Six years had passed.
In those six years, everything had changed.
The team that once fought side by side as comrades had grown into something deeper — a family. They laughed together, bled together, and nearly lost each other more than once.
Their bond was no longer just built on duty, but on loyalty and love.
Little Pete, now five years and seven months old, had become the heart of their unity. His laughter filled their base whenever he visited, reminding them why they fought so hard.
But the journey had not been easy.
There was a time they almost lost Carlos one of them in battle. It was one of the darkest days they had faced. Yet through teamwork and courage, they brought him back alive. From that day forward, they made a silent promise — no one would ever be left behind.
Over the years, both Cheyenne and Logan were promoted from Second Lieutenants to First Lieutenants. Later, the Major General selected them as candidates for Captain.
Unlike becoming a Lieutenant, earning the rank of Captain was not automatic. It was competitive. They had to complete a difficult twenty-one-week Captain's Career Course.
The training focused on leadership, mission command, operations, unit management, and problem-solving. Every move they made was evaluated.
Cheyenne had half the qualities needed for the position. Logan had the other half.
The promotion board struggled to choose between them.
In the end, Logan solved the problem himself.
He stepped down.
He recommended Cheyenne.
After a final assessment, Cheyenne proved herself beyond doubt. She earned the rank fairly — not because someone gave it to her, but because she deserved it.
Now, six years later, Captain Cheyenne stood tall.
Outside the army, Miles and Cheyenne's company had grown into an international brand. Miles had expanded into men's fashion, making their name known across the country, all while serving in the army.
Mrs. Agnes and Mr. Balzary watched proudly as their children gained respect in both military and social circles.
And today, at the barracks, Captain Cheyenne walked confidently between her team.
They wore army trousers and black polo shirts. The women had their hair tied neatly into high ponytails, twisted into buns. Even while laughing and talking, their backs remained straight. Discipline was natural to them.
As they walked, a Private ran toward them and saluted sharply.
"At ease," Cheyenne said calmly.
"Colonel Hale and Colonel Mack request to see you and your team, Captain Cheyenne."
The team exchanged quick looks before dismissing the Private. Without hesitation, they turned toward the meeting room — the place where serious missions were always discussed.
As they walked through the barracks, soldiers of lower rank saluted them with respect. Their team had won awards every year. Their names were displayed proudly on notice boards.
Inside the meeting room, Colonel Hale and Colonel Mack stood studying a large map on the wall.
The team saluted.
"At ease," the Colonels replied.
"Come in. We have work for you," Colonel Hale said.
They lined up before the round table.
Suddenly, Colonel Mack glanced at Logan.
"I heard your wedding is in two weeks."
Logan sighed softly. "Yes, sir. I sent your invitation."
A deep voice spoke from behind them.
"Why does the groom look so unhappy?"
The team turned.
The General had entered.
He wore a green coat decorated with medals across his chest. He was the highest authority over their unit.
"I heard it's an arranged marriage," the General continued. "Do you not like the lady?"
Logan smiled politely. "It is complicated, sir. Our families made a promise generations ago. Since I am my father's only son, the responsibility falls on me. I cannot break that promise."
"But that doesn't mean you must be unhappy," the General said firmly. "We still have time."
"Let it be, sir," Logan replied calmly. "I will fulfill my duty."
The General studied him for a moment, then sighed.
"The boy has made up his mind. Very well. Colonel Mack, tell them why they are here."
Colonel Mack stepped forward and pointed at the map.
"Here are towns in the western region reporting a high number of missing children — especially girls."
Cheyenne's eyes sharpened.
"Wyrm City," Colonel Mack added. "You've been there before, correct?"
"Yes, sir," Cheyenne answered honestly. "But it has been ten years."
"Our focus is on two towns: Duvartown and Two Seasons Town. Schoolgirls went missing last year. The police stopped investigating after a few months. No answers."
Carlos stepped forward slightly. "What is our assignment, sir?"
The General nodded.
"After your last successful mission, the board agreed to send you west on an undercover operation."
The projector turned on.
Five men in expensive suits appeared on the screen.
