Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 3/Episode 41

This is the seventeenth episode, "Ultimate Skill" (究極奥義), of the third chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
As the vampire army dispersed, Tamaki ran to where Uzuki was lying.

–Tamaki: Uzuki...

Tamaki knelt down beside Uzuki. Aoi and Wakaba approached.

–Wakaba: Tamaki, what's going on?

Wakaba noticed that Uzuki was unconscious.

–Wakaba: Wait... Uzuki?

–Aoi: Tamaki... what happened?

–Tamaki: The demon who was controlling the vampire army... he was far too powerful, even with unison.

–Aoi: Tamaki... could it have been Pablo?

–Tamaki: No. It was someone else. And whoever it was, it appeared that Erelia felt some obligation to kill him.

–Aoi: Wait, who was this demon anyway?

–Tamaki: I'm not sure... but he appeared to have been a former vassal of some Overlord.

–Wakaba: An Overlord? Tamaki, what significance does this have?

–Aoi: Wakaba, the vassals of Overlords are typically Demon Lords, and a single one can give magical girls as powerful as us a run for our money.

–Tamaki: That's true. But this demon, despite being a Demon Lord, was more powerful than that. In fact, I believe that he had the potential to become an Overlord himself.

–Wakaba: Wait... why is a demon that powerful trying to cause chaos here?

–Tamaki: I'm not sure myself, but I suspect Erelia knows.

–Aoi: Anyway, how is Uzuki?

–Tamaki: She was severely injured in the battle, and I can sense residues of demonic energy around her, but at the very least she's still alive. However, I don't know if I can fully heal her.

–Wakaba: Tamaki... what options do we have?

Madeline and Chyla approached the girls.

–Aoi: Ah, Madeline. While we somehow defeated the commander of the vampire army, unfortunately...

–Madeline: I already know. In the mean time, let's head to Lobehaben. We'll speak about what happened here once we get there.

–Wakaba: Wait, how will we get there? None of us can reliably teleport long distances?

–Chyla: I would take you to Lobehaben, but... I have to return to Seralia. It seems that something urgent has come up in one of the Netherworlds.

–Aoi: Ah, is that so? I wonder what's going on, but it probably doesn't concern us.

–Chyla: Anyway, I'll see you later.

A cyan magic circle appeared beneath Chyla's feet. In a flash of cyan light, she disappeared.

–Tamaki: Madeline, is there anything that can take us to Lobehaben?

–Madeline: Well...

The girls heard the sound of a helicopter, and looked up. As the helicopter approached, they noticed a familiar face.

–Tamaki: Wait... Flavia?

The girl standing in the open doorway responded.

–Flavia: It's been a while, everyone. But it seems I came at a bad time. Well, let's hop on, shall we?

–Madeline: Everyone, let's go.

–Wakaba: Ah, but what about Uzuki?

Miho emerged from within the helicopter.

–Miho: Ah, take U-chan with you as well. I don't know what's going on, but we can treat her once we get to the city.

Wakaba and Aoi lifted Uzuki up.

–Miho: With that said, where's Benio?

–Wakaba: I don't know. I hope she hasn't run off somewhere.

–Aoi: Ah, she told me that a vampire was taking her to Lobehaben.

–Miho: I see. Wait, a vampire?

–Tamaki: It's probably Meryl. I don't know much about her, but she lives in Lobehaben right now.

–Wakaba: Wait, how do you know her? And how do we know that she isn't dangerous?

–Flavia: I've been monitoring her ever since her hometown was wiped out by a demon. Although, by now she has all but joined Puella. She also happens to be a witch by blood, although we haven't even considered finding a suitable magical girl for her to form a contract with, due to her young age.

–Tamaki: Anyway, Miho, have you obtained the second jewel needed to unseal the fire-elemental World Orb?

–Miho: We have, and it's now in Aria's hands. We haven't decided when we'll go to Safaris, but we're thinking perhaps next Wednesday. Aoi, Benio is busy on Monday, right?

–Aoi: Ah, that's right. I was thinking Wednesday as well.

–Flavia: Anyway, we can't stay here forever. Let's hop on and go already.

–Tamaki: Ah, right.

The girls boarded the helicopter, which then flew away.

On board the Spica, Melody reported to the others what had happened in West Pimbia.

–Melody: Somehow, we managed to retrieve the World Orb. However, the vampire army was another thing entirely.

–Aria: Melody, it's quite unusual for you to have had a lot of trouble against vampires.

