Akfek continued, "Consult intelligence for your target. They will provide you with a suitable town to assault along with a full report on the present details of that town. A simple request will bring more soldiers from Vector. Perhaps the Defiant will be of some assistance to you. That is all." Sascha nodded and left to seek the leader of the 'Black Hand' regarding her appointed target.

As soon as she left, a high-ranking officer approached Akfek and notified him of the force ready at Nikeah. "Our naval unit is an hour away from Nikeah, your majesty. Everything is proceeding as according to your plan."

"Excellent. Prepare an airship for me. I will oversee our attack on Nikeah." At once, the officer left and an airship was readied for Akfek's boarding. Akfek boarded the ship and the mighty ship departed for Nikeah. Travelling on an airship was much faster than travelling on water, and a short period later, the airship had arrived over Nikeah, but of course, cloaked.

"Your majesty, our naval unit has arrived. We await your orders."

"Very well. Intellingence has informed me on the security of Nikeah and it is much weaker than that of Kohlingen. Bombing will be unnecessary this time. Signal Beta 3 to uncloak and begin their attack immediately. When they breach the town's primary defenses, Alpha 1 will attack from the west..." and Akfek issued the rest of his orders.

Like Kohlingen, Nikeah was taken by complete surprise. The Magitek Armor unit was deployed first and they bashed their way through the ineffective primary defense of Nikeah. The town was attacked from the north, east, and west, and when the path leading into Nikeah was cleared, a full force of armed soldiers rushed into Nikeah...

The Saboteur had a name, but he wouldn't need it much longer. He thought back to the days when AckF%# and his dog-girlfriend Sascha had attacked Kohlingen, his hometown. Airships had appeared over the town and mercilessly bombarded the citizenry. When he hurried his children out of their burning house, Magitek Armor stormed down the streets, their cannons firing indiscrimately.

He saw both his children mowed down before a cannon blast that tore away his left arm. He was left for dead back then, but he didn't die. Some of his neighbors pulled him off the streets and tended to what remained of his left arm.

But the next day, he was delirious. His neighbors kept telling him a lot of nonsense: "We've just been liberated by the Glorious Akfek and the Beautiful Sascha!" "It is the start of a time of peace and happiness!" "What happened to your arm? Did you fall down?"

The Saboteur checked his watch again; another twenty minutes. He couldn't remember much after that: a speech by Afkek with Sascha by his side; people cheering; and him walking into the Defiant. He couldn't fathom why security was so light around this monster airship, but he knew it was *their* airship. Afkek and Sascha would die in it.

Security inside the Defiant was more formidable, but still lax. The Saboteur was pretty much safe in and around the engine room, so long as his timing was good. And it was.

He didn't know much about engines or things mechanical, but the Saboteur knew they were delicate things. And he knew that the Core Pack he held was also very delicate. It was warm with magical energy and belonged in someone's Magitek Armor.

He checked his watch: ONE minute! He should stop daydreaming... thirty seconds, twenty, ten...

He heard the sharp click of the guards' heels as they left their posts. He had to hurry. He rushed to the door, turned the handle, and charged into the engine room. Guards from the replacement shift saw him and an alarm sounded.

But it was too late. The Saboteur knocked down some engineers and was at the churning engine itself. He threw the Magitek Armor Core Pack into the gears. Nothing happened. Guards came up and seized him. Then the engine exploded!

The Saboteur died. The guards died. Half the engineers died. And the Defiant began falling rapidly.

* * * * *

The Magitek forces had just been deployed, and the second volley of bombs was ready to be dropped. From the bow deck, Sascha gave the order that would send them hurtling towards the panicked citizens of Albrook. She could hear their screams from the air, and they pleased her. Sascha was in a very bad mood following the betrayal of her one-time friend Merine, and she would vent her anger here, on the battlefield... But then, all of a sudden, she felt the Defiant lurch hard to port. She thought at first that maybe one of the bombs had detonated prematurely beneath the ship, until she saw one of her lieutenants come running up from below decks with a look of panic on his face.

"Fire! Fire! There's been an explosion in the engine room!" he called out frantically. For a moment, Sascha was paralyzed with fear. She was going to crash! She was going to *die*! But she quickly calmed herself. 'Get ahold of yourself,' she chided, taking deep breaths, 'Simply assess the situation, and deal with it. Like Akfek would do.' Thinking this, she ordered the officer to take her to the engine rooms. At first he seemed reluctant, but with one withering glance from his commander, he became more compliant.

