Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 3/Episode 29

This is the fifth episode, "The Elemental Spirits" (四大元素の精霊), of the third chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
The girls entered the chamber where the World Orb was held. In the middle of the chamber was a massive pedestal, with spaces for five World Orbs, and a single white World Orb lying in the centre.

–Uzuki: Is this it?

–Aoi: You mean the World Orb? That is it.

–Wakaba: So... what now?

–Benio: What was the point of unsealing the chamber anyway? Shouldn't we have done that when we actually retrieved the other orbs?

–Himawari: There is a point to all of this. Even if it sounds incredibly dangerous to just unseal the chamber, there are things we need from here to help us retrieve the other World Orbs.

–Tamaki: So what exactly is in here that will help us?

–Himawari: First of all, the chambers holding the other World Orbs are all sealed. Fortunately, just one person is needed to unseal those chambers for each of the four lineages of the Namari royal family.

–Uzuki: You mean, one person per seal?

–Yayoi: That's right. However, it must be the right lineage for each World Orb. I'm sure you've figured it out already which lineage has which orb.

–Uzuki: So our lineage is air...

–Wakaba: Mine is fire...

–Aoi: Earth for me...

–Himawari: And of course as the crown princess I'm responsible for the water- elemental World Orb. Anyway, there are items we need to actually unseal the chambers. From what I recall, we need three items each to break the seals. One is located in this very chamber, while another is actually the pendants those Donsilan girls hold.

–Tamaki: And the third one?

–Himawari: They're located in a completely different part of the planet. You may have already noticed, but there are four maps of Fuenod on the floor. The white marks on each of them mark our current location. The coloured marks are the location of this third item for each seal.

–Inori: Wait... I believe we were just there.

–Wakaba: Ah, you're right.

Wakaba pointed at the red mark on one of the maps. It marked the location of Lobehaben.

–Hiyori: Wait... have you two actually been there?

–Inori: We have, although the only thing we found there was a map of Fuenod showing the location of the fire-elemental World Orb.

–Michiru: Inori... that map can be lifted off.

–Inori: Eh?

–Erika: In fact, all four of those maps are just loose tiles on the floor. Although sturdy, they hide a smaller chamber that holds the item we need to unseal the chambers holding the World Orbs.

–Kaede: If that's the case, then...

Kaede walked up to one of the maps, the one with the yellow marker, and put her fingers on one side of it, attempting to get them under the map. After a while, the map moved a few millimetres.

–Kaede: It moved...

–Aika: I've been wondering, are all planets' World Orbs like this?

–Louise: No, on Earth we never had to go through any of this. The World Orbs themselves were not sealed in the first place.

–Aika: I see. But why go to all this effort to seal them in the first place?

–Sakura: If I recall, the white World Orb serves as the symbol of power for Namari, and the civilisations of Likkra in general. This was why Yaezora was founded in this location; our ancestor knew that the World Orb was located right here, and relocated the capital of Likkra here after the war.

–Aika: Sakura, I never knew that. And besides, even if you are Emma's descendant, I am not. I might be part of the Umehara line, but our common ancestor lived in the 13th century.

–Sakura: Ah, okay. Anyway, should we lift this up?

Sakura pointed at the map with the blue marker.

–Aika: Well, that looks heavy. I mean, look at Kaede.

The two turned towards Kaede, who was struggling to get her fingers under the map.

Meanwhile, Uzuki and Tamaki walked to the map with the green marker.

–Tamaki: Uzuki, can you try to lift the other side for me?

–Uzuki: I'll try.

The two went to opposite sides of the map, and tried to lift it.

–Uzuki: It's no use. We can get it to move, but at best we can only drag it. Hold on...

Uzuki turned towards the others.

–Uzuki: Yayoi-nee, Mi-chan! Help us here!

–Yayoi: Right, right.

Yayoi and Mirai each went to an unoccupied side of the map.

–Mirai: Alright, on the count of three. One... two...

The four girls grasped the map and tried to lift it. Suddenly, a green magic circle appeared above the map.

–Uzuki: Eh? What's going on?

–Tamaki: I'm not sure, but don't let go.

–Uzuki: Ah, right.

The four kept trying to lift the map, and eventually managed to move it up one metre.

–Yayoi: Right, let's move it over to the side.

The four girls took the map to one side of the room, and then put it down. Once they let go of the map, the magic circle disappeared.

–Uzuki: So we needed four people to lift the maps after all...

–Mirai: I guess so. Anyway, should we see what is inside?

–Yayoi: Hold on, Mirai. Shouldn't we wait until all of the chambers are open?

