Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 2/Episode 24

This is the twelfth episode, "Leaving Earth" (地球を去る), of the second chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
On board the Deviant, Kanade was sitting alone in a room.

–Kanade: To think that the seal is weakening on its own...

Suddenly, the door opened. The captain entered the room.

–Kanade: Ah, is something the matter?

–Captain: Kanade, I've been thinking, why did you ask us to take you to Fuenod? I'd think you would've had your own ships.

–Kanade: Yours was the closest to Earth, though. For reasons which I do not know, the Victory is stationed near Elrodom.

–Captain: I see. Anyway, there's something I'd like to tell you.

–Kanade: What is it, Captain?

–Captain: Kanade, the truce between our factions is not to tackle the upcoming crisis involving the April Light.

–Kanade: If not that, then what?

–Captain: Kanade... do you know about the Whites?

–Kanade: The Whites?

–Captain: Your faction is the Greens, and we are the Reds. The Greens are dedicated to guiding humanity to greatness without sacrificing free will, while the Reds desire to rule over humanity and give them progress, whether they want it or not.

–Kanade: Then, the Whites, what do they want?

–Captain: They desire the elimination of all life in the galaxy, just to make way for the Donsilans. From what I've heard, they're going to take advantage of the confusion resulting from the seal within the Cave of Illusions breaking to invade the galaxy and scour it clean.

–Kanade: In other words, scrub it until it's pure white. Captain, just how powerful are the Whites?

–Captain: Kanade... given your sheltered upbringing, you may not know this, but... the Whites far outnumber the Greens and Reds combined. In an all-out war, we would lose.

–Kanade: Then, what can we do?

–Captain: The only ones we can rely upon in the event of war... are the Blues.

–Kanade: The Blues? What are they? I've never heard of any faction going by that name.

–Captain: That is the term we use to refer to humanity.

–Kanade: Humanity? Wait, what can they do? Their technology is far behind ours. Do you expect them to be able to stand up to the Whites?

–Captain: Not through strength of arms. You may not know this, but humans are the culmination of a massive experiment to create a successor species to us, derived from the apes of Earth. That is why they look a lot like us, and possess the ability to wield powerful magic.

–Kanade: So you're suggesting that the humans have something that could turn the tide of such a war?

–Captain: As much as you and the other pendant holders have Inherent Abilities relating to illusions, we've found several human magical girls with Inherent Abilities that, if combined, can alter reality itself.

–Kanade: Wait, how?

–Captain: We're not sure ourselves. It is said that Inherent Abilities are divine in origin, like Innocence, and we do not know what influences the type of Inherent Ability one may get. However, it is possible that the humans may have figured out how to influence this.

–Kanade: If I recall, Miho said something about 'engineering' magical girls.

–Captain: I think that's what your human friend referred to. In the previous generation, we identified only three magical girls who were potential chosen ones. In this generation, there are hundreds.

Suddenly, both individuals heard a telepathic voice.

–Voice: &lt;Attention all inhabitants of this shining galaxy. This is the Demon Princess, Chyla, speaking, and I have an important announcement to make. We have gathered enough intelligence to suggest that several entities are planning an invasion of this galaxy, for the purposes of wiping all life from it. As such, we have decided to issue an advance "Code Red" security alert for the entire galaxy. All inhabitants, if capable, must bolster their defences to prepare for this invasion, and take measures to ensure survival. If you have any queries, please direct them to the Donsilans or the Federation of Four Earths.&gt;

The two sat in silence for a moment.

–Kanade: I guess that must be the Whites.

–Captain: Indeed it is. The Black Rose had already issued an advance "Code Black" warning regarding the seal within the Cave of Illusions, though, so I don't think it'll make much of a difference to preparations.

–Kanade: I see.

The navigator entered the room.

–Navigator: Captain, we have arrived at Fuenod.

–Captain: Alright, then. Kanade, where would you like to be set down?

–Kanade: Set me down near Lobehaben. There's someone I'm supposed to meet there.

–Captain: Okay. I'll enter the coordinates into Shuttle 1-B.

–Kanade: Then, I'll be off.

Kanade left the room.

At the port in Dublin, the girls were preparing to board a ship that will take them to the Portal Monolith in the Irish Sea. Accompanying them was Catherine.

–Uzuki: Catherine, thanks for accompanying us.

