robert?" Suzie asked.

"4th squad's already got him, I heard it on the radio," Louise said as she then saw a dot on the sky, at first she thought it was a bird. But then it got closer and closer to them and it seemed to be aiming straight for Alexander, "Alexander look out! Dive! Dive!" Louise said as Alexander looked at her before diving to the side just as a golden-armoured soldier with a giant lance pierced the ground where Alexander was. He had a jetpack on him as they gaped at it as the soldier took that chance to try to kill Alexander as he rolled away from it as Louise and others fired their weapons at it, but the armour was strong enough to shrug them off as Louise gritted her teeth. "Mason we need help! They have some sort of new soldier, our rifles can't do anything to it, we need anti-armour assistance."

"I'll be there soon, can you escape?" Mason asked.

"Hopefully," Louise said as she gestured for the others to follow her as the soldier activated his jet again as he jumped to the sky before descending quickly as Louise was barely able to dodge the lance, "damn it, he's really persistent."

"I've never heard of this kind of soldier, is it some sort of new technology?" Claudia asked.

"Probably…in which case we're all in trouble," Louise said as they could slow him down with their guns, but other then that they were powerless against it as Suzie tripped on a stone as she fell. "Suzie!" Louise cried out before aiding her and getting her along as the soldier then tackled her as she fell to the floor as he towered above her his lance pointing at her body. Damn…don't tell me I really am going to die now? That sucks…that really sucks Alexander, Suzie, everyone…I'm sorry I couldn't protect you guys longer Louise thought to herself as the lance descended as she closed her eye and prepared for the end.

A loud shot then echoed as the burning pain never came Louise opened her eye to see a hole on the soldier's head as he fell back with a bang as she panted, who was it that shot the soldier and killed him? She turned around to see only Suzie, Claudia and Alexander there, "W-who?" Louise asked.

"A sniper from the 4th squad," Mason said approaching her as more soldiers arrived, "come on talk later guys we gotta get out of here before more of those guys show up," as Louise nodded taking one last look at the deceased soldier before getting on the APC as they drove away. They all then sighed with relief as the mission was a success and nobody was killed as Louise closed her eyes and tried to get rid of the image of the towering soldier and his lance. She had been terrified when that happened, it was the first time that she almost die on the battlefield while still conscious, it terrified her just as it terrified her when she lost her eye. She put a hand over her eye to calm herself down but the image still persisted as she then felt someone touch her as she yelped only to see that it was Alexander.

"You weren't responding when I called you, are you alright Louise?" Alexander asked.

"Y-yeah, just a little frightened that's all…the lancer that is," Louise said.

"I know, I was scared too," Alexander replied, "good thing for that sniper huh?"

"Yeah I gotta thank him when I see him," Louise said, "we've arrived?"

"Yep," Alexander said as the two of them disembarked from the APC as Luna and the others were being questioned and checked as Louise went up to her, Luna looked okay other then shaking from head to foot as she took deep breaths to calm herself down.

"Hey Luna, how are you feeling?" Louise asked as Luna looked up to her.

"Hey Louise…fine I guess…can't believe I got caught by the enemy, sounds silly huh? The rescuer needing rescue," Luna said as Louise sat next to her and hugged her.

"Of course not, it's natural in war that this should happen, they didn't hurt you did they?" Louise asked.

"No, they treated us like prisoners but they didn't hurt us…it seemed that they really wanted to get those men back. The request for aid was fake of course, don't know how command missed that, but…" Luna said as she leaned her head to Louise's shoulder, "I'm glad you came for me, all of you."

"Of course that's what comrades are for," Louise said, "speaking of which I have to thank my own rescuer, I'll see you later," as Luna nodded as Louise looked around for someone in squad 2 who might be a sniper as she then heard a familiar voice.

"Well if it isn't the 'zero'," as Louise's eyes widened as she turned to see a flaming red haired girl, a blue haired girl and a blonde haired boy.

"N-no way…" Louise said in disbelief, it couldn't be true, "Kirche, Tabitha and Guiche? You're here!"

"Yo," Kirche said with a smile.

Yep! I decided to add in Kirche, Guiche and Tabitha in the story. They'll be the main characters though the focus will still be on Louise. Let's see how she reacts towards them!