A Teacher's Work Never Ends

This is not good.

I was also informed that you used to lead an illegal organization under the name Queen o' One Thousand.

We will hold an emergency staff meeting to get to the bottom of this matter. Please understand that, depending on how the meeting goes, you may be dismissed.

I've not seen Cerrine since. Where could she have gotten to?

...ldo.

Hm?

Aldo. Over here.

Cerrine! There you are.

This has gotten out of hand. I've been bombarded with questions. I haven't even had time to change. And now I have to head to that meeting about me.

This really is a disaster.

Miss Cerrine!

What are you doing, sneaking around in the corridors? I hope you haven't forgotten that it's time for our meeting?

How could I forget? I was just heading there now.

This is a crucial emergency staff meeting in which we will decide your fate. Well, I'm sure you're smart enough to have a general idea of your current situation.

......

I'll be waiting for you there.

You're not in the wrong here. If you just explain the situation, I'm sure the school will understand.

I do hope so.

You'll be fine. You're a great teacher.

You're always so kind, Aldo.

Don't worry. I don't intend to let them fire me so easily. I'll turn the tables somehow. I won't let my sister's dream end here. Come on, we should head to the conference room. Quickly now.

Miss Cerrine! There you are!

W-We've been looking all over for you. None of the students knew where you were.

You're Anita's parents, right? It's good to see you both. Is something wrong? You seem out of breath.

You see...

Our daughter! She's disappeared!

What?

Weren't you with her just now? She said she went with you to that health food event...

We were. Then she went back to school to run some errands. We were planning to meet up after, to go out for a family dinner... But she never turned up and we couldn't get in touch with her.

Oh, Anita! What if she's been kidnapped? I don't know what I'll do with myself!

Try to keep calm. We will find your daughter. Do you have any leads? Do you happen to know the last place she was?

She last contacted my wife from the Theta District.

The Theta District? That helps, thank you.

Hello? It's me. I'm looking for a child... Yes, the girl from before. Gather all the information you can, no matter how trivial.

Don't worry. I will bring Anita back safe.

Let's go, Aldo.

Right.

Are you sure about this? What about your meeting?

I'm sure they'll figure it out on their own. Right now, Anita takes priority. Her safety is of the utmost importance. This might have something to do with those kidnappings.

Okay. Then we'd better hurry!

If only there was some kind of clue here.

I asked my underling to collect information earlier. He should be here soon...

Why, if it isn't my brave rescuers!

I'm so glad we could meet again.

Likewise.

Oh, your clothes...

What about them?

Nothing. They just really suit you.

......

You know, I still haven't thanked you for before. How would you like to come back to my office? I'll treat you to our full hospitality.

I appreciate the thought, but I'll have to refuse. One of my students has gone out of contact, and we're currently trying to locate her.

Oh, really? How awful.

Yes, so we're in a bit of a rush right...

Why don't I help in the search?

Huh? Oh, but this is my concern, not yours. I couldn't ask you to do that.

You know, her help couldn't hurt. The more clues, the better.

Yes, you do make a good point. I do want to find her as soon as possible.

Tell me about this student of yours. What's her name?

She's called Anita. She's about this tall...

Anita, eh? Okay, I know what to look out for. I'll see what I can do. If I find anything, I'll let you know.

Thank you.

You don't look happy.

I would have preferred not to have any involvement with her again. It's not like there's anything wrong with her. Maybe I'm being too self- conscious.

Boss!

There you are! I've been waiting. Did you find anything?

About that Anita girl you asked me to look into... Well, why don't you look at this surveillance footage I found?

That's Anita! It looks like she's heading somewhere.

Yeah. From what I can tell, that's the last we see of her.

There's no video of where she headed?

Nope. It's a camera blind spot.

Then we'll have to take a look around on foot.

There's no other locations?

Nope, that's the only footage I got. An' that was hard enough as it is to get my hands on.

......

What is it? You're really staring at that video.

Wait. There!

Eek! Yes, ma'am!

No, go back. Yes, there.

Though it was only for an instant, was that the president?

