Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 2/Episode 15

This is the third episode, "Miho" (美穂), of the second chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
In the desert somewhere in southwest Queensland, Himawari and her group were searching for the earth-elemental World Orb.

–Himawari: Lyra, how far do we have to go?

–Lyra: Let's see...

Lyra took out her pendant, and held it in front of her. A yellow beam of light emerged from the pendant, and pointed towards the ground.

–Lyra: I think we're on top of it. I guess we're going to have to dig.

–Himawari: I see. Miho, I know this is your last week in Australia, but the reason I specifically chose you is because you are able to get us into the cavern where the World Orb lies. Can you part the ground and create an opening for us?

–Miho: I'll try.

Miho began to cast a spell, and a purple magic circle appeared beneath her feet. Suddenly, the ground began to shake, and a hole emerged in front of the girls.

–Aoba: Wow, that's a very deep hole. If anyone fell inside, they would be killed by the fall.

–Miho: You shouldn't be concerned, Aocchi. We can fly, so we can simply float our way down the hole.

–Himawari: Well, is everyone ready?

–Aoba: I am.

–Miho: Me too.

Lyra nodded her head.

–Himawari: Okay, then, let's go.

The girls headed down the hole.

Deep within the cavern, the girls found the World Orb.

–Himawari: So that's the World Orb...

–Aoba: Lyra, do you know what to do?

–Lyra: Yes; Melody told me. If I rest my pendant on the orb, then it can tell me about the magical girl we need to find.

–Himawari: Okay, then, Lyra, go up and rest your pendant on the World Orb.

–Lyra: Actually... it isn't that simple.

Suddenly, the orb burst into life, summoning multiple golems. Lyra responded by putting up a barrier.

–Lyra: As you just saw, World Orbs have a defence system. To disable the defence system, you must attack with with the same element as the one it uses. Unfortunately, I don't use elemental magic, so... Miho, it's your job.

–Miho: Right, so I attack with earth, right?

–Lyra: Yes.

Miho began to cast a spell. The earth began to shake, and from the ground a slanted pillar of earth emerged. The pillar struck the World Orb, causing the golems attacking the barrier to disintegrate.

–Himawari: Right, then, Lyra, you know what to do.

–Lyra: Right.

Lyra walked up to the orb and placed her pendant on it. Almost immediately after the pendant was placed on the orb, both began to glow brightly.

–Lyra: The magical girl... fights with electricity.

–Aoba: .... That's it?!

–Lyra: Sorry, but I can't get any more information from this.

–Himawari: That could be anyone; we have lots of magical girls who use electricity-based magic.

–Miho: Hold on, Tama-chan told me that the World Orb they found only mentioned the element the magical girl used as well. Maybe it's a property of all of Earth's World Orbs, and that we'll get other information when we find the other planets' World Orbs.

–Himawari: I see. Anyway, let's return to the surface.

The girls headed back to the surface.

By the time the girls returned to Brisbane, it was already night.

–Aoba: So, you three are heading to Japan tomorrow morning, right?

–Himawari: That's right. We need to meet up with Louise and the others.

–Miho: Of course, I was going to return anyway, so I'm coming with Himawari.

–Aoba: I see. Well, I hope to work with you again later. And Miho, thank you for helping me get used to living here.

–Miho: You're welcome, Aocchi.

–Himawari: Anyway, we better get to sleep so we can wake up early tomorrow.

–Miho: Right.

The next day, at the airport:

–Lyra: Are you sure it's okay to just leave without saying goodbye to Aoba?

–Miho: Well, she was still sleeping, so I thought it was better not to disturb her.

–Himawari: Anyway, do you have everything, Miho?

–Miho: Yes.

–Himawari: Then, we're set. Let's go.

The girls went inside.

Meanwhile, back in Tokyo:

–Uzuki: Louise, what's going on within the Zodiac Warriors?

–Louise: I'm not exactly sure. But whatever it is, it seems Yamamoto has effectively taken over the Zodiac Warriors. I've tried contacting Lily and Jacinta, to see what's going on, but I haven't been able to get through. If worse comes to worst, Uzuki, you and your friends must join Puella, or at least seek sanctuary with them. After all, given what we did to Yamamoto...

–Uzuki: But...

–Louise: This is out of our hands right now. I have no idea what Yamamoto desires, but it's possible that he intends to take over the galaxy.

–Uzuki: Then we must stop him. If we don't...

–Louise: Uzuki, we can't. Not only does Yamamoto have a lot of influence within the Zodiac Warriors, he is also an exceptionally powerful mage. There is no way we can win against him, even if it is twelve against one.

–Uzuki: I... I don't want to just stand around while this is happening. Louise, he must be defeated, no matter what. I don't care how many sacrifices are needed, he must be defeated at any cost.