–Catherine: Don't worry about it. I'm needed in Likkra, so I thought it'd be best to go together with you.

–Miho: Anyway, how long will it take until we reach Lobehaben?

–Catherine: Let's see... it'll take around three hours to reach the Portal Monolith, and depending on the conditions... probably another seven to ten hours.

–Uzuki: Actually, the area around Blyland is packed with ice.

The girls stood there for a moment.

–Benio: Come again?

–Uzuki: The area around Blyland is packed with ice.

–Wakaba: Wait, how do you know about that, Uzuki?

–Catherine: Figures. It's the middle of winter there.

–Miho: Don't worry about it. The ship which will take us there will have a helicopter, so it can take us to Lobehaben.

–Tamaki: Anyway, does everyone have winter clothes?

–Aoi: I'm pretty sure we all do. Right, Wakaba?

–Wakaba: Eh, umm...

–Aoi: Wait, don't tell me...

–Wakaba: I didn't really think this through. I didn't take into account the differences in seasons between the planets.

–Benio: Well, why don't you just wear that to our destination?

–Wakaba: Benio!

–Catherine: Anyway, the ship will arrive soon. Wakaba, can you borrow clothes from someone else?

–Wakaba: Umm...

Benio handed Wakaba some articles of clothing.

–Benio: Here you go.

–Wakaba: Ah, thanks, Benio.

Wakaba took the clothes, and inspected it. On the coat was a print of a high school girl with long black hair playing a bass guitar.

–Wakaba: Umm... what is this? Is this from some anime? Also, this may be a bit too big for me.

–Benio: Ah, that belonged to Inori. It appears that her brother was a fan of that anime. Anyway, that's the only thing I can lend to you.

Uzuki spotted the ship emerging from the horizon.

–Uzuki: Ah, here it comes.

–Tamaki: Well, I guess it's time to go.

The ship moved into port and set anchor. The girls took their belongings and boarded the ship. After a while, the ship began to leave the port.

On the way to the Portal Monolith, there was very little light other than that of the ship. Aoi was lying on the deck, looking up at the night sky. Wakaba exited the ship and approached Aoi.

–Wakaba: Are you stargazing, Aoi?

–Aoi: Yes. Wakaba, is this your first time heading to Fuenod?

–Wakaba: Ah, it is. But Mizuki told me a fair bit about it. What about you?

–Aoi: I haven't been there either. But you know, it is a huge world out there. We've only explored a tiny portion of it right now.

–Wakaba: It is so. To think that there's so much about the world we don't know about...

Wakaba looked up at the sky.

–Wakaba: It has been a very long while, but humanity finally has the ability to head to the stars and find new worlds.

–Aoi: Indeed. However, before we can get to that point... we must find the April Light and defeat that entity sealed within the Cave of Illusions.

–Wakaba: You're right. If we want to ensure our future, we must do this. We cannot lose.

–Aoi: Of course. But I wonder what is going through Uzuki's mind right now.

–Wakaba: This must be quite rough on her. I mean, to have the expectations of practically the entire human race on her shoulders...

–Aoi: But, Uzuki is Uzuki. If there's a goal she wants to achieve, she will achieve it no matter what. Sure, she might rather go at her own pace, or not have other people rely on her, but...

–Wakaba: Uzuki never really liked being in the spotlight. But, given what her mother and her sisters have done, people are expecting a lot from her.

–Aoi: That's true. It also applies to us, to a lesser extent. Already now, people are comparing me to Hima-nee.

–Wakaba: Is that so...

The two girls saw something appear on the horizon.

–Wakaba: Wait, could that be...

–Aoi: That's the Portal Monolith.

In the distance the Portal Monolith was glowing white, its light drowning the surrounding darkness.

–Aoi: Here it is. It's time. Wakaba, let's head inside.

–Wakaba: Okay.

The two girls headed inside the ship.

Himawari was walking along the snow-covered streets of Lobehaben when she reached her destination. In front of her was a large mansion. She approached the gate and pressed the button.

–Voice: This is the Benson family mansion, Lobehaben. Currently no one of importance is present, so unless you have booked this mansion, it is advised that you leave.

–Himawari: This is the princess of Namari, Himawari. I have booked this mansion for today.

–Voice: Very well. Please wait while we verify your identity.