Below decks, it was chaos. Black smoke filled the hallway to the engine room, and flames could be seen shooting out from the doorway. 'Not good, not good...' thought Sascha.

"Get that fire out!" she ordered, turning to the lieutenant. He dashed off, and returned with six low ranking officers bearing buckets of water from the ship's rations. Most of them were very frightened, but they knew that death by fire or asphyxiation would be preferable to what Sascha would do to them if they disobeyed her orders, so they went in. Sascha waited anxiously outside. It was difficult to breathe, and the heat was searing, but she didn't want to leave. 'Besides, she thought, if they don't put out the fire, I'll die anyway...' But that was not to be. Ten minutes later, the fire was out. The lieutenant and his men emerged from the engine room coughing, and covered with soot, but basically unharmed.

"Report," said Sascha, looking at the lieutenant. What was his name?... Oh yes, Palen, that was it.

"The damage is severe," he replied, taking a deep breath, "but not irreparable." Sascha nodded. "But," he continued, "we must land the Defiant immediately. At present, the engine is not functioning at all. The only reason we haven't crashed is that we're gliding on a current of hot air!"

"Very well," she replied grimly, "take us down."

* * * * *

Pondering these events, she wondered how her investigation team was progressing in trying to figure them out. She looked up at the sun. They had been in there for almost three hours. 'Well,' she thought, 'it certainly can't hurt to check up on them.' She headed off to where the Defiant was landed just outside of town.

The inside of the engine room was a mess. There was water everywhere, and the walls were blackened by soot, except where carpenters from Albrook had replaced destroyed sections. The investigation team, which included Palen, Garek, and three other officers whose names she couldn't recall, was standing around the damaged engine, conversing softly. Seeing their commander, they all looked up and saluted.

"So," she began casually, as if discussing the weather, "what have you learned?"

"Well, ah, you're not going to like this, Lady DelAubre," began Palen hesitantly, "but it looks like... sabotage."

"Sabotage?" she breathed. "What makes you so sure?"

"Well, we found this lying near the engine," put in Garek, holding up a mangled heap of metal and wires. "It looks like a Core Pack from Magitek Armor, that was set to overload."

"We also found this," added Palen, motioning to something on the floor, covered by a sheet.

"What is it?" asked Sascha. She lifted the covering and was immediately sorry. There lat there a charred blackened lump, reminiscent of burnt roast. Bits of what was unmistakably bone protruded from it, and it exuded a stench that almost made her sick. She dropped the sheet as if it had burned her.

"We're not sure," said Palen, "but we think that's Reilly."

Sascha didn't really hear him. "Sabotage," she repeated. This could only mean one thing. Not *all* of the townspeople of the villages they had attacked had been captured for conditioning. At least one must have escaped during the attacks themselves. But was this an isolated act of a grief-stricken person, or were there more out there, maybe even amassing for an attack? But then, Sascha realized how silly these thoughts were. Let them come! Let them die in futility! No pathetic band of farmers would be able to defeat the new Empire! But still....it wouldn't hurt to tell Akfek about this. He had more of a mind for strategy than she did. She turned to Garek.

"Send word to Akfek in Nikeah of what has happened here," she ordered, "and get started on the repairs to the Defiant immediately."

"The Defiant has been sabotaged with Lady DelAubre on it. The perpetrator has not been caught yet and we are sending a repair crew to fix it."

Akfek's face became shallow and anger swept across his cheeks. "The perpetrators will be dealt with after our investigation. How dare anybody oppose our Empire? The saboteurs must pray that they will stay out of our hands! If they are caught, I will promise them a painful death! Any news from the Black Hand?"

"It is rumored that a rebellion is forming," answered McArthur.

The sterness evaporated from Akfek's face and a smirk developed instead, "You jest! Is Banon leading the rebellion? Who is the leader of this rebellion?"

"We have very little information of the rebellion. Our sources have been unable to identify their leader but our progress continues."

Kefka's voice could be heard behind Akfek's laugh. "A ha ha ha haaaaa - a rebellion? I see. What is the other news from the Black Hand?"

