Here's a late update. You might just see 1 per week now, although the next two chapters can be condensed.

[Hangar 12: Archanean League Hidden Base / 08:30]

"Huh," Caeda's co-pilot said. "Looks like there are a lot of soldiers out here looking for a girlfriend."

"A lot of- hey! Are you on a dating app?"

"I am. Can't find a man back in Talys or in this Army. I'm not a stunner like you ma'am," she said dully. "Man if I had legs like yours or-"

"Come on, come on- Aren't you worried that someone's going to find out that you're in the Talys Air Force?"

"Nah, not at all. This is a fake profile. I was hoping to get an idea of if I should wear anything fancy to the bars out here," she giggled.

"Huh…" Caeda said. "Who's this guy?" Caeda leaned over her co-pilot's shoulder.

"Oh this guy? Some guy named Roger. He says he fights in the Grustian Army. I mean he's decent looking and all, but he just seems so desperate. I mean come on-"

Desperate huh? Caeda thought.

"Well, have fun…" Caeda said. "I'm going out to walk a bit."

"Mmm… maybe you should try finding a man. It's not like Prince Marth is going to notice you anytime soon," her co-pilot teased.

"What- hey! Wait do you mean it? Do I seem really desperate?" Caeda asked, poking her head back into the doorway. She had a distraught look on her face.

"I'm kidding! He's head over heels for you from all I can tell," her co-pilot giggled. "Just don't screw things up, and I'm sure he'll be yours after we win the war."

"Really?"

"Really and truly. Now go before he starts using the dating apps here."

[Admin Office: 07:40]

"Can I come in?" There was knocking at the door.

"Oh! Caeda!" Marth exclaimed. "I didn't expect you here so early! Hang on let me put something-"

She opened the door to see Marth shirtless and pantless..

"Um…" She said, closing the door slowly.

Marth sighed. "Come on, you used to see me naked as a kid. Just come in."

Caeda walked into the room, shut the door abruptly, and took a seat while Marth slid his clothing on.

"So, the reason I called was because I need you to come with me to Port Warren," Marth said, while putting his shirt on. "Ogma says he knows a mercenary company there that will sell us weapons and parts. I figured I'd like to see town too."

"So… why does this involve me?" Caeda asked.

"Well, do you have pre-flight?" Marth responded.

"No."

"Come with," Marth insisted. "You are a commander after all. Everyone will be there. By the way, could you pass me my vest?"

Caeda gave the vest to him. "What's in it for me?"

"Don't make me make it an order," Marth retorted.

"What if I disobey?" She asked. "Will you spank me?"

Marth turned a bit red but kept his composure. "You're funny. Just come. Port Warren has a market. I'll buy you something. I also don't see you anymore, and I'd like to spend some time with you while we can." He slipped the vest on. He turned to look at her. "Caeda… please," he said softly.

Caeda hugged him. "I'll go. But only for you." She turned to leave.

"Caeda," Marth called, spinning her around. Their eyes met. "Thank you for this."

She smiled.

[Port Warren: 20:00]

While Ogma negotiated with his friends, Caeda and Marth had some time to slip away. Marth had recently cut his long, messy hair, and Caeda was wearing hers up. Marth wore a pair of glasses to better conceal his face.

"Hey, it's you," Caeda whispered to him and nudged him.

"Oh, it is," He said. He looked at the wanted poster. "I don't remember taking that."

"It's an artist's rendition silly!" Caeda whispered back.

"Wow…" Marth commented. "Maybe I can pay him to make a prettier picture of me."

"That'd take him forever," Caeda giggled.

"What- hey!" She laughed and ran on ahead to the market stores.

They weaved throughout town, talking and laughing along the way. Marth bought Caeda the things she wanted, despite his wallet's protests. They eventually settled down for ice cream at a local marketplace and sat on the ledges overlooking the sea.

"Caeda," Marth started. "Do you remember when we were here as kids?"

"I do," she said. "I'm surprised you remembered that I wanted to ride a pegasus."

Marth laughed. "Well you always used to talk about it."

They were silent for a while.

"Caeda…" Marth said.

"Yes?"

"Did you have fun today?"

"I did."

"Good," he said. "I just feel bad. I feel like I'm robbing you of something."

"Oh?"

"Like… a normal life or something. An opportunity to be with your prince charming. I know everyone serves in the Talys military, but… maybe..."

He turned to look at her and laughed to himself.

"Caeda- answer me honestly. Are you happy right now?"

Caeda took his hand. "I am."

"Good," he said. He pushed aside her hair and leaned in.

Suddenly there was a loud vibration in his pocket. He leaned away quickly, jerked his hand away, and checked his phone. He scanned the docks with a bit of a worried expression.

"Hey we have to go," he whispered. "Grust is overlooking us right now."

Caeda's eyes widened. "That means…"

Marth nodded. "Let's hope nobody was following us."

As they ran through the town, they caught up with the rest of their troops. Ogma found both of them and pulled them aside.

"Sir, the weapons will be sent to us via sea. They'll find us with this tracker. But that's only if we're alive," Ogma whispered.

"Got it. Where are the rest of your men?"

"Scattered. I got two buddies of mine who know this place. Radd and Caesar. They said there's a fast way to our base, but it's probably teaming with Grustians right now. We're about to leave."

