Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 1/Episode 8
This is the eighth episode, "The Donsilan Magical Girl" (ドーンシランの魔法少女), of the first chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.
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Episode text
On board the Himiko, Hiyori was watching a display in a small room. The ship had sent an unmanned probe to observe the girls' progress on Murgin, and the video streamed by the probe showed the group confronting an unknown magical girl.
–Hiyori: It's about to start...
A girl walked up behind Hiyori and tapped her on the back. Hiyori turned around and, upon noticing the girl, jumped back in surprise.
–Hiyori: ?! Oh, it's you, Kaede.
–Kaede: Hiyori, those girls... do you think they can pull it off?
–Hiyori: A Donsilan magical girl is far stronger than the witches we fought three years ago. However, the battle is six-to-one, and Wakaba has a fairly powerful Inherent Ability.
–Kaede: You know, in the two times humans have fought Donsilans, it took two magical girls and two witches working together to defeat one the first time, and we only won the second confrontation due to sheer luck. I don't know how well they'll do down there, but we really need Uzuki right now.
–Hiyori: Uzuki is recovering at a hospital in Sydney. Even if she were discharged right now, she wouldn't make it in time.
–Kaede: True... however, I think they still have a chance. Wakaba's Inherent Ability, and Aoi's Inherent Ability, may be enough to turn the tables.
–Hiyori: Eh? What about Aoi?
–Kaede: We actually have similar Inherent Abilities.
–Hiyori: Wait, how do you know?
–Kaede: I did a bit of research. Besides, I've been investigating Aoi and her sister for a while. I think we may be related to each other in some way.
–Hiyori: Ishizuka said the same thing.
–Kaede: Anyway, I want to see how this goes.
On Murgin, the girls faced off against the unknown magical girl.
–Girl: They said that humans are fairly weak compared to us. However...
–Aoi: What do you mean?
–Girl: Six of you is an entirely different story. It is well–known that if you have greater numbers, you're more likely to win. I want to see... if your teamwork can defeat me.
The girl began to cast a spell, and a blue magic circle appeared beneath her feet. Thousands of what appeared to be blue orbs appeared around the area.
–Himawari: We'll show you...
Himawari began to cast a spell herself. Thousands of fireballs appeared around her.
–Himawari: ... the true extent of our power!
The blue orbs were thrown straight at Himawari's group. Himawari responded by throwing the fireballs at the orbs in an attempt to neutralise the attack. However, the fireballs dissipated upon impact without doing much to the orbs.
–Himawari: No way...
–Wakaba: Watch out!
Wakaba began to cast a spell. All of a sudden, there was a massive burst of air coming from where Wakaba was. The powerful winds which resulted had managed to cause the orbs to dissipate.
–Himawari: Wakaba, thanks for that.
–Wakaba: Himawari, please be more careful next time. That was a water–based attack.
–Himawari: Water? You mean...
–Aoi: Your flames had little effect on her attack.
The girl readied another attack.
–Benio: Everyone, here she comes again.
The girl activated her weapon, then proceeded to charge towards the group. Aoi responded by creating a massive wall of ice between the group and the girl, which managed to stop the girl's attack.
–Aoi: That was close... but how do we stop her?
The girl attacked again, this time shattering the ice wall. However, Benio was alert to this and managed to punch the girl away before the girl could reach the others.
–Benio: She must have a weakness somewhere. Why don't we try out everything.
–Louise: Benio, I don't think we have that luxury. She'll be constantly attacking, and our mana pool is limited. We don't know how much mana she has, but I'm sure it's a far higher amount than what any one of us has.
–Lyra: Umm, I'm not so sure about that, Louise. After all, you have me. I realise now. I did not know because I lost my memories, but everything that has happened has told me that I am a Donsilan. And that means that the girl must be similar to me.
–Louise: Then why don't you try, Lyra? Maybe you'll fare better.
–Lyra: Perhaps. But, everyone, we need to help each other. That's the only way we can win.
–Wakaba: Don't worry, I have you covered.
Wakaba took off and fired thousands of magic bullets at the girl.
–Aoi: Benio, let's flank our enemy.
–Benio: Right!
Aoi and Benio charged towards the girl, attacking her in opposite directions.
–Himawari: Louise, do what you do best.
–Louise: Right! Here I come!
Louise took out her gun and opened fire on the girl. Meanwhile, Himawari began to cast a spell.
–Lyra: I don't remember who you are, and I don't even know your name... but... as a fellow Donsilan, I know what we are capable of, and what we are not. So... here goes...
Lyra began to cast a spell, and a massive white magic circle appeared beneath her feet.
–Girl: Hehehe.... Did you think that could stop me?
