Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 3/Episode 25

This is the first episode, "Returning Home" (帰る), of the third chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
In a desolate place, Uzuki was fighting some strange dark being. It had already knocked out the rest of the girls, leaving Uzuki to go against it alone.

–?????: Hmhmhm... I expected more from you. Is that the best you humans can throw at me?

–Uzuki: Don't think you've won just yet. You'll see... what we're really made of!

Uzuki charged straight at the being, activating Full Burst mode in the process. A yellow magic circle appeared beneath her feet, and her sword began to glow yellow. When she went within striking distance of her enemy, she swung mightily at it. The impact of the attack created a massive explosion; however, when the dust cleared, the being was able to neutralise the attack. In response, the being threw Uzuki far away using telekinesis, causing her to land hard on the ground.

–Uzuki: We couldn't even lay a scratch on it... no. There has to be a way to defeat it. There must be.

Uzuki got back on her feet, and began to cast a spell.

–Uzuki: Lunar Lightning... I hoped never to use it here. But I have no choice. If we don't defeat it, then...

Uzuki pointed her sword at the being, and began to focus. With one massive roar of thunder, lightning emerged from the clouds and struck the being. The massive amount of energy in the bolt caused a massive explosion, parting the clouds above and creating a mushroom cloud. The sheer force of the explosion strained Uzuki's barrier until it ultimately shattered.

Suddenly, Uzuki woke up. It was still the middle of the night.

–Uzuki: A dream?

Uzuki tried to go back to sleep, but found that she could not. She then heard noises from upstairs, so she left her bed to investigate. When she headed upstairs, she noticed that the light in one of the rooms is still on. Looking inside, she noticed that Matilda was asleep at her desk. Uzuki went inside to turn off the light, but inadvertently woke up Matilda instead.

–Uzuki: Ah, sorry if I woke you up.

–Matilda: Mm? Ah, Uzuki. Why are you up at this hour?

–Uzuki: I had a dream. A dream where I was fighting this powerful being.

–Matilda: Can you describe what happened in that dream?

–Uzuki: Well... it was in an unfamiliar place. It looked like everything in it had been killed or destroyed. As for the battle itself, well... I was the only one standing against it.

–Matilda: Maybe it's a sign of things to come. Three years ago, Akari had similar dreams.

–Uzuki: Then... could that mean...

–Matilda: It won't mean you'll fail. But don't expect this to be easy.

–Uzuki: I see. Anyway, why were you sleeping at your desk?

–Matilda: My mother found some unusual documents lying in the Lobehaben Museum's storage. I was trying to work out what they mean.

–Uzuki: What do they say?

–Matilda: It's a bit hard to read.

Matilda handed Uzuki one of the documents.

–Uzuki: Matilda... I don't understand any of this. The lower half is written in the Latin alphabet, but I've never seen any script that resembles the upper half.

–Matilda: These documents are like the Rosetta Stone, if my mother's hypothesis is correct. The lower half is written in Old Blylandic, so of course you wouldn't be able to understand it. But, as you said, the upper half is written in a script unlike anything we have seen. My mother told me to look for names in the Old Blylandic part, and see if they correspond to anything in the upper part.

–Uzuki: Have you found anything?

–Matilda: So far, I recognise only one name. The document mainly used generic titles. The name that was mentioned, repeatedly, was "Gallur", or occasionally, "Gallures Sterna".

–Uzuki: "Gallur"? What is that?

–Matilda: Apparently, it represents some powerful destructive force. There were also some texts, like the document I gave you, but with the lower half in Latin. They mentioned "Gallurum" and "Stella Galluri", so I'm guessing that they refer to the same thing.

–Uzuki: By the way, if the upper half doesn't resemble anything we've seen, then maybe I can show Kanade.

–Matilda: You mean that Donsilan? I guess that may work. I've heard that the Donsilan languages are incredibly static, and have largely remained unchanged for two million years. So a millennium or two wouldn't make any difference to her ability to comprehend the text. But if you just want to know what the documents say, then I can tell you directly.

–Uzuki: Then please tell me.

–Matilda: The texts say that in the fourth month, this powerful destructive force will arrive and bring destruction to everything. The only thing that can stop it is the April Light, that is, the very person you're searching for right now.

–Uzuki: That I already know.

–Matilda: They also say that demons will rise one after the other to wrest control of the galaxy from their rightful inhabitants, and that one human will become a demon to achieve this end. They say that these events would be the sign that Gallurum would be coming.