–Louise: Uzuki... in some ways, you remind me of Amelia. She possessed quite the determination; once she sets a goal, it is near-impossible to force her to give up.

–Uzuki: They said that Akacchi is like that as well, and I've been compared to her quite a few times.

–Louise: Uzuki, if anyone can defeat Yamamoto, it is probably you. However, it is still too early for you to challenge him. For now, I suggest that you try to seek sanctuary with Puella.

–Uzuki: I... I understand. Besides, Miporin is returning today, and maybe I can ask her for help.

–Louise: Ah, yes. She's on the plane to Tokyo right now, along with Himawari and Lyra.

–Uzuki: I see.

–Louise: By the way, how did you know that Miho was a member of Puella?

–Uzuki: All magical girls who attend the Mikura schools are Puella members, just as all magical girls who attend the Mimori schools are members of the Zodiac Warriors. And I know Miporin because she has worked with Tama-chan on a number of occasions.

–Louise: Anyway... Kaori has told the school that you and your friends will be staying home.

–Uzuki: Eh?!

–Louise: It's for your own safety. With the crisis in the Zodiac Warriors, we don't want you going out too much. In fact, you must stay here. Sumire will protect you until we give the all-clear.

–Uzuki: But...

–Louise: Even as we speak, Yamamoto's forces are after us. I'm trying to contact the other members of the Zodiac Warriors, but, if that fails, then we have to contact Puella directly.

–Uzuki: I... I understand.

–Louise: Then stay here. I'll take my leave, then.

Louise left the house.

–Uzuki: Everyone... I hope we can pull through...

In the evening, Uzuki was sitting in the living room, watching the television, when the doorbell rang. Uzuki stood up to answer the door, but Sumire stopped her.

–Sumire: Uzuki, let me answer the door.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

Sumire walked to the front door and opened it. It was Miho.

–Sumire: Ah, you're back, Miho. How was your time in Australia?

–Miho: I actually enjoyed it. But I heard that something serious is happening in the Zodiac Warriors. Is it true that Yamamoto has usurped power?

–Sumire: I'm afraid so. And even as we speak, Louise and her group are being targeted by Yamamoto's forces. By the way, come in.

–Miho: Ah, okay.

Miho entered the house.

–Uzuki: Miporin! You're back!

–Miho: It's been a while, U-chan. I know what you're going through, but I can help.

–Uzuki: Are you sure you can protect us, Miporin?

–Miho: Not by myself, but earlier I spoke to Kotone, and she's informing the higher-ups within Puella about the situation here. If all goes well, they'll send some personnel to escort you and send you to Italy to protect you from Yamamoto's forces. Also, Puella has managed to ensure Aria's safety, so you can search for the World Orb there as well.

–Uzuki: I see. But are you sure that Italy is safe enough?

–Miho: Well, if worse comes to worst, we'll be forced to send you to Puella headquarters in Iceland. But we hope that we don't need to do that.

–Uzuki: And one more thing. What about Melody?

–Miho: Well, she went missing the moment Yamamoto's treachery came to light. Yamamoto himself denies having captured her, so we're not sure where she is right now. If I recall, she was in India, searching for the World Orb. Unfortunately, India is Zodiac Warriors territory, so I don't have much hope for her.

–Uzuki: Okay...

–Miho: Anyway, I better go and speak to the others. See you later, U-chan.

–Uzuki: See you later, Miporin.

Miho left the house.

Miho was walking along the street when she saw Tamaki.

–Miho: Tama-chan!

Tamaki turned around towards Miho.

–Tamaki: Ah, Miho, you're here. I really need to speak to you.

Tamaki walked towards Miho.

–Tamaki: Miho, you know about what's going on with the Zodiac Warriors, right?

–Miho: Yes.

–Tamaki: Well, Yamamoto's forces are here. They're searching all over the city for us. I actually fled my house because they were about to knock down my front door.

–Miho: This is bad.... Tama-chan, in the mean time, let's head to the Furusaka Shrine. They can't attack us there.

–Tamaki: Ah, okay.

The two girls ran along the street, trying to get to the Furusaka Shrine. However, several of Yamamoto's men appeared in front of them.

–Man A: Tamaki Urushibayashi. We know what you did to Yamamoto, so give yourself up.

–Tamaki: No, I won't. He is no longer the rightful leader of the Zodiac Warriors. He is an enemy now, and if you continue to work for him, I will consider you my enemies as well.

–Man B: Very well, then. We have no choice but to arrest you.

One of the men charged at Tamaki, only to have his attack blocked by a stone wall which suddenly emerged from the ground.

–Miho: I won't let you lay a finger on Tama-chan.

–Man A: You... get out of the way!