After a minute, the gate opened. Himawari entered the mansion, where a maid was waiting.

–Maid: Please follow me, Princess.

The maid guided Himawari to a meeting room on the third floor. Himawari entered the room.

–Himawari: Well, I suppose I have no choice but to wait...

Himawari placed her coat on the coat hanger near the entrance of the room, took off her boots and sat down at the large table in the middle of the room.

–Himawari: Will they really be okay out there?

Himawari looked out the window, where she could see snow falling.

–Himawari: It's summer in Japan, but winter here. It might be a shock to them to be sent to a cold place suddenly.

There was a knock on the door.

–Voice: Princess, there is a young girl requesting entrance into the mansion.

–Himawari: Details?

–Voice: She introduced herself as Kanade. Mana signature analysis suggests that she is a Donsilan with a red magic colour.

–Himawari: Take her to me.

–Voice: Understood, Princess.

The maid walked away. After a while, the door opened and Kanade entered.

–Himawari: Ah, welcome, Kanade. Leave your coat there and take off your boots; there are pairs of shoes you can use inside over there.

–Kanade: Ah, okay.

Kanade took off her coat and left it on the coat hanger, then took off her boots.

–Himawari: Hm? You're not wearing much under that coat.

–Kanade: Ah, we Donsilans aren't really fazed by the cold. I was only wearing that coat to avoid attention. Himawari, I know that humans aren't that tolerant to temperature extremes, so... weren't you cold in that?

Kanade stared at Himawari's legs.

–Himawari: I've gotten used to it. Although most magical girls under the Zodiac Warriors and Puella keep their legs bare even when it gets really cold, for reasons which I do not fully understand. In fact, Tamaki complained about it when she had to head to the Cave of Illusions. Sure, we magical girls can't really freeze to death, but still...

–Kanade: Anyway, should we wait for the others to arrive?

–Himawari: Ah, that'll be a good idea.

When the ship went through the Portal Monolith, it found itself in a small region of open water completely surrounded by ice. Uzuki exited the ship and went on deck to observe the ice.

–Uzuki: I'm back...

Wakaba exited the ship. Almost immediately, she shivered as the cold air touched her bare legs.

–Wakaba: ! It's cold out here!

Uzuki turned towards Wakaba.

–Uzuki: Wakaba, take a look at the ice.

–Wakaba: No thanks, I'll just head back inside.

Uzuki giggled.

–Wakaba: What's so funny?

–Uzuki: That coat... it really does look big on you. I mean, I can't see your hands.

–Wakaba: Well, this is the only thing I have.

–Uzuki: Anyway, come look at the ice.

–Wakaba: No, I'm heading back inside.

Benio crept up to Wakaba and covered her eyes.

–Wakaba: Ah, who's there!

–Benio: Guess.

–Uzuki: Benio, cut it out.

–Benio: Fine.

Benio let go of Wakaba.

–Wakaba: Benio, what was that for?!

–Benio: I just felt like it. Anyway...

Benio grabbed Wakaba's wrist and dragged her out towards Uzuki.

–Wakaba: Eh? What are you-

Wakaba looked out towards the horizon. For as far as the eye could see, there was ice.

–Wakaba: It's so pretty...

–Uzuki: Let's take a photo.

Uzuki took out her phone, and the three girls moved right up to the railing, with their backs to the ocean. Uzuki held her phone up and took a photo. She then held her phone in front of her for all to see.

–Uzuki: What do you think?

Wakaba and Benio looked at the photo of the four girls.

–Wakaba: Looks good to me.

–Benio: Me too. Wait, Aoi, where did you come from?!

Wakaba and Benio turned towards Aoi, who was now standing next to them. Uzuki giggled.

–Aoi: Ah, sorry for that. I didn't want to get left out, so I just walked into the photo before Uzuki took it.

–Uzuki: Actually, Aocchi, I was waiting for you before taking the photo.

Tamaki exited the ship.

–Tamaki: Everyone, let's get on board the helicopter!

–Uzuki: Right, we're coming!

The four girls followed Tamaki to the helicopter, where Catherine was waiting.

In a guest bedroom in the mansion, Himawari was reading a book. A maid knocked on the door.

–Maid: Princess, the other guests have arrived.

–Himawari: Understood. I'll be heading to the meeting room shortly, so please wait there.

–Maid: Understood, Princess.

