Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 1/Episode 12

This is the twelfth episode, "The Next Quest" (次のクエスト), of the first chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
When the light died down, both Uzuki and Wakaba were in their Full Burst forms.

–Aria: So you've entered Full Burst mode as well.... This time, I won't hold back.

Aria threw her spear straight at Uzuki and Wakaba, who managed to evade the attack. When the spear impacted the ground, it created a large crater.

–Uzuki: Right, then...

Uzuki began to cast a spell. A yellow magic circle appeared beneath her feet.

–Wakaba: Uzuki, watch out!

Suddenly, the spear flew straight towards Uzuki. Wakaba fired a magic bullet at it, which managed to deflect the spear. The spear returned to Aria.

–Aria: That's odd. Usually my spear can't be deflected. Tell me, girl, is that your Inherent Ability?

–Wakaba: No; my Inherent Ability is far different from that.

–Aria: But to deflect my spear with sheer power alone... you're no ordinary magical girl. Even though you're human, your power is comparable to that of a Donsilan magical girl.

–Wakaba: Then... would you like me to show you my Inherent Ability?

–Aria: Eh?

–Wakaba: Not that you have a choice, anyway.

Wakaba fired two small magic bullets straight at Aria. Aria attempted to evade the bullets; however, after successfully dodging them, the bullets almost immediately turned towards Aria.

–Aria: Fast...

At around the same time, Uzuki activated her spell. Suddenly, several lightning bolts appeared from the blue.

–Aria: Lightning? When it's clear?

Aria put up a barrier to protect herself from the barrage of lightning; however, the barrier started to crack under the strain.

–Aria: No way... just... what is she?

Suddenly, the bullets that Wakaba fired sped through Aria's barrier and managed to hit her.

–Aria: Ah! How did she...

The bullets hit her again, and did so repeatedly.

–Wakaba: Barriers mean nothing to me, when my Inherent Ability is activated.

–Aria: Then... defence is pointless. Take this!

Aria fired two massive magic beams at Uzuki and Wakaba, and managed to hit them. However, when everything cleared, Aria was surprised to see Benio in front of both girls. Benio had entered Full Burst mode.

–Aria: No way! How did you-

–Benio: My Inherent Ability allows me to nullify any attack which impacts the shield on my left arm, and allows me to nullify any defence which I attack with my right arm.

–Uzuki: Benio...

–Benio: Aria, we have gone this far for victory. We will not back down now. If you wish to fulfil your mission, then I suggest you try and defeat us. Come on, give it all you've got!

–Aria: Then...

Aria fired thousands of magic bullets at the three girls. However, Wakaba shot a single magic bullet upwards. This bullet then exploded, creating massive winds which caused the bullets to dissipate. Aria responded by firing a magic beam straight at Wakaba, but Wakaba managed to evade the attack.

–Wakaba: My turn now.

Wakaba fired two massive magic bullets at Aria. Aria noted that Wakaba did not activate her Inherent Ability for this attack, so she put up a barrier. However, when the bullets impacted her barrier, the barrier completely shattered. At that point, Benio closed the distance between her and Aria and punched Aria. The force of the attack was enough to send her to the ground in very little time.

–Benio: Is that it?

Aria flew back up.

–Uzuki: No. Everyone, be on your guard.

Aoi and the other girls arrived.

–Aoi: Uzuki, let us handle this.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

Aoi held out her left hand. A large blue magic circle appeared beneath her feet.

–Aoi: Bloom, my flower.

With a blinding flash of blue light, Aoi entered Full Burst mode.

–Aria: Now you've made me really mad. This will be the first time I go all out! Prepare yourselves!

Aria threw her spear straight at Aoi.

–Wakaba: Aoi!

Aoi did nothing until the spear was only three metres away. At that point, Aoi held out her left hand, and with her left hand, caught the spear mid-flight.

–Aria: H-How did you do that?! Any ordinary mage would've been shredded to pieces trying to do what you did there!

–Aoi: The flower bud on my left hand absorbs mana. That's all I'll say. Unfortunately for me, it's yet to open, so...

Dozens of large icicles appeared and surrounded Aria. Aria attempted to blow them away with her wind magic; however, the icicles would not budge. As a result, Aria was forced to resort to putting up multiple layers of barriers.

–Aoi: Now, freeze.

The icicles all began to fly towards Aria. One by one, they impacted the barriers, causing cracks to appear in it. Eventually the barriers were overwhelmed by the sheer power of the attacks, and the icicles hit Aria.

–Uzuki: Did we do it?

–Aoi: I don't think so. But...

A massive metallic sphere appeared above where Aria was. Suddenly, it began to glow red hot. The sphere then began its descent.

