Part 132: Gooooood afternoon! Someone order a rescue?

-Conspiracy-






Enhanced Jaeger Harry: All we get from taking over a place like this is freaking out a buncha rich kids.
Enhanced Jaeger Marv: Yeah, if we really wanted to stir up some chaos, we'd attack one of the little rat holes these hicks call villages. It's like you said, though, man. The brats here are LOADED. Rumor even has it that a member of the Liberlian royal family attends this joint.
Enhanced Jaeger Harry: What, like that Klaudia chick?
Enhanced Jaeger Marv: Haha, nah, no way. She's, like, in the palace or some shit. Whoever it is, though, the Phantom Thief's friggin' OBSESSED with the chick who goes to this joint. That's Gilbert's game plan--find out who it is, and deliver her.
Enhanced Jaeger Harry: I get it...Yeah, we could score some major points with an Enforcer if we do that. But man, that just makes things even worse. If the chick is that important, the bracers and army are gonna come right at us. We better be ready for some major shit to go down.
Enhanced Jaeger Marv: Pssh, don't worry. We JUST hit this place, it'll take 'em a while to figure it out. Besides, their orbal-based guns ain't gonna work, unlike ours, remember? Gonna be like a shootin' range if they take us on.
Enhanced Jaeger Harry: Heh, yeah, good point.

*BRRRT BRRRRRRRRRRRT*

-Recapture-







Enhanced Jaeger Marv: They'll bury us in bullets at this rate...Go get the friggin' reserve guys!





Yeah, we gotta hurry!
I unlocked the back gate when I was here earlier.
It should open easily.
Very good.
We should infiltrate each building swiftly and rescue the hostages in each. Remember to check off those rescued from our list in the notebook.
Got it!
Let's go!



No one gets left behind.







Enhanced Jaeger Roy: You sons of...!
There they are!
Here we gooooo!









Ms. Wiola: Estelle and Joshua...What on earth are...
Ahaha...Sorry to surprise you!
Actually...


Ms. Wiola: I see, so you're...Thank you so much for coming to free us.
Ms. Millia: So how are things outside? Is there still fighting?
There's fighting at the gate and jaegers still roam the grounds. The situation is dangerous.
I must ask that you remain here for your own safety until we've secured the school.
Ms. Millia: I see...If we must.
Ms. Wiola: Please, I beg you...make sure the students stay safe for us!
Deborah: Oh, I know! Please, take these.

Ms. Deborah...
Whoa, are you sure?
Deborah: It's thanks for rescuing us! Now, being a hero is nice, but take care, you two.
Thank you. We'll be safe.


Deborah: Helping people is good and all, but do be careful. If the savior needs saving, well, there's not much left, is there?
Ms. Wiola: Please...take care of our students. And take care of yourselves, too.
Ms. Millia: It's still dangerous outside. We'll be on standby here. Please, take care of our students.



Mr. Ratio: Estelle and Joshua!
Ahaha, that's us! Hiya!
You're all safe, thank goodness.


Mr. Ratio: Now I see...
Mr. Effort: Thank you for your assistance. Is there anything we can do to help you rescue the students?
We appreciate the thought, but the enemy is a professional mercenary company.
The best thing to do is remain here until we are certain it is safe.
Mr. Effort: I see...You're right.
Mr. Ratio: Please, take care of the students!
Leave it to us!


Mr. Ratio: Please...take care of our students. If something happens, come back at any time. We'll assist you as much as we can.
Mr. Effort: I can't do anything. I feel so helpless...Take care of our students for us!



Enhanced Jaeger Ludwig: Psh, can't believe we actually missed some brats...
Enhanced Jaeger Wendy: Hang on, that badge!
Enhanced Jaeger Ludwig: Bracers?!
Quite.
Nice to BEAT you!













Roy: It's Estelle and Joshua!
Hiya, guys.
Let me explain what's happening...


Rhody: Oooh, okay...Oh, man, bracers are SO COOL!
Uh, thanks, I guess!
...But more importantly, is Mr. Parkes okay?! I'd heard he was shot...
Roy: We think so...The wound itself doesn't look too bad. He just fell asleep after we treated it. He said he was already wiped out from the new semester and all, so...
Thank Aidios...
So his pale complexion is just from exhaustion.
Hmm...May I see him for a moment?