–Miho: No. I am not part of the Zodiac Warriors, so I am not obliged to follow your demands.

–Man C: Then... who are you?

–Miho: I am Miho Koyanagi, a member of Puella. Puella knows of Yamamoto's treachery, and if he does not step down and hand himself to justice, there will be a war between Puella and the Zodiac Warriors. Also, Puella knows that the ones you are after were attacked by Yamamoto, not the other way around.

–Man A: If there will be a war, then so be it. Hand her over now, girl!

–Miho: My answer will not change. I won't let you lay a finger on Tama-chan.

Miho changed into her mage outfit. She then took out her magic device, which transformed into what appeared to be a spiked yo-yo.

–Miho: This is my ultimatum to you three. Leave Tama-chan and her friends alone, or die.

–Man B: You leave us no choice, then. Men, prepare for combat!

The three men were about to draw their swords; however, Miho attacked before they could even draw them halfway. With a single swing of her spiked yo-yo, she bisected all three men.

–Tamaki: Miho... that was brutal. Did you really need to do that? After all, you just killed three people.

Miho changed out of her mage outfit.

–Miho: It had to be done. Those men were fanatical. They seemed extremely devoted to Yamamoto.

–Tamaki: Anyway... what do we do with the bodies?

–Miho: I'll inform Puella of the attack. However, we're supposed to leave the bodies there, covered, and inform local law enforcement. Tama-chan, do you have anything I can use to cover the bodies?

–Tamaki: No. Ah, there's Inorin.

Tamaki pointed towards the direction of the nearest intersection. It was Inori.

–Inori: Ah, Tamaki, Miho, I was wondering what the commotion was. But it seems that you've taken care of things.

–Miho: That's right. By the way, can you cover these bodies for us?

Inori walked towards the girls.

–Inori: Sure thing. But still, to think these men attacked you, Tamaki...

Inori took out a large black sheet of cloth, and covered the bodies with it. She then began to cast a spell, and the cloth was sealed onto the ground.

–Inori: Anyway, Tamaki, I was ordered by Yamamoto to hand you over. However, my loyalties lie with Otohane, not Yamamoto, and instead I'll take you to the Furusaka Shrine.

–Tamaki: Wait, did he send that order to everyone?

–Inori: Pretty much. But every member of the Mimori Flower Club chose to ignore it, out of solidarity with you and Uzuki. Also, it is not only us who is ignoring the order. While Louise was unable to contact the other higher-ups, Mirai was able to, and she said that Lily Benson and Jacinta Allen have issued a joint declaration denouncing the order, and that Likkra and Namari have expelled all Zodiac Warriors representatives. If Yamamoto continues along this path, I fear it may lead to a galaxy-wide war.

–Tamaki: Ah, thanks, Inorin.

–Inori: Anyway, we don't know when more of those men will appear, so let's hurry.

–Tamaki: Ah, okay.

The three girls then began to run.

The girls arrived at the Furusaka Shrine. Waiting inside was Kaori.

–Kaori: Welcome, Inori.

–Inori: Otohane, I've brought Tamaki here.

–Kaori: Thanks, Inori. Now Yamamoto's men cannot attack or capture her, since the shrine is sacred ground.

–Tamaki: Well, I'm thankful that you're helping us.

–Kaori: Well, this is a serious issue which we had seen a long time ago. I think it was all the way back during the Gakran incident when we first saw the signs that Yamamoto had some ulterior motives regarding the Zodiac Warriors. So I contacted Lily and Jacinta about Yamamoto's behaviour, and they then sent Natasha to discuss the issue with Puella. It has been three years since then, and Puella is beginning to act. Right, Miho?

–Miho: Ah, yes.

–Kaori: And I suppose you want to contact them about the situation here.

–Miho: That's right. I want to send Tama-chan, U-chan, and the others to Italy so they can be safe from Yamamoto's forces.

–Kaori: I see. Then, by all means, do so.

–Miho: Okay.

Miho went inside.

The next day, everyone had gathered at the Furusaka Shrine.

–Miho: Everyone, I contacted my superiors last night, and they've sent an individual who will accompany us to Italy.

–Aoi: Wait, we're heading back to Italy?

–Miho: Well, there's still the matter of the World Orb. Anyway, this won't be an easy journey, as Yamamoto's forces are still after you. So Puella has reached out to the nations to help us.

–Benio: So how do we get to Italy in the first place?

–Miho: We will go via America. Normally, we would take a commercial flight; however, since Yamamoto's forces are patrolling the civilian airports, we're going to need to take off from a military airbase. This required significant cooperation between Japan, America and the EU, to ensure your safety.

–Wakaba: What if Yamamoto sends, say, fighter jets to chase us?

