Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 2/Episode 16

This is the fourth episode, "Flight" (逃避), of the second chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
–Figure A: Master, we've lost sight of them.

–Figure B: We had them surrounded within the Furusaka Shrine, but we could not enter sacred ground. Not only that, the moment that girl from Puella came out and attacked us, our men were slaughtered by the JSDF.

–Yamamoto: I see. So the government of Japan is on their side. Do you know where they are heading now?

–Figure C: If I recall, they took off from an airbase west of Yokohama. They were heading to Guam.

–Yamamoto: I see. This is getting more complicated. We can't attack them directly, as America might get involved. They may see our activities as an invasion, and act accordingly. Therefore, we need to be covert.

–Figure A: That's easier said than done. Urushibayashi is apparently capable of detecting even the faintest of mana signatures. In fact, she can detect the mana signatures of non-mages, a skill which is far beyond even you, and she can do it at a range of over 70 kilometres. If we need to capture her, we need to make a frontal assault.

–Yamamoto: I see. Her Inherent Ability is indeed problematic. Fight her for even a little while, and she'll have counters to everything you can throw at her. The only way to defeat her, as far as I know, is through overwhelming power. By the way, what about that girl from Puella?

–Figure C: Her name is Miho Koyanagi, and from what we know, she is quite willing to kill our men in order to ensure her friends' safety. Unlike most magical girls, she is ruthless. While most try to ensure as few casualties as possible, she actually goes out of her way to kill her enemies, and fights at full power regardless of the power gap. In fact, she is even feared among witches as the "Reaper of Puella". As such, engaging her in battle is suicide.

–Yamamoto: How many of our forces has she killed?

–Figure C: By her hand alone, she has accounted for well over 500.

–Yamamoto: I see. Well, what would be the expected response from the Americans should we attack them?

–Figure A: Our spies have indicated that they had purchased a spaceship from Likkra at the time of the Gakran incident. Of course, the ship came without most of the military hardware, but the refitting is scheduled to be completed right around now.

–Figure B: Should we attack, it's possible that they could send the girls onto the spaceship. Once that happens, our only hope of capturing them would be to get a spaceship of our own.

–Yamamoto: There might still be a way. Even if they end up in a spaceship, it is still possible for a single mage to take it down, and I know a man who is capable of such feats. But we hope not to need his services; no one knows what his true desires are. And the power he wields could backfire on us.

Meanwhile, in Haguya Castle:

–Stephanie: Ah, you're back, Amelia.

–Amelia: Indeed I am. But we have more important things to worry about. It's hard to say that we didn't see it coming, but Yamamoto's betrayal has sent shockwaves throughout the galaxy.

–Stephanie: Then you want me to help you in this, right?

–Amelia: Stephanie, I want you to ensure the safety of Louise. It's worrying enough when the ones needed to find the April Light are being sought after by Yamamoto, but it's even more worrying when a member of our family is on the run from his forces.

–Stephanie: Okay, then. Amelia, what will you do?

–Amelia: If worse comes to worst, I may have to join in myself. After all, I have defeated Yamamoto in battle before, and it's not a stretch to suggest that I can do it again. However, in the mean time, I'm going to order the Huang Long to be sent to Earth.

–Stephanie: So you're going to send a spaceship to Earth.

–Amelia: Also, a representative of the Federation of Four Earths is currently in talks with the nations of Earth, to achieve a unified response to this crisis.

In Yaezora Royal Palace:

–Erika: Now, I'm sure you all know why I called you here, right?

–Akari: That's correct. With Yamamoto's treachery, we can't afford not to act. After all, the fate of the galaxy ultimately hinges on the outcome of this conflict.

–Erika: That's right, Akari. The stakes couldn't be higher. While Gakran and the Dark Angel only threatened humanity, the result of this conflict could affect everyone in the galaxy. I'm sure the aliens are watching, hoping to see a satisfactory resolution to all this.

–Yayoi: So, what's the plan?

–Erika: I've spoken to Fukuyama. We are going to deploy the Amaterasu to Earth to help Uzuki and the others. Michiru, Yayoi, you are to head to Earth as well, for the same reason.

–Michiru: Understood.

–Yayoi: Got it.

–Erika: Akari, I'm going to order an increase in our war readiness level, to our second-highest.

–Akari: Wait, are you serious? That's literally one step away from nuclear war. Are we seriously going to allow planetary bombardment if the situation gets out of hand even a little bit?

–Erika: If need be. However, we hope that we don't need to resort to such measures. Anyway, Akari, you are to head to Fukuoka, and ensure the safety of the Harumi family.

–Akari: Ah, okay. But why?