–Uzuki: Himawari... Louise...

–Wakaba: Let's hope it ends now.

The sphere impacted Aria, causing a massive explosion and spewing molten metal all over the mountain. However, Aria was still standing.

–Kanade: Alright, it's our turn. Lyra, Melody, let's do this!

–Lyra: Right.

–Melody: Very well.

The three began to cast a spell. Large magic circles appeared beneath the girls' feet. Three large magic orbs, each in the magic colours of their respective caster, appeared above Aria. The red orb was covered in flames, the blue orb surrounded by clouds and water droplets.

–Aria: No way...

Aria put up another barrier to protect herself from the onslaught. Almost on cue, the three orbs fired magic beams straight towards Aria. The force from the impact only needed ten seconds to shatter Aria's barrier. However, after the attack ended, Aria was still standing.

–Uzuki: You just won't give up.

–Aoi: But my flower bud is ready to open. Aria, this is my ultimate attack!

The girls cleared the area. Suddenly, the atmosphere became very cold. Hundreds of large icicles appeared around Aria. Aria responded, not by defending herself, but by attacking the icicles themselves, as well as Aoi. However, Benio placed herself between Aoi and the attacks and blocked the attacks with her shield. The icicles themselves proved surprisingly resillient. At Aoi's command, the icicles flew towards Aria, dealing massive damage.

–Wakaba: Is it over now?

When the dust cleared, to the astonishment of the girls, Aria was still standing.

–Aoi: How...

–Uzuki: Then that leaves me to finish it off.

Uzuki leapt far into the air.

–Uzuki: I'll show you a little something Yayoi-nee taught me. Aria, can you take this?

–Aria: Uzuki... what are you doing? This isn't your Inherent Ability, so what? What is it?

Uzuki began to cast a spell, and a yellow magic circle appeared beneath her feet. Mana began to gather at a point in front of Uzuki, forming a massive magic orb.

–Himawari: Mana collection... don't tell me...

–Louise: Indeed, it is mana collection. Yayoi was known for her use of mana collection spells.

Once the orb reached a critical size, Uzuki touched it with her sword. At that point, the orb then fired a massive beam at Aria. Upon impact, a massive explosion resulted. The explosion was so intense the other girls had to put up barriers to protect themselves, and the explosion itself created a crater on the mountain.

–Benio: Surely, that should be it.

When the dust cleared, Aria was falling towards the ground, unconscious. Kanade flew towards her and caught her before she could hit the ground.

–Kanade: That is it. We've won.

–Wakaba: We... we did it!

–Aoi: Indeed.

–Benio: That was a massive victory for us.

–Himawari: Hold on, this is only part of a larger battle.

–Louise: Actually, Himawari, I've heard from the Eternity. The battle in space has been won as well. All six enemy ships have been destroyed, with no loss of our own ships.

–Himawari: Then that leaves the forces already on Earth.

Uzuki took out her phone.

–Uzuki: Actually, it appears that the Donsilan forces already on Earth are now surrendering. Mi-chan said that the JSDF already have around five thousand captured in Tokyo alone. I assume the same is in other parts of the world.

–Himawari: Well, I'm glad everything went well. However, the Amaterasu sustained significant damage in the battle, so we cannot return to the ship. For now, though, Fukuyama has told us to stay in Naples until the airports re-open.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay, then.

"And so that ends the Battle of Earth. We have ended up victorious, thanks to the help of the Donsilans who oppose this faction. But, with the revelation of the April Light, I wonder what will be the enemy's next move. But, regardless, we've earned a well deserved rest. It's only a short period, but it's still a period of peace.

"It would be a while until the airports reopened, so we decided to take this time to travel around Italy and visit its landmarks. I asked Himawari and Louise to join us, but they said that they had some things to do, and promptly headed off to London.

"Eventually, we returned home. But, of course, we returned home with a lot of questions on our minds. The Zodiac Warriors were interrogating Aria and Melody, and from these interrogations we managed to gather a lot of information on the intentions of the enemy, as well as the April Light.

"As for me, well, I've been told to remain on standby until Aria and Melody are released. After that, well, we're going to search for the World Orbs. The revelation that whatever entity which destroyed the Donsilans all those years ago will arrive in the galaxy again has everyone scrambling. The key to the upcoming battle is the April Light; without her we have no chance."

At the airport in Melbourne, 13 days after the battle:

–Lyra: Melody, how are you feeling? I mean, it's been a while since we last saw Uzuki and her friends.

–Melody: I... I'm not exactly sure. On one hand the girls did treat me well. But with the policemen accompanying me wherever I go...

–Lyra: Ehehe... well, you're still considered a risk by the Zodiac Warriors. But they don't want to take any chances. Aria is in the same situation.