"Is everyone loaded onto a plane or ship?" Marth asked.

"Negative. Only a few. We need someone to buy time for our mistake. We're isolated out here."

"What's the fast route?" Caeda asked. "I'm going."

"Wait, Caeda!" Marth exclaimed.

She shrugged. "FIREBIRD's still busted, but I got something better. I can cover for us."

"Caeda, it's too dangerous. I'm ordering you to stay. I'm not letting you die out there. What the hell are you-"

"We'll talk about this later when we're alive," she said. "You can spank me then."

She turned to Ogma and said, "Have your friends route me."

Ogma nodded. "Ma'am, a weapon perhaps?"

She pulled up her shirt revealing her pistol. "Old Reliable should be just fine."

[Highway Gate, 20 miles from Base, 30 mins later]

"Oy, Cap'n Ro-jah. Oy!"

"Wh-what?" The heavy built man woke up. "Hey sarge, I told you not to call me that."

"Whatever. There's been gunshots. I'm taking the platoon to investigate. You stay here in the truck, aight?'

"Yeah, yeah. That's good."

"Remember. Shoot anyone that comes too close."

[Highway Gate: 30 mins later]

"Chief. The gunship. Is it ready?"

"We're still loading the howitzer rounds. What's up, ma'am? I thought you were with-"

"Yeah well the date ended early. We gotta move. We're covering the route and-" Caeda cursed.

"Wow so your pretty mouth does swear," her co-pilot teased.

"Be quiet!" Caeda looked to see a heavy built man in a military truck. He appeared to be alone, but she couldn't tell.

"Hey, remember that guy Roger on that app?" Caeda whispered.

"Yeah do you think he's cute or something?" Her co-pilot giggled. "You're an odd one. Playing the prince like a fiddle I see."

"No, send me his photo. He's 10 meters from me right now."

"Wha-"

"Go!"

Caeda verified that it was indeed Roger on the other side. She thought hard. The patrols would certainly spot her if she killed the man. But knowing what she knew from this morning, she might be able to sweet talk him into giving her a ride. It would be risky, but she didn't look like a soldier at the moment.

He just seems so desperate. Those words echoed in her head.

She gulped. I'm sorry Marth.

[Highway Gate: 30 mins later, Roger's Perspective]

"Good day, sir. May I come in?"

"Ack!" Roger looked up startled to see a beautiful young woman in front of his vehicle.

She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. What-

"Peace, I've no wish to fight you. My name is Caeda. I hail from Talys."

"Wh-what are you talking to me for?! This is a battlefield!" He stuttered.

"Might I trouble you by asking your name, good sir?" Caeda giggled as she climbed into the vehicle.

"M-my name? That's- It's Roger… Why?"

"Hee hee, forgive me, Roger, it's just you looked sweet and kind. I just had to stop and talk to you. Tell me: do you believe in love? Oh, listen to me. I'm sure you already have a sweetheart back in Grust." She giggled. She touched his arm.

"What?! No, no! I… mean, er, I'm quite unattached at the moment."

"Roger, think of the children- the poor women and children who shed tears every day this war drags on. I joined the Archanean League to put an end to it, but I just…just…*Sniff* Oh, Roger, doesn't it break your heart?" The woman was crying in his truck now.

Isn't she a rebel then? What should I-

Roger didn't pick the next words that came out of his mouth. "Aye, miss. There, there. I, too, wish nothing more than for this needless war to end."

Aw hell. I guess I really am desperate.

"Then…would you consider fighting with us to end it?" She sniffled.

"What? Oh heavens, no… I'm sorry, but I could never betray my country."

"Ah, yes, I see. You must have family back in Grust who are counting on you." She tried to hold back her tears.

"No, not especially. My parents are dead, and it's not as if I've a girl to call my own. But Grust is my home- always has been. I won't betray her."

"And I cannot convince you to change your mind?" She put her hand on his hand. Roger gulped.

Does she know?

"I-I'm afraid not, miss."

She sighed. "All right, sorry to bother you. But I'm glad we had this chance to talk, Roger. You're every bit the man I thought you were. Goodbye, then…"

"Wait- you're leaving?!"

She turned back towards him, while opening the door. She had a sad smile on her face. Roger couldn't help but notice her figure. "Well, yes, Roger, I must! Every moment I stay here, I put you at risk. What if your comrades thought you were conspiring with the enemy? No, I must go…"

"…You're very kind, Caeda. Dare I say, we don't have girls quite like you back in Grust. Um, perhaps…I suppose I could…Aw, heck, I'm going with you!"

Caeda smiled.

[Grust Headquarters: Port Warren: 22:00]

"That should be that. We have the prince where we want him. As soon as the Cavalry comes down from the bases, we'll surround him. He won't be able to escape!" The commander laughed to himself.

"Commander! Commander!" There was a loud knocking at the door, with a distressed voice on the other side.

"Come in!" A man burst through the door.

The commander's eyes widened. "Kannival… but…?"

"We need to retreat. There's an enemy gunship in our AO firing on all cylinders."

"That's ridiculous! Why would we fear a single-"

A 105mm round hit the base and there was a crater where the base was.