Was Anita following her?

The president's lookin' kinda sus then, huh?

Maybe.

For now, let's try to find where she was heading. Perhaps we'll find another clue there.

Okay. I'll see if I can find anythin' else.

Please do.

She wouldn't accept my invitation so readily. Even so, I don't think she's aware of my true intentions.

What do we do?

Switch to another plan. Quickly.

Now, if I remember correctly, she said that the kidnapped girl's name is Anita. Stop the transport and bring her to me. I have use of her in my plans.

The blind spot must have been somewhere around here.

Yes. Come on, let's look for clues.

Freeze, lady!

What can I do for you, officers?

My, you don't mess around. Ask a girl out to dinner first.

Wait a minute! What's Cerrine supposedly done?

Hey! That wasn't Cerrine, that was someone else!

Wait, Aldo. Their suspicions are hardly surprising. It is my name, after all. I think I should do as they say for now.

But...

Don't worry. I'll get myself out of this and be back before you know it.

If you're sure...

Nothing. I'm ready, Officer.

Officer, we've long since passed the EGPD building.

I need to find a dear student of mine. And once she's found, I have an important meeting to attend.

Do you get how busy I am? Now hurry up and get your job done.

Your bloodlust has been exposed. You lack the fundamentals.

How very thorough of you.

We were ordered to kill you and bring her your head.

Hmm. My head? Now, where exactly will you be taking my head?

I'm afraid you won't be alive to find out.

That's enough! Hold it right where you are!

This is COA Officer Renri. Lay down your weapons.

C-COA?

Surrender now, and this doesn't have to go badly.

Hmph. Stick to the plan, men. It's only one more person. Let's shut 'em both up for good.

I knew it wouldn't be so simple.

Our enemy seems pretty motivated. What now, officer?

We subdue them. I'm sure you can handle yourself against this many. Can't you, Miss Cerrine?

Oh, you know my name? Have we met before?

We can speak after. Let's deal with this mess first.

My, you are interesting. I rather like you.

Men, blast 'em!

You need more men if you want to take me. Now, tell me. Where were you told to take my head?

As if I'm just gonna tell you that!

My, you're an obstinate one, eh? You'll be even more fun to break.

B-Break?

Hey! Are you planning to torture him? Not on my watch!

Torture? My, you insult me. I'm merely going to educate him.

Educate...him?

Teehee. That's right. Now, speak up.

Hnnngh!

Teehee. This is only the beginning.

What kind of education is that? You're simply abusing him!

Aghhh! I'm good! I'm so close...to paradise!

Huh?

Name the location.

Route...Route 99! That's where we're meeting.

Teehee. Well done. Now, here's your reward!

Hnngh! What a feeling!

That's enough. I can't watch any more of this.

Haaahhh...

He's passed out!

Shame. We were just getting to the good bit.

By the way, thank you for your help before.

Please, I barely did anything. You handled most of them. You don't seem like a regular teacher. Who are you really?

Teehee. You were pretty impressive yourself. You did COA proud.

I did my job, that's all.

Hm, I'm not so sure about that.

Well, I'm sorry to leave you like this cutie, but I'm in a bit of a rush.

Wait!

Yes?

You're a key witness, Miss Cerrine. I came here to question you.

Now, why would the Administrator's intelligence service be interested in me?

Cut the act. The kidnappings in Elzion, the boss of the organization behind it. Tell me why you're wearing the Queen o' One Thousand costume.

......

Staying silent, are you? You'd be better off confessing.

The outfit is a memento of my sister.

A-A memento?

Yes. Of my late sister.

I believe she belonged to an illegal organization, but that's nothing to do with me.

I'm but a humble teacher at IDA School.

...... Yes, that's what my information says.

Are you satisfied now?

No, not yet. Let me ask you something else. I have confirmed that you recently came in contact with an old acquaintance from your orphanage. What did you talk to her about?

What do you mean?

It's no use playing innocent. I know you and the president were talking in the Theta District.

Wait. You came to me because you're pursuing the kidnappings, yes? If you're bringing her up, does that mean she's involved?

