Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 2/Episode 21

This is the ninth episode, "The Cracked Orb" (割れた小玉), of the second chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
Above Mount Etna:

–Lily: Uzuki...

–Jacinta: Lily, it's time to attack. Are you ready?

–Lily: Yes, I am.

–Jacinta: Right, then...

Both women began to cast their respective spells. Two massive magic circles, one red and one purple, appeared in front of them, and the circles began to merge. Red and purple magic orbs appeared around the circles. and fired massive beams in sequence.

–Natasha: Here it comes!

Natasha and Chelsea observed the massive purple beam heading in from the distance. It impacted the mountain; however, there was no shockwave. Suddenly, the temperature of the entire area dropped, and in the distance Natasha could see that ice was beginning to form on the mountain.

–Chelsea: That's Michiru, right?

–Natasha: It is. That should give us some time.

–Chelsea: Right, then, it's our turn!

The green orb in front of Chelsea fired a massive orb straight towards the ice formation. Meanwhile, Natasha readied her gun, and began to cast a spell. The gun began to glow brightly in a green light, and a magic circle appeared in front of it. She pulled the trigger, and the gun fired a massive green beam.

Within the mountain, the earthquake was disorienting the girls.

–Louise: Hold tight, everyone!

Louise began to cast a spell. Yellow shields appeared just below the cave's ceiling.

–Louise: It isn't much, but that should protect us from falling rocks.

–Uzuki: Tama-chan, what's going on outside?

–Tamaki: I'm not sure; all I know is that a massive attack has been launched. I presume it's against Pablo.

–Aria: Somehow I get the feeling that it won't be enough.

–Kanade: Me too. No one knows just how powerful Pablo is, and ever since he was reborn as a demon, no one has ever managed to defeat him in a straight battle.

–Uzuki: But... that doesn't mean we won't try.

Uzuki held out her sword. A massive yellow magic circle appeared beneath her feet.

–Aoi: Uzuki, what are you doing?!

–Uzuki: There's only one thing I can do.

–Miho: Wait, U-chan, don't tell me... you're going to use that?

–Uzuki: We have no choice.

Uzuki closed her eyes and focused.

–Uzuki: Bloom, my flower.

With a bright flash of yellow light, Uzuki entered Full Burst mode.

–Wakaba: Uzuki, it's too dangerous! You can't use your Inherent Ability here!

–Aria: Wakaba's right, you know. That thing is as powerful as a nuke; it's not something you use on the surface of a planet.

–Himawari: But, given the situation, we may have no choice. Tamaki, can you track down Pablo?

–Tamaki: I'm trying... but the background mana levels are too high.

–Miho: Looks like we better wait until everything clears.

A fair distance away from the mountain, Yayoi had prepared her spell, and was ready to execute it. She grasped the massive magic bow that formed in front of her, and pulled the string.

–Yayoi: Sagitta Aurorae!

Yayoi released the string, shooting a massive green arrow towards the mountain.

The arrow sped towards the dust cloud on the mountain, and penetrated it. Suddenly, there was a powerful explosion, nearly blowing the others away. However, when the dust cleared, Pablo was still standing.

–Tamaki: No way... he's still standing...

–Uzuki: Looks like it's time.

A massive yellow magic circle appeared beneath Uzuki's feet.

–Uzuki: Full Burst Skill... Lunar Lightning!

–Chelsea: H-How did he survive all of that?!

–Natasha: I'm not sure, but we need to brace ourselves. I sense something massive coming.

–Chelsea: What is it?

–Natasha: I'd say... it's about 25 megatons of magical energy.

–Chelsea: 25 megatons?! It can't be! Is Pablo really that powerful, and is he really audacious enough to unleash such a powerful spell on the surface of a planet?

–Natasha: No, it isn't Pablo. It's Uzuki's Inherent Ability.

–Chelsea: Uzuki...

–Natasha: Anyway, we need to get as far away from here as possible. Come!

–Chelsea: Ah, right!

The two girls flew away from the mountain.

–Michiru: Yayoi, look!

–Yayoi: What is it, Chiru-chan?

–Michiru: Is that...

Yayoi turned towards the mountain.

–Yayoi: Wait... that's Uzuki's.... Just what is she doing?

–Michiru: But... maybe it's the only thing that can drive Pablo away.

–Yayoi: You think so, Chiru-chan?

–Pablo: Hmhmhm... is that all you've got?! Now it's my turn!

Pablo looked around, and noticed that everyone else had fled.

–Pablo: Oh, so you know you can't defeat me, since you've all fled. No matter. I will track you down!

A massive purple magic circle appeared beneath Pablo's feet. It was then that he noticed the bright yellow light above him. He looked up and saw a yellow magic circle, as massive as the mountain itself, hovering above him.