–Erika: Well, Wakaba is one of the girls on the run, and we cannot rule out the possibility that Yamamoto will go after the families of those involved. Kaori has secured Tokyo, but many other places remain unsecured.

"We managed to reach Hawaii without incident. A couple of days later, we took a plane to New York City. However, before we could board the next flight, something very urgent came up."

In a hotel in New York City, Uzuki and Tamaki were watching the television.

–Tamaki: Uzuki, are you sure it's okay to just watch TV? I mean, we need to plan what to do next.

–Uzuki: Actually... Tama-chan, watch.

–Tamaki: Eh, what is it?

Tamaki looked at the television, which was showing a news report on a suspected terrorist attack at the airport in Honolulu.

–Tamaki: A terror attack?

–Uzuki: Yes. Apparently, several men stormed the airport and opened fire, and about 40 people were killed. What is striking, though, is that the suspects who performed the deed were all Japanese nationals.

–Tamaki: Wait... could it be Yamamoto's forces?

–Uzuki: So far, no one has taken responsibility. However, one of the suspects had a note, which stated that they attacked because America had several magical girls whom they were after, and that they must hand them over or they will attack again.

–Tamaki: I see. Then it must be Yamamoto!

–Uzuki: Then maybe we should inform the others. Let's go, then.

–Tamaki: Okay!

The two girls left their room and entered Louise's room.

–Louise: What is it, you two?

–Uzuki: Louise, have you heard of the terrorist attack in Honolulu?

–Louise: This is news to me. Tell me all about it.

Uzuki picked up the remote and turned it on. The same news report began to show on the television.

–Louise: Ah, that. Wait... Japanese nationals... demand for magical girls...

–Tamaki: We think it's Yamamoto.

–Louise: I think you're right. Uzuki, I think it's time we used... that.

–Uzuki: That? What do you mean?

–Louise: It's strictly confidential, and I cannot tell you until you see it for yourself.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

–Louise: Tamaki, get the others for me.

–Tamaki: Ah, right!

Tamaki left the room.

"So Louise called all of us over to her room, and told us that we are to instead board a helicopter that will take us to a specially-equipped aircraft carrier in the Atlantic."

The two helicopters landed on the aircraft carrier, which was currently located around 700 kilometres south-southwest of Iceland. Everyone from both helicopters exited their respective vehicles.

–Uzuki: Louise, what will we do next?

–Louise: Uzuki, it'll take around half an hour, but we will board specially-designed shuttles which will take us to space.

–Tamaki: Space? Don't tell me, we have a spaceship?

–Himawari: It is a spaceship, but for now, let's save the questions for later. We need to prepare the shuttles first.

Himawari, Louise and Flavia headed off.

–Wakaba: I never expected that we would end up on an aircraft carrier. But I guess it's getting really serious now, isn't it?

–Benio: You know what would even be more serious? You falling overboard.

–Wakaba: Benio!

–Aoi: Benio, now isn't the time for jokes.

–Benio: But, still, should someone attack us, we need to make sure that we actually stay on the ship.

–Miho: We should be alright here; the aircraft carrier is protected by many fighter aircraft as well as numerous destroyers.

Suddenly, alarms began to sound.

–PA: Alert! Alert! Enemy forces detected in the northeast! Alert! Enemy forces detected in the northeast! Ordering full engagement! All hands, to your stations! All fighters, scramble!

–Miho: Let's get below deck.

–Aoi: Ah, okay.

Everyone headed below deck, as the crew prepared the runway for takeoff.

–Tamaki: What's going on?

–Miho: I'm not sure, but it seems that someone is attacking us.

Himawari returned.

–Himawari: The captain said that the aircraft attacking us appear to be of unknown identification. At the moment, we're not sure who exactly is attacking us.

–Uzuki: Himawari, what now?

–Himawari: At the moment, it seems that our fighters are losing. The enemy appears to have more advanced weaponry.

–Aoi: Then... can't we do something?

–Wakaba: Everyone, I think I may be able to handle them.

–Tamaki: Wakaba, what are you...

–Wakaba: The wind is at my fingertips. Aircraft rely on staying in the air, which makes them vulnerable to my magic.

–Uzuki: I see. But are you sure you can pull it off?

–Wakaba: I am. Then, I'll be going.

–Uzuki: Ah, I'll come too.

Uzuki and Wakaba headed back onto the deck. They changed into their mage outfits, and took off.

In the distance was the enemy force. It was too far to see them, but Uzuki and Wakaba were able to detect their presence.

–Uzuki: Wakaba, what's your plan?

–Wakaba: First, let's draw their attention.

–Uzuki: Ah, right.

Wakaba took out her bow, and fired thousands of arrows at the enemy force.

–Enemy Pilot A: That's all of them. Everyone, we're going for the destroyers! Isolate the carrier!