I can't disclose information pertaining to the case.

No, of course not. I'll just have to find out myself.

Wait! We're not done here!

If you want to get to the bottom of these kidnappings, then help me.

Help? Where are you going?

Why, to the president, of course. She'll be waiting on Route 99 for her men to report that they've killed me.

Everything you want to know, I can get out of her.

Wait! You don't get to make the decisions here. If you don't stop, I'll charge you with obstruction of justice!

Go ahead and try. If you can, that is. I'm sure you know full well that this little fight with me will get you nowhere, don't you?

Tch...

Besides, there's a girl out there waiting for me to rescue her. I will not stand around, doing nothing. If you insist on getting in my way, I will show you no mercy. COA or not.

......

Fine. We'll head to Route 99, and you will be a witness to my investigation. We'll find out once and for all if you're really as innocent as you claim.

My, what a good idea. I guess that makes us a team now, cutie.

Don't get me wrong. I'm doing this so that I can keep an eye on you. If you try to interfere...

Hey!

Honestly! I really want to do well on this mission!

Cerrine! Thank goodness you're back!

Wait, is that you, Renri?

Aldo? You really do poke your nose into just about anything, don't you?

Why is Renri with you, Cerrine?

Wait, aren't you that COA agent?

Officer Renri, yes.

Why is this COA officer with you, Cerrine?

Huh? Aren't you...

I'm Renri, a COA Officer.

(...Renri? She seems a little different from the Renri I know who works as a reporter.)

Why is this COA officer with you, Cerrine?

Huh? Aren't you...

I'm Renri, a COA Officer.

(Could this be...the Renri from this time layer?)

Why is this COA officer with you, Cerrine?

You see...

Route 99? There's a good chance that Anita's there, too.

Potentially. In any case, I plan to storm in and force the details out of them. Quickly now.

Wh-What's gonna happen to me?

I'm going to use you as bait to kill her. She should be dead by now anyway, but it's always good to have a plan B.

What are you talking about?

You're her student. Yet you must not know about her secret identity.

Do you mean Miss Cerrine?

Cerrine? So she does use that name after all? She really has replaced her sister.

Do you know Miss Cerrine's secret?

How could I not? I grew up in the same orphanage as them. I know what happened after.

Then why would you want to kill her?

If I don't, the organization will kill me.

Oh... Can't you run away from them?

Run away?

I mean...I've seen you in the commercials. You're so successful. How come you're caught up with such a bunch of meanies?

Once you've joined the underworld, there can be no return. I can't run. Disobedience is out of the question. Even when I'm ordered to kill an old friend.

That's so horrible...

They're testing me. Seeing whether I obey or not. This is how the world works. In order to live, I must steal. I have no family, no one to open up to. You wouldn't understand.

Anyway, enough chit-chat. If you want something to blame, blame your own destiny.

I get it...

Did you say something?

I kinda get it. How you feel... I was always alone. I didn't know my mom and dad. Ever since I was born, it was just me.

Ah, you're an orphan, too? You were lucky, to be blessed with foster parents.

Not really. I couldn't even trust my new mom and dad until kinda recently. I always worried that I wasn't their real daughter. And I couldn't tell them that, which only made it worse. Then Miss Cerrine came along... She taught me the importance of expressing your true feelings.

She did that for you?

Yeah. She helped me to walk on my own two feet.

...... She hasn't changed a bit.

Huh?

Excuse me.

Well? How did it go?

The assassination failed. The Queen o' One Thousand took revenge.

Useless idiots, all of them. Lucky I factored that into my plans.

......

Proceed as planned. Use the girl to shake the Queen o' One Thous...

Ngh!

Eeek!

Why...would you...

Orders from up above. Thanks to your own failings, COA's gotten itself involved. An agent's heading here now. I've been told to take over command. The syndicate wishes to maintain business.

Now.

You've seen too much. You've gotta die.

No!

Shame. You could have been a valuable product.

Somebody! Help me!

Gwah! I thought I... How did...you...

