Chapter 1: Rules of Engagement
The clock struck one, signaling the end of lunch at Chocobo Academy. Some students hurried back to class, others took their time, and a few skipped class altogether. This daily event at the world's most prolific mage academy was just a passage of time. Except for today.
Deep in a secret chamber at the heart of the Academy, the Headmaster made final preparations for his guests.
"Where are those packets?" muttered the Headmaster, formal robes fluttering around him. "Ugh, worthless assistant. Here they are!"
The Headmaster scooped up seven inconspicuous binders and strode into the great meeting room. His six guests had already began chatting and drinking refreshments
"Thank you for your patience, everyone," bowed the Headmaster. "I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your coming."
"Headmaster Recon," said Stealthy. "You said there's been an update to the rules of engagement. I assume that's what you have with you?"
"Precisely," said Recon, handing out the binders. "Again, thank you for your patience. This time the Academy has committed to ensuring a fair, clean Cookie War. I understand that this process has been tedious for many of you."
The guests grumbled.
"These terms are thorough, but very straightforward," chuckled Milamber as he scanned the binder contents. "I'm surprised your Academy committee could put together such a quality contract."
"They only approved it," smiled Recon sadly. "Our student body president, Jeroth, put this contract together."
"A student?" scoffed Ciflit.
A healthy young man with a tidy school uniform and a presidential pin stepped forward.
"Thank you again for inviting me, Headmaster," said Jeroth, turning his attention to the guests. "I am truly honored to meet this cycle's masters. I have been studying the past Cookie Wars since before I enrolled at Chocobo Academy, and preventing the destruction it causes has been a passion of mine. The document you hold in your hands is my senior thesis, outlining the rules of engagement for this Cookie War. It has been reviewed and approved by the Grand Committee, as well as the Headmaster. I now seek your approval for its use in this war."
"If only these terms had been used in the last Cookie War," said Stealthy as he finished reading the contract. "We could have prevented the Blood Moon, not to mention the Tim killings."
"Please, speak no more of it," asked Headmaster Recon.
"With all due respect, Headmaster," said Jeroth. "Master Stealthy is the only one here who participated in the last Cookie War. Were it not for his swift actions, the Academy may have been compromised. If he has any advice on how this contract could better secure the magical world's safety, I would ask that it not be filtered."
"O-of course," stumbled Recon, glancing at Stealthy's cane and metal leg. "Stealthy-that is, Master Stealthy, knows more than anyone what's at risk. Thank you for your service, sir. Both past and present."
"You're a bright young man," said Stealthy, looking past the Headmaster. "I find no fault with your terms, and would gladly conduct the Cookie War under them."
"Thank you, Master Stealthy," said Jeroth calmly.
The other masters grumbled, but ultimately came to the same conclusion. These terms would greatly reduce the potential for civilian casualties and collateral damage, all without restricting the methods of the masters.
"Master Stealthy, have you seen Professor Kratour lately?" asked Recon. "He's...supposed to be the seventh master."
"I'm afraid not," frowned Stealthy. "He told me he'd spend the next few weeks building an elaborate campaign, and then abandoning it."
"Seriously?" said Recon. "He committed to this Cookie War years ago! I even talked to him last week about this and he was still on board then!"
"I'm afraid you're in need of a seventh master," shrugged Stealthy. "It wouldn't do well for the Cookie to select a mage outside Jeroth's contract as a replacement master."
"Perhaps I could be of assistance!" said an excited voice from a recently-opened door.
A thin student with an ill-fitted jacket bounded towards the group.
"I've played every iteration of the Cookie War games," bragged the junior student. "I'd be a great replacement master!"
Several of the masters began laughing. Recon and Jeroth glared.
"Excuse me student," smiled Milamber. "You're not qualified to be a master. I'm surprised you're even qualified to have access to this chamber."
"Ugh," said Recon. "Everyone, this this my office assistant, TC. Please pay no attention to him. Please."
"Okay, so I haven't played the new Cookie War on mobile," admitted TC while grabbing one of the refreshments. "But that game's pay-to-win anyways, and I'm not going to out-spend Tag Ross on it anytime soon. But I have all the actual experience from the main games! I totally know how it all goes down! There's seven masters, who summon several heroic spirits! Then they battle it out until only one is left! And then they get their wish granted by the Cookie!"
"Your synopsis is unnecessary, TC." said Recon sternly. "Get back to work. Now."
"Sorry, sorry," said TC, backing away from the numerous glares. "Just call me when you need me. Whoa!"
TC bumped into Stealthy's cane and fell, but Stealthy caught him.
"Careful son," said Stealthy. "A mistake like that would be fatal in a Cookie War."
"Out!" bellowed Recon, and TC scampered out of the room.
"May I make a recommendation, Headmaster?" asked Stealthy.
"Yes, please," said Recon. "Whatever punishment you have in mind for TC's insolence will surely be just. I apologize he nearly knocked you o-"
"No, not that," said Stealthy. "You're not likely to find a good candidate for the seventh master on such short notice. Why not have Jeroth act as the replacement master?"
"M-master Stealthy, you greatly honor me," said Jeroth, trying not to blush.
Recon pauses.
"No," said the Headmaster. "I could not have a student participate in the Cookie War. The risk and precedent is not worth it. I will find a suitable master before the war begins."
"I understand," said Jeroth, bowing his head.
"Is there anything else we need to discuss?" asked Ciflit. "I have to plot all of your deaths, and I'd prefer not to waste time."
"Just a little review before you sign the contracts," said Recon. "As you've read, the Adventurer's Clubhouse is neutral ground in this Cookie War. Professor Blooky will be overseeing the Cookie War from that location. I will be collaborating with Blooky on any major decisions regarding the war, but she should be your primary contact and source of support."
"Are you sure she can be trusted?" asked Milamber. "We all know that Blooky has rather...eclectic taste."
"I understand your concern," said Recon. "But I trust Blooky. Her track record is far better than past overseers."
The masters grumbled, but settled down.
"After signing the contract, you will all receive your randomized summoning artifacts at your private, predisposed locations at the same time," said Headmaster Recon. "Now, let's have a clean, normal Cookie War."
The masters signed, and parted ways.