Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 2/Episode 20

This is the eighth episode, "The Volcano" (火山), of the second chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
The girls ran as fast as they could into the cave. Uzuki looked behind her. Eventually, they reached what they thought was a safe spot.

–Uzuki: How long will this go for? Do you think we'll be okay?

–Catherine: I don't know. But I have faith in my mother. After all, she has driven him away before.

–Uzuki: Is that so?

–Catherine: Well, she did defeat him 23 years ago. Anyway, Uzuki, there is something I'd like to tell you, but only if you promise to keep it a secret.

–Uzuki: What is it?

–Catherine: It's something only a few of us know. Anyway, do you promise not to tell anyone else?

–Uzuki: Ah, I promise.

–Catherine: Anyway, you know how Akari and her friends defeated Gakran three years ago?

–Uzuki: What about it?

–Catherine: The thing is...

–Stephanie: Catherine, there isn't any need to tell her about that now.

–Kanade: Actually, it might be useful to have her know.

–Himawari: W-W-Wait... Kanade, how do you know about this, if we're thinking about the same thing?

–Kanade: I conducted my own investigation into the Gakran incident a few months ago. That demon existed for around a millennium, and his influence was far-reaching; we could feel it even as far out as our colonies.

–Louise: Wait, I don't understand. What is it about Gakran?

–Catherine: Stephanie, you never told your sister?

–Stephanie: Oops... I would've thought that Amelia would've told her...

–Tamaki: Then I guess we should tell everyone. You see, right before Akarin set off to Haralni along with her friends, Puella had finished analysing that diary found in Oslo.

–Louise: 'That diary'? You mean Ingrid's Diary?

–Tamaki: That's it. Anyway, I'm sure you're all aware of reincarnation into pairs, right?

–Aria: Ah, that process where a spirit, after death, creates what is effectively a mindless copy of itself and both reincarnate.

–Miho: Well, that's an unusual way of putting it.

–Catherine: Anyway, I'll continue from there. The magical girl who wrote that diary split her soul into two, and both waited for nearly a millennium. However, Gakran returned before the reincarnations were even conceived. Without the means to defeat him, we could do nothing but limit the influence he had. The first to confront him was your mother, Uzuki.

–Uzuki: Wait... my mother?

–Catherine: That's right. From what my mother told me, your mother first heard of Gakran when she investigated the cause of Haralni's unnatural climate. It was clear even then that Gakran could exert his influence even when he had yet to fully recover.

–Stephanie: Ultimately, it led Tsukika to seek out Gakran, where she found, to everyone's shock, that he had fully recovered from his defeat. Even though she was able to defeat him, everyone knew that it wasn't the end. Akari's mother, Akane, then took it upon herself to keep Gakran from wreaking havoc across the galaxy.

–Aria: If I recall, Tsukika sealed Gakran within the Cave of Illusions. But he was set free six years later by an unknown person.

–Stephanie: That same year he was freed, we had to deal with Pablo Méndez. It was only three years after that when Akane set off to reseal Gakran.

–Catherine: After we resealed Gakran, we knew that until we found out who was responsible for removing the seal in the first place, then he would re-emerge again and again. Fortunately for us, it wasn't until 2006 that he was unsealed. My sister helped take care of things then, and we knew that three years was more than enough for us to prepare.

–Aoi: And I guess that brings us to Akari, right?

–Catherine: That's right. Anyway, as it turned out, Akari was herself a reincarnation of the writer of that diary.

–Kanade: A chosen one was needed to properly defeat Gakran. The spirits of magical girls are known to search for chosen one candidates, and if they find one, they essentially merge with the child's essence. That is what happened to Akari.

–Wakaba: Tamaki, you mentioned reincarnation into pairs, right?

–Tamaki: That's right.

–Wakaba: What about the other one?

–Miho: Well, we have yet to find the other one. In fact, we don't even have a clue.

–Kanade: This may be a hunch, but I think this other chosen one needed to defeat Gakran may be the April Light herself. Or someone closely associated with her.