Always aim for a vital organ.

Eek!

That's enough!

Oh, there you are.

If you value the girl's life, lay down your weapons.

Always so carefree. How can you say that, when you know I'm the one who killed Cerrine, your sister?

Cerrine is your sister? I thought you said...

You know it wasn't. You went there on my invitation. You saw it happen.

You saw your sister fall right into my trap and die.

Wait! Don't do anything stupid!

Aaahhh!

Heheh. This ain't over yet.

System activated. Switching to genocidal mode.

Hahaha! I'll kill you all now!

Target confirmed. Initiating elimination.

Aaaghhh!

Ngh!

Resetting target...

Cerrine! Renri! We have to do something about that!

You're right!

What are you doing? Hurry up and fight me already.

In your condition? I don't think so.

I can still kill you.

Keep still. Let me tend to your wounds.

Stop. I don't need your pity.

It's too late for that.

Get away from me!

You...no. You AND your sister were always in the way! I can't stand you!

Stop.

Please, stop! That's not how you really feel!

What would you know?

I know! I know you're lonely, and I know how that feels! When I was talking about Miss Cerrine... You had such a warm look in your eyes!

......

Miss Cerrine, wait! She's saved my life twice now!

Anita...

Please! Stop this, you two. Childhood friends shouldn't kill each other. It's too heartbreaking.

...... My orders were to kill the Queen o' One Thousand. They are absolute. If I don't, I'll be killed. Yet the one I killed wasn't you, the target... It was Cerrine, who just happened to be there. I did such a stupid thing.

In order to live, I must steal. That's how I ended up killing a totally innocent, honest woman. My friend.

It's so dark. Then again, I've always walked the shadows alone.

Don't do this!

I wonder if she was in such darkness when she died, never even knowing why... I'm sorry, Cerrine.

Why did you save me?

My little sister came out here that night to check out a training location. Until her very last breath, she was thinking about her next class, about her students. I took on her dying wish, and became Cerrine in her place. She would never want revenge. And if she saw her old friend suffering before her, she would never look away.

......

I can never forgive you for what happened to my sister. So if you feel even a little bit sorry for what happened to her, to Cerrine... Then live on and make amends.

Why would you say that to me?

Because I'm a teacher, of course.

A teacher?

The role of a teacher... Is to put those who stray back onto the correct path.

Strange. You dress like how you did back then... Yet you cut a finer figure now.

Having the Dark Syndicate's chief kidnapper in custody should weaken their illegal dealings a little.

The Dark Syndicate?

A huge criminal organization within the underworld. A disciplined, vicious, yet rational group. She was a member, was she?

I'm concerned the organization may retaliate against her.

We'll be putting her in the witness protection program. She'll be safe. She is a key witness. I promise that COA will do everything in its power to protect her.

That is a relief.

If anything else happens, just leave it to our agency. Okay, Miss Cerrine?

Or should I call you the former Queen o' One Thousand?

So you know, do you?

According to the records, you died. How did you manage to survive and live on as your sister?

Are you interrogating me?

There's no need. You're an incredible teacher, the way you care about your students. My purpose here is to solve the kidnappings, nothing more. Besides, how am I supposed to arrest the head of an illegal organization when she's dead already?

Thank you. I am in your debt. Now I can finally...

Oh no! The meeting!

Yeah, you're pretty late...

Even so, I need to tell them what I have to say! We must go back to the school this instant!

Hey, wait! How can you dismiss Miss Cerrine? This has gotta be a mistake!

Don't be so rude, boy. Our decision is final. The results of our meeting will not be changed.

We gave her a chance to explain herself, and she didn't take it. We had no other choice, unfortunately.

She went lookin' for Anita! Can't you at least wait for her to come back?

The problem isn't that she failed to turn up to the meeting. The problem is that she hid the fact that she was once the head of an illegal organization. It's a serious violation of the school's regulations on upholding our reputation.

Huh? Miss Cerrine's being forced to step down?

But she hasn't recognized our abilities yet.

Is the school trying to take away all our targets?