–Pablo: Regardless, your efforts will be futile.

Pablo put up multiple layers of shields between him and the magic circle.

–Uzuki: &lt;No, it is your efforts that will be futile.&gt;

–Pablo: You... where are you?! Come out, missy!

–Uzuki: &lt;Even if I wanted to, I can't; moving rocks isn't my specialty. But prepare yourself! This is my Inherent Ability!&gt;

Suddenly, the yellow magic circle sent down a massive bolt of lightning towards Pablo, instantly shattering the shields upon impact, and striking him. The sheer amount of energy in the bolt was enough to create an immensely powerful explosion, powerful enough that a massive mushroom cloud formed above the mountain. Not only the mountain, but the entire island shook from the sheer force of the spell. When the dust cleared, Pablo was nowhere to be seen.

Within the cave, the earthquake was so violent that it forced everyone to fly. Eventually the tremors died down.

–Benio: Did she do it?

–Tamaki: It appears so. I do not sense Pablo's mana signature at all; I'm guessing that his body was obliterated by Uzuki's attack.

–Himawari: But of course, we can't be complacent. He's a demon, after all; he can simply regenerate somewhere else.

–Kanade: However, it should be a fair while until he fully recovers.

–Wakaba: Anyway... is everyone okay? No one's hurt, right?

–Miho: Looks like we're all okay. Well, except for U-chan.

The girls looked at Uzuki, who was visibly worn out.

–Wakaba: Uzuki, good work.

Wakaba handed Uzuki a potion.

–Wakaba: Here.

–Uzuki: Wakaba... thanks. By the way, what happened to Lyra's guardian spirit? It wasn't destroyed, right?

–Lyra: Thanks for your concern. It managed to break free in the chaos, and is currently heading to Spain to recover.

–Louise: Ah, I forgot to tell you. Jacinta is taking Lyra's guardian spirit to Madrid.

Catherine, who was standing beside a caved-in section of the cave, readied her hammer.

–Catherine: Anyway, we better leave this place.

Catherine swung her hammer, striking the fallen rocks. The force of the blow created a massive hole in the mountain, allowing the girls to exit.

When the girls flew out of the cave, Michiru and Yayoi were waiting.

–Uzuki: Ah, Yayoi-nee, Chiru-chan!

–Yayoi: Uzuki, I didn't think you were brave enough to use your Inherent Ability not only on the surface, but so close to where you were.

–Tamaki: Well, it was the only thing that could've been able to drive Pablo away. We really had no choice.

–Yayoi: We figured that out ourselves. But I've always known Uzuki to be quite the timid girl. I see that she's growing up quite quickly.

–Uzuki: But... I felt quite nervous throughout everything.

–Benio: You know, you acted quite serious back then. Maybe you could be our next leader.

–Uzuki: Benio... I...

–Michiru: That's enough, Benio. Please don't tease her.

–Catherine: Anyway... where is my sister? And the others?

–Stephanie: Catherine, Natasha told me through telepathy that they're heading to Istanbul. I believe that they're planning to get to the final World Orb of this planet.

–Wakaba: Wait, why Istanbul? I thought the final World Orb was in India.

–Aoi: I'm not sure, but I think they wanted to meet with other members of the Zodiac Warriors stationed there.

–Stephanie: That's right. With Pablo's flight, the army occupying parts of the EU is collapsing as we speak, so we can now focus on Yamamoto's forces.

–Michiru: If I recall, the plan of attack is to distract Yamamoto's forces by attacking his headquarters directly, while you go in and retrieve the World Orb.

–Miho: How will we manage that?

–Catherine: Our assault on his headquarters in Kolkata will be from the east, while the Indian Navy will attack from the south. Meanwhile, you will approach the location of the World Orb from Tibet.

–Himawari: Will this work?

–Stephanie: We're not sure at the moment. However, this moment is critical. If we delay any further, Yamamoto's forces will have likely taken the World Orb.

–Aoi: Then how much time do we have?

–Catherine: From what I've heard, I think we only have until Tuesday.

–Miho: So we only have four days... will that be enough time?

–Uzuki: And if you're wondering, I'm not calling on Erelia again. She needs to rest, after all of that.

–Benio: Well, that's too bad. So how are we going to get there?

–Yayoi: I should mention, though, that the Amaterasu has arrived. Also, we have spotted a Donsilan spaceship lurking around Earth, but it does not seem to be aggressive.

–Aria: Ah, that must be my superiors. They said that they'll arrive to deal with Yamamoto.

–Wakaba: W-W-Wait. How can we trust them?

–Kanade: It seems that there was a truce signed between the two factions. I'm guessing that something very big will come up and that we need to unite to tackle it.