"These men are suspected of running an illegal underground business," Colonel Mack explained. "Police cannot find evidence."
He pointed to one man in a brown suit, sitting confidently with a cigarette between his fingers.
"Shalhoub. Forty years old. Every Tuesday, he hosts a private auction attended by elites. Entry requires a membership card. We believe he is the leader."
The room fell silent.
"You will travel to Froln Town, the center of Wyrm City," the General said. "You will use disguises. Fake identities are prepared. Your mission is to discover where the missing girls are taken, what Shalhoub sells every Tuesday, and gather solid evidence."
"Yes, sir!" they answered together.
Then Niamh raised his hand.
"Yes?" the General asked.
"Sir… we will still attend Logan's wedding, right?"
The team instantly face-palmed.
The General burst into laughter. "Of course! We are not heartless. Attend the wedding first. Then we move."
Laughter filled the room as teasing followed, lightening the heavy mood.
Finally, the General dismissed them.
"For our country," he declared.
"For our country!" they echoed, hands over their hearts.
As the door closed behind them, the General sighed.
"Don't worry, sir," Colonel Mack said gently.
"They'll succeed."
"I know," the General replied quietly.
"I'm not worried about them… I'm worried about their parents. Especially Mayor Agnes. If she finds out I'm sending her granddaughter into danger, she might storm in here."
The three men shared knowing
smiles.
Outside, Captain Cheyenne and her team walked forward
When Cheyenne and her team returned to their quarters, the bags the General had mentioned were already waiting for them. Each of them picked up a bag with their name on it and opened it carefully.
Inside were new identities and instructions for the mission.
They were to act as siblings who had lost their parents abroad and were returning to their hometown to start life again. Logan would play the eldest brother. Cheyenne would be the elder sister. Carlos and Erika would be the younger siblings. Niamh and Abby were assigned to play twins.
Niamh stared at his file, then burst out,
"What the hell? How can I be twins with Abby? Is Colonel Mack blind?"
Erika laughed loudly.
"It also says 'sweet twins who are very close and inseparable.' I must say, I'm really looking forward to seeing you two act like that."
"I agree," Cheyenne added with a teasing smile.
"Finally, you two will be the same age for once."
"Are you all making fun of my situation?"
Abby complained.
"I don't want to play sweet siblings with him either."
"Sorry, sister,"
Carlos said dramatically.
"You can't choose your role. Rules are rules. As for me, it's a yes. I'll be the loving twin brother."
"I don't even like the names they gave us," Erika added.
"I'm going to suggest better twin names to the General. This mission is important!"
Erika and Carlos high-fived each other and began discussing their roles excitedly, while Abby and Niamh grumbled under their breath.
Logan and Cheyenne watched them with helpless expressions. They sighed, ignored the noise, and went to prepare food, leaving the so-called twins to continue arguing.
That evening, after their usual run and showers, they gathered outside to eat. Other soldiers were also enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Cheyenne noticed that Logan had been sighing all afternoon. She looked at him seriously.
"Are you happy about the marriage, Logan?"
The question made Logan stiffen. Everyone turned to him, waiting for his answer.
"Guys," he began slowly, "I know you don't like Tamara. But there's nothing I can do. The wedding is in two weeks."
"And you think we can't stop it?" Erika said boldly.
"My brother works in the Government House. He holds a strong position. Just say you don't want this marriage, and he'll fix it."
"Erika isn't wrong," Niamh added.
"We can all see you don't want this. And I'll be honest—I don't want her in our family. I have a bad feeling about her. We can kneel before your grandfather and beg him to cancel it."
"I'll go too," Carlos said quickly. "She doesn't like us, and she doesn't even hide it."
"I don't like her either," Cheyenne said calmly.
"She gives off a bad aura whenever she sees me. Logan, we know you're trying to protect your family's peace. But you shouldn't sacrifice your happiness for that. Just say the word. We'll handle the rest."
Logan looked at all of them and took a deep breath.
"You're right. I don't want this marriage. And yes, I know Tamara doesn't like you. I've warned her before. I told her if she can't accept you all, then the marriage means nothing."
He paused.