Mcarthur grabbed a letter from his pocket, unfolded, it and replied, "Doma has been surveyed by the Black Hand as you ordered. They report it is abandoned and empty. Beta 3 is heading towards Doma but we do not expect any resistance."

"Very well. Send Alpha 4 over there as well. They will serve as backup in case any problems arise. I will be there myself but first, ready a ship, for I must visit Sascha and personally witness the wreckage of the Defiant. Also, increase security on all ships - naval and aerial. I will meet you again at Doma."

* * *

As the meeting ended, Akfek boarded a prepared airship and headed towards the Defiant. As the airship reached the Defiant, smoke could be seen rising from the flagship, and a crew of repairmen had already arrived and were working on the damaged flagship. The airship, called 'The Prince', with Akfek onboard, landed, and Akfek was escorted out of the ship to the wreckage. There, Akfek approached Sascha and questioned her about the incident.

"I see you have encountered a most unfortunate incident. I am disappointed but let us learn from this incident. May this not happen again. Brief me on the incident," said Akfek.

Sascha was surprised at Akfek's mild temper - she guessed that perhaps his temper had subsided but probably on his first hearing of the incident, his temper was not quite so. Sascha spent the next half hour explaining to Akfek about the incident. "... The repair crew is working on the engine room and is making repairs to the other damaged areas. An additional investigation team will arrive later and aid the current one. They will begin their work once the smoke has settled. The repair crew is uncertain on the time needed to repair the Defiant due to the excessive damage as well. That is all I know for now."

"Very well. I will need you with me at Doma. Doma is empty and has been abandoned now and we will head there now. Finish any necessary work now. I will meet you on 'The Prince' after you have finished your business."

Sascha nodded and as Akfek left, she motioned to Garek, who was supervising the repairs, and Garek headed towards Sascha promptly. "Garek, send us a report periodically on the investigation and repairs. We will be in Doma." Garek bowed and resumed his original work.

* * *

Sascha boarded 'The Prince' and the airship left for Doma. On their arrival, soldiers could be seen inside Doma, some of them moving Magitek Armor, others hauling in other equipment and material of various sorts. The airship landed beside a group of other airships and Sascha and Akfek left towards the castle. McArthur was there to greet the two and he informed them on Doma's current situation.

"There was no resistance when we arrived. The castle has been abandoned and was completly empty on our arrival. The castle needs major repairs but it is ready for our disposal."

"Excellent," responded Akfek as his tone was much brighter than on his last chat with McArthur. "Finish up the repairs and assign posts to the other extra soldiers. Sascha and I will head towards the throne room to discuss other matters. Continue with your work."

Sighing, she got out of bed. She wasn't going to get any more sleep _this_ night. She looked out from the window of the room. Light was beginning to touch the sky, although the sun could not be seen. Instead, dark clouds hung on the horizon, the harbingers of a coming storm.

Sascha was startled out of her reverie by a clatter of pots and pans from somewhere beneath her. The castle was coming to life. The soldiers would soon be gathering in the hall for breakfast, before returning to Doma's much-needed repairs. Sascha got dresses and went down to join them.

But, alas, she quickly discovered that her appetite was lacking. Recalling Merine's pained expression in her dream, Sascha was saddened herself.

"Merine, I wish you could understand," she whispered, poking absently at her food. "You had dreams once, too..."

"Sascha." She heard Akfek's voice behind her. "I can see you are distressed. What is wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing," she replied with a wave of her hand, "just a nightmare."

"Well, dismiss it," he said. "We have much to do today. I have learned of a place that would be a welcome addition to our... properties." Seeing that Sascha's interest was aroused, he continued. "I speak of the Tower of the Cult of Kefka. By all reports it is abandoned. We will secure it, and fortify it. It will make not only a good fortress, but an excellent observation post. If you are ready," he glanced at her untouched plate, "we can leave immediately."

* - * - *

An hour later, the two, along with a company of troops, stood outside the Tower in the pouring rain. The clouds had not lied, and the storm was in full swing now, complete with thunder and lightning. Sascha didn't mind though; she was listening to Akfek's plan. All the morning's troubles were now banished from her thoughts. They were to ascend the Tower, taking whatever treasure remained, and post guards on every floor. Once the Tower was secured, the fortifications could begin. But they had barely gone up the first flight of stairs when one of the soldiers stopped in his tracks.

"What was that?" he asked, deathly pale.