–Tamaki: Might you be talking about that thing in the Cave of Illusions?

–Aria: I'm not sure. But it's possible.

–Uzuki: Oh, and by the way, was there any damage to the towns and cities?

–Catherine: Well, the magic barriers protected the urban areas from the direct effects of the blast, but there was some damage from the resulting earthquake. However, given that this is part of the Mediterranean...

–Uzuki: And where will we be staying for now?

–Stephanie: I actually haven't thought about that...

Everyone remained silent for a moment. Catherine then slapped Stephanie on the head.

–Catherine: You seriously didn't think about that?! It's no wonder you make me do all the difficult stuff!

–Stephanie: Catherine, cut it out!

Louise giggled.

–Louise: But seriously, where will we be staying?

–Yayoi: Well, unlike this forgetful princess here, we've decided to take you on board the Amaterasu.

–Michiru: After you spend the night on board, you will be taken to Ngari, in Tibet.

–Wakaba: Wait, where?

–Yayoi: Don't ask me, that happens to be the closest location to the World Orb that is still under Zodiac Warriors control. From what I've heard, it's about 240 kilometres away.

–Michiru: Anyway, on her way across the India-China border, Rani found Melody searching for the World Orb. Right now, they're both in Ngari.

–Aoi: Well, at least Melody is safe.

–Catherine: Yeah, we have Rani to thank for that.

–Michiru: Anyway, Catherine, shouldn't you get going?

–Catherine: Ah, right. I was supposed to head to Spain with my mother. Anyway, I'll see you later!

Catherine flew away. Meanwhile, three shuttles appeared and landed near the mountain.

–Yayoi: Anyway, let's hop on board.

The girls flew back down onto the ground, headed towards the shuttles, and boarded them. The shuttles then took off and headed into the sky.

On board the Amaterasu, Aria was sitting alone in a small room. The room itself had a communication device, which allowed communication between spaceships. Aria typed in several commands into the computer, which then established a communication channel with the Donsilan spaceship.

–Voice: This is the captain of the Deviant; please state your business.

–Aria: This is Aria.

–Voice: Ah, so you're still there, Aria. You must've been through quite a lot on Earth. Anyway, I'm sure you've heard about the truce.

–Aria: I have. So what is going on?

–Voice: I'm sure the humans have told you about the entity sealed within the Cave of Illusions, am I correct?

–Aria: Yes, I often hear them talk about the cave.

–Voice: Then you must know that the seal is being weakened. It'll only be a few months until the seal breaks, so we've decided to instead focus our efforts into stopping whoever is trying to break the seal.

–Aria: Anyway, what should I do now?

–Voice: Right now the search for the April Light remains imperative, as it is the common goal of all of us. But of course, the location of this planet's air-elemental World Orb is in the hands of that detestable human...

–Aria: The humans are planning to distract Yamamoto's forces by attacking his headquarters directly, while we head straight to the World Orb. Melody is already in position, and come the day of Mars we will make our move.

–Voice: I see you've already planned your next move. Anyway, we'll be helping you from here.

The communication channel closed.

–Aria: I wonder how Melody is doing?

Lyra entered the room.

–Aria: Ah, what is it, Lyra?

–Lyra: Aria... I want to speak to you.

Lyra sat down.

–Lyra: Aria, there's something I'd like to ask you. Have we met before?

–Aria: Lyra, you really lost your memories, right?

–Lyra: Yes.

–Aria: I can tell you that we were in the same orphanage. Hang on, did some of your memories return?

–Lyra: A bit, yes. I recall meeting someone who looked like you, so I thought I would ask.

–Aria: We didn't just meet, Lyra. While it was Melody who befriended you in the first place, I was the one who protected you from the bullies. In terms of personality, you haven't changed much.

–Lyra: Is that so...

–Aria: But when that... thing, appeared in the orphanage that fateful day... I could only stand and watch while you were sucked in. If I recall, Kanade tried to save you...

–Lyra: Wait, Kanade was there as well?

–Aria: Yes, but in that same incident she also lost her memories, so she doesn't remember our time at the orphanage, just like you.

–Lyra: I've been thinking, were all four of us friends?

–Aria: You could say that. However, soon after that incident, each of us was adopted by different families. However, we still kept in touch, well, until those two factions started forcibly taking magical girls away.

–Lyra: Did anyone find out what caused that incident? Over here some are saying that it might have been Gakran.

–Aria: As of now, we don't know what caused it. But I swore that I would find out what exactly occurred on that day, and one day find the one responsible and defeat him or her. But if the humans are right, then Akari beat me to it three years ago.