The girl fired thousands of magic bullets, forcing everyone on the defensive. However, Himawari had finished her incantation.
–Himawari: Aoi! Benio! Get out of the way!
–Aoi: Wait, where's your spell coming from?
–Benio: Aoi, the ground!
–Aoi: Ah!
Aoi and Benio leapt away from the girl, just before the ground below erupted into a massive column of magma, engulfing the girl. When everything cleared, however, the girl was still standing.
–Himawari: That wasn't enough?
–Wakaba: Of course it wasn't! This is a Donsilan magical girl we're dealing with! I don't think we'll do much unless we enter Full Burst mode.
–Himawari: Wait, Wakaba, do you know how to enter Full Burst mode?
–Wakaba: I do; I overheard it when Mirai was giving Uzuki instructions on how to activate her Inherent Ability.
–Aoi: Wait, Wakaba, you can't...
–Wakaba: Aoi, I'm sure I can handle it. Besides, Hiyori and my sister gave me this device to realise my full potential.
Wakaba held out her bow. A massive green magic circle appeared beneath her feet.
–Benio: Wakaba!
–Aoi: Benio, let her be. I'm pretty sure it's the only way we can win. Besides, what is Lyra doing?
–Benio: I'm not sure. She seems to be casting a spell, but I don't know what.
–Wakaba: Bloom, my flower!
Suddenly, there was an immensely bright flash of green light coming from Wakaba. When the light died down, Wakaba's weapon had morphed into two cannons attached to her forearms. The cannons themselves were attached to each other by a magic cord.
–Wakaba: Right... here goes...
Wakaba aimed at the girl, and used her arm–mounted cannons to shoot magic bullets at the girl. The girl managed to dodge the bullets, but the destructive power of the bullets was clearly demonstrated when they hit the ground; they managed to carve out significant portions of the earth, and every impact was accompanied by a sonic boom.
–Louise: Wakaba...
–Himawari: Wakaba, don't overdo it.
–Wakaba: I know, Himawari.
–Girl: I knew you were going to resort to that. But... I don't need Full Burst mode to defeat you. I can just try and beat you out of it.
The girl charged straight at Wakaba.
–Aoi: Wakaba!
Wakaba managed to dodge the attack. However, the girl launched another attack almost immediately, and managed to close the distance very quickly, before Wakaba even noticed.
–Lyra: Go!
White magic circles surrounded the girl. The girl's attack managed to connect; however, it had little effect on Wakaba.
–Girl: Lyra... what have you done?!
–Lyra: The ability to force mages out of Full Burst mode is a defining trait of Donsilan magical girls. However, what isn't as well–known is that a Donsilan magical girl can neutralise this trait. That is precisely what I have done to you.
–Girl: Then I have no choice.
The girl held out her weapon.
–Girl: Bloom, my flower!
There was a bright flash of blue light. When the light died down, the girl's weapon had transformed into twin swords, connected by a blue chain.
–Girl: Now let's see if you can take this!
The girl threw one of her swords straight at Lyra. The chain extended as the sword flew through the air.
–Louise: Lyra!
–Lyra: I know!
Lyra leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack.
–Wakaba: Lyra, watch out!
–Lyra: Eh?
The girl sent a massive amount of magical energy through the chain. When it reached the sword embedded in the ground, it cause a massive explosion, and Lyra ended up being caught in the explosion.
–Girl: Not many have withstood the attack I've just executed. In my previous battles, this was enough to end the battle in my favour.
When the light from the explosion died down, it revealed that Benio had managed to reach Lyra and put up a barrier.
–Benio: That... that was close...
–Lyra: Benio... thanks.
–Girl: How... how?! How were you able to withstand my attack?!
–Aoi: Sorry about that... but that's the nature of my Inherent Ability.
Everyone looked at Aoi, who had activated Full Burst mode while everyone else was preoccupied with the attack.
–Aoi: The flower bud on my left hand... absorbs mana from any spells cast in its vicinity. With that, your attack's power was significantly reduced.
–Girl: You...
The girl responded by firing a massive magic beam at Aoi, who effortlessly blocked it with her left hand.
–Himawari: She blocked it without putting up a shield?
–Louise: I knew Inherent Abilities were powerful, but...
–Himawari: If I recall, Kaede had a similar ability.
On board the Himiko:
–Hiyori: Wait... could that be...
–Kaede: That's Aoi's Inherent Ability. In many respects, it is similar to mine. We both have the capability of absorbing the mana of any spells cast around us, and storing that mana in a special structure. However, there's a limit to how much mana can be stored.
–Hiyori: What happens if that limit is exceeded?