–Uzuki: Yayoi-nee, I don't think it matters that much.

–Tamaki: Actually, before we head inside, Uzuki, can you see where the green marker is on the map?

–Uzuki: Ah, right.

Uzuki looked at the map. The green marker was at where Chiyohara was.

–Uzuki: Chiyohara... I think.

Mirai peered over Uzuki's shoulder.

–Mirai: Ah, you're right.

–Tamaki: But why Chiyohara?

Louise walked up to the four girls.

–Louise: Chiyohara was, of course, the old capital of Namari.

–Yayoi: And?

–Louise: Historically, Likkra was split into four different states. The Guruni occpuied the west, the Namari the east. The north was occupied by the Blylandic people, while the native Sema controlled the south. I had a look at the maps, and noticed an interesting pattern. The coloured markers each marked a capital city.

–Yayoi: Wait, so each World Orb represents a separate nation?

–Louise: That's as far as I know. However, since the First Likkran War, the political landscape has changed significantly, and of course things aren't the same as they were back then. For one instance, the Sema no longer have their own independent state.

–Mirai: I heard about that. They were so thorougly devastated in both Likkran Wars that only now are they beginning to reach one million persons.

–Yayoi: The former Sema capital, Gerya, as of now only has around 90,000 inhabitants. If one compares that to Yaezora's 35 million, Chiyohara's 24 million, Haguya's 29 million and even Lobehaben's 11 million...

Tamaki looked around. She saw Kaede still struggling with the map she was trying to move.

–Tamaki: Well, anyway, I guess the others need some help.

–Uzuki: Ah, right.

Meanwhile, Erika and Himawari gathered at the map with the blue marker, which Sakura and Aika were trying to lift.

–Erika: Here, let us help you.

–Aika: Ah, thanks.

The four girls grabbed each side of the map and began to lift. A pink magic circle appeared above it, making the map light enough for the four to put aside.

–Sakura: So... should we head inside?

–Aika: Hold on...

Aika looked around. While Kaede was still struggling with the map, she saw Inori, Hiyori, Michiru and Wakaba lifting the other map that was still covering its chamber. Suddenly, Aika felt someone tap her on the back. She jumped out in surprise.

–Aika: Ah!

She turned around and saw Uzuki and Aoi.

–Aika: Uzuki, don't scare me like that!

–Uzuki: Sorry about that, Ai-chan. Anyway, I see that you've opened your chamber.

–Aika: Ah, yes. But Kaede is still trying to lift that map by herself.

–Aoi: She won't be able to lift it by herself.

–Aika: I know that. Aoi, could you help her?

–Aoi: I would, but Benio seems to have run off somewhere.

–Sakura: Uzuki, I just saw Wakaba heading into your chamber.

–Uzuki: Ah!

Uzuki ran into the chamber she had just opened, leaving Aoi behind.

Inside the chamber, Uzuki found Wakaba and Benio, the latter bound by green ribbons.

–Wakaba: Benio, this isn't your chamber; you're supposed to be helping Kaede up there.

–Benio: I just wanted to see what was down in these chambers.

–Wakaba: You could've done so had you opened your chamber. Now let's get back before...

Wakaba turned around and saw Uzuki.

–Wakaba: Ah, Uzuki, how long have you been here?

–Uzuki: I only just got here. Anyway, let's head back up.

Wakaba released the spell binding Benio. The three were about to leave when a green magic lance flew from the interior of the chamber straight towards them. Uzuki put up a barrier just in time.

–Wakaba: Eh? What's going on?

–Uzuki: I'm not sure, but let's get out of here.

The three girls ran up out of the chamber.

–Aoi: Ah, there you are, Benio. Now, let's help Kaede open our chamber.

–Uzuki: Everyone, hold on.

Everyone turned towards Uzuki.

–Yayoi: What is it, Uzuki?

–Uzuki: While we were in the chamber... we were attacked.

–Yayoi: Eh?!

–Akari: Ah, I think I've heard about it. It's sort of a final test for us; after all, the items within those chambers can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Anyway, let's open the final chamber before we head inside. Aoi, Benio, come.

–Aoi: Ah, right.

–Benio: Okay.

Akari, Aoi and Benio walked to the entrance to the final chamber, which Kaede was trying to open.

–Akari: Aoi, Benio, each of you take a side.

–Aoi: Okay.

The three girls each went to one side of the map.

–Akari: Kaede, we're here to help you.

–Kaede: Ah, Akari... thanks.

–Akari: Alright, on the count of three. One... two...

The four girls lifted the map. An orange magic circle appeared on top of it.