–Lyra: I'm not sure why, but Gakran showed special interest in me. There's still much I want to know about myself. But, anyway, you said that Kanade lost her memories, right?

–Aria: That's right. Soon after the incident, Kanade forgot everything, except her name, my face, and Melody's face.

–Lyra: Wait, so she couldn't recall your names, despite recognising you?

–Aria: That was the case. Anyway, somehow our friendship survived the incident, and even remained when the two factions started fighting each other.

Kanade entered the room.

–Kanade: Ah, what are you two talking about?

–Aria: Kanade, what are you doing here?

–Kanade: Oh, I was looking for Uzuki. Anyway, were you talking about that incident?

–Lyra: I've been thinking, Kanade, do you remember meeting me?

Kanade pondered the question for a moment.

–Kanade: Lyra, when I first saw your face, I got this feeling that, perhaps, I might have met you before. Of course, I don't remember anything about my time in the orphanage; Melody told me everything. And unlike you, none of my memories have returned.

–Lyra: I see. Anyway, I think Uzuki is currently speaking with Fukuyama.

–Kanade: Ah, okay. Anyway, I'll be off.

Kanade left.

The next day, everyone was gathered in the hangar, awaiting departure.

–Louise: Is everyone ready?

–Uzuki: We are. So we're heading to Tibet, right?

–Louise: That's right. Melody is waiting for us there.

–Uzuki: And what about you, Yayoi-nee?

–Yayoi: I'll be staying here for now. Chiru-chan will head to Hanoi and meet up with Akari, who's currently making her way west.

–Stephanie: Louise, I'll be staying as well, and I'll transfer to the Huang Long when it arrives. Good luck, Louise.

–Louise: Take care, Stephanie. I promise I won't disappoint.

–Himawari: I think it's time for us to go.

–Louise: Alright, then. Everyone hop on board.

The girls boarded the shuttles.

Meanwhile, in a campsite in Tibet:

–Rani: Melody, is something on your mind?

–Melody: Well, I noticed that some of the Donsilans from my faction have arrived. I'm a bit worried that they may attack.

–Rani: Ah, yes, I heard about it from Natasha. But they won't attack.

–Melody: How can you be sure?

–Rani: From what I've heard, they've signed a truce with their opponents, so they're not going to try and wipe us off the planet anytime soon.

–Melody: I see. Well, even if that weren't the case, then I would be sure that Aria would be dealing with things.

–Rani: Anyway, do you know how to repair a World Orb?

–Melody: Wait, where did that question come from?

–Rani: It's just that Uzuki and the others found the fire-elemental World Orb in a damaged state. So far, it's unresponsive, so we cannot get any clues as to who the magical girl associated with the April Light is at the moment.

–Melody: Well, I don't know much about the internals of the World Orbs, but Kanade might. After all, I've known Kanade for a while, and she is quite the bookworm.

–Rani: And one more thing.

–Melody: What is it?

–Rani: What exactly is your relationship with Lyra? Well, other than the fact that you are two of the four chosen to find those magical girls.

–Melody: It wasn't just myself and Lyra, all four of us attended the same orphanage.

Melody looked up at the sky, and saw three lights.

–Melody: Anyway, it seems they're arriving.

Rani looked up.

–Rani: Ah, you're right.

–Melody: I'll discuss more later. Let's inform the others.

–Rani: Okay.

The two split up, going into different tents to inform the others of the arrival of Uzuki's group.

End of Episode 21

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Commentary
Note that Aria refers to the "day of Mars". This is a rather roundabout way of referring to "Tuesday", and reflects the tendency of the Donsilans to name local days based on local systems (the name "Tuesday", or "Tiw's day", is an interpretatio germanica of the Latin Dies Martis, where Mars is identified with Tiw/Tyr). Note that the Donsilans rarely, if ever, use numbered days or months.

Note that in Episode 10, Kanade explicitly states that she had never met Lyra and Melody before. In this episode, it turns out that she had, and that she lost any memories of their meetings. Note that in Episode 10, the verb "to meet", as used by Kanade, refers to face-to-face meetings; she never explicitly stated anything about long-distance contact between her and the others.

Translation notes

 * Note that where Aria refers to the "day of Mars", this is to be translated literally, keeping in mind that "Mars" refers to the planet, not the god. However, Japanese and Korean translations should use the normal word for Tuesday, Simplified and Traditional Chinese translations should use the Classical Chinese 火曜日 rather than the typical numbered day of the week, and Vietnamese translations should use chủ hỏa (a portmanteau of the usual term for Sunday and the name for Mars).
 * Particular emphasis must be given to the fact that the Donsilans never, under any circumstance, use numbered days or months in internal correspondences in the story. This includes the avoidance of terms such as September (as it is ultimately derived from a number).