"What?" said another.

"Listen!" All were quiet. Sure enough, from somewhere in the Tower, the sounds of chanting could be heard.

"It would appear," said Akfek softly, "that Garek's report was erroneous." He spoke calmly, but Sascha knew that the officer would be in for a very unpleasant surprise when Akfek returned. "Stay here," he ordered the troops. "The Lady and I will investigate." Nodding grimly, Sascha followed him up the next flight of stairs, and down a darkened hallway, where the chanting seemed to be coming from. They stopped just outside a doorway. Inside this room was a figure clothed in a long dark robe, chanting and tracing symbol in the air with along, thin finger. Upon their entry, however, it stopped, and turned to face them. It was a woman, slightly shorter than Sascha. She was very thin, and pale as death. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her black eyes flashed like shards of obsidian.

"So," she said, looking them up and down, "what is this? More 'Heroes of Balance'? Come to kill the last Priestess of Kefka, I suppose?" There was a rustle of cloth, and the woman produced a long knife from her robes. "Well, you may try, but I will not die easily..."

"I'm afraid you've misunderstood," said Sascha hastily. "It's just that the Tower was supposed to be abandoned."

The woman chuckled, and replaced her knife. She couldn't have been more than a few years beyond Sascha in age, but she seemed much older. "No," she replied. "No, there are still a few of us left..."

"Allow us to introduce ourselves," said Akfek. "This is Sascha, and I am Akfek." The priestess' head snapped up at this.

"Akfek spelled backwards is...Kefka!"

"Isn't that interesting," replied Akfek smoothly. He didn't even blink. 'What a strange thing to say,' thought Sascha, 'But then, she's probably mad...'

"I am Shirak Rokal," said the woman, her strange eyes still on Akfek.

"Where are the other cultists?" asked Sascha. Perhaps they too could be persuaded to join the new Empire.

"I will take you to them," replied Shirak, "but I don't think they will have much to say to you." She reached for a staff that was leaning against the wall, and stepped out the door. Sascha noticed that she was leaning quite heavily on it, and seemed to be limping badly. Shirak noted the younger woman's attention.

"I was injured by the explosion that ensued when our guardian was destroyed," she explained as she led them back to the stairs, where Akfek motioned for the waiting soldiers to follow.

They climbed the Tower in silence until they reached the roof. It appeared to be deserted, but it was impossible to be sure. The rain was coming down harder than ever and, although it was only noon, the sky was black as night.

"My friends!" called Shirak to the darkness, "Come to me! I have brought... guests... who wish to speak to you." Suddenly, from the shadows, appeared about thirty men and women, all dresses in the robes of the Cult of Kefka.

"Sister," said one, "who are these strangers?"

"Their names are Sascha and Akfek."

"But... Akfek spelled backwards is Kefka!" exclaimed another, a young man.

"Strange, isn't it?" said Akfek coolly.

'Boy, are these people WEIRD,' thought Sascha with a shudder.

"Well, it doesn't matter," said the cultist who had spoken earlier." We have no use for outsiders. We shall remain here, as always, until Kefka returns to lead us to glory!"

Akfek stepped forward. "But what if I told you...that I am Kefka's brother?" There were gasps from everyone, including Sascha. Kefka's brother? Amazing!

"How do we know what you say is true?" asked the same cultist. But before Akfek could answer, there was a flash of lightning, so close that Sascha could smell the ozone. It illuminated Akfek's face, and the family resemblance was undeniable. Many of the cultists fell to their knees in awe.

"It's a sign!" cried Shirak, waving her staff about frantically, "a sign from Kefka! He wants us to follow his brother until he himself returns!"

"Praise Kefka!" a cheer went up from those assembled. Sascha stared in dumbfounded admiration at Akfek. These people were practically worshipping him! What power...

"Listen to me," Akfek said. The cultists hushed immediately. "My brother wishes you to help his army to make this tower into a fortress; a testament to his might. Will you assist us?"

"Yes!" cried Shirak. In her eyes burned the fanaticism that had earned the Tower its nickname. It seemed to have re-energized. "No longer shall we wait idly for his return! We shall work now, so that when he comes, all will recognize his glory!"