–Aria: Kanade, what makes you think that?

–Kanade: Well, my investigation found that Gakran had actually entered the Cave of Illusions when he was still human. It's possible that some of that sealed entity's powers transferred to Gakran during that time, and that is what has led to Gakran's near-immortality.

–Benio: Wait, are all of you saying that Gakran is still alive? I thought he was vanquished.

–Miho: Benio, you know what happened to Earth three years ago, right?

–Benio: Ah, right. Hundreds of millions killed, nuclear weapons flying everywhere...

–Aria: Gakran's assault on Earth really had a profound effect on the inhabitants' viewpoints on magic. If you humans were even a little better, you would've realised that not only were you rejecting a sustainable and practical energy source just because of your religion, you were actually killing off the planet by burning stuff that should be left to successor species.

–Lyra: Aria, that was really blunt. People were genuinely convinced that they would be damned if they even accepted magic.

–Kanade: But at least you were right about the 'killing the planet' thing. But greed is a flaw all intelligent species have. In fact, we actually considered activating the World Orbs on Earth just to cleanse the planet.

–Aria: Ah, I heard about that. But then Gakran just had to attack.

–Uzuki: So I guess the reason you haven't told anyone is to prevent mass panic, right?

–Himawari: Well, that's basically it. Gakran has single-handedly changed not only international politics on Earth, but society and culture as a whole. For the first time in the planet's history, Earth has had to face an enemy seemingly impervious to everything but magic. And the nations which invested a lot into magic were in East Asia. So, you could say, Gakran made China the most powerful nation on Earth right now.

Suddenly there was an earthquake. Everyone put up shields above their heads in response.

–Wakaba: What was that?

–Tamaki: I think it's the volcano. Let's hurry.

–Everyone: Right!

Everyone began to run deeper into the cave.

Eventually the girls reached the chamber holding the World Orb. Himawari approached the orb, but, strangely, the orb did not react to her presence.

–Himawari: That's odd.... Usually, the orb would be attacking us right now.

–Tamaki: I think you should have a closer look, Himawari.

–Himawari: Ah, right.

Himawari inspected the World Orb, and noticed cracks.

–Himawari: It's damaged...

–Kanade: No way... how can this be?

–Aria: This is one of the World Orbs of the four main planets of humanity. It was created to endure even the most powerful of spells. So who could be powerful enough to actually damage it?

–Benio: Who cares; let's blast it with fire!

Benio then began to send a barrage of fireballs toward the orb. However, the fireballs did not appear to affect the orb.

–Benio: Himawari, is it working?

–Himawari: What's working?

–Benio: I was thinking that maybe attacking with the same element may actually repair it.

–Aria: It doesn't work that way, Benio. While it's true that attacks of matching elements cannot harm the World Orbs, the orbs themselves don't absorb elemental spells.

–Uzuki: Umm, Kanade, is it okay if we take the World Orb?

–Kanade: Sure. I mean, the orbs on Earth are usually inactive. But one thing, though. Do not take the World Orbs away from their planets.

–Uzuki: Okay, then. Erelia!

A portal suddenly appeared in front of Uzuki. Out emerged Erelia.

–Erelia: You called, Uzuki?

–Uzuki: Can you take that World Orb to... umm...

–Miho: Puella headquarters, please.

–Erelia: Okay. Uzuki, you should be more decisive.

–Uzuki: Sorry, it's just that I spoke before I thought about what to say.

–Erelia: Anyway, I'll be off.

Erelia took the orb, and reentered her witch space. The portal then disappeared.

–Louise: Anyway, I think we should wait here until Jacinta says it's safe to go out.

–Tamaki: I agree.

Suddenly there was another earthquake.

–Uzuki: Umm, everyone, I don't think it's safe to be in this cave right now. I mean, what if the volcano erupts?

–Miho: I agree with U-chan. Tama-chan, can you sense what's going on outside?

–Tamaki: I'll try.

Tamaki began to focus, and a pink magic circle appeared beneath her feet.