Whoa!
That never stops being impressive.
Heehee! Kurt's saved my butt with that plenty of times!
Rhody: I'll be...He looks better than he did a second ago.
Roy: Anyway, let's let him sleep for now. Thank you so much for coming to save us. Can we do anything to help?
The best thing you can do is stay here until it's safe. It's still very dangerous outside.
Roy: I understand.
Rhody: Be careful out there!


Rhody: Frustrating as it is, we don't have much choice but to wait right here. Trying anything funny now would just drag you guys down. You be careful, okay?
Roy: We'll be on standby here. Take care, everyone.







We must remain diligent.



Enhanced Jaeger Iggy: What are you doing out here?!
That is so totally our line.
You think creepo guys like you get to hang out in a girls' dorm?
Enhanced Jaeger Lemmy: Wait, what...?
This is the realm of maidens whose chastity and cuteness would shame flowers!
You could at least, like, put a ribbon or something on first, you know?



Enhanced Jaeger Lemmy: Stop screwing with us!
Enhanced Jaeger Iggy: Why'd you even make me THINK that?!











Nikita: Estelle? JOSHUA?!
Ahaha! Sorry to keep you waiting!
Here's what's going on...


Taylor: Okay, I see...*phew* I think my nerves are all shot...
Felicity: So, um, what should we do?
Nikita: Should we try to find the others?
No way, not yet. There's still fighting outside and you could get hurt.
Please, stay here for now and bar the door. We'll let you know when it's safe.
Nikita: Okay.
Felicity: We'll do that. Good luck!


Nikita: I'll be patient and wait here like you asked. I just hope Gerome isn't doing anything stupid...That impulsive streak of his has me worried.
Felicity: If I knew something like this was going to happen, I would have apologized to Reina sooner...Please, be safe...
Taylor: P-Please, rescue everyone soon. I'll pray for your safety from here.



I'm just gettin' warmed up!



Cool bracers don't look at explosions.





I AM INVINCIBLE!!!
Or am I?!



Enhanced Jaeger Morton: Bracers?! HERE?!
Gotcha!
Attack!













Hey! Was wondering if you'd forgotten about us.
Ahaha...Sorry to keep you waiting.
Has the situation here changed at all since I came by?
Yeah, actually...
(That Gilbert bozo just came by, demanding to know if the 'princess' was here. Said she'd receive special treatment if she named herself.)
(Urge to kill, RISING.)
(What a wild goose chase.)
(Yeah, we told him to go stuff himself.)
(He looked pretty desperate, though. I dunno what he'll do if he really loses it.)
(Don't worry, we can handle him.)
Kaden: H-Hey...
Purity: So, um, what should we do?
Oh, right, sorry.
Could you guys stay in here until it's safe? Our friends are still fighting the jaeger goons outside.
Purity: All right, we will.
Kaden: When will this end?!
Alice: I-It's a little nerve-wracking, but we'll wait!
We'll try to settle things as fast as we can.
Hans, Jill...
Yeah, yeah, we get it.
Getting shot at isn't really my 'thing,' anyway. We'll leave it to you guys.
Come back once you take care of them. We'll handle everything else!
Thank you.
See ya soooon!

It's okay, I understand. I'm not going to run around like an idiot and make things harder on you.
You go show those criminals the right hook of justice!
Okay, come on back once you've settled things. Estelle, Joshua...be careful.
Kaden: *sigh* Seriously, give me a break...Why did I have to be treated so horribly by them...?
Alice: T-Take care of everyone! I-I'm a little scared, but I'll hang in there and wait!
Purity: I'll be waiting right here. Everyone, be careful...



Fauna: Everyone!...
Gooooood afternoon! Someone order a rescue?
...We're glad you're safe, sir.
Estelle, Joshua, to have YOU come...
Those are your fellow bracers behind you, I take it.
We are. I am Kurt Nardin.
And I'm Anelace Elfead! Nice to meetcha!

I see...Thank you.
You are aware of who...commands these men, yes?
Gilbert, Dalmore's old steward, right?
I heard he was trying to kidnap Kloe.
Yes. He does not seem to know that 'Kloe' is the princess, however. He only knows that the 'princess' can be found at the academy.
I see...Sorta weird, though, given that the masked pervert knew exactly who she was.
The jaegers the society utilizes don't have nearly as much access to information as Enforcers do, for security purposes.
I doubt he's been told anything that wasn't strictly critical to their mission.
Ah, good point.
That's kinda bad news, though, isn't it?
If he's really that clueless, he might try and snatch some other girl!
A distinct possibility.
I am also worried about that.
Please, hurry and stop him, before he does something terribly foolish.
We will!