Himawari put down the book and gathered a pile of paperwork. She inspected the pile to see if she had everything she needed, before opening the door.

–Himawari: Lead the way, please.

–Maid: Understood.

The maid led Himawari back to the meeting room. Inside, she set down the pile and took a seat at the chair farthest from the door. After a while, everyone else arrived.

–Himawari: Everyone, take a seat.

Everyone sat down at the table.

–Himawari: Okay, let us discuss the location of the Fuenodian World Orbs. As of now, we have yet to locate any of the World Orbs, and only two of the pendant holders have been deployed. One is, of course, sitting with us right now.

–Uzuki: So, do we have any leads right now?

–Kanade: I was told that Aria and Melody scouted the planet before arriving on Earth, and their superiors told me that the air-elemental World Orb is somewhere in Likkra.

–Himawari: By "Likkra" you mean the continent, right?

–Kanade: That's correct. It could be in the old kingdom, or in the land of lead. Or perhaps one of the many small republics of Likkra.

–Aoi: What about the other World Orbs.

–Kanade: I have no clue. And besides, I only just arrived here a few hours ago, so I haven't gone out to search for them yet.

–Himawari: By the way... I have some bad news.

Everyone turned towards Himawari.

–Wakaba: What's the matter, Himawari?

–Himawari: My sister has informed me that both kingdoms have obtained intelligence regarding a massive Donsilan force gathering outside the galaxy. From what we know, it appears that Fuenod is their first target.

–Kanade: That's why it's imperative that we find the World Orbs as quickly as possible! We can't afford to waste any time here!

–Tamaki: Kanade?

Kanade rose from her seat.

–Kanade: They told me. There's a third faction that wants to wipe out all life from the galaxy, to create a blank slate for the Donsilans. They're far more powerful than my faction, and Aria's faction as well. Our only hope lies with the chosen ones of humanity, the April Light among them. That's why...

–Uzuki: Kanade, I know what you're thinking. You heard that message by the Demon Princess as well, right?

–Kanade: Ah, yes. Wait, you heard it as well, Uzuki?

–Tamaki: So did I.

–Uzuki: Kanade, are you trying to go find the water-elemental World Orb by yourself?

–Kanade: If you're just going to sit around and talk, then yes.

Kanade walked towards the door. Uzuki grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

–Kanade: Uzuki?

–Uzuki: Kanade... I'm going with you. I won't allow you to go alone.

Both girls headed to the door.

–Himawari: Wait right there!

Both girls stopped.

–Himawari: Kanade, I know what's going on in your mind. Yes, I heard the message as well. But nothing good comes from rushing things. We must think long about our next move. As we speak, Aria and Melody are searching the continent for the location of the air-elemental World Orb.

–Kanade: But...

–Tamaki: Himawari's right, you know. While we should take action quickly because the fate of the galaxy is at stake, the fact that the fate of the galaxy is at stake means that we must make careful decisions, as one slip-up could mean failure.

–Uzuki: Kanade, you seem a bit desperate. Is there something you're not telling us?

Everyone remained silent for a moment.

–Kanade: The thing is... I wanted to summon the ship bound to my pendant.

–Benio: Ship? You mean... you have your own ships?

–Kanade: Not quite. But the legacy of the April Light included four ships. Ships said to be the most powerful not just in the Milky Way, but throughout the Local Group. However, they normally cannot be controlled without the April Light.

–Aoi: So you want to summon this ship, just to see if you can control it enough to help, right?

–Kanade: Yes. It's possible that, in a desperate time, it may be controllable by any sufficiently powerful magical girl. Or at least that's what I heard.

–Tamaki: Well, like Himawari said, we shouldn't rush things. And if we do manage to summon that ship, I might be able to do something with it.

–Uzuki: If that's what you want to do... then I'll let you leave first thing tomorrow morning to do that.

–Kanade: Everyone...

–Uzuki: Anyway, is there anything else you want to say, Himawari?

–Himawari: No. That's all for now.

–Uzuki: Okay then, let's head to our bedrooms.

–Himawari: Actually...

–Uzuki: What is it, Himawari?

–Himawari: I haven't booked this mansion for an overnight stay. We can have dinner here, but that's it.

Everyone was silent for a moment.

–Everyone: Eh?!

–Uzuki: Can't you extend the booking now?