"Sascha and I must return to Doma to tend to more of his wishes," Akfek went on, "but I leave with you this garrison. I have full confidence in all of you." With this, the tow turned and exited. The soldiers seemed somewhat uneasy at the prospect of remaining with the fanatics, but Akfek paid them no mind. As they descended the stairs, Sascha could still hear Shirak raving behind her.

"Yes! Here shall we build a device to mirror the might of Kefka! We shall smite his foes! And as they die, upon their faces shall be the look of rapture! And upon their lips shall be the name, 'Kefka'! For only then will they truly know his power!"

'Weirdos,' thought Sascha.

"What brings you here, Cid?" wondered a curious Akfek.

"I have some interesting information for you. My research has come up with a method for strengthening some of your soldiers."

Akfek's eyes brightened. "Why, it sounds interesting. Could you enlighten me on this research of yours?"

"My pleasure. As you know, Luna has the ability to change the forms of some creatures at will. Now, Shade, being an elemental of the dark and evil, could add his power to Luna's ability to 'change forms.'"

Sascha's interest was aroused as well, and she demanded more from Cid. "And?"

"Well, I have formulated a potion that has the ablility to transform a mere person into a more powerful creature but I lack two essential ingredients - I need Luna and Shade's power for this potion."

Akfek pondered about Cid's invention and a heinous smile developed across his face, "So be it." Akfek raised his hands, chanted a few words, and two streaks of light flew out from them, one dark black and one yellow. They entered the flask containing the potion and the potion swirled around and around and then settled peacefully.

Cid brought out another potion and handed it to Akfek. "It's the antidote to the potion," said Cid. "Oh, one more thing - this potion was difficult to make so I can't mass produce this potion - please use it only on a special occasion."

Then Akfek turned to McArthur, and inquired about the latest reports. "So, what is the latest news?"

"The rebellion that we suspected is more than the joke that we first thought of it." McArthur turned to the airship and hollered, "Bring the traitor out now!" Four soldiers exited the airship bringing with them a beaten up waitress. The waitress tried to fight her way from the soldiers until one soldier tripped her and pushed her to the ground. The soldiers then dragged her across the ground to Sascha and Akfek.

"My, my, what have we here?" inquired a curious Akfek.

"The Black Hand caught her informing a group of people about the Empire. It seems as if she somehow evaded Shade's control," replied McArthur.

Akfek walked over and lifted the waitress' face from the ground. Tears poured from the waitress' face which was pattered with dirt all over. "Betray the Empire, will you?" He turned to McArthur again and asked, "What else did the Black Hand discover?"

"Within the group of people the waitress informed, former General Celes was present as well - unfortunately, we were not able to identify the others with her. I believe the waitress has told us all she knows but further interrogation of her could prove useful."

On a moment's impulse, Sascha moved over to Akfek and suggested, "Perhaps we should use Cid's potion when fighting those foolish rebels."

The smile on Akfek's face grew into a devilish grin, "An excellent idea indeed! McArthur, return to Doma and prepare an assault force to attack these 'rebels.' Before you leave, is there any more news that you have for me?"

"Our sources report that Zozo is relatively empty with few people living there. It is damaged, but when we occupy it, rebuilding can commence on your command. There should be little resistance if we attempt to take it. Zeta 2 and Zeta 5 are ready to arrive in Zozo on your command."

"Very well. Lady DelAubre and I will visit Zozo. Send Zeta 2 and Zeta 5 there along with a few ships with repair crews. We will arrive in Doma after my visit to Zozo - I will oversee our taking of Zozo personally. Take Cid back to Vector as well. And the waitress - hold her for further interrogation. When you are done with her, have her hanged. That is all." Akfek released his grip on the waitress' face and the soldier dragged the waitress back to the airship. As McArthur entered the airship and returned to Doma, Akfek and Sascha left to 'The Prince', and at once, 'The Prince' set off for Zozo.

* * *

Shortly after 'The Prince' arrived in Zozo, the rest of Akfek's forces appeared, and on his command, they entered Zozo. There was no resistance at all, and the few that lived in Zozo could only watch as the Empire marched through the town. Akfek waited until the his forces had seized full control of the town and then he entered with Sascha.

"Ahh, Zozo. It has been a while since I last saw you - you have not changed much. I see it is still raining." A memory stirred in his head and Akfek remembered about the past when he first left Zozo.