The criminal is searching for the royal princess but hasn't realized Kloe is in the capital. In which case, it's conceivable that the other female students are at risk. Please do your best to keep them safe.
Fauna: There should be armed criminals all over the academy. Everyone, be careful...



Enhanced Jaeger Jr.: Sounds like it.
Enhanced Jaeger Larry: Doesn't look like they've broken through the gate yet...
That'd be because that's a diversion.



Enhanced Jaeger Larry: INTRUDERS?! What the hell?! What are they doing here?!
Elementary, my dear jaegers.
We're here because we're bracers!
(I'm not sure that's really much of an answer...)



How did they get that thing up the stairs?



Go!





Rise, storm, from the space between sky and sea!















Thelma: Estelle and Joshua?!
Haha! Hi, guys!
Long time no see.
Logic: Why the heck are YOU guys here?! Wait, you aren't with THOSE guys, are you?!
Monica: Oh, come on, Logic. How does that make any sense?
Argyle: I bet the bracers are here to rescue us!
Exactly!


Logic: O-Okay...Sorry I rushed to conclusions there. So, you guys! What do we do?!
Until we are sure the grounds are secure, you should remain here.
It's possible you could be injured if you wander outside in the middle of combat.
Logic: B-B-But, if we stay here, they'll come back and capture us again...!
Hmmm, I guess it's possible, but leaving is still more dangerous.
You don't want to get shot by a stray round or nommed on by a beast, do you?
Logic: U-Um-ummm...
Anelace...Don't scare them more than they are already!
Anyway, that's the idea. Will you stay here for now?
Thelma: Yes...We'll keep our heads down.
Monica: Good luck, you guys!


Logic: W-We'll be on standby here as ordered. So come rescue us as s-s-soon as possible, please. W-We're counting on you!
Argyle: Logic's totally freaked out. Heh heh heh...Seriously, how pathetic!
Monica: If I'd taken archery, I'd fight too...Guess I'll have to leave it to the pros! Good luck, bracers!
Thelma: I wonder if everyone else is safe...You be careful too, Estelle. All of you.



Oopsie



Everyone, are you okay?!
Is anyone...No, no one looks injured. Good.
Gerome: Estelle...and JOSHUA?! Why are you two here?!
Y'know, funny story...


Patrick: So that's what all the noise is! I guess I owe Mickey a Royal Crepe or something!
Dennis: Hmph! All he did was ditch class and then get lucky enough to run off. About all slackers are good for...
Gerome: Not NOW, Dennis!
Reina: In this case, his actions were appropriate and life-saving. Thanks to him, everyone knew to come and save us. Contempt for your savior only makes you look like a churl, Dennis.
Dennis: Mrgh...
Uh, guys, I dunno if this is the time...
Anyway, we'd like for you to remain here until we're certain it's safe. Can you stay put?
Gerome: Well, I...I understand. All right.
Reina: Please...make sure everyone is safe!
Leave it to us!


Gerome: It's hard just sitting here, but we'll do what the pros say. You go and rescue the other students.
Patrick: All I can say is that Mickey is one lucky guy. If he hadn't met you all, who knows what would have happened to him. We owe him one, though.
Dennis: Mickey's ultimately just talking from a results perspective. H-Hmph...I'm not saying thanks, you know.
Reina: It is my duty to confirm the mistress' safety...However, what matters most now is freeing the academy as a whole. I will leave this matter to you...Please take care of the other students.

That's every hostage accounted for...save one.



Where could she be?



Oh there she is.

That voice!
It's that way--behind the academy!
There is one person left on the list. It must be her!
Let's hurry!