It's so mean! It's terrible!

Let's leave it there, shall we?

M-Miss Cerrine! Say somethin'! They say they're gonna fire you!

We haven't given up on our test yet!

If we don't blow you away, what's the point?

Revenge! Revenge!

Cerrine, the meeting is already over. I'm afraid we decided that disciplinary action was required to protect the school's future.

Everyone, be quiet!

Eep!

Sir.

Y-Yes?

There is no excuse for being late to the staff meeting. Therefore, I intend to accept your decision of disciplinary dismissal.

But!

Miss, you can't!

I'm sorry, you two. There's no getting around it. Ever since I put on this outfit, I was prepared for this outcome.

You can't make her quit!

Yeah! We won't let you!

Students! Please listen to what I'm about to say!

I don't wanna. Why do I get the feeling they're gonna be your last words?

...... It may not have been for long, but I really enjoyed being your teacher. This school is a truly incredible place. I know that it meant a lot to someone very dear to me. You will be responsible for the school when I'm gone, and I want you to remember... Always take care of yourselves. Always protect your friends. And...

No matter what, always move forward with your head held high!

*sniffle* Miss... I really don't want you to go...

Don't cry, Anita. You're strong. Strong enough to walk alone now.

Okay, let's leave it there, shall we? We need to start the resignation process as soon as possible.

I understand.

Take care, my students.

Sorry to interrupt.

I am COA Officer Renri.

What? COA? What's COA doing here? This isn't under your jurisdiction.

No, I know. I'm not here to investigate. I'm here to tell you something.

Tell us what?

We have just arrested the main culprit behind the string of kidnappings taking place in Elzion. She has testified that she organized various crimes under the name Queen o' One Thousand.

What?

Hmm... That would mean...

It would. Miss Cerrine here cannot possibly be the Queen o' One Thousand.

Then there's no need for her to quit?

Yeah!

She doesn't have to go!

What should we do? This would mean there never was any issue to begin with.

Hmm...

Miss Cerrine.

Yes?

I apologize for the discourtesy we have shown you. We will wipe the slate clean of our decision... And allow you to continue demonstrating your abilities within the school. What do you say?

I accept, of course. I will endeavor to give my all.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Hey! Don't leave me behind! Wait for me!

What was all that about?

You'd have to ask your old friend.

She asked you to do this?

Yes. She accepted my plea bargain, so I thought I'd at least hear out her request.

Perhaps she's saying never to come back.

Perhaps.

Well, I have other duties to attend to. If you'll excuse me.

Thank you, cutie. It was fun.

*sigh* I hope we never meet like this again.

Miss! I'm so happy for you! *sob*

Anita, don't cry. Let's get you back to your parents. They must be so worried about you.

*sniffle* You're right. I should go home.

I really don't know how I can ever thank you enough.

Don't worry about it. I did what any teacher would.

Mommy, Mommy! Miss Cerrine was the coolest! At first, I was kinda surprised to see her dressed all different...

Oh, sorry about that. I'll go and change...

No, don't do that. I like you the way you are.

Huh?

If this is who you are, then you shouldn't hide it. However you look, you'll always be my Miss Cerrine.

......

Plus, your outfit looks super cool.

See you later, Miss! I'm gonna work real hard, so that I can be strong like you!

Wait, Anita!

Honestly. How am I meant to change my clothes after that speech?

I don't see why you can't just be the way you are. No matter how you dress, you're still a great teacher who makes her students happy.

Aldo... Where did you learn to be such a sweet-talker?

Though, you are right. I have to be the ideal teacher. Both for Cerrine...and myself.

Madame Cerrine!

How many times must I tell you not to call me that? I'll have to give you a special punishment this time.

Look! All these guys wanna be your servants!

What?

We were really moved by your speech earlier.

I've had a change of heart! I wanna dedicate my life to serving you, Madame Cerrine!

Madame Cerrine! Madame Cerrine!

......

Honestly, what am I going to do with you all? Very well, follow me. If you can...

Yes, ma'am! We'll follow you wherever you lead!