–Uzuki: Then... could the recent events... the re-emergence of the Dark Angel, the assaults by Gakran... could they be the sign that whatever is said in those documents is coming?

–Matilda: Possibly. Anyway...

Uzuki glanced at the clock. It was six o'clock.

–Uzuki: It's already six?

–Matilda: Ah, you're right. I guess there's no point in going back to sleep now.

–Uzuki: Even though it's still dark outside. But it's winter here.

–Matilda: Anyway, I'm going to look over the documents some more. Why don't you rest here for a bit, Uzuki?

–Uzuki: Matilda... I've been thinking...

–Matilda: What is it?

–Uzuki: I've never seen you actually go out and fight. I mean, you are a magical girl.

–Matilda: That's true, but, compared to you, I'm weak. I could never hope to reach the same level as Akari, and even Kaede, who by her own admission isn't that powerful, is stronger than me.

–Uzuki: But you were the one who taught me how to use my weapon. In fact, you taught me a lot of things.

–Matilda: It was Yayoi who called me to Japan to teach you those things. At the time, I had never even been to Japan, and it was my mother who helped me adjust. But I was glad I was able to teach you.

–Uzuki: You know, I consider myself lucky for having a sister like Yayoi-nee. I can always depend on her for anything. Although, I want to show her that I can do things my way.

–Matilda: Uzuki, Yayoi is also the kind of person who wants to see her little sister succeed. As much as she adores you, she wants you to make a mark on this world, just like she did, just like your mother did.

–Uzuki: I know that.

–Matilda: Anyway, Uzuki... I think it's about time you returned home.

–Uzuki: It has been over three years since I left Yaezora. Not once have I returned. But, this time is different.

–Matilda: Uzuki, my mother said that your mother kept a lot of things hidden away from her daughters. From what I've heard, those secrets remain hidden even to this day.

–Uzuki: I never knew that. So, what were these secrets?

–Matilda: I think it's better for you to find out for yourself. And besides, they're locked away by a magic lock, which requires two people to unlock.

–Uzuki: Then, how do we unlock it?

–Matilda: ... Only those closest to Tsukika are able to unlock it, or so I've heard. I believe that means close relatives of your mother, such as yourself.

–Uzuki: I see. Maybe I should ask Yayoi-nee about it.

–Matilda: She already knows. And she wants you back.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay. Anyway, I should head back to my room.

–Matilda: Okay, then.

Uzuki left the room and headed back downstairs. She noticed that Wakaba was at the front door, about to leave.

–Uzuki: Wakaba!

Wakaba turned around and saw Uzuki.

–Wakaba: Ah, sorry, Uzuki, but I'm going out for a bit. See you later.

Wakaba exited the building, and closed the door.

–Uzuki: She's gone. But she seemed to be in a hurry.

Wakaba was running along the streets of Lobehaben, lit up only by the yellow street lights. After running for a few minutes and making several turns, she stopped and took out her phone.

–Wakaba: It has to be around here somewhere...

Wakaba tried to open the map on her phone, but the gloves she was wearing made it difficult for her touches to register. She took off the glove on her right hand, then continued.

–Wakaba: I must be close. But I can't stay out here forever; I didn't think it'll be this cold at this time, and I can't have the others worry about me.

Wakaba put her phone away and resumed running. Eventually, she tripped, and fell on to the snow.

–Wakaba: Oww...

Wakaba was about to get up when she spotted the figure of what appeared to be a young man. The figure walked towards her.

–Wakaba: Wait... who are you?

The figure's face became visible to Wakaba.

–Wakaba: Wait... Kazuya?

Kazuya walked right up to Wakaba, and helped her back up on her feet.

–Kazuya: Wakaba... what are you doing all the way out here? And where are the others?

–Wakaba: There was something I was searching for. Something regarding my lineage, and who I really am. Surely you know what I mean.

–Kazuya: Just what are you talking about? And what's with all this, expecting me to know this?

A voice called out.

–?????: Brother, is something the matter?

–Wakaba: Ah. Inori!

Inori ran up to the two.

–Inori: Wait, Wakaba?! Why are you out here all alone?

–Wakaba: There was something I was searching for in this city. Inori, I want to know... am I really a member of the Akagawa lineage?

The question took both Kazuya and Inori by surprise.

–Inori: Wakaba... I can't answer your question right now, but... I think you may be looking for the same thing we're looking for.