–Melody: The problem we had was that a demon was granting power to the vampires, as well as controlling them.

–Kanade: And this demon...

–Melody: He was of Overlord strength. In fact, it's a miracle that we managed to get away with the casualties we currently have.

–Lyra: Melody, what exactly happened to the others?

–Melody: Uzuki... nearly died in the battle. In fact, without Alcea's intervention...

–Kanade: Alcea? Has she already returned to Fuenod?

–Aria: She had, but she has already left for Elrodom. But, on the way, I met her. She told me that since the demon's attack and death, war between the Donsilans and the Netherworlds is only a matter of time. As much as the Whites want to see humanity destroyed, they see a galaxy run by demons as even worse. Furthermore, I'm starting to question Alcea's loyalties to the Whites, as well as her true motivations regarding humanity.

–Kanade: Still, we don't know what her next move will be, so we should remain on our guard. Anyway, Melody, what do you know about Uzuki's current condition?

–Melody: Not that much. But from what I've sensed, it's beyond humanity's current capability.

–Lyra: What do you mean?

–Melody: I know of no spell or technique known by any human that can heal Uzuki.

–Lyra: No way...

–Kanade: But surely there has to be a way to heal her.

–Melody: There is.

–Kanade: How can we heal her?

–Melody: ... An Ultimate Skill.

–Aria: Wait... an Ultimate Skill? But, the others don't even know how to use Ultimate Skills.

–Melody: I'm not talking about the ones searching for the World Orbs.

–Kanade: Then... who?

–Melody: This girl is said to be one of the most powerful healers of humanity. While she has rarely even used her Inherent Ability, what little I know of it suggests that it has the power to destroy the universe.

–Lyra: Wait, such an Inherent Ability would be overkill. And "destroy the universe"?

–Melody: That is precisely why she rarely uses it. Its passive effect is well-known; namely, it projects an exceptionally powerful anti-magic field. However, in reality, it doesn't nullify magic, but rather, causes magic to simply cease to function. I'm not exactly sure, but it's hidden aspect may in fact be the alteration of the laws of nature itself.

–Kanade: So that's what you meant when you said that it could destroy the universe. And I can see why she rarely unleashes this power. So... where is she?

–Melody: As of now... she's arriving in Lobehaben. At the same place and time as the others.

–Aria: Then...

The helicopter landed in the Benson family mansion in Lobehaben. The girls exited the helicopter and headed inside.

–Aoi: Ah, where should we put Uzuki?

–Madeline: You'll have to ask the maids here; even as one of Natasha's friends, I rarely set foot inside this particular mansion.

–Wakaba: Ah, no problem.

Wakaba waved in the hallway. A maid noticed Wakaba and approached.

–Maid: Ah, the young lady has been expecting you. Please follow me.

The maid guided the girls to a large room. She opened the door, and the girls entered. Inside were several beds, as well as a large table in the centre of the room. Sitting on one of the chairs placed around the table was Natasha.

–Natasha: It has been a while, everyone. Please take a seat.

The girls, except Aoi and Wakaba, sat down at the table.

–Wakaba: Umm, do we just place Uzuki on one of the beds?

–Natasha: Please do.

Aoi and Wakaba placed Uzuki on a bed, before sitting down at the table.

–Madeline: Natasha... what are you doing in Lobehaben?

–Natasha: I figured that I should see the progress the girls are making in the search for the World Orbs myself.

–Madeline: Still, you've hardly left Melbourne at all since the Gakran incident. Why did you leave now?

–Natasha: Madeline, in the years since the Gakran incident, there hasn't been much for me to do with regards to the Zodiac Warriors. While I've spent much of that time on my studies, I've been called up to active duty again.

–Madeline: I see. As a member of Puella, I'm not really that knowledgable with regards to how the Zodiac Warriors function.

–Flavia: Anyway, you must have a reason for coming here, right?

–Natasha: Of course I do. I came to Fuenod to keep an eye on the witch who challenged Benio.

–Aoi: Ah, so that means you'll be in Yaezora on Monday, right?

–Natasha: That's right. Anyway... it seems we have more pressing concerns.

Natasha turned towards Uzuki.

–Natasha: Madeline... what happened in West Pimbia?

–Madeline: When we tried to retrieve the World Orb, a vampire army attacked. The vampires were unusually powerful, and we managed to track down its commander, who was an Overlord-class demon.

