It was still dark when the plane landed on the Castle grounds. The noise from the craft brought out a group of Musketeers who came to investigate. Louise helped the wounded Saito out of the cockpit and had him immediately taken to a Healer. The young mage watched over Saito like a hawk as he was treated, refusing to leave his side. Thankfully it was an easy fix. However, the boy still had to recover from the blood loss and was instructed to take it easy until he was called to battle.
Henrietta was pleased the duo were successful in their mission, and came to visit them in the infirmary with Agnés. "I'm so pleased you both returned," she said. "After being gone for a full day, I'd begun to worry."
"Yeah, sorry about that," Saito replied. "Things ended up being harder than expected." "What of the Ancient Dragon?" Asked Louise. "Has there been any change since we left?" "It's beginning to stir," Agnés said grimly. "Soldiers stationed by its body have reported tremors. It won't be long before it fully reawakens..."
"Headmaster Osmond brought Tiffania to the Academy," Henrietta added. "Queen Charlotte is also there with several of her kingdom's strongest mages. It's to be the final stronghold in case our next efforts fail."
Agnés nodded, "Mr. Colbert is currently fortifying the grounds and organizing any remaining students for evacuation." Henrietta is struck by a thought, "That reminds me, they left information for you and Saito. Regarding the last time the Dragon was beaten."
Saito sat up at this, and Louise looked intently at her old friend. "What did they learn?" She asked. "According to the texts, the previous Void Mages were the ones who sealed the Dragon away. However, the Dragon itself gains power off the raw power of Void Magic. In other words, by consuming them..."
The duo gasp slightly at this as the Queen continued. "This being the case, it will instinctively go to where Void Mages are located." "That means... when it came to Romalia..." Louise added tentatively. Henrietta looked saddened, "It sensed the presence of His Holiness, one of the Void Mages. And now that it has consumed him..."
Louise looked worried, "Its next target will be either me or Tiffa." "That's why she was taken to the Academy," Agnés put in. "We'd have you sent there as well, but given you were off world, we had no way of letting you know the plan." "However, you may have brought about the instrument to our salvation," Henrietta said brightly. "This new weapon, will it be powerful enough to fight against the Dragon?"
"Only one way to find out. But I will say it's nearly unmatched back in my world. If we play this right, I think we have a shot," said Saito gamely. At that moment, the door burst open. Several knights were either carried or limped inside. They were all in serious condition.
"What happened to them??" Asked an astonished Henrietta. One of the knights turned to her, part of his face was bandaged, covering his right eye. "Your Highness, the Ancient Dragon is on the move," he said. "It took out every last one of our ships in the air. Its swarm of infected dragons attacked the ground forces at the site. We're all that survived," he finished solemnly, noting his injured comrades.
"And what's worse," said another knight. "That monster can fly now. Whatever happened while it was dormant, its attacks are even more devastating now." "By consuming the Pope, it got a power boost," Saito said grimly. "That's probably what also allows it flight," added Louise. "Where is the Dragon now?" Asked Henrietta.
"It's still on the projected path, but now it's moving much faster," said the first knight. "Our remaining forces are en route to intercept before it reaches the Academy. The Musketeers are adding more cannons to the ships, but at this point, I don't think they'll make that much of a difference. It'll be there by dawn."
"Then we'd better get ready," Saito started to get off the cot. "You're still not at full strength," Louise warned, helping him up. "I'll be ok," he said. "Flying the plane is no problem. And right now, they're going to need the air support." "Fine, but I'm going up with you," said the mage.
"Are you sure?" Saito was hesitant. "The Dragon-" "Is coming for me anyway," Louise went on. "I'd be of no use at the Academy, just waiting for it to show up. And if the weapons on the plane do work, it could be the window needed to launch my Explosion Spell."
She turned to the boy, gazing into his eyes. "Every time there was a major battle, we'd be separated," Louise said. "I want to start and finish this one with you by my side. You're my Famil... No... You're the man I love..." Saito blushed at this. "If this is the end of the world, then I don't want to be away from you for one moment. We may not win, but we will fight together."
"That was well spoken, Louise Françoise," said Henrietta. Agnés nodding approvingly as Louise got somewhat embarrassed. "I-It's just... now or never, you know?" She said, blushing sheepishly. Saito smiled at the girl, his face getting a look of determination. "Alright then, we go in together," he said, and he turned to Henrietta. "What's the plan?"