Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 3/Episode 28

This is the fourth episode, "The Millennium Diary" (千歳の日記), of the third chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

< Previous episode | Next episode >

Episode text
Louise and Lyra walked to the Namari Royal Palace, where they saw the gate open and the guards lying in a pool of blood.

–Louise: What... what happened here?

–Lyra: Something powerful went in the palace. It's gone, though, although I can still sense the disturbance in the background mana field.

–Louise: Lyra... do you know what exactly happened in the palace?

–Lyra: I'm not sure, but... there was a battle between a powerful mage and several of our group.

–Louise: I see. Anyway, let's head inside. Hopefully everyone's okay.

–Lyra: Right.

The two girls headed inside the palace. When they entered, they saw more bodies lying around.

–Louise: Lyra, can you see if there are any survivors?

–Lyra: Okay.

Lyra ran off. Louise headed further into the castle, and eventually found some injured guards.

–Louise: Can you tell me what happened here?

–Guard A: Wait... are you Princess Louise?

–Louise: I am.

–Guard B: Listen, Princess.... This powerful mage just entered the palace and started killing our men with impunity. She had a goal, and nothing was to stand in her way. We barely managed to escape with our lives.

–Louise: I see. What was she after?

–Guard A: She intended to break into the chamber holding the World Orb. For what, I do not know.

–Louise: Anyway, the danger seems to have passed, so... I'll call for a medical team to treat your injuries. It doesn't look like you're in any condition to help clean up the palace. So, please wait here.

–Guard A: Understood, Princess.

Louise continued on her way, this time heading to the palace infirmary. Once she entered the infirmary, she found that all the beds were occupied by injured guards and servants. Tending to the injured were a team of doctors and nurses, and, to Louise's surprise, Sakura.

–Louise: Wait, Sakura? Why are you here?

–Sakura: Ah, Louise, I didn't expect you here. I was going to help unseal the chamber holding the World Orb, but then this happened. So now I'm helping out the doctors and nurses here with my magic.

–Louise: Anyway, I found some injured guards in the hallway on the first floor. Can you see if a medical team can be sent there?

–Sakura: I'll see what I can do.

Sakura walked to one of the doctors. After a short conversation, the doctor and several nurses left the room.

–Sakura: Anyway, Erika and Himawari have been relocated to a safe location within the palace. Aika-senpai is currently helping with the clean up.

–Louise: Wait, Aika's here?

–Sakura: Well we are part of the Namari royal family. From what I've heard, Yayoi's group arrived earlier, and Akari's group just arrived.

–Louise: Ah, I see. So they're trying to unseal the chamber, right?

–Sakura: Yes. Now when will Inori and her group get here...

–Louise: Anyway, where can I find them?

–Sakura: They're probably running around the palace, cleaning up the mess left behind by that Donsilan.

–Louise: Wait... did you just say "Donsilan"?

–Sakura: You didn't know? A Donsilan attacked the palace. Apparently she was extremely powerful, and when Yayoi's group confronted her, none of their attacks worked.

–Louise: Then how was she driven away?

–Sakura: Orialla forced the battle into her witch space, and then Uzuki used her Inherent Ability, forcing the Donsilan to use a teleport crystal to avoid the attack.

–Louise: I see. Anyway, I better go now. See you later, Sakura.

–Sakura: Take care, Louise.

Louise left the infirmary and headed to the palace entrance, where she saw Hiyori.

–Louise: Ah, Hiyori, what brings you here?

–Hiyori: Louise, you're here as well? I guess it's because the palace was attacked by a powerful adversary. And it seems that everything has been taken care of.

–Louise: Well, it does look that way. Anyway, do you know when Inori and Wakaba will get here?

–Hiyori: It should be soon. I got a message from her; she said that she was going to use a Portal Monolith to head directly to the palace, and also that I should head here as well.

–Louise: Ah, then we should head to the Portal Monolith chamber.

–Hiyori: Okay.

The two girls headed down into the basement, and into the Portal Monolith chamber. One of the Portal Monoliths was glowing white.

–Louise: Ah, it's active.

–Guard: Princess Louise, Lady Hiyori, it appears as if someone is about to be transported here via the Portal Monolith.

–Hiyori: I know who will go through the Portal Monolith. Everything will be right, assuming no monsters spawn.

–Louise: Please remain on standby, in case monsters do appear.

–Guard: Yes, Princess.

The glow became brighter, and a red magic circle appeared beside the Portal Monolith. From it emerged Inori and Wakaba. The glow faded.

–Inori: Looks like we made it.

–Wakaba: Ah, we did.

Wakaba looked around.

–Wakaba: Ah, Louise, you're here. And you too, Hiyori.

–Louise: It has been a while, Wakaba.

–Wakaba: Anyway...