–Tamaki: The two combatants are trading blows, with neither getting an upper hand. It may be more dangerous to be out there than in here.

–Himawari: I see. So I guess we better wait it out here.

–Tamaki: Hold on... there are more magical girls coming.

–Aria: Wait, who?

–Tamaki: They are... Natasha Benson... and Chelsea Allen.

–Catherine: Wait, what are they doing heading here?

–Stephanie: Reinforcements, I suppose.

–Tamaki: They're also accompanied by Natasha's mother.

–Kanade: So I guess the situation has become really serious. That makes it imperative that we repair that World Orb.

–Aria: I agree. But still, who could've damaged it?

–Tamaki: It could be Pablo. Maybe he was trying to destroy it.

–Louise: I guess that makes sense. Anyway, Tamaki, how long will they get here?

–Tamaki: At the speed they're going... about two minutes.

–Miho: Two minutes... will we have enough time?

–Uzuki: Miporin, do you know anything about Pablo?

–Miho: A bit. I actually had the misfortune of confronting him once.

–Uzuki: Eh?!

–Miho: It was then that I realised what my Inherent Ability is. The ability to match my opponent in raw power.

–Himawari: Wait, this is the first time I've heard of it.

–Miho: It's dangerous, since I can't control it, especially if my opponent is powerful, as it was back then. It allowed me to escape.

–Uzuki: I know that. Tama-chan told me. I've been thinking, there may be a way to even the odds using your Inherent Ability.

–Miho: Perhaps, but as I said, I cannot control such massive power. Not only that, it could drain my mana really quickly.

–Tamaki: Hold on... two more magical girls are coming!

–Aoi: Wait, Tamaki, who else is coming?

–Uzuki: Tama-chan, who's there?

–Tamaki: Uzuki... it's your sister!

–Uzuki: My sister?

–Yayoi: &lt;Uzuki, sorry for the short notice, but Chiru-chan and I are heading to your location to help drive away Pablo. I know you've been through a lot, but can you at least wait a little longer?&gt;

–Uzuki: &lt;Yayoi-nee... I will. Thank you for coming. But what brought you here?&gt;

–Himawari: Uzuki, my sister sent Michiru and Yayoi to Earth. And it seems that they found out where you were and came here as soon as possible.

–Yayoi: &lt;Oh, and Wakaba, are you there?&gt;

–Wakaba: &lt;Ah, yes.&gt;

–Yayoi: &lt;I heard from Akarin. Your family is safe with her. Yamamoto's forces won't lay a finger on them.&gt;

–Wakaba: &lt;Ah, I'm glad.... I better thank Akari, then.&gt;

–Yayoi: &lt;Anyway, wait for us, okay?&gt;

–Uzuki: &lt;We will.&gt;

–Uzuki: Tama-chan, what is the situation outside?

–Tamaki: Those two magical girls from earlier have arrived. The tables are beginning to turn.

–Louise: Then we'll soon be out of this cave.

Near the volcano, Jacinta and Pablo were doing battle. Jacinta sent a massive barrage of arrows towards Pablo, who evaded them. He then charged straight at Jacinta, with sword in hand. In response, Jacinta took out her sword and blocked Pablo's attack, causing a massive shockwave to form. Both combatants backed away, then began to cast their respective spells. However, out of the blue, two massive green beams struck Pablo, sending him hurtling towards the ground. Jacinta looked around to see where the beams came from, then a familiar voice called out to her.

–Chelsea: Mum, are you okay?

Jacinta turned around and saw Natasha and Chelsea.

–Jacinta: Wait, what are you two doing here?

–Natasha: Well, we heard that Uzuki was here, so we thought that it would be best to protect her while she goes after the World Orbs.

–Chelsea: But with Pablo turning up... things will get a lot harder from here. Anyway, where's Catherine?

–Jacinta: She's with Uzuki. I assume they've already reached the World Orb.

–Chelsea: Anyway, we've got a battle to fight.

The three turned towards Pablo, who flew back up.