–Melody: Well, I understand why. After all, even Donsilan societies still have individuals who are incapable of changing their incorrect ways.

–Lyra: Anyway...

Lyra looked outside the windows. It was an overcast day.

–Lyra: Come to think of it, the weather's getting colder here, right?

–Melody: Yes; it's already May. But it's getting warmer in Japan.

–Lyra: Ah, right.

Suddenly, someone called out to the two girls.

–Voice: Lyra, Melody, over here!

The two girls turned towards the direction of the voice. It was Uzuki and her friends.

–Lyra: Ah, Uzuki, you're here.

–Uzuki: It's been a while, Lyra, Melody.

–Lyra: It has. By the way, where is Kanade?

–Wakaba: Ah, she went to Italy to meet up with Aria.

–Lyra: Ah, okay.

–Melody: Anyway, does this mean that I'll be free to come with you?

–Aoi: Not yet; Hima-nee told me that they're still finalising the paperwork. However, we've been sent here to discuss our next steps with Natasha.

–Melody: I see.

–Uzuki: Also, we'll be staying here for the night.

–Lyra: Wait, where are you going to stay?

One of the Benson family's maids approached the girls.

–Maid: Miss Lyra, Miss Uzuki and her friends will be staying at the mansion. The young lady has allowed them to stay.

–Lyra: Ah, I see.

–Maid: Anyway, the young lady is waiting. Let us go.

–Uzuki: Okay.

The group headed out of the airport, and into a waiting limousine.

The limousine arrived at the mansion. Everyone exited the limousine, and the maid pressed the button beside the gate. After a moment, the gate opened, and everyone entered the property and the mansion.

–Benio: Wow, this mansion is huge...

–Aoi: It feels bigger in person...

–Wakaba: Benio, take care not to get lost here.

–Benio: Wakaba, I'm not going to get lost.

–Uzuki: But something feels odd here.

–Aoi: You mean the police officers? Lyra, why are there police officers in the mansion?

–Lyra: Oh, after the Zodiac Warriors finished with their interrogations, they handed Melody over to the Australian authorities. It seems they're content with allowing her to stay here, as long as at least two officers accompany her.

–Uzuki: That makes sense.

–Lyra: Besides, tomorrow, they'll release her.

–Melody: Wait, I wasn't told about that.

–Lyra: Ah, Natasha told me. After all, we need you to help find the World Orbs.

The girls followed the maid until they reached Natasha's room. The maid opened the door, and the girls entered.

–Natasha: Welcome, everyone. Please take a seat.

The girls sat down.

–Natasha: Now, we're here to discuss what we will do next. As we know, the Donsilans have told of a prophecy stating that one day, during the fourth month of their calendar, the very entity which drove their civilisation away from the galaxy will return. It states that when that happens, a magical girl known as the April Light will appear and defeat this entity. However, we do not know who the April Light is, nor do we know her whereabouts. To even find her, we need to find four magical girls with connections to the April Light. And to do that, we need the pendants Lyra and the others possess. Now, these pendants can tell us where the World Orbs of a planet are. Not all World Orbs can be found with the pendants alone; the pendants can only guide one to the World Orb of its specific element. However, only those World Orbs are needed.

–Uzuki: Wait, so you're saying that the pendants can only tell the location of one specific World Orb for each planet?

–Natasha: That is correct. Now, Lyra, you have the earth pendant. Melody, you have the air pendant. Kanade has the water pendant, and Aria has the fire pendant.

–Melody: Hang on, I think we already know where the fire-elemental World Orb is.

–Natasha: Actually, you're mistaken. We were mistaken. The fire-elemental World Orb is not actually around Mount Vesuvius; the Italian authorities confirmed it. However, they have found the actual location of the World Orb, and it is further south.

–Lyra: Further south? Where exactly?

–Aoi: If I recall, there is another volcano, this time in Sicily. Natasha, is the World Orb around Mount Etna?

–Natasha: That is correct.

–Uzuki: Then, when can we go find the World Orb?

–Natasha: We're not sure. So far, the quest for the World Orbs has yet to be assigned to any group. However, Akari is lobbying for the Mimori Flower Club to be assigned this task. If that occurs, then the earliest you can reach the mountain is in seven days.

–Aoi: And if not?

–Natasha: It means that everything is taken out of your hands. However, you may still accompany whoever is assigned to this task, if they let you.

–Aoi: Ah, okay.

–Uzuki: Natasha, no matter what, we want to be the ones who will find the World Orbs. Can you make sure that happens?