–Benio: Now where do we put it?

–Aoi: Anywhere will do.

The four girls placed the map beside the entrance to the chamber.

–Erika: Okay, now that all of the chambers have been opened, everyone, let's split up into our respective groups and enter the chambers. The very items we need to unseal the World Orbs are waiting for us.

–Everyone: Yes!

The girls split up into their respective groups.

–Louise: I should mention, though, each item is guarded by a powerful monster. Are you all prepared to fight them?

–Erika: It won't be a problem. We're all powerful enough.

–Louise: Right then. I'll be here just in case, though.

–Akari: Louise, we appreciate it.

–Erika: Right, then. Let's go.

The groups headed into their respective chambers.

Inside the chamber associated with the Miyana line, Uzuki went ahead and tried to find where the item could be. Suddenly, a green magic lance flew towards Uzuki, who reacted by activating her magic device, transforming it into a sword, and using it to deflect the lance.

–Yayoi: Uzuki, what's going on down there?

–Uzuki: Yayoi-nee... let's be more careful from here on. It appears that whatever is defending the item won't give it up without a fight.

–Yayoi: Right.

–Mirai: Yayoi, what do you think we'll find down there?

–Yayoi: If my guess is correct, then it will be a powerful air spirit.

–Tamaki: Air?

–Yayoi: That's right. That would leave us at a disadvantage, though. Again, if my guess is correct, it will be resistant to many of our elemental spells. Wind, electricity, earth and plant spells won't have that much of an effect. The best kind of spells to use against it would be fire spells, but...

–Mirai: None of us know any fire spells. Tamaki, what about you?

–Tamaki: I think I can handle it. Although I prefer water spells, I can handle fire.

–Mirai: If what you said is true, Yayoi, then there should be corresponding elemental spirits in the other chambers.

–Yayoi: Inorin's group will face a fire spirit. However, Chiru-chan specialises in ice magic, so they should be right. Akarin's group will have a difficult fight, since one needs wind, electricity or plant-based spells to deal significant damage to an earth spirit. As for Erika's group... well, they may also run into difficulties; the two elemental magic users in that group use the wrong elements.

–Mirai: I see. Well, it looks like we'll be in for a tough battle.

–Yayoi: Anyway, let us continue.

The girls continued on their way.

Eventually, the girls reached the innermost part of the chamber. On a pedestal was the very item they needed to unseal its respective World Orb. Uzuki approached the pedestal, only for a voice to call out to her.

–?????: Who dares approach?

–Uzuki: Eh? Umm...

–?????: If thou art after the World Orb, then thou must fight me.

–Uzuki: !

Uzuki readied her weapon.

–Yayoi: Uzuki, what's going on?

–Uzuki: It's the spirit. Everyone, prepare for battle.

The other three girls activated their magic devices.

–?????: Ye must be representatives of the Miyana lineage. The crystal I guard is a key for the World Orb it protecteth. Only those of your lineage are to retrieve it.

–Uzuki: But you're not going to give it up without a fight, is that correct?

–?????: Indeed it is, child. But if thou prove to me that thou art strong enough, then thou shalt receive the crystal.

–Uzuki: Then we shall fight. We will earn the right to obtain the crystal you are protecting.

–?????: Very well then.

Suddenly, the air spirit appeared in front of Uzuki.

–Uzuki: Right, then...

Uzuki charged at the air spirit and attacked it with her sword. However, the spirit effortlessly blocked the attack. In response, the spirit attacked Uzuki with a green magic lance; however, Uzuki saw the attack coming and evaded it. Almost immediately, Yayoi attacked with her bow, but it had no effect.

–Mirai: Looks like this room is large enough. Here goes...

Mirai began to cast a spell, and a blue magic circle appeared beneath her feet. Suddenly, a large magic circle appeared behind her, and from it emerged her dragon.

–Yayoi: Ah, Mirai, I'm not sure if that dragon will be okay in here.

–Mirai: It'll be fine. It's not the first time I've done something this bold.

The dragon breathed fire on the spirit, forcing it to fly up to evade the attack.

–Yayoi: Right, then. Here I come!

Yayoi leapt into the air, and began to cast a spell. A green magic circle appeared beneath her feet, and the air around her began to swirl.

–Tamaki: Yayoi, what are you doing?

–Yayoi: Tama-chan, I don't know if it'll work, but I'm going to use my own magic to nullify the spirit's ability to manipulate the air.

–Tamaki: So, what for?

–Yayoi: The breath attack of Mirai's dragon, as well as any potential fire spells, can backfire on us if the spirit counters by blowing it straight towards us.