–Natasha: An Overlord-class demon?! What is one doing out here?

–Madeline: I'm not sure. But we were lucky that Alcea intervened on our side. Had she not been there, we would've had a lot more casualties.

–Flavia: And I presume the demon was defeated, right?

–Madeline: The demon is no more. The Demon Princess confirmed his death.

–Natasha: I see. Anyway...

Natasha left her seat and approached Uzuki.

–Natasha: I think we may have the worst-case scenario here.

–Wakaba: What do you mean?

–Natasha: That demon... severely corrupted Uzuki's soul. It's normally done in preparation for a finishing blow, to kill an Innocent, and it effectively binds the soul to the body. And as of now, Uzuki's body is only barely functioning.

–Aoi: Then we should take her to a hospital. At least, we should hook her up to a life support machine.

–Natasha: That won't be necessary.

–Aoi: What do you mean, Natasha?

Natasha closed her eyes and focused.

–Natasha: I'll show you... my true power. Just this once, though.

–Wakaba: Your... true power?

–Miho: What do you mean by your true power?

–Tamaki: Is it your Inherent Ability?

–Natasha: It is, indeed, my Inherent Ability, Blank Stone.

–Flavia: But isn't your Inherent Ability simply the ability to nullify magic?

–Natasha: That's only one aspect of it, the one I specifically allowed to be expressed. In truth, my Inherent Ability is far more powerful than that. So powerful... I fear what would happen if I lose control.

–Miho: If you lose control?

–Madeline: Miho... I never told anyone other than Amelia this, but... Natasha's Inherent Ability has the ability to destroy the universe, if she isn't careful.

–Miho: What? Then, what is her Inherent Ability anyway?

–Madeline: It is... to rewrite the laws of nature.

–Tamaki: To rewrite the laws of nature... something that powerful existed among us?

–Madeline: It's hard to believe, but that is indeed the case.

–Wakaba: Anyway, who else knows about this aspect of her Inherent Ability.

–Madeline: Other than the people in this room, only Lily, Amelia and Chelsea know about this. It's a very closely guarded secret, and not even Yamamoto knows about it.

–Aoi: Then... will it cure Uzuki?

–Natasha: It will.

A large green magic circle appeared beneath Natasha's feet.

–Natasha: Bloom, my flower. God, grant me power.

With a massive burst of green light, Natasha entered Full Burst mode. In addition, her hands were glowing white.

–Tamaki: Innocence? No... this is something even more powerful.... It's like that time when a divine being possessed Uzuki.

–Miho: Tama-chan, what's going on?

–Tamaki: I'm not exactly sure, but I sense divine energy emanating from Natasha. I believe that this is the prelude to an Ultimate Skill.

–Aoi: Ah, that Victoria clone told me about it. It relies on a divine being inhabiting a magical girl's body.

–Madeline: Indeed it is an Ultimate Skill.

A massive green magic circle appeared beneath Natasha's feet.

–Natasha: Ultimate Skill... Holy Water of Akasha.

Uzuki's body began to glow in a brilliant light.

–Natasha: I command thee, O divine spirit, to purify this girl's soul and eliminate the dark energy that hath embraced her.

–Madeline: Ah, everyone, cover your eyes.

Everyone covered their eyes with their hands.

–Wakaba: What for, though?

–Aoi: Wakaba, do you want to be blinded? The light is bright enough as is.

–Wakaba: Ah, right.

The light intensified, to the point where outside it appeared as if the window was glowing as bright as the sun. Eventually, the light died down.

–Natasha: Ah, everyone, you can open your eyes now.

Everyone uncovered and opened their eyes.

–Natasha: I hope I didn't mess up...

–Aoi: So... will Uzuki be okay?

Tamaki approached Uzuki.

–Tamaki: It appears she's all right. I don't sense any demonic energy from her.

Uzuki began to wake up.

–Uzuki: Umm...

–Tamaki: Uzuki, you're awake!

–Uzuki: Tama-chan... I'm sorry...

–Tamaki: There's no need to apologise. You did all you could.

Aoi and Wakaba ran to Uzuki and embraced her.

–Wakaba: Uzuki! We were so worried!

–Aoi: I was worried too, about what was going to happen to you.

–Uzuki: Wakaba... Aoi...

–Miho: Well, I'm glad you're awake now, U-chan.

–Uzuki: Miporin... everyone...

–Flavia: Anyway, there's something I need to tell all of you.

–Tamaki: What is it?