–Guard: Lady Inori, Lady Wakaba, there is something I must tell you.

–Inori: What is it?

–Guard: The palace was attacked.

–Inori: Wait, what?! Who was responsible?!

–Guard: From what I've heard, it was an extremely powerful mage. I don't know much, since I've been stationed here for quite a while, but the queen and Princess Himawari have since left the bunker.

–Inori: I see. Louise, what exactly happened here?

–Louise: Well, a powerful Donsilan attacked the palace, looking to get the World Orb. Fortunately, Yayoi's group managed to drive her away, and she fled to another planet via teleport crystal.

–Guard: Ah, yes, Lady Yayoi was just here. She was heading to the chamber holding the World Orb.

–Louise: Okay. Then, should we head to the chamber?

–Hiyori: I suppose so.

–Inori: Wait. Hiyori, Wakaba, we still need to find the fourth person from our lineage who will help us unseal the chamber.

–Louise: Ah, I forgot about that. Well, we still don't know who could it be. Hiyori, do you have any ideas?

–Hiyori: Not really. I'm not good with genealogy anyway, so...

–Wakaba: Wait... what about Michiru?

–Louise: Wakaba, do you know something about her? Is she part of the Akagawa lineage?

–Wakaba: If what Matilda's mother said is true, then Michiru is part of the lineage.

–Inori: I had a feeling that was true. Well, the only way to find out is to try and unseal the chamber.

–Guard: Ah, if you're looking for Lady Michiru, she was with Lady Yayoi.

–Louise: Ah, thanks. Anyway, let's head to the chamber.

The four girls exited the portal room and headed to the chamber holding the World Orb.

Meanwhile, Lyra made her way to the throne room. It appeared to be empty, with a cloth covering the throne.

–Lyra: No one's here. Anyway...

Lyra noticed movement under the cloth covering the throne.

–Lyra: Huh? What's under this?

Lyra walked up to the throne, only for the cloth to suddenly fly off, revealing Melody.

–Lyra: Ah! Melody, what are you doing here?! And don't scare me like that!

–Melody: I was taking a break from searching for the air-elemental World Orb. I suppose you haven't begun your search yet, right?

–Lyra: That's right. I actually came to ask Akari for advice, since it appears that the Kuritani lineage may know where the earth-elemental World Orb is.

–Melody: For me it's the Miyana lineage... which means Uzuki and her sisters. Anyway, of all the times I could've taken a break, one of our own kind just had to come around and wreak havoc.

–Lyra: And she was really powerful, as well. Anyway, Melody... I want to ask you something.

–Melody: What is it, Lyra?

–Lyra: Do you remember how we used to play cards at the orphanage?

–Melody: Wait, you remember that?

–Lyra: It only just came back to me.

Melody took out a deck of cards, in its cover.

–Melody: Lyra... I kept this as a memento of you after you disappeared. Ever since that incident, I have never taken it out, because when I thought about using it, all I could remember was you.

Melody gave the deck to Lyra.

–Lyra: I see. Mind if I open it?

–Melody: If it is you, then I guess so.

Lyra opened the cover, and took out the cards.

–Lyra: It was indeed these that I played with all those years ago. My memory is patchy at best, but... I still remember how these cards looked.

–Melody: Lyra...

–Lyra: Sorry... I don't remember much more.

Lyra put back the cards and gave the deck back to Melody.

–Lyra: Anyway... should we get going?

–Melody: Okay.

Uzuki entered the throne room.

–Uzuki: Ah, I didn't expect to see you two here.

–Melody: Ah, Uzuki, you're here.

–Uzuki: Anyway, Melody, the air-elemental orb should be on the coast of West Pimbia.

–Melody: Ah, thanks, Uzuki.

–Uzuki: Anyway, I'll be off.

–Lyra: U-chan, wait!

–Uzuki: Lyra, what is it?

–Lyra: Umm...

Lyra ran up to Uzuki, and handed her an old book.

–Uzuki: Wait, what is this?

–Lyra: Umm... this is Ingrid's Diary. I asked Akane if she could give it to me, and after explaining how it might be related to you, gave it to me.

–Uzuki: I see. Lyra, you must've been in Yaezora for a while.

–Lyra: Eh? How did you know?

–Uzuki: It wouldn't have been easy to get possession of Ingrid's Diary from the museum. Do you realise just how important this book is?

–Lyra: I understand fully well. Akane gave it to me understanding that it will be returned.

–Uzuki: Chances are, I'm probably going to give it to Akacchi. It's not like I can read it; I don't understand the language. But of course there's more to it than what's written. Anyway, I'm heading off now.

Uzuki left the throne room.

Uzuki made her way to the chamber holding the World Orbs, where everyone was waiting.

–Yayoi: About time, Uzuki. Just what were you doing?