Afkek felt the rain pouring down his cheeks. It was time to begin

his surge to power. But where should he go? Afkek was unsure

about his destination - but moping around in Zozo would be very

useless. Perhaps another town would have information? Afkek

headed towards Zozo's entrance, stepped outside and looked back at

Zozo. "One day," he whispered to himself, "You'll be MINE."

Sascha could hear Akfek murmuring to himself. "Yes, I said 'You'll be MINE.'" He paused. "The day has come and it is so." Akfek raised his voice again and he was eager to know if Sascha had rembered their past, "Sascha, do you remember the day we met outside of Zozo? There I saw you that day and there I met you - an innocent girl who had just fled her family. Do you recall this?"

Sascha became a little confused - of course she remembered - how could she forget? "Yes, I remember you saved me too. That was the day everything would change in my life."

A shriek of laughter sprang forth from Akfek, but this time it was a merry laugh, not a laugh of death. "I am glad you remember. This town means a lot to me - it was here where I decided to continue my brother's journey. Although he conquered the world, he lost it. I am here to conquer it again - may our family rule this world... Forever...."

* * *

"Come Sascha. There is a tavern nearby - we must drink to sunrise - that is, if there is a sunrise in this clouded town. Then we will go back to Doma. Come Sascha. Join me in our triumph."

Sascha began to reminisce about that day too - the day she met Akfek. So much had occured since then - yes, so much, she thought. She had fled her town to look for a better life. Now, she ruled her own town.

Akfek drank till he fell asleep like a drunken man. Sascha was reluctant to join, but on Akfek's request, she could not refuse. As the night passed and a new day was born, the two woke up the next day and prepared to head for Doma. Before they left, Sascha and Akfek overheard some man asking an officer if he could join the Empire in their fight.

Two days after the assassin had returned from Jidoor, this "new" Empire had invaded Zozo. For several hours now, he could hear numerous sounds of conquest, despite the distance of his cabin from the city. He was quite fortunate; he had but to wait a while, until Zozo was fully occupied, and then approach the gates.

Lazarus had little doubt that the commander of this Empire would accept him into their ranks. His military accomplishments under Gestahl had been impressive enough; he and his force had served as spearhead to many invasions, and he had personally secured the city of Tzen. No doubt, too, there would be many of the Old Empire in the ranks, ones who might remember him.

Zozo had fallen easily. The sounds of combat were relatively few, for there were few inhabitants in the city, most having fled to the caves of Mount Zozo. He briefly wondered whether or not the occupation had extended into those tunnels. That, of course, would be a far more difficult challenge, for it was one thing to rout the citizens of a small town, but entirely another to combat criminals and cutthroats in pitch-black caves. Either way, it made little difference.

* * * * *

Lazarus had made certain preparations with Lurm and Petrarch before he readied himself to leave the woodland cabin. Shrugging into his long, black coat, the assassin inserted the scarlet-hued daggers into their sheaths by his sides. Inspecting his appearance in a small pane of cracked mirror, he smiled briefly, satisfied with the man he saw. Striding into the forest, the assassin did not look back. He seldom looked back.

* * * * *

The city was relatively quiet by the time he reached sight of the gates. Remaining concealed by the edge of the wood, he peered speculatively at the guards stationed at the gateway, noting that some wore Old Empire-era infantry armor. Beyond the gates, in one of the large clearings created by the Light of Judgment, the assassin saw what could only be an airship, its massive presence seeming to leer over the city. Tendrils of smoke rose from assorted buildings; the occasional shout from a soldier rang out within Zozo. Yet it was clear that the city had been soundly occupied, without noteworthy hardships.

Boldly, Lazarus stepped into the clear, and began walking steadily toward the gate. When he had covered about a third of the distance, one of the soldiers appeared to take note of him, alerting his fellows to the intruder's presence. At first, the guards appeared rather alarmed, hand scrambling to their weapons, but then they seemed to realize that it was but a single man approaching them, who was no visible threat. Lazarus continued to stride towards the gate nonchalantly.

As the stranger approached ever closer, the soldiers grew curious. Lazarus could see their heads turn towards each other in confusion, and a conversation appeared to be taking place. Finally, when he was nearly thirty feet from them, they reacted outwardly.

"Halt." The voice that issued the command was cold and resolute.

Lazarus abruptly stopped walking, and stood silently before the gate.