–Natasha: At the moment, we've yet to make a decision. In fact, the reason we haven't decided yet is because of the absence of the leader of the Zodiac Warriors. Lately Yamamoto has been acting very strange, and he has yet to contact any of us about the Donsilans. One would think he knows about the recent events, but something tells me that there's more to it.

–Wakaba: Then, couldn't you proceed without him? Surely there's someone else who can act as leader.

–Natasha: Well, as of now, my mother is acting leader. The intended successor to Yamamoto, who is also Chelsea's mother, and who would be acting leader, is currently in Madrid for personal reasons.

–Benio: Personal reasons?

–Natasha: It's a family matter. Chelsea told me exactly what is going on when we went on our first assignment six years ago, but I don't think it's right to tell you now. It's a family matter, and neither Chelsea nor her mother want you involved.

–Uzuki: But if it's still an issue now, then...

–Natasha: August 17, 1986. That was when it all began for her family.

–Uzuki: So it has been going on for nearly 26 years...

–Natasha: And there is one last thing I'll tell you about this. If you ever meet a man named Pablo Méndez, run. Don't speak to him, don't stand there and wait, just run.

–Aoi: Why? Is he that powerful?

–Natasha: We don't know the full extent of his power. However, Chelsea's mother has been trying to find him and capture him since 1989. But, as of now, neither the Zodiac Warriors nor Puella have been able to capture him. We do not know his whereabouts, but should he be found, we will tell you.

–Uzuki: Okay.

–Natasha: Anyway, back on topic, I'll make a submission to nominate you to be assigned the task of finding the World Orbs. The Mimori Flower Club had served with distinction in the war against Gakran three years ago, and in fact, one of them, Mirai Aooka, performed well enough to be awarded a medal by the Zodiac Warriors.

–Uzuki: Mi-chan?

–Natasha: And to think that I helped train her...

–Wakaba: Anyway, do you think we'll be assigned this task?

–Natasha: I absolutely believe that you will be assigned this task. After all, the Mimori Flower Club is quite well-known throughout the Zodiac Warriors.

–Uzuki: Anyway, Natasha, do you know where the other World Orbs of Earth are?

–Natasha: Unfortunately, no. Due to the travel restrictions imposed on Melody, she was unable to leave the country. As such, we do not know where the air- elemental World Orb is. However, the intelligence we obtained from the Donsilans indicate that it may be located somewhere in northern India, or perhaps Nepal.

–Aoi: What about the others?

–Natasha: I know the earth-elemental World Orb is located in this country. Lyra told me so earlier. A preliminary investigation indicated that it may be somewhere in southwest Queensland. As for the water-elemental World Orb, well, it may be closer to home than you think.

–Aoi: What do you mean?

–Uzuki: Ah, Kanade did her own investigation. What she found surprised me as well. She said that the water-elemental World Orb is somewhere in Japan.

–Aoi: Ah, thanks, that cleared everything up.

–Natasha: Anyway, I'm sure you need to rest for now. You're free to stay here for the night.

–Uzuki: Ah, the maid told us. Thanks for having us over.

–Natasha: You're welcome. By the way, Melody, I need to have you go to another room. It's about tomorrow.

–Melody: Ah, okay. But which room?

–Natasha: The maid will show you the way.

–Melody: Okay.

Melody exited the room.

–Uzuki: Natasha, what will you be doing after this?

–Natasha: I don't have any assignments given to me by the Zodiac Warriors right now, so at the moment I'm staying here. However, I've been told to remain on standby, just in case something happens.

–Aoi: And one more thing. Is it just you, your sister and the maids here?

–Natasha: Well, that's pretty much it. My mother is, of course, meeting up with the other members of the Zodiac Warriors. My father is currently in London on an assignment. Why do you ask?

–Aoi: It's just that I noticed Catherine and Chelsea living without their parents, and the only adult in the household is a maid.

–Natasha: Well, if you have parents in important roles in the Zodiac Warriors, you have to get used to having them absent for extended periods. And it's possible that you could end up orphaned, like you, Uzuki.

–Uzuki: Don't remind me...

–Aoi: Don't you miss your parents?

–Natasha: In some ways, I do. But I know they have very important jobs to do.

Suddenly, there was a noise downstairs.

–Voice: Are you okay?

–Voice: I'm fine. But the little one...

–Benio: What was that?

–Natasha: It's my little sister again. Anyway, the maids will take you to your rooms. I'll go see what's going on downstairs.

Natasha left the room.

–Uzuki: Umm, should we head to our rooms?

–Aoi: I guess so.

–Wakaba: Being on that plane for so long was tiring. I just want to rest...

–Benio: I feel the same way. Let's go.

The four girls exited the room, leaving Lyra behind.

–Lyra: Ah, wait for me!

Lyra exited the room.

End of Episode 12

End of Chapter 1

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