–Miho: He does not have the capability. While the Zodiac Warriors is quite powerful in terms of military strength, most of the military hardware remains the property of their respective states' militaries. So, theoretically, he can only send mages against us. And even then, it is extremely rare to see mages sustain transsonic speeds for a significant period of time.

–Tamaki: Then, it seems we're set. But, the shrine is surrounded. What do we do now?

–Miho: Let me take care of that.

Miho left the shrine, and found that it was surrounded by hundreds of Yamamoto's men.

–Man A: We know the wanted individuals are in there. Hand them over!

–Man B: If you don't, we'll make you regret it!

–Miho: You talk big, for ones who are so weak.

–Man B: What did you say?!

–Miho: If you valued your lives, then you would've run away already. But I can see why someone would be so suicidal that they would challenge me.

–Man: We'll show you! Everyone, attack!

The men charged straight at Miho, who changed into her mage outfit in response.

–Miho: Instead of running away, you attack? Then die.

Miho leapt into the air and began to cast a spell. A purple magic circle appeared beneath her feet, and the ground began to shake. Suddenly, thousands of rocks appeared and fell on the men, crushing them to death. However, in the distance, she could see more men charging towards her.

–Miho: More of them?

Miho prepared another spell; however, the sound of automatic gunfire began to be heard, and the army was cut down. Miho looked in the other direction, and saw the JSDF charging towards Yamamoto's forces. Miho also heard the sound of a helicopter flying overhead, and looked up to see a girl standing in the open doorway of the helicopter.

–Miho: Flavia! I knew they sent someone, but I didn't think it was you.

–Flavia: Well, call the others here, and let's get out of here!

–Miho: Ah, right!

Miho went back in the shrine, while the helicopter landed in front of the shrine. After a while, Miho emerged with the others. Everyone then entered the helicopter, which then took off.

–Uzuki: So... where are we going?

–Flavia: There is a makeshift airbase to the west of Yokohama, established just before the Donsilans attacked Earth. From there we will board a transport plane to Guam.

–Uzuki: And you are...

–Flavia: Flavia, princess of Cedysna, and one of Puella's most powerful magical girls. Uzuki, I know what you're going through right now, so bear with us for now.

–Tamaki: Anyway, where do we go next?

–Flavia: Once we reach Guam, there will be a plane waiting for us to take us to Hawaii, where you will be staying for a day or two while we finalise the plans. While it has yet to be decided, the most likely way to take you to Rome is through two flights, with a stopover in New York.

–Aoi: What if Yamamoto decides to attack us while we're in Hawaii?

–Miho: That would be a very bad move. Once you attack America, you've pretty much attacked the entire planet. In other words, if Yamamoto attacks you, America will rightly see this as an invasion of their territory, and it could lead to World War III.

–Louise: To clarify, the entire Western world revolves around America, and even many non-Western nations are dependent on America in one way or another. While there are efforts among some of the larger states to become self-sufficient, the fact remains that America is one of the pillars of the global economy. If one faction goes so far as to attack America, they may find themselves at war with the entire planet, as many countries have a vested self-interest in ensuring America doesn't collapse. And that's before you take into account the many alliances with America.

–Himawari: To a lesser extent, this also applies to Europe. Attack one nation, and you'll find yourself fighting the combined military forces of the entire continent.

–Lyra: Hima-chan, I think you're exaggerating a bit.

–Aoi: Then why did we need to leave Japan in the first place? Other than to find the World Orbs.

–Himawari: Most other nations, Namari included, consider the current issue an issue internal to Japan. It's only when it spills over into other nations, and not just nations like Korea, but the big ones such as China and America, will other nations act.

–Aoi: I see.

–Kanade: By the way, has anyone been able to contact Melody?

–Louise: No.

–Himawari: No.

–Flavia: Couldn't get through.

–Kanade: I see. Well, I just hope she's okay.

–Uzuki: Anyway, let's discuss what we should do next.

–Aoi: Okay, Uzuki.

End of Episode 15

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Commentary
In my original plans, Miho was not originally supposed to be that brutal. However, I changed her personality after, well, I wrote myself into a wall. This actually makes her a foil to Tamaki, who hates getting into situations where she must take someone's life, and would rather have a solution where no one dies.

Confusingly, Miho (and Tamaki) call Aoba "Aocchi", while Uzuki uses that nickname for Aoi (whom Miho calls "Oi-chan").

The "U" in "U-chan" (Miho's nickname for Uzuki) is pronounced /uː/, not /juː/.

That is probably the last you'll see of Aoba for a long while. Well, it's a given that someone has to take a back seat, given that I've planned for lots of characters (there are around 40 magical girls who are in my plans for the story, and many more characters as well).

Chapter 2's special episode will be about Mirai. That's all I'll say.