–Kaede: Basically, you get a massive explosion of mana. That's why, when it reaches a certain point, you need to unleash that mana in a single attack.
–Hiyori: So, it's basically a mana–gathering mechanism, right?
–Kaede: In principle, it is, but our Inherent Abilities gather mana straight from spells, not the background. This means that the enemy's spells are weakened, as you just saw.
–Hiyori: I see.
Suddenly, there was an alert.
–PA: Attention. An enemy ship has been identified approaching the Himiko. Attention. An enemy ship has been identified approaching the Himiko. Entering combat mode; diverting power to critical infrastructure.
Suddenly, the display turned off and the lights dimmed and turned red.
–Hiyori: It has begun.
Drifting towards the Himiko was the Donsilan ship. The Himiko's sensors had spotted it from hundreds of thousands of kilometres away, and the Himiko is now preparing to engage it in combat. The hangar door opened, and thousands of drones exited the hangar and flew towards the enemy ship. The turrets covering the Himiko turned towards the enemy ship, and almost immediately fired barrages of lasers at the ship.
Back on Murgin:
–Girl: Just... this is by far the most effort I needed in order to win. Even though you are six people...
–Lyra: So... you haven't lost at all yet?
–Girl: That's right. I was by far the strongest magical girl in my group. I was chosen for this assignment because of my strength.
–Himawari: You know, it is kind of shortsighted to hinge the success of a mission on just one person. My question is, why are you alone? Why don't you have someone else to help you?
–Girl: I was chosen specifically because of my relationship with Lyra. No one else from that orphanage was taken up by the ones who took me up and raised me in the first place. Still, it's not like you humans can win against all of us. Even if I lose, we'll blow apart your ship.
–Louise: We'll see about that. Everyone, let's go!
Wakaba shot more magic bullets at the girl. This time, though, the bullets followed the girl, so she could not evade them. The girl put up a shield to block the bullets, but the sheer power of the resulting blasts caused it to crack. At that moment, Benio blindsided the girl and punched her out of the air and towards the ground.
–Benio: Wakaba, now!
–Wakaba: Right!
Wakaba aimed her cannons at the girl, and fired a massive magic bullet at her. The bullet, despite its size, was fast, and it reached the girl in very little time. The resulting explosion gouged out a crater over 70 metres in diameter and nearly blew away the other girls, who had to use binding magic to attach themselves to the planet to avoid being blown away.
–Himawari: Is it over?
–Wakaba: No, not yet.
The girl emerged from the crater and charged straight at Wakaba, who responded by firing another massive magic bullet. This time, the girl put up a shield to block the attack. Although the shield was broken, the attack lost most of its power by the time it impacted the girl, and as a result dealt little damage.
–Benio: Wakaba, are you trying to blow us away?!
–Wakaba: You'll just have to deal with it, Benio! So what if I can't confine my wind magic?
–Aoi: Could you two cut it out?! We have a battle to win here.
Wakaba followed her attack up with another barrage of magic bullets. The girl put up a barrier in response to the barrage, and managed to keep them all out. Wakaba began to cast a spell.
–Wakaba: Here goes...
Wakaba held her right arm up, and aimed at the girl. She then fired a single magic bullet. Unlike the others, this one was fairly small.
–Benio: Wait, Wakaba, that isn't going to do anything!
–Himawari: Benio, just wait. You'll be surprised.
The magic bullet flew straight towards the girl. However, instead of impacting the barrier surrounding the girl, it flew right through it, and then through the girl, dealing damage to her.
–Benio: Wait, is that your Inherent Ability, Wakaba?
The bullet turned back and hit the girl again, dealing more damage.
–Girl: What?! What is this? Why can't I block it?
The girl attempted to evade the magic bullet, but it was too fast. She was hit again.
–Louise: Wakaba, don't overdo it. Here, catch!
Louise threw a potion at Wakaba, who caught it.
–Wakaba: Thanks, Louise.
Wakaba drank the potion, then proceeded to send out two more magic bullets. Like the one still flying around, this had the same property of going straight through obstacles and barriers. The bullets then proceeded to hit the girl repeatedly.
–Girl: Just how long will this go on for?
Suddenly, the girl was hit on the head by an empty potion bottle. She caught the bottle.
–Girl: No way... they have mana potions?!
While the girl was harassed by the bullets, Aoi began to cast a spell. A massive blue magic circle appeared beneath her feet.
–Aoi: Everyone, I'm going to send a massive attack her way.
–Everyone: Right!
Hundreds of large icicles appeared in the air, all aimed at the girl.
–Benio: Aoi, what are you...
–Aoi: My flower bud will soon open. When it opens, it will have gathered enough mana for me to unleash my ultimate attack. Wakaba, thanks for giving me the power to perform this attack.