–Enemy Pilot B: Roger!

Suddenly, the volley of arrows hit the enemy planes.

–Enemy Pilot C: I'm hit!

–Enemy Pilot A: Where did that attack come from?! We thought we had annihilated all enemy aircraft!

–Enemy Pilot D: I've found the origin of the attack. It's... a mage! And not just any ordinary mage, a magical girl!

–Enemy Pilot B: Not only that, there are two of them!

–Enemy Pilot A: Everyone, focus on the objective! We can't let a bunch of magical girls get their way.

–Enemy Pilot D: Roger! We've found one of their destroyers. We're going to-

Suddenly there was the sound of an explosion, then silence.

–Enemy Pilot B: Argh! My plane was struck by lightning!

–Enemy Pilot E: We're detecting a huge amount of magical energy being gathered at the location of the magical girls!

–Enemy Pilot C: Getting readings... no way! An estimation of that magical girl's bucket capacity is over a thousand!

–Enemy Pilot A: A thousand?! When did they get someone so powerful?!

Wakaba was preparing a spell. A massive green magic circle was beneath her feet, her device was in its twin cannon form, and a massive magic bullet was in front of her.

–Wakaba: Secret Skill, Blast Calamity!

Wakaba fired the massive bullet straight at the enemy force.

–Enemy Commander: Everyone, keep it together! We can't let one single individual ruin our objectives!

–Enemy Pilot A: Roger! Oh no, incoming!

There was the sound of explosions, then silence.

–Enemy Commander: Men, can you answer me?!

There was no response.

–Enemy Officer: We've lost them. That was apparently an extraordinarily powerful magic spell.

Suddenly the ship they were on was rocked by a shockwave coming from the blast.

–Enemy Commander: Damage report!

–Enemy Officer: No lasting damage, sir! Several of our sailors have been knocked overboard, however.

–Enemy Commander: But, how did they get such a powerful individual?

Suddenly, gunfire could be heard on the deck.

–Enemy Commander: What?! We're being boarded?!

–Enemy Officer: Looks like it. And it's the same magical girl, and she's accompanied by several others.

–Enemy Commander: Tch...

–Enemy Officer: Orders, sir!

–Enemy Commander: Order the captain to tell everyone to abandon ship, if they can!

–Enemy Officer: Yes, sir!

The officer left.

–Enemy Commander: Yamamoto... I'm sorry...

The commander picked up a pistol.

–Enemy Commander: ... but it's time to blow this thing up.

The commander left the CIC.

–Uzuki: Miporin, is it really okay to, you know, kill them? I mean, they must have families as well, right?

–Miho: U-chan... I never really had a family. In many ways, I envy you and Tama-chan; you two grew up in a loving environment. But not me. My father was a yakuza member; my mother abused me so much and so often I ended up accidentally killing her in self-defence. I contemplated killing myself until Kotone and Puella extended their hand to me. Well, I wouldn't have been able to kill myself anyway, given my nature as a magical girl.

–Uzuki: Wait, you mean Miyauchi-san helped you when you were at your lowest?

–Miho: Yes. Anyway, let us focus on the task at hand.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

Meanwhile, Tamaki was running towards the CIC when she noticed the enemy commander leaving.

–Tamaki: Halt!

–Enemy Commander: Tch.... What do you want?!

–Tamaki: I presume you are the commander of this force, am I correct?

–Enemy Commander: So? What about it?

–Tamaki: Come with me. We have many questions to ask you.

–Enemy Commander: I have no obligation to follow you, foe.

–Tamaki: It's not like you have a choice.

–Enemy Commander: Oh, but I do.

The commander pointed his gun at Tamaki.

–Enemy Commander: I could just kill you and be on my way.

–Tamaki: Then go ahead, shoot.

The commander fired his gun, but the bullet had no effect on Tamaki's mage outfit.

–Enemy Commander: Wha...

–Tamaki: Do you see now that you are hopelessly outmatched?

–Enemy Commander: Tch...

The commander attempted to run away, but Miho emerged from the other side of the hallway.

–Enemy Commander: Damn it, I'm surrounded!

–Tamaki: Just give yourself up. You know you can't win.

The commander pressed his gun onto his head, then fired.

At the bridge:

–Aoi: &lt;I see. Well, thanks for letting us know, Wakaba.&gt;

–Benio: Is it over?

–Aoi: It is. Both the commander and the captain have been captured. The commander tried to kill himself, but when you have three magical girls capable of healing even headshots...

–Benio: I guess he seriously underestimated our capabilities.

–Aoi: Anyway, we need to take this ship back. But I wonder what will be the implications of this attack.

–Benio: It could lead to war.