–Wakaba: Then... can I come with you?

–Inori: Sure. Anyway, let's get going.

The three headed off.

Eventually, just as dawn broke, the three reached what appeared to be a worn- down monument.

–Wakaba: Is this it?

–Kazuya: Inori, what is this supposed to be? It appears to be quite old, though.

–Inori: This is supposed to be just one of four statues in Lobehaben commemorating Gakran's initial defeat. Each statue is supposed to represent one of the four magical girls said to have defeated him. However, only one, that of Ingrid, is maintained to this day. The others have been neglected to the point where they look like this.

–Wakaba: So, whom is this statue supposed to represent?

–Inori: Tomoyo Akagawa.

–Wakaba: I've heard that name before, although I don't know very much.

–Kazuya: She is our ancestor. However, my own knowledge is spotty. Inori knows quite a fair bit, though.

–Inori: Anyway, this statue is merely a marker for what we're looking for.

Inori walked right up to the statue. She knelt down in front of it, and swept away the snow gathered in front of it, revealing a trapdoor.

–Wakaba: So... whatever we're searching for is in there, right?

–Inori: That's correct. Anyway, let's head inside.

Inori opened the trapdoor, and the three entered.

–Wakaba: It's dark in here. Do we have anything to light up this place?

Kazuya took out a lamp and turned it on.

–Inori: Wakaba, you're easily scared of the dark, right?

–Wakaba: Inori, let's just focus on what's ahead.

Inori giggled.

–Kazuya: Hold on.

The three stopped. They looked ahead, and saw that they had walked into a rather large room. On the other side of the room was a large door, guarded by a massive beast.

–Wakaba: What is that thing?!

–Inori: That monster isn't supposed to be here. Normally, the door should be unguarded.

–Wakaba: Then...

–Kazuya: It's likely that whoever put that beast here is conspiring against anyone who would consider accessing the secrets.

–Inori: Well, there's only one thing we can do. That is to defeat this thing!

Inori changed into her mage outfit, and charged at the beast.

–Wakaba: I... I'll fight as well!

–Kazuya: No, Wakaba, you stay here. That beast is too strong for you.

Kazuya took out his gun, and fired multiple bullets at the beast. With the beast momentarily stunned, Inori struck it with her right fist. The beast tried to counter, but Kazuya stopped it by firing another bullet.

–Wakaba: You two have fought together before, right?

–Kazuya: That's correct. We know exactly what both of us are capable of, and we know to cover each other's weakness. Wakaba, I've seen footage of your battles, and I've seen that you're learning to work with your friends to take down powerful enemies.

Meanwhile, Inori sent a flurry of punches and kicks, stunning the beast. However, the beast backed away after regaining its senses, and sent a fireball straight towards Inori.

–Wakaba: Inori!

Inori leapt to avoid the fireball, and began to cast a magic spell. A ring of magic bullets appeared above the beast. The beast tried to attack Inori; however, it was knocked back by Kazuya.

–Wakaba: They know their own roles. It's something that was missing in my group; to think we tried whatever came to mind, without regard to our strengths and weaknesses... huh?

–Inori: Wakaba, watch out!

At that point, the three noticed a fireball heading straight towards Wakaba. Wakaba had very little time to react, and instinctively put up a barrier to block the fireball. The beast had now turned its attention to Wakaba.

–Kazuya: This is bad... Wakaba! Get out of here!

–Wakaba: Okay!

Wakaba tried to exit the room, only to run straight into a barrier.

–Inori: Okay, we're trapped. Brother, protect Wakaba. I'll try to distract this monster.

–Kazuya: Right.

The beast charged straight towards Wakaba. Kazuya grabbed Wakaba and took her out of the beast's path. More fireballs appeared and were thrown towards Wakaba. Inori tried to distract the beast, first by throwing magic bullets at it, then by attacking it directly, but the beast simply ignored her despite taking significant damage.

–Wakaba: Kazuya, can you let go of me?

–Kazuya: Wait, what are you...

Wakaba changed into her mage outfit and activated her magic device.

–Wakaba: It's after me. Whatever the reason, I will fight back.

Wakaba began to cast a spell, and a massive green magic circle appeared beneath her feet.

Meanwhile, Uzuki headed back to Matilda's room.

–Uzuki: Matilda, I just saw Wakaba leave the house.

–Matilda: Wait, at this hour?! Just what has gotten into her?