–Pablo: Reinforcements, huh? Well, it's time for me to bring it up a notch.

Massive purple orbs surrounded the three, who put up barriers. The orbs were then thrown towards the three; however, they had no effect on the barriers.

–Pablo: That Inherent Ability of yours won't protect you all the time, missy! Prepare yourselves!

–Natasha: Are you speaking to me? But anyway, you'll never get past me.

Suddenly, Lily appeared from behind Pablo and attacked him with her sword, sending him flying towards the mountain.

–Jacinta: Lily... did you send them here?

–Lily: I did. Anyway, are Uzuki and her friends safe?

–Jacinta: I believe so. But we have to deal with Pablo first.

–Lily: Right, then.

Lily began to cast a spell, and a massive red magic circle appeared beneath her feet.

–Michiru: Yayoi, what is the situation at Mount Etna?

–Yayoi: It seems reinforcements have arrived. Pablo is now on the back foot. Additionally, the conditions are ripe for a massive mana collection spell.

–Michiru: Wait, don't tell me you're going to...

–Yayoi: That's right. I'll strike from here.

Yayoi began to cast a spell, and a massive green magic circle appeared beneath her feet. She began to focus.

–Yayoi: Bloom, my flower!

With a massive burst of green light, Yayoi entered Full Burst mode. Her magic device transformed into a massive winged bow. Yayoi pointed her bow in the direction of Mount Etna, and mana began gathering in front of her bow.

–Michiru: But, how are you going to limit the environmental damage?

–Yayoi: I already told them of my plans, and they should be erecting barriers as we speak.

–Michiru: If that's the case...

Michiru activated her magic device.

–Michiru: Bloom, my flower.

With a burst of purple light, Michiru entered Full Burst mode. She began to cast a spell, and a massive purple magic circle appeared beneath her feet.

–Tamaki: Uzuki, I sense mana being gathered at several points around the mountain. Whatever it is, it is big.

–Uzuki: I see.

–Miho: Mana collection. I knew they would resort to that.

–Wakaba: Do you think we'll end up buried as a result? I mean, the volcano looks like it's about to erupt.

–Benio: We won't get buried, Wakaba. Even if the cave collapses, I'm sure we can dig our way out.

–Aoi: You know, we're quite a fair way in the mountain.

–Miho: Oi-chan, moving large amounts of rock is my specialty. Hundreds of metres of solid rock isn't enough to faze me.

–Aoi: I guess you're right, Miho.

–Tamaki: Hold on... I sense something massive emerging from the mountain itself.

–Louise: Tamaki, what is it?

–Himawari: No way...

–Lyra: Wait, you sense it too, Hima-chan?

–Himawari: Yes.

–Lyra: I see. That madman, I don't know what he intends to do. But I won't allow it.

–Himawari: Wait, Lyra, what are you going to do?

–Kanade: Lyra... don't tell me...

–Aria: Well, at least they said that I was unlikely to be on the receiving end of what she'll unleash.

–Uzuki: Wait, what are you talking about?

–Lyra: Melody told me. Many Donsilan magical girls have a guardian spirit, which is in some ways like Mirai's dragon.

–Benio: Wait, so you're all summoners in one form or another?

–Aria: Not quite; we only have one guardian spirit each, who is with us since birth, while summoners must form contracts with everything they wish to one day summon.

–Kanade: But I heard that Lyra's guardian spirit is extremely powerful. Lyra, can you handle it?

–Lyra: I can.

A massive white magic circle appeared beneath Lyra's feet.

On the side of the mountain, a massive purple sphere emerged.

–Lily: What is that?

–Jacinta: It's Pablo. But this energy...

–Lily: Just what kind of demonic power has he attained now?

A massive barrage of purple magic bullets was sent from the sphere towards the group. Jacinta put up a barrier to fend off the barrage, but it was barely enough to repel the onslaught.

–Jacinta: Lily, I think it's imperative that we attack now. Is your spell ready?

–Lily: Not quite...

–Jacinta: Then it seems I have no choice.