–Flavia: I've received reports that the Donsilan faction that wishes to wipe us out of the galaxy has launched another invasion.

–Natasha: So soon...

–Flavia: Fortunately for us, it seems that we're not their target.

–Tamaki: Then, who or what are their targets, if any?

–Madeline: I can't vouch for the reliability of this information, but... the target of the invasion appears to be a Netherworld.

–Aoi: Ah, so that was what the Demon Princess said was happening.

–Madeline: Ah, I guess she already knew. Anyway, it's not clear how this will affect humanity, but an all-out war between the Donsilans and the Netherworlds is something we can't afford right now, especially since Gallurum is close to being unsealed.

–Uzuki: Do you know what Netherworld will be invaded?

–Madeline: I'm unsure of the name of this Netherworld, but I believe the Overlord of the Netherworld in question is Sugrum.

–Uzuki: Then... let me go there!

–Aoi: Uzuki, you can't! First of all, our priority is to find the World Orbs. Secondly, we don't know where the Netherworld even is. And lastly, you're in no condition to go.

–Flavia: Uzuki, do you have some connection to that Netherworld?

–Uzuki: Not personally... but Sugrum is Erelia's father.

–Miho: How do you know this? I highly doubt Erelia told you directly.

–Uzuki: That's true... but... when Krudal attacked me... I had a glimpse of his memories. From what I saw... he was banished from his Netherworld for opposing Sugrum. I believe that the attack on the location of the World Orb was an attempt to activate a hidden Portal Monolith that leads to Sugrum's Netherworld.

–Madeline: That is... interesting. Uzuki, were you actually intending on searching for this Portal Monolith yourself?

–Uzuki: I...

–Madeline: We can worry about the invasion later. It won't come for another two weeks. Anyway, let's discuss our plans for the other three World Orbs.

–Tamaki: Ah, right.

–Flavia: I spoke with Stephanie the other day, and she said that Louise will lead the search for the earth-elemental World Orb.

–Aoi: What about the other two?

–Flavia: I believe Himawari is leading the search for the water-elemental World Orb. That leaves...

–Miho: I'll lead the search for the fire-elemental World Orb. We will all depart on Tuesday, and we anticipate that we will retrieve the World Orbs on the next day.

–Flavia: That is what we agreed upon. Uzuki, are you comfortable with leaving on Tuesday?

–Uzuki: I think I'll be fine.

–Tamaki: Well, you do need some rest. By the way... are we staying here for the night?

–Natasha: Ah, I've made arrangements for that. Tomorrow, I'll be heading to Yaezora, so please leave by then.

–Flavia: Ah, understood.

–Tamaki: Ah, can we tag along with you?

–Natasha: Of course. Anyway, that will be it for our meeting. Uzuki, please stay in this room. The rest of you please follow the maids to your respective rooms.

–Everyone: Okay.

Everyone except Uzuki and Natasha left the room.

–Natasha: Uzuki, how are you feeling?

–Uzuki: I still feel a bit weird. But thank you for healing me.

–Natasha: With that said, what brought you to challenge an Overlord-class demon? Madeline was there; you could've called for her help.

–Uzuki: Come to think of it... it was on the spur of the moment. I wanted to do anything to help in the battle, so I rushed to confront Krudal. However, I underestimated him.

–Natasha: You still have much to learn, Uzuki. Defeating an Overlord is no easy task, no matter how powerful you are. It's one thing to pass a test to form a contract with a witch by blood, but it's an entirely different matter to face the same witch at full strength. With your current level of experience, do you really think you'll be able to defeat Alcea?

–Uzuki: I'm not sure...

–Natasha: One day... you will fight her. No matter how many times she acts as an ally or an enemy, the battle between you and Alcea is inevitable.

–Uzuki: Natasha... you know a lot about Alcea's intentions.

–Natasha: I'm only repeating what my mother told me. Alcea wants to wipe out humanity because she sees us as failures. And I can see her point, given the state of the world. Uzuki... you carry the hopes of humanity on your shoulders. You must be the one to defeat Alcea and prove to her that humanity deserves to exist.

–Uzuki: I understand.

–Natasha: Anyway... I think it's best for you to get some rest. See you tomorrow.

–Uzuki: Ah, you too.

Natasha left the room.

–Uzuki: That dream...

Uzuki looked out the window, and towards the moon.

–Uzuki: Mum... what was it that you were trying to tell me?

End of Episode 41

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