-Pinch!!-



That's close enough, everyone. Unless you'd like to see this young lady get hurt.
Richelle: N-No...
(Oh, no! Isn't that Kloe's friend?)
(The Fencing Club member, yes...)
You damnable wretches seem obsessed with getting in my way...
This time, I WILL come out ahead! I will climb the ranks of Ouroboros with this girl as my ladder!
Wha...?!
The Society of Ouroboros is far larger than I'd ever imagined. Everything happening here in Liberl is but the tip of the iceberg...Our plans extend across the continent, across the centuries, across everything!
Heh heh. It is the perfect path to power. And the girl is all I need.
So that's your plan.
So you screw up in Liberl and decide to go down the criminal organization's drain instead. Gotcha. Great career 'advancement' there, champ.
Silence! A tiny little backwater like Liberl was always too small for me!
The society, in all its glory, meanwhile, is a fitting stage for me to stand on!
And you will not get in my way!
Well, I'd like to say 'good luck with that'...
But you realize that girl won't get you anywhere, right?
Heh, poor, ignorant fool.
This girl is, in fact, the princess of the von Auslese family in hiding!
Richelle: NO! I'm telling you, IT ISN'T ME!
Please. The charade fools no one at this point.
Witnesses say Klaudia von Auslese favors rapiers in combat. And, right now, you are the only female student in the Fencing Club.
It cannot be anyone but you!



Richelle: But, but, but...
Y'know, it's sad. I dunno how to break it to him.
He's like a monument to boneheaded assumptions.
What are you talking about?
Ooookay, then. From the top...
You wouldn't happen to remember when you got captured at the lighthouse, would you?
How could I ever forget?! Just remembering it makes my guts boil with rage! The humiliation! The indignity!
Then you do remember the girl who was accompanying us, right? It seemed like you knew her.
Yes, I remember her. Kloe Rinz, as I recall. That's a good point, I didn't see her among the captured...students......



WHAT?
Biiiingo! Remember how Kloe used a fencing sword at the lighthouse?
Now that you...
No...NO! That bleeding heart orphan lover?! That's ridiculous! ABSURD! Everything I've done can't have been a waste...!
And now he's fleeing from reality. That's not healthy, dude!
...Tragic.
S-SILENCE!!!
Yes, I have a hostage here regardless! I still have the advantage! If you don't want to see her guts covering the floor, throw down your weapons!
Richelle: Aaah!
(His face becomes more kickable by the second.)
(We need some kind of opening.)
The fall of Dalmore carries a lesson that Gilbert has failed to grasp.
Hah! Paralyzed with indecision, are we? Perhaps slicing open her face just a little will make you pay atten--
The lesson is: you don't mess with places that are important to Princess Klaudia.
Falcon's Voice: Scree.

-Challenger Invited-





Richelle: O-Okay!



Wha-Wha-Wha...?
Sieg! What are you doing here?!
Kloe sent you, didn't she?
Scree! ♥
Haha. How thoughtful.
That is the COOLEST BIRD!
No, no, this can't be...
THIS IS MADNESS!
Madness? Perhaps it is. Either way...
Time for ul-tra-vi-o-lence. ♪

-Strepitoso Fight-



And then Gilbert gets the standard battle music, because not even the game respects him.



YOU'RE!...GOIN' DOWN!













he's an elite





AAAAA-TATATATATAT
YIPE - CRAP - DAAYLGH - SONOFA - URK



-Silence-





For the love of...why do you have to be such a coward NOW?
Haha, it sort of feels like we're bullying him at this point...
His choices led him to this end.
Gilbert. In accordance with the laws of the Bracer Guild, you are--


-The Enforcers-





The one who showed up at the mine!
Campanella.



I've been watching ever since you entered the academy.
Oh, what a show, what a show! It was delightful to watch! I didn't think there would be a last-second addition to the cast, either. And such timing!
Scree?
Sir Campanella...have you come to save me?



You know, Gilbert. I don't seem to remember ordering you to capture anyone.
*gulp*
I mean, of course you have to take advantage of opportunities as they come. You're on the ground, you have to make 'the call,' as they say. I won't stop you from doing that.
But if you fail...there really wasn't much of a point, was there?
No...No, please...

*snap*



What the hell?!
The Flame Tongue attack illusion.
Just like what Luciola uses.
Heehee! Mind, I'm not nearly as good as she is.
I can still roast a bad steak, though.



I did enjoy watching Gilbert make such a fool of himself. I suppose I can leave off the punishment for that...this time.





You running again?!
Haha! Well, anyway! Let me apologize for all this. You have my word that the Society of Ouroboros will not lay another finger on this academy.
Well, then, ladies and gentlemen. Good day and...farewell!





-Silence-



Are we ever gonna nail them down...?
Campanella the Fool...Quite the enigma.
That's barely half of it.
I do think we can take his word on this, however.
One can hope.
Well, while I am kinda sad he got away...
I guess that pretty much settles things here, huh?
Pretty much!
Screee. ♪