–Wakaba: Did I? But, you're welcome.
Suddenly, the air became extremely cold.
–Wakaba: It's starting. Everyone, clear the area!
–Everyone: Right!
Everyone flew away from the girl, leaving only Aoi with the girl.
–Aoi: Here goes...
The flower bud on Aoi's left hand opened, revealing a very pretty flower. The flower then began to glow blue, and the icicles then flew towards the girl. The girl tried to defend from the attack by putting up a barrier, but just one of the icicles was needed to completely shatter her barrier. The icicles impacted the girl, dealing massive damage.
–Benio: Is it over?
–Wakaba: I'm not sure. Lyra, do you know?
–Lyra: It's over... I think.
When the attack ended, the girl fell towards the ground. Lyra flew towards the girl and caught her. The rest of the group followed.
–Benio: Aoi, how were you able to do that?
Benio approached Aoi, who was on her knees on the ground as a result of exerting herself.
–Aoi: Benio... I'm not sure. But... this power, might be too much for me.
Louise approached the two.
–Louise: Well, it certainly was too much for your device.
The three looked at the ground in front of Aoi, where her device lay. It was completely shattered.
–Louise: Not to worry, though; Hiyori will make a new device for you.
–Aoi: Ah, okay.
–Louise: But at least you're not suffering from mana starvation or mana poisoning.
Wakaba and Himawari approached the group.
–Wakaba: Aoi, you did well. I never knew you had that much power.
–Himawari: Anyway... let's get on board the Himiko.
Himawari took out her communication device, and attempted to contact the Himiko.
–Himawari: To the Himiko, this is the princess, do you report?
–Voice: Yes, Princess, this is the Himiko. We are... currently engaged in combat. However, we seem to have the upper hand now; the enemy ship's barrier is about to fail, and our barrier is currently at 65 per cent.
–Himawari: That's good to hear. Now can you send a shuttle to our position?
–Voice: We will, once the battle's over.
–Himawari: Right, then, we'll be waiting.
Himawari put away the device.
–Wakaba: Is it like last time? I mean, with the Himiko.
–Himawari: The Himiko has more advanced weaponry and defence systems than the Amaterasu, so it's more than capable of fighting the enemy.
–Wakaba: I see.
Lyra flew towards the group, carrying the girl.
–Wakaba: By the way, Lyra, how is the girl?
–Lyra: She's currently unconscious, but she'll make a full recovery. There's still many things I want to ask her, though.
–Himawari: Ah, but we can do that once we're on board. Anyway, Aoi, we need to get your device replaced. If you speak to Hiyori and Kaede I'm sure they'll be able to create a new device for you.
–Aoi: Ah, yes. But what will I do before I get my new device?
–Himawari: For the time being, you need to rest. And that goes for everyone else.
–Louise: Himawari, I'm going to contact the others. Besides, we need to give all of the information we've gathered to Akane and Kaori so they can report our progress to the Zodiac Warriors leadership.
–Himawari: Ah, right.
In a hospital in Sydney:
–Uzuki: So... have they succeeded? Have they successfully protected the World Orbs on Murgin?
–Michiru: It appears so. I heard from Akari that your friends managed to defeat the Donsilan magical girl sent there, and that the Himiko managed to destroy the Donsilan ship.
–Uzuki: I see. Well, I'm glad they were able to do it without my help. By the way, Chiru-chan...
–Michiru: What is it, Uzuki?
–Uzuki: I'd like to know... what do you think will happen from now on?
–Michiru: Well, the first thing we're planning to do is to interrogate the Donsilan magical girl. She may have some valuable information on who is ultimately responsible for this. The next thing is...
Suddenly, a voice called out from outside.
–Voice: Chiru-chan, are you finished talking to my sister? Come on, let's go now!
–Michiru: Ah, I'm coming! Sorry, Uzuki, but it's getting late, and Yayoi wants me at Catherine's house.
–Uzuki: Ah, see you later, Chiru-chan.
–Michiru: See you later, Uzuki.
Michiru left the room.
End of Episode 8
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–Uzuki: Once again, I didn't get much screentime.
–Aoi: But at least we got through that battle without significant cost.
–Wakaba: Well, other than your device, Aoi.
–Aoi: Ah, about that, it couldn't be helped.
–Benio: Anyway, what do you think will happen next?
–Wakaba: It's possible that the enemy will return later on. But for the mean time, we have a well-earned rest.
–Benio: Well, that's good to hear.
–Uzuki: Next time on Innocence Seekers: April Light, Episode 9: "Lyra". Be sure not to miss it!
–Wakaba: Ah, so an episode focusing on Lyra, right?