The soldier that had made the order turned briefly to one of his fellows and shrugged. Returning his gaze to the man in the black coat, he continued. "This city is now a province of the Empire. What is your business here?"

Lazarus chuckled wryly, and began walking again. "The Empire, eh?" he called out, drawing a startled glance from the officer. "Would that be the same Empire?"

The officer grunted. "Bah. We fly the same flag, but we have superior leadership. We shall succeed where Gestahl failed."

Lazarus had drawn to ten feet, and then stopped as the apprehensive soldiers glared at him. "Ah, then you served the previous Empire?" he inquired mildly.

The officer arched an eyebrow, and nodded curtly. "Aye. Now mind you tell me -"

Lazarus cut him off abruptly. "Ah, no, please indulge me. Tell _me_... does this look familiar?" The assassin spread his arms wide, glancing briefly at his expanse of black coat.

The soldier snorted ignobly, flicking a glance at the stranger. "Why would -" he began, but stopped short. His eyes studied the coat intensely, looking upon the black leather with the crimson sigils...

His eyes quickly ascended to stare at Lazarus' face. He took a few steps closer.

"Bloody hell," he whispered.

One of the other soldiers coughed loudly. "Sergeant, what the hell is going on?" The guards eyed their leader curiously.

"That coat," the officer began shakily, "is the mantle of the General of the Imperial Air Force, under Gestahl." Unable to take his eyes off of the hard-chiseled face, the shaven scalp, the gray eyes, the officer nodded slowly. "And that, boys, is General Brokengulf."

Lazarus stared back at the sergeant in laconic silence, but a faint smile traced across his lips.

* * * * * *

"So you see, sir, we took care of these rabble quite easily." The officer, whose name was Droge, motioned briefly to the shattered building around him.

Lazarus adjusted his position in the chair. He was seated beneath a crude bivouac before a small table, opposite the sergeant from the gate. "Yes. I can see that. And I'm not a general anymore, sergeant. It is unseemly for you to call me 'sir.'"

Droge's face split into a grin. "Ah, sir, but you said you wanted to join us, right? Once Akfek hears of your talent, he's sure to elevate you to a high rank."

Lazarus pondered briefly. "Akfek?"

Droge nodded. "Yes, he is our leader you see. He - ah, look! That is him over there!" The man pointed towards a small entourage walking the streets nearby, some twenty feet away.

Lazarus stared at the man. He wore a thick, pitch-black robe, that draped over his soldiers, making his body indistinct. His hair appeared somewhat grayish, and his face...

Kefka.

No, not Kefka, the hair and the eyes were too different. But the face... the shape of the cheekbones, the nose... Lazarus could see the similarities; he was trained to notice such things. Yet this man looked wholly different from Kefka. He seemed very confident and quite calm; he lacked Kefka's devious eyes and frantic mannerisms. The name, of course, suddenly clicked in Lazarus' head... Akfek. How very odd.

"Well, I'll be," he muttered, watching the man disappear around a corner with a group of soldiers.

"Yeah, that's him," Droge said proudly. "Tell you what, sir, we're headed back to Doma shortly. Come with us; I can ask Akfek to meet with you!" Droge lowered his voice. "I'm always one to recruit one of the old Empire, you see. We were damned fine soldiers."

Lazarus nodded mutely. "Why yes, I think I will accompany you."

Soon, Sascha and Akfek reached 'The Prince', and while Sascha boarded the airship, Akfek paused. He glanced at the town one more time and thought to himself, "I walked out of Zozo with nothing. I walk in again with an empire." Then, he turned and boarded the airship. At once, 'The Prince' departed for Doma and left the dreary, raining town behind.

'The Prince' descended and parked beside a group of other airships when it arrived at Doma. Soldiers equiped with Magitek Armor could be seen hauling weapons and bombs outside to the airships. The airships themselves were tended by many soldiers. There were soldiers crawling all over the airships employed in work of all sorts; some soldiers fitted the airships with bombs and missiles, while others were engaged in the usual drills.

Outside the castle, soldiers equipped with Magitek Armor could be seen lifting blocks of concrete and patching up the areas where there were holes and other parts of the castle that had collapsed. As Sascha and Akfek entered Doma, the soldiers inside the castle ceased their activities and immediately knelt before them. On Akfek's command, they rose again and resumed with their previous work. Sascha and Akfek continued to the throne room where McArthur was awaiting their arrival.