–Uzuki: I don't know; I didn't get the chance to ask her. But she seemed to be in a hurry.

–Matilda: Is that so... then... maybe it's because of that.

–Uzuki: That? What do you mean?

–Matilda: You might not know this, but Wakaba is a matrilinear descendant of Tomoyo Akagawa. Which means that she's a member of the Akagawa lineage.

–Uzuki: This is the first time I've heard about it.

–Matilda: Well, it's not like Wakaba would've known anyway. My mother probably told her. That said, I also happen to be a matrilinear descendant.

–Uzuki: Wait, you too? But then again, it's not like I know that much about my own lineage. Anyway, what does this have to do with Wakaba's actions?

–Matilda: Supposedly, each of the four lines of the Namari royal family have hidden valuable treasures across the continent.

–Uzuki: Ah, yes, I know about that. So is Wakaba searching for one of them?

–Matilda: That seems most likely. If I recall, the location is marked, but it has been forgotten by most.

–Uzuki: What do you mean?

–Matilda: The marker has been neglected, and is largely unrecognisable.

Uzuki felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She took it out.

–Uzuki: Inorin?

–Matilda: Wait, Inori? What did she tell you?

–Uzuki: She and her brother found Wakaba, and have taken her to the location of the treasure. However, they seem to be in a pinch right now.

–Matilda: Is that so? Then maybe I should get out and help them.

–Uzuki: Wait, are you sure? As you said, you aren't as strong as us or them.

–Matilda: I know that. But I can use the knowledge I've gained from my studies to great effect in battle.

–Uzuki: If that's the case, then let me come as well.

–Matilda: No, you stay here. This only concerns the Akagawa lineage. And besides, I think you're needed somewhere else.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

–Matilda: Then, I'll be off.

–Uzuki: Take care.

Matilda left the room, and the house. Uzuki's phone vibrated again.

–Uzuki: Huh? Who could it be this time?

Uzuki looked at her phone. It was a message from Yayoi. It simply read:

"Uzuki, I need you back in Yaezora as soon as possible. Take Tama-chan with you as well."

–Uzuki: Yayoi-nee...

Uzuki headed downstairs, to where Tamaki was sleeping.

–Uzuki: Tama-chan...

Uzuki tried to wake up Tamaki, but got no response.

–Uzuki: Tama-chan... wake up.

Tamaki woke up.

–Tamaki: What is it, Uzuki?

–Uzuki: Yayoi-nee told me to head back immediately, and to take you with me.

–Tamaki: Why now, though?

–Uzuki: I'm not sure. But I'm pretty sure it's urgent.

–Tamaki: Anyway...

Tamaki looked around the room.

–Tamaki: Where's Kanade?

–Uzuki: Ah, she headed out a few minutes ago. She said that she was going to try and summon that ship she was talking about yesterday.

–Tamaki: Ah, okay. Then, before we go, what should we do about the others?

–Uzuki: Wakaba headed out a while ago, and is with Inorin. I'm sure she'll catch up with us once we get to Yaezora. As for Aocchi and Benio, well...

Uzuki's phone vibrated again. She looked at it and saw another message, this time from Akari. It read:

"Uzuki, to add to what Yayoi said, bring Aoi and Benio as well. I need to speak to them."

–Tamaki: Who was that?

–Uzuki: Akacchi. She told me to get Aocchi and Benio to come with us.

–Tamaki: Okay, then. Well, should we wake them up? And what about Matilda?

–Uzuki: I think she already knows; she said that I was needed somewhere else, and I think this is what she meant.

–Tamaki: Then, I'll wake up Aoi and Benio.

Tamaki headed into another room.

Matilda spotted the neglected statue while flying and landed close to it. She then opened the trapdoor next to it and headed inside. When she got to the large room where the battle was taking place, she noticed a barrier blocking the entrance.

–Matilda: Everyone! Are you okay?

Inori turned around.

–Inori: Wait, what are you doing here, Matilda?

–Matilda: Never mind that, let me help you.

Matilda took out her sword and with one swing destroyed the barrier.

–Matilda: That beast can only be reliably harmed with edged weapons. Unarmed combat and magic bullets do not have much of an effect on it.

–Kazuya: That explains everything. Then, we leave everything to you.

–Matilda: Okay, then. Wakaba, cover for me!

–Wakaba: Okay!

Matilda charged at the beast, while Wakaba took out her bow and shot multiple magic arrows at it.

End of Episode 25

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