"But listen first. My father and grandfather don't want this marriage either. Do you know why?"
The five of them widened their eyes and shook their heads together like puppets on strings. Logan chuckled.
"Tamara's grandfather threatened to make life miserable for my father after discovering certain things about our family. And Tamara's father wants this marriage because of what they'll gain from it. According to an old family agreement, expensive properties from the groom's side will belong to the bride's family as dowry. On top of that, we'll have to pay monthly allowances to her relatives."
The group stared at him in shock.
"So Tamara and I made a deal," Logan continued. "She'll help control her family and reduce their demands. In return, she'll be my wife for two years. After that, she'll file for divorce, claiming I ignored her. Then everything ends."
Silence.
Five jaws dropped at once.
Logan looked at them nervously. "Say something. You're scaring me. Tell me I made a good decision."
"ARE YOU MAD?!" they all shouted together.
Even nearby soldiers turned to look at them, but none of them cared.
"Brother Logan," Niamh said firmly, "you're usually smart. But this time, you failed."
"How can you solve a problem by entering an unwanted marriage?" Carlos added. "The girl doesn't even like you!"
"She's going to ruin your life," Abby cried dramatically, looking up at the sky. "Oh Lord, please save your son!"
Logan couldn't help laughing at her expression.
"Do you think this is funny?" Cheyenne roared.
He immediately stopped laughing.
"This is your life," Erika said seriously. "Tomorrow you'll leave to prepare for the wedding. Today is your last day as a bachelor soldier, and you're laughing?"
"What if she asks you to choose between her and us?"
Abby suddenly asked. "Will you choose her?"
Logan frowned. "I've known her for three days. I've known you all for over six years. How can you even ask that? She can't replace you."
"When you start loving her, we'll see if those words still stand," Erika said softly. "I'm scared of what the future holds."
Even Logan had no answer for that.
After a long silence, Cheyenne spoke. "Fine. Let's wish him well. But I'm not wearing my uniform to her wedding."
"Me too," Abby agreed. "I'll wear my best dress and sit with my family—not in the comrades' section."
"I'm the best man," Carlos said helplessly. "So I don't have much choice."
Logan sighed.
"It's okay. Do whatever you want. I don't want you wearing your uniforms—especially you, Cheyenne."
Cheyenne frowned. "Why? What's wrong?"
"Tamara's family has connections with the Taylors in Famville. Marisa Taylor is her best friend and will be the maid of honor."
Erika gasped.
"The Taylors will be there?"
"Yes. And tomorrow, Mom wants you girls to go shopping with Tamara and Marisa."
They all slowly turned to look at Cheyenne.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked calmly. "Listen, Tamika is dead. She died six years ago. The person sitting here is Cheyenne Balzary Waltz, Captain of the Flamingo Squad. Understood?"
"It is, ma'am," Erika said with a smile. "I'm glad you're no longer tied to them."
"I was never tied to them," Cheyenne replied quietly.
"The only thing that reminds me of the past is my sister. As for the rest, I don't care whether they're alive or not. As for Marisa… we still have unfinished business. Abby, maybe you can make her dance to our tune at the wedding."
Abby grinned. "Just say the word, ma'am."
Logan groaned. "Shouldn't we be discussing what gifts you're giving me instead of planning someone's downfall?"
They ignored him completely.
"What are you planning for her, ma?" they asked Cheyenne in unison.
"Seriously," Logan muttered as he stood up. "Whether you like it or not, the wedding will still happen."
He marched inside.
Carlos laughed. "It feels good to be left out, doesn't it?"
"Indeed," Erika replied. Then she turned to Niamh. "Do me a favor. Dig into the Taylors. Find out what they've been doing all these years. Especially Marisa. Tomorrow, I don't want her making us look bad in front of Aunt."
"I'll handle it," Niamh said confidently. "You'll have a full report before we leave in the morning."
Under the quiet night sky, the team finished their meal—but none of them felt at peace. The mission ahead was not the only battle waiting for them.
I am not good with anything miliary, but I just love military, so pardon me if you see mistakes, is all a matter of my imagination 🫣🫣
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