The ships set out an hour later, Saito and Louise used the jet to make it over first with its incredible speed. Upon landing, they reunited with Mr. Colbert and Headmaster Osmond who were waiting outside. "I see your trip to Saito's world was fruitful," said the old man. "Such remarkable craftsmanship," Colbert added, marveling over the new machine.
"The Tristainian Military is en route to intercept the Dragon before it arrives," Louise explains. "They're going to try and stall for time until we're ready." "Do you have any more fuel reserves from the Zero left over?" Asked Saito. Colbert nodded, "There's a few barrels still. "Good, we've got a plan set up with the Tristain forces," the boy explained. "Who else is here that can help?" "Funny you should ask," Osmond sighed.
As the group entered the library, Saito and Louise were warmly greeted by Tiffania. "You're here!!" The half-elf yelled as she pulled the two into a hug. "I'm glad you're doing alright, Tiffa," said Saito warmly. "I was wondering when you two would show up," a voice cut in. They turned to see a smiling, red haired mage. "K-Kirche!?" Louise was astonished to see her. "What're you doing here? I thought Mr. Colbert had evacuated all of the students??"
"Oh he certainly tried," said a pompous voice. Guiche whipped out his rose with his usual flair. "But we simply wouldn't have it! After all, the very first mission you gave us was to protect Tiffa, wasn't it?" From behind him, the Order of Undine Knights raise their wands with a unified "Yeah!!!"
"You didn't think we'd turn a blind eye to your efforts?" Asked Kirche with a smile. "We want to protect the world we live in," added Montmorency. "You guys..." Louise said fondly, before suddenly being caught off guard by the sight of an unexpected group. The Gensou Siblings stood off to the side, watching the proceedings with an amused look in their eyes.
"What're they doing here?" Asked Saito, his hand went instinctively to his knife. "I hired them," said a soft voice. Tabitha makes her presence known beside the boy. "I've gotta figure out how you do that," he muttered, getting the slightest hint of a smirk from the young Queen. "They're mercenaries who work for anyone willing to pay. I was willing," she said simply.
"Nice to have us on your side, right?" Joked Bleu. "We don't wish for the world to be destroyed," added Damian. From around a corner, the elves Luctiana and Ari step in. "We have a stake in this as well," put in Luctiana. "The Dragon's presence threatens our people," said Ari. "If our efforts can ensure their protection, we'll gladly stand with you."
From behind Saito, Illococoo hugs the boy tightly. "Don't forget us!" She says, acknowledging herself and the salamander Flame. "We're fighting too!!" Saito smiles over his shoulder at the girl, "I appreciate that. Actually, I've got an important job for you. Think you can handle it?" The dragon girl jumps back and salutes, "Just leave it to me!"
Louise acknowledges the whole room, "We weren't planning on having so many here. I'm truly grateful to you all. In a way this will be a big help towards our efforts." "So I imagine there's a plan?" Guiche asked. Saito nodded, "Henrietta and her army is coming. They're gonna try and intercept the Dragon before it reaches the Academy. Before that happens, we've got things to set up."
"What do you need?" Kirche looks determined as ever. "Mr. Colbert has several barrels of gasoline," Saito replied. "I need a few of you to bring them out to the grounds. The new plane has stronger weapons, but it's still gonna take some serious power to take down the Dragon. That fuel is highly flammable, so hopefully it'll hurt the thing if the fire is chemically based. The rest of you will defend the Academy. Do you have any special defenses?"
Osmond nods, "We have a barrier that will protect the Academy. But it requires several mages casting simultaneously to maintain its strength." "We can handle that," said Jack, regarding his siblings. "Good," Saito replied. "There's also the horde of smaller dragons under the big one's control. Everyone else, keep them from hurting anyone else, get their attention. Tiffania, when you can, use your memory spell to try and free them like last time."
"What will you be doing?" Asked Tiffania. "Louise and I will be fighting from the plane," he said. "Between everyone's attacks, there'll be a small window where it'll be worn down. That's when Louise will launch her Explosion Spell. Hopefully that'll be it, but if it's not, then you'll need to fall back and regroup. Illococoo?"
The girl stands at attention, "Yes?" "If we fail and the Dragon gets through," Saito says grimly. "It'll be your job to get everyone out. Especially Tiffania, if it gets a hold of her, then the Dragon will be more powerful than anyone can handle. Got it?" Illococoo nods with determination, understanding the seriousness of her job. "Alright then," said Mr. Colbert. "It seems we all have our assignments. Let's get to work!"