–Aoi: Well, I hope it doesn't get too serious.

Back on the aircraft carrier:

–Himawari: Great job, everyone. You managed to save the fleet. Although we can't say the same for the aircraft...

–Flavia: But, anyway, the shuttles are ready now. Let's hop on board. The girls boarded the shuttles, and one by one they took off from the aircraft carrier.

–Uzuki: Wait... is that...

–Aoi: It looks just like the Amaterasu.

–Louise: Indeed it does; it was based on the same design. Everyone, that is the USS Endurance, America's first military spaceship.

Everyone looked out the window.

–Wakaba: Wow...

–Benio: I never really knew that the Americans were preparing their own spaceship.

–Louise: Well, it was all top secret. Only a select few know about it.

–Aoi: I see. Anyway, it seems that we'll be boarding soon.

–Louise: Ah, we are.

The shuttle entered the hangar and landed. The hangar door then closed.

–Uzuki: Wait... aren't we getting off?

–Louise: Ah, that... well, the Americans prefer a pressurised hangar, so we have to wait until the hangar is fully pressurised. Uzuki, you should remember that not everyone can create their own mage outfits.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

–Louise: The other option was short-range teleportation; however, even that is unreliable at the moment. Anyway, let's wait.

After 15 minutes, the shuttle door finally opened.

–Louise: Right, everyone, let's get off.

The girls hopped out of the shuttle and headed within the ship.

In the ship's CIC:

–Officer A: Captain, our sensors have picked up an unusual entity!

–Captain: What is it?

–Officer A: According to our readings, it appears to be a human-sized entity with incredible magic power.

–Officer B: Captain, incoming!

–Captain: What?

–Officer C: Measurements indicate four megatons. And it's heading straight for us!

–Captain: Raise barriers!

–Officer D: Yes, sir!

The massive purple magic beam headed straight towards the Endurance. It impacted its barrier, but the barrier managed to hold.

–Officer D: We're down to 80 per cent!

–Officer A: Captain, what's our next move? It appeared to have come from the thing we detected.

–Captain: The SMMC is not yet charged. Fire the main particle cannon!

–Officer C: Yes, sir!

The Endurance prepared to fire its particle cannon. Suddenly, a massive beam was fired from the ship, and headed straight towards its enemy.

–Captain: Did we get it?

–Officer A: No, sir, it appeared to have evaded it.

–Officer B: Another one, captain! And this one is at 15 megatons!

Suddenly, the ship shook violently.

–Officer D: The barrier is only at five per cent now! Another one and we're done for!

–Captain: Stay calm!

–Uzuki: Is someone attacking us?

–Louise: Looks like it. This looks like an emergency, so let's teleport out. Everyone, into our mage outfits.

–Uzuki: Okay.

The girls changed into their mage outfits. A yellow magic circle appeared beneath all of them, and they suddenly disappeared.

The girls flew to the source of the attacks, and were astounded at what they saw.

–Louise: &lt;Wait... a single mage is responsible for all this?&gt;

The man turned his attention on the girls.

–?????: &lt;So I've drawn you out. It is a pleasure to meet you all.&gt;

–Uzuki: &lt;Who are you?! And what do you want?!&gt;

–?????: &lt;That matters little to you. That old man wanted me to take care of something, so I'm keeping my end of the bargain.&gt;

–Louise: &lt;"That old man"? You mean Yamamoto?&gt;

–?????: &lt;The very one. But enough talk. You'll regret crossing paths with me!&gt;

The man drew his sword, and charged.

End of Episode 16

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Commentary
I just noticed that I didn't give any of the Donsilan magical girls any speaking roles this episode.

The end of this episode is the beginning of the saga's first battle between mages in space (I had considered having the final battle of Innocence Seekers: Akari of the Light set in space, but decided against it, instead having it set within Gakran's spaceship). Unfortunately, it does not bode well for the girls (especially since there are only five of them, as opposed to 12-13). Space, like any environment in which mages can do battle, has its own properties which must be taken into account during battle. For starters, there is no air, so surrendering by changing out of one's mage outfit cannot be done. Battles in space do not resemble aerial battles at all; aerial battles are governed by aerodynamics (which severely limits top speed, but allows for one to slow down while flying without applying a force), while space battles are governed by Newtonian mechanics (allowing one to reach any arbitrary sublight speed, but requires one to need a force to slow down). Space enhances the effect of many fire-elemental spells (contrary to expectations, due to the fact that many such spells are "thermokinesis" rather than "pyrokinesis"; in space it is actually very difficult to cool down and the only way to do so makes one shine like an infrared beacon) and renders most wind-elemental spells useless (exceptions, such as Blast Calamity, are due to the fact that these spells actually create matter from mana).