–Himawari: I'll try.

Himawari took out her phone and called Natasha.

–Himawari: Oh, Natasha, it's the princess of Namari. Sorry for bothering you right now, but could you extend our booking at the Lobehaben mansion to the next morning?

After a minute:

–Himawari: So no? That's okay, sorry for bothering you. Bye.

Himawari put away her phone.

–Himawari: Sorry, but it looks like we have to leave after dinner. It seems that Samsoft and WBSC have organised a business meeting here tomorrow. I can stay with the president of Blyland, but that's just for the Namari royal family.

–Wakaba: Then where will we stay? We don't know anyone in this city.

–Benio: Well, we could try a hotel.

–Aoi: But wouldn't they be all booked?

–Uzuki: Hold on, everyone.

Uzuki took out her phone and called someone.

–Voice: Hello, this is the residence of Emme Willemsdutter. This is her daughter, Matilda, speaking.

–Uzuki: Ah, Matilda, this is Uzuki.

–Matilda: Uzuki? You're back?

–Uzuki: Well, only for a few weeks. But anyway, we're kind of stuck without a place to stay right now, so...

–Matilda: Wait, how many are with you?

–Uzuki: There are five others with me. Is it possible for all of us to stay over at your place for the night?

–Matilda: Hold on, I need to speak to Mum about this first.

After three minutes:

–Matilda: She said yes.

–Uzuki: That's great! Anyway, we'll see you later. Bye.

–Matilda: Bye.

Uzuki put her phone away.

–Benio: Who was that?

–Tamaki: That was Matilda, a friend of Akari and Yayoi, and the daughter of Zodiac Warriors scholar Emme Willemsdutter. Although she's a magical girl herself, she hardly goes on actual assignments.

–Wakaba: I see.

A maid knocked on the door.

–Maid: Everyone, dinner is ready.

–Himawari: Understood. Everyone, let's head to the dining room.

–Everyone: Okay.

Everyone left the meeting room.

End of Episode 24

End of Chapter 2

Bonus scene
At Lobehaben International Airport:

–Catherine: So, I guess this is where we part, for now.

–Miho: Catherine, I've been meaning to ask you something.

–Catherine: What is it, Miho?

–Miho: What is your relationship with Pablo? I know you're Jacinta's daughter, but is there anything else that connects you two?

–Catherine: I'm not exactly sure myself. I don't know what it is, but Pablo seems to be interested in me for some reason.

–Miho: Actually, Catherine... do you even know what your Inherent Ability is?

–Catherine: Come to think of it, no. Why do you ask?

–Miho: You seem to have the ability to get those hostile to you to back down, but only when you don't intend to fight them. Additionally, you seem to be able to break nearly anything, and make objects unbreakable.

–Catherine: That's something I've been wondering as well. Is that really my Inherent Ability?

–Miho: That's what I believe. The ability to alter the connections between two objects or beings. I believe that is your Inherent Ability.

Catherine stood in silence for a moment.

–Miho: Wait, was that too much for you to take in?

–Catherine: Sorry, I just spaced out. But why wouldn't they tell me?

–Miho: It might have something to do with Pablo. Anyway, do not tell anyone what I just told you. If the Zodiac Warriors wanted it to be a secret, they must've had a good reason for it.

–Catherine: Okay. Anyway, you're heading to Chiyohara, right?

–Miho: Yes. Anyway, see you later.

–Catherine: See you later, Miho.

The two girls went their separate ways.

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Commentary
One of the things I should stop doing is leaving what to do with characters' Inherent Abilities to the last minute. Before posting this episode, I hadn't even thought about Catherine's Inherent Ability (although I had a rough idea of what her sister's Inherent Ability is). And admittedly, I only put up that bonus scene because I forgot to give Catherine and Miho speaking lines in the Lobehaben mansion, and decided to handwave their absence by having them head straight to the airport after arrival.

The ships bound to the pendants, on the other hand, were planned from about when I was halfway through the chapter (although the mechanism by which they are summoned was made up as I was writing this episode). I haven't fully decided on their names, but they will be names of stars.

(2017-10-02): I actually forgot that the elements of the pendant holders don't match up with the elements of the World Orbs. As such, I've made some slight alterations (I already specified that two of them are out searching for the World Orbs, so that made it a bit easier for me).