–Tamaki: I'm not exactly sure if it'll work.

Tamaki took out several grenades from her bag.

–Tamaki: However, these should work well enough.

Tamaki threw one of the grenades at the spirit; however, it noticed the attack and blew it straight back towards Tamaki. At that moment, Uzuki appeared in front of Tamaki and kicked the grenade back towards the spirit. It exploded before the spirit could react.

–Tamaki: Okay, Uzuki, now's your chance.

–Uzuki: Right!

Uzuki charged towards the cloud of dust and attacked, managing to land a blow on the spirit. However, the spirit was not fazed by the attack and countered by striking Uzuki, sending her flying backwards.

–Mirai: Uzuki!

Mirai ran towards Uzuki, but Yayoi held out her hand to stop her.

–Yayoi: Mirai, focus on the spirit. I'll handle all the healing.

–Mirai: Ah, right.

Mirai transformed her magic device into a hammer, then charged towards the spirit. Meanwhile, Yayoi approached Uzuki.

–Yayoi: Uzuki, are you okay?

–Uzuki: I'm fine, Yayoi-nee.

–Yayoi: The spirit is a tough enemy. Maybe not as tough as that Donsilan, but please be more careful next time.

–Uzuki: Got it. Anyway, what is Mi-chan doing?

Yayoi turned towards Mirai.

–Yayoi: Looks like she's attacking the spirit directly, as you were doing.

Meanwhile, the spirit tried to stop Mirai's attack by sending bursts of air towards her. However, Mirai put up a barrier to stop two of the bursts, then she deflected a third with her hammer. Eventually, she reached the spirit and launched a massive attack. Her hammer, glowing blue, struck the spirit, and the energy of the attack was enough to cause a small explosion.

–Tamaki: Did she do it?

–Uzuki: I don't think so. I can still sense it.

The spirit emerged and sent a barrage of magic bullets toward the girls. Mirai responded by putting up a barrier.

–Yayoi: This is by no means over. Everyone, let's give it another shot!

While the barrage was continuing, Mirai's dragon used its breath attack on the spirit, and managed to hit it, dealing significant damage.

–Mirai: Good work. Now it's time for me to attack.

Mirai began to cast a spell, and a blue magic circle appeared beneath her feet. Her hammer began to glow blue.

–Uzuki: Wait, what is Mi-chan doing?

–Tamaki: I'm not sure exactly, but it looks like a massive spell.

–Yayoi: Wait, Mirai, are you sure it's okay to use that spell here?

–Mirai: It'll be fine, Yayoi. You worry too much about the details.

The spirit responded by throwing a massive bolt of electricity towards Mirai; however, Tamaki responded to the attack by shooting a metal cord across the attack, diverting the bolt so that it travelled harmlessly along the cord towards the wall.

–Tamaki: Yayoi, distract it.

–Yayoi: Okay, then.

Yayoi began to cast a spell, and a green magic circle appeared beneath her feet. She pointed her bow at the spirit, and in it emerged several green magic arrows. She focused, then shot the arrows toward the spirit. The spirit tried to evade the attack; however, the arrows suddenly changed direction and followed it. As a result, it was unable to accurately aim its attacks at Mirai, who was still preparing her spell.

–Uzuki: Yayoi-nee, is that your Inherent Ability?

–Yayoi: It is. Follower is exceptionally persistent. Try to avoid it, and it will simply follow you. Try to outrun it, and it will go even faster. There is no limit to the attack's speed and maneuverability; one pretty much has to go faster than light to avoid such an attack. It will even try to go around any obstacles you put in its way, even phasing through matter and magic barriers in order to do so.

–Tamaki: Everyone, here it comes!

–Yayoi: Right. Fall back!

The three girls jumped away from the spirit, leaving Mirai alone to deal with it. At that point, Mirai struck the floor with her hammer, causing cracks to appear in it. The spirit realised what was going on, but it was too late. The floor parted to reveal a massive column of magma gushing out from the earth.

–Uzuki: Did we do it? What about Mi-chan?

–Yayoi: I don't know. I don't sense the spirit. But to think Mirai would use this spell in an indoor location...

–Tamaki: But I can still sense Mirai. Right in the middle of the magma column, surrounded by her own barrier. I don't sense the spirit, though.

–Uzuki: Well, all we can do is wait.

–Yayoi: I suppose so.

After a while, the magma column dissipated, leaving the chamber covered in pools of solidifying lava. Suddenly, those pools disappeared in a green light, and the damage the chamber received was repaired in a green glow. However, the spirit was nowhere to be seen.

End of Episode 29

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