–Uzuki: Well... Lyra gave me this.

Uzuki took out the diary.

–Akari: Wait... Uzuki, how did Lyra get possession of that?

–Uzuki: She asked your mother. She mentioned my name, though, in her explanation.

–Akari: I see. Uzuki, I know we need to unseal the chamber, but... can you come next to me?

–Uzuki: Eh? Why?

–Akari: You know what significance that diary possesses in the war against Gakran, right?

–Uzuki: Ah, right. Okay, I'll come.

Uzuki walked right up to Akari.

–Akari: Uzuki, I had a feeling that you could be, like me, a reincarnation of the writer of the diary.

–Uzuki: Well, given what has transpired, I suppose that is plausible.

–Akari: Anyway, let's hold the diary between us.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

Uzuki held out the diary in front of her. Akari grabbed it with her right hand.

–Akari: Now, let's focus our mana on the diary.

–Uzuki: Ah, right.

Magic circles appeared beneath the two girls' feet. Suddenly, a massive orange magic circle appeared beneath both of them, and the entire area was enveloped in an orange glow.

–Wakaba: W-What's going on?

–Aoi: It appears as if the original girl's spirit is manifesting.

–Wakaba: Wait, how does that work? I mean, she's reincarnated, right?

–Benio: That's what I'd like to know.

–Inori: Well, I can't really explain it, and I don't think it's the right time to explain anyway. You can ask Aika after we've finished everything, though.

–Aika: Right, as if I'm the only one who knows about all of this.

–Sakura: Aika, what are you looking at me for? I don't understand any of this, even though I have seen something like it.

Mirai giggled.

–Yayoi: Anyway, let's back away, everyone.

The rest of the girls backed away from Uzuki and Akari. Meanwhile, an orange orb appeared in front of the two girls.

–Uzuki: Is this...

–Akari: This is it. The original spirit.

The orb began to speak.

–?????: So finally we meet.

–Uzuki: Eh?

–?????: Ah, you must be a bit confused, little one. Let me explain. Both of you are my reincarnations. I split my soul in order to defeat Gakran when he inevitably arose again.

–Uzuki: You know, many of us were under the impression that Gakran was already defeated.

–Akari: However, I know, and I'm sure you know as well, that he's still out there.

–?????: You're quite the observant one. Indeed Gakran is still out there. What you've done is severely weakened him to the point where he can no longer form a body. You've even gone further and destroyed his ship, which could have devastated vast portions of the world had it been left to its own devices.

–Uzuki: But what do we do now to defeat Gakran once and for all?

–?????: Little one, you see, you were chosen to lead the search for the April Light. There's a reason for that. It could've been anyone, had Gakran not tried to tamper with the seal within the Cave of Illusions. But because of his deeds, Gallurum is now intricately linked with Gakran.

–Akari: No way... so you're saying that Uzuki was chosen entirely because of Gakran?

–?????: Not entirely; it could've been you instead. But the little one was chosen precisely because of her intimate connection with the April Light.

–Uzuki: What do you mean? Is this connection to the April Light the reason I was chosen over Akacchi?

–?????: It's as I said. But I do not know any more. All I know is that Gakran- no, Gallurum, must be defeated at all costs. Little one, you are best positioned to fulfil this role.

–Akari: That's right, Uzuki. I've done my duty; it's now up to you to find the April Light and defeat Gakran once and for all.

–Uzuki: Okay... I'll try my best.

–?????: You know, you're not alone. I wasn't alone. Neither was her.

–Akari: You know, you could refer to us by our names.

–?????: Ehehe... Akari, was it? You kind of remind me of myself. It has been quite a while since I last walked in this world, but at least I'm glad that I have a pair of magical girls whom I can proudly call my successors. After all, you two are my descendants.

–Akari: That we already know.

–?????: Also, I believe there are the descendants of my old companions here as well. I'll call one of them up.

–Uzuki: Wait, your companions' descendants?

–?????: That's right. Although our descendants have spread far and wide, I can still recognise them. Anyway...

Suddenly, there was a telepathic signal.

–Inori: Eh? Me?

Inori approached the orb.

–?????: That's right. Looking at you, you are really indeed Tomoyo's descendant. You even look like her.

–Inori: Do I resemble her that much?

–?????: Indeed you do. In fact, if you were wearing a Namari kimono and standing beside her, I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Well, apart from age differences, but...

–Uzuki: When you said that your companions' descendants are here, could that mean...

–?????: Little one, each one of us was represented three years ago. And now, you and your friends represent each one of us.

–Uzuki: Wait, you mean...

–?????: That's right. Your own friends are descendants of each of us. And you and they possess the related powers.

–Akari: Huh? What do you mean?