Jacinta began to cast a spell, and a purple magic circle appeared beneath her feet. A gigantic magic spear appeared above the purple sphere. Almost immediately, it fell towards the sphere at speed, creating a massive shockwave upon impact. However, the spell had no effect.

–Jacinta: No way...

–Michiru: This is bad... Yayoi, I don't think we should remain here any longer than we need to. I don't know what Pablo is doing, but that purple sphere is not a good sign.

–Yayoi: Come on, you've already prepared your spell, and now you want to just run?

A light appeared in the distance, near the volcano.

–Michiru: Hold on... what is that?

–Yayoi: Where?

Michiru pointed towards the direction of the light.

–Yayoi: Wait... could that be...

A massive white orb of light appeared beside the purple sphere. Pablo attacked the orb with a massive barrage of magic beams and bullets, to no avail. The orb opened, revealing Lyra's guardian spirit. The spirit then proceeded to attack the sphere, shattering it in only a few blows.

–Pablo: So this is the power of a Donsilan...

The spirit then prepared a massive spell.

–Pablo: Perfect! Now it's time for me to take you for myself!

A purple magic circle appeared beneath Pablo's feet, and purple magic circles appeared around the spirit. Purple chains then emerged from the circles surrounding the spirit, binding it.

–Lyra: No!

–Uzuki: What is it, Lyra?

–Lyra: I've lost control...

–Kanade: Not quite... rather, it's being hindered.

–Aria: Wait, is Pablo really that powerful? To subdue a guardian spirit?

–Uzuki: Whatever it is, it's time for me to act. Tama-chan, you said that mana was being gathered at multiple points around the mountain, right?

–Tamaki: Ah, yes.

–Uzuki: Then what is taking them so long? I'm going to tell everyone!

–Chelsea: His power knows no bound. I wonder, what will it take to defeat him? If even a Donsilan's guardian spirit isn't enough, then... huh?

–Natasha: What is it, Chelsea?

–Chelsea: I thought I heard Uzuki's voice.

–Natasha: Come to think of it, you're right!

–Uzuki: &lt;Everyone, this is urgent. I know you're preparing massive mana collection spells, and I know it takes time to prepare them, but I want you to attack now, to save Lyra's guardian spirit. Come on, we have no time here! Attack!&gt;

–Chelsea: You heard her. Let's do this!

–Natasha: Right!

–Michiru: I guess it's time.

Michiru thrust her spear straight at the massive purple orb beside her. The purple orb then fired a massive beam towards the mountain.

End of Episode 20

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Commentary
This is the first time I've demonstrated Natasha's Inherent Ability, and the story itself is quite vague concerning its actual effect, so I'll tell you here. What has been observed in this episode is that Pablo's massive magic bullets (which are quite powerful, with each possessing a destructive power of around 240 tons of TNT, equivalent to most beam attacks) had no effect on the barriers put up. This was because they were completely nullified by Natasha's Inherent Ability, which manifests as an extremely powerful anti-magic effect (this is, in fact, one of the very few anti-magic effects not derived from Innocence). However, as Pablo mentioned, it cannot defend against every attack. As a passive ability, Natasha's Inherent Ability has a success rate of only around 0.85 per cent. While using its active form guarantees protection, it also uses up her rather limited mana pool fairly quickly. The ability can also nullify many non-magical attacks, but not physical attacks (so a sword strike or a bullet fired from a gun can bypass the protection).

I mentioned Ingrid's Diary in a blog post, but I'll also elaborate here. The diary was written by a Norwegian magical girl by the name of Ingiríðr Sigurðardóttir, and was written in the early 11th century. It was only discovered in late 2008 by a member of Puella, who sent it to Reykjavík for analysis. I won't say what it was used for in Innocence Seekers: Akari of the Light, but late in that entry, the diary made its way to Lobehaben, where Blylandic scholar Emme Willemsdutter, a family friend of Akane, took possession of the diary. As of Innocence Seekers: April Light, the diary itself is located in a museum in Yaezora.