Chapter 4: Plans Are Made

Cephiro Castle

Hikaru and her friends were back at the castle, telling their friends what had happened with the War Wolves.

"So these War Wolves fought with you, then retreated once they had the upper hand," said Lafarga. "Sounds to me like they were just testing your strength."

"Well we didn't exactly impress them," said Umi with a touch of bitterness. "Except for Hikaru, that is. That commander of theirs wouldn't stop complimenting her on her skills the whole fight."

"I'm sure he wasn't being serious," said Hikaru. "He was probably just mocking me."

"Perhaps," said Fuu, "but it's also possible he recognized your skill with the sword."

"Regardless of why, the fact remains that now they know they have the advantage over you three," said Lafarga. "If you want a prayer of surviving the next encounter, you need to be at your strongest."

"For now, let's just be glad you all came back safely," said Ferio. "We need to plan our next move, whatever it may be."

"So far the Zill have kept their main fleet back on the outskirts," said Clef. "Only a few ships have dared move in closer, likely preparing for the coming invasion."

"What if we took care of them now?" asked Hikaru.

"I would advise against direct confrontation," said Clef, "especially if it's just the three of you. We should wait until our aid from Autozam arrives."

"Autozam is sending help?" asked Umi, perking up.

"Lantis has journeyed there as we speak to ask for assistance," said Lafarga. "With any luck, they'll be able to spare a fleet of their own to give the Zill something to think about."

"That's wonderful news," said Fuu. "I'm hoping he is successful in his mission."

Hikaru didn't say anything. Her thoughts had drifted back to the fight with Kefka. Umi and Fuu had been right, he had praised her skills all through that fight. Not only that, but he was so committed to his cause, his belief that he was doing the right thing for his people, his country. She'd never admit it to herself, but she admired that strength of conviction. If only it could be turned in the right direction.

"Hey, Hikaru, what's the matter?" asked Umi, jolting the red-head out of her thoughts.

"Oh nothing, I was just thinking about the battle," she replied quickly. "Just thinking that next time we face the War Wolves, we need to be ready."

"We will be, Hikaru, that I promise," said Umi. "I owe that one pilot for what he did to me."

"All we can do is be vigilant and wait for them to make the next move," said Fuu. "It could come at any time."

Zill Dreadnought Adjudicator

Kefka was in the cafeteria with his squad, all of them celebrating their recent small victory against the Magic Knights. "A toast, my brothers, to a job well done," he said, holding up a vial of a glowing blue liquid. The pilots all held up similar vials, cheered, then hooked the vials to induction ports on their helmets.

"I'm telling you, that was almost too easy," said Tino, downing some of the liquid. "And we were holding back on them, too."

"Guess these Magic Knights aren't so legendary after all," said Meex, downing the whole vial in one go.

"I think we just caught them off guard," said Raxx, taking a small sip. "Remember, these are warriors who saved their world not once, but twice."

"You think they might have been holding back as well?" asked Jiang, leaning forward onto the table.

"It's a possibility," replied Shakku, the last member of the team. "Remember, it was only our first encounter, and we pulled back as soon as they pulled out their magic. We haven't even seen how much magic they actually know."

"Kefka, what do you think about all this?" Tino inquired, turning to their commander. "You think these Magic Knights might actually pose a threat?"

"All I know is that was the first time in years that I was in a fight where I actually felt tested," replied Kefka. "Battle was becoming mind-numbing and redundant, no challenge at all. But that Hikaru...she was something else."

"Sounds like you really admire her, Commander," said Tino.

"Nothing wrong with respecting your enemies," said Kefka. "After all, they're putting their lives on the line to defend their home, just as we would do. That's a noble calling."

He let his thoughts drift back to the battle, reflecting on when he had first crossed swords with the Magic Knight. Remembering an old Zill proverb, "you never truly know another until you've crossed blades." Well he had, and he had seen who she was: brave, dedicated, compassionate, with an unyielding heart. All things that he greatly admired.

A loud ping jolted him out of his thoughts. He tapped his gauntlet, bringing up the holo-screen. "Commander Kefka here," he said.

"Commander, report to the Admiral's chamber immediately," said the voice at the other end.

"Roger that," said Kefka, ending the transmission. "Sorry boys, but I have an audience with the Admiral."

"Good luck, sir," said Raxx.

Kefka stood up and headed up to the Admiral's chamber, wondering what this was all about. Were they finally pushing forward with the invasion? Had he made some mistake he was unaware of? He really hoped it was the former and not the latter.

He entered the chamber, seeing the Admiral seated in his chair, waiting for him.

"Welcome, Commander," said Rahksha, standing up to approach him. "I should congratulate you on a job well done."

"Thank you, sir," said Kefka, standing at attention. "I hope I haven't done something to displease you."

"Not at all, Commander. In fact, I called you here because I have another mission for you," said Rahksha. "I've been in contact with the Golgotha and it seems we're going to have an honored guest. The Emperor himself will be coming to pay a personal visit to the fleet to oversee the first stages of the invasion."

Kefka felt his knees go weak but managed to stay rigid. "The Emperor is coming here?"

"Yes, he is, and I intend for his visit to be free of issues," said Rahksha. "That is why I'm tasking you with a crucial mission. Deal with these Magic Knights before he arrives. Capture them, kill them, whatever it takes to remove them from the equation. Just make sure that it is done."

"Yes, sir, I won't fail you," said Kefka, saluting. "We'll eliminate the Magic Knights as soon as our mobile armors are fully repaired."

"Excellent," said Rahksha, "make it so. Dismissed."

Kefka saluted and left the chamber, mind racing. He'd just been tasked with a mission that was sure to get him recognized by the Emperor himself! That alone was exciting enough on its own. But more importantly, he would get another chance to face Hikaru.

He stopped, standing in the corridor. Why was he so excited to see her again? She was a skilled swordswoman, yes, but she was still an enemy of Zill. So why did the thought of seeing her again make him feel, dare he say it, happy? Perhaps it was just his inner warrior jumping at the thought of a challenge again. He shook his head and continued on his way.