–?????: One thing I noticed when observing your deeds was that there was one magical girl each who represented one of us. My group consisted of one who fought with a sword, that is, me, one who fought with ranged weapons, one who fought without weapons, and one who fought with magic. Does any of that sound familiar?

–Uzuki: Come to think of it, that exactly describes me and my friends. I use a sword, Wakaba uses bows, guns and cannons, Aocchi uses magic, and Benio does not rely on a weapon to fight. And I believe it's the same with Akacchi's group; aside from Akacchi, Yayoi-nee was the ranged weapon user, Mi-chan was the magic user, and Inorin was the one who did not use a weapon to fight.

–?????: You're exactly right, little one. Although in your cases it is complicated by the fact that you have others with you. Anyway, I'm sure you have something important to do right now, so I guess it's goodbye for now. Akari, Uzuki, I wish you the best of luck. From now on, you won't need the diary to summon me; just come together, and I will come.

The orb disappeared, and the glow died down.

–Himawari: Well, now that that's over, let us unseal the chamber.

–Erika: The first seal represents the Umehara line. Therefore, it's our job to unseal it. Aika, Sakura, step up to the seal.

–Aika: Got it. Sakura, let's go.

–Sakura: Okay.

Aika and Sakura walked up to the seal and began to cast their respective spells.

–Erika: Himawari, are you ready?

–Himawari: I am.

The two walked up behind the two already at the seal, and began to cast their respective spells as well. After a minute, the seal began to fade, and eventually disappeared entirely.

–Akari: The second seal represents the Kuritani line. Kaede, Aoi, Benio, let us combine our powers to break the seal.

–Kaede: Right. Aoi, let's do this together.

–Aoi: Okay. Benio, come with us as well.

–Benio: Right, right.

The four girls walked up to the second seal, and began to cast their respective spells. The seal began glowing orange, and after two minutes, the glow died, taking the seal with it. Uzuki and Tamaki walked up to where the second seal was, now that they had the third seal to remove.

–Tamaki: So this is our seal, right?

–Uzuki: Looks like it, Tama-chan.

Yayoi walked up to the two.

–Yayoi: This is probably getting a bit old, but the third seal represents the Miyana line. Uzuki, Tama-chan, I trust you're ready for this.

–Uzuki: We are, Yayoi-nee.

–Yayoi: Okay then. Mirai, come here.

–Mirai: I'm coming.

Mirai walked up to the three girls in front of the third seal. All four of them began to remove the seal. After a minute, the seal emitted a bright burst of blue light before disappearing.

–Wakaba: And just like that, there's only one left.

–Inori: Well, it's up to us. The final seal represents the Akagawa line.

Hiyori walked up to the final seal. Inori and Wakaba followed her.

–Kaede: Wait, who's the fourth person of the Akagawa line?

The other girls looked at each other, then at Michiru, who proceeded to walk up to the seal.

–Yayoi: Chiru-chan? Don't tell me...

–Michiru: I may be wrong, but I might be part of the Akagawa line.

–Inori: Well, let's begin.

The four girls at the seal began to cast their respective spells. Three minutes passed.

–Aoi: Is it working?

–Uzuki: I sure hope so.

Suddenly, the seal cracked. Red light appeared from the cracks, which began to grow to cover the entire seal. After fifteen seconds, the seal shattered and disappeared.

–Erika: That's it...

–Himawari: Michiru, how did you know you were part of the Akagawa line?

–Michiru: Wakaba told me.

–Wakaba: About that, well, Matilda's mother told me that the Kurosawas are actually part of a long-forgotten branch of the Akagawa line. From what she told me, Tomoyo had two daughters, and the Kurosawas were descended from the younger daughter.

–Louise: Wait, how did Emme figure all of that out? I mean, most records from before the Second Likkran War are spotty at best.

–Akari: Louise, it's easy to underestimate the amount of resources Emme has at her disposal. In fact, much of our knowledge of Likkra's history comes from her research.

–Erika: A lot of records were destroyed in the Second Likkran War, so most historians up to that point had incomplete information, but Emme was the first to look beyond Likkra to figure out its history. In addition, she used modern scientific methods to supplement her research. I'm guessing that she figured out the Kurosawa's relation to the Akagawa line based on a DNA sample.

–Akari: Anyway, let's head into the chamber. The World Orb is waiting.

The girls headed into the chamber.

End of Episode 28

< Previous episode | Next episode >

Commentary
The spirit, of course, is Ingiríðr Sigurðardóttir. It is possible for the original spirit to manifest itself if its two reincarnations gather at one place with an important item related to the spirit. I will elaborate on this in a later episode.

One might think that unsealing the chamber holding the World Orb now would be a rather stupid act, especially given that the Namari Royal Guard took massive casualties in the assault on the palace. However, the chamber holds more than just the World Orb; I'll mention more in the next episode.